Hopedale Town

By Adin Ballou

A NEW and bright little star in the constellation of Massachusetts townships. It was created by act of the Legislature, which received the consummating approval of the Governor April 7, 1886. It has an interesting history, and an auspicious future, as will be seen ia the facts of the following explicit compendium :

Territorial Situation, Dimensions and To POGRAPHY. - It is situated in the southeasterly section of the county, at about 42° 8' N. latitude, and 71° 9' W. longitude from Greenwich. It is bounded northerly by Upton, easterly by Milford and Bellingham, and southerly and westerly by Mendon. It contains three thousand five hundred and forty-seven acres, or a little over five and a half square miles. Its length is somewhat less than five miles, and its mean width hardly one mile and a quarter. Yet five cities and seventeen towns in the State have a smaller area. It is traversed through its whole length by a goodly little stream called Mill River, lies chiefly in the valley of that river, is skirted by high lands east and west, and includes the southern declivity of old Magomiscock Hill. Otherwise its surface is comparatively level, with a gneissic soil of moderate natural fertility and feasible culture. It has little native wealth except its water-power, which has long been turned to good account. It has no mineral ores, and little clay, peat or quarrying stone. Yet its soil, with proper cultivation, yields fair crops of grass, grains and fruits. Its woodlands, too, though not superior, are tolerably productive. Its population at present is predominantly composed of manufacturers, artisans, traders and concomitant subsidiaries.

Early History. - This slice of territory was included in the famous " Eight miles Square," deeded by several Nipmuck Indian sachems April 22, a.d. 1662, to Moses Payne and Peter Brackett, as representative agents of the then Quinshipaug Plantation, afterward incorporated. May 15, 1667, as the town of Mendon. (For particulars see " Histories of Mendon and Milford.")

Settlements began to be made here at an early date after the incorporation of Mendon. The very first mark of civilization within our limits was made by an eminent patron of the Quinshipaug Plantation, incipient Mendon, Benjamin Alby (Albee). Under a special contract with the plantation authorities, made in 1664, he erected a " Corn Mill " (so-called) on our Mill River, - the eai-liest water-power established for grain-grinding west of Medfield in all this region. It was located on what is now the Lewis B. Gaskill place, in the southwest cornerof our new town, just north of Mendon line, where the remains of the ancient dam are still extant. It was then deemed an important enterprise, and a great convenience to the increasing population of the general neighborhood. Albee contracted to maintain his "Corn Mill" permanently, and received several grants of land near the mill-site as a consideration for ils public advantage?. But he chose his house-lot a little southwesterly of his mill, in what is still Mendon territory, near the present residence of Willis Gould. His mill and dwelling-house are understood to have been burnt by King Philip's warriors, when the original Mendon Village was laid in ashes during the winter of 1675.

The earliest actual settler within our borders was John Sprague. In 1670 he bought of John Bartlett, an original Mendon proprietor, his right to a twentyacre house- lot in the near vicinity of Albee's cornmill, westward in our now extreme southwesterly corner. It included what has long been known as the Wing Kelley place. There he built himself a domicile soon after King Philip's War. He passed away, and was succeeded by his son William, and perhaps by a later descendant. Possibly Matthias Puffer, successor to Benjamin Albee in the ownership of the corn-mill, built a rude dwelling-house on his premises. We have no reliable evidence that any other settlements were made on our territory until the year 1700. During that year two distinguished settlers planted themselves homes on lands now included in the site of Hopedale Village. These were Seth Chapin, Esq., and Elder John Jones. Their children and posterity were long conspicuous inhabitants of this neighborhood. The limits assigned to this sub-history do not allow the writer to go into many of the interesting particulars, which may be found in his exhaustive "History of Milford." If our inquisitive readers will consult that work, they will find that the early settlers of our present town . territory, their ott'spring and successors, have been a somewhat remarkably intelligent, enterprising and influential people, especially the leading families.

To verify this let them read what is said in several chapters, and in the "Genealogical Register," concerning the Albees, Chapins, Corbetts, Greenes, Haywards, Joneses, Nelsons, Pennimans, Warfields, Wheelocks, Whites and others of various note and date. They will then be satisfied that our present population have little reason to be ashamed, either of their predecessors or themselves. In the long struggles which resulted first in making Milford a precinct, December 23, 1741, and finally a town April 11, 1780, the inhabitants of now Hopedale were prominent, persistent and influential actors. The First Church (Congregational) of Milford originated chiefly with tlie.«e inhabitants, led by Elder John Jones and his neighbors. It was formed in his dwelling-house. In that house it was organized and ecclesiastically sanctioned April 15, 1741. Many of its regular Sabbath meetings were held there, pending the erection of its first meeting-house ; and there the council convened, which ordained its first pastor, Rev. Amariah Frost, December 21, 1743. In secular affairs the influence of our antecedent citizens was at one period predominant. Samuel Penniman, Esq., at what is called South Milford, now a part of Hopedale, became a manufacturer of woolen and cotton goods, not far froai 1810, at an establishment just on the edge of Bellingham, where Charles River leaves our town. He was a man of sterling business talent and enterprise. Whether he had co-partners in the manufacture of cloth the writer was never definitely informed, but deems it probable. A little later he embarked actively in the straw goods trade, which he carried on in connection with a large grocery and dry-goods store. He did an immense business for a country merchant of those days, commanded custom throughout an area many miles in diameter, and was very popular. He employel hundreds, perhaps thousands, of straw braiders, and supplied their domestic wants out of his ample store. The then famous thoroughfare, the " Ninth Massachusetts Turnpike," so-called, had been recently opened, aud passed close by his premises, affording quite unprecedented facilities for communication with comparatively distant marts. This brought another great public convenience, a post-office. This was Milfbrd's first mail depot. It was es^tablished March 7, 1814, and Major Penniman was appointed postmaster. Milford Centre had no post-ofiice till February 10, 1823. Samuel Penniman, Esq., died, much lamented, in the prime of life, December 22, 1817. He was succeeded in business by Samuel Leeds and one of his own surviving sons. Mr. Leeds was a man of ability and executive enterprise, but after a few years the prosperity of the establishment declined, and never afterward returned to its climax. Other minor cases of business development within our now municipal limits might be mentioned with respect, but were not of sufficient importance to occupy space, until we reach the movement which evolved

The Hopedale Community. - This was of commanding importance, for without it there is no probability there would ever have existed the beautiful village of Hopedale, or the flourishing and promising town that bears that melodious name. The writer happens to be fully cognizant of all the facts which enable him to state the exact truth concerning this matter; for he was the leading originator, projector, legislator and director of that community movement. It was not designed or expected by him that Hopedale should ever become an incorporated body p')l!tic under any human government, however otherwise good, which requires its subjects, at its behest, to slaughter human beings in war, or to train for that purpose in armies, navies and militias, or to inflict death on criminals, or to resort to deadly force against offenders, or, under any pretext whatsoever, to do unto any class of mankind what they would not have done unto themselves, or to violate in any respect the plain precepts and examples of Jesus Christ. It was strictly a practical Christian movement, conscientiou-ily and unselfishly regardful of individual, social and the universal welfare. Yet, while it transcended the semi-barbarism of existing human governmentalism, and threw off' the trammels of its unchristian requirements, it did not deny its usefulness under the overrulings of Divine Providence, nor depreciate any of the good which it conserves, nor countenance any form of opposition by physical violence even to its greatest wrongs and evils.

There was not a particle of red revolutionism in it nor of compulsory political socialism. It was thoroughly pledged against everything of this nature. Yet its noble design ultimately failed, and its sublime expectations were drowned in the dark waters of disappointment. But it accomplished something - so much, indeed, that, as has already been said, it laid a foundation without which the present town would probably never have come into existence. What it did accomplish and why it failed will now be told as briefly as the nature of the case fairly admits.

Its chief originator and his associates were Independent Restorationists in theology and moral reformers - believers in the fatherhood of God, the brotherhood of man, and the religion of Jesus Christ, as He taught and exemplified it, according to the Scriptures of the New Testament. And they became seized with a deeply religious and rational ambition to carry their faith logically into practice, socially as well as individually. Their premises and conclusions were invulnerable to just criticism. They were all tee-total temperance people, thorough abolitionists of the nonpolitical type, sincere believers in the co-equal rights of the sexes and devoted Christian non-resistants, eschewing all forms of deadly and harmful force against human beings, even the worst. They ardently desired to commence an order of society and civilization on this basis, wherein systematic practice should not persistently contradict and nullify gospel theory, but concordantly exemplify it.

They drew their inspiration and convictions of duty from such divine lessons and injunctions as the following : " Blessed are the meek ; for they shall inherit the earth." " Blessed are the merciful ; for they shall obtain mercy." "Blessed are the peacemakers ; for they shall be called the children of God," " All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." " Ye have heard that it halh been said. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you. That ye resist not evil" thus with evil. " Ye have heard that it hath been said. Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you ; that ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven ; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." " My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews." " Put up again thy sword into his place ; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them ; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so ; hut he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he that is chief as he that doth serve." " Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister." "Ye call me Master and Lord ; and ye say well ; for so I am." " I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." " Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say ? "

We pondered these and kindred testimonies, and looked over Christendom to find in what empire, kingdom or republic thereof, such principles of truth and righteousness prevailed. We surveyed the nominal church throughout its manifold contending divisions, and found all the popular sects, and even most of the unpopular ones, completely wedded to the worldly governments under which they lived, either in formal union with the state or as subservient cogoverning constituents, pledged to abide by and carry out the will of the constitutional majority. We heard much of Christian patriotism. Christian politics, Christian soldiers and Christian civilizatian, but saw comparatively little of the pure Christianity taught and exemplified by Jesus Christ, so plainly set forth in the above-quoted Scriptures. We, therefore, resolved on attempting to institute a community more accordant with Christ's clearly indicated ideal.

It was a presumptuous undertaking. We were few in numbers, crude in our Christian attainments, poor in pecuniary resources, inexperienced in social construction and confronted by formidable obstacles. Faith and conscientious zeal constituted our chief capital. A declaration of principles, embodying all that was deemed essential to an ethical and religious covenant, was matured, together with a carefully elaborated general constitution. These were discussed, considered and finally subscribed by about thirty persons, convened in Mendon, Mass., near the end of January, 1841. And there, on the 28th of that month, we formed and organized what was styled "Fraternal Community, No. 1," afterward entitled " The Hopedale Community." In the course of 1841 we purchased the "Jones' Farm," so called, alias "The Dale," in Milford. This locality was christened Hopedale - the word Mope being prefixed to Dale, as significant of our high anticipations of a social future. The community commenced practical operations immediately after April 1, 1842, with a joint stock capital of less than four thousand dollars, on a worn-out farm of some two hundred and fifty-eight acres, in a single, time-shattered mansion, nearly one hundred and twenty years old, with a few rickety outbuildings. There was no shop, mill or mill-dam on the premises. The little river gurgled lawlessly down a stony fall of some twenty-six feet from an almost worthless swale at the north into a kindred one at the south, yielding only a few desirable fish. The ingress and egress were by roads of the cheapest kind.

The new-comers had to start with a very scanty outfit of everything necessary to their progress. The first settlers comprised seven or eight familie.i, numbering about thirty persons, men, women and children, all housed in their old domicile. From this humble beginning the community gradually increased in numbers and resources, amid innumerable difficulties, for nearly fourteen years, when they could muster a regular membership of one hundred, and an aggregate of three hundred souls - dwelling in fifty houses, on a domain of more than five hundred acres, with a respectable array of homely, but serviceable mills, shops and conveniences. We had also a school-house, chapel and a library of several hundred volumes. We had a handsome village site with good streets, where rough places had been made smooth, and crooked things straight. And our total capital had risen to over ninety thousand dollars.

How this culmination was reached, step by step, it would require a considerable volume to narrate, and it would be a book worth reading. The writer, over ten years ago, prepared such a volume for the press, and it will one day be published; but, for the present, a few outlines must sufiice.

We had in our membership, first and last, farmers, gardeners, a variety of mechauics, seven or eight ordained ministers of the gospel, one experienced and skillful physician, several competent educators in the useful branches, and altogether a commonsense, intelligent community. We have been repeatedly pilloried by eloquent orators, who happened to know very little about us, as vmonary dreamers, deluded fanatics, idlers and incompetent financial economists, who needed a strong master to save us from our imbecility. But, whatever our other faults and weaknesses, they were not of the kind charged or insinuated by these gracious orators. We were only such dreamers and visionaries as Jesus Christ and his apostles plainly taught us to be, honestly endeavoring to carry into practice their precepts, instead of honoring them with our lips, whilst all the time systematically conspiring with the world to nullify and setthem. at naught. Never was so much brick made with so little clay and straw. There was not an idler, spend-thrift or lavish consumer among us. All worked and saved. There were no time-killing, dawdling gentlemen or ladies daintily shirking manual drudgery. The leader and his wife were in the front rank of hard toilers, not merely with head and heart, by night and day, but with begrim(d hands in the dingiest places of necessary duty. No one expended a mill for intoxicating beverages Even tobacco, though not expressly prohibited, was voluntarily laid aside. Only a single elderly member adhered to its customary use, and he with regret, after many severe struggles to overcome a long-confirmed habit. Others triumphed over it by persisteut willpower.

One venerable widow, at the age of seventy, bravely renounced her cherished snuff-box, and consecrated her savings to the common cause. We spent nothing on war, its preparations or glorifications; nothing on politics or its collaterals; nothing on litigation, but settled all controversies with our neighbors by amicable conference or arbitration ; nothing on police officers, constables, sheriffs or criminal prosecutions. At an early stage of our community a theft was committed on our poultry and potato field by some outlandish fellows. We bore it in silence, and waited further developments. We kept not even a dog to protect our property. No depredations were repeated, and not long subsequently word reached us, in a roundabout way, that the ringleader of our marauders was sorry, and said, if he had known what sort of people we were, not a thing should have been touched. They came no more. This was probably as well for us and him as the popular penal reliances.

But it must not be inferred that our chief concern was to make and save money for our own comfort and aggrandizement, apart from the welfare of outside humanity. The very reverse was true. We were an earnestly religious people, not on the ground of escaping the merciless vengeance of God after death, and securing a future endless heaven, but on the ground of escaping the dreadful evils of sin, both in thi-s world and the future, and securing to ourselves and others the blessedness of the heavenly kingdom on earth as well as in the immortal world. We therefore sustained regular religious meetings twice or more on the Sabbath, and once or more during the intervening week, besides quarterly and general convocations in the regions round about. We had our weekly conference meetings, our young people's gathering on Monday evenings, our inductive communion meetings, our monthly meetings for discipline, etc. These and others, besides our Sunday-school. And all these were live meetings, dealing freely with a vast variety of topics by free discussion, and by practical training of old and young for the every-day duties of life. Many of them are remembered by their now scattered participants with reverent appreciation. Meantime, we sent out missionary preachers and lecturers very actively. All this cost time, effort and money. In furtherance of our objects we needed to publish a semi-monthly periodical organ ; also books, pamphlets and tracts. We did so liberally for many years. But these could not be expected to pay for themselves.

We were all loyal adherents of the temperance cause, and were levied on for contributions to it from year to year. But that cause was under no obligations to help us. It sent us occasionally a poor, brokendown victim of intemperance to house and help reform. To such we furnished asylum at more or less expense. We were all uncompromising Abolitionists, then poor and hated. Those who were specially devoted to the liberation of the groaning slave had nothing but good will to give us. But they needed our money, and received a good deal of it ; also a home and help for their colored proikgis in need, and got considerable of that. There were " prisoners' friends " and reformers of penitent criminals in those days, who found Hopedale a nice place to take up contributions in, and to domicile their unfortunates. Before the war of emancipation there was an organized society of non-resistants in the land, and they received freely of our tribute. We were an alms-giving people, and were drawn upon almost continually to hand out food, clothing and money to suppliant needy inhabitants around us, especially to the then poor Irish of Milford. We had widely advertised our community enterpri.se to the world, and were honored with visiting inquirers from all parts of the country. To these we gave hospitable entertainment - to some of them for weeks - and generally received nothing in return but criticism and cheap advice. We were a purely voluntary association, with doors that swung both inward and outward. So, when members became dissatisfied with our companionship, they were at perfect liberty to leave us and take away all their property. We had to meet drafts of this kind, occasionally occurring, to the extent of thousands of dollars, and, at times, greatly to our inconvenience. Finally, we were legally taxable on all our polls and estates as inhabitants of the town of Milford, and were bound by our principles to pay all taxes promptly and peaceably. This we always did. We continually increased their revenue, but never received a nod of credit from their officials, and, for several years, a very inadequate recognition of our legal rights. We educated our rising generation and constructed our streets largely at our own expense. Yet the community never made them a pauper, or criminal, or a cent's costs for relief of its poor, or for police protection, or for any sort of governmental intervention. It did, indeed, receive, first and last, many little donations and helpful favors from outside friends, amounting to several hundred dollars in all. So it was really, not only a self-sustaining institution, but an unselfish and truly beneficent one. And certainly it was not made up of imbecile visionaries and thriftless lazzaroni, but of intelligent, rational, industrious, economical, orderly and charitable people.

meut to ponder the closing words of its president's annual address. The then president was Brother Ebenezer D. Draper, recently deceased. He said : " We may rejoice together in considering the degree of harmony that exists at the present time in our community - greater, 1 think, than ever before. And I hope and believe that, with our past experience and present advantages, we shall continue to increase in love and wisdom, and so become more and more a light to those around us - proving to the world that Christian Socialism opens a more excellent way in which men may live together as social beings, and that it gives us, as it will all who yield to its saving power, peace and good-will to one another and to the whole human race. May the good God prosper and bless us all ! "

Who could imagine, after such an address and benediction, that in less than two months afterward the Hopedale Community would be declared by the same man so hopelessly conditioned that he and his brother George Draper, who together owned threefourths of its joint stock, must withdraw their interest and manage it for themselves? Yet such was the astounding fact. The grief, disappointment and mortification of the present writer was utterly indescribable. He saw that the noblest undertaking of his life, for which he had planned, prayed and labored with all his energies night and day, over fifteen years of his meridian manhood, was irrevocably doomed to final extinction. He saw clearly, in one flashing moment, that however the results might be posponed, modified, mitigated or overruled for good, the issue was absolutely inevitable, and he must make the best of a sad case. By divine grace he has done so.

What is the explanation of this deplorable surprise ? A few words only are required for it. The forementioned annual address of President Draper was delivered on the 9th of January, 1856. At that time the treasurer's report had not been completed. The numerous branches of industry had not all made up their accounts. So the meeting was adjourned. Meanwhile it began to be whisi)ered round that the year's operations might show a small deficit. The adjourned meeting took place February 5th ensuing, and the treasurer's report announced a deficit of $145.15 in the whole aggregate of operations and financial interests. But a drastic discussion followed, in which it appeared that the treasurer's statement had not taken into account the interest due to joint stock, $1652, nor made allowance for depreciation of buildings, machinery, &c. - which might swell the deficit perhaps to $12,000. This was no sufficient reason for serious alarm, much less for dissolving the unitary property and industrial arrangements. But things were said which plainly indicated that a crisis would soon be precipitated. A few days developed it. Affairs must be wound up. It could be avoided only by the mass of 8m.T,ll joint stock proprietors paying off the two large proprietors. This was an utter impossibility. So the bett terms possible were made, and the change consummated in a manner as satisfactory to all parties as so radical a revolution permitted.

Thenceforth the Hopedale Community had but a nominal existence. It struggled on as a mere religious society till finally merged in the Hopedale Parish. Not another family ever located in its village site except under the common law of temporal advantage and expediency. Those of the old votaries who could remain with comfort and convenience stayed on. Those who felt obliged to seek better positions departed. But the new masters of the situation throve, prospered, made a generous use of their wealth and built up an enviable town. They were the only members of our community who had a lucrative business outside of it. The rest of us either had small pecuniary advantages outside, or sacrificed such as they had to their new undertaking. They had done as much for that, according to their ability, as their two abler brethren, but it did not count in money. Fraternity of property was the keystone of our social arch. When that fell out the arch crumbled. These favored brethren commanded that keystone. It was in their power to preserve or to demolish the structure. The writer thought then and thinks now that they threw away a splendid opportunity to bless mankind and immortalize their memories. But they thought and acted otherwise, as they had an undoubted right to do on their own responsibility to the Supreme Judge. We deeply deplored their decision, but were reluctant to blame them. Probably a vast majority of the world's leading minds in church and state will pronounce their decision wise and good. And if they fell away from a high Christian standard which they had professed to revere, they did so under very seductive and powerful temptations.

So the Hopedale Community failed. Was its failure a finacial and business one? Certainly not. As already shown, it paid its way, bore its heavy burdens and increased greatly in numbers and wealth down to the time of its so-called failure, excepting only during its last year's operations. Then, by estimating a real or supposed depreciation of buildings, machinery, etc., it was made to appear that we had run behindhand perhaps twelve thousand dollars, perhaps less. Was this comparatively small deficit a sufficient cause for dreading bankruptcy? - when there was plenty of money in the pockets of the members to wipe it out by assessment, and when a more prudent management of our numerous organized branches of business could probably retrieve it in a year ?

Look at any section of the business world during any fourteen years of operations, and see how many firms or corporations gained more and lost less, according to ability and means, than our little community. The writer knows of several individuals, once for its own successful operations. The Machine Company and Dutcher Temple Company have respectively gorid water-power privileges, supplemented with steam-power for all needful occasions and purposes. The three companies thus far described have large, handsome brick edifices, besides wooden ones, affording them over one hundred and sixty thousand square feet of convenient room, or over three acres of flooring. The firm of "A. A. Wescott & Sons" manufacture spindles for the Drapers. They have a flourishing establishment, situated a mile south of the others on a good waterfell, long previously occupied for more ordinary uses. They execute a creditable amount of business in their line, and are building up a respectable little village called Spindleville. Taking all these companies together, they have practical working control over patents and improvements thereon to the number of nearly four hundred - covering a vast variety of ingenious and useful mechanism now deemed indispensable in the vfell-furnished cotton and woolen manufactories of the United States. Their annual sales are estimated at from one million dollars to one million two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, their employes of all grades at from six hundred to eight hundred and their pay-roll at about six thousand dollars per week. Their employes are generally of superior skill, as well as moral character, receive better compensation, perhaps, than the average in our country, and have never made a strike for higher wages. To obtain an adeqate idea of the nature, variety and extent of Hopedale manufactures, the inquisitive reader is referred to the "Sixth Descripdve Catalogue " of " George Draper & Sons," as presented in an " Illustrated Pocket Hand-Book," compiled by \V. N. Goddard and published in 1887. Contemporary with this successful manufacturing enterprise was a large livery and transportation business, handling thousands of tons of iron, coal, etc., annually, conveying the mail and passengers several times a day and furnishing horses and carriages to the inhabitants. Later has followed the Hopedale Elastic Fabric Company, incorporated December, 1886 - William F. Draper, president ; E. L. O-sgood, treasurer and selling agent ; and William Lapworth, superintendent. Brick factory, 100 feet long by 50 wide, 3 stories high, with boiler-house cutside ; capital stock, $100,000; 100 operatives, 80 of them females; annual sales, about $200,000; orders crowding and business thrifty. Mr. Lapworth is the genius of this enterprise, having the honor of projecting, introducing here and most skillfully superintending it.

Such a continually rising tide of manufacturing prosperity naturally wrought corresponding results in the whole status of Hopedale Village. Its dwellings were gradually trebled and several fine mansions built; population proportionately multiplied; new streets opened, ihe unfinished ones improved, the older ones macadamized and graced with concrete sidewalks ; the church renovated, furnished with a costly organ, and its surroundings much beautified ; gas-lights and water supplies introduced through pipes from fountain-heads in Milford for public and private convenience; effective safe-guards against fire provided; school-house accommodations enlarged; and a host of subsidiary necessaries, comforts and luxuries secured. At length, in the midst of this rising affluence, the ambition was born in the leading minds for township incorporation. The project took form in the spring of 1885, and was thenceforth energetically prosecuted to successful consummation. Separation feom Milford and Incorporation. - The first rumor of this movement was received with incredulity, and the verified fact with a mixture of astonishment and ridicule by the leading Milfordians, who I'egarded it as presumptuous, vain and hopeless. But George Draper & Sons, with their influential coadjutors, went into the undertaking with their accustomed shrewdness, energy, determination and ability. They knew that their cause would encounter a powerful opposition from the mother town, that it could not succeed without resorting to every legitimate means of attainment, and that they had got to work for it with tireless vigilance. They proceeded accordingly from preliminaries to conclusion. So they surveyed and mapped out the territory to be included in the proposed new town, and canvassed the population to ascertain who would favor and who oppose the project. They procured a large majority of the legal voters as signers to the petition for division and incorporation ; while a few remained neutral, and a very small minority declared themselves decidedly opposed. The petition was duly prepared and entered on the Order Calendar of the General Court for consideration at its regular session to commence in January, 1886. Meantime vigorous measures were taken by both Hopedalians and Milfordians to prepare for the approaching contest. Large public meetings were held in both sections, strong working committees appointed, and very able counsel engaged to manage thtir respective causes. Milford had certain notable advantages. She was the party in possession ; she had overwhelming numbers, alive with ardent yeal ; she had three newspapers devoted to her interests, and also two able members in the Representative chamber of the Legislature. Hopedale had some countervailing advantages. Her leaders were strong, executive, judicious, indomitable men; they had a widespread, deeply-rooted influence in manufacturing, political and financial circ'es ; they had made a multitude of friends by their public spirit and generous donations ; and they had a good cause. If they could get the real merits of that cause fairly before the minds of an appreciative majority of the Legislature, they were sure to succeed. This was not an easy achievement in dealing with such a large number of persons. For many of the best disposed needed special information, the indifferent to be moved, and the misin- formed to be enlightened. No opportunity was neglected to supply these urgent necessities; but, though their opponents, under excitement, very broadly insinuated that they resorted to dishonorable means to attain their object, there was really no just ground for such a su-ipicion. Their means were such only as have long been sanctioned by custom in such controversies. Their real offence was that they were too sagacious, industrious and indefatigable to be overmatched.

Both parties had engaged able counsel, sufficiently well matched to leave nothing undone or unsaid in behalf of their respective clients, - for thepetitioners, N. Sumner Myrick, Esq., and Hon. Selwin Z. Bowman ; for the remonstrants, Hon. J. H. Benton, Jr., and Hon. J. H. Bennett. The legislative Committee on Towns, before whom the parties were to lay the case, comprised Messrs. TIenry M. Phillips, Charles A. Gleason and Samuel B. Locke, of the Senate, with Messrs. Stephen S. Taft, Charles Field, Miles Sampson, Charles F. Jenney, Robert Blyth, Jesse Allen, Francis E. Shaw and Albert A. Woodward, of the House, - Hon. Henry M. Phillips, chairman. A more intelligent, judicious, candid and patient committee could not have been asked. They commenced the hearings January 27, 1S86, and continued them by adjournment Ihrougli seven or eight sittings, besides making an official examination of the premises on the 9th of February. It was incumbent on the petitioners to show that their proposed town had the proper requisite elements of such a body politic, - i. e., sufficient area, population, wealth and capability to manage municipal affairs. Also that their separation from the mother town would cause it no serious injury as compared with the advantages gained by the new town. It was to be expected, from the history of mankind, as always reluctant to part with power and privilege, that Milford would strenuously resist the attempted division : and she did so point by point. Although she could not deny that the area of Hopedale, 3547 acres, would be larger than that of seventeen towns and five cities in the State; nor that its population, nearly 1000, exceeded that of ninety-five towns in the State ; nor that its quota of polls, 250, outnumbered that of seventy-nine towns in the State ; nor that its valuation, $769,340, would be greater than that ofone hundredand thirty-three towns in the State ; nor that its votinsc citizens would be competent to manage municipal affairs ; nevertheless, it was her policy to yield nothing. Her managers, partisans and lawyers boldly assumed the ground that the show of numbers in favor of a new town was unreal and deceptive ; that the movement was set on foot by George Draper & Sons, was designed chiefly for the aggrandizement of one family, and was supported only by their relatives, subalterns and dependents; that some of these dependents were overawed and even coerced ; that not a few of the voters on the Hopedale territory were eitheropposed to division or were neutrals; and finally that the Drapers were mere selfish schemers and tax dodgers. All the-e brave assumptions and imputations were put forth, reiterated and pertinaciously insisted on, with as much seeming honesty and earnestness, as if they were demonstrable verities. Their first eflort was to emphasize a derogatory inference from the acknowledged and obvious fact that the Drapers initiated and led the division movement; as if such movements, where worthily started, are customarily set on foot and headed by persons of ordinary estate, talent and influence - which is seldom, if ever, the case. Common sense and prudence dictated in this case, that if any laudable attempt was to be made at all to olitain the incorporation of Hopdale, the Drapers were the very men of all others to initiate and lead the movement; for they had all the qualifications necessary to success, and would be generous benefactoi-s of the new town, - as has proved to be the case. They doubtless had an ambition to father and endow the town. Was that a criminal ambition ? Was it an ignoble ambition? Did it deserve even from opponents reproach and contumely ? Milfordians themselves would now answer: No.

Next the battery of opposition was turned upon the rank and file of the petitioner-^, to make it appear that, though seeming to make a fair show, they were mere mercenary dependents of the Drapers. They were, therefore, all questioned as to whether they were family relatives, or business partners, or paid agents, or employes, or sold them manufactured articles; and the implied inference uniformly was, that no man standing in such relations could properly be counted in as a competent citizen. Yet all these men, thus disparaged, were uncommonly intelligent, and several of them capable of managing municipal affairs in any town of the Commonwealth. But how happened these men to think, feel and act with the Drapers? For the same general reason that thousands of independent-minded people think, feel and act together on religious and political questions, - because they view tilings alike. There was, however, one single individual who alleged that he signed the petition under constraint, and who also alleged that he knew of several others who did so. His name had been stricken from the list of petitioners as soon as it became known he had declared himself to have been overawed. When placed on the witness-stand, he was requested to name the persons he knew to have been coerced. He refused, but finally named one. That man soon afterward appeared and testified that he signed the petition freely, and never told any one the contrary. The alleged dictator also appeared, and testified conclusively that he never made use of coercive language in any form to induce persons to sign the petition, and certainly not in the case asserted. Thus vanished the phantom of reproach on the character of the leading petitioners. Yet the remonstrants actually had one aid and comfort which was a thorn to the petitioners. There was a handful within the

Hopedale territorial lines who thought it their duty to take sides against their near neighbors by resisting division, and who did so zealously. This was the most unpleasant occurrence, in its spirit and consequences, which befel the Hopedalians during their struggle for municipal independence; not because it had much weight in deciding the main issue, but because it alienated and embittered some who ought to be mutual friends.

The next effort of opposition ingenuity was to demonstrate that the Hopedale villagers, however otherwise estimable, had few local conveniences, and were dependent on Milford Centre for almost everything. In that favored Centre were the railroad depots, the mercantile establishments, the provision market-!, the banks, the assembly halls, the churches, the high school, the public library and a multitude of other necessary good things, including even the streets over which the Hopedalians mu«t travel to obtain the supplies they needed. Was it for such a class of dependent people to set up as a town ? It was a greater strain on gravity than on facts and logic to answer such an argument. But courteous decency demanded that a formal and conclusive reply should be made. This was easily done. It was undeniably proven, first, that the Hopedale people had never received any one of these advantages as a gratuity, but had always handsomely paid for every item of value or convenience furnished them; second, that they intended always to deserve the good name, long since accorded them, of being reckoned among Milford's best customers ; third, that they had done their full share towards providing the roads and streets they were obliged to travel in order to trade with Milford dealers ; fourth, that the leading petitioners were stockholders and officers in the railroads and in several other corporations of Milford Centre ; and fifth, that the incorporation of Hopedale as a town would not disturb a single one of Milford's superior monetary and commercial advantages at all. The only effect of such an argument on candid minds was to show that a town with so much to boast of was not very magnanimous to grudge the petitioners the right to manage their own local affairs for themselves.

But to this there remained the formidable objection that this aspiring Draper family were mere plotting tax dodgers, and ought not be tolerated. Jlilford could not afford to part with the prerogative of taxing them at her own discretion. If they should get off at the head of a new town, there was no imagining what calamities might happen. One, however, was certain - Milford was to be a great loser. They must be foiled in their pernicious career. The brilliant compliments with which they were bespangled, especially the obnoxious father, were transcendent, and quite beyond their merits, or even their demerits. There was one and but one way of escape from their unfortunate predicament. They must abandon their project of an independent town and submit to Milford taxation. If they would only perform that little act of expiation, their sins, though like scarlet, would instantly become white as snow. They would then be excellent fellow-citizens, if not fellow-saints. But they were obstinate and incorrigible offenders, and had to be denounced accordingly. So the inquiry arose how many dollars per annum of taxes they were likely to avoid in fathering their new town? Nobody knew or guessed ; they were going to dodge several thousand which Milford wanted, and this was enough to seal their doom. What right had they in their wealth to diminish a flourishing town's needy exchequer ? Had not that maternal town bestowed on them large gratuities to encourage their enterprise and foster their business ? No, not to the value of a single cent. Had she not been a liberal purchaser of their manufacturers? To the extentof a {evt dollars' worth of useful iron castings perhaps. Had she not been very generous in building roads for them, and in providing safeguards against fire for their factories, &c. ? The records did not show it. Had they been sordid and stingy in contributing to Milford's public necessities, wants and charities ? Far otherwise. Had they surrounded themselves with intemperate, reckless and shiftless operatives, thereby and otherwise breeding criminals and paupers, to be taken care of at the expense of the town ? Not one. Had they given no employment to the needy population of Milford? Much. Had they pinched, ground down and oppressed their employes ? On the contrary, they had the reputation of paying fair wages. What, then, was their grave offence? Were they getting too rich and important? If so, were not their accusers doing their utmost to accumulate riches, and some of the most conspicuous of them by less creditable means? Were they fraternal communists, trying to have " the strong bear the infirmities of the weak," like the founders of Hopedale ? Nothing of that kind. They derided such experiments. But they were looking out, with the shrewdness of modern civilization, every one for himself, and, if they failed to capture the lion's share, had no right to avenge their illluck by denouncing those who succeeded as dangerous characters. Yet the plea was that these ambitious Drapers were scheming to escape just taxation by obtaining a new town, chiefly made up of their dependents. If this was not intolerable conduct, what could be? And if such attempts did not deserve to he exposed by disinterested free speech and the press, of what value were these guaranteed free utterances? But such pleading, earnest and pathetic as it was, fell on the discerning ears of impartial judges as hardly coming from injured innocence.

Finally, the climax of the controversy was reached. If Hopedale should be incorporated, however otherwise justifiable, would not Milford be grievously and irreparably damaged? The remonstrants vehemently affirmed that it certainly would. And their tone was that of persons threatened with ejection from a dearly-bought, clearly-titled estate by fraud and arbitrary power. If so, they ought to gain their case. But facts and arguments were still against them. It was true that their Hopedale taxable subjects were profitable ones, yielding a net annual revenue of several thousand dollar.-i. This golden fleece would certainly be lost to them if tlieir tributaries obtained their independence. There was no gainsaying thiH conclusion. On such ground the alarm-cry was raised, Milford's taxes will be fearfully increased, immigrants will be deterred from coming into the town and its real estate will greatly depreciate - its damages will be deplorable ! Now its Centre was the grand emporium of affluence, of trade, of wealth and all desirable advantages. But if these Hopedale tributaries were allowed to go off and set up for themselves, their impoverished municipal parent would languish into ruin ! So pleaded her eloquent advocates. What were the facts? In everything but tax profits Milford was in danger of losing nothing - not a mill. In luisiness matters, trade and the advantages of general intercourse, Hopedale was going to be just as profitable a customer as ever. Their municipal incorporation would not change these particulars one iota, unless, perhaps, for the enrichment of Milford. In the sore matter of tax profits even, Hopedale independent must bear its own burdens, take care of itself and meet its share of State and county taxes. It must also pay its portion of the existing town debt. So far Milford would actually be relieved. Was her real estate to depreciate, or her business prosperity to decline from such causes? No; but that surplus revenue from taxation of the Hopedalians, some $8000 to $10,000 a year, was to be irretrievably lost; and that was going to do the apprehended mischief. Well, suppose that amount must be actually added to Milford's selftaxation, wa4 it going to bankrupt her? or even seriously strain her financial ability? It was unreasonable to assert it, especially after the claims made in a former part of this hearing respecting her opulence as compared with dependent Hopedale. With a population of nine thousand, such a host of enterprising business men and such abundant advantages of all kinds, $10,000 a year ought not to be a very frightful loss to bear. Moreover, it was in her power to curtail her expenses at her own option, and, by greater prudence in making outlays, to moderate taxation. This, however, was not agreeable, for it came out she was ambitious to become a city, in which case her expenses were likely to be greatly increased. Hopedale's independence would defeat, or at least po.stpone, this desirable consummation, whilst at the same time escaping taxation to sustain it.

Another important consideration came into the loss account, which was, that the sanitary welfare of Milford Centre demanded costly sewers, and though Hopedale needed none, it would be grievous injustice to release her from the legal grasp that would compel her to help pay the coming bills ! Who could answer such ardent and eloquent reasoners? Thus the whole controversy was narrowed down to the question: Shall Milford be damaged to the extent of her power to draw this annual net revenue from Hopedale by municipal taxation ? If Milford could have shown that Hopedale was indebted to her for favors in the past, for patronage and encouragement in time of need, her plea would have had some color of justice and plausibility. But here was an unfortunate blank. For though Hopedale always had more or less good friends in Milford, as individual and social acquaintances, the town majority and authorities never laid it under any special obligation. From the days of its struggling infancy as a fraternal community, in 1842, it continually increased the taxable polls and property of the town without a token of appreciation. For several years it schooled its own children, and built its own streets. And when appropriations began to be granted, it was done with manifest reluctance. Its people made no paupers, or criminals, or disorderly characters for the town to care for. Yet, as a town, though it sowed not, it was a vigilant reaper. Every poll and every parcel of estate was assessed, the taxes duly called for and always promptly paid. And so matters had gone on through all the changes, substantially in the same manner, for over fortythree years, down to this contest.

All the while Milford was drawing a net revenue from Hopedale by taxation ; giving back in appropriations much less than she took. And whence came the population of Hopedale Village? Almost entirely from places outside of Milford, some of them from remote quarters of the country. From whence came their property ? A mere fraction of it from Milford - the great bulk of it from widespread regions abroad. Milford purchased very little from Hopedale, but Hopedale was a large and profitable customer of Milford's goods. These facts came out in bold relief during the discussion, and they convinced a sufficient number of Massachusetts legislators that, even if Milford should lose the net revenue to which she clung with such a tenacious grasp, she had a poor title to it, and that Hopedale ought of right to be a free and independent town. The Hon. Mr. Bowman wound up the pleadings before the Legislative Committee with a masterly speech for the petitioners - clear, comprehensive and irresistibly impressive. The committee deliberated, and unanimously reported a bill for the incorporation of Hopedale.

The bill came up in the Senate for consideration March 12, 1886, and after a long discussion prevailed, fourteen to eleven. It was brought up in the House March 25th, and after a hot debate carried, one hundred and eighteen to ninety-two. Returning to the Senate, it was finally passed, eighteen to sixteen, April 6th. On the 7th it was signed by His Excellency,

Governor George D. Robinson, and so Hopedale became a town. Nothing really new was said or could be said in either House of the Legislature for or against Hopedale's incorporation, but of course the wliole ground must be gone over with more or less particularity. The committee ably defended their own report on its solid merits. Its opponents repeated all the sharp things said against the petitioners in the committee-room. And their orators in both Houses won laurels of approbation from the remonstrants by their invective eloquence against the leading Hopedalians and their followers. All these labors of love were lost, not only on the assailed, but on the legislative majorities and the Governor. Justice and reason triumphed.

In the evening of April 13th ensuing the Hopedalians celebrated their victory, according to the fashion of the political world, by the ringing of bell?, discharge of artillery, illumination of their village and display of fireworks. Two sonorous bells wererung smartly for an hour ; Battery B, from Worcester, fired first a salute of eleven guns to General William V. Draper, and then eighty-six in honor of Hopedale as the eighty-sixth town of Massachusetts incorporated during the present century ; the gas and electric lights flashed their splendor in all directions, and the skies blazed with brilliant rockets. So the people rejoiced with manifold demonstrations in their newly acquired municipal independence.

D. Bancroft, treasurer : E. L. Chichester, collector; Ernest M. Capen, auditor; J. B. Bancroft, Lewis B. Gaskill and Alonzo A. Cook, selectmen, overseers of the poor, Board of Health and highway surveyors ; Asa A. Weatcott, David Nelson and H. B. Fisk, Assessors; Frank J. Dutcher, for three years, Anna M. Bancroft, two years, and Albert W. Ham, one year, school committee; William N. Goddard, for three years, Frank S. Hay ward, two year^, and C. F. Roper, one year, trustees of library ; Frank Gaskill, William N. Phillips, Samuel A. Andrews and Robert Ross, constables ; C. H. Messenger and C. F. Roper, field-drivers ; Frank S. Hayward, Fred. Mooney and

On the 14th of October, 1886, the town adopted an ample, wholesome and commendable codeof by-laws; also at the same meeting judicious rules and regulations for the Fire Department. Thus the necessary machinery of a well-ordered municipal government was set in motion. Its operations have been eminently satisfactory. A large, well compiled, lucid and complete report for the year ending January 1,

1887, was made by the town officers and published, representing all departments of its affiiirs in a prosperous condition. A similar one was made and published for the year ending January 1, 1888. A sum- mary of this second annual report, modified by later ascertained data, may properly be given on these pages, as exhibiting the progressive status of the new town, nearly down to the present time.

Town Officers. - David A. Westcott, clerk ; E. D. Bancroft, treasurer; Edward S. Simpson, collector; J. B. Bancroft, Lewis B. Gaskill and Simon G. Gilman, selectmen, overseers of the poor, Board of Health and highway surveyors; Asa A. Westcott, David Nelson and Hamlet B. Fisk, a.ssessors; Albert W. Ham (three years), Frank J. Dutcher (two years), and Anna M. Bancroft, school committee; C. F. Roper (three years), William N. Goddard (two years), and Frank S. Haywood (one year), trustees of the library; Frank Gaskill, William Phillips, Samuel A. Andrews, Robert Ross and T. J. Coyne, constables ; Charles Waterhouse, George Cole and Frank Gaskill, field-drivers; Frank S. Hayward, Fred. Mooney and E. D. Walker, fenceviewers. By appointment and special organic arrangement - Charles E. Pierce, chief engineer of Fire Department; J. B. Bancroft, assistant engineer; A. W. Westcott, clerk and treasurer; Wm. N. Goddard, secretary of library trustees and librarian ; Ellen F. Welch, assistatit librarian; Frank H. French, truant officer.

Before coming to statistical details, it is pertinent to treat of important historical matters chronicled in the second report. George Draper, the father and benefactor of the new town, departed this life, in the ripeness of his successes, usefulness and honors, June 7, 1887, aged sixty-nine years, nine months and twenty days. This lamentable event took place in Boston, Avhither he went for a temporary sojourn to obtain medical relief from urinary and kindred ailments, which, though not seemingly dangerous, he was anxious to overcome. Unexpectedly to all, he presently became alarmingly sick under treatment, and in a few days expired. His remains were brought home, and on the 11th of June his funeral was solemnized with every demonstration that bereaved family affection and public grief could bestow. Thousands appreciated his merits, sympathized in a great common loss, and united in reverential tributes of respect to his memory. Besides the valuable gifts and legacies which he bequeathed, was the commodious and beautiful town edifice which graces the centre of Hopedale Village. He had laid its foundations in 1885, and it was far advanced towards its completion before he died ; but the interior finish had been retarded by casualties, and lingered several months.

Brief General Description. - "The building is of granite and brownstone, with exterior dimensions of 75x69 feet. It is on the main street, and faces nearly east. On the front are two store entrances, besides the main entrance, at the right of which are the staircase and town officers' rooms. At the end of the hall, directly opposite the entrance, are double doors leading to the reading room, 24x22 feet, in the northwest corner; this is connected with the library proper by an arch eleven feet six inches in width. This room occupies the rear centre of this floor, and is thirty feet by seventeen feet, six inches, with an entrance from the left of the entrance hall. The finish, furniture and shelving in these rooms is of California red-wood. The entire upper story is occupied by the town hall, with the stage, reception and ante-rooms. The basement contains a market, lock-up, caucus-hall, steamheating apparatus and store cellar." The entire cost of the noble structure, with its sixteen thousand feet of land, was over forty thousand dollars.

At a special town-meeting held on the evening of August 22, 1887, the five children (three sons and two daughters) of George Draper (deceased), pursuant to their father's testamentary wishes and directions, presented these premises to the town, with a perfect title of conveyance. This conveyance imposed on the town only one qualifying condition - that none of its rooms should ever be rented to persons without the consent of the donor's heirs. The town unanimously accepted the donation on the offered terms, passed an appreciative vote of thanks for the same, and also the following preamble and resolutions: -

W'HEREiS, In the Providence of God, the Town of Hopedale has been colled to lament the decease of Mr, George Draper, an'I v.nild formally indicate its appreciation of his noble services and powerlul direction; therefore it is

Resolved, That not only has this Qlunicipality been thus bereft of a wise counsellor, loyal citizen and most munificent benefactor, but it is also deprived of one whose integrity in business relations, and whose untiring devotion to the public welfare, constituted him an object worthy the emulation and grateful remembrance of all who knew him.

Besolved. That a copy of these resolutions be inscribed upon the records of the Town, a copy also presented to each individual of his immediate family and duly published iu the public press.

At the same town-meeting, after choosing a Committee of Arrangements to supervise the dedication of their admirable Town- Hall, the following vote of thanks was passed :

Voted. - To thank Gen. W. F. Draper for his donation to the town of the so-called Butcher Street extension (whicli cost him several thousand dollars), and for the prompt and liberal manner with which he accepted and paid for such changes as seemed necessary for the successful completion of said road.

If, aftf-r ]ierusing such a record, any of our readers should wonder whether this Draper family and these menial voters are the same that were so sadly disparaged before the General Court of 1886 as unworthy to be incorporated into a town, let them rest assured that they really are the very same.

Dedication of the Town Hall. - The Committee of Arrangements consisted of Gen. William F. Draper, chairman ; Joseph B. Bancroft, Lewis B. Gaskill and Simon G. Gilman, selectmen ; and Artemas B. Edniands, Asa A. VVestcott and Charles F. Eoper, citizens-at-]arge. To these were subsequently added E. D. Bancrolt, Mrs. Phila W. Weston and Miss Anna M. Bancroft. Kumerous sub-committees were appointed and put in charge of the necessary branches, into which details were divided. Every committee discharged their duties assiduously, ef5- ciently and creditably. At length the day of dedication arrived, October 25, 1887. It was a grand and memorable occasion for Hopedale. A specific narration of its interesting proceedings and performances would overflow our limits, and will not be expected.' We must confine our account to synoptical outlines. A great concourse of people assembled, including, besides near residents, numerous representatives of the surrounding towns and a host of sympathizing friends from more distant parts of the Commonwealth, who had stood by Hopedale through evil as well as good report, when it was struggling before the Legislature for independence. Music of the highest excellence threw its charms over the multitude, rare eloquence distilled its fragrance on delighted auditors from eminent orators, and a rich dinner regaled the stomachs of participating guests. The formal exercises in the hall commenced at eleven o'clock A. M. Stirring airs from the band ; prayer by the writer; unsurpassable music from the Weber Quartette; a pertinent and appropriate introductory address from Chairman Gen. William F. Draper; principal dedicatory address by Ex-Governor John D. Long, replete with his graceful and renowned eloquence; remarks by the writer of this article, interesting speech by Rev. Lewis G. Wilson as the spokesman of two hundred and forty grateful Hopedale employes, presenting the town a splendid life-size crayon portrait of the late Geo. Draper ; formal delivery of the Town House keys to selectmen, by Geo. A. Draper, as representative of the late George Draper's heirs, and acceptance of the same by Joseph B. Bancroft, chairman of the board; dinner, toasts and speeches in the great tent on Church Common, with the customary musical accompaniments. So the day closed, redolent with testimonial tributes to departed worth, grateful acknowledgments of munificent benefactions, sacred reminiscences of the past, and auspicious hopes of the future.

As was natural and proper, the dominant current of thought, speech and attention was eulogistic of the new town's upbuilder and generous patron, George Draper. The writer was the only speaker of the occasion who represented the primary Hopedale of community days. And he deemed it both a privilege and a duty to revive its memory, and show that it had something more to do with preparing the way for subsequent success than appeared on the present surface of thingti. The honorable and eloquent orator of the day had, indeed, made one biief reference to it, but in terms of disparaging commiseration rather than commendation. He said :

On this spot, some forty years ago, one of those communities which spring up from time to time, and of which so much is anticipated by the enthusiasm of their members, had undertaken, under the sweet guidance of the venerable and beloved pastor, who is here to-day, to solve the problem of a happy, industrious and peaceful Christian brotherhood. It was a joint stock association, sharing capital and prolits, and run on

Amateurs. As a further index to the prevailing taste for intellectual refreshment, it need only be stated that three hundred and fifty daily newspapers are received through the Hopedale post-office regularly, besides all the more infrequently published papers and periodicals.

Martial Patriotism and Military Spirit. - The section of territory recently incorporated as the town of Hopedale has borne an average crop of warriors from generation to generation, in all the historic and probably unhistoric past. The Indian rwitives had their braves, and their white successors since the year 1700, have furnished their full quota of heroic soldiers in every war, from the old French one down to the great Rebellion. During this last it was represented, for longer or shorter terms, by some thirty fighting men, as nearly as can be estimated from partially unauthentic data. Of these General William F. Draper is the honored flower - a candidate for higher civic distinction. His less favored comrades are either among the remembered dead or mostly dwell in widely-scattered, humbler homes. As to the professed Christian non-resistants of the Hopedale Community, who at its zenith numbered about one hundred persons, they were generally exotics from other soils. When the white flag of their projected anti-war State was abandoned by its controlling pecuniary supporters, it necessarily soon fell to the old social level, as has been told. Some who adhered to their Christ-like standard of peace have passed into the higher life, or removed to other localities. A mere remnant remain on the once hopeful domain of forty years ago, and these are surrounded by a daily increasing multitude of worthy people, who, nevertheless, are thoroughly devoted to civil and warlike society as it is. Which way soever the survivors turn, public opinion and practice present a granite wall of pro-war-governmental adherence. The aged, middleaged and the young pay homage to the sword as the final grand arbiter and indispensable defender of justice, liberty and human rights. So they believe, think and act. And in this they glory. The most recent demonstration of their delight and trust in deadly weapons as a dernier resort is the formation of a youthful company in our village called the Hopedale Zouaves. It numbers some twenty sprightly lads, regularly oflicered, armed, uniformed, drilled and paraded in the modern military style. Thus in time of peace they prepare for patriotic war. In their splendid uniform, with fine music and graceful martial bearing, they make a charming display to the admiration of men, women and children. Is this to be condemned or deplored? Not if the war-priuciple be absolutely right, as is preached and believed by the popular religion and civilization. On the contrary, it is eminently commendable. For the young should learn what it is their duty to practice in mature age. If it is wrong, it is so because the popular religion and civilization are wrong in their fundamental, systematic pro-war principle. Would the rattlesnake be rendered less dangerous by depriving him of his rattles? Strike at his vitals, not at his rattles.

So thought the projector of the Hopedale Community. It took him over thirty years to out-think and out-grow his own pro-war heredity and education. He had a tough nature to convert to Christ-like peace ethics ; but when once fairly converted to them, no temptation could convert him back to faith in the wisdom of deadly force. So now, in the eighty-sixth year of his age, he remains immovably attached to the standard of peace taught and exemplified by his Master. Majorities weigh nothing with him against principles of divine truth and righteousness. At the same time he can duly respect all that is right and good on lower moral planes. And for actual soldiers and warriors, who execute given orders to perpetrate human slaughter, he has less condemnation than for their religious and political masters, who stay safely at home, preaching and legislating others into the battle-field. They are the principals ; their employes are mere accessories and instruments, personally jeopardizing all that is dear to them. But, above all, he denounces murderous principles and systems of human society, whether in church or state, rather than individuals or classes of men, many of whom are honestly deluded by specious falsities. Blessed are they who begin their proposed reformations at the beginning, and are not turned aside by plausible compromises with evil under the impulses of a timeserving expediency. Hopedale is now squarely on the ancient platform of pro-milito patriotism, and may be implicitly relied on to perform its share of service whenever its country proclaims the next bloody war, excepting only the harmless few who will soon have their home in another world.

No report for the present year. The disparity between entries of intentions and solemnizations is accounted for by couples married out of town, or whose intentions were entered elsewhere.

Post-Offices. - The one at South Milford, established March 7, 1814; Hamblet B. Fisk, present postmaster; delivery and income respectable, but not large.

Hopedale post-office, established May 13, 1861 ; present postmaster, Henry L. Patrick. Comparatively large delivery for a country town. Receives and distributes mail matter for our enterprising manufacturers and business firms, and for some two hundred and sixty families of uncommonly intelligent people. Returns a net annual income to government of over one thousand dollars.

Business Trades (not previously mentioned). - Henry L. Patrick, who runs two large grocery and country stores in Hopedale, and one in Upton, has a wide range of custom, making annual sales to the amount of one hundred thousand dollars. Smith & Mead opened their establishment in the Town House, December, 1887, for the sale of groceries, meats, dry and fancy goods, etc. Their store and meat market are of first-class rank, and they have a wide run of profitable patronage. Their firm is a flourishing one and promises merited success. The long established "Green Store," once the famous Major Penniman entrepot at South Milford, though shorn of its oldtime importance, is still a respectable grocery and country dispensary, and well managed by Hamblet B. Fisk. We have two enterprising livery and transportation establishments, an ice company and several small artisan and handicraft shops - all useful.

Civil Magistrates. - Gen. William F. Draper, Frank J. Dutcher, Esq., E. D. Bancroft, Esq. (also notary public), and David A. Westcott, Esq., justices of the peace.

Religious Institutions and Affairs. - There is but one organized religious society in our town and one church edifice, the Hopedale Parish, with its modest sanctuary pleasantly situated and surrounded in Hopedale village. The history of this parish, its house of worship and first pastorate has already been briefly given on a former jiage. The meeting-house was erected by the Hopedale Community in its declining days and subsequently transferred with other property to the parish as stated. The parish has recently been legally incorporated as a body politic for the safe holding and management of its pecuniary interests. This took place in August, 1887. Pastor Ballou, after his re.'ignation, April 23, 1880, was soon succeeded by Rev. Austin S. Garver. He became pastor by acceptance of a formal call, dated April 14, 1881. He was installed September 30, 1881, in connection with a rededication of the church after rejuvenation. Salary, fifteen hundred dollars per annum. He was called to the more conspicuous pastorate of the Second Congregational Church in Worcester, Mass., and terminated his connection with Hopedale about March 1, 1885. He was succeeded by Rev. Lewis G. Wilson, who was installed October 8, 1885, and still continues in the pastorship. Salary at first, twelve hundred dollars ; since April 1, 1887, fifteen hundred dollars. The parish has one hundred and forty voting members, and is officered by an executive committee of five, a clerk, treasurer, collector and board of three property trustees. It has a well-conducted Sunday-school, with alibrary of eleven hundred volumes. It has also a nice parsonage, donated to it by the late George Draper just before his decease, and confirmed by deed of his heirs. He was its generous supporter and benefactor from its formation to the day of his death. As a tribute to his memory and worth the following resolutions were

M'hereas, The Hopedale PariBh has experienced a dispeuBation of great bereavement in the death of George Draper, on the 7th ultimo - our temporal head and social chief ; therefore, liesoh-ed^ That, while ve deeply deplore our heavy earthly loss, in sympathy with his family and all the circles of personal association who unitedly mourn his departed mortal presence, we reverently bow to the Divine "Will, in the coniident assurance that he has been translated to a deathless mansion, whence his loving benedictions will descend on all lie delighted to bless.

Hcsoh'ed, That our Parish Clerk be instructed to inscribe this Memorial of our lamented brother conspicuously on our permanent Records ; and also that she present a copy of the same to his widow and each of his children.

It may not be improper to state here that ex-Pastor Ballou, who writes this sub-history, still continues, as a sort of minister-at-large, to solemnize marriages and render funeral services throughout his general vicinity - though he chooses to preach little. He has been in the ministry over sixty-seven years, during which he has solemnized eleven hundred and seventysix marriages, and ministered at more than twenty-five hundred and fifty funerals. And, though now far advanced in old age, the annual number of his weddings and funerals averages nearly the same as in the prime of life.

Although there is only one church edifice in our town, there is a public hall at South Milford, still, so called, well known as Harmony Hall, where religious meetings and reform lectures have long been held on some part of the Sabbath by the various neighboring clergymen of different denominations, etc. The attendance is generally good and the sacred music commendable. A respectable Sunday-school is also sustained there. It should be understood that in Hopedale Village and throughout our new town there are numerous representatives of nearly all the churches in Milford Centre, who customarily worship in their respective sanctuaries, and seldom, if ever, with the Hopedale Parish. We have Catholics, Episcopalians, Orthodox Congregationalists, Baptists, Methodists and Universalists. And for their devotional convenience our enterprising transportationist, John M. French, runs his barges to and from Milford Centre every Sunday at the proper hours, so that all who have not conveyances of their own are well accommodated. Besides this convenience, some of the sects hold occasional religious gatherings, more or less frequently, in public or private buildings of Hopedale Village. Thus religious privileges are amply provided for all our people according to their various preferences.

Cemeteries. - We have two reputable resting-places for the dead - one in South Hopedale, formerly South Milford, under town control, and one in Hopedale village, now controlled by a corporate association. The former has been inherited from Milford by territorial right. It dates back to November 18, 1799. The writer has given an account of the origin, progress and general character in his "History of Milford," pp.

307-308. It contains the graves of many departed inhabitants of its district, and others from outside, has a decent receiving tomb, has respectable monuments, is well advanced in the line of modern improvements and is worthily cared for. Our Hopedale village cemetery was selected and laid out in 1847 by the authority of the Hopedale Community, and was under community regulations till transferred to the Hopedale Parish, December 15, 1873. It was a wellchosen location, naturally adapted in all respects to its designed use, and capable of being rendered admirably beautiful by artistic improvement. The lot-owners deemed it advisable to become a legal corporation. This was effected, and their organization consummated April 4, 1887. The late George Draper left the association a legacy of ten thousand dollars, and it holds some other funds in trust. General William F. Draper has recently donated a very desirable addition to its area, which now comprises jirobably over five acres, with room adjacent for any necessary expansion. It is under excellent management, and is rapidly developing delightful improvements. It has a commodious receiving tomb, and two noble family mausoleums, erected respectively by George Draper, a little while before his death, and by General William F. Draper, the same year. It has also a goodly number of respectable monuments and memorial tablets. Its future is well assured as a sacred and lovely sanctuary of precious mortal relics, where surviving relatives and friends may perpetuate the memories of their loved ones worthily, and complacently anticipate repose of their own ashes.

As the publishers of this County History have welcomed to appropriate places within its lids the likenesses of several distinguished Hopedalians, it seems proper that a few words of special explanatory data should be given in each case.

1. George Draper, born in Weston, Mass., August IG, 1817; died June 7, 1887, aged sixtyinine years, nine months and twenty days. Too prominently noted in this sub-history and otherwise known to the general public to need further characterization here. An excellent likeness.

2. Warren Whitney Dutcher, born in Shaftsbury, Vt., July 4, 1812; removed with his worthy wife and children to Hopedale in the spring of 1856. He became associated in business with E. D. & G. Draper, prospered and contributed largely to the upbuilding of his adopted village. He left a bright and memorable record for mechanical ingenuity, manufacturing enterprise, moral rectitude and benefactions bestowed on suffering humanity. His wife was no less distinguished for her matronly virtues, social worth and charities to the poor. Both have passed away, leaving hallowed memories. He died .January 2G, 1880, aged sixty-seven years, six months and twenty-two days. Mrs. Malinda, his wife, died February 9, 1888, aged sixty-six years, six months and nineteen days. Their worthy children, Frank J. Dutcher and Miss

3. Joseph Bubier Bancroft, born in Uxbridge, Mass., October 3, 1821. He is the respected head of an intelligent enterprising and influential ftimily. He came here with his estimable wife in 1847, and both joined the Hopedale Community. He was for several years superintendent of the Hopedale Machine Establishment, served long on the Milford Board of Selectmen, was sent representative to General Court in 1864, is now chairman of our Hopedale selectmen.

4. Dea. Asa Augustus Westcott, born in Scituate, R. I., August 17, 1826. He and his excellent family, wife, sons and daughters, settled among us in 1873. They brought with them characters of sterling worth and salutary moral influence, as well as manufacturing enterprise and usefulness. They occupy a position in the first rank of our little municipality. Dea. Westcott well deserves the place he has consented to fill among our representative engravings.

5. General William Franklin Draper, born in Lowell, Mass., April 9, 1842. After what has been said in the preceding pages, though briefly, and what is otherwise widely known to the public, it is hardly necessary to be very specific here. It is suflicient to say that since his honored father's decease, he is our financial, social and municipal chief, crowned with our unanimous deference, confidence and love. He has a red lettered past and a near future auroral with promise. In due time, no doubt, an ample biography will worthily portray his life career. Meantime his friends must be content with outlines and his likeness. Most of them will feel that this does meagre justice to his manly form and face. But for the pressure of business a better would probably have been secured.

6. Adin Ballon, the present historian, born in Cumberland, E. I., April 23, 1803, of uncollegiate education, but a persistent student of useful knowledge and self-culture; commenced preaching in his nineteenth year ; has been a minister of New Testament Christianity, as he understood it, over sixty-seven years, chiefly in the southeasterly section of this county ; is author of a " History of Milford, Mass.," a " History and Genealogy of the Ballous " and many minor works; and holds too many peculiarities of faith and practice to be classed very exactly with any religious denomination. His likeness is a tolerably correct one, and appears in this work through the generosity of an eminent friend.

Here we may conclude this sub-history as su2iciently minute and comprehensive for the place it is to occupy among its county associates. It shows that the town of Hopedale, though small and infantile, compared with its elder and grander comunicipalities, has a record with strong points of interest in it, and a probable future of rising impor- tance not wholly unworthy of its name. And it affords the writer peculiar plea.sure to say in closing that, notwithstanding all the unpleasantness growing out of separation from mother Milford, every embitterment is evidently passing away, and the present relations of the two towns are mutually amicable and harmonious.