Mansfield Town (part 3 of 3)

In the reading of character he was quick and .almost unequaled. A learned and skilled physician, with whom he was called in consultation, said of him, " Dr. Perry was one of the best country physicians I ever knew, combining rare powers of diagnosis with the most varied and thorough knowledge of drugs." He was by nature, by study, and by observation, a chemist and a tlierapeutist. He w.as ingenious and fertile in mechanical appliances, and, being ready in the use of instruments, was a careful surgeon and a good operator. He was sincere, conscientious and faithful, and being modest shrank from notoriety or office-holding, except in the cause of education, which he labored zealously to promote.

Dr. Perry was liberal beyond his means, kind and considerate to the poor; was often called the "poor man's friend," and, dying as he lived, his last act was a charity, for he died suddenly Oct. 17, 1873, while visiting a poor family, of whom he said he must go or they would suffer. The following tribute by jMr. Ide justly expressed the feelings of the public:

" His sudden death was a great shock not only to his family, but to the community at large. He had for many years been most confidently relied on for medical aid, and his loss was widely and deeply deplored. He had so distinguished himself by invariable promptness in responding to the call of the sick, taking no thought for himself while others were suffering, that when his strong system gave way under the continuous strain, the public generally became mourners.

"At his funeral the large gathering, the sad and tearful faces, the touching and honorary tribute paid to his memory, showed how deeply the sense of a gre.at and irreparable loss had impressed itself upon Mansfield. No public utterances, however appreciative of his character and skill, could tell tlie grief which his death had caused. In the homes which even now sadly miss his comforting presence, there are frequently heard voices of sorrow at his departure, which are the truest and most valuable testimonials to his worth. His death was not an occasion for any mere material monument, for his noble and self-denying life had built up many and more precious ones in living and loving hearts."

'Tis winter dread, Yet earth, arrayed in robes of spotless white, Seems fur a hridal dressed, while morning bright O'er hill and dale her banner wide unfurls. And forests sparkle with unnumbered pearls Save where I stand, her mantle 'neath my feet. Seems but one vast, unbroken winding sheet

Beneath this mound, Deep buried from the world's ignoble strife. Rests one whose only aim it was in life To find in ocean cave, on mount, or plain Some soothing remedy for mortal pain. 0 sacred, heaven-born purpose ! - wondrous skill That never faltered till the heart was still,

Yet not in vain Thy mission here ! many shall pause and shed The silent tear-drop on thy dreamless bed. The good begun by thee shall onward flow, And mnn shall still seek on himself to know. Time shall perpetuate the work begun. And thy dear image in each noble son l

Rest, spirit, rest! We leave thee in the bosom of our God Till we the rugged paths of life have trod. We seek the unseen Father's guiding hand Till we shall join tiiee in the better land. And the great niyateries of life shall cease In that sweet home where all is light and peace.

George Edson Bailey

John Bailey^, the first American ancestor, resided in Scituate, Mass., as early as 1670. He married, in 1672, Sarah White, and upon her decease he married, in 1699, Kuth Clothier. He died in 1718. His son Samuel- was born in 1690, married Elizabeth Caswell, and had, among other children, Abijah^, who, Nov. 20, 1765, married Sarah Grover. They had six children, of whom Abner' was one. Abner married, Nov. 30, 1797, Deborah Lovell, by whom he had two children, Jacob^ and Caroline. He married as his second wife Sarah Brintnell, June 6, 1819, and upon her decease he married Jemima Skinner, June 12, 1828. There was no issue by either the two latter marriages. His daughter Caroline married Joseph Brintnell, and is now (1883) residing in Connecticut in her eightyfourth year. Jacob was born April 5, 1801. He married, July 27, 1827, Sally S. Skinner, daughter of James and Sarah (Sumner) Skinner. She was born Jan. 29, 1807. To them were born two children, - George E. and Deborah Caroline. She was born July 23, 18.30, married Charles A. Turner, June 14, 1851. She died May 22, 1878. She had four children, of whom one died in infancy, the others grew up to maturity.

George Edson Bailey, sixth in descent from the original John Bailey, of Scituate, was born in Mansfield, Mass., Jan. 1, 1829. In addition to the advantages afforded by the common schools of his town, he attended for a period of about two years a select or private academy. He was brought up a farmer's son, and early taught to labor, and laid the foundation for a rugged constitution by abundant out-door exercise. At about the age of nineteen he entered upon that branch of business which he has followed through life, and which, by reason of inventions connected therewith, and which will be noticed hereafter, has made his name known throughout the land. He established a small bakery, hired men to do the work, and by applying himself to the practical part of the business soon learned from his employes the morhts operandi of the trade. This was in 1848. Mr. Bailey soon established himself in the confidence of the people, and the circle of his trade gradually widened. There were at the time of which we write a number of small bakeries in the adjacent towns, but one after another gave up the business, and in a few years Mr. Bailey controlled the trade. From his early boyhood Mr. Bailey was noted for an investigating and inventive turn of mind. It was no argument to his mind that a particular method of doing a thing was the best way simply because it was the usual way. Never content with conventional methods, he was always seeking for tlie most simple, rapid, and effective means of accomplishing whatever he had in hand, and to this trait or faculty may be attributed his success in life.

imperfect. There was no such thing as obtaining and maintaining a regular temperature, both of which were essential to the best results. His inventive faculties were brought to bear on the solution of this problem, and " Bailey's patent oven" was the result. Years of patient thought, experiment, and labor were expended, however, before the desired results were obtained; but as is usually the case where diligent application is coupled with intelligent direction, he at last succeeded in perfecting an oven which combines every essential advantage, - economy of fuel, convenience of arrangement, and an equal distribution of temperature, the degree of which is completely under the control of the operator. Dec. 5, 1871, letters patent were issued to Mr. Bailey for his invention, and July 16, 1872, another patent was granted him for an improvement on the same. As soon as his oven was in satisfactory working order he began using it in his own shop, and was enabled by its use to offer to customers advantages, both in price and quality of production, that no one using the old-fashioned ovens could possibly offer. He appointed Charles B. Goodrich, of Charleston, Mass., agent for his invention in the States of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts, and Jesse A. Locke, of New York, agent for the rest of the United States. Through them his invention became widely known and extensively used. It is now in use in many of the public institutions and bakeries throughout the United States, and in many parts of Canada. This oven is particularly adapted to baking bread, cake, and pastry. He has also in use in his establishment many other accessories to his business, involving improvements upon old ideas, as well as the practical application of new ones, which he has never had patented, and does not care to make public. From the time of the invention of his " oven" he began enlarging the sphere of his operations and rapidly extending his business. He has now a regular delivery team of his own in Boston, Providence, Taunton, Fall River, and Lowell. In addition to this he has agents in many of the principal cities and towns of New England who handle his goods exclusively.

Mr. Bailey is a good illustration of what may be accomplished in this progressive age by an earnest, enterprising, intelligent man, - one who brings to bear in the every-day affairs of his business life all the energies and faculties with which he has been endowed, and who is ever on the alert to grasp any idea which may aid in the development of the particular industry he has chosen as his life's work. He is one of those men who, seeing all around him evidences that "the world is moving on," believes in moving on with it. He is continually seeking for the development of new ideas and new methods, which shall improve upon and supersede the old, and that this is the true pathway to success his prosperity attests.

Source changes here: from A History of Bristol County, Massachusetts (Vol. 2), by Hutt, Frank Wolcott, published 1924; 6,738 words in this source stream.

Mansfield Town

Situated in the north part of the county, its north line bounding Norfolk county, Mansfield is noted for its varied industries, both metallurgical and agricultural, as well as for the fact that its early history was woven with that of the first towns established in this part of New England. Preferring the town management method, it is a progressive municipality, its business and professional men and benefactors keeping the town to the fore through enterprise and thrift. The contributions of William G. Davis, the historian of the town, have aided in the preparation of this chapter.

The town of Mansfield, formerly the north precinct of the town of Norton, was' set apart as a district April 26, 1770, by an act of the Great and General Court. The town was incorporated in 1775 and was named in honor of William Murray, the Earl of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, England. Murray was born at Perth, Scotland, in 1704. He entered Oxford University, and was called to the bar in 1731. He became lord chief justice of the king's bench in 1756, and died in 1793 in his 89th year. The first settlers in what is now the town of Mansfield, were Thomas Brintnall, who came from Cambridge in 1685; and the same year (1685) there came to the eastern part of the town, John, Samuel and Benjamin Caswell of Taunton, Thomas Caswell, Senior, being one of the proprietors of Taunton North Purchase. In the following year (1686) other families came up from the Taunton settlement, notably members of the Dean, the White, Leonard and Williams families. They settled on the east side of the river, while the Brintnalls had for neighbors on the west side, Grover and Skinner families from Cambridge and Malden. Later to the east side came Josiah Pratt and Joseph Elliott, with their families.

The Churches. - The First Parish Church was organized in conformity to the law of the time at the house of Isaac Wellman, on the present South Main street, August 31, 1731. The first minister was Rev. Ebenezer White, of Brookline, and like many another of the young clerics of this section, he began preaching before his ordination, the latter taking place February 23, 1737. The second meetinghouse was erected in 1766-7, on land that was set apart for the ministerial holdings, that forms part of the South Common; and the second minister was Rev. Roland Green, who came here from Malden. ;

The Friends' meetinghouse was erected in 1809, on land donated for the purpose by Abraham Crowley. This society was connected with the Friends' Conference of Smithfield, Rhode Island. The first Methodist meetinghouse was erected in 1810 by the followers of Jesse Lee and Richard Bonsell. The second church building of that denomination was erected in 1842 by the Anti-Slavery Methodists, who had been members of the church that was formed in 1810. The Baptist church was erected in 1836 by members of the society, whose minister was Rev. Mr. Torrey of Foxboro. The present Congregational church was erected by former members of the First Parish society, in 1836-38. The Emmanual Methodist Episcopal church was erected in 1876, and is a daughter of the church of 1842. Morton Chapel, that was erected in the western part of the town in 1830, was later the possession of the Christian Church Society. The edifice was destroyed by fire in 1920, and was replaced by a handsome meetinghouse of Old English design. The New Jerusalem Society erected their meetinghouse in 1871 on West street. The Universalist society, an offshoot from the First Parish Society of 1731, erected their meetinghouse on Rumford avenue in 1889.

In 1859, the Mansfield Catholic parish became united under Rev. Father Carroll in a mission with parts of Bridgewater, comprising Foxboro, South Walpole, the Wrenthams and "Furnace". Up to the formation of the parish in 1894, this was a mission of St. Mary's, North Attleboro. The first church here was built in 1871 and dedicated in 1872, the organization having been brought about by Rev. Father Thomas Elliott. The old church was burned July 29, 1914, and the cornerstone of the present church was laid in 1915, the church being dedicated September 26, 1915. 'The pastor, Rev. Father Hugh B. Harrold, came here in March, 1910.

In the Wars. - Previous to the Revolutionary War, Mansfield, then North Norton Precinct, had its company of infantry, the Second Company of the Third Regiment of Bristol County Militia. The roll of the company in 1757 (Captain Ephraim Leonard), included one hundred officers and men. In 1765, the company was divided into the Seventh Company of the Fourth Regiment, and the Third Company of the Fourth Regiment, under Colonel John Daggett, of Attleboro. The former company was commanded by Captain Abial Clapp, and the latter by Captain Samuel White. Though the town had a population of but eight hundred, 250 men from this section were in Revolutionary service. In the 1812 war, fifty men of Mansfield were drafted into the service of the United States. In the Civil War, Mansfield furnished 261 men, a surplus of seventeen above all demands made upon the town. 'The whole amount raised, appropriated and expended on account of the war, exclusive of State aid, was $35,142.21. There were three men from this town in the Spanish-American War service.

Early in 1917, the Committee on Public Safety as appointed by the Board of Selectmen were on duty, Daniel C. Richardson, chairman; Charles Shields, clerk. Justin L. Cobb was chairman of the sub-committee on finance; William H. Lyons chairman of the committee of co-ordination of aid societies; Thomes H. Nelson, of emergency, help and equipment; Herbert W. Butterworth, of food production and food conservation; William C. Fuller, of industrial survey; William H. Allen, of military equipment and supply; William F. White and William H. Lyons, of publicity; Thomas H. Nelson, of State protection; John H. Somers, transportation; Moses L. Greene, military forces, camps, mobilization and concentration; Fred W. Day, Home Guards; George A. Wilbur, horses; William F. White, recruiting for army and navy; Fred Dustin, trucks and motor cars; W. H. Allen, M.D., hygiene, medicine and sanitation; Judge Charles C. Hagerty, executive committee. The Soldiers' Aid Society, organized when our troops were called to the Mexican border, reorganized in April, 1917, with Mrs. Charlotte Allen as clerk and corresponding secretary, and Miss Jennie Copeland as treasurer.

The first patriotic demonstration at the beginning of the World War was that of Thursday, April 19, 1917, with the flag-raising at Lowney Park,- and 1500 marchers in line. The flag was presented by Walter M. Lowney, and the principal speaker was Hon. Louis A. Frothingham. The local company of the State Guard was accepted in May, 1917, and on May 24, Carroll L. Bessom was elected captain of the company, Albert T. Hodges first lieutenant, Percy E. White second lieutenant, the drill being under the supervision of Major Norris O. Danforth. Forty-five members of Mansfield Company 19, as it was called, were eventually mustered into the service, Thursday, July 19, by Brigadier-General Samuel D. Parker, with Captain Carroll L. Bessom in command; First Lieutenant Percy E. White; Second Lieutenant Harry J. Lindsey. Later, the number of the company was increased to sixty-five, when Lieutenant White was succeeded by Second Lieutenant Harry L. Lindsey, and the latter by Edwin H. Burt. Shortly after, First Lieutenant Lindsey resigned, and Ralph A. 3uck was made second lieutenant, so continuing up to the time of the armistice.

In the work of registration, Division No. 41, State of Massachusetts, ~ was composed of the following towns in Bristol county: Mansfield, Easton, Norton, Rehoboth, Raynham, Dighton, Somerset, Seekonk, Swansea; and the board was composed of Daniel F. Buckley, of North Easton, chairman: Fred W. Day, of Mansfield, secretary; Dr. Frederick S. Griffin, of Mansfield. The board began its duties in June, 1917, and concluded in April, 1919. Men were inducted into service from the various towns, as follows: Mansfield, 138; Easton, 133; Somerset, 71; Seekonk, 60; Dighton, 57; Norton, 46; Swansea, 45; Rehoboth, 33; Raynham, 28. Mansfield furnished for the World War 312 men; of this number twelve made the supreme sacrifice.

The Mansfield Branch of the Red Cross, before North Attleboro assumed charge of the work, was started by Mrs. Clara Cobb under the direction of the Soldiers' Aid. She organized that work and was at its head for one year, when it was reorganized as a Red Cross Chapter, and Mrs. Glenna Dinsmore was appointed president; Mrs. Charlotte Allen sec- retary; and Miss Jennie Copeland treasurer. Mrs. Charles Hagerty had charge of the sewing; Mrs. Alice Stone, the knitting; Mrs. Beatrice Huston, comfort kits; Mrs. Mabel Ramsdell, junior work; Mrs. Lucy Copeland, surgical dressings. Mrs. Etta Cobb was purchasing agent. Mrs. Flint of East Mansfield and Mrs. Charles Richardson had charge of sewing for their communities. Each of the above-named worked untiringly until they went to other departments. Mrs. Belle Lyons had charge of the knitting after a year. Ralph Westcott, who was superintendent of schools here at the time, assumed the junior work. The first field day was held under the charge of Mrs. Clara Cobb, Mrs.- Belle Lyons and Mrs. Gertrude Vickery. This was one of the biggest events ever held in this town, when more than $3000 was cleared. The second field day proved equally successful, when Mrs. Grace Winter and Cleveland Strople had charge. The first drive was in charge of D. C. Richardson, W. H. Lyons and Walter H. Lowney, when $6,800 was raised, the apportionment being 6,000. A military whist was held at Town Hall; prizes were given by townspeople; Miss Jennie George was chairman.

The doctors of Mansfield, too, shared in the call of the World War, Drs. Allen and Latham going into the medical service. Dr. W. H. Allen was captain of the Medical Corps at Camp Upton; he received his appointment in July, 1918, and was discharged from the service January 28, 1920. Dr. B. M. Latham was also a captain in the Medical Corps; he went to Camp Ben Harrison in May, 1917, and thence to Forts Adams, Greble and other cantonments. The Boys' clubrooms were used, also rooms in town hall, for meetings, and no rent was charged. Mrs. Lucy Copeland opened her home for the work of surgical dressings. William McDermott worked untiringly for the families of soldiers in service; he was selectman and one of the overseers of the poor. Mrs. Lucy Copeland and Mrs. Lena D. Tucker, the clerk of the chapter, took a course in home service and social aid in Boston. Mrs. Christine Thompson, Mrs. Marion LeRoe and Miss Roberta Laurie were in charge of dancing occasions in behalf of the chapter. Mrs. Stacia Dacy, Mrs. Emma Dacy, Mrs. Hearn, Mrs. Gallipeau and Mrs. Reccord assisted in the knitting. The entire amount of Liberty Loan subscriptions at the First National Bank during the World War was $756,250. In the United Work campaign, Mansfield raised $10,580.70, the town's quota being $8,000. F. D. Fairbanks was chairman of the committee.

Schools. - The first schoolmaster in what is now Mansfield was Thomas Skinner, who was settled here in 1719, being hired to teach the pupils to read, cypher and spell. At that time school was held at the homes of John Caswell, Lieutenant Nicholas White, Timothy Wellman, Solomon Bates and Nathan Williams; later at the Mulberry Tavern. The first school building in East Mansfield was erected in 1803, and in 1811 another was built in the Whiteville district. After the tavern had been used as a school building, a brick school was built, and that was replaced by the No. 4 building in the early sixties. The present Central school receives pupils of the seventh, eighth and grammar classes; No. 3 school building receives the pupils of the former Nicholas White district and the Green school, No. 5, takes the major portion of the pupils on the west side of the Rumford river. Among the schoolhouses built in recent years are the high school, erected in 1911, at a cost of about $60,000; the Paine school on Chauncey street, also erected in 1911; the John H. Berry school, erected in 1915 - all of brick construction. In the north end of the town, the Spaulding school was built in 1906; and another four-room building was built in 1923. The town raises and appropriates the sum of $100,000 annually for school purposes, which compares well with any of the nearby towns of its size in the county.

In 1891, Mansfield joined with Sharon and Stoughton in forming a superintendency district, with Edward P. Fitts as the first superintendent. A little more than two years afterwards, Mansfield and Sharon closed the arrangement, and Ralph W. Westcott was the choice for Mansfield. He remained a little over two years, excepting the time he was in the government service, when Everett W. Robinson substituted for him. Mr. Westcott was succeeded by Nelson G. Howard, superintendent in 1923. August 23, 1902, military instruction was added to the scientific course at high school, and Captain (now Major) Norris O. Danforth, of Taunton, was secured as military instructor, which position he held until 1922, when the athletic activities were handed over to Stanley Burnham of the high school faculty. The school census of 1922 showed the number of pupils to be 1,253, with a staff of forty-one teachers, and supervisors in music, drawing, and physical training. The town paid out in 1922 the sum of $54,- 039.67 for teachers' salaries. The graduates of Mansfield schools find ready employment in any of the business houses, and they are representing the bench and bar, and the State Legislature.

The Municipality - The town of Mansfield voted to accept the State Act providing for the Town Manager form of government, July 12, 1920, by a vote of 508 in favor to 255 against. The change to Town Manager went into effect January 17, 1921, with Elbridge R. Conant elected to that position. A number of governing boards were eliminated when this new form of government took place, namely, the fire district, with a prudential committee; the water board, the municipal lighting department; the board of health, and a finance committee; and their powers and duties were transferred to the board of selectmen. A superintendent was appointed as head of the public works and the water works departments; the superintendent of public works was given direction of the gypsy moth and tree warden duties; a member of the water works department was made sealer of weights and measures; the town accountant was appointed health officer; the manager of the electric light plant was appointed superintendent of the fire alarm system. :

The Mansfield Fire Department was organized in 1888, and the town is considered fortunate in the possession of a volunteer department that has no superior for its size and equipment in the county. The force in 1923 consisted of thirty-five men, together with the chief, deputy chief, chauffeurs and mechanician; also the forest fire wardens in the east, west and south parts of the town. The apparatus consists of one six-cylinder Seagrave pumper, capable of throwing 750 gallons a minute; one city service Seagrave ladder truck; a White combination truck; a Pope Hartford combination chemical truck; fire chief's auto; and three pieces of horse-drawn apparatus in reserve. The department has 4,300 feet of regulation fire hose; 2,000 feet of double-jacketed hose; and 750 feet of chemical hose. In

1923 there were thirty-four signal boxes, with several to be placed in the east and west sections of the town. The central fire station is on West Church street; and since the water mains have been extended to the east and west sections it is believed that hose houses will be erected in those -sections. The forest fire wardens also are fully supplied with chemical fire extinguishers of the Underwriter type. The report of Fire Chief Herbert E. King for 1922 showed that the value of buildings and contents endangered by the fire was estimated at $108,465, but the total amount of loss was $3,801, and the total number of alarms was 103.

For years the town depended upon wells but in the early eighties begar agitation for water supply, and under special act of Legislature this was done, the work being completed and the water turned on October 22, 1888. In 1922 the town voted to accept the water district, with all its liabilities. The water lines have been extended to the east and west villages, so that the close of 1923 found all sections of the town fully equipped both for domestic and fire purposes.

In 1903 the town voted the sum of $40,000 to build a municipal lighting plant, and as a result, today the plant is supplying hundreds of householders, in addition to the sale for manufacturing purposes. Under the supervision of Superintendent Maxwell, the plant is in the best of condition.

Mansfield in 1912 began to build the macadam and the Telford-Macadam roads, until all the streets are of the tarvia construction. The town has about seventy-five miles of highway to care for, at a cost of $30,000 a year.

Mansfield's new townhouse was dedicated in 1883, the sum appropriated for the building being $15,000. The postoffice, Carroll L. Bessom postmaster in 1923, has a building of its own. It was formerly at the Four Corners, and in the old Park Hotel building.

Mansfield was without fire protection previous to 1888, but in the fall of that year, the Mansfield Water Supply District was formed, and in October two volunteer hose companies were organized. 'The Mansfield Fire District was formed in 1889, and William H. Angell was chosen chief engineer of the district. A. W. Cobb was chosen chief in 1892, and held the office until his death, January 20, 1897. Herbert E. King has been chief since that time.

The Mansfield Board of Trade was organized in 1892, and has been instrumental in inducing a number of large and prosperous industries to locate in the town. D. S. Spaulding was elected first president of the board, and he served two years. Judge C. C. Hagerty succeeded him, and served to 1904; and I. W. Lucas was president to 1906, and was succeeded by H. E. King. The officers in 1923: President, Russell W. Wheeler; vicepresidents, George F. F.. Roberts, Leo M. Bannon, Herbert W. Butterworth; secretary-treasurer, Francis. D. Fairbanks; directors: Lendall C. Holway, Harry W. Snyder, John W. Rathbun. ,

The total valuation of Mansfield's real estate in 1922 was $4,924,710; the total valuation of personal estate, $1,444,060; number of acres in the township, 11,369; number of dwellings in the town, 1337.

Public Utilities - The First National Bank of Mansfield was established in August, 1901. The first president was Alfred B. Day; and other residents of Mansfield who were directors at this time were David E. Harding, Frank M. Cobb, Justin L. Cobb, Charles C. Hagerty, Doliver S. Spaulding. The board of directors in 1923: Frank L. Cady, president; Frank M. Cobb, vice-president; Justin L. Cobb, Charles C. Hagerty, Frederic Hewey, and Ira C. Gray. The latter was cashier since the incorporation. This was the first National Bank in this town. The savings bank account has been very rapid in growth in recent years. It was established in November, 1906. Walter M. Lowney, who had been a member of the board of directors fifteen years, took a very active interest in the bank. He died in 1921.

The Mansfield Co-operative Bank was organized February 22, 1883, and commenced business March 21, that year. The officers in 1923 were: President, D. C. Richardson; vice-president, John Somers; treasurer, Herbert E. King; clerk, Charles N. Crane. The board of directors, the abovenamed and Jesse R. Hodges, Austin Mason, H. W. Butterworth, William Olliff, Arthur E. Shields, K. C. Sherman, H. W. Snyder, Charles N. Crane, Thomas J. Fox, William L. Winter, Oliver P. Cook, J. W. Rathbun.

Every institution of importance is conceived first in the mind of some individual. The prophet who saw the vision of a free public library in Mansfield was the Rev. Jacob Ide, beloved pastor of the Congregational church of this town for more than forty years. Just when Mr. Ide thought of this library we do not know, but we do know that in the fall of 1883 he became very active in making the vision a reality. Through his efforts, $1,560.37 was subscribed for the purpose. The largest single contribution was $500, the gift of Mr. J. Frank Comey. Mr. Comey, who recently died in New York, was for many years the head of the well known Comey Company "Straw Shop". Other gifts ranging from $50 down to five one dollar contributions made up the amount. At the next annual town meeting, that of March 17, 1884, Mr. Ide presented and ably advocated the project. The town voted to establish the Mansfield Public Library, and appropriated $500 for its use that year. The following trustees were elected: Rev. Jacob Ide, William L. Robinson, William A. Copeland, Alfred Rogerson, Charles T. Borden, and I. W. Lucas. On March 21, four days after their election, these six men met to organize and make plans for the library. Mr. Ide was chosen president, and Mr. Lucas secretary. It is interesting to note that Mr. Ide served as president until his death in 1898. Mr. Borden also served on the board until his death, which came in 1890. While Mr. Lucas did not serve continuously, because of his absence from town for a few years, he served many years. Mr. William A. Copeland, who had served continuously on the board for thirty-seven years when he resigned in 1921, was for twenty-one years the secretary. Mr. William L. Robinson had served for thirty-six consecutive years when he resigned in 1920. Most of the time after the death of Mr. Ide, Mr. Robinson served as president. During 1920-21 Mr. Copeland was president. Since that time Everett W. Robinson, son of William L. Robinson, has held the chair.

first seven months 859 cards were issued to borrowers, which showed that there was considerable interest on the part of the town's people. The rooms were open on Tuesday evenings and on Saturday afternoons and evenings. Miss Alice Hallett was the first librarian, and she gave out an average of 340 books every Saturday. In four years the institution listed 1935 volumes and had quite outgrown its quarters. In August, 1888, it was moved across the corridor to the three small rooms which had been fitted up on the south side of the hall. Here it remained until July 9, 1901, when it was moved to its present abode on the first floor of the Memorial building, completed at that time as a memorial to the soldiers of the Civil War. From the nucleus of 1,300 volumes to start with the library had now grown to 13,000 . Gradually the number of open days was extended until by 1914 the rooms were open from 2:55, and from 6:59 of every week day' except Wednesday. Since September, 1921, it has been open every week day from 2 until 9. When in 1901 the trustees were about to move to the new building and saw the need of additional money for decoration and equipment, someone suggested that Andrew Carnegie, who was then doing so much for public libraries throughout the country, be approached for a donation. With characteristic New England independence they turned the suggestion down, and instead appointed an auxiliary committee of women. These ladies by various enterprises earned the money to purchase the casts, statuary, and some of the pictures which now beautify the interior of the building. The town has ever been most generous in its support, always appropriating whatever the trustees asked for, even to jumping from $1,000 to $2,000, and then the next year to $4,000, as it did in 1921 when the trustees desired to make extensive alterations. The library now has two librarians, and has on its list 8,270 volumes.

The Mansfield News, September 14, 1923, observed the twentieth anniversary of its establishment. The plant and business was started by S. P. Brown, his first editor being Edwin W. Clark. Stillman B. Pratt, who became associated with the publishers, sold his interests to Thomas S. Pratt in November, 1873, and he associated with him. his brother-in-law, William White, and the business was established at the present location, 172 North Main street, under the style Pratt & White. Thomas §S. Pratt sold his interests in 1881 to William White, and his associate editors, Henry Guimond and George M. Barron, the latter remaining four years, being succeeded by Isaac W. Lucas, and he by Walter Robinson, who remained until 1913. In May, 1914, Henry D. Smith became associate editor, and the latter purchased the business in 1917. During the World War, over 300 copies of the News were mailed each week to the men in the service. Mr. Smith sold the business to George W. Giles, October 1, 1921, who associated with him Howard N. Fowler as editor and manager.

The Mansfield Soldiers' Memorial Building and Library was built in 1888 on a lot of land donated by Mrs. FE. F. Noble, and the structure was dedicated June 17, 1901, its cost being $10,000, which was voted for the purpose by the town. The first floor of the building is used for library purposes, and the Grand Army hall is on the upper floor.

Clubs and Fraternities - The Mansfield Winthrop Club was organized November 13, 1893, and incorporated June 25, 1897. Its quarters are the entire third floor of the Wheeler building on North Main street. There are 150 members. The officers are: Fred W. Day, president; Clarence B. Pike, Everett W. Robinson, vice-presidents; Harry R. Fisher, secretary; Henry E. Fairbanks, treasurer. These officers, with Carroll L. Bessom, Thomas E. Kane, Arthur C. Conrad and Francis D. Fairbanks, comprise the board of governors.

Ten Mansfield women, including the hostess, writer A. E. B., met at: ' Mrs. Abbie Copeland's, Thursday, December 12, 1900, to consider the desirability of forming a club for mutual improvement and sociability. The club was first named Mayflower, but later changed to New Century. Mrs. Kate Morton Hanaford was the first president, and there were nineteen charter members. During the first year meetings were held at the homes of members with one exception, that of a lecture in Trinity Hall by Mrs. Elizabeth C. Lovering on "Our Pilgrim Foremothers." Papers by members on authors, artists and composers, and current events, comprised the programs, also music and readings by local talent. From this small group of women the New Century Club has grown and flourished. Its object is threefold: social, literary, and humanitarian. The present membership is 211. Some speakers of prominence who have addressed the club are Marshall L. Perrin, Rev. R. Perry Bush, Rev. Paul Revere Frothingham, Rev. Dr. William Van Allen, Payson Smith and others. There have also been women speakers, one of the more recent being Miss Mina Kerr, dean of Wheaton College at that time. There have been lectures on China, together with exhibitions of embroidery, curios and other articles of interest from that country. Speakers concerning Russia have also been heard. Cookery, home millinery, dressmaking, home decorating, and several other subjects, have been brought before the club. Several plays have been given by club members, reflecting much credit upon their dramatic ability. "Mrs. Briggs of the Poultry Yard," given at one time in Town Hall, is worthy of especial mention. The different departments connected with the club are: Arts and Crafts, Civics, Home Economics, Literary, and Music. Of these, the Home Economics, Literary, and Music have been very active. "The Pageant of Boston," written by and presented in Town Hall under the direction of Miss Jennie F. Copeland, of the Literary Department, brought forth widespread commendation. Artists from our town have been heard most favorably in music and readings, as well as public speakers from among our townspeople. Much good work has been accomplished in a charitable way, such as donations to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, to the Halifax fire sufferers, the Visiting Nurse Association, West Side Benevolent Society, the Children's Hospital, and Near East Relief. Much assistance was also given to the Red Cross at the time of the World War. Along the line of civic improvement, a public drinking fountain was installed in the South Common, shrubs were set out on the High School grounds and ivy planted along the walls of the High School building... Through the influence of the club, the Stamp Saving System was introduced in the %public schools. Books have been given to the Public Library, also a revolving reference bookrack and chair to be used with it, and a copy of that beautiful picture, "The Age of Innocence".

Through the efforts of members of the Home Economics Department, the girls of the public schools were given an opportunity of having a 'course in mothercraft. An outfit for this work was furnished by this department, and some of the club ladies spent several hours sewing for the life size baby doll used in this work. A class of forty girls graduated from this course. In 1907 the New Century Club became a member of the Massachusetts State Federation of Women's Clubs. For the last seven years, regular meetings with few exceptions have been held fortnightly Friday afternoons in the Tavern, the club year being from the first Friday in November to the first Friday in May, inclusive. There have been nineteen presidents. Miss Alletta F. Dean, who concluded her second year of service in that office at the annual meeting in May, is a native of Mansfield and graduated from the University of Wisconsin at the age of fifty, years. All of these women have given of their time and effort, and with the cooperation of their fellow members, have made the New Century Club oi Mansfield what it is today - one of the foremost women's organizations of the town. The officers in 1923: Mrs. Lena D. Tucker, president; Miss Ada E. Baldwin, Mrs. Mildred P. Parker, vice-presidents; Mrs. Harriett A. Hayward, corresponding secretary; Miss Idabel M. Duguid, clerk.

One of the largest Grand Army posts in the county in 1923 is the Jolin Rogers Post, No. 170, with eighty-two veterans mustered in, whose average age is seventy-eight years. Henry C. Hamilton, a past commander of the post, says: Francis Drake and twenty-four others called a meeting of Grand Army veterans at Sons of Temperance Hall, the old Unitarian meetinghouse, not in existence now, July 31, 1884, when the post since known as John Rogers Post, No. 170, G. A. R., was formed. George K. Boney was chief mustering officer, and S. A. Cushing was inspector. The first officers were: Commander, Francis Drake; senior vice-commander, H. E. Sherman; junior vice-commander, George P. Chapin; surgeon, H. H. Fairbanks; chaplain, C. S. Rogers; officer of the day, J. W. Martin; officer of the guard, FE. E. Cobb; adjutant, E. W. Sterns; quartermaster, V. F. Grover. The officers in 1923; Senior vice-commander, H. M. Lawton; junior vice-commander, H. E. Sherman; surgeon, George P. Chapin; chaplain, H. H. Fairbanks; officer of the day, C. F. Rogers; officer of the guard, J. W. Martin; adjutant, EF. E. Cobb; quartermaster, E. W. Sterns; sentinel, V. F. Grover; quartermaster-sergeant, S. H. Witherell. These have been the commanders: Francis Drake, 1884-86; Henry H. Fairbanks, 1886; G. P. Chapin, 1887; John Smith, 1888; A. R. Collins, 1889; H. E. Sherman, 1890: A. W. Cobb, 1891; V. F. Grover, 1892; T. H. Milliken, 1893; J. N. Tibbetts, 1894; FE. W. Stearns, 1895; C. T. Rogers, 1896; James B. Smith, 1897; Warren Howe, 1898; J. B. Sherrett, 1899; H. B. Reed, 1901-02; John Hannifem, 1903; Reuben Purdy, 1904; George A .Fiske, 1905; Henry C. Hamilton, 1906; Alfred Hicks, 1907; L. A. Lauriat, 1908; A. A. Briggs, 1909; W. L. Collins, 1910-11; M. L. Greene, 1912-13; Davis Cook, 1914-20; H. C. Blossom, 1921-23.

John Rogers Woman's Relief Corps, No. 61, was formed in 1887, by Mrs. Haynes Parker, with a charter membership of thirty-seven. The following-named have been the presidents: Miss Hattie Perry, 1887-88; Car-

Rara Avis Circle, No. 1905, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was instituted October 19, 1909, with fifty-one charter members. The number of members in 1923 was 79, and the officers: W. P., George Hayden; V. P., F. W. Walker; chaplain, J. McKillop; secretary, Edward H. Burt; treasurer, F. H. Hoare.

Mansfield Lodge, I. O. O. F. M. U., was instituted December 30, 1903, with twenty-three charter members. The leading officers in 1923: Noble grand, William George; vice-grand, Thomas Holden; permanent secretary, Frank H. Fisher; treasurer, John Davenport.

Francis A. Chase Lodge, No. 89, K of P., was instituted June 12, 1891, with twenty-four charter members. Membership December 31, 1922, was 123. The officers for 1923: William A. Jameison, chancellor commander; Francis L. Streeter, vice-chancellor; Charles E. Brintnall, prelate; Archie D. Leonard, master of work; William J. White, keeper of records and seal; John H. Waggott, master of finance; L. Leslie Jones, master of exchequer; Frank T. Wills, master-at-arms; Edward F. Towne, inner guard; Melvin F. Saley, outer guard; Charles E. Brintnall, Rufus H. Ring, representatives to Grand Lodge.

Reliance Lodge, No. 72, Ancient Order of United Workmen, was instituted with twenty-four charter members, November 24, 1886. The present membership is sixty-four. The sum of $44,000 has been paid to families of deceased members. The leading officers in 1923: P. M. W., Horace L. Bartlett; M. W., Harry A. Fisher; foreman, J. Herman Mees; overseer, Andrew D. Gallipeau; financier, Edmund H. Evans; treasurer, Alphonso Buck.

Mansfield Council, No. 240, Knights of Columbus, is one of the old lodges of the order in this section. William A. Curtin is grand knight; Walter Vallette recording secretary.

Industries. - The invested capital of the industries of Mansfield in 1923 was over $4,000,000, and the combined annual production was valued at $7,400,000. The first important step industrially taken by the town was in 1814, when the Mansfield North Cotton Manufacturing Company was established here; and then, in the middle of the nineteenth century, Gardner Chilson founded the Chilson Furnace, the stoves produced there being used everywhere in railroad cars. From 1860 to the late eighties there were basket-making, soap-making and straw-hat manufacturing establishments. 'Through the codperation of the Mansfield News and William F. Davis, the Mansfield historian, an account of the leading industries of the town follows:

The Bay State Tap and Die Company, organized in 1903 by Hall, Lincoln & Williams for the manufacture of taps, dies, screw-plates and twist drills. The factory

The chocolate works of the late Walter M. Lowney were erected in 1906, where the finest product in the chocolate trade are manufactured. Thousands of gallons of cream are used annually, and the plant employs a large number of men and women.

The Bay State Gold Pen Company began business in 1905 in the Bliss factory on Willow street, but as business increased the firm erected their present factory on East street. Gold pens are the product. Paul H. Johnston is president of the company.

From a hobby, gladiolus-growing has developed into an industry here that produces about $75,000 annually in bulbs, and it is stated that no other town in New England has so many growers of the flower on so large a scale. Among the first to venture into the new field were Frank Fand, Frank O. Shepardson and Robert R. Walker, the latter the largest grower in the district, and secretary of the New England Society. William S. Harris has established an excellent business. Other large growers include Albert Lehan, also a dahlia specialist; Dr. B. M. Latham, Mrs. Elsie P. Tragard; Willis E. Chase, president of the local association; Joseph Bellavance and Fred S. Reed. The officers in 1923: President, Willis S. E. Chase; vice-president,, Albert Lehan; secretary, Miss L. F. Howe; treasurer, Frank R. Sawyer.

One of Mansfield's leading agricultural industries is the production of cucumbers, the annual amount being 20,000 bushels, valued at $150,000. The pioneer grower in this section was Benjamin D.. Vickery, who started in 1898. Among the principal growers today are W. A. Staples, George Geddes, Frederick J. Dustin, W. F. Barnes, F, J. Evans and Company, F. S. and J. F. Geddes.

The Mansfield Foundry Company, Edward J Morrow, manager, has grown rapidly since 1916, previous to which it was the Ryder Foundry. During 1922 and 1923, increasing business in gray iron and semi-steel castings demanded facilities for greater production, and the company has doubled its floor space by erecting a 90 x 129 annex, and installing upwards of $25,000 unit of modern machinery. The officers in 1923: President, H. A. White; treasurer, E. A. Tutein.

The Mansfield Milling Company was established in 1910 as dealers in hay, grain and feed. In 1916 the entire plant was destroyed by fire, and a new and larger storehouse and elevator were erected. The officers of the company in 1923: President, Thomas Walker; treasurer, Daniel G. Joy.

The Mansfield Lumber Company, established in 1895-by A. H..Richardson and J. M. Tuttle, is one of the largest wholesale and retail dealers in lumber and builders' supplies in the county.

The Avery Japanning Company operates the only leather concern in Mansfield, the original company becoming established here in 1890 and being incorporated in 1917. The officers in 1923: President, L. C. Holway; vice-president, C. S. Harriman; treasurer, M. J. Lowry.

The Mansfield Bleachery was incorporated as a firm in 1909, in which year it started in a factory that had been a print works. A three-story brick building, 50 x 200 feet in dimensions, was erected in 1917, and in 1922 another three-story addition was erected, the plant then having a floor space of nearly two acres. The bleachery has a production weekly of 350,000 yards. The officers of the company: President, John F. Bannon; treasurer and general manager, William H. Bannon; secretary, Leo M. Bannon.

F. M. & J. L. Cobb are the only jewelry manufacturers in the town. The firm was originally Cobb & Evans Company, but Frank J. Evans sold his interest in the business, and Frank M. and Justin L. Cobb became partners.

Mansfield Machine Shops, manufacturers of patented machinery for rubber, textile, artificial leather, oil cloth, etc., have recently located in their new factory on School street. Sydney Birch is treasurer and manufacturer's agent, and his son, Philip S. Birch, is associated with him.

The Harding Manufacturing Company, for the manufacture of screw drivers and small tools, was established in 1913. The officers are: President, Mrs. Frances E. Harding; vice-president, Mrs. Mabel F. Barnes; secretary, Mr. Pickering.

Shield's Foundry Company was established in 1885, and is now owned and operated by George C. Shields, president; and Arthur E. Shields, treasurer. Iron castings for cooking and heating apparatus are the principal products.

The S. W. Card Manufacturing Company division of the United Twist Mill Company, was founded in 1874 by Simon W. Card under the name of S. W. Card & Company; and in 1894 the company was incorporated under the name of S. W. Card Manufacturing Company. In 1913 the Union Twist Drill Company of Athol, this State, purchased the entire stock of the corporation, and have since that time directed the management.

Charles A. Richardson operates a thoroughly modern plant at West Mansfield for the manufacture of shuttle irons and hardware specialties. Following a $20,000 fire which totally destroyed the plant in 1920, Mr. Richardson built a new factory with all modern conveniences. The business was first established in 1881.

The basket industry of West Mansfield is an old industry that was started by Abner Bailey in 1793. The business is now conducted by Henry G. Sheppard.

The first mining for coal was done by Colonel Ephraim Leonard at East Mansfield, in 1736; and the first company organized for mining coal was the Mansfield Mining Company, in 1836, with the Scarboro, Phillipsburg and Portland Mining Company. <A shaft was sunk to the depth of forty feet, but coal was not found of quality nor in sufficient quantities to encourage the stockholders. The agitation for mining coal here has been kept up intermittently, mining experts stating that excellent coal measures exist here. The Mansfield Coal and Grain Company was established in 1885 and incorporated in 1902.