USGenWeb RI Articles, History of Providence: Pawtucket

pp. 224 - 232.

PAWTUCKET. [continued]

Banks.
The growing interest of the town, and the steady increase in business, soon led to the establishment of banking institutions. In 1814, a bank was organized upon each side of the river. That upon the east side was incorporated by the legislature of Massachusetts, on June 13, 1814, and had a capital of $100,000. This bank continued until 1850. On the west, or Rhode Island side, the Manufacturers' Bank was incorporated in the same year, by the General Assembly, and remained until the revulsions of 1829. Having met with heavy losses, it was subsequently removed to Providence. Another bank was chartered in 1822, under the name of the Farmers and Mechanics' Bank. This institution also met with severe reverses, and discontinued its charter. A new company, however, was organized under the forfeited charter, and located in Providence, under the name of the Phenix Bank. In 1818, a bank was chartered, styled the New England Pacific Bank, and was situated in Smithfield; this also met the fate of its sister institutions, and in 1832 was removed to Pawtucket. The North Providence Bank was incorporated in 1834, and remained until 1868. The People's Bank was incorporated in 1846; the Slater Bank in 1855.

During the civil war, necessities of the general government led to a complete revolution in the banking institutions of the country. Under the congressional enactment, the First National Bank was organized in 1865, with a capital of $100,000. The People's Bank soon closing up their affairs, a quarter portion of its capital was transferred to the First National, which swelled its capital to about $300,000. Its present officers are: President, Olney Arnold; Cashier, William H. Parker. It is located in the Dexter Building, corner of Main Street and East Avenue. The Slater Bank was also reorganized into a national bank the same year, styled the Slater National Bank of North Providence, and has a capital of $300,000. Its present officers are: President, William F. Sayles; Vice-President, N. Bates; Cashier, George W. Newell. This bank is also located in the Dexter Building. The New England Pacific Bank, also, was reorganized into a national bank in 1866, and became the Pacific National Bank. It has a capital of $200,000, and its present officers are: President, Charles Moies; Cashier, Thomas Moies. It is located at 115 Main Street.

There are also three savings institutions in Pawtucket. The first and oldest - its charter being granted in the year 1828 - is the Pawtucket Institution for Savings, located at No. 115 Main Street. Its present officers are: President, Charles Moies; Treasurer, Thomas Moies; Secretary, George A. Mumford. It has a deposit of two million four hundred thousand dollars. The next is the Providence County Savings Bank, chartered in 1853. It is located in the Dexter Building. Its present officers are: President, Charles A. Leonard; Vice-President, Joseph E. Dispeau; Treasurer, Olney Arnold. It has deposits amounting to about four million dollars. The next is the Franklin Savings Bank, chartered in 1857, by the Legislature of Massachusetts. It is located in the banking-rooms of the Slater National Bank. Its present officers are: President, Ira D. Ellis; Vice-President, N. Bates; Treasurer, G. W. Newell. It has deposits amounting to one million five hundred thousand dollars.

Pawtucket Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
This company was chartered in 1848, but did not get thoroughly at work until 1851. Its first president was Edward S. Wilkinson, Esq.; Secretary, Captain John C. Tower; Treasurer, Jesse S. Tourtellott; directors, Alanson Thayer, Stephen Benedict, Gideon L. Spencer, Charles Moies, John H. Weeden, Claudius B. Farnsworth, James C. Starkweather, Gideon C. Smith, Horace Miller, and Alvin Jencks. Captain Tower resigned the office of Secretary, and on Jan. 13, 1849, Mr. S. Gano Benedict was chosen in his place. The present officers are: President, Robert Sherman; Secretary, Isaac Shove; Treasurer, H. N. Ingraham; Directors, Charles Moies, Stephen B. Fisk, Ira D. Ellis, George L. Walker, L. B. Darling, J. E. Dispeau, George A. Mumford, W. W. Blodgett, Thomas Moies, and A. A. Mann. A few figures will show the condition of this institution, which presents a very favorable record. Its present risks are about ten million dollars. Its average losses for the past few years have been from ten thousand to twelve thousand dollars per year. Its premiums, or cash income, amount to about twenty-nine thousand dollars per year, while its cash assets are one hundred thousand dollars. This company's office is located on the corner of Main and Mill streets, and they enjoy the confidence of the public.

Fire Department.
By an act of the Rhode Island General Assembly, the 'District of Pawtucket', in North Providence, was incorporated on Feb. 17, 1801. The first meeting held under this incorporation took place in April of the same year, at Otis Tiffany's Hotel. The following officers were chosen: Moderator, Stephen Jenks; Clerk, Jerathmeel Jenks; Collector, Benjamin Arnold; Treasurer, Otis Tiffany; Assessors, James Mason, Samuel Slater, and Jerathmeel Jenks; Presidents of Fire-wards, Nathaniel Croade, Oziel Wilkinson, and Stephen Jenks. Messrs. Abraham, Isaac, and David Wilkinson built the first fire-engine, the 'Flower-Pot', which was purchased by the district on April 25, 1803, at a cost of $353.50. Engine Co. No. 1 continued to use this engine up to December, 1844, at which time a new engine was purchased of Joel Bates of Philadelphia; the old one going to Lebanon Mills.

The organization of a fire department for the east side did not take place until some time afterwards. On Dec. 11, 1812, a meeting was held at Eliphalet Slack's inn, by a body of persons styling themselves 'the proprietors of the engine in the village of Pawtucket, in the town of Seekonk'. The following officers were chosen: Moderator, Oliver Starkweather, Esq.; Clerk, William Allen. Then follows the names of twenty-one persons who were designated as members of Engine Co. No. 2. The following gentlemen were elected as officers: Director, Joseph Bucklin; Vice-Director, Job Wheaton; Collector, Benjamin Bowen; Manager, Addington Davenport; Clerk, John French, Jr. It was voted to 'appropriate the interest of the surplus received, deposited with the town, to the amount of $750, for the purchase of a fire-engine'.

Thus commenced the organization of the fire department in Pawtucket, which has since grown into such efficient proportions as to render it one of the leading institutions of the town. After the consolidation of Pawtucket and North Providence, the town council immediately re-organized the fire department, and on the 15th of June, 1874, an ordinance was passed providing for a paid fire department. It at present consists of one chief engineer, two assistant engineers, and five companies, containing in all sixty-four men. There are three engine-houses, fitted up with all the conveniences requisite for their successful management. The town owns seven horses, which are kept ready for immediate use. It also has a fire-alarm telegraph, and connected with it are thirty-six boxes of the 'Gamewell American Patent', and five strikers; four attached to twelve-hundred-pound bells, and one to a four-thousand-pound bell. They have seventeen miles of wire, and four circuit repeaters. In connection with this telegraph, they have also two large engine-house gongs, one located in the quarters of the Rough and Ready, No. 2, another at the quarters of the Monitor, No. 3. The town has also four small gongs, one in the house of the Chief Engineer, Samuel S. Collyer; one in his office; one in the First Assistant Engineer's house, E. S. Mason, and one in the Second Assistant Engineer's house, John Bierly. This telegraph was built in 1874, and cost the town twelve thousand one hundred dollars.

Engine Rhode Island, No. 1, corner Main and Bailey streets, has thirteen men. Foreman, Frank Horton; Engineer, William Daggett; Assistant Engineer, Edward Jenks. Rough and Ready, No. 2, corner Main and Bailey streets, organized in 1814. First officers: Foreman, H. Howard; Assistant, J. Mason; First Engineer, A. Ide; Second Engineer, B. Bennett; Hose Director, E. Thurber; Clerk, J. Clemens; Treasurer, W. Crowningshield. It has now fourteen men. Foreman, J. S. Read; Engineer, J. A. Everett; Assistant Engineer, I. J. Whipple; Driver, Frank N. Bassett. The engine-house occupied by these engines is located at the corner of Main and Bailey streets, and was erected in 1861 at a heavy expense. The Slater Hook-and-Ladder Company Truck, No. 1, is also stationed here. It has nine men, and its Foreman is J. H. Esten. The engineer and driver of No. 2 are on duty at all hours of the day, as well as the driver of Hook-and-Ladder Truck. The house is furnished with splendid sleeping apartments, with all conveniences, water, gas, bath-rooms, &c. The arrangement for unhitching the horses and opening the door, at the tap of the gong, also turns up the gas, stops the clock, and unbolts the Main Street door. This ingenious contrivance was gotten up by the Engineer of the Rough and Ready Company.

Engine Monitor, No. 3, corner Vernon and School streets, has its engine-house underneath the town hall. There is also a reserve engine (the Atlantic) kept here. This engine-house keeps three horses. The engineer, Oliver Baxter, and the driver, John Chase, are on constant duty, and are provided with fine sleeping apartments, with all the modern conveniences for cleaning and drying the hose, consisting of a tower twenty-five feet high, in which fifty feet of hose can be dried at once.

Water-Works.
The question of a 'supply of water', has been a subject often before the tax-paying citizen of Pawtucket. The east side of the river had three fountains for the convenience of drinking, watering teams, &c., but of no consequence as a protection against the devouring element. The whole town was obliged to depend on reservoirs or cisterns, and the river, the latter often frozen to such a depth, as to render it impracticable for the purpose of a quick supply of water. After many seasons of strife between the friends of the enterprise, and its enemies, a town meeting was held on the 30th of March, 1877, at which the question was settled, by a vote of 520 yeas to 505 nays. Four hundred thousand dollars were appropriated. Immediate steps were taken to get the long-talked of project under way, and on April 2, 1877, the commissioners made their first quarterly report. The committee consisted of the following named gentlemen: S. S. Collyer, William H. Haskell, George H. Fuller. Walter H. Sears was chosen chief engineer. These gentlemen have made the necessary surveys, charts, &c., and contracted for pipes, of the Warren Foundry, at Phillipsburg, N. J., and with the Corliss Steam-engine Company, for a pumping-engine. A reservoir on Stump Hill furnishes the necessary elevation. The water is taken from Abbott Run, and in the future, Pawtucket can truly say that she has all the modern conveniences for cleanliness and health, as well as a protection against fire.

Police Force.
The first police force was organized in 1871. Previous to this time, one or more constables performed the various duties of policemen. In the above year, Mr. Charles T. Richardson, being one of the town councilmen, was appointed a committee on police. He organized the force, and acted as chief of police until the town was consolidated, in 1874. The police force in the town of North Providence, which included the village of Pawtucket, was organized by Marcus M. Cowen, in the year 1871. He was subsequently succeeded as chief of police, by Hiram Howard.

In 1874, the village and town of Pawtucket were consolidated, and Colonel Randall H. Rice was appointed chief. The force at the present time is composed of chief, captain, sergeant, and fourteen patrolmen, and is considered one of the best and most efficient police forces, of its size, in New England. Their present fine and commodious quarters, are located at the corner of Mill Street and Slater Avenue. The offices of the overseer of the poor, highway commissioners, school committee, board of engineers, &c., are also located here.

Military Organizations.
Till within some twenty years past, but few independent military companies have had existence in Pawtucket. History preserves the fact that previous to the Revolutionary War, a company was chartered in the Colony, bearing the name of the North Providence Rangers, but little is known of its history. In 1824, a rifle corps was formed in the village of Pawtucket, whose commander was Colonel Samuel Jacobs. He had been an officer in the second war with England, and manifested no little degree of interest in the discipline and efficiency of his company. Upon the return of the illustrious Lafayette to the shores of that land he had so nobly defended, and aided in securing its independence, this company, as a compliment, and to show the respect and veneration they entertained towards this aged hero, changed the name of their organization to the Pawtucket Fayette Rifle Corps. They were not prepared, however, to welcome the distinguished visitor when he passed through their town, as their uniforms were not completed. They remained as an organization some ten years thereafter, and then disbanded.

In 1857, another military organization was formed in Pawtucket, known as the Pawtucket Light Guard. In April, 1861, when Baltimore was in the possession of a disloyal mob, and treason had unfurled her banner of secession, this company was among the first to go to the aid of the general government, and from that hour, did gallant service in the defence of its country's honor. During the Rebellion, there were some thirteen companies raised in the two villages, and many other citizens served in different regiments, that were sent out from both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Besides these, there were others who joined the navy, and rendered excellent service on the sea. The records of the State show that North Providence paid out for bounties, $36,650; for aid to volunteers' families, $81,234. The town of Pawtucket also paid for bounties, $13,250; and for aid to volunteers, $35,077. The State, however, has repaid a portion of these sums.

There are at present three organizations that keep up meetings for drill; viz., the Pawtucket Horse-Guards; the Sheridan Light Infantry; Company B, Sixth Battalion Rhode Island Militia; Tower Light Battery, or Battery B, First Battalion Sixteenth Rhode Island Artillery.

Pawtucket Horse-Guards. This company was organized on the 23d of September, 1863, and was known as the North Providence and Pawtucket Cavalry Company. The following officers were elected: Captain, Charles N. Manchester; First Lieutenant, William Coupe; Second Lieutenant, Emor B. Whipple. Non-commissioned officers: First Sergeant, Erastus E. Lapham; Commissary-Sergeant, George L. Bradley; Quartermaster-Sergeant, Edwin Darling; Fourth Sergeant, Obadiah Brown; Fifth Sergeant, Rufus B. Averill; Sixth Sergeant, James C. Collins; Seventh Sergeant, George L. Walker; Eighth Sergeant, John L. Martin; First Corporal, James A. Leckie; Second Corporal, Joseph F. Brown; Third Corporal, Everett P. Carpenter; Fourth Corporal, William H. Angell; Fifth Corporal, Ephraim W. French; Sixth Corporal, Edward W. Olney; Seventh Corporal, John A. Gardner; Eighth Corporal, Henry G. Smith; Farrier, Edward B. Bruce; Clerk and Treasurer, Welcome B. Arnold.

On the 25th of June, 1869, the name of the organization was changed from the North Providence and Pawtucket Cavalry Company, to that of the Pawtucket Horse-Guards, which name it bears at present. Its present officers are as follows: Captain, Alexander Strauss; First Lieutenant, Squire F. Fisk; Second Lieutenant, Stafford I. Sweet; Quartermaster-Sergeant, Thomas Ryan; First Orderly-Sergeant, John B. Stanley; Second Orderly-Sergeant, James E. Easton; Third Orderly-Sergeant, Frederick Read; Fourth Orderly-Sergeant, Arnold Huller; First Corporal, Louis E. Nolan; Second Corporal, George McDonald; Third Corporal, Thomas Potter; Fourth Corporal, John H. Chace; Clerk, Henry G. Derby; Treasurer, Alexander Strauss. This company at present numbers forty-six privates. The total expense of the organization for the year 1877, will amount, in round numbers, to about $1,300, all of which will be met and paid without incurring any debt, a fact that not only speaks well for the financial affairs of the company, but for its economical and judicious management. This company, in the present, as in the past, occupies a high standing as a military organization, well versed in the tactics, and ever faithful to the discharge of duty.

Sheridan Light Infantry, Company B, Sixth Battalion Rhode Island Militia, was organized, in 1865, with sixty privates and non-commissioned officers. Captain, Michael McCarthy; First Lieutenant, William Kelley; Second Lieutenant, Peter Lynn. Present officers are: Captain, John Cullen; First Lieutenant, Orvill Goodwin; Second Lieutenant, William Driscoll, with forty-five privates and non-commissioned officers. This is a full company, according to the existing laws of the State. The company occupies the Celtic Literary Institute rooms, in the second story of the Bates Block, corner of Broadway and Main Street. This organization is composed entirely of adopted citizens, of Irish descent, they feeling a just pride in the institutions of their adopted country, where equal rights are guaranteed to each of its citizens, in the protection of 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' While this protection is thus guaranteed to all, a certain degree of self-sacrificing devotion is incumbent upon all its citizens in the defence of its rights, and the preservation of its beneficent institutions. This company, inspired by a feeling of gratitude for the privileges and immunities thus vouchsafed to them, and prompted by a desire to aid in securing the permanent establishment of the principles of universal freedom, formed this organization composed of Irish citizens. Nearly all of the members of this company have seen active service, having been in the service of their adopted country from 1861 to 1865. Still cherishing a love for their native isle, their colors are a mingling of the green with our national colors. This company has been fully equipped twice at their own expense, the last uniform costing fifteen dollars per man. They have also two sets of colors. They consist of two of Irish colors, and two of United States colors. One of their United States colors was presented by their lady-friends of Pawtucket. The other was won at a fair, most votes taking the flag. In this contest this company and their friends cast $1,300 worth of votes, the proceeds going to the benefit of St. Mary's Church. The generosity of this company is displayed in the grand reunion and complementary parade and display of fireworks given in honor of the only colonel of Irish decent that the battalion every had. This was given in 1874, and was an occasion long to be remembered by the citizens of Pawtucket. The cost of the fireworks consumed upon this occasion amounted to some three hundred dollars, which was raised mainly though the efforts of this company.

Tower Light Battery, or Battery B, First Battalion Sixteenth Rhode Island Artillery. Organized in 1863. It took its name in honor of Captain Levi Tower, who was Captain of Company I, Second Rhode Island Regiment, and lost his life on July 21, 1861, while gallantly leading his company in battle, with the shout of 'Go in boys!' on his lips, which were his last words. His comrades gave his name to the battery, out of respect for their dead officer. The company have an armory on Exchange Street, between High and Mill streets. The first officers were as follows: Captain, Pardon Mason; First Lieutenants, George W. Newell and Samuel S. Collyer; Second Lieutenant, Gilbert B. Dana. They made their first parade in December, 1863. The present officers are: Captain, Eugene B. Crocker; First Lieutenants, H. H. Sager and David L. Ryder; Second Lieutenant, S. S. Daggett, Jr. The company now numbers seventy-five men. They purchased a hall in October, 1867, at an expense of $4,500, and enlarged it at considerable expense afterwards. They have a battery of four guns, and hold weekly drills.

Pawtucket Band.
This band was organized in 1848, under the title of the Pawtucket Brass Band, with 17 pieces, William E. Gilmore, leader. They subsequently increased the number of pieces, and styled themselves Gilmore's Cornet Band. During the Revolution, Mr. Gilmore, with a number of members, joined the Rhode Island regiments, and the few remaining members, having no leader, did not keep up the organization. After the close of the Rebellion, they reorganized under the same name, and now rank high among the bands of the State.

Wilkinson Park.
This beautiful spot, located on Church Hill, was for many years known as the Common. It was originally the property of Oziel Wilkinson, who resigned it to public use; but it remained unimproved for many years, the town having no title to it. In 1871, a quitclaim deed was obtained from Edward S. Wilkinson, Hannah A. Vinson, and Henry N. Wilkinson, heirs to the estate of the elder Wilkinson. At a meeting of the town council, it was voted to give to it the name of Wilkinson Park, in commemoration of their once-distinguished citizen. In 1872, the town set about grading and improving the grounds, which was accomplished at an expense of $7,000. The designing and laying out of the grounds was the work of James Nesbit, and its excellent execution displays a marked degree of skill and taste. The park is nicely fenced, and beautiful shade-trees and shrubbery add to the general appearance, and give to it an air of comfort. Another public resort is found in a triangular piece of land, formed from the Mineral Spring Cemetery, by the laying out of the Mineral Spring Avenue. This spot is also enclosed, improved, and ornamented with fine shade-trees.

Cemeteries.
The cemetery in Pawtucket was situated on Mill Street, upon the site where now stands the Littlefield Block and George Allen's grocery store. It has long since been disused, the bodies having been taken up and transferred to the Mineral Spring Cemetery.

Swan-Point Road and Riverside Cemetery is situated on the east side of Pleasant Street, and contains about sixty acres, tastefully laid out, and surrounded by scenery grand and picturesque. This cemetery was established in 1874. An act incorporating the same was passed at the May session of the General Assembly of the same year, with the following officers; viz., President, H. E. Dodge; Secretary, Charles Drew; Treasurer, Lewis Pearce; Trustees, W. D. Bullock, J. W. Davis, D. B. Davis; Superintendent, William G. Pettis. Present officers: President, J. W. Davis; Secretary, D. B. Davis. The remaining officers are unchanged. This spot is beautifully located; the clear waters of the Pawtucket wash its eastern border. Its banks are overhung with forest-trees, whose giant forms lie mirrored on the placid waters of this beautiful stream. The care and attention bestowed upon these burial-places mark the growing interest of the living in these repositories of the dead. The first interment was made in 1874 on the lot of Frederick A. Horton. There is one receiving-vault belonging to the corporation.

Mineral Spring Cemetery is located on Mineral Spring Avenue, and contains about fourteen acres, laid out in streets and lots, tastefully arranged, and interspersed with ornamental trees and shrubs.

Oak Grove Cemetery is located on North Bend Street, about three-quarters of a mile from the centre of the village of Pawtucket. The first burial here was about 1832. Beautiful evergreens adorn the grounds, and in the rear of the cemetery is a beautiful oak grove, from which it derives its name.

St. Mary's Cemetery was the first Catholic burial-place in the town; but having become full, it has been in disuse for several years. The Bishop's Cemetery, near the Providence line, on the north and west of the Providence and Worcester Railroad, was established, and is used by the Catholic denomination in the village of Pawtucket and immediate vicinity. The Mount St. Mary's Cemetery was established at a later date, and is located on Prospect Street, just at the town-line of East Providence.

Pawtucket Dispensary.
One of the most beneficent and charitable institutions of the town is that of the Pawtucket Dispensary. The vicissitudes of life are visited more or less upon all ranks and classes of mankind, and disease and sickness is the common lot of all. But upon none do these misfortunes fall with heavier hand than the poor. Recognizing the great law of mutual dependence, the hearts of Pawtucket philanthropists were early awakened to the subject of alleviating the suffering and distress - often occasioned by the lack of the proper medical treatment - of those who, though worthy, were unable to procure, through lack of means, the necessary care and treatment.

In 1865, an act was passed by the General Assembly incorporating this association, whose purpose it is to afford medical aid to the poor and indigent sick. The first officers were: Chairman, Sylvanus Clapp, M. D.; Treasurer, J. H. Carpenter; Secretary, Rev. J. D'W. Perry. Present officers: President, Dr. S. Clapp; Treasurer, W. W. Dunnell; Secretary, J. J. Wooley. The number of patients treated during the year ending 1866, was eight hundred. Many munificent donations have been made to the association, and the hearts of many of the unfortunate poor have gone up in prayer, and many benedictions have been pronounced, upon those connected with this humanitarian charity. May the interest that has ever been manifested in this enterprise know no abatement, and may all those in any way connected with this wise and humane association be blessed in their ministrations of mercy.

Odd Fellowship.
Good Samaritan Lodge, No. 8, I. O. O. F., instituted April 4, 1845. Its first officers were as follows: N. G., N. S. Alexander; V. G., Harrison Wilmarth; Sec'y, J. B. Sweasey; Treas., Z. Witherell. Its present officers are: N. G., Robert J. Snow; V., G., David W. Congden; Sec'y, Jonathan P. Jenks; Treas., Ralph Jollie; P. Sec'y, Daniel A. Gillson. The organization numbers 289 members, and its regular meetings are on Friday evenings, at 219 Main Street, in Odd Fellows' Building.

Enterprise Lodge, No. 22, I. O. O. F., instituted June 11, 1872. Its first officers were: N. G., William H. Dodge; V. G. , Ira B. Allen; Sec'y, R. L. Dodge; P. Sec'y, Guy S. Morgan; Treas., E. O. P. Martin. Its present officers are: P. G., R. K. Miller; N. ., Thomas W. D. Mason; V. G., George L. Walker; Sec'y, J. Frank Briggs; P. Sec'y, Isaac L. Hunt; Treas., Wheaton Cole. Present membership, 141. Regular meetings, Thursday evenings, in Dexter Building, corner of Main Street and East Avenue. They have a pleasant lodge-room, furnished at an expense of $2,000; they also have a fire and burglar proof safe, made by Messrs. Mosler, Bahmann & Co., of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Blackstone Encampment, No. 4, instituted April 15, 1873, with the following officers: C. P., R. L. Dodge; H. P., William H. Dodge; S. W., L. P. Peacock; J. W., Frank A. Newell; R. S., Ira B. Allen; F. S.,A. H. Bean; Treas., George E. Bray. Its present officers are: C. P., F. A. Patt; H. P., Wheaton Cole; S. W.., Frank E. Miller; J. W., Charles Rittman; R. S., G. W. Easterbrook; F. S., R. L. Dodge; Treas., A. M. Sidebottom. It has a membership of eighty-six. Its meetings are held on the first and third Mondays in each month, in Dexter Building, in the Enterprise Lodge rooms.

Manchester Encampment, No. 4, I. O. O. F., instituted April 16, 1848, at Pawtucket, with the following officers: C. P., Israel B. Perrinton; H. P., Charles P. Manchester; S. W., James Davis; Scribe, Lewis E. Treascott; Treas., Lucius Damon; J. W., Andrew R. Slade. The present officers are: C. P., Alexander Strauss; H. P., George H. Hicks; S. W., Henry A. Abbott; Scribe, John L. Perrin; Treas., Ralph Jollie; J. W., John W. Foster. Number of membership is 108, and regular sessions are held on the second and fourth Mondays in each month, at No. 219 Main Street. The lodge-room is spacious and well furnished, and both officers and members feel a just pride in their institution.

Florence Lodge, No. 2, Daughters of Rebekah. Instituted April 5, 1870. First officers: N. G., N. R. Tilton; V. G., Harriet B. Barrus; R. S., Amand L. V. Hazard; T., A. Tiltson; P. S., Esther Swarz. The present officers are: N.G., R. A. Hazard; V. G., A. M. Hollowell; R. S., A. F. Tuley; T., A. L. V. Hazard; P. S., R. Jollie. They hold their meetings in the I. O. O. F. Hall, on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Knights of Pythias.
Eureka Lodge No. 5, was instituted Jan. 30, 1871, by D. S. C., James H. Barney, and the following officers installed: V. P., Jonathan P. Jenks; W. C., John D. Earle; W. V. C., Horace G. Barrus; R. S., Sylvanus D. Horton; F. S., George Sager; W. B., Ansel D. Nickerson; W. G., Aaron H. Bean; I. S., Rowland A. Hazard; O. S., Gorham H. Baker. This lodge at once assumed a foremost position in the Order in Rhode Island, and has always ranked the largest in point of membership. In 1872, the new ritual was adopted and issued by the Supreme Lodge, and Eureka Lodge was the first to use it. It provided, among other innovations, for a change in the titles of the officers of a lodge; hence the following change in the title of officers for the term ending Dec. 31, 1877: C. C., George C. Gates; V. C., Ralph Jollie; P., George T. Esten; K. of R. and S.., John Beachen; M. of F., Jonathan P. Jenks; M. of E., J. Frank Briggs; M. at A., Albert T. Foster; I. G., Michael Murray; O. G., John C. Suliaway; P. C., Fred. A. Pratt.

Ivanhoe Lodge, No. 16, the youngest though one of the ablest lodges in the jurisdiction, was instituted on the evening of Feb. 12, 1874, by Grand Chancellor Hiram L. Howard, and the following officers were installed: C. C., Charles A. Lee; V. C., George A. Sweet; P., John D. Earle; K. of R. and S., Samuel Girvin; M. of F., Charles E. Davis; M. of E., William E. Gilmore; M. at A., Charles E. Chickering; I. G., John Coe; O. G., George J. Fairbrother; P. C., Nathan R. Tilton. The officers for the term ending Dec. 31, 1877, are: C. C., James A. Brown; V. C., Rev. H. A. Philbrook; P., Charles A. Lee; K. of R. and S., William S. Bensley; M. of F., George L. Walker; M. of E., William E. Gilmore; M. at A., George F. Gridley; I. G., John B. Allen; O. G., Charles W. Anderson; P. C., Stephen R. Bucklin.

Masonry.
Barney Merry Lodge, No. 29, F. and A. M. The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge May 19, 1873. Constituted June 26, 1873. The lodge was named after Barney Merry, the Past Grand Master of the State. Number of charter members was eighteen. Its first officers were as follows: W. M., Edwin Clapp; S. W., John F. Adams; J. W., E. H. Greene; Treas., Daniel R. Arnold; Sec'y, R. H. Briggs; S. D., Daniel H. Arnold; J. D., John Coe; S. S., Joshua F. Hilton; J. S., Daniel F. Reed; Tyl., Jesse G. Barber. Its present officers are as follows, elected July 5, 1877: W. M., Osman [sic] H. Briggs; S. W., C. E. Richardson; J. W., D. H. Arnold; Treas., D. R. Arnold; Sec'y, S. W. Greene; S. D., E. S. Thayer; J. D., Joshua Loomis, Jr.; S. S., John G. Allen; J. S., S. F. Tabor; Chap., H. A. Stearns; Mu. Dr. John F. Adams; Mar., Charles T. Richardson; Tyl., Edward Card. Its present membership is twenty-eight. From time immemorial the institution of Freemasonry has been in existence, and as an order, having in view the welfare of the race and the development of the intellect, is unsurpassed by any like secret institution.

Union Lodge, No. 10, established April 15, 1808, with the first officers as follows: M., Ebenezer Tyler; S. W., James Mason; J. W., Benjamin Hall; Treas., David Wilkinson; Sec'y, Nathaniel Lyon; S. D., Samuel Thayer; J. D., Caleb Haskell. The present officers are as follows: M., Moses D. Church; S. W., Waldo Trescott; J. W., Robert W. Horton; Treas., James Nisbet; Sec'y, Charles R. Bucklin; S. D., Benjamin F. Power; J. D., Nathaniel D. Kerr; S. S., Eugene B. Crocker; J. S., Charles H. Potter; Chap., Henry A. Pierce; Mar., Stephen R. Bucklin; Sen., Edward P. Lowden; Mu. Dr., William E. Gilmore; Tyl., Edward Card. Annual communication first Wednesday in November.

Pawtucket Royal Arch Chapter, No. 4, established March 21, 1820, with the first officers as follows: H. P., Barney Merry; K., Caleb Drown; S., P. Sayles; Sec'y, A. Hutchinson; Treas., Nathaniel Lyon. The present officers are as follows: H. P., George A. Sweet; K., Burmah E. Perkins; S., Moses D. Church; C. of H., Orville L. Dury; P. S., Robert W. Horton; R. A. Capt., Osmond [sic] H. Briggs; M. of 3d V., S. F. Fisk; M. of 2d V., Fred H. Merris; M. of 1st V., Jonathan Allenson; Treas., Isaac T. Jenks; Sec'y, George E. Bullock; Chap., James M. Davis; Orgn., Joseph T. Green; Tyl., Edward Cook. Annual convocation last Wednesday in October.

Pawtucket Council of Royal and Select Masters, No. 2, established March 1, 1847. T. Ill. M., Barney Merry; Sept. Alvin Jenks; P. C. of W., Hiram Cleveland. The present officers are as follows: T. Ill. M., Osmond H. Briggs; D. M., Edward A. Patt; P. C. of W., Fred H. White; Treas., Isaac T. Jenks; R., George E. Bullock; C. of G., Edgar S. Thayer; C. of C., W. I. Moffit; S., Edward Card; Chap., S. Gano Benedict; Orgn., John F. Adams. Annual convocation on the second Monday of November.

Holy Sepulchre Commandery, No. 8, established Sept. 25, 1849. Its first officers were appointed by the Grand Master of the M. E. Grand Encampment of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and consisted of the following named persons: E., Com., William Field; Gen., James Hutchinson; Capt. Gen., Alvin Jenks. The present officers are as follows: E. Com., Henry A. Pierce; Gen., George A. Sweet; Capt. Gen., Stephen R. Bucklin; P., Moses A. Church; S. W., James M. Bishop; J. W., Charles R. Bucklin; Treas., Isaac T. Jenks; Rec., Osmond H. Briggs; S. B., Arnold F. Salisbury; Stand. B., Benjamin G. Perkins; W., Robert W. Horton; Guards, Charles I. Cobb, Waldo Trescott, S. C. Sherman; Mr. Dr., John F. Adams; Sent., Edward Card; C. F. C., Horatio M. Ingraham, William P. Allen, Daniel R. Arnold. Annual Assembly first Tuesday in October.

Hope Lodge, No. 186, Knights of Honor, instituted Nov. 17, 1875, at Pawtucket. Its first officers were as follows: Dic., R. S. Dodge; V. Dic., A. F. Dill; A. Dic., H. G. Thresher; Chap., S. C. Kelley; Rept., J. N. Preston; Fin. Rept., S. W. Fifield; Treas., R. K. Miller; Its present officers are: Dic., R. K. Miller; V. Dic., J. F. Means; A. Dic., A. H. Bean; Chap., George W. Cole; Rept., John L. Perrin; Fin. Rept., O. F. Currier; Treas., James A. Brown. Whole number of membership is fifty-seven, and regular meetings occur on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, at the corner of Main Street and East Avenue. They have a pleasant lodge-room, their object is laudable, and their influence salutary.

Temperance.
William Penn Division, No. 8, S. of T., instituted June 29, 1848, with ten charter members. Present officers are: W. P., George A. Taylor; W. A., Addie V. Handy; R. S., James L. Gatchell; A. R. S., Luther P. Polsey; Con., Ida Elliott; A. C., Phoebe Gardner; I. S., Douglass R. Johnstone; O. S., Olive B. Handy; P. W. P., Annie Holt. Regular meetings Wednesday evenings, in the Knights of Pythias Hall, in Carpenter Block on East Avenue.

Nonpareil Temple of Honor, instituted Aug. 23, 1860. First officers were: W. C. T., Charles R. Ripley; W. V. T., George O. Willard; W. R., H. Greene; W. A. R., D. M. Reynolds; W. F. R., J. S. Davis; W. T., J. Blanchard; W. U., T. R. Potter; W. D. U., H. McDowell; W. G., J. M. Kirk; W. S., J. Anderson; P. W. C. T., George A. Gates. This temple has twenty-two charter members. Their first meeting was held in the old I. O. of O. F. building, on High Street, which is now used as an opera house. The temple now meets in rooms they have leased in the Dexter Block, which are furnished at an expense of about $1,000. This temple holds a charter from the State with $10,000 privileges, and at present about seventy-five members, and is a beneficial society.

Lincoln Social Temple of Honor, instituted May 19, 1865, is in connection with the above mentioned temple. Ladies are admitted to membership in this temple. Its present membership numbers about eighty, and it holds its meetings on Friday evenings.

Hope Council No. 2, of Tried, Approved, and Select Templars, is a degree department, instituted Feb. 7, 1867, with the following officer: C. of C., H. A. Freeman. Present officer: C. of C., J. B. Carter.

Wampanoag Tribe No. 4, I. O. of R. M., instituted April 17, 1872, in the Knights of Pythias Hall on Pleasant Street. Present officers are as follows: Sachem, William Massey; Sen. Sagamore, H. L. Howard; Jun. Sagamore, J. A. Seward; Chief of Records, J. P. Jenks. This is a social and mutual benefit association, and holds their meetings on the sleep of every Thursday at the eighth run of the going down of the sun. They meet at present in the I. O. O. F. Hall on Main Street.

Theodore Koener Lodge, No. 371, D. O. H., instituted March, 1875, with the following officers: X. B., Armand Witzkey; O. B., John G. Holzinger; U. B., W. G. Danz; Present officers are: X. B., Christian Kollett; O. B., Carl Auman; U. B., Alex Strauss. This is wholly a German association, with only one exception to this rule in the United States; that of Frank Jeffers, who speaks German fluently, and is a member of Lodge No. 371. This is a social and beneficial institution, and holds its meetings in the J. B. Read Block on Main Street, on the first and third Thursdays of every month.

Court Love and Truth, No. 6,077, A. O. F. Opened July 31, 1875, in the Amity Hall, by Court What Cheer, No. 6,011, of Providence, George Jordan, P. C. R., officiating. The following officers were duly elected: Frederick N. Hallet, C., R.; James Dutton, S. C. R.; Thomas Thomson, S. W.; Thomas Wilde, J. W.; Paul White, S. B.; George Hulmes, J. B.; John Beswick, Treas.; John Hannah, Sec'y. The present officers are: George Hulmes, C. R.; Thomas Marsh, S. C. R.; James Wood, S. W.; Joseph Furness, J. W.; Samuel Hadfield, S. B; George Ruddle, J. B.; John Hannah, Treas.; Joseph Butterworth, Sec'y; William Dickenson, Assistant-Sec'y. The Court is at present in a prosperous and flourishing condition, and has an energetic and interested membership.

Associations.
Pawtucket Book Club. Instituted Oct. 20, 1876, with E. H. Porter purchasing Committee; Edwin Clapp, Treasurer. This is a literary organization, and is conducted upon a novel and yet very satisfactory plan. Each member pays five dollars into the treasury each year. The books pass to each of the class, and, at the end of the year, are sold to the members, which, added to the yearly fees, furnishes a fund for the purchase of new books. This class sprung from the old Library Association and Shakespearean Club.

Charitable Association of the Pawtucket Fire Department. Incorporated by the General Assembly in January, 1873. This association was formed for the mutual protection of the members of the fire department against injury, or other casualties, arising from the perils and dangers often encountered in the discharge of their duties. The association is under a board of trustees, who are governed by a code of by-laws prescribing their duties, &c. The officers, at the date of incorporation, were as follows: President, Samuel S. Collyer; Vice-President, Robert McCloy; Secretary, George A. Mason; Treasurer, Edmund S. Mason. Present officers are as follows: President, Samuel S. Collyer; Vice-President, John Brierly; Secretary and Treasurer, Edmund S. Mason.

Philomathean Association. Organized Aug. 19, 1874, with the following officers: President, F. B. Webster; Secretary, E. S. Bowen; Treasurer, William H. Hodges, who still remain in office. This association was organized for the purpose of mutual improvement in social culture, and to awaken a renewed interest in literary and scientific acquirements. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday in every month, at their rooms in the Miller Block.

Chess Club. Organized, 1876, with the following officers: President, E. L. Freeman; Secretary, L. B. Goff; Treasurer, Eugene B. Crocker. Their meetings are held in their room in the Dexter Building.

T. K. Club. Organized in 1866, with the following officers: President, Fred. Sherman; Secretary, Charles O. Read; Treasurer, William H. Park. President officers are: President, Charles O. Read; Secretary, Charles E. Pervear; Treasurer, Eben E. N. Littlefield. This association was organized as a social club, and derives its name from the Greek word Tokalon, signifying good. It has some thirty members, and, by the articles of association, all use of spirituous liquors is strictly prohibited in their rooms, which are in the Dexter Block. They have monthly meetings, and an annual banquet.

Reform Club. Organized in 1876, with the following officers: President, Stephen Whitaker; Secretary, Jason Lawrence; Treasurer, William R. Sayles. This is not a secret society, and is meeting with a fair degree of success. Other organizations have flourished in Pawtucket with varied success, whose members, to a great extent, form some of the many organizations of the present day.

German Co-operative Land Association. Chartered 1872, having for its object the securing of homes for its several members. They purchased twenty-nine acres of land on East Avenue, being a part of the Pidge place. The association has so far been quite successful in their settlement. The whole tract has been paid for, and will no doubt be a thickly settled and prosperous portion of Pawtucket. There are at present ten neat and comfortable dwellings, a jewelry manufactory, and a bakery. The association numbers seventy-two members, each having at least one lot. On this piece of land is a well, said to have been dug by General Lafayette's army, while camping near by. The marks of the old camp are still visible in many places to the west of this spot.

Celtic Literary Institute. Organized 1867, with the following officers: President, Thomas Ward; Vice-President, Owen Bannigan; Treasurer, James Monnaghan [sic]. Present officers: President, Thomas Corcoran; Vice-President, Owen Bannigan; Treasurer, John Fitzpatrick. The constitution and by-laws were drafted by Messrs. Ward, Conroy, and Bannigan. This is an Irish-American society, with a membership of about fifty. Their room is in the Bates Block, with is fitted up at an expense of about $1,000. It contains a library of about four hundred volumes, and a pleasant reading-room. A free school is kept here during the long winter evenings.

Female Beneficent Society. Organized 1809, with the following officers: President, Mrs. Lydia Croade; Treasurer, Mrs. Hannah Slater; Secretary, Mrs. Sarah Starkweather; Directors, Mrs. Sarah Slack, Mrs. Rachel Tyler, Mrs. Lydia Wilkinson, Mrs. Nancy Tiffany, Mrs. Mary Kennedy, Mrs. M. Peck. Collectors, Mrs. Phebe Manchester, Mrs. Betsey May, Mrs. Lydia Kennedy, Mrs. Amelia Weston, and Mrs. Eliza Davenport. Present officers are: President, Mrs. S. H. Vinton; Secretary, Miss Carrie Mumford; Treasurer, Mrs. William Havens; Directors, Mrs. William Havens, Mrs. George Bullen, Mrs. John H. Weeden, Mrs. Elvira Clapp, and Mrs. John B. Read; Collector on east side, Miss Nellie Blodgett; Collector on west side, Mrs. John Cramer. Its first meeting was held April 28, 1809. This organization is one of the oldest in the town, and its very name indicates the object for which it was instituted. Early in the history of the town, a proper support of the poor, or aid to those unfortunate ones who, through sickness or other adverse causes, were unable to care for themselves, engaged the attention of many of its philanthropic citizens. To aid the poor and relieve distress, when merited, is indeed a laudable attribute of human nature. For the better accomplishment of this object, the above organization was instituted. May the interest that has ever been manifested in this commendable enterprise know no abatement, and may all those who are in any way connected with this society be blessed in their ministrations of mercy.

Education.
Rhode Island was among the last of the New England States to provide a suitable school system, for the education of the children growing up within her borders. The hardships and privations attending the early settlement of the State, and the subsequent development of its manufacturing interests, absorbed the attention of a greater portion of her population, and for two centuries or more no particular interest was manifest in regard to this subject, and consequently no general impulse was given to the cause of universal education. True, Providence sought in an early day to adopt some measures for the establishment of common schools, and the better education of the young, expressed a willingness to be taxed, if necessary, for the establishment of free schools. But this magnanimity upon the part of many of her citizens, found no favor with the majority, and thus their counsels were foiled and efforts futile. Hence, whatever instruction was supplied to those who desired a thorough education, was furnished by means of schools sustained by private patronage and personal means.

Massachusetts, however, early entertained a more sagacious and comprehensive view of this subject of education, and means were at once adopted, and laws ordained, for providing better facilities for the education of all her youth. The proper education of the masses is the great bulwark upon which rests the structure of our national fabric, and indeed its life and very existence depend upon the integrity, the patriotism, and the right education of the masses of our people.

The citizens of Pawtucket, however, were not altogether deaf to the demands of their children, for means to attain at least the rudiments of education; and in 1793, they erected a building, long known as the Red School-house, and whose fame has been transmitted to the present through the memories of the past. It was erected by a stock company, and occupied a site on High Street, near where stands the present town record building. It was opened for all public meetings, but specially devoted to educational purposes. The day and evening schools were held here, as were also the early Sabbath schools. Subsequently other schools were established, and some of them kept at private houses. Dr. Taft, during his early residence in Pawtucket, kept a school for those more advanced, and Joseph and Samuel Healy taught in the vestry of the old Baptist meeting-house. One Edmond Bagley also kept a school in the basement of his own house; and to all these much credit is due for their excellent management and thoroughness as instructors.

But at last the people began to awake to a realizing sense of the necessity of a more complete and thorough system of school education, and the State resolved to rival her neighbor in free instruction. Consequently, in 1828, a law was passed for the establishment of free schools. But even a pittance was deemed extravagant, as is evidenced from the fact that in the five subsequent annual town meetings, the appropriation was only three hundred dollars. In 1835, however, this appropriation was increased to four hundred dollars; and in 1836, to five hundred dollars. This appropriation for school purposes soon began to steadily increase, until thousands of dollars have been appropriated annually, for the support of the schools within its territory. In 1836, a stock company was formed, and erected a building, which stood on a ledge of rocks, near the residence of the Hon. James C. Starkweather, on what is now known as Walcott Street, and dedicated it as an academy. All of the higher branches of study were taught here, and the institution acquired a good reputation. Its first teacher was Mr. Hale, from Cambridge, who was subsequently succeeded by Messrs. Vinton, Spaulding, and Robbins, from Amherst College; also by Mr. Batchelder, of Brown University, and by Messrs. Leland and Draper. This school continued to prosper, until the erection of the school-houses upon Grove and Summit streets, when it was discontinued, and the building sold. These schools had ample accommodations for all the pupils, and provided for the various grades. This brings us down to the time of the establishment of the present high school.

The rapid increase of population, soon demanded greater facilities for education, and in 1855 the present high school was founded, and placed under the charge of a competent faculty. The Pawtucket High School opened on Monday, May 14, 1855, with William E. Tolman, formerly of the Providence High School, as principal. The committee having this appointment in charge, consisted of Rev. Dr. C. Blodgett, Rev. Julius S. Townsend, Dr. Benoni Carpenter, George Brown, and William M. Bowen. Fifty pupils (twenty-six boys and twenty-four girls) constituted the membership of the school during the first term. At the beginning of the second term, the number increased to seventy-five, and an assistant teacher was appointed. Miss E. A. Cleveland served with great acceptance in this capacity, till called to her present position in the schools of San Francisco. During the twenty-two years of its history, there have been nine hundred pupils enrolled upon its records. Of these, some have entered college, some the State Normal School, and others at once upon the work of teaching.

In 1874, the school came under the jurisdiction of the consolidated towns of Pawtucket and North Providence. By this change, the number of grammar schools from which pupils are directly promoted to the high school, has been doubled; a healthy competition is stimulated, and its good results already seen, in an increase of membership, and a higher standard of scholarship. A course of study, covering a period of three yeas, has been arranged by the committee, upon the second year of which the school has now entered. The same principal remains in charge of the school, assisted by Miss Lois A. Greene, formerly of Vassar College, and Miss Jenny Dow. After the consolidation above mentioned, a larger high school building was deemed a necessity. Consequently, the High Street Baptist Church property being upon the market for sale, the town purchased it, and appropriated it to the use of that school. It is a large and commodious building, and makes a fine appearance as a public-school edifice. There are at present in the town of Pawtucket, some eighteen school-houses whose estimated value, with grounds, buildings, and furnishings, amounts to nearly $200,000. There are thirty-six graded schools, and three not graded. Though tardy in providing facilities for education in her early history, yet to-day Little Rhody will compare favorably with her sister States in the improved system of her public schools; and no town within her borders rivals Pawtucket in the excellence of its schools, nor in the commendable degree of pride cherished by her citizens.

Private School. Besides the excellent public schools of Pawtucket and Central Falls, there are advantages presented for a finished course unexcelled by any of its sister towns. Prominent among the private schools of the State is the young ladies' seminary of Mrs. Thomas Davis, located at the corner of Nickerson and Broad streets. This school was established in 1875. Mrs. Davis, having given instruction to as many pupils as her rooms in her residence, adjoining the present school building, would accommodate, felt the necessity of erecting a building with plenty of room. She accordingly reared a building, 28 x 56 feet, with convenient rooms, above and below, which has capacity for seating one hundred pupils, and has two departments; viz., a preparatory, and a young ladies' department, which are well patronized. There is a well-ventilated gymnasium connected with this school. The school is conducted on the plan of a finished course in the fullest sense of the word, the text-books used being fully equal to those of any institution in the country of a similar nature.

Continued

Transcription 2004 by Beth Hurd, Images by Beth Hurd 2004

History of the State of Rhode Island with Illustrations

The History of Pawtucket.