Holliston Town (part 2 of 2)

But in that year Colonel Ariel Bragg began the manufacture of shoes. " He commenced business with forty pounds of sole leather and four calf-skins, from which he made twenty-two jsairs of shoes, which he carried to Providence, R. I., in saddle-bags on horseback, with a bundle of hay behind him ; and having disposed of his goods for $21.60, returned and invested his gains in new stock. In 1800 and 1810 Hezekiah and Jonathan Bullard began business on a similar acale. In 1816 Deacon Timothy Eockwood began to manufacture goods and transport them to the Boston market in a horse-cart. In 1821 the names of Batchelder, Currier, Littlefield (who made fine shoes for ladies) and others were added to the list of manufacturers, all doing business upon small capital and transporting their goods and stock themselves in their one-horse wagons. It is said that Mr. W. S. Batchelder first endeavored to settle in Sherborn for this purpose, but was unable to purchase any land there for manufacturing uses, so much were the farmers opposed to new projects. He afterwards built up a large business in Holliston. A tannery at the West End and one at Chicken Brook, wiih currier's shops different places, furnished the leather. Shoe-pegs were not in general use and steam hardly used at all in manufactures.

As the business increased, one of the events of the day was the inauguration, in 1828, of a line of twohorse baggage-wagons from the neighboring town of Milford to Boston, passing through Holliston and making two trips a week. On the fir.st morning this new conveyance passed through the town, Mr. W. S. Batchelder and his workmen turned out to see it, and great was the outcry at the extravagance of Milford people, particularly of Chapin & Claflin, who owned the line ; and Mr. Batchelder cried out, " Milford is getting proud, and when I can't take my shoes to Boston in my own team, I'll give up the business." He afterwards changed his mind, however, for he lived to carry on a business so extensive that it required a one-horse team all the time merely to take his goods to the railroad station, which was but a short distance.

As time went on many other persons set up the manufacture of shoes and boots, and Holliston became quite well-known in this business. There were ten large shops and several smaller ones. In 1874 it furnished employment for about six hundred persons and turned out goods to the value of $1,000,000. Among them was Mr. John Batchelder, a brother of William S., who continued the manufacture even to the year 1889. He adopted and maintained a high standard and was distinguished for the excellence of his workmanship. No better boots than his were found in the market.

Hon. Alden Leland was, for many years in the business, and had during part of the time iis a partner, Mr, P. R. Johnson, who still carries on the manufacture in the town. Mr. Leland began to make shoes in 1831, and was iu active business for more than fifty years. He was also a prominent man in the aftairs of the town. Born in Chester, Vermont, Nov. 30, 1807, his father, Capt. Nathan Leland' moved to Holliston, when the son was an infant, and the latter spent the remainder of his life here, where most of his ancestors belonged. Growing himself with the growth of the town, his interests were identified with it, and he received all the honor.s and duties which his town and his county could induce him to accept. He held every office of note within the gift of the town, was Representative in the Legislatures of 1838, 1812, 1848 and 1852, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1853. He was State Senator in 1865 and 1866, and a member of the Governor's Council in 1875 and 1876. He was the first President of the Holliston Savings Bank, and at his death had been President of the National Bank for six or seven years. An active power in the town during its greatest prosperity, he did much to make that prosperity. He was a zealous member of the Congregational church, but iu religion as in politics, he recognized the honesty of others with different beliefs, and won the confidence of all. He was twice married, first to Anna Temple, and second to Rhoda A. Leland. He died in Holliston, Aug. 30, 1883, leaving a wife and three children.

In the year 1879, the " hard times " seriously affected this busines.s, and it began to decline. It has never recovered its former prosperity, and there are at present but five shops of much magnitude.

Although this has been the largest and most lucrative business, yet other branches of manufacture have flourished and have performed important service to the interests of the town. -

In 1814, when the shoe business was still in its infancy, and gave no sign of its future success, Hon. Elihu Cutler, filled with the desire to do something towards the improvement and progress of his native town, conceived the idea that manufactures might build it up, by bringing into the town more money and more people. He resolutely set about the work, gradually overcame the opposition to new enterprises, exhibited a plan of a milJ, and formed a company of his townsmen, who erected the first mill in Holliaton, in 1814, for manufacturing purposes. This was a thread mill, situated on Hogistow Brook, where W. L. Payson afterwards manulactured wood-work and bo.xe8, with power from a steam-engine as well as the brook. This gave the first impulse in the right direction. By good tact and persuasion, he succeeded in drawing more people into the town, bought land and sold house lots, and also houses which he had built, and gradually formed the nucleus of a village. He labored incessantly for the improvement of the town. One accession brought another, other manufactures were established, and as the shoe busines continued to improve, Mr. Cutler had the satisfaction during his own lifetime, of seeing the fruits of the labors which he had commenced.

Elihu Cutler was a son of Col. Simeon Cutler, whom we have mentioned as having served under Washington in the Revolution. He was born May 2j, 1771, in Holliston, attended the district-school during its short terms, and assisted his father on the farm and in the tavern which the latter kept. He learned the trade of a wheelwright. Notwithstanding his limited advantages, " his mind," says Morse, " natnrally strong and active, somehow acquired a good common education, and even mastered treatises on metaphysics. The information he acquired, and his ability to impart it, rendered his society attractive and profitable.

Mental culture, often acquired by tlie study of business as well as books, early marked his countenance, and gave dignity to his manners. These, coupled with a good measure ot common sense, rendered him the first young man in Holliston His first appearance in a public capacity was that of marshal oc the great and mournful occasion of the funeral of Washington. From about that time, for nearly forty years he was connected with the public measuras and transactions of Holliston ; and if not the projector of all, what one, it might be asked, was ever brought to an advantageous conclusion without him? No portion of the influence he exerted, or of the good he accomplished, is to be measured by the oflices he filled.'' He was appointed a magistrate early in this century ; was chosen a member of the convention to amend the State constitution in 1820, a reprepresentative from Holliston in 1827-28, and subsequently a State Senator, being the first man sent to the senate from this town, as his son Elihu was the second. He was also an active man in the aflairs of the parish, and helped most efficiently to reconcile discordant views at a critical time. He died .Tune 9, 1857, at the age of eighty-six, full of years and of honors.

The mill site of Mr. Cutler was afterwards occupied by Randall Travis, tanner and currier, by Hamlet Barber ami hut her Cellow.s, by Samuel and W. L. Payson, then by W. L. Paysou alone, and then by Payson & Cutler.

The manufacture of straw goods was commenced in 1815 by Charles and George Leland. It was afterwards conducted by Jlr. Thayer, and then by Lewis Slocum, who, in 1861 improved and increased the business. He was followed by Slocum & Thompson ; Thompson & Mowry ; Mowry, Rogers & Co., ; and since 1882 by D. C. Mowry & Co., the present firm, who do a very large business. The factory now in use was erected in 18(32, but several additions have since been made, so that it covers an area of seven thousand square feet, and contains five floors, there being also a one-story and basement ell. There are steam boilers and two steam-engines, and the works are equipped throughout with the most improved facilities for the manufacture of men's, boys' and children's straw hats of every description. The trimmings are imported from France and Germany, and the braid from China and Japan, where it can be manufactured more cheaply than in this country. Two hundred hands are employed during the busy season, under careful and complete supervision. The amountof sales is from $160,000 to $200,000 per annum. Some idea of the magnitude and variety of the business may be formed from the fact that two thousand sample hats are made every season, which is ten times the number formerly provided.

The manufacture of coach lace was commenced by Prescott Littlefield, about 1827, and was continued for some eight years. He employed eight or ten hands, mostly girls, and the weaving was done by hand-power. After the death of Mr." Littlefield the business was discontinued, and the place passed into other hands. A portion of the building was used for a shoe-shop, and was soon burned. It was the first shop burned in Holliston ; and being one of the earliest fires of the town, it allowed the new fire company to display their engine in action. This may be remembered by some as the old crank machine, " Waterwitch," kept at Metcalf's station for many years. The origin of this, as of so many later fires in the town, was shrouded in uncertainty. For the purpose of saving property the windows and doors were removed at an early stage of the fire.

Earlier in the century, and perhaps before 1800, James Stone, a son of landlord John Stone, and grandson of the first minister, established a ploughfactory, employing seven or eight men, near School and Washington Streets.

About and after 1828 a trip-hammer forge and auger-factory, saw-mill and other shops occupied the site of the present blanket-mills. There was also, at one time, a cotton -factory there, as before noted.

In 1834 a comb-factory was built on Jar Brook. The hard times of 1837 caused a suspension of work for a season, after which it was again in operation until it was burned, about January, 18G0. When at the height of business the annual sales amounted to about $100,000. Houghton & Joslyn and Houghton & Daniels were the proprietors.

lu 1866, Messrs. Stetson and Talbot commenced in the same place the manufacture of shoe nails, and shoe and upholstery tacks. They are made of iron, zinc and copper. About twenty-two persons are now employed in this establishment, and in the year 1889 more than one and a quarter million pounds of manufactured goods were turned out, a specialty being made of nails for heeling-machines. The motive-power is the water of Jar Brook and a steam-engine, which run a plant of improved machinery. The building consists of a main shop, forty by one hundred and sixty feet, having an ell fifty by sixty feet in size.

Copper pumps were first made in 1837, by Houghton & Joslyn. At first two or three hundred were made in a year ; but the business has steadily incrt-ased, owing to the excellence of the goods and the enterprise of the present managers, until during some ye.ars from three to four thousand were made annually; and the reputation of the pumps is such as to create a demand for them in foreign countries as well as at home. Since 1851, the business has been conducted by S. Wilder & Co., and the same firm-name has been retained since the death of Mr. Sidney Wilder in 1888, although conducted by Chas. and Geo. Wilder. They manufacture both common and force pumps, cistern and air-chamber pumps ; and although the introduction of water-works in many towns has modified the call for pumps to some extent, they are still a staple article and must continue to be so. The members of the firm are skillful practical workmen and give their personal attention to the business. None but the best materials are used.

The manufacture of knit goods was begun in 1874, by George B. Fiske. One machine was employed at first, but the number has gradually increased until twenty hands or more were furnished with work, and in some years the sales have amounted to twenty thousand dollars. The goods find a ready sale and comprise a variety of useful articles of clothing. The business became well established among the manufacturing enterprises of the town. Of late it lias been conducted by the "Mt. Hollis Manufacturing Co.," who now confine themselves chiefly to the production of knitted shirts.

The corporation known as The Holliston Mills was formed November 14, 1881, for the manufacture of blankets of different grades, some of a high quality being made. It continued for some years, but, owing to changes in the trade in those goods, ceased operation February 1, 1888. In December, 1889, it came into the possession of Edward Clark.

In 1880, Samuel Whiting commenced the manufacture of chairs and packing-boxes, and prosecuted a considerable business for several years. He employed improved machinery, driven by a steam-engine, had from five to fifteen men and furnished goods of a high quality. He is now succeeded by Elias Hunter, who makes boxes only.

I commenced business here March 7, 1890. They man- 1 ufacture all kinds and grades of harness and sell at I wholesale only. They employed eighteen persons at first, but have forty now. John Hughes is the manager.

Holliston has had the misfortune to be frequently invaded by fires. The most extensive of all was " the great fire," which occurred May 26, 1875. Says Walker: " Wiihin three hours from the time when the alarm was first given twenty-two buildings were burned, all but one of which were completely destroyed. Among these were the hotel, a large livery stable, a block of stores, two other stores and several dwelling-houses. A large space in the centre of the village was left bare of buildings ; but the enterprise of the people has rebuilt where the ruins were, and the general appearance is greatly improved. Statistics issued by the State Insurance Commissioners show, however, that this town has no more fires than the average of towns of the same population. The town has approved "steam fire-engines and a hydrant engine.

" For the extinguishment of fires and for domestic and other purposes," the Holliston Water Company was incorporated in the year 1884, for the supply of pure water to the inhabitants of the town. The charter was renewed in 1887, and the company is now busily at work, in 1890, with the expectation of introducing the water before the close of the year. The water is obtained from springs in an immense well excavated for the purpose, in East Holliston. The overflow will be collected in an artificial lake, and a stand-pipe on Mt. Hollis will give the desired " head" to the water. Mr. John D. Shippee is the manager, and he is energetically prosecuting the work. The work of laying the pipes for conveying the water to the stand-pipe was commenced early in September, 1890. Mr. Z. Talbot has been the treasurer of the company from the beginning, in 1884.

Some twenty-five or thirty years ago efforts were commenced to improve the quality of the fruit of the cranberry vine and to increase its productiveness. It was naturally supposed that, as other fruits had been made better by cultivation, this crop might also be improved. With this end in view, Mr. Laurin Leland, in 1854, began the work of planting the vines in a meadow suitably prepared to furnish the cranberry with its natural food. In some cases this was done by paring the meadow and then covering it with a thick layer of sand; in other cases by merely spreading the sand on the natural meadow. Large crops of fruit of finer quality were thus obtained. Mr. Ezra Leland was afterwards associated with him in this work.

In 1860 Deacon George Batchelder commenced by planting one hundred square rods of meadow with the vines. This he gradually increased until eight acres or more were cultivated. These berries are not only larger in size, but they are harder and of darker color than the native fruit, and are more highly prized in the market. H. B. Tibbetts succeeded George Hatchelder, and has done even a better business. A. B. Tibbetts started a meadow of his own in 1890.

Nothing appears in the town records concerning the War of 1812; but it is evident that some men from this town .served as soldiers at that time, because inscriptions to that effect are found on grave-stones in the buryinp-ground.s, and one soldier of that war, Luther Green, was living in the town only a few years since. The records at the State-House would doubtless furnish the list of names.

No other events of importance occurred in the civil history of the town for many years, e.\cept those already mentioned under their appropriate headings.

In the year 1S47, greatly increased accommodations for traveling were furnished by the Boston and Worcester Railroad Company. On July 4th of that year the first trip was made over the Milford Branch of that road, as far as Holliston Centre. The deep cut through Phipps' Hill was made with difficulty and occupied a long time, so that it was not until November, 184.'^, that the train went through to Milford. " This railroad has been of great advantage to the industrial interests of Holliston, and has had a profitable business in the transportation of passengers and freight." The greater part of that section of the village lying beyond the railroad has been built up since the introduction of these facilities. For a long time the people of the town have desired an early train to South Framingham, but could not induce the company to furnish it. But at length, through persistent etforts, they succeeded in July, 1890, in obtaining it. This train leaves Milford at (i..30 a.m., and returns at 6.12 p.m., thus accommodating many persons who wish to commence their daily work at 7 o'clock and others who desire to take early trains to Boston and other points, (ireat .satisfaction is felt at the accomplishment of this long-sought object.

It is le.ss than forty years since banking facilities were conveniently furnished to the citizens of the town. During all the previous time that business was done by thebanksof Dcdham, Wrentham and Framingham, "cau.sing,'' says an old resident, " many a wintry trip to those distant towns." Some private banking was done by inhabitants on farms near by, " where one worth $10,000 was a nabob, and if worth .$ l.'),000, a bloated aristocrat."

But in 1854 the Holliston Bank wjus fo.medand incorporated with a capital of $100,000, and it has furnished accommodations to this and neighboring towns. Its first president was William S. Batchelder and its cashier, Rufus F. Brewer. The latter served for several years, when he was succeeded by Thomas E. Andrews, who occupied the posi'ion until July 16, 1883, since which time John H. Andrews has filled the office of cashier. Mr. Brewer died in Philadelphia in 1888. Mr. Batchelder served as president until his death, in 1876, when Hon. Alden Lelaud was elected to that station, which he occupied also during the remainder of his life. He was succeeded by Sidney Wilder in 1883, and by John M. Batchelder in 1890. The bank was reorganized as a National bank January 23, 1865, and in April of the same year the capital was increased to .i!150,000. By careful management a handsome surplus has been created, amounting to about $30,000.

The bank has from the first been closely identified with the developement of this particular community, home interests having guided its policy to a great extent, and home enterprises of genuine merit having received its hearty and valuable co-operation. It occupies its own brick banking-house on Washington Street, built in 1872, and furnished with the most approved modern appliances for convenience and safety.

The Holliston Savings Bank was incorporated in 1872, and is an institution of great value to the town. Its office is in the National bank building, and it has had but one treasurer, Orrin Thomson, Esq. Hon. Alden Leland was the first president, and was succeeded by Seth Thayer and 1). C. Mowry, who now occupies that chair. The amount of deposits from the beginning is about $1,500,000.

Several old cemeteries are found in HollLston, and they were established at different periods, according to the locations of the inhabitants and their requirements for burial-places. The oldest is the Central Cemetery, near the first church and the town-house, where several of the early ministers are interred. There is also quite an old cemetery at the north part of the town, one inthe western portion, two at Braggville, andoneat East Holliston. Glenmount Cemetery was laid out some years since inthe eastern quarter of the town, but is not at all used at present. Although some of these cemeteries are not without rural attractions, yet most of them are limited in space and belong to the old order of burying-grounds. In a cultivated community like this there was therefore a natural desire for a more extensive location, and one which should be capable of more ornamentation. And accordingly a plot was selected on the banks of Lake Winthrop, containing thirty acres. It contains a grove, which, with the water-view of the lake audits islands, forms a diversified and beautiful si>ot for the interment of the dead, and one which is attractive and pleasant to the minds of the living. It was incorporated in 1859 as Lake Grove Cemetery, and was consecrated June 1, 1860, Rev. J. C. Bodwell, of Framingham, delivering an eloquent address, and Rev. Dr. Tucker the consecrating prayer. It contains more than three hundred burial lots, many of which are tastefully adorned, and there are several hundred not yet laid out. Beautiful monuments have been erected near the graves, and the entire enclosure is an honor to the town. It has always, since its opening, continued to be a favorite place for interment, and

We now approach a period filled with events of the most momentous character for this town, as well as i'or all the towns in the State - a period when men were turned from the peaceful occujjations of life to the trying and hazardous career of war. The inhabitants of the town were forced to change the whole current of their lives, and many of them to adopt, in the emergency which arose, duties to which they had been wholly unaccustomed, and modes of living diametrically opposite to those in which their previous life had been passed. A long and bloody civil war, the hardest and most severe of all wars, was upon us, and a contest for the very existence of the Union was waged for four long and terrible years. The part which the citizens of this town took in that struggle is so well described by Rev. George F. Walker, in his historical article, that I cannot do better than to quote it. He writes, " When, on the morning of April 12, 1861, the first gun of the Civil War was fired against Fort Sumter, and its echoes stirred the patriotism of the entire North, the people of HoUistou were ready, as worthy sons of Revolutionary sires, to take their full share of the burdons of the war. On the 15th of Aiiril, President Lincoln, by proclamation, called for seventy-five thousand volunteers, and on the 29th the town took measures for the raising of a military company, and it was soon ready to march, when ordered to join the Federal forces. To help those who were willing to enlist, and to relieve them of anxiety respecting the support of their families, who were to be left at home, the town voted, September 30th, to pay one dollar a month to the wife of any soldier enlisted from this town, and fifty cents per month for each child, in addition to the aid received from the State. It was also provided by vote, the next year, that the families of the nine months' men be paid the same as the others.

" In the spring of 1862, when the National Capital was threatened by the approach of the Confederate troops, and the Governors of the loyal States were issuing their proclamations for men to go to its aid, the anxiety of the inhabitants of Holliston was so great that a messenger was dispatched on horseback to Boston, to ascertain whether the Capital was taken or not. The messenger returned, riding into town just as the public services in the churches were concluded, and when he announced that the Capital was yet safe, cheer upon cheer rang out upon the still air of that quiet, beautiful Sunday afternoon, attesting the happiness with which the good news had filled the hearts of the people.

" It was voted July 22, 1863, unanimously, 'That the families of citizens of Holliston, whether alien or otherwise, who serve in the United States Army, either as drafted men or substitutes for drafted men, shall receive the same aid from the town treasury as has been paid to the families of volunteers;' also, ' To continue the same aid to the families of those who have fallen in the service of their country, as they have heretofore received from the selectmen, until March 1st next, unless their pensions are sooner received.' June 20, 1864, it was voted 'that the Town- Treasurer be hereby authorized to pay each volunteer or drafted man a sum not exceeding $125, whenever such volunteer or drafted man shall be called for to fill the quota of Holliston;' also, 'voted that the town appropriate the sum of $3000 to pay soldiers enlisted under the last call for troops, dated Blarch 14, 1864.' Another vote was passed the same day, viz.: 'To choose a committee of five to make provision for a suitable reception of the returned soldiers belonging to Holliston.' June 18, 1866, the selectmen were instructed, by vote of the town, ' to pay all volunteers who re-enlisted in the field for thecredit of Holliston, who have never received a bounty, one hundred and twenty-five dollars, and to those who have received only a partial bounty, the balance sufficient to make that sum.'

''The whole number of soldiers from Holliston, counting both enlistments and re-enlistinents, who served in the Federal Army during the Civil War, was three hundred and fifty four. Of these, sixty-six were natives of the town ; and the names of fiftythree are upon the soldiers' monument as having lost their lives. Nine were captured and confined in Confederate prisons, of which number five died. While the war was in progress, the people at home did not forget those who were in the field, and after some of the great battles committees were sent to the front to care for the well-being and comfort of the wounded.

" Just before the war commenced, Sewell H. Fisk, from Holliston, was driven out of Savannah, Georgia, with indignity, because he was from the North. He enlisted in Co. B, and went back with the army and died in the United States Hospital at Newark, N. J. Another soldier, Simon C. Marston, being left alone on guard at Brandy Station, saved the books of the Holliston Company from the rebels, who came up suddenly, by strapping them in haste upon his back and leaving with them."

This company was Company B, of the Sixteenth Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry, whose first colonel was the lamented Powell T. Wyman, of Boston, once a schoolmate of the writer of this article. He was killed in action at the battle of Glendale, Va., June 30, 1862, before he had been a year in service. This regiment was also called the Middlesex County Regiment. Co. B was organized in Holliston, and its first oflScers were James M. Mason, captain ; William A. Amory, first lieutenant; and Cassander F. Flagg, second lieutenant.

In 1866 the town approjiriated $3000 for the purchase and erection of a soldiers' monument. It is a square, granite monument and stands in the southeast corner of the Central Cemetery, where it can plainly be seen from the main street. It consists of a base, ornamenled pedestal and shaft. On the front side of the pedestal a flag is sculptured in relief, and on the opposite face is a shield with the following instriptiou in small capitals:

On the sides of the shaft are carved the names of the soldiers of Uolliston who lost their lives in the defence of their country. Those names are: M. Vose,

G. Holbrook, G. J. Walker, W. H. Goodwin, E. G. Whiting and W. B. Jennesson, fifty-three in all. There is also the record of the battles in which the soldiers from this town were engaged, viz: Gettysburg, Ijocust, Grove, Wilderness, Spoltsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Cedar Grove, Petersburg, Andersonvillc, Richmond, Bull Run, Fair Oaks, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Chantilly, Newbern, Manassas, Fredericksburg, -Antietarn and Chancellorsville, twenty in number. \n honorable record for the men of Holliston.

In connection with this subject, we may appropriately consider the (irand .Vrmy of the Republic, an outcome of the Civil War. The credit of originating the idea and plan of this organization is due to Dr.

B. F. Stei)lien8on, surgeon of the Fourteenth Illinois Regiment. In 1866 he conferred with (Chaplain Rutledge, explained to him the design he had conceived, and together they drew up a list of by-laws, and April 6, 1866, they founded Post No. 1 of the State of Illinois. The order rapidly increased and spread over the country, and still continues to flourish. There are between seven and eight thousand posts at the present lime, with a membership in August, 1890, of 4.')5,.510. National encampments are held annually; that for 18!»0 assembling in Boston, where a whole week was given to meetings and festivities, and great enthusiasm prevailed among the thousands who were present from all parts of the country, and many even from the Southern States.

10, 1867, at Holliston. A member ' of this Post writes, "Among the institutions of Holliston which are widely usehil. Post, 6, G. A. R., deserves a prominent place. Its charities have been extensive, and its composition being such as to remove it both from the field of politics and sectarianism, it has been able to reach in an unobtrusive way many a sufferer and has brought comparative comfort to many a poor, but deserving family. Its disbursements, since its organization, have amounted to nearly $7000 ($12,000 in 1890). It has had a varying history. It has been burned out three times, but each time has arisen with its membership more firmly united, and with a stronger desire to fulfill the high purpose to which it is most sincerely consecrated.

"The relief committee of the Po.st has worked in entire sympathy with the town authorities, and has been an important auxiliary in the work of finding out the needy and honestly paying the amounts voted year by year by the town. It is named the Powell T. Wyman Post, in affectionate remembrance of the first commander of the Sixteenth Regiment. It has for some years occupied a building on Green Street, owned by itself, and well deserves the respect which it enjoys in the community."

In 1890 this building was removed to Exchange Street, and was greatly enlarged and improved. The number of comrades in 1890 was fifty-two, and the Commander was D. F. Travis ; I. H. Carpenter, Senior Vice; O. L. Cutting, Junior Vice; J. N. Fisk, Adjutant; and I. M. Hart, Quartermaster.

Several years after the foundation of the G. A. R., a new order called the Sons of Veterans, was instituted. It is composed of the sons of soldiers who served in the late war and received honorable discharge therefrom. The associations are called Camps, and Camp R. A. Bridges, (so called from late ofl^cer of Company B, and Captain of Company E, Sixteenth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer.s), No. 63, of Massachusetts, was organized May 5, 1865. The ca|itain in 1890, was N. E. Bridges, and the number of members thirty-four. This Camp is armed.

The Women's Relief Corps, formed in 1881, is an auxiliary to the G. A. R., and assists the widows and children of soldiers, by supplies of clothingand materials. It is also a general assistant to the Grand Army, in its work of benevolence. In 1890, Mrs. Z. Talbot is President, and Mrs. Lewis Bullard, Secretary.

Several societies for social and benevolent purposes exist in Holliston. The Mt. Hollis Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was chartered in 1865, or, according to their usage, February 14, A. M. 5865. The number of members at present is about eighty; the lodge continues to prosper, and holds monthly meetings in Masonic Hall. The Worshipful Master in 1890 is H. C. Kingman.

A lodge of the Sons of Temperance was formed liere many years since. It was re-organized in December, 1889, and now has about twenty members, riie Worthy Patriarch is Albert E. Pbipps.

Societies for the promotion of temperance have for :i long time been present in HoUiston, the first one having been organized as early as 1827. In 187G the lause received a fresh impulse, and three societies were working in this direction, xit the present time the etibrts in this moral reform are conducted by societies auxiliary to the religious societies of the town, l)y the Sons of Temperance and by the Reform Club and its auxiliary, the Women's Christian Temperance Union, No. 15.

A lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows exisied in the town some years, and many members of tliat order reside here at present. Are-organization or a new organization is contemplated in the near future.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is a social and charitable society for the mutual aid of its members. There is a National, State and county organization, and each of them meets semi-annually. In this State there are from ten thousand to twelve thousand members, and in Middlesex County about thirty-eight hundred members. M. F. Coughlin, of Holliston, is the county delegate. The society in this town. Division No. 24, was chartered July 19, 1870, with twenty members. It holds meetings every Monday night in A. O. H. Hall, Forbes' Block, and has the're a reading-room and billiard hall for the purpose of interesting its members. It always has from S500 to $1000 deposited in the bank, from which to draw its requisitiona for aid. The president in 1890 is C. F. Driscoll, and the secretary, John H. Coughlin, and the membership has increased to fifty.

A lodge of the Knights of Honor (No. 647) was organized in Holliston June 5, 1877. It is a society for mutual benefit, and meets on the first Friday of each month in Masonic Hall. The number of members was fifty in 1880 ; it has now increased to eightytwo. William H. Smart is the Dictator in 1890.

February 18, 1884, Grange No. 115 of the Patrons of Husbandry was founded. It has attracted to its member^hip not only farmers and their families, but many others who are interested in its objects. It is a social order for the mutual improvement of its members and the advancement of the interests of agriculture and horticulture, and persons of both sexes are admitted. It has proved to be a desirable organization, and has developed much latent talent among its members. Its meetings are held twice in each month, and in the fall season it holds an annual fair. The number of members in 1890 was one hundred and forty, and the Worthy Master was J. B. Parkin.

July 4, 1876, the citizens celebrated the centennial anniversary of the independence of the nation in a highly appropriate and enthusiatic manner. Various committees were chosen, who made full preparations