Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 10: Public Utilities and Benevolent Institutions, 1924

By means of the operation of such thoroughgoing institutions as those whose story this work thus recounts, Attleboro holds deservedly high place among the communities of like size and population in this-State. Through her Chamber of Commerce and a number of very progressive public utilities, her banking and benevolent institutions, the city signally shares its prosperity and advancement with its citizenship.

Chamber of Commerce. - An indispensable cog in the wheel of the progress of the city of Attleboro is its Chamber of Commerce; and in a city of specialized industry like Attleboro, its need is known and appreciated every hour of every day, and in an endless round of civic enterprises and innovations. The local Chamber of Commerce started in none too soon to accept and test its responsibilities that have increased with every year. Originating at the time of the great activities of the year 1917, and grappling with the claims of the war-time, it found itself of practical use throughout that period and always since that time. One cannot say too much appreciatively of the valued place this organization has made for itself, and the influence it exerts throughout every department of the community. While it is an institution that secures and elaborates the present opportunities, and one also that has a way of looking into the future for the expansion of the growing city's needs and benefits, it is backed up with a history though brief, that proves that it is able to give a reason for its being.

merce put its shoulder tu the wheel, and allied itself to the city's general task. It is impossible fully to review the scores of ways in which the institution has proven its worth and radiated its presence for the good of every city department and the public on all occasions. But whatever and wherever the application of its activities, there has been no halt nor let-up from the beginning. Annually there has been a programme of hard work that has shared the burdens and sharpened the faculties of industrial and civic life. By cooperating with neighboring organizations for the promotion of the interests of the general territory, reciprocal results have been achieved and helpful courtesies exchanged. Within the city's own bounds, by its aggressive work, transportation tacilities have been much improved, an industrial survey of the city has been made as a guide for local relief measures; definite service has been rendered to newly organized jewelry industries; and "Know Attleboro" publicity has been carried on generously through the columns of the "Attleboro Sun." The ratings on file in the credit bureau have been revised, and through the reports to the merchants, they have been saved thousands of dollars. These were but a few of the high lights along the road at the start. In the patriotic and war activities, the Chamber of Commerce was to the fore, both in participation and initiation are the key-notes of activities here; and outside the city and State the Cross war fund and roll calls - the War Chest enterprise, the War Camp Community recreation fund, Public Safety committee codperation, the support of the work of the fuel committee; general Americanization effort; the campaign for the war nurses' fund - as well as in scores of efforts for community welfare and industrial betterment, such as the organization of the Merchants' Retail Bureau and the active part taken in the promotion of Hayward field, a $30,000 baseball field, and acknowledged to be the second best in New England.

Industrial matters naturally come to the fore in the functions of the Chamber of Commerce, the organization having investigated more than twenty industrial prospects, received trade inquiries from very many sources which, when forwarded to manufacturers interested resulted in considerable business for some of the city's factories; deciphered and coded cablegrams for local manufacturers; issued bulletins to manufacturers, giving them important information; gathered information for the manufacturers regarding the closing or operation of manufactories on holidays. The local organization prints a four-page paper entitled the "Attleboro Optimist," which is sent to all its members and to many Chambers of Commerce throughout the country, giving in brief form the programme of the Chamber of Commerce in Attleboro. Successful service and cooperation, such as during the Liberty loan campaigns and in those of the Red organization is known and its usefulness recognized as a factor in citymaking.

The old Attleboro Board of Trade was organized in November, 1881, with a membership of twenty-nine. Its first president was Josepl Bates, and he was succeeded by Daniel Smith. The vice-president was James H. Sturdy, the secretary and treasurer was Orville Richardsco, Jr. The headquarters was in the Horton block. This board had passed out of existence before 1890.

In April and May, 1917, a few community men formulated plans for having a real live organization in Attleboro, and American City Bureau was engaged to reorganize the old Attleboro Board of Trade, which was quite "dead," and the Attleboro Chamber of Commerce was started, with a membership of about 400. The officers and directors from May 1, 1917, to

Walter O. Lochner was elected secretary shortly after the reorganization campaign and remained in office until August, 1921, at which time CG. Cornelius Baker was appointed secretary, owing to Mr. Lochner's removal from Attleboro. In April, 1920, an expansion campaign was conducted with the aid of American City Bureau, increasing the membership to 705. At the end of the next three-year period, April, 1923, a quiet renewal campaign was conducted by the officers and directors of the Chamber, with no outside aid, and 454 members were secured on a permanent basis.

The Attleboro Merchants' Bureau, which is subsidiary to the Chamber of Commerce, was organized in March, 1919, with George F. Lilly, president, and Walter L. Gardner, vice-president. Since that time the officers have been as follows: 1920-21 - George F. Lilly, president; Walter L. Gardner, lst vice-president; T. O. Mullaly, 2nd vice-president. 1921-22 - Walter L. Gardner, president; Herbert L. Perry, lst vice-president; George S. Bliven, 2nd vice-president. 1922-23 - Herbert L. Perry, president; George S. Bliven, lst vice-president. 1923-24 - George S. Bliven, president; William J. Watson, 1st vice-president. The secretary of the Chamber of Commerce is also secretary of the Merchants' Bureau. The present membership of the bureau is 66.

lows: Principally it had been put into action to build up the retail and commercial business of the city. Through this bureau, codperation has been secured. It has been the means of promoting dollar days and price reduction sales; uniform summer half-holiday schedule was put into effect; merchants have been benefited by the establishment of small claims court; in the credit-rating department hundreds of credit enquiries have been answered; thrift club discount cards have been sent all persons holding Christmas Thrift club deposits in local banks, and substantial reduction given by all merchants to those holding the cards.

Public Utilities - With the interest that has been taken in recent years with regard to public breathing-places for citizens and visitors, Attleboro has been making a specialty of establishing her parks and making their adornment and attractions of a lasting character. The work of the park commission was begun in 1901, and every year has marked a growth and advancement in this department. In the year 1901 the heirs of Dennis Capron - namely, Everett S. Capron, Hartford Capron and Mrs. Eliza Carpenter deeded the town of Attleboro thirty acres on the westerly side of County and Dennis streets, to be used for park purposes and named Capron Park. The casino at this park was donated by Marsden J. Perry in 1902. The fountain was donated in 1910 by Mrs. John Wolfenden, in memory of her husband, John Wolfenden. The Newell Shelter was given in 1911 by Mrs. Fred E. Newell. The wading pool at this park was the gift of Mrs. Gertrude H. Sweet, in 1917, in honor of her parents. Memorial avenue was donated by citizens of Attleboro, and Grand Army avenue was donated | by the Woman's Relief Corps.

Tennis courts have become very popular on the park - likewise the Zoo. The playgrounds under efficient supervision of Henry R. Reinhardt and J. Ray Cooney, and with Miss Alma C. Hillman as girls' supervisor, have been conducted on as thorough a scale comparatively as any such department in the larger cities, and taking into account all the features that appertain to up-to-date playgrounds wherever found.

The Attleboro baseball park is known far and wide throughout the baseball world, as it is the place where the All Star series of games has been played, and where twenty thousand people have gathered to witness great games of ball. There have come such big league players as Hank Gowdy, Grover Alexander, Joe Judge, Rogers Hornsby, Rabbit Maranville, Sam Rice, Heinie Groh, George Sisler, Ray Powell, Stuffy McInnis, Babe Ruth and many others. The field was donated to the city by Harold E. Sweet, former mayor of Attleboro, and a live sportsman. Interest was high in Attleboro during the winter of 1920, when an association with five hundred members was formed and plans formulated for a new field. The new park became a reality during the summer of 1921, and is considered one of the best in New England. Before the association was formed, Attleboro relied on what is known as the old triumvirate, William H. Saart, Oscar Wolfenden and Harold E. Sweet. The officers of the association in 1922: President, John J. Hodge; Ist vice-president, E. V. Sweet; 2nd vicepresident, Harold E. Sweet; 3rd vice-president, Ralph P. Kent; secretary and treasurer, W. E. McGuire.

city's progress almost from the time of the city's incorporation, and its forces and plans, joined with those of the other departments of the municipality, have proven to be some of the most distinguishing means of community welfare. The opportunities of this board are advantageous far beyond those of any of the larger and older cities in this part of the State, chiefly because of the fact that Attleboro's outlook for expansion and growth are not limited by the almost ineradicable conditions that pertain to the already fixed business and residential centres of large cities, whose planning boards have been no longer in service than Attleboro's. The energies of the latter have been directed from the beginning conformably with the city's requirements.

Attleboro's city council, on March 2, 1915, approved ordinances providing for the creation of a City Planning Board, consisting of six members; and on March 16 that year it certified the nominations of the mayor for the board, namely, Joseph Finberg, George A. Sweeney, Raymond M. Horton, Milford E. Bliss, Mrs. Josephine Hammond, Mrs. Mary G. Mullaly. Therefore, on March 23, the board organized with Joseph Finberg as chairman, and George A. Sweeney as secretary. Thereupon, clean-up campaigns were planned and carried through; the better lighting system for Monument Square was suggested by the board, which square was set aside for parking purposes. Many of the recommendations of the board were well received, such as that of acquiring land for a city hall; that the board be consulted whenever streets are to be laid out; that traffic zones be established for the regulation of vehicles; and in co-operation with the Chamber of Commerce, gardens have been established in all parts of the city. In 1918, George A. Sweeney, secretary, resigned, and Edgar A. Remington was appointed to that position by the mayor. In 1923 Robert Mawney was appointed secretary, and the other officers remained as before. The board is pushing its proposition of widening Park and South Main streets, and urges the layout of a new street forty feet in width from Union to Pine street, south of the postoffice building.

The Attleboro postoffice was erected in 1916, at a cost of $91,000, the business having increased in ten years, 1900 to 1920, from $20,907, to $120,158. In 1923, forty-two men were employed; William J. Kenney was the postmaster; Thomas W. Worrall, assistant postmaster; and Walter T. Fisher, superintendent of mails.

The outline of the story of the postoffice in the town before the division and to date, is as follows: The first postroad between Boston and New York was in operation in 1704, when the postman left mail for Attleboro at Woodcock's tavern. Israel Hatch was appointed the first postmaster here in 1789, and his tavern was the headquarters for the mail. Mr. Hatch was reappointed in 1805 and 1809; and his successors have been: for the East Attleboro section: Ezra Bassett, 1820; Rev. Nathan Holman, 1821; Orville Balcom, 1827; Colonel Willard Blackington, 1830; Lyman W. Dean, 1836; Nathan C. Luther, 1861; Abijah T. Wales, 1881; Philip E. Brady, 1886; Loring W. Barnes, 1890; George A. Sweeney, 1894; John A. Thayer, 1898; William J. Kenney, 1914. Ezra Bassett kept the mail in a small office building adjoining the Gideon Sweet house, the mail then being brought by stages running between 'Taunton and Providence. The mail was distributed from the tavern during several subsequent postmasterships, and from about 1850 in the "bank building." Successively the headquarters were in the Dean hotel, the Sturdy building, the Bates Opera House. During the World War, sixteen of the postoffice employes were in the service, and during the war period the total of war savings and war thrift stamps disposed of amounted to $149,160.

The Department of Public Works, in existence since 1914, has jurisdiction over the care of all public highways, construction of new streets, sidewalks, street lighting, oiling, street signs, house numbering, street cleaning, surface drainage, sewers and sewage disposal; the water system, its care and upkeep and extension, the pumping station, filter beds, storage reservoir, and the maintenance of the A. B. C. street railway, and the supervision of its contract operation.

The fire department in 1923 consisted of the chief, Fred H. Clark; eighty-seven men, three enginemen, twenty-three permanent men, fifty-nine call men; one engine company, six hose companies, three ladder companies, with eighteen pieces of apparatus. The Gamewell fire alarm system is in working order, and there are 497 hydrants in use in the city. Attleboro fire district was first established November 19, 1859, the fire department being constituted in school districts fifteen, eighteen and twenty-one.

Since the incorporation of the city in 1914, the functions of the Water Board have been directed by the Commission of Public Works, John D. Taber, Jr., superintendent. The old board was organized in 1873, with Dr. George B. Fittz as superintendent. That year an act was passed by the Legislature which incorporated the Attleboro Water Supply District, a territory that covered a circular area one mile in diameter, its central point being in the passenger depot of the Boston & Providence railroad. The act was accepted in July, 1873, and a prudential committee of three was elected by the voters to have supervision of the work of laying the pipe, and starting the plant in operation. The committee performed a thorough work at the outset, for a pump house was built and two pumps were set up, 9,000 feet of pipe were laid, thirty hydrants were set, and seventy-nine houses were connected with the main. During the progress of this new undertaking the committee had been working with neither adequate funds nor proper equipment; yet the very next year, the receipts that were obtained from the supply amounted to $789.98. And this was the beginning of what is now considered a plant that is worth $800,000, with yearly receipts, including hydrant rental of over $70,000.

During the twenty years of the existence of the Water Supply District, a steady and practical growth was maintained. In 1893 the district was taken over as a municipal department by the town, and by that time it had about twenty miles of pipe, 130 hydrants, 425 metered connections, an iron standpipe on King street, the Blake and Dean pumps. There was also a debt of $155,000, and the annual receipts were about $10,000. Since 1893 the department has been under the supervision of a Board of Water Commissioners. In 1905 a concrete steel re-enforced stand-pipe was built, one hundred feet in height and fifty feet in diameter. In 1909 the water. in Orr's pond was made use of, and 40,000,000 gallons of water were drawn from the pond that year. In 1910 the storage reservoir was constructed on the branch brook that joins Seven Mile river, the cost being $83,000. In 1911 the Hoppin hill reservoir was completed. In 1913, a 4,000,000 gallon Snow pump was installed. Yollowing Dr. Rittz, Henry A. Bodman was the superintendent; W. J. Luther held that position from 1894 to 1898; L. Z. Carpenter from 1899 to 1901, when he was succeeded by George H. Snell. Charles A. Robinson was superintendent in 1911, and after the position was occupied for a short time by Herbert A. Conant, the board turned the management of the plant over to the city in 1914, when the first commissioner was Henry J. Goodale.

Attleboro Gaslight Company was formed in 1857, and the first officers were: President, Dr. Edward Sanford; treasurer, G. A. Whipple; superintendent, Jonathan Peck. The works were built on Dunham near Pine street, and were enlarged in 1873. New buildings were erected in 1882. In 1887 the officers were: President, J. W. Capron; vice-president, G. N. Crandall; secretary and treasurer, A. W. Sturdy. Everett S. Capron was connected with the company both as president and superintendent about thirty-two vears. Albert W. Sturdy was associated with the concern nearly as long. In 1918 Attleboro began buying gas of the Taunton Gaslight Company, and the board of officers of the plant is the same as that in Taunton.

Attleboro Steam and Electric Company, with office in the city, and works at Farmers' Station, was incorporated in 1895. The capital is $275,000. The president is Thomas C. Fales; clerk and treasurer, Vincent Goldthwaite; directors: Maurice J. Curran, Frank J. Fahey, Vincent Goldthwaite, James R. Nicholson; superintendent and manager, Edgar Tregoning.

Attleboro is a central point for street railways in every direction, county and suburban, and the following, in outline, recounts the principal street railway movements in this section: In 1889 the Attleboro-Plainville street car line was built, and the cars were run by horses in the fall of that year. The first electric cars of that company were operated April 1, 1890. The first superintendent was George Murch, and he was succeeded by George Emmett, Louis Dillon, Charles Carter and John Tregoning. April 2, 1893, the power house of this plant at Farmers' Village was burned. From that time onwards up to May 30, 1894, the line was discontinued, when, with Albion H. Watkins as superintendent, operations were resumed. George Cook and Fred Weld succeeded Mr. Watkins as superintendent, and the office was then removed, to occupy that of the Rhode Island Company in Pawtucket; and while the headquarters of the road were there, the superinterdents were Raymond Smith and R. R. Brown. Removal was later made to Attleboro, with Alexander Allen as superintendent, and he was succeeded by Charles L. Rogers, William Walker and Frank S. Hunnewell, the latter the superintendent in 1923.

In 1891 cars were first run over the north line to Pawtucket, and soon afterwards the east line to that city began operations, both lines later being extended to Providence. In April, 1907, the Fountain street barn of this road was removed from Pawtucket to Attleboro; and in the fall of 1908 the South Attleboro line to Pawtucket and Providence was started. The Attleboro branch line, separate from the interstate line, though under the same ownership, began operations in 1903; and in 1911 an electric express was started from here to Pawtucket and Providence. The Bristol County street railway, from Pawtucket to Attleboro to Taunton, was built in 1903, but in 1904 it went into the hands of the Taunton and Pawtucket street railway.

The Mansfield and Norton Street Railway Company was organized in 1898, and its first car was run December 21, that year. In 1899 it was consolidated with the Norton and Taunton road as the Norton and Taunton Company, with David Coolidge as president, and R. W. Hewins as clerk and treasurer. The city, with Norton and Taunton, purchased the railway in 1919, and under the municipal ownership it is the Norton, Taunton and Attleboro Street Railway Company.

The Attleboro, North Attleboro and Wrentham Street Railway Company was organized in the autumn of 1887, with the following-named board Orairectors: H. G. Bacon, Peter Nerney, C: L. Watson, J. E. Draper, H. M. Daggett, Jr.. W. M. Fisher, F. L. Burden. Electric cars commenced running April 5, 1880. Work on the Interstate line was commenced in April, 1891, and the line opened for traffic July 17, 1892. Cars were run from North Attleboro to Old Town, August 13, 1892, and the route toward Attleboro was opened October 15, 1892. November 1, one car was running from Attleboro to Hebronville. July 1, 1893, the Interstate Street Railway Company acquired the property and franchise of the Attleboro, North Attleboro and Wrentham Street Railway Company.

Public Library. - Like all the old towns of New England, the community enjoyed books - they were a reading population. Some of the townsfolk had fair-sized libraries in their homes; on occasions, the pastors of churches had circulating libraries in their parsonages, though such libraries were small. Older libraries established in Attleboro were much like the popular lyceums that were the vogue of the 1850 decade, with noted speakers of the day. "The Attleboro society for the encouragement of agriculture, arts and social intercourse" was constituted here February 22, 1804, with forty-nine members, though it was not incorporated until 1816. Its library had about three hundred volumes. The place of meeting was a building at West Attleboro, whose construction was shared by the association, and that was also used as a district schoolhouse. Another similar society founded in 1805 was the "Social Library and Farmers' Historical and Geographical Society," and it contained about two thousand volumes. Both libraries were dissolved about 1835. A lyceum was established in 1830. East Attleboro also had a library chiefly of agricultural subjects at the time.

The Attleboro Library Association, with its collection of 137 volumes was in existence in March, 1860, with John Daggett as its president, its formation having been brought about from a Mite society started by Mrs. Handel N. Daggett in 1857. About the year 1864 it united with the Agricultural Library Association, when Dr. J. R. Bronson was its president. It was incorporated on March 6, 1865, with J. W. Capron as its president; Charles E. Bliss, vice-president; A. M. Everett, secretary and treasurer. The presidents in succession were: George N. Crandall, 1874-76; Amos Ide to 1878; George B. Fittz to 1880; G. F. Bicknell. Thereafter the library and its interests were transferred from store to store in the town, and in the eighties it was discontinued.

On January 15, 1885, a meeting was held at G. A. R. Hall for the purpose of considering the establishment and maintenance of a free library for the town, and a committee was appointed consisting of the followingnamed, to prepare a plan for organization: A. W. Edson, superintendent of schools; Rev. Walter Barton, Rev. J. A. L. Rich, Major Everett S. Horton, Dr. George Mackie, G. A. Dean, Dr. G. B. Fittz, C. L. Watson, Dr. C. S. Holden. At a second meeting at the vestry of the Congregational church, February 2, 1885, Major E. S. Horton was elected chairman, and Dr. C. S. Holden secretary, the following-named board of directors being chosen: Rev. Walter Barton, A. W. Edson, J. M. Bates, E. S. Horton, J. L. Sweet, Miss Lottie Steele, Rev. H. A. Philbrook, C. R. Harris, Dr. George Mackie, C. E. Bliss, Peter Nerney, Miss Mary J. Capron, C. L. Watson, Dr. G. B. Fittz, Dr. C. S. Holden, F. W. Lincoln, Mrs. Louis J. Lamb, A. W. Sturdy. On February 5, the board of directors elected Major Everett S. Horton president; Miss Mary J. Capron vice-president; Dr. C. S. Holden secretary and treasurer. In May, 1885, the library was opened in the Horton block, Mrs. Isabel L. Mowton librarian; the former circulating library transferring all its books thereto, and the Y. M. C. A. giving its books and newspapers for the reading room, the institution through various sources raising the fund of $1,620.16. At the first annual meeting, held at the hall of the W. C. T. U. in the Horton block, April 26, 1886, the report of the librarian showed that the library owned 2195 books. Mrs. Mowton, the librarian, resigned her position in November, 1887, because of removal from the town, and Mrs. Nellie A. Blackinton was chosen as her successor. The division of the town took place in 1887, and the new town of Attleboro, at its annual meeting in 1888, voted to make an appropriation to support the library on condition that the library association surrender its property to the town. This the association did, and the property thus transferred amounted in value to more than $2,800, and included 2800 books. Upon the resignation of Mrs. Blackinton in 1898, Miss Letitia S. Allen was-chosen librarian. She died May 1, 1905, and Miss Mattie Tyrie, of the Fall River Public Library, was appointed her successor.

The present library building was opened Monday, November 11, 1907. The cost of the building, $80,000, was secured by public subscription, and the lot was donated by Joseph L. Sweet. Miss Tyrie, the librarian, resigned in April, 1907, on account of ill health, and Miss Eugenia H. Henry succeeded her. In 1908, Major Everett S. Horton, president of the library board from the time of its organization, resigned, and in May that year the library became a member of the Library Art Club.

Miss Helen M. Claflin, a graduate of the New York State Library School, was chosen librarian in 1915, and this year marked the beginning of the organization of the high school library, under public library direction. The department of the picture collection was begun at the library this year. The library's bit during the World War far exceeded its quota of $900 for the establishment of camp libraries in cantonments; and the institution constantly acted as an agency for the government throughout the war. The new children's room was opened in the spring of 1917. In 1918 Miss Claflin resigned as librarian, and Mrs. Lucinda F. Spofford, assistant librarian at the Somerville Public Library, was appointed to the position.

In 1923 the library, with six funds to assist in its maintenance, and with more than 25,000 books upon its shelves, had a circulation of above 126,000, the city's appropriation for that department being $14,500. The circulation through the children's room was close to 39,000. Branch libraries are maintained at the high school, at Hebronville and Dodgeville. The library trustees in 1923: Joseph L. Sweet, chairman; Thomas E. McCaffrey, Elizabeth J. Wilmarth, Eleanor A. Carpenter, William L. King, Raymond M. Horton, Edith L. Claflin, Caroline 5. Holden, Edwin F. Peach secretary.

The Press. - The first newspaper in the Attleboros was the Attleboro Bulletin, published at North Attleboro by J. M. Stewart. Later it was bought by Robert Sherman of Pawtucket, who changed the name to the Bristol County News. In 1872 the Attleboro Chronicle was issued by Walter Phillips of Providence from a little office near the present Park hotel in Attleboro. Later this was moved to North Attleboro and sold to Dunbar & Quinn. A number of changes occurred in the firm, and in 1884 it became a semi-weekly. In 1890 it became a daily in North Attleboro, and now continues under the able management of Ex-Senator Joseph W. Martin, Jr., with Charles Martin as editor.

In 1875 T. S. Pratt started the Attleboro Advocate, and associated with him was David S. Lowe. A steam power press was installed in 1879 by Mr. Lowe, who had purchased the business. In 1881 E. H. and N. J. Sweet bought the paper, and in 1887, when E. H. Sweet left town on a health trip, his interest was purchased by William A. Sturdy of Chartley. The firm then became Sweet & Sturdy. Job B. Savery was the first editor, and those to follow were a Mr. Carpenter, C. M. Barrows, N. A. Mowton and George Randall, the last named retiring in 1888 and Mr. Mowton returning.

In 1889 it was decided to issue a daily paper, and on September 3 of that year the first issue of the Attleboro Sun appeared. In the first year the circulation averaged 2205 daily. Mr. Sweet left the partnership in 1891, and two months later Mr. Mowton took cortrol. The venture into one-cent journalism took courage as well as capital. The Woonsocket Reporter, which called itself the daddy of one-cent papers in these parts and which has since been consolidated with its lively neighbor, the Call, viewed the step with distrust and croaked solemnly of the wrecks that strewed the one-cent path. Only a little while before, such a daily in North Attleboro came to an untimely end. In spite of dismal predictions and with faith in the field, the publishers essayed the feat. The Tuesday after Labor Day was chosen for the birth. Their daily was a four-page, six-column affair, and it served Attleboro, North Attleboro, Mansfield and Norton. News in the first issue was not of startling nature, but the traditions of the district were served by presenting nearly two columns of baseball on page one. Attleboro was then leading a four-club league and there were reports of a 10-10 tie with Taunton in 11 innings, of a game forfeited by the locals to Whittenton and one forfeited by Whittenton to Attleboro, and of a 16-4 victory by Attleboro over the Wamsuttas. Of the advertisers in the first issue, G. A. Sweeney's store, George A. Monroe and E. A. Fuller are still in business, and the legal card of F. I. Babcock places him also as among the first advertisers.

In 1906 the company was reorganized with John H. Vallette as president and manager, and Charles C. Cain, Jr., as editor. One of the first steps was a move into larger quarters, and the Railroad avenue office was transferred to the ground floor of Odd Fellows' block on Bank street. A new duplex press was installed in 1907 to meet the growth. In 1905 the circulation was 2,740, by 1909 it was 3,840, and by 1912 it had reached 5,039. Issues as large as 36 pages; special editions in 1909, 1914 and 1919 were issued; a charter study fostered by the Sun beginning in 1908 culminated in the adoption of a city charter in 1914, and each year of its history has been marked with enterprise and success. In 1914 a new press and stereotyping outfit were installed, and a Goss press that can turn out 20,000 sixteen-page papers in an hour, now serves the readers. In addition to a leased wire of the International News Service, the Sun has also an Associated Press wire but, despite all this service, it places heavy emphasis upon local news. A disastrous fire entirely wiped out its Bank street plant in March, 1918, but the Sun enterprise produced a paper in Pawtucket in less than twelve hours after the fire started, and not one issue was lost. The circulation now (1923) exceeds 5,600, though the Sun was forced by rising material costs to increase to a two-cent price in 1916.

John H. Vallette is president of the company and general manager; Charles C. Cain, Jr., is vice-president and editor, and A. A. Penney, superintendent of the plant, constitutes the other director. Recently the Sun purchased its present home on South Main street, and it is busy with plans for enlarging its single story building which houses the newspaper and job plant.

Ancient Buildings. - John -Woodcock's public house on the Bay road, and fortified as a garrison, was licensed as an ordinary in 1670, oldest of the inns in this section, this garrison being known as one in a chain of fortifications extending from Boston to Rhode Island. It was a convenient public house for travelers, and a well-known station during King Philip's war. In turn, John Devotion, John Daggett, Alexander Maxcy, Josiah Maxcy and Colonel Israel Hatch were the proprietors. Many illustrious people stopped there, such as Washington and Lafayette, John Quincy Adams, Commodore Hull, Commodore Bainbridge, General Winfield Scott, President Monroe, Daniel Webster. The old building was torn down in 1806, and a new inn, the "Steam Boat Hotel," so-called, erected on the site, which was kept as a tavern by Israel Hatch, the son of the former owner, until the year 1840. Other taverns and inns of years ago were the Wilmarth, the Daggett, the Nevill and the Barrows taverns.

The old Powder House, long a famous landmark, had its beginnings in 1768. It was on September 12 that year, that the town voted to have the building erected on land donated by Jacob Newell, for the purpose of keeping the town's stock of ammunition. The building, circular in shape, nearly twelve feet in diameter and with a cone-shaped roof, was built of six thousand brick in October and November, 1768. It was used as a storehouse for "materials of war" both during the days of the Revolution and the War of 1812, and powder was kept there even to recent times.

Banking Institutions. - The Attleboro First National Bank was incorporated in 1875, the first board of directors being Colonel Willard Blackin- ton, Joseph M. Bates, James H. Sturdy, George Asa Dean, Frank §S. Draper, Benjamin S. Freeman, George C. Eliot, Shepard W. Carpenter, Charles E. Hayward, Gideon M. Horton, William M. Fisher, Homer M. Daggett. Colonel Blackinton was chosen president; Charles E. Hayward, vice-president; George Asa Dean, clerk; cashier, Homer M. Daggett. The bank's capital at the time was $100,000. Colonel Blackinton died January 1, 1877, and he was succeeded by J. M. Bates as president. The latter died in 1905, and Clarence L. Watson became president, September 18, 1905. Vice- President Charles E. Hayward was succeeded by David E. Makepeace, January 9, 1906, the latter having been elected to the board January 23, 1900. Frederick G. Mason succeeded Homer W. Daggett as cashier in 1903, and he Was appointed vice-president January 11, 1922. George L. Seekell was chosen assistaut cashier in January, 1923. The present board of directors: Clarence L. Watsen, Harvey E. Clap, Samuel M. Einstein, Edward L. Gowen, Joseph I,. Sweet, Michael F. Dooley, David E. Makepeace, Oscar Wolfenden. George F. Sawyer, William L. King, Fred E. Briggs, Frederick S. Peck, Raymond M. Morton, Harold E. Sweet, George F. Lilley.

Tke Attleboro Savings and Loan Association was organized about the year 1854, as the Attleboro Loan Fund Association, and it so continued about fourteen years. It was reorganized in 1869 under the name of the Attleboro Loan and Fund Assc ciation, but in 1876 it was reorganized again and under the present name, Attleboro Savings and Loan Association. The first president was Lorenzo Mahepeace, and he was succeeded after a year by Willard Blackinton, and he by Joseph W. Capron. The officers in 1923: . President, Frank W. Weaver; vice-president, W. L. King; secretary and . treasurer, Caleb Slade; attorney, Frank I. Babcock. Directors: Frank W. Weaver, F. I. Babcock; C. S. Holden, W. J. Luther, R. M. Morton, A. M. Dunham, H. K. Richardson, O. Wolfenden, A. S. Ingraham, H. P. Kent, W. L. King, M. L. Carter, J. Finberg, H. E. Clap, A. A. French; trustees: H. P. Kent, and R. M. Horton; loan committee: F. W. Weaver, H. E. Clap, H. P. Kent, W. L. King. The value of the shares of the bank with interest in 1923, was $2,248,248.01. The amount of the guaranty fund that year was $125,364.38.

The Attleboro Co-operative Bank Corporation was organized in 1892, with Charles Grant as the president of the board of directors, and Frank W. Carpentcr as treasurer. The officers for 1923: President, Solomon B. Jacohs; vice-president, Campbell C. Grant; treasurer, Harry E. Carpenter; board of directors: Millard F. Ashley, Alonzo N. Brownell, Isaac H. Bruce, Harry lf. Carpenter, Thomas S. Carpenter, Walter A. Cunningham, Joseph Finberg, Campbell C. Grant, Solomon B. Jacobs, Joseph Kerkhoff, Thomas E. McCaffrey, Walter J. Newman, Edgar A. Remington, Fred L. Torrey, H. E. White. For more than thirty years this bank has been a factor in inculcating thrift and establishing homes in the community. The real estate loans amount to $317,455; the dues capital amount to $207,743.

The Attleboro Trust Company was incorporated November 23, 1910, and started business March 6, 1911, with Charles M. Robbins as president, Albert S. Ingram as vice-president, and W. G. Meader as treasurer. Mr. Ingram was chosen president in 1913, and Mr. Meader, former treasurer, is now vice-president. Victor R. Glencross was appointed secretary and treasurer, May 1, 1919. The board of directors consists of the above-named and Charles E. Moore, Charles §. Holden, Amos S. Blackinton, Edwin F. Thayer, George H. Sykes, Harlan A. Allen, William H. Bell, William H. Bannon, Milford E. Bliss, Stephen J. Clulee, Alfred D. Crosby, Everett O. Dexter, Joseph Finberg, Ernest D. Gilmore, George H. Herrick, Albert S. Ingraham, Solomon B. Jacobs, Edgar A. Remington, Daniel C .Richardson, Hugh A. Smith, Frank R. Sweet, Walter I. Tuttle, Frank W. Weaver, Charles C. Wilmarth. The capital stock in 1923 amounted to $200,000. In the savings department the deposits amounted to $1,057,328.56. Christmas Thrift Club deposits at that time were $89,278.67.

The Attleboro Savings Bank Branch is located in the Bates block. The treasurer is James E. Totten, assisted by Misses Ada M. Chadwick, Alice M. Burton and Helen W. Ralph. The bank itself is located at North Attleboro, and the outline of its history is told with that department.

Benevolent Institutions. - A spring of perennial waters, soft and clear, set amidst picturesque wooded hills, determined the site of Attleboro's first hospital, now known as Attleboro Springs. The Blanding farm on "Ridge Hill road" (Park avenue) was purchased by Dr. James M. Solomon, Junior, and in 1894 ground had been cleared and field stone utilized in beginning the massive walls of the present building. A handsome park was planned and drives laid out. Financial difficulties ensued, and it was not until 1903, after John M. Fisher, manufacturing jeweller of Attleboro, had given the project his sympathetic backing and financial support, that plans for the building and grounds were completed. "Almost $400,000 has been invested," says the "Attleboro Sun" of April 25, 1903, describing the dedication, which was attended by thousands of Attleboro citizens and distinguished guests. Prominent business men took stock in the corporation which held the property till September, 1918, when Mr. Fisher made a gift of his holdings to the Board of Foreign Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The few remaining shares were then purchased by the board, grounds enlarged, buildings improved, and the institution incorporated as Attleboro Springs, Inc.

The present object is not profit-making, but in accordance with the wish of the donor to conduct it "as a sanitarium on a philanthropic basis for the largest benefit of humanity." This policy makes possible medical attendance, electro and hydrotherapeutic treatment with room and board at moderate rates. The capacity is one hundred beds. Massage and fomentations are given under the direction of the doctors by nurses specially trained for this work. A well-balanced menu is provided, with special diets when prescribed. Mental or contagious cases are not received. The patronage of Attleboro Springs is largely from two classes: Health-seekers, who need more than medication and ordinary home care. For them the change of scene and relief from work-day surroundings, with the various types of physio-therapy, play an important part in the cure. And health-keepers, who in accordance with the modern theory of preventive medicine come periodically to combine rest and recreation with a "complete physical checkup,' and with the light of such physical examination seek advice on how to keep well. While only two miles from railroad, post and telegraph office, yet Attleboro Springs affords complete freedom from the dust and roar of city streets, and the business treadmill. It is preéminently a place for fagged brain, tense muscles and tired nerves. The building is of solid masonry, 276 feet in length. "A great stone castle" travellers from Europe have called it. Passing picturesque, spring-fed lakelets and little hills, one finds it on an eminence in the midst of 187 acres of woodland and meadow. The unique and imposing architecture together with a varied natural park, make this a place of special interest to the sightseer in Bristol county.

By a generous clause in will of Mrs. Ellen A. Winsor, the homestead estate of her father, the late James H. Sturdy, was bequeathed to the town of Attleborough to be used for a general hospital, in memory of James H. and Adah §S. Sturdy. In addition to this gracious act, Mrs. Winsor placed her residuary estate in a permanent fund to be known as the Albert W. and Ellen A. Winsor Fund, to be held in trust, the income only thereof to be used to assist in the maintenance of said hospital. The original gift of real estate known as the Sturdy Foundation is valued at $30,000, and the personal property left by Mr. and Mrs. Winsor, known as the Winsor Foundation, is valued at $93,000. The location for such an institution was ideal, but to prepare the property for modern hospital work required the expenditure of a larger sum of money than the Town officials felt warranted at the time in asking the citizens to appropriate. At this crisis the Attleborough Hospital, a corporation organized under Massachusetts laws, came forward and offered to take the property in trust, reconstruct the home house, build new additions, erect in connection therewith a modern operating wing, equip the whole plant, and open the institution as a general hospital to be known as the Sturdy Memorial Hospital. The town of Attleborough at a special meeting held May 14, 1912, accepted the offer of the Attleborough Hospital, and in due time placed the property in question in trust with said corporation. The work of reconstruction and building new was commenced in July, 1912, and on Apri 14, 1913, after an expenditure of something over $30,000, the hospital was opened. Again in July, 1914, another addition was made known as the Nurses Home, with provision also for maternity cases, thus making thirty beds as the total capacity of the hospital, being largely possible because of a gift of $10,000 from the late Fannie M. Tappan.

In 1922, Joseph L. Sweet, president of the Attleborough Hospital since its beginning, provided for the erection of a $125,000 fireproof addition to be known as the Florence Haywara Sweet Maternity building, and adding twenty-one beds to the capacity of the hospital. This addition was opened in June, 1923. At present the hospital has real and personal property, resulting largely from the above mentioned donations, totaling nearly $300,000. Its facilities have been taxed practically to the limit since the opening of the hospital, 260 patients having been admitted in 1914, with a constant increase each year, the number having reached 738 in 1922. The increase in obstetrical cases has been particularly marked, from 14 in 1913 to 151 in 1922. A competent devoted local staff of physicians, superintendent and nurses, a consulting staff of physicians and surgeons of wide repute, an interested public, largely represented through the effective help rendered by the women's organization known as the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Aid Association, have resulted in the development of one of the finest hospitals in New England, with a standard of efficiency equivalent to that in many of the larger and well known hospitals. The officers of the hospital are: President, Joseph L. Sweet; vice-president, L. V. G. Mackie, M. D.; treasurer, Harold E. Sweet; secretary, Randolph E. Bell. The board of man- agers consist of: Joseph L. Sweet, chairman; Joseph Finberg, Ernest D. Gilmore, William J. Luther, Harold E. Sweet, Hon. Geo. A. Sweeney, mayor; Howard G. Smith, president of the Municipal Council, ex officio, Frank I. Babcock, city treasurer.

The nucleus and starting-point of the Attleboro Leagué for Girls and Women was the Girls Club that was launched by Attleboro Chapter, D. A. R. in 1914. The League began its codperative effort in 1918, to include within its scope the Girls Club, the Girl Scouts, the Mothers Club and the Loyalty Sewing Society. It is through the generosity of Mrs. Harold E. Sweet that the League has its excellent headquarters at 47 Bank street, which has become a social and educational centre of the city, and where classes in sewing and millinery are maintained for the membership. Miss Harriet Wilmarth is the president of the League; Mrs. P. J. Callowhill is the secretary; Mrs. S. M. Einstein the treasurer. The working secretary is Miss Catherine Briggs. The membership of the League was four hundred in 1923.

On February 18, 1915, the subscribers to membership in the Associated Charities of Attleboro, Inc., met in the vestry of Murray Church and formed a temporary organization as follows: Joseph L. Sweet, who was instrumental in forming the society and in its incorporation, was chosen temporary chairman, and William L. King, clerk; and Lina Coe Bliss, Dr. L. V. G. Mackie, Josephine L. Hammond, Martha C. McRae, Harriet Wilmarth, Hannah Pratt, Alice E. Cook, Joseph L. Sweet, C. J. McClatchey, W. G. Meader, C. C. Wilmarth, Milford E. Bliss, Edgar A. Remington, $8. M. Einstein, Joseph Finberg, William L. King, John W. Cody, T. S. Carpenter, EK. P. Claflin, A. A. French, and T. T. McCaffrey, directors. The directors met immediately after this meeting, and Clelland J. McClatchey was chosen president; Alice E. Cook, vice-president; C. C. Wilmarth, treasurer; and William L. King, clerk. The society located in the Bronson building. On March 15, 1915, Miss Margaret Todd accepted the position of general secretary and served until January, 1920, when Agnes M. Pike was chosen to . succeed her. Miss Pike filled the position until December 31, 1921, and, on February 6, 1922, Miss Ruth Hyslop of Providence was chosen as general secretary. The organization has become a vital factor in the social life of the city and is in a flourishing condition. The officers: Milford E. Bliss, president; Martha C. McRae, vice-president; E. H. Brown, treasurer; William L. King, clerk; Milford E. Bliss, E. H. Brown, John W. Cody, S. M. Einstein, Joseph L. Sweet, C. C. Wilmarth, Rathburn Willard, A. L. Bottomley, S. M. Holman, Jr., Mrs. Lina F. Bliss, Mrs. Geo. H. Crosby, Mrs. A. A. McRae, Mrs. H. P. Kent, Mrs. Joseph Finberg, Mrs. C. A. Mooers, William L. King, directors; Miss Ruth Hyslop, general secretary; Miss Norma Whitmarsh, assistant. The office is located in the Sanford building on Park street.

The story of the Dodgeville Neighborhood House Association, as recorded by a former secretary, Mrs. William J. Watson, is as follows: The association was organized in April, 1916, under the name of the Dodgeville Social Centre. The first president was Mrs. S. M. Einstein; secretary, Miss Alice Holden. Mrs. Einstein is still the president, and there have been three secretaries since Miss Holden, namely, Mrs. William J. Watson, Mrs. V. T. Barber and Mrs. Lawrence Baer. The original board was composed of delegates from the various women's clubs of the city; but in 1923 it consisted of representatives from Dodgeville clubs and delegates-at-large. The first clubhouse was one of the mill tenements, but the company, B. B. and R. Knight, made what was the company store over into a clubhouse, which serves as the social centre of the village. Contained therein are clubs for girls of all ages, as well as a woman's club, a boys' club and a men's club. The association is self-supporting, but the company furnish the building, the heat and the light. The organization was instrumental in establishing a -kindergarten and a summer school in the village. Both were under the supervision of the association until they came in control of the Board of Education.

The Attleboro Woman's Christian Temperance Union was constituted in April, 1876. The first officers were: President, Mrs. C. EF. Kuther; vicepresident, Mrs. N. M. Daggett; secretary, Mrs. L. B. Sweet; treasurer, Miss C. C. Thatcher. It was through the efforts of Rev. (Mrs.) Ellen C. Gustin that a convention for Bristol county was held at Attleboro, April 20, that