Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 9: North Attleboro, 1924

North Attleboro and Industry, also, are synonymous.' For not only are some of the oldest jewelry manufacturing establishments in New England keeping up with the calls of progress in their domain of business; but it was in this section of the Attleboro country that the first worker in jewelry set up his shop and instilled new ideas of a very practical value into the community. And long before the advent of the enterprising Frenchman, the pioneer tavernkeeper and Indian fighter, John Woodcock, for whom one of the town's schools is named, became the first permanent settler, and made the King Philip War a startingly real event in this section. All that has been related of Attleboro as regards the introduction of this town's history may be recounted with every | emphasis due to present locality, for here the settlkement was made. In substance, this history 'has pointed out the current events of the common township preceding the division of the town, in nearly all matters the story being the same up to the year 1897. At the time of the division, the estimated population of this town was 7100; the personal estate valuation was placed at $796,395 ; the real estate valuation at $2,584,495; and the acreage of the section was determined at 10,143 acres.

Here prevails the town system of government as from earliest days, the town clerks since the division having been Charles T. Guild and James E. Cheever, the latter having been appointed to that office in 1902; he had also been twenty-three years collector of taxes. Alfred E. Codding was elected town treasurer in 1887, and he was succeeded by Arthur Parker, and he by Frank T. Westcott. North Attleboro, which also includes the villages of Falls Village, Adamsdale, New Boston and Old Town, has a population of about 10,000, and contains about nineteen square miles, seven and one half miles east and west, and three and one-half miles north and south. It is noted in this part of the county for the attractiveness of its location, its wide streets, and general healthfulness. It owns its electric light and water plants, the light plant showing a profit from its annual use. It has excellent schools, churches of all denominations, new postoffice and bank buildings, and increasing industries. For the maintenance of its fire department, which in 1923 was not all motorized, $25,000 was appropriated in 1923; for the support of the schools, $109,815; for the support of the poor, $20,000; for the maintenance of the police department, $5,000.

The story of the famed "Angle Tree Stone" of this section is as follows: Commissioners were appointed in 1640 by Plymouth and Massachusetts colonies to run a boundary line between their land. They commenced near the shore at a rock called Bound Rock, in the middle of Accord Pond (so called on account of the agreement or accord of the commissioners made there), which is in the line between Scituate and Cohasset, intending to reach by a straight line the most northerly point of Plymouth Colony, on the easterly side of Rhode Island, but when they arrived within about three miles of that point they found that their course would carry them far to the south. Instead of rectifying the whole line they made an angle and took a new course so far to the north as to reach the true point. At this turn stood a large oak tree marked, which was called the "Angle Tree." A large stone monument has since been erected here by authority of the legislature, under the direction of Attleborough and Wrentham. On the north side is inscribed "Mass. Colony" and on the south side "Plymouth Colony."

Schools. - The account of the schools here runs along similarly with that of the system that prevailed throughout the township previous to the division. The North Attleboro Academy Association was formed in 1833, when Joseph Draper, Ira Richards, Benjamin I. Draper, H. N. Draper and Richard Robinson erected a building for the academy at the corner of the present Washington and Orne streets, on land purchased of Samuel Guild. The first principal of the school was Isaac Perkins. He was succeeded in 1843 by John C. Boram, his assistant being Henry F. Lane, who became the third principal in 1846. Rev. J. D. Pierce succeeded him in 1848 or 1849. Then came Henry Rice, who taught two years, when the existence of the academy was brought to a close as an academical institution. The high school building in this part of the town was completed and occupied in 1882, and in 1887 Francis E. Burnette was appointed first superintendent of schools here. He was succeeded by William H. Hobbs; then, in 1888, James W. Brehaut was superintendent.

Robert J. Fuller was appointed school superintendent in 1907, succeeding J. W. Brehaut, who had occupied that position nine years. 'The appropriation for schools at that time was $32,200. The estimated value of the school property in 1910 was 146,670. The new schoolhouse on Bank street, the John Woodcock school, was completed, an appropriation of $30,000 having been made therefor. That year an independent industrial school was established in connection with evening school work. New interest was revived in the High School Alumni Association in 1911. The school appropriation in 1912 was $50,500. In 1914 there were 1,650 pupils distributed among the eleven schools in the town; fifty-two regular and four special teachers were employed. More than $60,000 was now required for school maintenance. A school nurse was first employed in 1916. In 1917 and during the World War, the schools here were placed in a position to do whatever was asked of them by the various governmental agencies, such as the work of the children in the garden, nearly thirty acres of land being cultivated and under the direction of the supervisor. The high school building burned May 28, 1917, thirty-six years after its construction, with a loss of $3,500. Badarasco Hall and building were occupied until other arrangements were made.

In 1918 G. W. Morris, superintendent of schools at Cumberland, Rhode Island, succeeded Superintendent Fuller, the latter having built up a progressive and systematic school organization. The Junior Red Cross was started in about all the schools, and many practical articles were made by the pupils. Victory Girls and Victory Boys were organized, and war savings and United War campaigns were started. The penny savings system was being conducted in the schools by the Kalmia Club, and the schools were managing demonstration gardens. The new high school building was completed November 12, 1919. That year the maximum salaries of grade teachers were increased from $750 to $850. The New Boston school was reopened, it having been closed in 1917 on account of small attendance. Principal Mansur, of the high school, resigned to accept the principalship of the Walpole High School. Fred H. Kierstead was appointed the new principal here, and the high school building was opened for evening schools. 'That year the continuation school was first projected here, and the J. D. Pierce school was conducted as a junior high school. In 1920 the appropriation for schools was $103,361. A special class for retarded pupils was opened in the J. D. Pierce School, with fifteen pupils. Mr. Kierstead was succeeded as principal at the high school by Ralph R. Barr, acting principal. In 1921 Arthur J. Mott was appointed principal of the high school. The enrollment of pupils in 1922 was nearly 2,000. The Barrows lot, in the rear of the high school, was utilized as a playground. The various schoolhouses were built as follows: J. D. Pierce School, 1900; Bank Street School, about 1850; Park Street School, about 1850; School Street School, 1884 or 1885; Towne Street School, about 1850; Mount Hope School, 1893.

The Teachers' Association of North Attleboro was formed in 1919, the purpose being sociability and general advancement for the teachers of this town. Since that time regular meetings have been held, and with musicales and lectures the association has annually maintained an interesting course of entertainment. The number of members who joined the association in 1919 was. forty-five, and Miss Grace M. Grant was elected president and Miss Alice. Hall secretary. Miss Cora F. McCambridge was elected president in 1922. Miss Marjorie Barber is the secretary; Miss Hester Adams, treasurer. There is also a high school alumni association, and there are three parent-teachers associations.

Churches. - The Congregational policy prevailing in this section, provision was made in the earliest days for a central gathering-place and the minister for the settlers. The inhabitants of the place were so few in numbers at first that no means of support could be provided, but in 1706, his house being built for a minister, calls were given Revs. Mr. Fiske, More, Wiswell, Hunt, Fisher and Devotion, but no settled pastor answered the call until, in 1710, Rev. Ebenezer White came and remained for nearly a year. Eventually Rev. Matthew Short, a Harvard graduate and son of Henry Short of Newbury, accepted the pastoral invitation and was ordained November 12, 1712. He remained here until May 31, 1715, trouble relating to his salary resulting in his dismissal. He removed to Easton and became the first settled min- ister there. 'The first meeting house in Attleboro was built in 1710, near the house of Christopher Hall, but it was not oompleted until 1714. Rev. Ebenezer White came here as the second minister, July 18, 1715. He also was a Harvard graduate, and son of James White, of Dorchester. He died while in the Attleboro ministry, September 4, 1726. Rev. Habijah Weld, a native of Dunstable, this State, was ordained pastor of the First Church and congregation, October 1, 1727. He died May 4, 1782, in the eightieth year of his age and the fifty-fifth of his ministry. The town built a new meeting house in 1728. The town constituted one parish until April 7, 1743, when it was divided into the first or west and the second or east precinct. In 1737 the ministerial house and lands were sold. For nearly eight years after the death of Mr. Weld, the first precinct had no settled pastor, and meantime a dozen or so ministers were supplying the pulpit.

Rev. John Wilder answered the call to become the settled minister on January 4, 1790. He was born in Templeton, Connecticut, March 12, 1758, and was a graduate of Dartmouth College. He remained in this parish as its minister until November 28, 1822, and died February 12, 1836. Then followed Rev. Thomas Williams, formerly of Connecticut, who was installed September 29, 1824, terminating his ministry here December 11, 1827. He was succeeded by Rev. Charles J. Warren, who was ordained February 28, 1828, and was dismissed July 9, 1830; he died in New York in 1883, at the age of eighty-six years. Rev. Mr. Chapin was his successor as pastor from 1830 to 1833. Rev. Samuel Colburn was the next minister, and Rev. Mr. Ober succeeded him in 1837. Rev. John M. B. Bailey came here as pastor, and was ordained here December 30, 1840; he died February 24, 1851. He prepared the address for the consecration of Mount Hope Cemetery. Rev. S. B. Morley was ordained here July 9, 1851, and remained as pastor until March 25, 1857. The pulpit was supplied by Rev. B. C. Chase from August 23, 1857, to December 25, 1862; and by Rev. David Breed from March 1, 1863, to March 1; 1866. Rev. H. P. De Forest was pastor from January, 1867, to January, 1869. Rev. John Whitehill began his pastorate here March 28, 1869; he was born in Scotland, but was a graduate from Amherst College and Andover Theological Seminary. Rev. Thomas W. Harwood came here as pastor in 1922. The third meeting house of this society was dedicated January 1, 1829.

The Central Congregational Church had its beginnings in a Sunday school that was established in March, 1866, with Welcome Aldrich as superintendent. The first pastor was Rev. George H. Tilton, graduate of Amherst College and Andover Theological Seminary, who came here January 4, 1874, and resigned in May, 1875, when the new church building was completed. A Congregational church was formed March 19, 1874, known as the Central Congregational Church of Attleboro. The cornerstone of the new church was laid June 16, 1874, and on May 5, 1875, the church was dedicated. The pastors of this church in succession have been Revs. Geo. H. Tilton, 1874-75; Francis E. Marston, 1875-77; F. D. Kelsey, 1877-79; Geo. O. Jenness, 1880-87; Walter P. Taylor, 1888 - ; E. C. Winslow, 1891-93; J. H. McLaren, 1893-96; M.. L. Williston, 1897-99; Zenas Crowell, 1900-13; G. A. Sheradan, 1913-15; E. _ E. Craig, 1915 - .

The North Baptist Church originated in a separative group from the Congregationalists about the year 1747. The New Lights, or Separatists, differing from the Congregational order, on January 20, 1747, ordained Nathaniel

Shepard as their pastor. He was a native of Norton, where he was born February 13, 1713, and he remained pastor of this new church until his death, April 14, 1752. In 1769 the church thus formed changed its constitution by vote from a Congregational to a Baptist church. In 1771 the church joined the Warren Association, and in 1837 the Taunton Association. After the death of Mr. Shepard came occasional preachers. Elder Job Seamens was ordained December 15, 1773, and in 1787, at his own request, he received his dismissal. The church was then supplied by Rev. William Williams for awhile. Then came Elder Abner Lewis in November, 1789, who remained to September, 1795, Laban Thurber preaching here until 1797. Elder James Read was installed as pastor on August 18, 1801, and continued in the ministry in Attleboro until his death, October 21, 1814. Various pastors followed: Rev. Stephen S. Nelson, April 28, 1815, to May, 1820; Rev. Jonathan Wilson, 1821; Rev. Silas Hall, 1823-27; Rev. William Phillips, February, 1827, to 1829; Rev. Jonathan E. Forbush, 1832-36; Rev. Silas Hall, 1837-39; Rev. Reuben Mowry, 1839 to May, 1847; Rev. N. G. Lovell, 1847 to June, 1851; Rev. William H. Alden, September 1, 1852, to April 26, 1856; Rev. G. F. Warren, October 1, 1857, to October, 1860; Rev. J. F. Ashley, 1860-62 (he was captain of Company I in the Civil War); Rev. Abijah Hall, October 19, 1862, to December, 1865; Rev. George Cooper, October, 1866, to December, 1869; Rev. Lyman Chase, 1871-72; Rev. William Fitz, 1872-73; Rev. Samuel T. Frost, April, 1874, to July 1, 1875; Rev. W. H. Kling, December 22, 1875, to 1881; Rev. F. H. Towle, 1883-86; Rev. Charles H. Wheeler, 1886-92; Rev. Samuel Knowles, June, 1892, to October, 1896; Rev. R. Ward Fisher, May, 1897, to October, 1898; Rev. William A. Farren, April, 1899 to June, 1916; Rev. A. J. Hutchins, October, 1916, to February, 1920; Rev. Wesley G. Huber, July, 1920 - . 'The first meeting house of this parish was completed in 1784, and the next was built in 1817. The following-named former members oi this church went into the ministry or other religious work: Revs. George Robinson, 'Timothy C. Tingley, John S. White, George Cargill, Eugene Thomas, William A. Stanley, Frank O. Cowell, Howard A. Welch; J. N. Cushing (a missionary in Burma); Henry C. Barden, general secretary of the Y. M. C. A. in Slovakia. The membership of the church in 1923 was 228.

The first service of the Episcopal church was held in North Attleboro in September, 1858, by Rev. Julius S. Townsend, from Trinity Church, Pawtucket, at the instance of Joseph A. Allen, a grocer; and subsequent services were held at Union Hall, that occupied the site of the present Emerson House. At about the same time, services were started at East Attleboro, and Rev. Mr. Townsend came there to live. It was on March 30 that a parish was organized under the name of Grace Church, the name being proposed by Abiel Lincoln, and thirty-two persons were elected members. Mr. Townsend resigned in April, 1860, owing to ill health, Rev. Edward Cowley taking charge of both missions in June that year. Soon after he took charge, the place for service was transferred to the Towne street school house, at the Falls; but Mr. Cowley resigned after a year. During the Civil War but few services were held, and by lay readers, some at the old "Braid Mill." In 1864 S. H. Webb, afterward rector for many years at Christ Church, Providence, acted as lay reader for a few months at East Attleboro and the Falls. In June of that year, Rev. A. C. Patterson, a district missionary, residing at Jamaica Plain, held services at Odd Fellows Hall, on Orne street, for a year. During that time the present church lot was purchased for $800. In May, 1871, another effort was made to estab- lish regular services, these being held at the residence of W. D. Whiting and in the Free Evangelical Church. In July, 1871, Rev. John S. Beers, a very energetic man, was called to be rector of the parish, and on October 17 ground was broken for the new church building. The cornerstone of the church was laid June 14, 1872; the church was opened for services March 12, 1873, and was consecrated June 18, 1873. The rectory was completed June 7 of that year. At the time that Mr. Beers resigned, September 17, 1876, there were fifty communicants. Rev. Frederick A. Fiske became the rector September 24 of that year; and in the spring of 1878 he had raised nearly money enough to pay half the indebtedness of $4,824. Upon the death of Mr. Fiske, December 15, Rev. George R. Wheelock became rector, September 1, 1879, resigning in September, 1880, and that year an organ fund was started. January 23, 1881, Rev. George E. Osgood began his work, which has continued to the present day. The organ was installed in the church in 1882, and in 1887 the parish debt was paid. The parish house was completed in March, 1892, and on Easter Day, 1893, the indebtedness thereon was paid. In 1895 and 1897 repairs and improvements were made; in 1903 the stained glass window was placed in the chancel, and the cost of all met without delay.

The first meeting of persons interested in a Universalist church was held at Samuel Newell's Inn, at Oldtown, August 17, 1816, and in the fall of that year a voluntary society was organized at the homes alternately of Messrs. Newell, Barrows and Captain Benjamin Bolckom. Rev. Richard Carrique was employed as "religious instructor" in 1817. In January, 1818, decision was reached to build a meeting house forty feet wide and fifty-one feet long, with fifty-four floor square pews and six gallery pews, the gallery to be at the east end of "'meeting house.'"' Incorporation as a legal Universalist society took place February 19, 1818, and the first delegate to the Universalist convention was sent September 15 that year. The first meeting house was dedicated December 29, 1818, Rev. Hosea Ballou preaching the dedicatory sermon to a crowded house. The second house of worship was built on the site of the present church in 1841, the dedicatory sermon being given by Rev. William S. Balch, of Providence, November 3, 1841. The first church organ was installed September, 1849, and cost $475; the second organ was installed in June, 1872; the third organ, a gift from G. K. Webster, December, 1917. The Sunday school held meetings prior to 1875, but was not completely organized until that year. F. G. Pate, one of the most active men in the history of this church, was elected a member of the parish in 1866. The list of the pastors of the church: Richard Carrique, 1817-22; Robert L. Killam, 1822-28; no record of the pastor from 1828 to 1841; Benjamin Hill Davis, 1841-45; Joseph Dexter Pierce, 1845-46; no record of the pastor from 1846 to 1848; Joseph Selman Davis, 1848-52; no pastoral record from 1852 to 1855; Joseph Dexter Pierce, 1855-80; J. S. Cantwell, 1881-84; William Frank Potter, 1884-89; F. A. Dillingham, 1890-96; F. L. Masseck, 1897-1902; R. E. Conner, 1902-08; Hazen Conklin, 1909-10; Carl F. Henry, 1911-15; H. Edward Latham, October 1, 1916 - .

Services were held by the Methodists in North Attleboro soon after 1830. The first building they owned was bought of the Universalists, and removed from Old 'Town and placed on the lot now occupied by the Manufacturers' Bank. This church was afterwards removed, and later destroyed by fire. The first Methodist minister stationed in North Attleboro was Rev. Jonathan Cady, who was appointed here in 1840 and 1841, and he was succeeded by Rev.

George W. Brewster, who received his appointment in 1842. In 1844 occurred the division in the Methodist church on the question of slavery, and during this agitation the Methodist church of North Attleboro left the regular order and became Wesleyan Methodist; a little later the church was dissolved and its membership united with other churches. The Free Evangelical Church, whose church building is now occupied by the Methodists, was organized April 30, 1858, and installed its first pastor, Rev. Cyrus Cunningham, March 30, 1859. The "White Church," so called, was started in 1867, and was completed and dedicated February 24, 1870. The Free Evangelical Church, under various pastors, continued worshipping in the new building until 1904. On March 11, 1904, at a meeting of the church, a resolution was passed to ask admission to the Methodist denomination, and the First Methodist Episcopal Church of North Attleboro was organized by Rev. A. J. Coultas, D. D., then presiding elder of the Providence district of the New England Southern Conference. Kev. John Wesley Annas was appointed first pastor of the new church, March 24, 1904. The following named have been the pastors in succession: Revs. Eben Tirrell, 1907-09; Edward Phreaner, 1910-11; Rev. William H. Allen, 1912-17; John McVay, 1918-19; Charles H. Van Natter, 1919-20; Rev. Amos M. Bruce, 1920 - .

Catholics were here before 1850, but the first church organized for their religious needs, like that at Taunton and Fall River, was called St. Mary's. Rev. Father Joseph McNamee, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, was the first pastor, who came here to organize the church in 1850. By means of subscription a sufficient amount of money was raised to buy a lot of land on the main road between the Falls and North Attleboro. During these early days, masses were celebrated in homes of the communicants and in Barden's Hall. Upon the death of Rev. Father McNamee, in 1852, Rev. Patrick G. Delaney served as the priest of the St. Mary's parish up to 1854. Rev. Father Philip Gillick succeeded Father Delaney, and considerable progress resulted from his efforts. In 1857 the first church for this parish was built on the lot that had been purchased in 1850, a plain building, but answering every need of the new parish. Father Gillick proved one of the most active of the Catholic pioneer priests in this region, for not only did he take charge of the struggling parish of St. Mary's here, building the rectory also, close to the church, but he built or purchased churches in Franklin, Wrentham, Walpole, Foxboro and Mansfield. His assistants here and among other parishes at this time were Rev. Fathers Conaty, Foley and Ryan. Rev. Father Gillick, advanced in years, resigned his © work here in February, 1874, and removed to New York. where he died on May 10, 1874.

Rev. Father Edward J. Mongan was his successor, and among his assistants were Rev. Fathers James F. Clark, Bernard Boylan, George McManus, Patrick Kiernan, Andrew Brady, P. F. Doyle and John T. Lynch. In 1877 Rey. Father Mongan purchased the Tifft property, on Washington street, for $20,000, occupying the house as the rectory, and remodelling the stone barn for a church. The cornerstone of the present building was laid in the spring of 1890, Rev. Father Mongan completing the frame of the church, and Rev. Fathers McCarthy, Burns, Hurley, and Cassidy continuing the work thus begun. The church was dedicated December 8, 1900. Rev. Father McGee came here as the pastor in 1911, and the cornerstone of the new parochial school was laid in the spring of 1923.

and the church was built in 1909. The cornerstone of the parochial school was laid in 1923. Rev. Fathers Vallandre and Duquoy have been the pastors. Sisters of the Union of Sacred Hearts have charge of the 251 pupils in the schools.

Public Utilities - - The North Attleboro Board of Trade was organized in January, 1910, the enterprise having been introduced here by William C. Hobbs, a local lawyer, who had been connected with the Norwood Board of Trade. Mr. Hobbs was elected the first president; Charles O. Mason, vicepresident; Arthur T. Parker, secretary; Frank T. Westcott, treasurer. Starting out with a membership of fifty, it now has over 200. Mr. Hobbs was president for three terms; he was succeeded by William H. Bell for three years; then by Dr. Joseph B. Gerould and Robert J. Fuller; then by Albert G. Prise, with Carl A. Hempel as vice-president, Frank J. Kelley secretary, and Arthur A. Weller treasurer. The board has been successful in bringing many new industries to the town. Through its efforts, the Elm street loop for the branch line to Attleboro was made possible; granolithic walks were laid at thé railroad station; the school garden project was forwarded; the ball grounds were renovated; municipal Christmas tree was brought to a successful issue; the "North Attleboro Book" was published; the Chautauqua was established. "Purpose, progress and prosperity" is the slogan of this board.

The North Attleboro Gaslight Company was organized in 1855, the territory now covered by the mains including all parts of the North Town, Plainville and the Falls. H. F. Barrows is president of the company. Here also is one of the best sewer systems in New England, the main system having been completed in 1910. 'The disposal plant of the system covers an area of about eight acres, where the method of filtration in sand is carried out. The North Attleboro Water Company was incorporated May 16, 1883, the charter being secured by Henry F. Barrows, Handel N. Daggett and Joseph Barden, and the transfer of the water company was made to the North Attleboro Fire District, June 17, 1883. The cost of the original water works, including the reservoir on Watery Hill, 565,000 gallons, was $11,790. The water system was extended to the Falls Village in the latter part of 1892, and to Old Town in 1904. A pumping engine of 2,500,000 gallons capacity per twenty-four hours was installed in 1912, at a cost of $20,000.

The North Attleboro Improvement District was formed in 1875, the management of which was in the hands of a prudential committee, the purpose being for greater and better improvements other than could be obtained by town appropriations for street lighting and sidewalks. The North Attleboro Steam and Electric Company was formed in 1886. 'The town is now furnished with electricity in unlimited quantities. Four electric car lines run through the streets, two of which connect with Attleboro; one gives service to Pawtucket and Providence, and the fourth connects with Plainville, Wrentham, Franklin and Woonsocket. Electric express service is had with Attleboro and Providence. 'Telephone service is from the exchange operated by the Providence 'Telephone Company, associated with the Universal Bell System.

The postoffice in North Attleboro is one of the most attractive federal buildings of any township in this part of the State, it having first been occupied in 1917. Former postoffice locations in this town have been in the Emerson House, at the corner of Washington and Elm streets; at the Riley building, corner of Washington street and Mason avenue; and finally at the Federal building at the corner of Washington street and Bruce avenue. 'The post- master appointed April 18, 1923, was Mrs. Elizabeth B. Flint, the first woman postmaster in a first-class office in New England, and one of three such in the entire United States. Mrs. Flint was chairman of the War Savings Stamps Committee during the drive for the month of June, 1918, and won cup and pennant for selling the largest amount of war savings stamps in the district during that period. The total amount of sales of the two kinds of savings stamps for war purposes at this postoffice in 1917 and 1918 was $77,596.81. The postmasters during and from the division of the towns have been as follows: G. Eugene Fisher, 1894-98; F. B. Byram, 1898-1902; H. D. Hunt, April, 1902, to October, 1913; Albert Totten (acting postmaster), October 4, 1913, to May 15, 1914; Thomas L. Coady, May 15, 1914, to April 18, 1923; Elizabeth B. Flint, April 18, 1923. The postoffice at Falls Village was established in 1871, with Joseph F. Freeman as postmaster.

The first North Attleboro newspaper undoubtedly was the "Bulletin," the first issue of which was on May 16, 1857. William H. Berry was the editor, and the publication came out every Saturday. Later J. M. Stewart was editor and finally the paper became the "Bristol County News," with Robert Sherman, of Pawtucket, as editor.

The first move toward the starting of "The Chronicle' was in November, 1871, and was the idea of Walter Phillips, a Providence newspaper man, - who married Francena Capron, daughter of Virgil Capron, of this town. During the latter part of December and in January of the next year Mr. Phillips made a personal canvass and secured subscriptions totalling $1,900. The first paper was issued on February 3, 1872, the type being set in a little office near Ryder's Hotel, now Park Street Hotel, Attleboro, and the forms run off in Providence. Upon the completion of Kendall's block "The Chronicle" moved to North Attleboro, adding a new press and other equipment. Edward Quinn became the foreman. On August 24 the firm became Phillips & Dunbar. The junior member was Eugene K. Dunbar, who had graduated from Brown University with honors. In January, 1873, Mr. Phillips, who was to become later general manager of the United Press of America, sold the business to Messrs. Dunbar and Quinn for $5,000. Six months later Mr. Dunbar became the sole owner with Eliot Hunt as local editor and assistant manager.

On March 3, 1877, Mr. Dunbar disposed of the paper to F. B. Greene, of Providence, son of Prof. Greene, of Brown University; Eliot Hunt, of Attleboro, and Edwin A. Codding, of North Attleboro. The new firm organized as F. B. Greene & Co. Two years later Mr. Hunt purchased the interest of Mr. Greene and the firm became Eliot Hunt & Co. The business prospered, but at the expense of the health of the senior proprietor, who in 1881 was obliged to secure as assistant Edgar Perry, also a graduate of Brown. Mr, Hunt's quest of health was in vain, and he died on September 8, 1883. The administrators of his estate sold his three-fourths interest to Mr. Perry, who in turn sold a quarter to William H. Barnes, a former foreman, and who then was conducting a job printing office in the Odd Fellows building. The two places were consolidated, and on January 1, 1884, "The Chronicle" publishers became Perry, Barnes & Co. On July 14, 1886, Mr. Barnes bought the interest of Mr. Codding and became an equal partner in the firm of Perry & Barnes. In 1888 Mr. Barnes became the sole owner, with Burrill Porter, Jr., as editor. 'The Chronicle' became a semi weekly in 1884 and a daily newspaper on November 17, 1890.

to Harry D. Hunt. In December, 1908, the concern was taken over by the present owners, the North Attleboro Chronicle Co., with Joseph W. Martin, Jr., as manager and editor. In addition to publishing the "Evening Chronicle," the owners conduct a high grade and prosperous job printing plant.

The Richards Memorial Library is the result of the steady growth of many years, and the untiring interest and inspiration of many townspeople. The library had its beginnings in the early seventies, as the outgrowth of a Lyceum Association, and it was for several years supported by private subscription, at length becoming a necessity to the town's progress. The Union Improvement District having been organized about that time, and having proved its capacity for progressive work, the library was put under its care, and was successfully carried on by that association until 1887. In that year the town was divided, and the library, enlarged and improved, was transferred, with other properties, to North Attleboro, the town assuming the care and expense of conducting a reading room in connection with the library. Miss Irene W. Day was the first librarian, and her term of office extended over a period of years. In the spring of 1884 the children of Edmund, Ira and Lucy Edwards offered to present the town with a memorial library building. The offer was accepted, and a lot in the center of the town was purchased.

The building is of brick, with cream-colored terracotta trimmings, and the cost was about $60,000. It contains a beautiful and inviting reading room, with a library of reference books on open shelves, and is equipped with the best current magazines and newspapers. It has a librarian's room with steel stacks, capable of shelving about 18,000 books. On September 14, 1895, the new Richards Memorial Library was fittingly dedicated, the orator of the day being Hon. John D. Long; and on September 20 the building was opened for the distribution of books. On January 2, 1900, Miss I. W. Day, after ten and onehalf years of faithful and efficient service, during which time the library had advanced from a small beginning to a well-kept and growing institution, resigned her position, to be married to one of the prominent townsmen, and her place was taken by Miss Leda J. Thompson. Miss Thompson's service at the library was one of rare efficiency, and the memory of her seven and one-half years of work is bright in the minds of the townspeople. She resigned to accept another position, and Miss Ada Perry was chosen for the position. For the space of sixteen years the institution has increased in value to the town. There are now eighteen thousand books, which is the capacity of the stack-room, and ninety-five hundred borrowers are registered on the books. The present trustees are as follows: Rev. George E. Osgood, chairman of the board; Dr. Joseph B. Gerould, Mauran I. Furbish, Donald Le Stage, Mrs. C. W. Fisher. It is the policy of the board to make the library of use to all the departments of the town's affairs.

The Attleboro Savings Bank received its charter February 2, 1860, the incorporators being H. M. Richards, S$. Bowen, E. Ira Richards, Josiah D. Richards, George Morse. Ezekiel Bates was the first president, who held office until 1870, the deposits at that time being $76,000. Henry Rice served as president from 1870 to 1872, and was succeeded by Abiel Codding, who presided until 1900. In 1900 George A. Dean served as president for two months, and was succeeded by Albert Totten, the president in 1923. In the course of seventeen years, the deposits showed an increase of 150 per cent. While the bank was established for the benefit of local people, its reputation has spread until deposits come to it from all parts of the State, and beyond. Mr. Totten takes pride in the bank's advancement, and spares no pains or effort to forward its interests. During 1923 the building, erected in 1903, was rebuilt and further modernized. The vice-presidents are George W. Cheever and Mark E. Rowe.

The Manufacturers' National Bank, which in 1923 removed from the formerly well known landmark to its new spacious and modern building, was organized in March, 1908, to conduct a general commercial banking business, its officers

Clubs, etce. - The North Attleboro Kalmia Club dates its organization from its first meeting, January 14, 1895, when twenty-seven women gathered to form a woman's club. The committee chosen to present a constitution and by-laws gave the organization a guide that, with very few changes due to the growth of the club, have stood the test of twenty-five years. 'The name "Kalmia" was chosen, and the letter "K," surrounded by a laurel wreath, with a manuscript half-unrolled about its stem, became the insignia, and the club colors chosen were green and gold. As stated in the constitution, the club's object is to promote general intelligence, culture and sociability, and to further the charitable and educational effort of the town. The first work in this direction was that of improving conditions in school buildings, and photographs, suitably framed, were presented to the different schoolrooms. This work was followed with the clearing up and grading of unsightly schoolyards, and the planting of flowers and shrubs, that has been fully appreciated. Through the influence of the Kalmia, in 1904 a Village Improvement Society was founded, and much good was accomplished thereby. The next step was the formation of a woman's auxiliary to the local Y. M. C. L. In 1908 the Kalmia established the Penny Savings in the public schools, with Mrs. E. G. Flint as financial secretary, a position she has held ever since, as this branch of work has never been turned over to the town.

A district nursing committee was organized November 20, 1911, under the auspices of the Kalmia - a most successful venture; but the work of the visiting nurse so increased and became of such importance that in 1918 it was decided that a regular nurse association should be incorporated. The club still continues its personal and financial interest therein. During the World War the club was actively engaged in Red Cross and other activities that still continue. As the Kalmia is the only organization of its kind in North Attleboro, it is looked to for assistance in every good work, and has always responded generously to the many calls for money outside its own town, and therefore its influence and help have become widespread. As a group, in common with | most thinking people, the club is thinking in larger units, and adding its contribution to the world's work. In its musical and literary programme the progress of the Kalmia has been steadily onward. The number of charter members was forty. In 1923 the membership was one hundred and forty, with a waiting list. 'The officers at that time: President, Mrs. E. Foster Clark; vice-president, Mrs. Harold Mason; recording secretary, Mrs. C. Ray Ranall; treasurer, Mrs. John L. Thompson; lecture committee: Mrs. George A. Chisholm, Mrs. George H. Bessette, Mrs. Charles S. Peckham; auxiliary committees: Americanization, Mrs. George L. Rhodes; Conservation, Mrs. George Cotton; Legislative, Mrs. Elmer E. Rockwood; Literature, Miss Ada Perry; Music, Mrs. Harry Fisher; Penny Savings, Mrs. Edmund G, Flint; Public Health, Mrs. Clarence A. Stirper.

The North Attleboro Y. M. C. A. serves the progressive Christian, social and athletic interests of the young men of this section, with live committees and officials to open the route to enlarging fields of practical usefulness. With a membership of 529 in 1923, and with a general secretary who is leaving nothing undone to promote a programme of health and wholesome living in the com- munity, the association has its lasting place here and an outlook for even better things to come. In every movement for the public good the "Y' has been at the forefront; and particularly during the World War it was second to none other in sharing its membership and their talents and patriotism with all other societies in drives and enlistments. Secretary Ernest Priestley is making a specialty of worth-while athletics, and he has done so from the time that he came here to take charge, in 1919. It is generally known that Richards, of English Channel swimming fame; Jedlinski, the well-known wrestler; Fulton, of longdistance running fame, and many real star baseball players, are products of the North Attleboro Y. M. C. A. Since Secretary Priestley has been here, he has been the means of putting five athletic actors in circus and in tours. The building occupied by the "Y" is the Memorial Hall, erected by the Woman's Relief Corps in 1895, which building in 1906 was turned over to the town fathers, and then was leased by a number of local men and called the Y. M.C. L. The records of this organization are not to be had.

The North Attleboro Chapter of the American Red Cross was organized on June 22, 1917, and had within its jurisdiction the towns of Mansfield, Foxboro and Wrentham. 'The officers were as follows: Chairman, Mr. Charles T. Paye; vice-chairman, Mr. W. H. Bell; secretary, Mrs. Edmund G. Flint; treasurer, Mr. George E. Lincoln. Executive board: Mrs. Alton Riley, Mrs. FE. I. Franklin, Mrs. J. E. Tweedy, Mrs. Ernest Tellier, Mrs. Sylvester McGinn, Dr. J. B. Gerould, Mr. Andrew Morris, Mr. J. L. Thompson, Mr. F. S. Grigor, Mr. E. B. Fisher, Mr. J. T. Conefy. On December 4, 1917, Mr. F. S. Grigor, chairman of the Junior Red Cross, announced that the Junior Red Cross was organized in-all the schools. During 1917 and 1918 over $17,000 was raised by the Red Cross to carry on the work called for in its charter. The town of North Attleboro sent 456 soldiers, and fourteen of this number died in active service.

Prentiss M. Whiting Post, No. 192, G. .A. R., was organized Thursday, July 28, 1888, by Austin C. Wellington, department inspector, and Joseph B. Parsons, chief mustering officer. The charter list comprised fifty-seven names. Prentiss M. Whiting, whose name this post bears, was a townsman of North Attleboro; he was a member of Company I, Seventh Massachusetts Infantry, was promoted to captain of Company A, and fell mortally wounded at the battle of Salem Heights, May 3, 1863. The past commanders of the post have been as follows: Samuel H. Bugbee, 1888-90; Oliver L. Swift, 1891; Charles T. Guild, 1892; Thomas G. Sandland, 1893-95; Edwin Whitney, 1896-97; Osmyn Atwood, 1898-99; John F. Makinson, 1900-01; Joseph H. Cheetham, 1902-03; John F. Makinson, 1904-06; Joseph H. Cheetham, 1907-08; Stephen Stanley, 1909-23. Connected with the Post is a Woman's Relief Corps.

The Newell-Blais Post, No. 443, Veterans of Foreign Wars, was started in February, 1919, with John W. Brown as commander; John D. McCann was commander in 1921; Ernest Blick in 1922; John D. Brown in 1923,

The Auxiliary of Newell-Blais Post, No. 443, Veterans of Foreign Wars, was formed December 10, 1920. On January 31, 1921, Deputy Mary L. White, assisted by President Maude Candalet and other members of the Gilbert-Perry Auxiliary, No. 115, of Attleboro, installed the following-named officers: President, Mrs. Sadie E. Blake; S. V. P., Mrs. Delia Herlin; J. V. C., Miss Leslie Brown; secretary, Miss Blanche L. Barber; treasurer, Mrs. Anna McEnaney; conductor, Mrs. Mary McCann. The Auxiliary started with twenty charter members. Mrs. Sadie E, Blake held the president's chair in 1921 and 1922; Mrs. Marion L. Cheney was president in 1923, and Mrs. Sadie E. Blake was secretary. Meetings are held in G. A. R. Hall, and there were forty-five members in 1923.

Fraternal Societies. - Bristol Lodge, A. F. and A. M., is one of the oldest in the State, it having been instituted in 1797. Its charter, signed by Paul Revere, is still preserved and is in good condition. 'The lodge meetings are held in I. O. O. F. Hall, and the membership is 365. The officers in 1923: Henry B. Cornell, worshipful master; John A. Clarner, senior warden; William H. Heckman, junior warden; Harry FE. Litchfield, treasurer; George E. Hawes, secretary; Rev. George E. Osgood, chaplain; George A. Livingston, marshal; David Sinclair, senior deacon; Lee R. Higgins, junior deacon; A. Victor R, Chevers, senior steward; John Paton, junior steward; Frank H. Morris, organist; Frank Batchelder, inside sentinel; William A. Guild, tyler.

Rabboni Royal Arch Chapter was instituted March 7, 1911, with forty-four members on the charter list. The membership in 1923 was 185, and the officers were: Henry H. Curtis, excellent high priest; Henry B. Cornell, excellent king; John A. Gilchrist, excellent scribe; Jesse G. Jewett, treasurer; George E. Hawes, secretary; Rev. George E. Osgood, chaplain; Allan A. Gordon, captain of the host; Howard S. Newell, principal sojourner; Lester S$. Wall, royal arch captain; John Sinclair, master of third veil; Amos H. Pilling, master of second veil; John H. Paton, master of first veil; Harold W. Mason, senior steward; George E. Lincoln, junior steward; William A. Guild, tyler; trustees of the permanent fund, Ex-Companions William S$. Metcalf, 1921; Fred I. Gorton, 1922; Charles H. Parker, 1923.

Aurora Lodge, No. 107, I. O. O. F., received its charter January 29, 1846, the petitioners for the new lodge being Abraham Hayward, Thaddeus Phelps, Alfred Barrows, J. D. Pierce, Lemuel Bishop, Daniel Evans, Benjamin F. Hammer and Samuel D. Forte. 'The lodgeroom was in the second story of a school structure in the Old 'Town district, and the first elective officers were: N.'G,, A. Hayward; V..G., T. Phelps; $., D. Evans; T., A. Tifft. Ones 1846, the lodge began to occupy the rooms later occupied by the Masons; and again on May 13, 1851, the hall on Orne street was dedicated to the uses of the lodge. For a time the lodge lost ground, and the race was slow. But from the year 1888 a new lease of life was given. The cornerstone of the present building was laid with the ceremonies of the order, on November 14, 1874, and the building was dedicated November 10, 1875. The officers in 1923: N. G., E. A. Coombs; V. G., C. B. Caldwell; recording secretary, W. H. Robinson; financial secretary, EK. G. Holbrook; treasurer, J. H. Ballard.

Waterhouse, and there were fourteen charter initiates. There is no complete record of the first officers of the encampment. George H. Dodge was first chief patriarch; John Waterhouse, first senior warden; B. H. Hamman, first recording scribe. The charter was relinquished some time in 1850. The Encampment was reinstituted February 21, 1876. Petitioners for the original charter were: Felix G. Whitney, Rev. Joseph D. Pierce, Daniel Evans, T. G. Sandland, George B. Whitney, F. L. Burden, F. L. Shepardson, E. S. M. Perkins, Joseph E. Pond, Jr., and the officers were: Chief patriarch, Rev. Joseph D. Pierce; high priest, George B. Whitney; senior warden, Frank L. Shepardson; recording scribe, Joseph E. Pond, Jr.; financial scribe and treasurer, Burrill Porter, Jr.; junior warden, E. S. M. Perkins. Seventeen brothers were elected and initiated on the day of the reinstitution. 'Two of these patriarchs, Henry G. Grant and Albert Totten, are members today. he officers for the Weenies, ©. P., William H. Robinson; H. P., Henry*G.»Grant, Py -C. P:; S. W., Lorenzo B. Sturtevant; R. S., James H. Ballard, P. C. P.; F. S., George eon re. P.; treasurer, Charles L. Jordan, P..C. P.;° J) W.7 J>-Lorenzo Sutherland. Membership, January 1, 1923, 113. Howard Encampment members have formed the majority of the petitioners for the charters of both Gideon M. Horton Encampment, No. 80, of Attleboro, and Foxboro Encampment, No. 81, of Foxboro.

Esther Rebekah Lodge was first formed in 1870, and was in existence but a few years when the charter was returned to the grand lodge. It was reinstituted March 31, 1886, at the request of ten petitioners, and seventy-eight were given the degree that evening. Henry G. Grant, past grand, was elected noble grand, and served the remainder of that year. Since that time a woman has filled that office. The membership in 1923 was 176. 'The officers that year: Noble grand, Mrs. Evalina W. Grant; vice-grand, Mrs. Mabel E. Passmore; recording secretary, Miss Emily L. Loughlin; financial secretary, Miss Mabel E. Kent; treasurer, Mrs. Ruth E. Fisher.

Thomas McDonough Council, No. 330, Knights of Columbus, was instituted April 24, 1898, its founder being Sylvester J. McGinn, who was twice elected grand knight. The first meeting was held at Emmett Hall, February 22, 1898, and there were twenty-five applications for membership. The local council was joined by men both from Attleboro and North Attleboro, and the officers at first were from both towns. 'The membership upon institution was fifty-eight, and it is stated that it was the largest of any council in the order at that time. Grand Knight McGinn named the council after the late Thomas F,. McDonough, M.D. Sacred Heart Council, of Franklin, was formed from the North Attleboro Council. During the World War, the local council shared in every drive, and doubled its quota with the sum of $4,000. Forty of its membership were in the service. 'The membership of the council in 1923 was 350, and Peter McQueeney was the grand knight.

To the late John H. Campbell, foreman of the Attleboro "Chronicle," largely belongs the honor as founder of Sumner Lodge, Knights of Pythias. The lodge was instituted May 6, 1874, in Good Templar's Hall, with twentythree names on the charter list. Soon afterwards, Aurora Lodge vacating their quarters on Orne street, Sumner Lodge removed there on December 1, 1874. Twenty-nine names were added to the roster the first year. More than five hundred knights were present at the first anniversary observance at Wamsutta Hall, May 12, 1881. A new hall in the building, constructed by I. H. F.

Barrows, was dedicated May 5, 1891, and the lodge celebrated its seventeenth anniversary with parade, banquet and ball, grand officers and many prominent members of the order being present. Sumner Company of the Uniform Rank was instituted March 12, 1891. The lodge in 1923 had one hundred members, and the officers were: C. C., A. N. Coit; V. C., A. E. Roessle; prelate, Christopher Doha; M. of W., S. K. Durell; K. of R. and S., Charles R. Kurtz; M. of F., William G. Moore; M. of E., George H. Morris; M. at A., Arthur Armington; I. G., George Dakin; O. G., E. S. Allen.

North Attleboro Lodge of Elks, No. 1011, was instituted in February, 1906, with a charter membership of forty-four. The membership in 1923 was 404. John Hedges was exalted ruler; Daniel McKay, secretary.

Sarsfield Court, No. 48, M. C. O. F., was instituted March 6, 1883, with twenty-two charter members. The membership for the year ending 1922 was 322. The court is located in K. of C. Hall, East street.

North Attleboro Council, R. A., No. 1026, was instituted March 15, 1887. Other fraternal orders represented here are: North Attleboro Aerie, No. 1041, Fraternal Order of Eagles; North Attleboro Lodge, No. 611, Loyal Order of Moose; Mirimichi Tribe, No. 110, Improved Order of Red Men.

Industries. - The long-time settlers within the bounds of North Attleboro, and descendants of the first colonists there, just as the Revolutionary War was drawing to a close, welcomed a certain industrious Frenchman to that part of the town. It was well for the future of this entire section of the county that they did so, for the great jewelry-manufacturing industry of this hour gives that Frenchman full credit, so far as the results of all research go, for laying the foundation of the business that has made the Attleboros famous for their product. Who was he? Local history has specified no more than that he was a Frenchman, "the foreigner,' as he was called; and it has not as yet been pointed out whence he came, though there are many conjectures. It is known of a surety that he came here in 1780; that his place of business was a brick forge that stood on the site of the former shop on the property of Jesse F. Richards; that he made jewelry of some kind not designated; and that a portion of his product was brass butts. His shop disappeared in 1810, and only the memory of his original enterprise remains. Others, and yet others, continued with his practical suggestion, and jewelry making became the busi- - ness of North Attleboro. In 1922 there were thirty five jewelry-making firms in the town, with a capital of $4,272,784. The total number of people employed was 1,053, and the value of the product was $4,172,997.

The following, compiled with the assistance of the North Attleboro "Chronicle,"' are the concerns that are among the leading industries of this section:

Scofield, Melcher & Scofield, manufacturers of ten-karat gold and high-grade rolled plate, was organized as early as 1821 as Draper, Tifft & Company. The business eventually came into the hands of the present firm, the members being Woodbury Melcher and William Boffelman. The firm operates 90 hands.

G. W. Cheever & Company began business in the Richards Building, on Elm street, in 1880, manufacturing high-grade rolled plate goods; 75 hands are employed.

The present firm of H. F. Barrows & Company was founded in 1851, as Barrows & Sturdy, and is the oldest one in the town operating continuously under one title. Their original location was at the Falls, but removal was made to North Attleboro about 1877; and in 1907 they were established at their present building. Louis D. and David A. Barrows are associated in the business, which employs about 150 hands. The plant is one of the most attractive and thoroughly fitted industrial establishments. As early as the year 1807 members of the family were connected with the jewelry industry.

W. N. Fisher & Company, manufacturers of a general line of chain findings, was organized in 1877, and incorporated a number of years afterwards. Since the death of Mr. Fisher, the head of the concern has been W. P. McAlpine, the firm employing 50 hands.

T. I. Smith Company began business in a small way in 1860 as Codding & Smith. They were wiped out by fire in 1861, with total loss; and in 1865 they started out again with C. H. Ames as a partner. In 1872 the late Mr. Ames purchased the interest of his two partners, and after about a year admitted D. D. Codding as a new partner, adopting the name of T. I. Smith & Company. Later, the partners were H. H. Curtis, E. A. Crawford and IL. W. Wise. Soon afterwards the business was conducted by L. W. Wise and T. S. Curtis.

W. H. Bell & Company, manufacturing men's and women's gold-filled chains and popular bracelets, was established in 1890 in the "old braid mill' at Attleboro Falls. About the year 1905 they removed to Robinsonville, where they employ 40 hands.

G. H. French Company, silversmiths, manufacture sterling silver goods. In 1882 G. Herbert French started in business with W. H. Riley, under the firm name of Riley & French. About the year 1916, Mr. French severed his connection with the firm of Riley & French, and established the house of G. H. French Company, silversmiths.

The firm of R. Blackinton & Company was established in 1862 by Roswell Blackinton, Walter Ballou and Thomas Mann, manufacturing book-clasps, at that time particularly the clasps for Bibles used by the soldiers during the Civil War. Mr. Mann retired in 1867, and upon the death of Mr. Blackinton, in 1906, the firm became composed of Roswell Blackinton, Jr., Walter R. Ballou and John R. Morss. The output today is almost exclusively sterling silver.

The Wizard Manufacturing Company was secured as one of the town's industries through the efforts of the Board of Trade. The company, whose president is Henry G. Folger, organized for the manufacture of plumbers' specialties, and the plant is an up-todate one in every respect.

One of the substantial jewelry firms in the town is the Sturtevant-Whiting Company, manufacturers of carded goods in high-grade rolled-gold plate. The shop was opened in 1867 as S. E. Fisher & Company, the partners being S. E. Fisher, W. W. Fisher and E. D. Sturtevant. S. E. Fisher and W. W. Fisher retired in 1897, and, the business being reorganized, the firm became Sturtevant, Whiting & Bigelow. Mr. Bigelow retired in 1906, and the title of the firm changed to Sturtevant & Whiting. Mr. Sturtevant retired in 1913. In 1914 George A. Whiting incorporated the firm as Sturtevant-Whiting Company, admitting as partners Louis Kurtz and F. B. Brigham.

The H. W. Tufts Tool Company, manufacturers of tools of all sorts, was established in May, 1893. The firm helped the nation in the manufacture of many war supplies.

The Barber Electric Company was incorporated in 1915, with H. C. Barber as president and C. E. Riley as treasurer. The business is the manufacture of general electrical supplies, specializing in knife-switches, cut-outs, switchboards, etc, and 40 people are employed. Much of the work of the plant during the World War was done for the government.

Thompson & Remington, with a general refinery business of gold, silver and platinum, was organized in 1898, by J. L. Thompson, Mr. Remington entering as a partner in 1899, his interest being purchased about 1916, the firm name remaining unchanged. Mr. Thompson is one of the best-known all-round business men in this section, and has held many offices in the gift of the people, and of banking and State officials.

The G. K. Webster Company, manufacturing sterling silver goods, is one of the largest concerns of the kind in the country, occupying over 50,000 square feet of floor space. The plant is equipped with the most modern machinery. The founder of the business and president of the company, George K. Webster, at first starting in the old Whiting Building, engaged in the manufacture of a line of plated and gold-front goods. In 1898 Mr. Webster located in the Whitney Building, on Chestnut street. Outgrowing the quarters there, he built the present Webster Company factory on Broadway, and began the manufacture of sterling silver goods entirely. From 250 to 300 hands are employed.

William Coupé Company, Ltd., was established in 1865, and is the oldest tannery in the immediate section, and one of the oldest running continuously under one title in New England. Mr. Coupé, a thorough tanner, has also taken out about twenty-seven patents, and the Coupé belting leathers have world-wide celebrity.

LeStage Manufacturing Company, at Attleboro Falls, produces at its plant high-grade gold-filled chains, fobs, bracelets, lockets, specializing in original creations. The firm was organized in 1915, the partners consisting of Donald LeStage and H. E. Hull. Mr. LeStage was fourteen years associated with the house of H. D. Merritt as partner, and Mr.. Hull has had many years of factory experience.

The firm of J. J. Sommer & Company, specializing in cameo brooches and pendants, was established in 1879 for the manufacture of a line of white stone goods. In 1884 the title changed to the Totten & Sommer Company. Mr. Totten retired in 1896, and since that date the business has been under the ownership and direction of Mr. Sommer. The factory is a model one in every respect.

The Agawam Chemical Company, manufacturers of dyes of quality, was organized and began business as the Blackstone Chemical Company, the product being aniline oil, used by dyers. The Agawam Chemical Company took the place of the former concern, with dye manufacture as its business, and with Dr. Erik H. Greene as proprietor, one of the most expert colorists in this country.

E. I. Franklin & Company make a line of ladies' jewelry in high-grade rolled gold plate, and white stone goods in sterling silver. It was in August, 1874, that E. I. Franklin and C. W. Fisher purchased of B. Franklin, and embarked in business under the above title. In 1899 Mr. Franklin died, and the property then came into the hands of C. W. Fisher, Elton B. Fisher and W. G. Franklin.

H. D. Merritt Company manufacture high-grade gold-filled chains. The firm was organized in 1855, with J. B. Draper as partner, afterward admitting John Shepardson. At the death of Mr. Merritt, Mrs. Merritt assumed his interest, and upon the death of Mrs. Merritt in 1893 the entire business passed into the control of W. W. Sherman, admitting L. A. Morse and Donald LeStage as partners. H. P. Kent became interested at that time, and he designed the trade-mark of the company. Mr. Kent shortly retired, and in 1914 the firm was enlarged by the admission of F. E. Burns with C. H. Sherman. The house is now owned by C. H. Sherman, with L. E. Morse as manager. Mr. Sherman was the first to agitate the erection of the manufacturers' building.

The firm of Bugbee & Niles, manufacturing ten-karat jewelry and watch bracelets, in ten, fourteen and eighteen-karat, and silver, consists of Alpin Chisholm, George A, Chisholm, C. L. Rhodes and Frank P. Kennedy, and has been in business about a half century. This house was founded as Smith & Ginnodo, afterwards becoming C. E. Smith & Company.

J. P. Bonnett & Son, established in 1879, are well known colorers and electroplaters, John P. Bonnett was the founder of the firm, and was identified with electroplating with a number of prominent firms in this part-of the State since his early boyhood. The business is now managed by Frank Bonnett, who was associated with his father for years.

Paye, Baker & Company, manufacturers of sterling silver and silver-plated novelties, and employing their own designers, were incorporated in 1905. 'They had started in business in Providence as Simmons & Paye in 1897, and on the withdrawal of Mr. Simmons in 1900, and the entrance of Mr. Baker to the firm, the present name was adopted. The firm removed their business to North Attleboro in 1903.

F. L. Shepardson & Company, manufacturing a general line of gold-filled goods, organized in 1875. Carl A. Hempel, for years with Cheever, Tweedy & Company, took charge of the business in 1909. 'The firm, employing about 30 hands at the Sommer Build-. ing, specializes in chains for men and women, brooches, hat pins, link buttons, scarfpins, lockets, bracelets, etc. ;

Jewelers' and Silversmiths' Codperative Refining Company was organized in 1907, comprising thirty-one of the prominent manufacturers in the Attleboros. The refinery, with its modern machinery and equipment, is located on Chestnut -street. It was through the skill and experience of D. J. Greenhalge that the plant was placed upon its present prosperous basis. The officers are: President, F. A. Howard; treasurer, J. A. Codding; superintendent and general manager, D. J. Greenhalge.

The firm of A. H. Bliss & Company, manufacturers of machine-made chains and other articles in gold, silver and rolled plate, was established in 1880 on Chestnut street. Anthony H. Bliss and his son, Frank H. Bliss, conduct the business.

Among the oldest chain manufacturers of the country is the corporation of the J. F. Sturdy's Sons Company, established 'in 1865. The house is prominent in the chain and bracelet production, and makes a specialty in optical goods. Fred E. Sturdy is president and treasurer, and H. K. Sturdy is vice-president.

Oldest among the manufacturers in this town is the firm of D. Evans & Company, established in 1805, and in business ever since. The firm was originally established under another title, Mr. Evans becoming proprietor in 1848. The business is the manufacture of uniform buttons, and during the Civil War millions of governmental buttons were made here. About the year 1916 the firm removed from the Falls to the Sommers Building. In 1913 Fred E. Burden, grandson of the original Mr. Evans, took charge of the business, which was)thoroughly reorganized, the entire system being modernized.

In 1891 J. F. and C. O. Mason began the manufacture of paper boxes under the name of Mason Box Company, when a few girls were employed to make boxes for the local jewelry trade. From a small shop the plant grew to a modern factory of 55,000 square feet of floor space, where jewelry boxes of every description are made.

The O. M. Draper Company, one of the best known chain houses in the United States, had its beginning in 1863, and the product for the first ten years of its existence was fire gilt chains, so-called, Mr. Draper being the pioneer in the successful manufacture of chains by this process. After Mr. Draper's death, on August 1, 1900, the business was conducted as an estate by his executors, E. E. Hale and A. M. Hale, until August, 1912, when all interests were purchased by the executors and incorporated as the O. M. Draper Company, with E. E. Hale president and treasurer, and A. M. Hale secretary.

V. H. Blackinton & Company is one of the largest and oldest concerns in this country in the making of society and military metal goods. They employ a large number of skilled workmen.