Hudson Town (part 1 of 10)

Hudson Town

son's incorporation, a history which contains many novel features and reflects great credit upon all of its citizens in general and the committees having it in charge in particular, it will be necessary to take leave of this branch of the story. For the present it is suflicient to say that the new town, after the act of 1868 including the Bolton territory within its limits, had all the elements of a successful township, a sufiiciently wide extent of territory, a larger population than is usually found in new towns, its citizens very intelligent and actively engaged in mercantile and manufacturing pursuits, its voters wide awake and imbued with a spirit of progress in all things which prophesied the future growth and success of the town. To give the names of all those who have successively held public otHce and been honored by its citizens for their ability and devotion is not necessary here, as they can all be found in any collection of the town's annual reports, and space here forbids any mention of public acts except those connected with the greatest advance or change in the town's welfare.

Educational. - In the matter of education the town has always been active, and occupies a fair position in this respect among the other towns of the State. The first school-house was built in 1812. Its history is a fair sample of the energy of her sons. At the beginning of the present century there was only one school-house on their territory. This was two miles from the " mills," and there was no direct road between the two places. The people believed they should have better accommodations for their children, and began the struggle in a town-meeting. In 1812 they succeeded in getting a new district formed and a new school-house voted. There was much opposition manifested after the meeting, and it seemed very probable that the vote would be rescinded at the adjourned meeting, but before the day of adjournment came the people had cut down trees, sawed them into timber, and had the house completed and ready for occupancy. This was situated on what is now Washington Street, where Mrs. Ada T. Woods' house stands. This sufficed until 1855, when there were demands for a larger and better building. This time the citizens of Feltonville couldn't agree among themselves on which side of the river it should be placed. Finally a site was selected by measuring from each man's door-yard to get a geographical centre. This centre was located on the south side of the river, and a building was erected which is now known as the School Street Building. This wa,s the only school building in the village at the time of the incorporation, though there were two in the outlying districts.

The new town immediately set at work upon a new building in the centre and one in the westerly part, which were completed in 1867 at an expense of over $13,000. In 1878 another building was erected on Green Street, and in 1882 a handsome and commodious brick building was erected on Felton Street for the use of the High and Grammar schools at an expense of some $15,000. Twenty teachers are now employed, some of whom have been in the service of the town for many years. Appropriations have increased from *3,000 in 1866, to over $10,000 in 1890.

It has kept pace with its buildings in the course of study and grading of schools. At the date of incorporation the schools were rather of the "district" order. The first committee set at work to better the condition, and easy but gradual advancement was made until the system was completely graded and up to the standard of the State. This first School Committee consisted of George S. Rawson, David B. Goodale and H. G. Dugan. Two years later Dr. James L. Harriman was elected a member, and has served continuously to the present time. Of the male teachers, Mr. Lucius Brown, the grammar school master, has been in service ever since 1878.

When the town was incorporated there was a High Grammar school out of which grew the present High School. There have been seven principals, as follows : W. C. Ficket, 1866-69 ; E. P. Gerry, 1869-71 ; E. R. Coburn, 1871-73; Albert Stetson, George B. Towle, 1873-74; Frank T. Beede, 1874-79 ; Walter H. Small, 1879-

The school equipment has grown from a dictionary and atlas to a well-selected library in a reference room, opening from the school rooms; from a single pneumatic trough for chemical experiments to a well-stocked laboratory. The most improved anatomical and astronomical charts are used ; and the foundation of a geological cabinet has been laid. Philosophical apparatus is also being gradually collected.

in the list of teachers in the remaining schools, hut it is worth while to mention the fact that Miss Mary E. Hall is the senior teacher in point of consecutive service, she having been engaged in different schools in town since 1875, more than fifteen years.

Public Library. - To supplement the schools a good public library is a necessity. The Hon. Charles Hudson, after whom, as we have seen, the town was named, recognized this fact, and, in his letter thanking the people for the great compliment extended to him, made this proposition: "If the town of Hudson at a legal meeting called for that purpose, vote to establish a free town library for the use of all the inhabitants of the town, and shall appropriate or otherwise secure the sum of five hundred dollars, to be devoted to that object, they may call upon me, my executors or administrators, for the like sum of five hundred dollars, to be expended in furtherance of that object."

The town voted to accept and voted the necessary five hundred dollars. A committee, consisting of James T. Jo.slin, David B. Goodale and Lumau T. Jefts, was selected to carry the vote into effect. Tlie town received additional donations of 1100 from Mrs. Caroline Wood and $25 from Silas F. Manson. In November, 1868, the town voted $200 more. With this the trustees purchased 721 books for general circulation and about 200 volumes for reference. The library was opened in the room now known as Cochran's drug-store, with Ira B. Goodrich as its first librarian. Its circulation the first year was 5214 volumes to 461 different ])eople. In 1871 it was moved into the Savings Bank room, and in 1873 to its permanent home in the town hall building. During this year it received a bequest from Mrs. Emily Bailey of fifty dollars and a gift of twenty-seven volumes from Hon. Charles Hudson,. since which tiniethetown has madeliberal appropriations yearly, and the library has grown to some5000 volumes, with a circulation of nearly 17,000. The trustees in their last report say: "The Library is steadily growing in numbers, 350 new books having been added this year, and is as steadily growing in public favor. Considering the few hours per week the Library is open, the demand is an honor to the intelligence of the town. In two years 383 new names have been added to the list of patrons, and over 4000 more books have been drawn."

The present librarian is Mrs. Grace M. Whittemore and the Board of Trustees consists of W. E. C. Worcester, F. O. Welsh and W. H. Small, each of whom has been successively elected to the position, three terms of three years each.

Town-House. - Hudson has always been progressive in her public buildings. Five years after incorporation, after it had laid out and constructed roads, provided for the schools and whatever was deemed necessary for the public prosperity, it was decided to build a town-hall, one which would sufBce, not for the ])resent only, but for a prosperous future. A location directly in the centre of the town was selected, rising gradually from the main street, and on it was erected the large brick structure which stands as a monument to the large-headedness of its projectors, and the liberality of the town in her early years. The building is fifty-five by ninety-seven feet with a vestibule seventeen by thirty-four feet. It is built of brick, with granite keystones and trimmings. The lower story is twelve feet high and contains the rooms for the town ofHcers, the public library, the national bank and a small hall for caucuses and small gatherings. The second story is twenty-two feet high, with stage and gallery, finely frescoed, heated by steam and lighted by electricity. The third story is a series of rooms, used by Doric Lodge, A. F. and A. M., and Trinity Commandery. The cost of the building was $48,531, the site and grading cost $10,000 and about $2500 have been spent in ornamenting the grounds. The grounds are made into beautiful lawns, surrounded by granite curbing. Abundant shade-trees have been planted and all the walks are concreted. Few towns can boast of so thorough and beautiful a hall as this. It was completed and publicly dedicated September 26, 1872. Though the town has more than doubled since then, it still remains large enough for all requirements.

Fire Department. - The first movement towards forming a Fire Department was made January 17, 1842, when there was called " a meeting of the young men of Feltonville to take into consideration the best methods of forming an engine company." Feltonville Engine Company was formed with a membership of twenty-one men, embracing many who were afterwards prominently connected with the growth and mercantile interests of the town. Francis Brigham was the first foreman, James Wilson, second foreman, and Francis D. Brigham, clerk and treasurer. The latter received the munificent salary of two dollars per year for his services. No one could become a member after election by the company until he had been approved by the .selectmen. The engine was procured about the middle of the year, and was a veritable " tub," as she had no suction hose and had to be filled by pails. She was procured mainly through the efforts of Mr. Charles Brigham, and cost about $200. A syndicate was formed, aud shai'es were subscribed for by different people in the village, until a sufiicient sum was raised to make the purchase. Mr. Brigham is believed to be the only surviving member of that first and very original syndicate. In a year's time some of the "volunteers" became weary of their duties aud withdrew ; a new company was formed, but it was not very prosperous, as the close of the year showed only seventy-five cents in the treasury. This company existed until 1847, when a second reformation was made. In 1849 Marlborough voted to furnish Feltonville an engine if the citizens of the village would furnish the enginehouse and company. A company of thirty-eight was formed and the engine was received July 9th. The name of the engine was " Hydraulicon No. 3." Her first actual service was at a fire in the south part of Bolton, on November 14th. The first muster ever held in the village was on December Ist, when the two engines from the centre came over for a friendly bout.

The records say : " They were received near the house of Charles Brigham, where a column was formed and marched through the principal streets, as far as the house of Mr. Jones, and thence to Stephen Pope's, thence to the left over the bridge, thence to the right on to the spot selected for the trial, near the house of Captain Wood. After several trials No. 2 gave up, their machine being out of order. The line was reformed, and the companies marched to the square in front of the Mansion House. Members and invited guests moved to the hall, where refreshments were prepared by Landlord Cox in excellent style." September 7, 1857, the name was changed to Eureka, a name held and made prominent ever since. The present house was built January, 1860, and duly celebrated. The present engine was purchased in May, 1872, and has won many prizes - five first, five second and, one each, third, fourth and fifth ; in all aggregating $2360. The most famous match was with the E. P. Walker Engine Company, of Vinalhaven, Me., for a purse of $2000. The trial took place at Portland, Me., October 12, 1875. The Eureka made the grand record of 229 feet li inches. Besides this, the oldest company in the history of the town, there is the Bucket Hook-and-Ladder Company, Independent Hose, Eureka Hose, H. E. Stowe Hose and the Relief Hook-and-Ladder Companies. These companies, with 100 hydrants to furnish water, aftbrd ample protection against fire, as has been proved in many cases.

The town has not been visited by many disastrous fires, though the records show many smaller conflagrations. The first extensive fire was the piano-shop of Kaler & Shaw, on Broad Street, July 4, 1874. October 3, 1880, occurred the fire which consumed the wooden block on Main Street, opposite the townhouse, and the Hudson House. September 18, 1882, the brick factory of F. Brigham & Company was burned, at a loss of $60,000. May 9, 1885, Dunn, Green & Co.'s tannery was damaged to the extent of over $30,000. This was the most stubborn fire ever encountered by the firemen, and it seems very evident that the whole business section of the town would have been swept away, had it not been for the new water-works, which at that time had been in operation only a few months, and had not been subjected to a fire test before. Their thorough eflBciency was proved, and few carpers against them could be found the next day. They had saved over five times their cost in that one night.

by springs, and furnishing the purest and softest of water. The lake has an area of ninety acres, and is located above the town, at an elevation sufiicient to furnish the water by gravity, with a good head. More than twelve miles of main have been put in, and the water is almost universally used in town, paying a handsome per cent, on the investment.

" To Bee if the town will choose a committee to talie into consideration and inveBtigate the matter of supplying the town with water, and, if considered by them practicable and j udicious, to petition the Legislature, in behalf of the town, to grant them leave to taite water from Gates Pond in Berlin or any other suitable place or pond in the vicinity of Hudson, or construct a reservoir ou Pope's Hill, so-called, so as to force water into the same for the use and supply of the inhabitants of the town, or do or act anything respecting the same."

The town voted : " That a committee of fifteen be nominated by the Board of Selectmen and reported to the town at this meeting for their acceptance, whose duty it shall be to take into consideration the whole subject-matter of this article, and if considered by them advisable, said committee is hereby clothed with full power to carry into efiect the full intent and meaning of the same." The town chose as this committee : Benjamin Dearborn, Edmund M. Stowe, William F. Trowbridge, Charles H. Robinson, Luman T. Jefts, George Hough ton,. Joseph S. Bradley, David B. Goodale, Cyrus D. Munson, Rufus H. Brigham, Henry Tower, James T. .Toslin, Rufus Howe, A. K. Graves and Daniel W. Stratton.

The committee organized with Charles H. Robinson, chairman, and D. W. Stratton, secretary, and at once proceeded to investigate the matter very fully. They looked into the cost in other towns, the system used, whence water could be obtained in sufficient supply and purity, and finally recommended th.at the town appropriate a sufficient sum to pay for a survey and plan for taking water from Gates Pond, and estimated cost of construction of the works. In April, 1883, $300 was voted for this purpose. An act had been brought up in the Legislature, and it was passed April 2.'"i, 1883. M. M. Tidd was employed as engineer. He made a thorough survey and reported : " We find Gates Pond in Berlin to have an area of ninety acres at its present level. It is a natural pond located in a country that appears to possess all of the qualifications desired.

" It is well removed from settlements, whose drainage might be injurious. The water-shed is clean with a rocky foundation and is precipitous. The pond is unusually clean ; the water is soft, limpid, agreeable to the taste, and is without doubt large enough to contain nearly all the water which the shed is capable of discharging into it. On account of the steep character of its shed it is probable that something more than fifty per cent, of the water will be collected there. The water-shed contains 141 acres, from which twenty-one inches in depth can be' collected annually.

This would give 80,613,225 gallons per year, or 220,- 858 ga!lons per day, equals 55.2 gallons per day per head for 4000 inhabitants for 305 days per year. The situation of Gates Pond is such that a dam can, at comparatively small expense, be constructed at the outlet vphich will hold the water nine feet higher than the present water level, without materially damaging any one, thus creating an additional storage capacity of 212,355,000 gallons, which can be drawn upon in case of a long-continued drought.

"In case that no rain at all occurred for an entire year, this amount of water alone, after deducting 42 inches for evaporation, would furnish the town with 581 ,000 gallons per day for a year. The water in Gates Pond at the present time is at an elevation of 103 feet above the curb-stone in the sidewalk at the post-office, and 1 12 feet above the sidewalk at the factory of Stowe, Bills & Hawley. This will give at the post-office an IJ^-inch fire-stream through 100 feet of 2i-inch hose that will reach 125 feet horizontal, or 87 feet high, and will discharge 197 gallons per minute. This will reach the top of any building in Hudson and I think would be considered a good firestream."

The report gives a plan of the proposed works at a cost of a little more than $70,000. The report of the committee of fifteen, embodying the report of the engineer, was submitted to the town at a meeting held December 1, 1883, and the Act of the Legislature was accepted by a vote of 191 to 90, eleven more than the necessary two-thirds. The record of this meeting shows the following : Voted, " That the town of Hudson will introduce water from Gates Pond in Berlin, for the purpose of extinguishing fires, and for domestic uses or otherwise, and will proceed to construct the necessary structures and appliances there." Voted, " To elect three persons to act as Board of Water Commissioners." Charles H. Eobinson, Edmund 'M. Stowe and Benjamin Dearborn were elected and duly qualified in accordance with the provisions of chapter 149, of the Acts of the Legislature, for the year 1883.

In December of the same year it was voted to leave the whole matter of raising the money in the hands of the water commissioners and the town treasurer. The contract for construction was let to Goodhue & Birney for $04,000. Water was let on for town use December 10, 1884. There were 114 water-takers at the time, 8.2 miles of pipe had been laid. A dam was built at the lower end of the pond, enlarging the area, raising the surface of the pond and increasing the head, so that the following results were obtained: At Benjamin Hastings a head of 75 feet ; at corner of Central and River Streets, 95 feet; at Wood Square, 110 feet, and at Stowe, Bills and Hawley's, 119 feet. Extensions have been made every year until there are 12.81 miles of pipes ; January 1, 1890, the water was used by 547 families for domestic purposes, and the town had 99 fire-hydrants. The water loan has been increased to $125,000. The income from all sources for 1889 was $7602.07, or deducting the hydrant service, $1500, leaves $6102.07. As the net water debt at that date was less than $90,000, it makes a remarkably good investment for the town, the v&lue of which will increase every year.

Communication. - In 1828 a post-office was established at the " Mills" and the name given it was " Feltonville," from Postmaster Felton, and a mail and passenger stage was put on the road to Boston. The route was over the old Sudbury road. The horses were changed at Wayland. Wagons were driven over the same road for all mill supplies and general merchandise. Mr. Gilman Hapgood, who did much of this business, still survives. After the Fitchburg Railroad was built through South Acton some of the freightand passenger bu.siuess turned in thatdirection, but not enough to destroy the old route. In 1847 the present branch of the Fitchburg was laid out, the people generally contributing the land, but the railroad building the road at their own expense. Owing to a little difficulty with the citizens of Stowe because the line did not pass through the centre of their town, but through that part known as Rockbottom, the line was«ot pushed to completion until after 1850. When the line came to Feltonville, the engine was housed in George Houghton's factory. In 1853 the line was pushed to Marlborough. A ledge was struck of so formidable proportions that the company were on the point of abandoning the extension, believing that the business would not warrant the expense. Finally, on solicitation of "Uncle" Charles Brigham, the company, then called the Marlborough Branch Railroad Company, agreed to complete it if he would give them a warranty deed of all the land they crossed, belonging to him. This was done, the road was completed, and, as Mr. Brighara says, " I didn't get much out of it." It was of course of great general benefit to the settlement, though rather erratic in its movements in its first years. In one of the first winters no train was seen for five days. Its first fare to Boston was one dollar and ten cents, more than the fare for the round trip to-day.

The facilities atlbrded by the Fitchburg Railroad Company have been increased and improved from year to year with the increase in size and wealth of the company, and a new and excellent passenger station has but recently been completed in the place for its patrons. Its yard accommodations for handling freight and coal are very extensive and convenient, but there has always been a vital objection to it as a passenger route to Boston on account of its roundabout course, its unnecessary length. Any town's growth is seriously impeded which is at the mercy of a single railroad for passenger and freight rates, and it was always the desire of those farthest sighted to have Hudson so situated as to be able to command a direct route to Boston by competitive lines.

found credited to Marlborough, Bolton and Berlin. On October 22d the regiment left camp for Newbern, North Carolina, by way of the United States steamer " Mississippi." This place was reached on the 28th, and within forty-eight hours the regiment received orders to march, and for the next six months they were given a large amount of hard and dangerous duty to perform. The Fifth was a good regiment, and its colonel, George H. Peirson, an excellent officer, so that more than their share of the time they were doing the most difficult and dangerous part of the duty. Their first encounter with the Confederate troops was at Planter's Creels:, in which skirmish three men were killed ; the next was at Woodington Church, and the first heavy engagement was that known as the battle of Whitehall, on the 16th day of December, 1862, the Fifth being on the right of the line and in the thickest of the fight. Upon this tour of duty, which was for the purpose of destroying the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, the regiment marched one hundred and eighty miles, and, on account of their valiant services, were directed by Major-General Foster to inscribe on their colors the names of Kinston, Whitehall and Goldsboro'.

In March, 1863, the regiment was ordered out for the purpose of making an advance on account of hostile demonstrations by the rebels, and was ready to march in fifteen minutes from the receipt of the order. They went to a place known as Deep Gully and suffered much from the extreme cold weather. The next month, April, saw two niore hard marches and a fight at Blount's Creek. At Cove Creek occurred another meeting with the " Johnnies," in which the Fifth won applause. On the 21st of May occurred an attack upon a large force at Mosely Creek, and the Northern forces captured more than two hundred prisoners, forty-three horses and mules, eight ambulances, seventeen wagons, one gun, five hundred stand of arms, seventeen rounds of ammunition, together with the entire hospital furniture and supplies of the enemy. This was the last expedition in which the Fifth was engaged, and in some respects the hardest, owing to the intense heat, miry swamps and almost impenetrable jungles through which the troops were forced to march.

On the 26th of May four hundred men, under command of Major Worcester, were commanded to proceed to Wilkinson's Point, on the Neuse River, twenty miles below Newbern, to erect and occupy fortifications at that place; but as the order was countermanded, the force returned to camp on the 28th. The regiment reached home on June 22d, and was enthusiastically received by the people of Boston and by the citizens and authorities of Charlestown. When "I" company reached Feltonville they received a welcome which was more enjoyable to them, and if not so much of a demonstration as they had witnessed in Boston, it was nevertheless as hearty as the people of the place could make it.

By this hasty review it will be seen that the regiment did an unusual amount of arduous service during its term of enlistment, beginning but a few hours after it set foot upon hostile soil, and continuing until the eve of its departure for Massachusetts, marching about six hundred miles over the wretched roads of North Carolina and sailing over two thousand miles in crowded transports, and having enough shot and shell hurled at them to have killed every one of them a dozen times over had they but hit the intended mark.

Until July 16, 1864, the Fifth remained a part of the Massachusetts Militia, but did not see any active service. Upon this day the regiment was again mustered into the service for one hundred days and ordered to the defences at Baltimore. Company " I " at this time was commanded by Captain A. A. Powers, Lieutenants Frost and Luther H. Farnsworth. Major Worcester in the mean time had advanced a peg to the position of lieutenant-colonel. Arriving at their destination, the regiment was distributed among the diflierent forts in that vicinity, and occupied the time in doing guard duty, an arduous, but by no means exciting or, under the circumstances, dangerous occupation.

At the expiration of this term of service, the regiment was again mustered out of the service of the United States, and remained a part of the State's military force.

Company "I," at first named the" Banks Guards," after the town was incorporated, in 1869, changed its name to that of the Hudson Light Guard, and as such was known during its connection with the State force. The company performed good service in November, 1872, at the time of the Boston fire, doing guard duty two days and a night, and under its different commanders enjoyed varying degrees of prosperity until it was disbanded by a general order from the Adjutant- General's office, in September, 1876, when, in common with others, it was done away with in order to reduce the size of the State's militia.

For the sake of future reference, a list is appended of the names of those who held commission in the company or rose from its ranks to higher offices in the regiment :

In 1887 the State force of militia was again increased, and after an interim of eleven years Hudson again became represented in the Fifth Regiment. On November 16th of that year a new company was mustered in and lettered '' M," aud has been commanded during the time since by Captain Adelbert M. Mossman, First Lieutenant William H. Brigbatn, and Second Lieutenant Frank K. Freeborn. The new company has assumed the old name of Hudson Light Guard, and has had an honorable and successful record since its formation.

Gkand Army Post. - Having recounted, all too briefly, the record of Hudson's soldiers during the Rebellion, it is but natural that we would turn next to an account of their doings since that time.

In April, 1866, a movement was set on foot to organize an association of the citizens of Hudson who had served their country in the army or navy for the purpose set forth in their declaration of principles: " Of perpetuating the pleasant relations heretofore existing between us as comrades in arms ; to assist each other and those of our fellow-citizens who may hereafter return from the hardships of the service to procure employment ; also to be instrumental in assisting the disabled and the families of those who have fallen ; to place on record for the use of posterity any facts that may come to our knowledge concerning the patriotic service of any of our comrades during the late Rebellion."

This movement met with a general response from the soldiers of Hudson, and, on the 1st day of June the by-laws of the " Hudson Army and Navy Union " were adopted, and the new society started on its mission under the most favorable auspices. The " Union '' was not intended to be in any sense a machine, nor was it secret, the meetings being open and any question was considered in order and debatable, and many who could not become members attended the meetings. For a short time the Union was successful, but before long two disturbing elements arose to cloud the brightness of its members' dreams. There were too few offices to go around, and too much politics for peace, so that the longer the Union lived the less union existed among the members. In the following spring, having learned that an effort was being made to unite the soldiers and sailors of the Union army and navy in a grand National brotherhood, James S. Bailey succeeded in obtaining a copy of the constitution, and consulted with many of the more prominent veterans with a view to securing a charter.

It was decided that this would be a great improvement over the existing order of things, and on March 16, 1867, a committee of ten was appointed to apply for a charter, and upon the 10th day of April following Post No. 9 of the Grand Army of the Republic was organized with a charter membership of fiftynine-

When it came to choosing a name, the admirers and advocates of the name Reno were in the majority, and succeeded in adopting this as the name of the new post- During its existence the post has gathered together about eight thousand dollars by means of their individual and collective efforts, and has disbursed almost all of it in relieving the necessities of veterans and their families. As time has gone on, the membership has increased, and the interest increases rather than abates as death gradually thins the ranks of those remaining.

On February 12, 1872, a Ladies' Relief Society was organized by the wives of the members of the post, and has been a valuable adjunct to it, its members keeping alive the social relations always so pleasant among comrades, and in times of sickness and distress rendering those tender offices which women alone can do.

Thus far we have been treating of "Hudson and its citizens in its corporate capacity and tracing its growth and prosperity in a collective capacity. Let us now turn to a consideration of the industries which have been the mainstay of its people and made possible the achievements which have been described.

Manufactories. - While Hudson remained a mere farming community there was little growth, little centralizing ; a grist and saw-mill, a general store and a tavern near the mills sufficed ; but when industries demanding skilled labor were introduced, the land near the store and the mills and the tavern began to be dotted with buildings. The first little attempts at manufacturing were made nearly a century ago by Joel Cranston, who tried wool-carding and cloth-dressing. In 1810 Phineas Sawyer started a small cottonfactory, but only yarn was produced. The weaving was done in families. Some satinet was also made. A distillery for cider brandy was put in operation by Cranston & Felton on the spot where Tripp's box factory now stands. A little tanning was done, and also a little saddle and harness-making. None of these grew to any proportions, but they were the pioneers of the great manufacturing industries of to-day, drawing settlers to the village and beginning that permanency which creates large business centres.

Of the great staple industry of Hudson to-day, shoe manufacturing, the beginning seems to have been made by a Peter Wood. He cannot properly be styled a manufacturer; he was, perhaps, a cobbler, who would make a pair of shoes when ordered. In 1816 Daniel Stratton, grandfather of Town Clerk Daniel W. Stratton, began manufacturing shoes in a small way. In 1821-22 he built a small factory on the spot now occupied iby the house of Mrs. Alfa L. Small. Here he employed four hands, and carted his goods to Providence rather than to Boston. In a few years he moved to the farm now known as the Stratton Farm. His son, Lorenzo, bought the old place ; but, instead of doing business for himself, took shoes from a Stoneham manufacturer. By him the old house recently known as the Waldo Brighsm place was built, and work was carried on in the barn.

The factory built by Daniel Stratton was moved across the road, and now forms the northern portion of Martin Reynolds' house. The property of Lorenzo Stratton passed successively into the hands of William Brigham, Solomon Brighara and Francis Brigham.

It was at this place that Mr. Brigham learned his trade, and that he first began that business that has since endured, and put the making of shoes upon a permanent foundation in the town. He soon moved to a small factory which stood just back of William Chase's Block ; then to the spot now occupied by Holden's Block ; then to the building now occupied by C. L. Woodbury. The business thus created has been carried on continuously ever since under the firmname of F. Brigham it Co. This firm has had a prosperous career. It weathered the financial crises of 1837, 1847 and 1857 and the seventies. It has made over twenty millions pairs of shoes, is one of the oldest firms in the United States, has introduced many improvements in shoe-making, has graduated some of the successful manufacturers of the town to-day, and has grown from the lap-stone and bristle to the best modern machinery. As it is our pioneer firm, a brief history will not be out of place.

Mr. Brigham's beginning and experience is the oftrepeated story of the beginning and experience of mo.st of the successful men of business in this country. He was cradled in adversity, and, without the patronage of wealth or helpful friends, had to hew his own way over the rugged paths of life. He was a practical shoemaker, working for two years at the bench, and acquiring in every detail and process the manufacture of shoes. At twenty-one years of age he was running his own business, employing only a few hands. In those early days of the shoe industry the men worked in " teams " of four. One would fit the stock and last, one would peg, another put on the heels, and the fourth would trim them and take off. The sole and inner sole were rounded on by hand to the last. The laster waxed his own thread and .secured the ends to the bristle. An old ledger of 1847- 8-9, contains many entries like the following : " Henry Priest, Cr., by work in Hapgood's team, 114.95." "Jonathan F.Wheeler, Cr., By 140 pairs, $11.90."

The lap-stone was an adjunct of every bench, and the construction of the shoe was as primitive as the shoe itself. The style seldom changed, and three pairs of " strap cacks " were sold for one dollar. In those days the work was given out in large quantities, and the stock was joined into shoes in small shops scattered through all the surrounding villages. In the private houses over a radius of many miles, " Hannah sat at the window binding shoes," as Elias Howe had not then mastered the problem that has since produced a revolution in the stitching of the world. This firm used the first sewing-machine in town in 1855 ; it was made by Grover & Baker, being regarded as one of the wonders of the world at the time, and was run by Mrs. Persis E. Brigham. A sole-cutting machine was used in the early part of the forties. F. Brigham & Co. introduced the pegging machine in 1857, and were the first to run it successfully in this country. They added the binding machine to their labor-saving machinery as early as

1856. Lasting-machines were put in in 1861, but proved to have no practical value. Leveling, crimping, skiving, nailing, burnishing, trimming, sanding, heeling, and an infinite number of other machines, adding wonderfully to the beauty, durability and rapidity of production of shoes, have been introduced and adopted by this firm since 18G0. They have always been among the first to adopt and use the best machines and appliances for the production of the best work, regardless of cost.

Prior to 1847 this firm moved twice to larger factories, owing to the increase in their business. In 1847 they erected what was regarded at the time as one of the largest and best equipped shoe- factories in this section of the State. They occupied it ten years, when steady growth and the popularity of their goods called for more room. In 1850 mills and a water-power, which had been in use since 1690, were purchased for ten thousand dollars, and the buildings removed from their old sites, and work was commenced on the extensive plant they now own.

Since this beginning in 1834 the industry has grown from a few hands employed in a small shop to eight large plants with a capacity of 20,000 pairs per day.

The firm of Stowe, Bills & Hawley was established by Mr. Edmund M. Stowe, senior member of the firm in 1854, L. T. Jefts in 1859, (Jeorge Houghton in 1857, A. P. Martin in present shop in 1887, W. F. Trowbridge in shop now occupied by Frank H. Chamberlain in 1866, Bradley & Say ward in 1880, Frank H. Chamberlain, then Moultou & Chamberlain in 1884, and H. H. Mawhinney & Company in 1890. These firms occupy large and convenient factories, supplied with the best machinery modern ingenuity has been able to devise, and with all the perfected methods of protection against fire and panic. A glance at one factory will serve for all. At the Main Street factory of Stowe, Bills & Hawley one finds in the engine-room a powerful duplex firepump, its pipe hot with steam, with large coils of hose ready for instant use. In addition to this is a large standpipe under full pressure of the town water, a complete equipment of automatic sprinklers, chemical fire extinguishers, fire pails, an electric watch clock to ensure the watchman's punctual rounds at night, and on the outside a loud automatic gong to give the necessary alarm. All the factories are equally well equipped.

Around this central industry has been gathered its feeders, die factories, last factories, tannery, machineshops, building material, elastic webbing.

New industries have been drawn in, such as the Goodyear Gossamer Company, and the Woodward Manufacturing Co., with its wood pulleys, foundry castings and finished planers and band-saws, and the New England Knitting-Mills. The making of boxes was begun about 1844 by Silas Stuart at the location on Eiver street where Cranston & Felton's apple brandy refinery was, half a century before. Mr. Stuart then made all the boxes needed by the shoe manufacturers in Marlboro' and Feltonville (now Hudson). Later on the property was leased by Tripp Brothers, bought by them in 1869, and the business increased until they now occupy a plant of one and one-half acres, with a building three stories high, supplied with every needed machine, operated both by water and steam-power; 100,000 feet of lumber are made into boxes every month, and yet the shoe industry has so increased that this is only one of three plants for the manufacturing of shoe cases for Hudson.

The last business had the following beginning. In the month of March, 1859, Philip E. Millay, a native of Whitefleld, Maine, who had served an apprenticeship with an old last-maker, by the name of Silas Mason, in the town of Gardiner, Me., and who had also worked ten years as journeyman in the city of Lynn, came to Hudson with his brother, David N. Millay, and started a last factory in the old tannery building, shortly after moving to the basement of what was then known as the " Old Red Shop." They had no last machine at first, but had all their lasts turned in St. Stephens, New Brunswick, brought to Hudson and finished in their factory. In 1863 P. E Millay bought his brother's interest in the business . which had greatly increased, and also put in his first last machine to do his own turning, shortly after moving to his present quarters. This business has always been prosperous and has never been out of the family.

The tannery business was one of the first industries ever begun in Hudson, and, like the shoe business, has grown to large proportions, and done much towards building up the town. Its inception was by Joel Cranston about the year 1799, and was bought by Stephen Pope in 1816. His tan-yard was located where the Methodist Church now stands. He conducted the business successfully for many years, tanning in the best periods 5000 calf-skins, and considerable Russia leather. In 1866 the property was offered for sale, and Mr. George Houghton, believing that there was an opportunity to make leather suiBcient to supply the shoe-factories in town, called together the five principal manufacturers and submitted to them the proposition. They did not look upon the matter very favorably, even though Mr. Pope claimed that he had five per cent, advantage over other tanners in his water supply. This was on Saturday evening. Monday morning Mr. Houghton, with his characteristic push, bought the property and in six weeks he had built Houghton Street, moved four buildings upon it, and had built and stoned the present canal. He afterwards filled in the lower part thirteen feet. As the old buildings and vats did not seem suitable for the business proposed, new ones were constructed and leased to Fay & Stone. The business was continued for twelve years and then sold to Butler & Dunn, now Dunn, Green & Company. Their tannery has received many additions until it is now one of the most complete in all its arrangements of any tannery in New England. It is situated in the centre of the town and borders on the Assabet River, with a spur of the Fitchburg track running directly through the yard, enabling them to unload their bark from the cars into their mills.

The buildings consist of a tannery 225 feet long, 60 feet wide, containing 209 pits ; a leach-house 165 feet long, 25 feet wide containing 24 leaches, with all the latest improvements ; a beam-house 110 feet long, 46 feet wide, containing 64 limes and soaks ; a currying shop 320 feet long, 32 feet wide, four stories high, heated by steam and containing all the modern improvements in the way of tools and machinery that are to be found in any first-class factory for the manufacture of buff and split leather. They have also a large bark shed, 125 feet long, 42 feet wide capable of holding three hundred loads of bark_ They have also a large storehouse for hides, a brick engine-house containing two first-class engines of one hundred fifty horse-power, also a stable and other outbuildings.

Dunn, Green &Co. tan and finish here 1050 hides per week, or 54,000 hides per year. They make buff' and split leather, making 108,000 sides and 216,000 splits, or 324,000 pieces a year. To do this they employ 150 men. Their leather is used in all the principal shoe towns in New England, and has long enjoyed the reputation of being the best buff and split made in the country. They use the best of domestic cowhides, as well as the best material and labor that money will buy. They received a medal and diploma from the Paris Exposition, a medal and diploma from our Centennial Exhibition, and a medal and diploma from the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics' Association for their exhibit of bull' and split leather, made at this tannery.

Of the new industries, the Goodyear Go.ssamer Company stands at the head. The business was begun in the fall of 1885 by the present proprietors, Messrs. L. D. Apsley and J. H. Cotfin. These gentlemen had had a large experience in the gossamer business, and brought with them a thorough knowledge of the manufacturing department and an extensive acquaintance with the best wholesale and retail trade throughout the country, and they have devoted themselves to the development of the business with such success that in their third year they did the largest gossamer business in this country, leading all their competitors in volume of sales.

They began business in the frame buildings on Washington Street, formerly occupied by the Hudson Fabric Company. To meet the demands of their increasing trade, additions were made to the original building, from time to time, until their capacity was doubled ; but it was apparent that a more radical step was required to keep pace with the growing de- mand for their goods, and when, in December, 1888, their coating aad cementing departments were destroyed by fire, the firm resolved to erect a plant which would meet the requirements of the future. They accordingly purchased a tract of land along the north side of the Central Massachusetts Railroad, upon which the new buildings now stand. These buildings are built of brick and iron, and, with the exception of the stitching-building, are provided with 3i inch Portland cement floors, so that they are as nearly fire-proof as they can be made. The plant consists of seven buildings, having the following di mensions : 105x44, 80x40, 20x25, 25x25, 32x20, 35x32 and 130x50. There are now being daily coated with rubber 6000 yards of the various kinds of cloths, which include Foulards, woolens and silks in upwards of three hundred patterns. They have recently added an English coating-machine and built a drying-room 20x25, where the cloth is subjected to a heat of 240 degrees. The various manufacturing buildings are lighted by electricity, and are well ventilated and provided w ith various appliances for the comfort of the employees and for economy of labor in doing the work. When the manufacture of gossamer garments was begun, the circular and Newport were almost the only styles of ladies' garments made, but the business has been developed so greatly that these are now but a small part of the great variety of styles made. The firm has always been in the advance in the introduction of new and attractive styles of garments, and is constantly introducing new patterns, which are made in such a variety of cloths, and withlso much attention to perfection of fit and beauty of design, that this department of their business resembles that of a large cloak-making establishment. All qualities of goods are thus made up - from the ordinary cotton Foulard to the finest grades of woolens and silks - -all of which are made thoroughly water-proof by their coating of pure Para rubber.

The most wonderful improvement ever made in water-proof cloths has become widely known to the trade under the name of " India Stripes." These goods were first made and introduced by this firm, and have become general favorites on account of their beauty, water-proof quality and durability, being undoubtedly superior to all other rubber-surface garments made. Prior to their introduction, various attempts had been made to introduce variety of pattern upon the rubber coating, but none of them were successful as the coloring material either destroyed the rubber coating or disappeared on exposure to the weather. By the method employed by this firm these objections have been overcome, and they are enabled to produce a great variety of stripes in many colors, giving the garment the appearance of having a cloth surface, while being more thoroughly water-proof than a printed cloth can be made, and retaining their beauty much longer.

Situated beside the Gossamer Company, and receiving their power from the same eighty horse-power Corliss engine, is the Woodward Manufacturing Company. This company is the outgrowth of a small business carried on in Lowell by W. A. Woodward, under the name of the Woodward Machine Company. Mr. Woodward had been doing a good business in a small way, but having made several valuable improvements in machinery - principally in wood-rim pulleys - and not having capital, decided to form a stock company for that purpose. The subject was brought to the attention of the Hudson Board of Trade, who appointed a committee to take the matter in charge, and after thorough investigation another committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions for the stock. On January 5th the necessary capital had been secured, and the company was incorporated with a capital of $100,000. A tract of land was purchased on the line of the Central Mas.sachusetts Railroad, and suitable buildings have been erected to carry on the business, consisting of a factory 100x40 feet, two stories, with a foundry 70x40, and dry-house for drying lumber. The whole is equipped with first-class machinery.

An account of Hudson's manufacturing interests without a statement of the great work of one of the strongest and most influential men would be incomplete. Mr. George Houghton, now retired, is the man referred to. He was one of the "war-horses" in forming the town, has conducted some of its greatest business interests, and aided many a citizen to an honest living and competency. Of lowly birth and meagre education, the world seemed to hold out little to him except hard work. He labored faithfully at his bench, earning some two dollars a day, until 1857. Mr. Tarbell, then depot master at Rockbottom, proposed that they should unite forces and make shoes. Mr. Tarbell was to look after the books and furnish the money and Mr. Houghton was to have charge of the work. After cautious inquiries work was begun in the cottage where Mr. Houghton lived, the western portion of his present residence. As the business grew it was removed to a shed which now stands back of his home near the hot-house. About this time Mr. Tarbell withdrew and Mr. Houghton attempted to close the business to return to his bench, but Boston parties insisted on sending their orders for him to fill and furnished him the leather. So he continued until he outgrew his shed and built his first factory, sixty feet long and four stories high. He continued building until, in 1872, his was considered the model factory in the State. His success was due to native push and inability to recognize the word " can't." Before he retired he had done over -117,000,000 of business. During the war his manufacturer's tax was the largest paid by any one person in Middlesex County. A pleasing experience in his business life was the visit paid by the Japanese Embassy, August 2, 1872. The arrangements for the excursion were made by a committee of the Boston Shoe and Leather

Exchange. They made the trip by a special train on the Fitchburg Railroad, having the same engineer and conductor who ran the first train over the road in 1851. The Bosfon Journal of August 3d says of this trip:

"The traiD left Bostou at nine o'clock and arrived at Hudson at quarter paat ten. The party were met at the station by a crowd of people, who were apparently satisfied with a passing glance at the strangers, who were introduced to Mr. George Houghton and conducted at once to the tannery. This branch of industry is under a social ban in Japan, the men engaged in which are placed among the lowest order of workmen. The modern process of curing hides by immersion in vats of concentrated liquor, the dressing and finishing of the same by machinery, instead of hand, as was done in the infancy of the business, was examined and then the party entered the extensive factory, following through the various departments the necessary stock of leather taken from the tannery, from which a dozen pairs or so of shoes were made during the stay of two hours at the factory of Mr. Houghton, which the Japanese will carry home as specimens of a special branch of Massachusetts industry."

The Embassy was reported as " highly delighted and instructed in the cour-^e of their tour through the establishments of the peggers, and heelers, and stitchers, and binders."

Each kind of business is dependent upon many others for the highest degreeof efficiency and success, and Hudson has acquired these various accessories with the passage of time, so that it may be said to possess all the modern requirements of trade in the way of banks, newspapers, electric-lights, telephone and telegraph companies.

An account of the origin and growth of some of the principal institutions of this character must be included in a work of this kind and most proi)erly follows the history of the larger industries already described.

Business Accessories. - The first bank located in Hudson was the Savings Bank. Its act of incorporation is dated February 26, 1869, and says that Francis Brigham, Edmund M. Stowe, George Houghton, their associates and succes.sors, are hereby made a corporation by the name of the Hudson Savings Bank.

The first meeting of the corporators was held in George Houghton's office, April 12th, where the bank was organized by the election of the following officers : Francis Brigham, president ; George Houghton and Edmund M. Stowe, vice-presidents ; Francis D. Brigham, treasurer ; Luman T. Jefts, clerk, and a board of si.xteen trustees. The treasurer was put under $40,000 bonds, "with not less than five bondsmen."

April 23d it was voted, " that each of the trustees of | Hudson Savings Bank deposit a .sum not less than ten dollars, to remain in the bank five years without interest;" $210 were thus deposited, which pajd the initial expenses of the bank. The bank was opened for business in Brigham's Block (now Cochran'.s), May 1, 1869. The first depositor was Robert S. Harlow; amount, $100. On the first day $21 10 were deposited.

There have been few changes in the bank officers. Francis Brigham remained its president until his death, in December, 1880. In January, 1881, Edmund M. Stowe was appointed president until the annual meeting, when Francis D. Brigham, who had been the treasurer, was elected president, and Daniel W. Strattou was elected treasurer. Owing to ill health Mr. Brigham did not qualify for the position, and Edmund M. Stowe was elected president. He still holds the office. On the completion of Jefts' Block, in 1881, the bank was moved into it, giving it a more central location. In January, 1870, the deposits were $31,076; January, 1880, $206,244 ; January, 1890, $528,521. The last statement, July, 1890, shows $547, 457. In a strictly manufacturing town this shows three things - the thriftineas of the workmen, the sagacity of the bank officials and the confidence workmen have in the bank. A large part of its deposits are loaned to other workmen, who build and eventually own their own houses. January, 1870, the loans on real estate were $16,370 ; January, 1880, $134,170 ; January, 1890, $349,775 ; July, 1890, $377,175. This bank is one of the solid institutions of the town, and a potent factor in its growth.

Though for many years workingmen could deposit their money, there was no place where employers could make their exchanges. All banking business had to be done through Marlborough, Clinton or Boston. This inconvenience was severely felt, and in 1881 Mr. Charles H. Robinson began actively to canvass for the location of a National Bank in the town. The first meeting of the subscribers was held October 26, 1881. Charles H. Robinson was chosen chairman, and H. E. Stowe clerk. On the following evening another meeting was held, and the corporation was organized with a capital of $100,000. The following directors were chosen, November 22, 1881 : C. H. Robinson ,J. S. Welsh, H. C. Tower, E. M. Stowe, L. T. Jefts, J. S. Bradley, Henry Tower, G. A. Tripp, Benj. Dearborn - all of Hudson; N. L. Pratt, of Sudbury ; A. D. Gleasou, of Stow ; J. D. Tyler, of Berlin ; Joel Proctor, of Bolton ; E. H. Dunn, of Boston, and H. B. Braman, of Wayland. The officers elected were - President, Luman T. Jefts; Vice-President, E. M. Stowe ; Clerk, H. C. Tower.

Mr. George A. Lloyd, a teller in the Cambridge National Bank, East Cambridge, was selected as' cashier, January 19, 1882, and Mr. Caleb L. Brigham, the present cashier, as clerk of the bank, March 20, 1882. The charter was dated January 23, 1882, and business was commenced March 7, 1882.

Mr. Lloyd, having been called to a position in the Lechmere National Bank, resigned his place in the Hudson Bank, April 23, 1883. and Mr. Caleb L. Brigham was elected ca>hier, which position he has filled ever since.

On the first day there were three depositors ; amount, $3344.48. In one year the deposits amounted to $74,- 058.09. March 7, 1890, after doing business eight years, the deposits amounted to $105,733.09. Every week it disburses on factory pay-rolls from ten thousand to twenty-five thousand dollars. One month after it opened, its loans and discounts were $106,-

902.49, and in July, 1890, $200,275.22. During the last year the cashier's checks on the Blackstone National Bauk amounted to over $1,700,000. These statements indicate somewhat the commercial basis and activity of the town.

The Hudson Co-operative Bank was incorporated October 22, 1885, with the following officers : Luman T. Jefts, president; Charles H. Welch, secretary; Josiah S. Welsh, treasurer. It issued its first series in November and has done a constantly increasing business. On May 1, 1890, they began their tenth series. The deposits amount to 148,035, of which $45,300 are loaned on real estate. The present officers are: Arthur T. Knight, president; Charles H. Hill, secretary ; Charles E. Hall, treasurer.

It is doubtful if any manufacturing town in the county or State can show as good a record of the sobriety and thriftiness of its citizens as can be gleaned from the preceding statements of these banks. It certainly augurs well for Hudson, when the finances of her working class increase at the rate of fifty thousand dollars per year as they have since 1888. The town is supplied with all the modern business accessories, telegraph and telephone connections; eleven mails daily, two express companies - one a local express, Houghton's, founded in 186(5 by H. B. George and purchased by Willard Houghton the year following, the other being the "American." Train service is better than any other town enjoys twenty-eight miles from Boston. The Fitchburg Railroad runs five trains daily and two Sundays; the Boston and Maine, Central Massachusetts Division, runs eight daily trains and two Sundays either way between Hudson and Boston. The running time varies from forty -five to sixty-five minutes. Fares are very low, a single ticket on either road costing but fifty-three cents.

An electric light plant was established September 16, 1886, under the name of the Hudson Electric Light Company with a capital of $15,000. The plant consists of a sixty horse-power engine and two dynamos, with a capacity of forty-five arc and six hundred and fifty incandescent lights.

Newspapers. - Hudson had its first newspaper just previous to its incorporation. It was begun in February, 1865,, by Charles A. Wood, in Hanson's Hall, which stood on the spot now occupied by Chase's Block. The owner, twenty-five years later, says: " It was in the closing days of the Rebellion, and just after a few weeks' sojourn in the vicinity of ' the seat of war,' that the publisher of the Hudson Pioneer, like hundreds of other ambitious youths, gave up the avocation of guard-mounting and seized the stick and types to make for himself fame and fortune. The town, or more properly the village, was hardly of sufficient size to warrant a venture of this kind. The newspaper was not a ' long-felt want,' in the true sense of the word, and, like the history of many another poor country editor and publisher, it was hard work and poor pay."

In 1883, Wood Brothers, one of whom was the originator of the Pioneer, believed the time had come for a genuine live town paper. On September 29, 1889, they issued their first number of the Hudmn Enterprise. It was a twenty-eight column paper, with ten columns of local advertisements. Its circulation was about three hundred. Its first issue contained a good description of the birth of its older rival. " The office of the Enterprise (in Chase's Block) stands almost directly over the spot where we commenced the publication of the first paper ever printed in Hudson, over eighteen years ago. But how dillerent the surroundings ! Then we were located in Mauson's Hall, over a shed of wide tiimeusions, and in cold weather, well, wasn't it cold ! We commenced business in the primitive style. Our paper was printed on an old Washington hand-press, and about all our jobbing was done on the same. All our editorial work was done in the ante-room adjoining the work-room, and it usually occupied our time from 'n\e. o'clock Friday afternoon until some time Saturday morning, when the Pioneer was born, there being no specified time, as we were at the mercy of Sam and the 'devil,' until the last sheet was pulled through and off the old press, when we once more assumed full control."

The Enterprise began with the best modern equipment in steam-power presses. It has grown from the first size to an eight-page, forty-eight column paper, with a circulation of 1200. It has also added other towns to its list, so that its combined weekly issue is over 4000. Its Christmas issue has always been a novelty, has attracted much attention and received many flattering notices. September 3, 1889, they began a four-page daily, with a circulation of four hundred. In six months it has increased so that the edition varies from 800 to 1200, according to the quality of the news. These papers are all alive, and devoted to the best interests of the town.

With this narration of Hudson's material interests, it is a pleasure and a relief to turn to another and different aspect of its people's growth. While devoted to all possible advancement in worldly afl'airs, the citizens have not forgotten religious matters, nor failed to cultivate the social side of their natures.

Churches. - There are four churches in a vigorous and healthy condition, occupying handsome and commodious structures, which are paid for. The Baptist, Methodist and Unitarian are situated together on Church and Main Streets, while the Catholic is situated on the next street to the east, Maple, indicating a bond of unity and good fellowship not always existing among rival denominations.

The first Methodist in Hudson was Phineas Sawyer in 1800; he introduced Methodist preaching, but, owing to bis early death by accident, it did not seem to flourish until some years later. There were many warm adherents of the Methodist faith in Hudson from 1860-65, but no continuous preaching was had in town until Mr. George Houghton generously fitted up a hall near the Fitchburg depot for the use of this people, and on Sunday morning, April 9, 1865, Rev. W. W. Colburn preached the first sermon to a goodsized audience, Mr. Colburn was a young, energetic man, full of the faith and zeal of Methodism, and he worked untiringly, " in season find out of season, " for the good of the church. So successful were his efforts in this direction, that in August, 1866, the foundation of the church edifice was put in, and the work so rapidly pushed to completion, that in the following winter services were held in the new building. From this time forth the new society grew rapidly, and is to-day in a most flourishing condition, with a large membership, and a wide-awake Sunday-school, ably conducted, and intent on keeping alive the same spirit which has ever characterized it. The church is situated on Main Street, in the centre of the town. Directly opposite it, on a slightly elevated site, stands the edifice used by the First Unitarian Society, formerly called Union Society.

The movement which culminated in the organization of this society may be traced to the anti-slavery agitation in Feltonville, and to the religious services held in the engine-house, Cox's Hall and Manson's Hall in 1818 and 18-50. In 1854 the School' Street School-house was built with a small hall in the basement, and Rev. Mr. Stacey was engaged to preach at five dollars a Sunday. This hall was named Freedom Hall. In June, 1860, when Feltonville had one thousand inhabitants, steps were taken for the erection of a church, which, when completed, including furnishing, organ and bell, cost $8-100. The house is called Lawrence Church, in honor of Amos Lawrence.

In 1862 Mr. Stacey closed his services for the society, and Rev. W. S. McDaniel was called to the pastorate. He resigned in 1864, and Rev. H. C. Dugan took his place, serving until 18G7. He was succeeded by Rev. W. S. Heywood, and he by Rev. Hilary Bygrave, who resigned in 1879. Rev. E. P. Gibbs was installed in 1880 and resigned in 1883. He was followed by Rev. Clarence Fowler in 1884. In an anniversary address delivered by Rev. Mr. Fowler, in .speaking of the religious freedom and tolerant spirit manifested by the early founders of this society, he related an instance in 18G2, when there were some misgivings about allowing Wm. Lloyd Garrison to speak in the church, and Francis Brigham voiced the convictions of the society when he said he would rather Lawrence Church were leveled to the ground than that Garrison should not be allowed to speak from that pulpit. Many founders of the society are still living.

The Sunday-school, which is the pride and inspiration of the society, has a very large membershii>, and great interest is manifested in it by teachers and pupils. The Ladies' Social and Benevolent Society and the Unity Club are powerful auxiliaries in the work of this society, and could not well be dispensed with. A new and commodious chapel is soon to be added to the accommodations of the church.

The Baptists are the oldest organized society in town. It was through the earnest efforts of some of the ladies of Feltonville, assisted by Rev. Henry Fittz, that it was organized. In 1844 sevices were held in Cox's Hall aud at the houses of those interested. Later on, various students and ministers followed up the good work, until, in 1851, a church was built on the site of the present edifice, and Rev. E. L. Wakefield was ordained as its minister. His services with the church lasted until 1864, when, on account of failing health, he was obliged to resign. He was an earnest and eloquent preacher, and greatly loved by all. In 1865 Rev. E. H. Page was called to the pastorate and resigned in the following year, his place being filled by Rev. H. G. Gay. After four years' faithful service Mr. Gay gave way to Rev. W. H. Ventres, who was ordained in 1871.

During Mr. Ventres' engagement the present attractive edifice was erected at an expense of over $2.3,000, and all paid for, giving this people one of the finest churches in town. Mr. Ventres concluded his ministrations in 1876, and soon after Rev. Francis S. Bacon was called to the place, filling it, with marked success and almost unanimous satisfaction for nine years, when he resigned to accept a call from Marblehead. Rev. H. F. Perry, a student of the Newton Theological School, was asked to supply the pulpit, and the people were so favorably impressed with his ability that he was given a unanimous call. He was ordained in 1890. Thus this society has grown from eight members, at the time it was constituted, to a vigorous and flourishing church, sowing much good seed and adding continually to its membership.

St. Michael's Society (Catholic) was organized by Father M. T. Maguire, in 1869, aud a church was built on Maple Street. It supplied all their needs, until the rapid growth of the society made a new and larger structure imperative. This was begun in 1889, and will cost $30,000. The corner-stone was laid Sunday afternoon, August 25, 1889, at three o'clock, with the full ceremonies of the Catholic ritual. The services were in the open air on the site of the new church. In a receptacle of the stone were placed a parchment containing a Latin inscription, copies of the Hudson Enterprise, and the Boston daily papers, coins of the period, etc. The ceremony was one of the most impressive possible. The preacher on the occasion was Rev. Charles W. Currier, C.S.S.R.

Besides these older societies, in the year 1887 the formation of a Congregational Church began to be agitated, but with no immediate result other than to keep the subject in the minds of the members of that denomination who had not united with either of the other churches in Hudson. lu 1889 the subject again received attention and a canvass was made for members of churches of this denomination whose homes were here, and they were invited to attend a meeting for prayer and conference in a private dwelling. The evening being a very cold one, but few came, but those who were present deemed it best to repeat the invitation for another evening and the interest and attendance at this second meeting justified their action. Not long after this small beginning a Sabbath-school was organized and the Enterprise parlors were secured for the use of the growing society. Following close upon the organization of the Sabbath-school came the establishment of Sabbath preaching serof exclusiveness - the outgrowth of older growth and sectional jealousy - so common in larger towns, to be found within the social environment of Hudson. A hearty cordiality and good fellowship pervades the place. The " stranger within her gates " is made welcome - how welcome can be judged from the fact that some of her leading men are those who came to visit friends for a day, were enchanted by the attractiveness and cordiality everywhere found, and have stayed on, until they are now represented by second and third generations. It is this spirit which is the secret of the flourishing societies to be found in her midst. They are manifold. The Mason will find entertaiu- vices, the pulpit being supplied by pastors of neighboring Congregational Churches, who kindly offered their services to the young society. At the present time the outlook is very encouraging, and there is every reason to believe that a strong church will, in a few years, result from this small beginning. In 1890 their first pastor was settled, Rev. J. C. Hall. The first enrollment of membership was thirty. The Sabbath-school has an average membership of fifty, a good library and pleasant rooms, and the attendance upon the preaching services averages about seventy. A Ladies' Sewing Society has also been formed, and is in a flourishing condition. The society has purchased a site on Central Street and hopes to erect a church at no very distant day. Social Advantages. - There is none of that air 18-iii

1 ment in Doric Lodge or Trinity Commandery in the halls in the Town-Hall building ; the Odd Fellow, in Odd Fellows' Hall ; the G. A. R., in Cochran's Block ; the Granger, in Jefts' Block ; the Knight of Pythias, in Lewis' Block ; the Red Men, in Odd Fellows' Hall, and all others in some one of these halls which are sub-let to them.

No brother or sister can apparently appear upon the scene without meeting the sign and password of his or her particular order. Of all these, Doric Lodge, A. F. and A. M., is the oldest. In the autumn of 1863 a few members of the lodge in Marlboro', wishing to enjoy the rites of their order with less inconvenience than the necessary traved to Marlborough compelled, applied to the Grand Lodge for a dispensation to work in Feltonville. A charter was granted

Dec. 28, 1863. On January 19, 1865 the lodge was constituted and consecrated by the Grand Lodge, and a public installation of the officers was held. The lodge-rooms were over Lawrence Church, and they were occupied until 1872, when the rooms in the Town-Hall building were leased for twenty years and furnished at an expense of $2400. These rooms were dedicated Out. 18, 1872. On Dec. 28, 1888, the lodge celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary, and one of its pleasantest features wasthat it had as its guest William Parkman, the Grand Master who signed the charter. The Masters of the lodge have been as follows: P. E. Millay, .J. L. Harriman, Willard Houghton, A. S. Trowbridge, Lyman Morse, Parkman Nourse, Edward P. Miles, ,lohn F. Wood, Walter H. Small, Francis Howe and Joel M. Pettengill. The membership roll has grown from the original fifteen to one hundred and eighty. Occupying the same rooms with Doric Lodge is Trinity Commandery, Knights Templar. The first meeting of those interested in forming a commandery was held March 2.3, 1871, and twentyfive signed the ILst. This was increased so that when the charter was granted, April 6th, there were fortysix charter members. Work was begun that month under command of Sir Knight F. .1. Foss, of Maiden, Past Commander of Hugh de Payens Commandery. It was constituted and organized in the vestry of the Methodist Episcopal Church, on December 7, 1871.

Dr. N. S. Chamberlain was its first Eminent Commander. Those since have been, J. L. Harriman, W. E. C. Worcester, Luman T. Jefts, James T. Joslin, George B. Cochran, John Hillis, F. S. Dawes, J. Frank Childs. It began with a debt of $1600, which was cleared in 1878, and now there is a handsome surplus in the treasury. In December, 1888, elegant jewels were presented to all the Past Commanders. It has made nine pilgrimages. Its membership has increased to one hundred and forty.

Hudson Lodge, No. 154, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted March 21, 1871. This lodge, although occupying small and inconvenient quarters in Lawrence Church, had a steady growth in numbers, and accumulated a very large reserve fund, amounting at one time to about eighteen hundred dollars. The charitable provisions of this order have always been fully carried out in this lodge, and the social feature which has always been characteristic of Odd Fellowship is particularly true of Hudson Lodge. Not many years after the lodge was instituted, the wives of the members who had taken the third degree formed a ladies' branch of the order, and by their efforts in a social way gave an added and extremely pleasant side to the organization. In 1887 the members of Hudson Lodge decided that their rooms were too small to accommodate them properly, and an arrangement was made with Hiram W. Chase to add another story to his block on Wood Square, to be fitted up for the especial use and convenience of this lodge. The means of the organization made it possible for them to fit up the new

With the removal to this hall came an increased interest in the affairs and welfare of the lodge, and an added desire on the part of many to become members. Probably no social organization has made greater strides forward during the last two years than has Hudson I/odge. Its membership list is growing rapidly and its fund for charitablepurposes will soon be larger than at any time in its pa^t history. Since its foundation the following members have presided over its deliberations and attained the rank of " Past Grand ": Charles W. Barnes, Hiram P. Bean, Jesse E. Bliss, Charles G. Brett, Simeon M. Bruce, Willard G. Bruce, Reuben A. Derby, N. S. Fairbanks, James G. Dow, George T. Fletcher, Frederick P. Glazier, Edwin B. Goodnow, Charles F. Hall, James T. Joslin, Ellsworth S. Locke, William G. Locke, Otis H. Moore, William H. McCarthy, Charles H. Moore, John Robertson, Oliver B. Sawyer, William F. Smith, Fred. W. Trowbridge (2d), Martin V. Tripp. Arthur G. Wood, John A. Woodman, Henry A. Wheeler.

Mr. James T. Joslin was the fir.st Noble Grand of the lodge and has always taken a great interest in Odd Fellowship. He was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Massachusetts in 1880, and a representative to the Sovereign Grand Lodge during the next two years. Since the agitation of the question of an Odd Fellows' Home he has been one of the trustees having that matter in charge.

The wives and daughters, as has been stated, had a temporary organization for many years, but, except in individual cases, were not regular members of Rebekah Degree Lodges. In 1887, it was proposed that a regularly constituted Rebekah Degree Lodge be instituted, and this plan met with hearty favor. After going through with the necessary formalities, Magnolia Degree Lodge, No. 55, Daughters of Rebekah, was instituted September 22, 1887, and has had a remarkably successful career ever since. The following ladies have occupied the Noble Grand's chair since that date : F. Emma Wood, Rachel S. Bruce, Flora A. INIoore.

The other secret orders of the town are strong financially and in numbers. They have a most undoubted effect upon the affairs of the place, but a want of space precludes any more extended reference to them in this sketch.

BoAUD OF Trade. - A town to grow must have the elements of growth within herself, public spirit, manifested not only in words, but in deeds. That " union is strength '^ is nowhere better illustrated than where public-spirited men unite unselfishly to advance the interests of the town in which they live. Such a union was effected in Hudson in its Board of Trade. Agreeable to a call issued to those who had expressed a desire to organize a Board of Trade, about one hundred of Hudson's wide-awake business men assembled in the lower town hall on Wednesday evening, March 22. 1887, to devise measures for the formation of an organization whereby unity of action might be secured for the better promotion of the public interests. Hon. L. T. Jefts presided and spoke in favor of the organization of a Board of Trade and the great good that would probably result to the town from such an organization, not only to business men, but to all classes. On motion of E. B. Lewis it was voted to proceed to the organization of the meeting, and Mr. Jefts was chosen chairman, F. H. Chamberlain, secretary, and R. B. Lewis, treasurer. A committee was chosen to draft constitution and by-laws and report at an adjourned meeting. Some stirring speeches were made, and the meeting was marked by unity of action and purpose which foreboded a change for the better in the business affairs of the town. The meeting adjourned for one week to hear the report of committee on organization. The adjourned meeting was well attended. The committee on by-laws presented the same to the meeting and they were unanimously adopted. A paper was drawn up for signatures and forty names secured. At the third meeting on the Wednesday following, April 9, 1887, the membership was increased to one hundred and one, and the following officers elected :

Its object is tersely expressed in its preamble : "This organization is effected for the purpose of advancing and encouraging the growth and prosperity of this town, and for promoting and fostering social and business intercourse among its members." Its motto, "Stand Together."

It has stood together valiantly, giving material aid to established industries, and inducing others to locate here. It first secured the Elastic Webbing Company, then formed the Woodward Manufacturing Company and finally the Hudson Real Estate Company. The latter is a good illustration of its vim and ability. For several months efforts were made to bring to town the large shoe manufacturers, Messrs. Mawhinney & Company, having factories at Stoneham and Fayville, and doing an immense shoe business, reckoned among the soundest firms in the State, with a heavy financial standing. No satisfactory arrangements seemed possible at first, as no available factories were sufficiently convenient for their work, but finally two active members of the board asked them what could be done to get them to locate in Hudson. Mr. Mawhinney made a proposition which was that if a factory could be built for them in Hudson, 250x40 feet, four stories high and supplied with engine and boiler and fixed machinery, the^y would take the plant at a certain per cent, for along term of years. To do this would require about twenty-five thousand dollars. The Hudson men unhesitatingly gave their opinion that such a factory could be built for them, and returned home fully determined to make the effort. A meeting of the Board of Trade was immediately called. A large number of the wide-awake business men of the town were present and entered into the scheme with enthusiasm. It was thoroughly discussed and a committee appointed to retire and formulate some definite plan of action for the acceptance of the meeting. After a brief consultation the committee returned to the meeting a proposition to raise $25,000 for the establishment of the plant by the sale of stock, the shares to be placed at fifty dollars each, and the first four members of the committee appended their names to a document pledging nearly one-tenth of the required sum. The paper was at once circulated among the members, and in less than fifteen minutes the subscriptions had reached over five thousand dollars. A soliciting committee was appointed to raise the remainder, and in one week the task was done. The factory, one of the largest in the State, was built and occupied by thefirm, April 1, 1890.

In October. 1889, the Board of Trade published and distributed a 15,000 edition of the Hudson Enterprise of sixteen pages, containing over fifty large illustrations of the town, its residences and business plants. It was scattered all over the country. The work of the board is having an appreciable effect "upon the town ; building is very active and yet the demands for tenements cannot be met; business is "booming" as thoroughly as in any Western town, without any mushroom tendency ; the stores are being remodeled and fitted with all modern conveniences ; taxable property is growing rapidly, and the census will show large gains in population. For many of the data used in this history we are indebted to the columns of this Board of Trade paper and desire to acknowledge our obligation to it, having in several instances fouud no better statements anywhere than in this paper of historical facts.

Natural Advantage,s. - Nature is often prolific in hewbeauties, and certainly no place east of the Berkshire Hills has been so lavishly endowed as Hudson.

Nestled in a valley through which flows the gentle winding Assabet, furnishing power and water supply to some of the largest manufactories, on every side are gentle slopes and hills affording most attractive building sites. Rising sharply from the right of the river bank is Bellevue, a tower of strength and beauty, its green slopes smiling down upon the town, offering rest and refreshing shade after daily toil. It commands an extensive view of the country in all directions and nearly all parts of it look directly down upon the town, with its churches, schools, business blocks and manufactories, and yet is removed from its noise and smoke and dust.

The outlook is surpassed by no other eminence in this section, particularly to the east and west, where the Assabet finds its winding way and where verdant fields, forests of green hills and vales stretch away as far as the eye can reach, presenting a charming panorama of loveliness.

Broad streets lined with beautiful shade trees, attractive dwellings, well-kept lawns and shrubbery, form a picture of comfort and prosperity which speaks eloquently for the inhabitants. The area of the town is not large, but it is compactly built, thus concentrating the eftbrts and interests of the inhabitants and inspiring each to add to the beauty of the whole. This pride in the town's growth and prosperity has induced hundreds to own and beautify their dwellings, a larger share of whom are workingmen, many holding an unencumbered title to some nf the finest estates in town. The surrounding country is equally beautiful, atlbrding pleasant drives in all directions, and opening to the view delightful scenery. To the west of the town is " Potash Hill," towards the north " Falls Hill," to the south " Prospect Hill," from each of which extensive views can be had of the surrounding country.

There are no extensive streams. The Assabet, the largest, is a small river having its rise in Westborough, and Hows through Northboro', Marlboro', Berlin, Hudson, Stow and Concord, where it unites with the Sudbury River. On its passage it receives several smaller streams from Berlin and Bolton, but they are not very important, though furnishing sufficient power during portions of the year to run some of the mill industries. Of the ponds, the one in the eastern portion is the most beautiful. From its clear, sandy bottom, it has always been called " White Pond," now dignified into the newer appellation of " Mirror Ijake." Few sheets of water can compare with it in purity.

Geographically Hudson is situated in the extreme northwestern part of Middlesex County, the western boundary being that of the county as well as the town, as has been referred to already several times in this history. Four miles west is Berlin, four miles north Bolton, four miles south Marlborough, and four miles northeast Stow. All these, except Marlborough, are farming communities, of which Hudson is the natural trading centre. To this they have gradually been drawn, until to-day the business centre of the town is a scene of continual bustle and activity ; brick blocks have ri,sen in place of the old wooden ones, special stores have taken place of the old " general stores," and the future outlook is one of growth and prosperity, - how prosperous may be gleaned from the record of growth since 1866. At that time the inhabitants numbered about 1800 ; in 1890, about 5000 ; the valuation in 1866 was 1805,- 277 ; in 1890, *2,490,115. The increase from May, 1888, to May, 1889, was $68,428 ; from May, 1889, to May, 1890, it was $208,345. These figures indicate a vigorous, healthy, growing town, which will soon become prominent in the county.

It has been the eftbrt of the writers of this sketch to avoid all appearance of exaggeration. They realize that there is little thai, is exceptional in what has been told in these pages. It is the story of the foundation and growth of a New England manufacturing towii owing its progress to the efforts of typical Massachusetts men. They believe, however, that even in this account there is much that may be learned by those who would themselves succeed, and have an honest desire to promote the future advancement of Hudson. We are too apt to hurry over the achievements of our predecessors and to hold their labors in too slight estimation. It is well occasionally to step aside from the rush of business life to gather recollections of the past, to learn something from " the days of small things," and pay a meed of honor and respect to those whose work is done and often for the most part forgotten. Many things of historical interest have necessarily been omitted, many persons, living and dead, are entitled to much greater recognition than it has been possible to give them, and many inaccuracies of statement may be found in spite of our eftbrts to be correct. Hudson is in its infancy, and its history, its real history, is before it. A full and complete account of it must be deferred to a later time and under other circumstances.

Biographical Jedediah Wood

Jedediah Wood was born in Marlborough, May 16, 1777, and moved to the " Mills " when he was twenty years old. One of the earliest citizens of the place, he has descendants still occupying the property, and conducting a business in which he was engaged, though now, of course, adapted to modern requirements. He married Betsey Wilkins, September 6, 1801 ; they had seven children, of whom Col. William H. Wood was prominently connected with the growth of the town. The story of Mr. Wood's prosperity is this. While still in his teens he was sent by his father to get a bushel of corn from a neighboring trader. As he wanted it on credit, it was refused. Cut to the quick, he then and there decided that the time should come when his credit would be good.

and it was brought to bim from all tbe surrounding country, even from Boylston. His work was of such good quality that some broad-cloth of his dressing received the first premium at the Concord Fair. His machinery was in the basement of the " Old Red Shop," which stood on the spot afterwards occupied by the " Brick Shop." On the north side of the road below the Caleb Haskell house, he had his field of teasel.=, the ripened flower-heads of which were used in raising the nap of wooleu cloths.

In this same building he opened a general store. At that time there was no wagon at the " Mills," but he would ride his horse to Marlborough, borrow a wagon, drive to Boston and buy his goods, and then return the vehicle. For the first seven years this business did not pay its expenses, but the cloth-dressing and a little farming kept the balance on the right side of the ledger. Cool and moderate in his manner and habits, he shrewdly conducted affairs, until he established the business which passed to his son, Col. William H. Wood, and is now in the hands of his grandson, Solon Wood. He became a large buyer of real estate, owning all from the river to the present Brigham place on the south side, all east of Maple Street, and several buildings. He and Squire Pope were the large land-owners half a century ago. He lived in the house now known as the " Wood Place," at the junction of Park and Washington Streets. He was a selectman of Marlborough, and was captain of a military company. During the War of 1812 he was on duty for a while at Fort Warren. He died in 1867, nearly ninety years of age.

Stephen Pope

Mr. Stephen Pope was one of the pioneers of the town. He was born January 11, 1786, and moved to this place from Bolton in 1816. He was then a Quaker, and every Monday morning he took his two oldest children to the Quaker school, and every Thursday and Sunday attended the Quaker services, then held in the school-house. He engaged in tanning, his yard being on the spot where the Methodist Church now stands. His tanning was all done in the primitive way, and the old white horse which turned the bark-mill was a very familiar object. Whenever sufficient skins were tanned the horse made the journey to Boston to find a market.

Mr. Pope's first residence was where R. B. Lewis' house now stands. He soon desired to own a farm and bargained for the land from the Bolton line over what are now Felton and Pope Streets. At the time he mortgaged it heavily, and has since stated that he could not get credit for seven pounds of flour. Work, early and late, prudent habits and care in time cleared the farm, added other lands until he became the largest land-owner in this section. What is now Felton Street was his apple orchard; Summer, Winter and Spring Streets now cross what was his "missionary" land. He drove each year regularly to Salem to pay the interest on his debt, and he always took one of the children with him. In 1825 he became interested in the Methodist services held in the village, and as they found difliculty in obtaining a place in which to hold their meetings, he fitted up a room in one of his tan-yard buildings for their use, W^hen the Baptist Church was built he gave them the laud and bought the first pew, though he never affiliated with them. When the Fitchburg Branch was built he gave the land for the depot site. He occupied various town offices, was selectman of Marlborough and one of the overseers of the poor tor many years. He was a member of the Massachusetts vSenate when the Senators were elected from counties. He died in 1870, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, in the brick house which was removed when the town-house was built.

Joseph S. Bradley

Joseph Stevens Bradley traces his genealogy on his mother's side to one of the earliest settlers in Feltonville - Robert Bernard. It will be remembered that Bernard was the purchaser of about three hundred and fifty acres of land from one Barstow, in 1723, a copy of the deed being given in the early pages of this history.