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SPRINGFIELD
PRESENT A^D
PROSPECTIVE

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

LIBRARY OF THE GRADUATE
SCHOOL OP DESIGN

^(^-.^.-r^^^ <e^SS>0

PRINGFIELD

PRESENT jjnD
PROSPECTIVE

i 4 ,/•

The Sources of Its Charm, Its

Advantages, Achievements and

Possibilities, Portrayed in Word

and Picture

Text by

Eugene C .

Gardner

William

Orr, J. Frank Drake

Charles

Goodrich

W HITING

Judge A.

M. Copeland and others

Drawing

s by James

Hall and

George

Clarence

Gardner

EDITED BT JAMES E. TOWER

1905
|)onli & Campbell, |)itlilt0|)er0

Springfield, Mass.

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

The Library of the

Graduate School ot Desigo

THE F. A. BASSETTE COMPANY
SngcKver* anb Winter*

SpRINGriBLD, MaSSACHUSXTTS

HENRY S. LEE

ft beteattet 0ome newlis adopted citi3en 0ball
a0fi ''Tmbat bib tbi0 man tbat be be 00 firm*
{^ beld in tbe remembrance and love ot tbi0
people?'' let tbe an0wer be: ''flot becau0e be
tounded tbat bo0pital or endowed tbat libran? or
built tbat dreat tactoris» but becau0e be loved bie
tellow men, and b^ bie courteeis eweetened tbe
dailis lite ot our etreete; b^ bie covert act0 ot fiind*
ne00 comtorted manis bearte; b^ bie un0el(l0b eervice
to otber0t bidbtened our ideal ot benetlcencet
becoming tbe trueted advieer ot tbe widovv and tbe
orpbaut tbe 0talt upon vi^bicb tbe eicfi leaned and
vvere upbeld, e0peciallis tbe invalid and wounded
eoldiere returning trom tbe battleflelde ot tbe Civil and
Spani0b*Bmerican Tniare. (Tbe )soutb0tru00lin0 tor
an education tound in bim a practical and eismpat betic
triend. Ibenx^ S. Xee, b^ bi0 bonor and pertect in*
teddtis, fiept alive in man^s minde confidence in
buman virtue and taitb in (3od. Bll tbi0 and more
be did witbout eeemind to finow it. (Tbie i0 wbis we
bonor bim and fieep bie memoris green/'

■ORN MrriMUR 19, 1834 MCO MAROH M, IMS

HE aim of this book is to hold the mirror up to Spring-
field: a community whose qualities, in their varied
significance, in the many lessons to be derived there-
from, have little enough engaged the thought of its
members; a dwelling-place whose visible charm, the
pride of every resident, carrying its fair fame wherever Springfield
is known, has a destiny of which we may see visions only after a
careful survey of the spot as we find it today, endowed with rare
gifts from Nature and stamped with the characteristics of its daily
life. Nor is it aside from the purpose to proclaim our city far and
wide, and share our enthusiastic discoveries with a larger public.
The contributors and the Editor, as well as the publishers, look
confidently forward to something more than a sale for this book
and a careful reading: should it not exert a positive influence, they
would be surprised and disappointed.

While Springfield is peculiarly fortunate in the possession of an
able and representative periodical press, she is not satisfied to stand
before the world in snap-shots or the panorama of the biograph;
these do not show us as we are. The immediate need is not an
exhaustive history, which is yet to come, nor a guide book, of which
several have been made, but rather a study of our conditions and
tendencies, with a view to the wonderful development which is
possible in almost every direction. To us so much is given, we
would not — must not — evade nor too long postpone the large duty
which confronts us.

VII

VIII Springfield Present and Prospective

Our city has more than held its own with other cities of the com-
monwealth in growth and various development in the past decade;
in fact, so marked is the expansion now going on, in several ways,
that thoughtful and far-seeing citizens are moved to inquire as
never before how we may gauge our views and our plans to corres-
pond. The peculiar timeliness of this book, as remarked to the
Editor by one person after another, renders it a happy inspiration.
Its principal claim upon the community is to be found in actual
service, which it has been the conscientious aim of all those connected
with its preparation to give. If it but open our eyes to the signifi-
cance of the forces now at work, the remarkable possibilities just
ahead, and the exceeding beauty which we may have if we will, by
taking thought, — ^the beauty which comes of symmetrical growth,
rather than of money cost, — ^the book will have fulfilled a large
mission.

The word "discoveries" in a foregoing paragraph is used advis-
edly. It is the earnest hope of the Editor that each and every
reader will find in the pages which follow, the elements of surprise
and enthusiasm which they have brought to him, in which event
the book will serve its full purpose of enlightenment and inspiration.
No one person knows Springfield thoroughly; it has grown too large
and too complex for that. Nor could he,, if he knew it ever so well,
impart his knowledge and fervor short of a course of lectures.

Springfield Present and Prospective, as a cursory examination
will show, is written by real lovers of the place; enthusiasm is re-
pressed only where a wound is deemed faithful and necessary, —
where the constructive purpose involves something also of change.

Generations to come will be indebted to Eugene C. Gardner,
whose voice and pen and fine taste as an architect have been tirelessly
employed in promoting the beauty of Springfield — a beauty which is
not merely outward. In his chapter in this volume on The Visible
Charm, the poet in Mr. Gardner is finely in evidence, and the ardent
lover of his home city.

Springfield Present and Prospective ix

The influence of the Springfield Republican and its brilliant
essa)rist, poet and critic, Charies Goodrich Whiting, for a cosmo-
politan breadth and quality in all our living has been very great.
The publishers and the Editor deem themselves fortunate in securing
Mr. Whiting's review of art and literature as they exist among us.
His contribution should be amended, however, by a fuller acknowl-
edgment of his own service, of the high place he holds in current
literature.

Every contributor to this volume is a loyal and devoted son or
daughter of Springfield — by birth or adoption — and speaks from the
heart; for this the several writers were chosen. Principal Orr has a
distinct message to the citizen concerning our schools, and valuable
information for parents who are considering our city as a possible
place of residence. The development of technical education, char-
acteristic of our time, receives due recognition from the head of the
technical high school, Mr. Warner. And there is no more significant
and inspiring recital in the book than Librarian Wellman's account
of the great work of the City Library association.

A large and important field is surveyed by the secretary of the
Board of Trade, J. Frank Drake. Francis Regal of the Republican's
editorial staff is an active force in musical affairs and profoundly
learned in the theory and practice of music. Howard Regal, his
brother, was formerly the dramatic critic.

The Story of Springfield is the joint production of Alfred M.
Copeland, Esq., associate judge of the police court and the historian
of Hampden county, and Edwin Dwight, journalist, a descendant
of the historic family of Dwights.

Mrs. Doggett, who traces the work of the women's clubs, is an
active member of the Women's club and president of the College
club, and is the wife of President Doggett of the International Young
Men's Christian association training school; Richard Hooker, repre-
senting the men's clubs, is the associate of Samuel Bowles in the pub-
lication of the Springfield Republican. Rev. John Luther Kilbon is

Springfield Present and Prospective

the pastor of Park Congregational church and was formerly an
editor of the Congregationalist. Edward A. Hall is a prominent
member of the Cathedral parish and the president of the St. Vincent
de Paul society.

On the side of illustration and embellishment the work has been
carried on with no less devotion. The lettering and decorations are
largely the work of James Hall of New York, formerly supervisor
of drawing in our own public schools. George Clarence Gardner,
whose excellent drawings have to do with "The Visible Charm" of
our city, is an architect, the son of Eugene C. Gardner. The work
of local photographers, notably E. J. Lazelle, H. E. Bosworth and
A. D. Copeland, has been supplemented with a collection of views
taken especially for this book by Clifton Johnson, whose camera
has illustrated books of travel in America, England, Ireland, Scot-
land and France. The portrait work of George H. Van Norman,
whose skill as a portrait artist is known throughout the country,
should also be mentioned here.

It is but just, in closing, to ascribe the conception of this book,
and in the main the choice of topics and writers, to the two young
men who are its publishers. Theirs was the plan and the direction,
for the most part; it was the privilege of the Editor to do something
more than assister^ as the French put it, — ^to be present when the
work was done — but honor to whom honor is due.

The Editor.

CONTENTS

PAGE

The Visible Charm : As It Was, Is, and May Be

Eugene C. Gardner i
I. Looking Backward — Nature*! Legacy, i ; From Center to Circumference, 3.
n. Plan or the Ground Fxx>or — ^The Inner Circle, 8; Broader Outlooks, 13.
m. Architectural Garments — The Personal Equation in Houses, 17; Com-
mercial and Municipal, 19; Churches, Monumentt and Chimneys, 21.
IV. Looking Forward — Bed Rock, 23; What the River Asks and Gives, 24.
Biographies — ^Tilly Haynes, 30; O. H. Greenleaf, 31; Justin Sackett, 31; Daniel
J. Marsh, 31; Everett H. Barney, 31; Nathan D. Bill, 31.

Educational Institutions William Orr 33

The Public Schools, 33; Certain Other Schools, 40.

Technical Education Charles F, Warner 43

Art and Literature Charles Goodrich Whiting 49

The Art Museum, 49; George Walter Vincent Smith — a Sketch, 49; The James
D. Gill Exhibitions of Paintings, 53; Statues and other works of Art, 54; Local
Representatives of Art, 55. Springfield on the Side of Letters, 58.

City Library Association Hiller C Wellman 66

The Public Library, 66; The Science Museum, 71.

Music and the Drama Francis E, and Howard K, Regal 73

The Orpheus Club, 74; The Music Festival, 76; The Springfield Music Festival
Association, 78; Theatrical Matters, 80.

The Story of Springfield Alfred M, Copeland and Edwin Dwight 83
Glimpses of Events and Incidents and Men that Figured in Springfield^s History,
84; Springfield in the Wars, 108; The United States Armory, 112; Springfield^s
Growth, 114.

Our Soldier Citizen: A Tribute Charles Goodrich Whiting 118

Religion and Charities Rev, John Luther Kilhon 123

Early Days — the First Church, 123; Olivet Congregational, 124; South Congrega-
tional, 125; North Congregational, 125; Hope Congregational, 125; Faith Congre-
gational, 126; Eastern Avenue Congregational, 126; Park Congregational, 126;
Emmanuel Congregational, 126; Union Evangelical, Indian Orchard, 126; Church
of the Unity, 126; Asbury M. E., 127; Wesley M. £., 127; Trinity M. E., 128;
Grace M. E., 128; St. James M. E., 128; First Baptist, 128; State Street Baptist,
129; Highland Baptist, i29;Carew Street Baptist, 129; Park Avenue Memorial
Baptist, 129; Christ Church (Episcopal) 130; St. Peter^s Episcopal, 130; St. Paulas
Universalist, 130; Second Universajist, 131; Third Universalist, 131; Memorial
(Union Evangelical), 131; New Jerusalem, 131; Advent Christian, 131; Presby-
terian, 131; Disciples, 131. Other Parishes and Missions, 132, 133.
The Leading Philanthropic Organizations, 133 — Hampden County Truant School,
133; Springfield Hospital, 133; C3mthia Wesson Hospital, 133; Home for Friendless

XII List of Contents

PAGE

Women and Children, 133; Union Relief Association, 134; Hale Fund, 134; Aged
Couples* Fund, 134; Penny ProTident Bank, 134; Hampden County Children's Aid
Association, 135; Industrial House Charities, 135; Springfield Home for Aged
Women, 135; Springfield Boys* Club, 135; Ferry Street Settlement, 136; Home
for Aged Men, 136.

Y. M. C. A. AND Y. W. C. A. William Knowles Cooper 137

The Roman Catholic Church Edward A. Hall 139

The First Catholic Parish, 139; St. MichaeKs Cathedral, 142; Church of the Sacred
Heart, 144; St. Joseph's Church, 146; St. Matthew's Church, 146; St. Aloysius'
Church, 147; Church of the Immaculate Conception, 147; St. Augustine's Parish,
147; Holy Famfly Parish, 147. House of the Good Shepherd, 148; Mercy Hospital,
149; St. Vincent de Paul, 150.

Social Life James E, Tower 151

The Women's Clubs Carolyn G. Doggett 153

The Club, 156; Cosmian, 156; Women's Political Class, 156; Women's Club, 157;
Cosmopolitan, 159; Traveling, 159, 160; Kindergarten, 159, 160; Mothers,' 159,160;
Thursday, 159; Fortnightly, 159; Morning, 159; Early Morning, 159; Atalanta, 159;
Wednesday Morning, 159; Book and Thimble, 159; Teachers,' 161; College, 161.
List of Clubs with Date of Organization and Membership, 162.

The Men's Clubs Richard Hooker 163

Country Club, 163; Manchconis, 164; Oxford, 165; Rockrimnu>n Golf, 165; Spring-
field Canoe, 165; Springfield Yacht, 165; Springfield Boat, 166; Atlanta Boat, 166;
Rockrimmon Boat and Canoe, 166; Nayasset, 166; Winthrop, 167; Elks, 167.

Springfield a Commercial Center J. Frank Drake 169

Industrial Arteries, 172; Introduction of a Street Railway, 174; Sources of Strength,
178; The Springfield Board of Trade, 180; A Diversity of Enterprises — Some
which have Helped in Upbuilding Springfield, 182 — Springfield Fire and Marine
Insurance Company (183), Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (185),
G. & C. Merriam Company (188), Wason Manufacturing Company (189), Smith fc
Wesson (190), Barney & Berry Company (191), Milton Bradley Company (192), R.
H. Smith Manufacturing Company (192), W. D. Kinsman Company (193), Forbes
& Wallace (1Q4), Meekins, Packard & Wheat (194), Smith fc Murray (195;, Ha3mes
& Company (i95)> Charles Hall (196), Ribbe Brothers Company (196), E. Stebbins
Manufacturing Company (197), Bay State Corset Company (197), Fisk Manufac-
turing Company (198), Knox Automobfle Company (199), Elektron Manufacturing
Company (199), Taber-Prang Art Company (200), Massasoit House (200), Cooley's
Hotel (200); The Press, 201 — Springfield Republican (201), Springfield Union (203),
Daily News (204), Homestead (206), Phelps Publishing Company (206); Financial
Institutions, 208— Second National Bank (208), Chicopee National Bank (209),
John Hancock National Bank (209), First National Bank (210), Third National
Bank (210), Chapin National Bank (211), City National Bank (211), Springfield
Safe Deposit and Trust Company (211), Springfield National Bank (212;, Hamp-
den Trust Company (212), Springfield Institution fox Savings (212), Five Cents
Savings Bank (213), Hampden Savings Bank (214).

PORTRAITS

rOUOWINO PAGE

Henry S. Leb Geo, H. Van Norman (Frontispiece)

E. C. Gardner i

Tilly Haynes 22

O. H. Greenleaf 24

Justin Sackett 24

Daniel J. Marsh 26

Everett H. Barney D. J. Bordeaux 30

William Orr Geo. H. Van Norman 32

Thomas M. Balliett 34

Wilbur F. Gordy 38

Charles Goodrich Whiting Frances Benjamin Johnston 48

George Walter Vincent Smith 50

Chester Harding Geo, H. Van Norman (from fainting) 56

William S. Elwell (Courtesy of Charles G, Whiting) 56

Judge Willdim S. Shurtleff (Courtesy Springfield Homestead) 60

JosiAH G. Holland 60

Samuel Bowles 64

Rev. William Rice 66

Nathan D. Bill Geo, H. Fan Norman 70
The Orpheus Club in the Days of Its Youth

(Courtesy Springfield Homestead) 72

Henry F. Trask Geo. H. Fan Norman 74

George W. Chadwick 78

J. J. Bishop 80

Mrs. W. p. Mattoon 82

Judge A. M. Copeland George H. Fan Norman 82

William Pynchon (Courtesy W. F. Adams) 86

Rev. Dr. Samuel G. Buckingham (Courtesy W. F. Adams) 122

Rev. a. K. Potter H. C. Moore 132

D. B. Wesson 134

Rt. Rev. Thomas D. Beavbn H. C. Moore 138

Rt. Rev. P. T. O'Reilly H. C. Moore 142

Rev. James J. McDermott H. C. Moore 142

Chester W. Chapin 168

XIII

ILLUSTRATIONS

Illustrating "The Visible Charm"

Drawings by George Clarence Gardner

First Church — the Civic Center of Gravity

Diagram Showing Natural Growth of City

Parks and Boulevards — As They Are

Parks and Boulevards — ^The Completed Chain

The Bridge

Court Square Extension and the River Front

Approach to North-end Bridge

Page 4
6

Following Page 24
28

The Old Church on Mount Orthodox

By Agawam's Still Waters

Looking Up Watershops Pond

The Picturesque West field

Mount Tom Range, as seen from "The Knowles"

The Upper Ridges of Mount Holyoke

A Day in May — Mount Nonotuck

Mount Holyoke, from Hockanum Ferry

The Valley, viewed from Mount Tom

The Northward View from Mount Holyoke

The Wooded BluiFs of Rockrimmon

A View in the Van Horn District

Calhoun Park

Lotus at Forest Park

Glimpses of Watershops Pond

The Old West Springfield Common

The Valley South from Country Club

West Springfield Street

A Glimpse of the Arsenal

A View of Thompson Triangle

Longmeadow's Charming Thoroughfare

On Sumner Avenue

Benton Park

The River from Laurel Hill

XIV

rOLLOWlNG PAGE

Clifton Johnson
A. D, Copeland
Clifton Johnson
Clifton Johnson
Clifton Johnson
Clifton Johnson
Clifton Johnson
Clifton Johnson
Clifton Johnson
Clifton Johnson
E, J, Laxelle
Clifton Johnson
Clifton Johnson

E, J. Lazelle
A, Z). Copeland
Clifton Johnson

W, N, Winans
Clifton Johnson
Clifton Johnson

F, K. Potter

E, 7. Laxelle
Clifton Johnson

F, K. Potter
E. J, Lazelle

List of Illustrations

School Buildings —

rOLLOWING

rAoi

Central High School

Clifton Johnson

Forest Park School

E, J. Laxelle

Chestnut Street School

E, J, Latelle

Technical High School

E. C. &f G. C. Gardner

Buckingham School

E, J, Lazelle

Carew Street School

E, % Lazelle

William Street School

H. E, Bosworth

South Main Street School

E, % Lazelle

International Y. M. C. A. Training

School Clifton Johnson

American International College

G, H, Howard

MacDuffie School

E, 7. Lazelle

"The Elms"

Geo, H. Fan Norman

Art Museum

E, 7. Lazelle

Gallery of Paintings

H, E. Bosworth

Bronze Eagle of Shokichi

H. E. Bosworth

Porcelains and Curios

H. E. Bosworth

Arms, Armor and Cloissonne Ware

H. E, Bosworth

Horace Smith Hall of Sculpture

H, E, Bosworth

Looking Across Merrick Park

Clifton Johnson

St. Gaudens' Statue of the Puritan

E, 7. Lazille

The Holland Homestead

Clifton Johnson

The McKinley Memorial

D. J, Bordeaux

Longmeadow Birches

E, 7. Lazelle

Public Library

Clifton Johnson

Merrick Park, adjacent to the Library

H. E, Bosworth

Science Museum

E, 7. Lazelle

State Street, opposite the Library

H, E. Bosworth

Fountain at Court Square

Clifton Johnson

Fountain on Armory Grounds

Clifton Johnson

State Street, from Elliott

A, D, Co f eland

Wading Pond at Forest Park

Clifton Johnson

The Pynchon Memorial

{Courtesy of W. F. Adams)

Mary Pynchon Holyoke Headstone

(Courtesy of W, F. Adams)

Wait Guidestone

E, 7. Lazelle

Washington Elm

E. 7. Lazelle

Parson Tavern

E, 7. Lazelle

The Old Dwight House

E, 7. Lazelle

The Old Day House

E. J. Lazelle

Old Blanchard Invention for Turning Gunstocks A, D. Co pel and

XVI

List of Illustrations

rOtLOWING PAOS

Old First Baptist Church, on Main Street

Old Wilcox Building

The Old Toll Bridge

A Quiet Retreat

Court Square in the 'Forties

"Pecowsic — ^Next Station Springfield"

Springfield in the 'Eighties

Canoeing on the Agawam

Carew House

The Old Chapin Stage Coach

Hampden County Court House

State Street in the 'Seventies

City Hall

Fuller Building Site

Old Chicopee Bank Building

Court Square of Today

Post Office

Union Passenger Station

The Railroad Arch

Springfield from the Arsenal

Home of the State Militia

A Commanding View of the River from Pecowsic

A Scene on the B. & A. R. R. near Tatham

A Shad Tree at Forest Park

On Guard at the Armory

The United States Arsenal

The United States Watershops

Thompson Street, from St. James Avenue

Florida Street, from Ingersoll Grove

Oxford Apartment House

The Municipal Building

Court Square and Soldiers' Monument

Memorial Hall

Looking Down State Street from Buckingham

Lakes in Forest Park (Courtesy

Churches —

First Congregational

South Congregational

North Congregational

E. J. Laulle

E, J, Lazelle

A. D. Cof eland

E, J. Lazelle

E. J, Lazelle
E J Lazelle
E. J. Lazelle
E, J. Lazelle
E. J, Lazelle
E. J. Lazelle
£. 7. Lazelle
H. E, Bosworth
E, 7. Lazelle
E, 7. Lazelle
C, E, Perkins

E, J, Lazelle
E, J. Lazelle

A, D, Copeland

E, J. Lazelle

Clifton Johnson

E, 7. Lazelle

Clifton Johnson

E. 7. Lazelle

E, 7. Lazelle

A, D. Copeland

E, 7. Lazelle

E. 7. Lazelle

A. D, Copeland

of D.J, Marsh)

100

104
104
104
106
106
106
106
no
no
no
no

112

n2
n6
n6
n6
n6
n6
120
120
122
122

Clifton Johnson 126
//. E, Bosworth 126
A. D. Copeland 126

List of Illustrations

XVII

Churches (continued)

rOLLOWlXG

rAGE

Hope Congregational

yf . D- Copeland

126

Church of the Unity

Clifton Johnson

130

Trinity Methodist

H. E, Bosworth

130

Wesley Methodist Geo.

H, Van Norman

130

St. James' Methodist

Clifton Johnson

»32

First Baptist

A. D. Copeland

130

Highland Baptist

E. J, Lazelle

130

Park Memorial Baptist

Clifton Johnson

132

Memorial (Union Evangelical)

A. D. Copeland

134

Christ Church (Episcopal)

A. D. Copeland

132

St. Michael's Cathedral

A. D, Copeland

142

Sacred Heart

Clifton Johnson

142

Springfield Hospital

134

Cynthia Wesson Hospital

G. Wood Taylor

134

Springfield Home for Aged Women

H. E. Bosworth

134

Y. M. C. A. Building

A. D. Copeland

138

Railroad Y. M. C. A. Building

A. D. Copeland

138

Y. M. C. A. Electrical Class

A. D. Copeland

138

Mercy Hospital

146

Views in Springfield Cemetery

F. R, Sistare

146

In Oak Grove Cemetery

A, D, Copeland

146

View in St. Michael's Cemetery

H. Knox

146

Maple Street Entrance to Springfield Cemetery

E. J. Lazelle

150

Entering Forest Park

Clifton Johnson

150

Baseball at Forest Park

Clifton Johnson

150

The Winding Pecowsic

E. J. Lazelle

150

Residences —

Alexander House

Clifton "Johnson

154

Ames House

Clifton Johnson

154

Joseph H. Wesson

E. J. lazflU

»54

The Smith Residence

Clifton Johnson

154

James T. Abbe

Clifton Johnson

156

E. C. Gardner's Home at Rockrimmon

E. J. Lazelle

156

The Goodhue Residence

F. K. Potter

156

A. B. Wallace

F. K. Potter

156

Beebe Residence

Clifton Johnson

156

John A. Hall

Clifton Johnson

158

E. H. Barney

D. J. Bordeaux

158

Nathan D. Bill

Clifton Johnson

158

XVIII

List of Illustrations

D. B. Wesson

Dartmouth Terrace, from Ingersoll Grove

Street View in Forest Park District

View of Dartmouth Street

Forest Park Lily Ponds

Looking Up St. James Avenue

Maple Street, from High

Home of the Springfield Country Club

Connecticut Valley from Country Club

Homes of Some of the Boat Clubs

View of the River, looking South

Sport on the Connecticut

Main Street, looking South from Post Office

Headquarters Street Railway

Main Street, looking North from Hillman

New Home of the Springfield Fire and Marine

Other Views of the Fire and Marine //.

Home of the Springfield Board of Trade

Main Street, looking North from State

Forest Park Sheep

Drives and Promenades at Forest Park

Works of the Wason Manufacturing Company

The Barney Mausoleum on Laurel Hill

Looking Across the Lily Ponds at Forest Park

Carr Building, Harrison Avenue

Besse Place, looking toward Main Street

Looking Down Harrison Avenue

Masonic Building

"All Roads Lead to Springfield"

Office Interior, Cooley Hotel

Republican Building

The Arch from Hampden Street

Birdseye View of Railway Station

State Street, opposite Armory

High School Boys on the River

The Bridge at Indian Leap

The Sunset Gun at the Armory

POIXOWING PAGE

E.J.LazeiU 162

E, J, Lazelle 154
Clifton Johnson 156

F, K. Potter 158
D. J, Bordeaux 158

E.J. Lazelle 162

fF. N. fFinans 1 62

W. N. fFinans 166

Clifton Johnson 166

yf . D. Copeland 1 66

A. D. Copeland 176

H. E. Bosworth 176

Clifton Johnson 178

A. D. Copeland 178

E. Bosworth 182, 184

A. D. Copeland 182

Clifton Johnson 188

D. J. Bordeaux 188

E. J. Lazelle
A. D, Copeland
A. D. Copeland

E. J. Lazelle
H. E. Bosworth
A. D. Copeland
A. D. Copeland
C. E. Perkins
A. D. Copeland
Clifton Johnson

E. J. Lazelle
Clifton Johnson
A. D. Copeland
A. D. Copeland
Clifton Johnson

192
192
194

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<€/2^^.

THL VI&IDLL CHARM B
:ASIT\\^15AND?lArDEW

I. LOOKING BACKWARD
I, nature's legacy

OME cities are bom beautiful,like Naples,some achieve
beauty, like Washington, and some have beauty thrust
upon them, like St. Petersburg, which would have been
a great dismal swamp today but for the stubborn will
of the first great autocrat of Russia.
If Springfield is not already one of the most beautiful cities in
America, it is not for lack of nobje birth, for it was beautifully
bom. Conceived in sunshine and brought forth in verdure, the
little old house on the west side of the river, which two and a half
centuries ago was the germ of the present city, a helpless, solitary
infant, resting on the bare but nourishing bosom of mother Earth
and rocked in the cradle of the fertile valley, was even then sur-
rounded by rare and wonderful charms.

Sweeping and swinging between bluffs and forests, the clear
water of the river mirrored brilliant pictures of the clouds above, of
the graceful elms along its banks, and likewise of Indians, squaws
and little papooses who had never heard of "civic centers of
municipal art " nor of scientific public sanitation, but by unerring
instinct, selected for their mundane hunting grounds the spots
where the grass was the greenest, the water the purest, the trees the
most stately and sturdy. Then as now there were mountains round
about, which gave a sense of permanency and solemn grandeur with-
out which it is almost impossible to be deeply conscious of a well-
established local habitation. We need these lofty barriers, not to

spring-field Present and Prospective

mark the visual line that girts us round as the world's extreme and
shut us in from the outer universe like Rasselas in his Happy Val-
ley, but as our dwellings must have solid walls and sheltering roofs
to localize and intensify the love of home. Domestic life even in
frozen, barren Scandinavia is far superior to that of the fleeting
Arabs on their level plains.

Here the sun sends down his morning salutation from over the
Wilbraham hills and we lift our eyes for his evening benediction to
the Green mountain peaks that have tumbled out of Vermont across
Berkshire and western Hampden; while at the north, craggy,
crumbling Mount Tom, gray and hoary, but capped by giddy
games and crowned with a gilded coronet, like a too complaisant
Cyclops, still lies between us and the wintry winds tha^ rend his
northern side but lose their sharpest sting before descending the
southern slope.

Whether we climb to the top of the four-square arsenal tower,
grim type and reminder of the " power that fills the world with ter-
ror," or seek the lofty but narrow point of view that for nearly a
century has crowned Mount Orthodox across the river, steadfast,
heaven-pointing emblem of the divine gospel of peace, our first emo-
tion is of surprise; our first impression that a veritable miracle has
been wrought and, not all the kingdoms of the earth, indeed,
but a measureless map of marvelous beauty has been suddenly un-
rolled at our feet. Seen from the streets of our city, from the bluSs
on either side or from the cars that bind us to the rest of the world,
neither the arsenal tower nor the spire of the West Springfield
church appears to rise conspicuously above the surrounding land-
scape, but standing on or near their summits we seem to be lifted
above the earth into the regions of the upper air.

After the first surprise at the extent and beauty of the view, the
next thought is of wonder and self-reproach, that all our lives, per-
haps, we, dullards that we are, have been living and moving in the
midst of this delightful environment, oblivious or indifferent to the
rarest charms of Nature, the richest combination of river and sky,
bluffs and meadows, forests and mountains, too grand and gracious
to be permanently defaced even by our clumsiest mistakes. Be-
yond question it was a goodly heritage, and Springfield must be
counted among the cities that were bom beautiful.

The Old Church on Mount Orthodox

Springfield Present and Prospective

But these unadorned natural charms like those of infancy and
childhood were doomed to suffer changes. The experimental and
erratic methods of civilization soon compelled our eager ancestors to
assail this perfect picture of Nature's faultless fashioning, and into
the midst of her irreproachable work, where use and beauty are
never at variance, to introduce their own bald utilities with little
thought beyond the stern necessities of each day and generation.
There must be graded roads in place of the blazed and winding
trails; bridges above the treacherous fords. Simple cottages and
stately mansions with gardens and cultivated fields established them-
selves where wigwams and huts had hidden in the forest glades.
The silent canoe disappeared before the screech of the locomotive,
the flashing trolley and the puffing steamer. There must be room
for public squares and parks; monuments and statues for our heroes,
jails and gallows yards for our criminals. The thick, black breath
of tall chimneys darkens the sky which the thin smoke of the abo-
riginal domestic altars never reached. Huge factories and business
blocks make narrow canons of the old forest aisles. There are
churches and saloons, police courts and labor unions, trusts and tele-
phones, armories and schools. All of these with innumerable addi-
rionsand variations determine and display the external life, the outside
picture of the City of Springfield. And each and every one of these
features, large and small, forms a thread, dark or light, a band of
color, a conspicious and beautiful decoration, or an uncouth disfig-
urement in the web we have woven and shall keep on weaving as
successive generations rise and fall, while the city which never grows
old, but, humanly speaking, hves forever, becomes larger and more
beautiful every year.

2. FROM CENTER TO CIRCUMFERENCE

Doubtless the most conspicuous element of natural beauty in
Springfield is the river; while the most essential and permanent
characteristic of the city's material development is the manner
in which its growth has been adapted to the almost faultless site.
Unlike St. Petersburg, many a western town and some nearer home,
it has not been necessary to remove mountains of rock or sand, either
by faith or dynamite; to fill up marshes and bogs that Nature evi-
dently intended for saurians and other croakers; nor to build dykes

FIRST CHURCH, ON COURT SQUARE

The Civic Center of Gravity

Springfield Present and Prospective

to keep out the aggressive ocean, — not to any great extent. Almost
from the first, the streets and thoroughfares, whether for residence
or business, have followed the lines of the least resistance. Not the
traditional meandering cattle paths of Boston, but the slightly and
gracefully devious ways which an ardent lover or a guest sure of his
welcome would naturally follow to reach the end of his journey, in
the good old days when safe and swift arrival was not the only
charm of travel.

The intersection of two main lines of travel, virtually at right
angles, gave from the first an advantage not only in convenience of
traffic and travel, but in the way of aesthetic possibilities which could
hardly have existed under other conditions. One of these lines loose-
ly paralleled the river, as in so many old New England towns and
villages, and constituted in its earlier years the main axis and sub-
stance of the settlement, with farms and holdings on the west side,
running back to the river which formed their rear boundary. The
other thoroughfare gradually evolved from the eastward trail, en-
countered Main street near State and crossed it in a somewhat irreg-
ular fashion, proceeding over the river and the old West Springfield
common. Eastward and westward these lines of travel stretched
out across the country over bluifs and plains into the narrow,
crooked valleys through which the smaller tributaries find their way
to the large river. It hardly need be said that in this discussion
of Springfield, both sides of the river are included and whatever we
choose to claim toward the north and south.

A city by the sea unless it encircles the head of a bay is one-sided,
and the same is true of those that are confined to either side of a
large river, or barricaded at the back by inaccessible mountains.
Like men of genius such cities command the greatest admiration
for their one preeminent merit — for instance, nothing can be finer
than the magnificent setting of Holyoke against the southern side
of Mount Tom, — but they lack the broader and far more enduring
charms of all-round excellence. This latter quality Springfield
possesses in a marked and literal degree. Whether we take the
wings of the morning and fly to Indian Orchard, Chicopee Falls and
Ludlow, or dwell in the uttermost parts of Tatham, we can walk be-
side sdll waters and lie down in green pastures, as well as in fertile
meadows and cornfields. Everywhere there are pleasant walks, and

Springfield Present and Prospective

the state roads are good for man, beast and automobile. If all
our suburban highways and so-called roads were perfect, there
would be nothing for future generations to accomplish, or give to
the present generation that wholesome dissatisfaction which is the
necessary precursor and incentive to improvement.

Diagram showing the First church as the center and the main arteries of Springfield life as
they have developed around it.

It seems to have followed naturally from the conditions of the
birth and subsequent growth of the city, that the obvious civic center
has scarcely changed its geographical ___location. The centrifugal
forces have been almost equally strong in every direction. Ward
One, Forest park, the Hill, and West Springfield — north, south,
east and west — who shall say which is the most delightful suburb ?

As in old New England towns, almost without exception, the
first church erected was the point from which all things emanated,
toward which all things tended, and around which everything

Looking Up Water shops Pond

Springfield Present and Prospective

revolved. It not only dominated the. green turf in front, and the
sometimes dreary burial ground behind, or at one side, but it set the
pace for all other local affairs, social, political and educational as
well as religious. It has not always happened, however, as here, that
this ethical and business center has remained the visible aesthetic
center. And although but a comparatively small part of our best
architectural growth has been adjacent to Court square, and other
churches have shared the burdens and responsibilities of directing
our temporal as well as spiritual concerns, the characteristic, though
by no means ornate, or altogether graceful, spire of the First
church remains, as regards locality, the civic center of gravity. A
skeleton map of the situation as it is today is fairly represented by
the foregoing sketch.

It is obvious at a single glance how much greater are the oppor-
tunities for a beautiful city with such a ground plan than if it were
helplessly constrained to the lines and squares of a chess board. By
filling the spaces between these variously curved diverging streets
with small parallelograms a very complete map of the city would be
produced, and it is easy to see that if all the main thoroughfares were
straight and intersected each other at right angles, the chief charm
of the plan would be lost. The natural point for minor public
squares and open spaces is at the junction of these larger avenues,
and many such already exist, so that from whatever quarter or direc-
tion we approach the center of the city, we encounter these orna-
mental oases.

The general picturesqueness is still farther enhanced by the un-
even surface of the site which, of course, does not appear on the map.
There are constant surprises in the way of charming vistas, either
looking down across the valley or up toward the woody heights of
the bluffs, that are not found in cities where all things are doomed
to remain on a dead level. It is no wonder that the ancient Egyp-
tians found their greatest enjoyment in building pyramids, and the
Babylonians hung their gardens high in the air. We all like some-
thing to look up to and to look down upon.

Whether the attractiveness of the city's plan is thought to be due
to happy chance, to the foresight of those who accidentally, or
otherwise, determined the course of the principal highways of travel
and trade, or to that overruling Providence which compels men to

8 Springfield Present and Prospective

build better than they know, it is evident that the result is most
excellent. So excellent, in fact, that we may seriously question
whether the larger matters of business traffic and actual convenience,
as well as of ultimate landscape architectural effect, could have been
more wisely arranged if the genius of L'Enfant himself, instead of
the domestic, commercial and social needs of our ancestors, had
determined the first outline sketch of the city and its environment.
By this irregular plan, small parks and open spaces are easily estab-
lished without large outlay or sacrifice of public convenience. Trees,
turf and flowers give an almost rural appearance even close to the
very center, and render possible that dignified and sympathetic
union of landscape and structural architecture which constitutes the
most refined and exalted expression of civic aesthetics. Beauty in
buildings alone is cold and costly; landscape without architectural
embellishment belongs to rural life. The wise combination of the
two — the color and grace of tree and shrub, of leaf and flower, the
music of falling water and the silver light on river and fountain, all
allied and inseparably blended with the artificial structures that
minister to the needs of men and accompany human activities — is
and always has been the constant aim and, when achieved, the
crowning glory of the noblest civic art.

II. PLAN OF THE GROUND FLOOR

I. THE INNER CIRCLE

THUS far the heritage and natural endowment of Springfield and
the general conditions of its earlier and unstudied growth have
been briefly sketched. A more detailed study of what has been done
that is of lasting value and worthy to remain as an essential part of
the great and beautiful city that is to be, is also interesting and
impressive. A fairly comprehensive showing in the way of park
and boulevard achievement is given in the accompanpng maps of
the parks, large and small, that already exist, with the streets,
actual and possible, that join them.

Starting from Court square (in one of the perfected electric
automobiles that make no noise, never kill people or frighten
horses, and leave no unpleasant reminder of their progress, but are not
yet on the market because the demand is so much greater than the

^The Mount Tom Range, as seen. from "''The Knowies"'' in South Hadley
*The Upper Ridges of Mount Holyoke

'^u

^The Northern Valley, viewed from Mount Tom ^The Northward View from Mount Holyoke

Springfield Present and Prospective

supply), it is necessary, in the absence of the river-bank improve-
ment, to proceed northward through what is now the most important
business portion of Main street, as far as Bridge, where we may turn
to the right for a moment in order to get a glimpse of St. Gaudens'
tortoises, beside the globe instead of under the elephants that held
it in place until Columbus discovered America. Nothing could be
finer than the spirit of this sometimes unappreciated public square.
Maintaining itself in the business heart of the city merely as an open
breathing space, it is something to be devoutly thankful for. It also
aflFords the most obvious opportunity, even superior to Court square,
for the harmonious combination of beauty and business; an oppor-
tunity that can not long remain unimproved.

Back upon Main street, and going northward, we soon arrive at
the arch, a utilitarian work of great dignity and beauty, the latter
not always recognized because of its simplicity. If it were in an
old city of France or Italy, Baedeker would give it double stars and
American tourists would love to talk of it to their friends at home.
A few blocks beyond the arch we find the southern entrance to
Hampden park by way of Clinton street. When we reflect that
more than one-third of the population of Springfield, not to mention
Chicopee and the greater part of West Springfield, lives north of the
Boston and Albany railroad, the exceeding value of Hampden park
as a public playground is apparent. In its way no greater calamity
to the entire city could happen than for the whole of this tract of
land to be given up to railroad or other business purposes. Compar-
ing its actual with its ideal condition, it is still in what may be called
a chrysalid state. Everything in and about it is crude, coarse and
rough, but its form and ___location are such that there is hardly a limit
to its capacity for furnishing rest and recreation for the thousands
of people who already live within easy walking distance of it, and
the tens of thousands who find it easily accessible. Tracks for
races, rings for circuses, grounds for baseball and tennis, room for
Fourth of July celebrations, Sunday-school picnics, wheel tourna-
ments, river-bank promenades, lovers' walks and fireworks; canoe
wharfs, yacht landings and bath-houses — for all these and more there
is room on Hampden park; and the importance to the city of this
plot of ground, or a considerable portion of it, for these and kindred
purposes, increases every year more rapidly than the city's growth.

10 Springfield Present and Prospective

Directly at the north of the park and on the bank of the river is
a triangular piece of land, happily belonging to the city, of which
much may be expected in the future. At present it is not even in
the chrysalid state, but wholly chaotic — ^just a bare dumping-ground.
Even this is by no means unsatisfactory. The conversion of a
worthless piece of land, by gradual means and without cost to the
city, into a beauty spot is far more to be commended than the
strenuous creation of a gorgeous garden by extravagant and hurried
methods.

Here, looking westward, we see the sweet fields of West Spring-
field beyond the swelling floods that roll under the North-end bridge.
But that is a side line, and in following the inner line of the chain,
of which but few links are missing, we must turn eastward by Wason
avenue where, after crossing Main street, we face the wooded bluflFs
of Rockrimmon. This large tract belonging to the Atwater estate
has been virtually an open natural park for nearly half a century.
It is wholly unadorned, some portions of it primeval, in fact, and
thereby all the more delightful. There is no other spot within
many miles of the city where, to judge from the natural conditions,
the wild fox would be more likely to dig his hole unscared, where the
deep forest song birds find themselves so much at home and where,
not the real copper-colored flesh-and-blood aborigines, but their
pathetic ghosts, would be more likely to revisit the glimpses of the
moon.

This entire tract, keeping close to the Chicopee line, is full of
picturesque revelations in the immediate surroundings and in the
frequent views across and up and down the valley where the broad
river gleams and glistens. When the roads passing through this
tract are definitely located and perfected, as they are sure to be in
the future, there will be no more charming suburban drive than
through this part of the encircling boulevard.

After leaving the constantly varying bluifs and deep ravines of
the Rockrimmon region and turning toward the south, we pass
through and across the source of the city's first great public water-
works — great at the time they were undertaken, — the Van Horn
reservoir, as safely as Moses and his tribe passed through the Red
Sea, and in far less time, unless we stop to admire the western view
across the water or to walk around the borders of the upper portions.

^A View in the Van Horn District ^Calhoun Park

Springfield Present and Prospective II

This is, in truth, one of the rare products which seem to have been
fore-ordained for other purposes than those which ostensibly called
them into existence. Primarily constructed as ponds to hold water
to keep the people of the city from dying of thirst — ^than which no
purpose could commend itself more highly to the most prosaic and
utilitarian citizen, — if the sole object had been to find a spot for a
charming park of grass and trees and shimmering water, this could
not have been surpassed. What the contour of the original ponds
may have been I do not know, but as soon as the water was called
upon to fulfill a high and holy mission — giving drink to those who
were athirst — it immediately assumed all the airs and graces of a
miniature Lake Winnepesaukee. Even the islands are not wanting,
and a road winding around its bank — a thoroughly good road, such
as are only found in really civilized countries — ^would be a thing of
beauty and a joy forever. But this road, like the next war, is not
yet "fit." The drive along Armory street passes at the corner of
Carew and Armory a five-acre park with its brook, trees and deep
dingle, which has been wisely acquired by the park commission for
the future use of the city. Half a mile farther we traverse the via-
duct across the railroad and approach the ancient and beautiful
thoroughfare of State street.

Fifty years ago Springfield people were fond of telling their friends
of the enthusiastic praise bestowed by Thackeray on the view from
the arsenal tower and this portion of the Connecticut valley. The
view is the same; the arsenal grounds are undoubtedly more beauti-
ful and impressive now than then, and if another distinguished
foreign prophet, whom we should delight to honor, could be enticed
to the top of the tower, he would surely revive our forgotten local
pride. These broad and well-cared-for grounds belonging to the
Federal government have always been a potent factor in establish-
ing the claims of Springfield to a special external attractiveness.
As the years go by, the worth of this national park will relatively
increase, and more and more will State street become famous among
the beautiful avenues of large cities.

Proceeding still farther southward, we reach the Watershops
pond, another link in the circumscribing boulevard, although its
complete exploration involves a wide diversion from the direct line
to Forest park.

PARKS AND BOULEVARDS — AS THEY ARE

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THE COMPLETED CHAIN

14 Springfield Present and Prospective

The residential portions of the Forest park region and the park
itself remind us of the traditional ocean views, where sea and sky
blend so imperceptibly that we can scarcely tell where the one begins
and the other ends. There is a similar illusion here. The greater
portion of this entire suburb has a park-like appearance in its private
grounds, and we constantly find parklets and "terraces" at the
junctions and in the center of the wider avenues. The park itself,
extending more than a mile from east to west, is every year adding
to Nature's legacy of beauty, and from tlie real bear's den at one
end to the counterfeit presentment of McKinley at the other, music
itself is not more redundant of charms for all moods and fancies.

Doubtless the home run from Forest park to Court square
ought to be along the river bank; but the railroad at present has the
right of way and we must take the inside track until the South-end
boulevard, so well begun, is completed.

This general scheme, as shown by the first of these two maps,
or something closely resembling it, is almost an accomplished fact.
It has been the dream of the men who have done the most for local
improvement, and can only fail of complete fulfillment through a
fatal attack of sinister politics on the part of the city officials, or
of grievous parsimony and Philistinism on the part of the citizens.
It involves no large or sudden outlay, only the gradual working
toward a definite goal, and each succeeding step in the progress, if
wisely taken, would unquestionably pay for itself from the purely
financial point of view in the enhanced value of the real estate along
the route.

2. BROADER OUTLOOKS

To PASS around the circle once more, not in the electric chariot
that clings to earth, but in one of the dirigible air ships that exist
chiefly in the eye of faith, we shall see that the route just described
is not merely a succession of arboreal and flowering parks diversified
by water views and distant landscape, but an inter-urban highway
much of the way, in fact a greater part of it, passing among the
thickly planted and abundantly occupied homes which have given
to the city its sentimental name; homes where the signs of good taste
and good cheer are in constant evidence and which would be a pleas-
ure to heart and eye even if there were not countless small parks

Lotus at Forest Park

Glimpses of fFater shops Pond

Springfield Present and Prospective 15

and terraces wherever converging streets come together and where
sufficient width has been taken to form parks or terraces through
the center.

On this elevated excursion we can see and trace what may be
called the side lines of the grand tour.

While waiting for the new bridge that will supplant the century-
old wooden structure, the North-end bridge furnishes the first point
of departure from the main line. When this was built it was
thought to be a work of great extravagance, wholly exceeding all
possible requirements and declared to be of sufficient size and
strength to sustain the entire population of Hampden county — ^which
was probably true. Indeed, it may have done so many times over,
though not all at once, for it is a great thoroughfare, constituting our
principal highway, not only to our beloved maiden sister across the
river, but to our more distant friends and family relatives, Westfield,
Tatham and Holyoke.

The nearest west-side charms, after crossing the bridge, are the
old West Springfield street with its over-arching elms and verdant
turf, dev^ and damp even at mid-day. Shad Lane, the old common,
several rods wider than Court square and originally extending from
the Connecticut river on the east to the wharfs at Agawam on the
west, and nobody can remember how much farther. The wharfs have
disappeared, the length of the common has been curtailed, but its
width remains. The "Shad Laner's Meetin' road" is also the oldest
and perhaps the most beautiful river-bank drive in Hampden county,
besides being the fit approach to the commanding site of the home of
the Country club.

Leaving the main route again at Glenwood where the Rock-
rimmon tract joins the Armory road, Springfield street beguiles us
through the pleasant scenery of upper Chicopee, which would be
literally under the shadow of Mount Tom if the sun should happen
to rise in the north, and thence, if we choose, swerving around to the
right across to Chicopee Falls and the romantic country beyond.

Still swinging eastward we find the Watershops pond, whose
picturesque northern shore is already accessible and which in the
future will move slowly into the midst of the metropolitan district.
Sometime there may be viaducts across the upper part of this lake,
but in this imaginary flight it is easy to cross without bridges, looking

1 6 Springfield Present and Prospective

down upon Forest park and sailing over the lily ponds whose
incomparable beauty and gracious perfume haunt us until we reach
the classic shades and bucolic charms of Longmeadow.

Whether we depend upon the time-honored but now obsolescent
modes of conveyance that require the combined service of horses
and wagonsy saddles and bridles, oats, stables and hostlers, or move
swiftly and simply by means of scientific, up-to-date locomotive
mechanism, the inter-urban boulevard in its actual condition, as
shown by the first map or in the completed form of the second, will
be a journey of at least a dozen miles and all quite within the thickly
populated limits of the city. Extending the trip through the various
side lines would of course add to its extent indefinitely.

What has been said of the residential portions of the Fprest
park region is generally true of other parts of the city. Across
the river, at the "north end," in Brightwood, in the other parts of
Ward One and throughout what is commonly known as the "Hill
region,** carefully- kept lawns, ornamental shrubbery, and small
decorative parks are frequently encountered, some of them, notably
Calhoun and Merrick, already possessing marked and varied beauty.

To refer very briefly to what is perhaps the most important
feature of a city, the one that indicates with most emphasis the
degree of intelligence and public spirit prevailing, it may be said
that the construction and final finish of our streets will probably con-
tinue to be, as it always has been, a matter for controversy and
experiment. Considering the relatively large area of Springfield and
the rapid extension of the suburbs in all directions impartially, our
streets and sidewalks are usually well graded and paved, though by
no means faultless. We are, moreover, in the most hopeful and
fortunate condition possible for ignorant and erring mortals; we
are aware of our sins, suitably ashamed of them, and honestly trying
to outgrow them. Many of the streets are models of excellence,
and the public demand for clean, well-paved thoroughfares ensures
a constant improvement in this respect, for whatever value we may
attach to the ornamental features of a house, a home or a friend, we
know that "Thou shah not be unclean" is one of the fundamental
commandments.

Washington has been called the "Parlor City" because of its
chronic state of preparation for ornamental social functions. Other

^The Old West Springfeld Common ^The Valley South from Country Club

Springfield Present and Prospective 17

cities, whose names may be guessed from their supposed tastes,
might be considered dining-room cities; certain others, in the opinion
of their neighbors, ought to be laundries; in the great national dom-
icile, "Library cities" are happily numerous. For Springfield,
which is and always has been industrious, democratic and cosmo-
politan, no better designation, derived from domestic associations,
can be given than "The Living Room" — ^the apartment which in
the steady evolution of homes combines in itself the essential and
happiest qualities of the more highly specialized and exclusive
apartments. Bright, cheerful and sunny, free to all well-behaved
comers, unhampered by troublesome conventionalities, with room
and opportunity for industry, study, recreation and social enjoyment
— ^what the generous living-room with its hospitable hearth and
ready welcome is to the private dwelling, Springfield is in the larger
home of the grand old Commonwealth.

III. ARCHITECTURAL GARMENTS

I. THE PERSONAL EQUATION IN HOUSES

GIVEN a well-born child, properly nourished, wisely trained, still
more wisely untrained, and the odds are a great many to one
that the resulting boy — or girl, as the case may be — ^will be strong,
cheerful and intelligent, of good temper, wholesome tastes, fair to
look upon, and eager to increase in size and influence. It is the same
way with a city. In its earlier years it asks only for healthy nourish-
ment and plenty of standing room. Quantity is desired rather than
quality; strength ranks above skill, might above right, and license
seems more admirable than law. To both child and city there comes
a time when the childish order is reversed. Conventions, rules and
regulations, implements of work and warfare, personal appearances,
comforts and other assets enter into the problem of existence. What
clothes are to a well-made man or woman, architecture, as mani-
fested in building, is to a city; something essential to its comfort,
largely indicative of its wealth and intelligence.

In a rough classification of the architecture with which we are
all familiar, there may be counted domestic, commercial, municipal
or public and semi-public, ecclesiastical, monumental and, perhaps,
industrial, as among the conspicuous and easily distinguished varie-

1 8 Springfield Present and Prospective

ties. They are more or less interlocking, but such a general grouping
simplifies their discussion.

Real orthodox architecture in house building is rare. Most of
the houses intended as homes for those who build them are far
more likely each one to express the varying tastes and needs of the
owner and his wife — especially of his wife, although he may not be
aware of that fact or willing to acknowledge it — ^than to illustrate
any recognized, or unrecognized, principles of the noblest of all arts.
This is by no means a deplorable circumstance. What if the peculiar
shapes that are chosen for the outside clothing of our homes are as
varied and inconsequent as the amazing shapes of feminine head-
gear, provided each one shelters a well-ordered domestic unit ?
What if they sometimes lack that sober dignity and fail to give that
assurance of self-poise which ought to characterize a family whose
days are expected to be long in the land ? They distinctly declare
that there are multitudes of good and prosperous citizens who have
the courage of their convictions and are willing to assert themselves
by conspicuous and often expensive declarations of independence.

One especially fortunate condition that has saved us from much
architectural barrenness in this class is the diversity and generally
high character of our industrial and business activities; because owing
to these we are free from great aggregations of factory boarding-
houses and the monotonously bare ''homes of operatives," so called,
that are inevitable in towns and cities where large numbers of com-
paratively unskilled and often migratory laborers are employed in
the manufacture of the great staples. Neither do huge blocks of
expressionless tenements of the same pattern, and the Babel of
towering, undomestic apartment houses overmuch abound in the
"City of Homes," — thanks to the salubrious and easily-accessible
suburbs. These are some of the more obvious causes that have led
to the heterogeneous character of our domestic architecture.

I was about to say that the real lessons of the homes of Spring-
field can only be discovered by reading between the lines. Unfor-
tunately there is little room for reading lessons or anything else
between the houses — an almost universal misfortune in suburban
districts everywhere. It is one of the incomprehensible and, appar-
ently, incurable human follies that, notwithstanding enormous ad-
vantages in the way of obtaining greater space for their domiciles,

A Glimpse of the Arsenal

"51

Springfeld Present and Prospective 19

men are still willing to submit to the privations and inconvenience
of small lots and of uncomfortable proximity to neighbors (even
good neighbors may be too near our dining-room windows) merely
for the sake of saving a few minutes' time in the journey between
home and business. This strange perversity can not be the result
of deliberate choice, but evidently belongs to the conservatism that
ignores the achievements of modem science, the inexpressibly won-
derful inventions of the last half-century, and clings to hereditary
customs as monkeys cling to their tails and sheep follow their bell-
wether over a precipice. Forty acres and a mule may not be a
practicable allowance in this part of the Connecticut valley, but
viewed from the standpoint of common sense, and in the light of
this electric age, it is a perilous lapse toward barbarism and,
contrariwise, a lamentable encouragement of race suicide, for a man
to undertake to found a family and bring up his wife and children
in the way they should go, on a bit of land scarcely large enough for
a cemetery lot.

But we can hardly help outgrowing these minor faults. In every
direction we have attractive open country within a twenty-minute's
circuit, and are not forced to imitate the less favored cities where
those whose business is in one half of the city must cross the other
half in order to reach their outside homes. There is improvement,
too, in what we are pleased to call our domestic architecture; less
of the far-fetched and fanciful on one hand, less affectation of
humility and rusticity on the other, and more of self-respecting dig-
nity. When we find that fire-proof building costs no more than droll
freaks and ostentatious shams in wood, we shall take another step
in the direction of worthy domestic architecture.

2. COMMERCIAL AND MUNICIPAL

Perhaps there is no better illustration of the evolution of business
architecture in the older parts of this country than in the main com-
mercial avenue of an old New England city like Springfield. Be-
ginning with a corner grocery, detached stores and shops gradually
extended along either side of the street, with a sprinkling of dwelling-
houses, the latter being sooner or later given over to business and
the vacant lots filled in until the principal street presented a contin-
uous wall of buildings, each with its own proprietor and line of

20 Springfield Present and Prospective

business. Before the days of elevators, buildings were commonly
two or three, rarely four, stories in height, and after fire ordinances
prohibited the use of wood for external walls, red brick, with a mild
peppering of granite or brownstone, were the most available and
useful materials. These earlier business blocks might almost be
classified as factories, so simple were they in design, so strictly
utilitarian in character. As business prosperity increased there was
a larger outlay for more expensive material and skillful workmanship
without essential departure from the simpler forms. These quiet,
serviceable structures making no claim to architectural display, still
produce the most pleasing effect. They have something of the
aristocratic dignity of old families; they are at peace with one
another; naked and not ashamed.

Really fine, scholarly examples of commercial architecture are
so few and far between that they tend to exaggerate by contrast the
homeliness of the earlier structures, while the fantastic and sometimes
frantic efforts at ornament and variety, of what may be called the
transition period, where each building is indifferent, if not openly
hostile, to its neighbor, only produce architectural confusion and
discord. Probably merchants and architects will need to be born
again several times over before either will voluntarily sacrifice con-
temporary popular applause and a chance for vociferous advertising,
in order to educate the public taste.

As might be expected from the conditions of business prosperity
and freedom from political graft, and from the general culture of the
citizens, our municipal buildings are usually well adapted to their
various uses, of good style and quality. Indulgence in monumental
features for the sake of impressive architecture is rare. The pre-
vailing and apparently irremovable handicap in all public work is
the constant change of executive. Sometimes this occurs during the
progress of important undertakings, men of different tastes, diver-
gent judgment and, perhaps, opposite ideas as to public economy
and utility, are called upon to complete work begun by others whose
tastes and intentions they do not approve.

Inasmuch as the average sentiment of those to whom the mem-
bers of a city government feel responsible and look for their official
support is never in favor of that which is absolutely the best, it
follows that the highest excellence is rarely attained in municipal

t>0

SI
CO
IS

spring-field Present and Prospective 21

^— ^^"^^^^ ' ' ' .1.1 ■ I.. I I Ml !■

work. Sometime we may arrive at the dignity of a permanent board
of public works that shall also be a competent board of censors. We
shall also learn that temporizing for the sake of present saving is
culpable waste, and that thorough, high-class, fire-proof building is
the only true economy.

3. CHURCHES, MONUMENTS AND CHIMNEYS

Local ecclesiastical architecture is easily disposed of. There are
plenty of cities in the world infested by eager tourists, sung by
enamored poets, and coveted by military heroes, whose fame rests
almost solely on the marvelous beauty and impressive grandeur of
their churches and cathedrals. Even the buildings of state, erected
by the rulers of great nations with apparent utter recklessness as to
cost, are less notable on the whole than those which have been in-
spired by religious sentiment and devoted to its expression. It will
hardly be considered unkind to say that Springfield is in no imme-
diate danger of being ravaged by rapacious generals, preserved in
ponderous poetry, or tormented by tourists, solely on account of the
magnificence of her churches. Leaving out the venerable and hoary
First church, which by reason of its halo of historic sentiment and
hallowed associations can hardly enter the race on its architectural
merits, there are four or five others that are justly entitled to admi-
ration for their beauty; although in two or three of these it would
appear that the lamp of sacrifice flickered and went out before they
were completed. Aside from these, of the various buildings used
for religious purposes, none rise above the commonplace. If any
one of them should be destroyed, it is doubtful if it would be
rebuilt in its present form solely for the sake of its architectural
excellence.

Monumental architecture belongs either to some of the dead and
gone golden ages, renowned for a precocious development of physi-
cal courage and intellectual refinement, or else to the tyrannical
reigns of great autocrats, able to compel the unlimited resources of
a kingdom, including the unrequited toil of their subjects. We have
escaped the latter condition and have not yet attained the former.
In our commercial age, the successful production and accumulation
of material wealth makes it inevitable that the finer intellectual,
aesthetic and moral qualities are often submerged under waves of

22 Spring-field Present and Prospective

financial success and business ambition. We have no time nor
inclination for "Art for Art's sake"; there must also be money in it.

In combination with other structures, spires and towers are
somewhat monumental in purpose, though these were originally
intended for use, either as campaniles or as observatories when
enemies were expected, and for hurling hot pitch and Greek fire on
their heads as soon as they arrived. When to the strength and mag-
nitude of defensive towers, grace of form and beauty of detail were
added, they came to be recognized as among the most impressive
examples of the builder's art, the most efFeaive of decorative features.
Seen from a distance, the simplest of strictly utilitarian structures,
be-smoked and be-sooted steam chimneys, greatly improve the
landscape of a city. If beauty is ever recognized as an essential
element in all the work of our hands, as it will be when we are suffi-
ciently civilized — say, for instance, as highly civilized in this direction
as the Japanese, — so obvious an opportunity for combining the two
as exists in these great organs of respiration, will not be neglected,
and every steam chimney, like every urban park and church spire,
will be beautiful not only to the stockholders and the employes but
to all good people in sight of it. Of course, long before that time
the "smoke nuisance" will be not merely "abated" but abolished,
and there will be no stain on the escutcheons, or the chimneys, of
the great corporations.

From monumental to industrial architecture, by way of the
chimney tops, is an easy step and highly suggestive of the close
relation between the useful and the beautiful. If industrial archi-
tecture is given a shelf by itself, there are few cities that would make
a more creditable showing than this city of homes and industry.
The venerable buildings of the United States Armory are models
of simplicity and agreeable proportions. It is undoubtedly through
their silent influence that many of the more important factories in
the city exhibit a thoughtful regard for careful, harmonious design.

It appears, therefore, that in our modification of Nature's perfect
legacy by means of architectural garments, we have not gone far
astray. There is health and hope and vigor in us, and while much
remains to be done, there is comparatively little that needs to be
undone.

TILLY HAYNES

Whose wise foresight and liberal bequest have lent much incentive
to the work of beautifying Springfield

Springfield Present and Prospective 23

IV. LOOKING FORWARD

I. BED ROCK

IN THIS age of science and certainty one takes large risks who ven-
tures any other vaticination than cautious reasoning from cause
to effect. "Don't never prophesy unless you know" is excellent
advice, yet every man whose mind is not comatose will sometimes
yield to temptation and try to describe his air castles, not always
providing for them visible means of support.

Already Springfield has a foundation whereon to rear the temple
of a goodly city whose extent and abiding wealth will be limited
only by the intelligence, industry and unity of its citizens. Let
intelligence stand first. He would be a poor student of history and
human nature who failed to see that the nobler qualities that raise
one community above another are intimately related to physical
beauty and the cultivated appreciation of it; who does not know
that if our material work gives lasting pleasure it is because of its
being the expression of high intellectual and moral qualities which
it, in turn, develops and sustains. We can not be too often or too
forcibly reminded that it is a crime to inflict upon a city any con-
spicuous work that does not embody the highest skill at our com-
mand.

Every man's house is his castle, and in the absence of a king he
is at liberty to make it as appallingly ugly as he pleases — provided
he has no aesthetic consciousness, or conscience, — but everything for
which the city is responsible — and its responsibility should be largely
extended — ought to be of such a character as to excite the admira-
tion and respect of the intelligent citizens who help pay for it and of
succeeding generations who must gaze on it indefinitely, or pay for
its destruction. Surely this will require intelligence of the highest
order in our public officials. But the fountain does not rise higher
than its source, and we can not expect our representatives to hold
loftier ideals than our own.

After intelligence there must be industry in its broadest sense;
that is, enterprise, public spirit, executive ability. Whether hands
or heads are given the highest place, either without the other is a
one-armed soldier. We may chase the devil around the stump in

24 spring-field Present and Prospective

an endless argument only to reach the same conclusion, which is
that tireless enterprise and dauntless valor are wasted unless wisdom
stands at the helm; and, conversely, that the highest intelligence is
like the wind that bloweth where it listeth until it has taken form in
doughty deeds.

What organization is to an army, a pilot to a ship on a rock-bound
coast, a goal to a race, unity of purpose is in the effort to improve
a city. This implies a well-considered, generally-approved, compre-
hensive plan, far-reaching, disinterested as to localities, and at the
same time elastic and adaptable. Without this, chaos and confusion,
aesthetically speaking, will persist to the end; Springfield will not
surpass but fall behind other cities, and really noble results can
be reached only at long intervals and by costly sacrifice. The one
great overwhelming idea of the present age, the chief outcome of
all that has been accomplished in the way of human civilization
since the world began, is the unity of mankind and its corollary,
the obligation and necessity for concerted action. This appears in
all affairs, large and small. In families, in business and educational
organizations, in municipalities and in nations. We can not afford
to elevate one corner of the edifice and leave the others to sink in
the quicksand; no class must be lifted at the expense of another; no
portion of a city be raised to the summit of luxury while the slums
are still gasping in the depths of filth and unsanitary degradation.

2. WHAT THE RIVER ASKS AND GIVES

If an earthquake should suddenly convert Enfield dam into a
second Mount Tom, reaching from Wilbraham mountains to Bland-
ford, the river at Springfield might possibly appear to be lost in an
inland sea; but barring such an interesting cataclysm it will be safe
to predict that the river will always be one of our permanent assets,
as it always has been our most attractive physical feature. What-
ever happens to our railroads, our streets, our merchandise and our
morals, the river will never cease to run through the city. It is ours
to cross, ours to embellish, ours to cleanse and to navigate.

As to the crossing, the days for temporizing are over. We are too
rich and too wise to build bridges that must be removed, re-built, or
strengthened and enlarged during the next one or two centuries.
Bridges over large streams should be among the most permanent of

O. H. GR EENLEAF

Whose unselfish devotion to public improvement
was manifested in many ways

j, TheBridac

Springfield Present and Prospective 25

'■ ■- ■

all artificial constructions. Established thoroughfares are supremely
conservative institutions. The Appian Way, which has existed for
two thousand years and more, the Bay Path and a thousand more,
indicate that nothing is more tenacious of life than a public highway.
When these great viaducts, in sublime defiance of Nature's primeval
arrangements, turn water into dry land, paradoxically closing a gap
in the surface of the earth that never can be closed, their construc-
tion becomes a performance worthy of solemn consecration, and the
thing itself a fit object for pious adoration.

In most emphatic terms, a noble bridge declares the courage
and skill of its builders, and there is no grander illustration of the
beauty of utility than a bridge of scientific construction and scholarly
design. In no other artificial construction is there so little occasion
for questionable compromise between grace and convenience, be-
tween economy and strength, between daily drudgery and perennial
delight. Is it likely that Springfield will neglect an opportunity
that has been a century in coming ? Is it likely that the county, of
which Springfield is the capital, will fail to recognize the benefit
sure to follow the closer union and more intimate relationship of
the parts of which the county is composed ?

To say that a bridge should be built across the Connecticut river
in this city in the form of a broad avenue, uniting the east and west
shores as closely as Main street unites State to the streets and ave-
nues a thousand feet to the north and south, is not a fantastic specu-
lation, a day dream — it is the plainest common sense of the equine
variety. To propose anything inadequate in breadth and strength
for the multitudinous traffic sure to occupy it twenty-five years
hence — fifty years — a century, — is to forget the lesson of the North-
end bridge and waste the public 'funds by temporizing. To affirm
that dignity and stateliness, graceful proportions and beauty of detail
are necessarily more difficult to attain than their opposites, is to be-
tray disqualifying ignorance. Certainly the river is ours to cross.
It is also ours to cleanse and embellish.

If Adam and Eve had been left in their original state of innocence
and happiness, nobody appears to know exactly what would have
happened to the rest of us, miserable sinners that we are — in nothing
more miserable and sinful than in our occasionally graceless fashion
of introducing modern improvements, and setting up the standards

26 Springfield Present and Prospective

of half-ctviltzed civilization on the ruins of semi-barbarous barbar-
ism. In spoiling the heathen we have too often spoiled our own
heritage. 'Squire Pynchon and Deacon Chapin, of blessed memory,
found the water of the great river as sweet and clean as that of the
streams that fed and feed it still — Jabish brook and Little river, the
branches of the West field. Ware and Chicopee. Could it possibly
have occurred to those shrewd and far-seeing pioneers that their
enlightened descendants in this adorable valley would be obliged to
spend, for drinking water alone, money enough to have bought the
whole of the royal grant from Nova Scotia to New Amsterdam, from
the Atlantic to the Pacific, all on account of their own short-sighted
perversity ? Those pioneers may be pardoned for thinking — if they
thought of it at all — ^that the broad, flowing river would no more
be damaged by the impurities that escaped from their scattered
settlements than is the sea by the wrecks that are rotting in its depths.
We know better. We know that we have deliberately and selfishly
polluted the noble stream; that its impurity is increasing every year;
that it will go on increasing until in sheer self-preservation we shall
begin the reform that ought to have been begun a generation ago,
and which will cost more and more every year it is delayed. To cure
the evil immediately would be as impossible as to eradicate catarrhal
ragweed and malarial mosquitoes in a single season; but that fact
does not exonerate us if we leave it unchecked. It does not justify
us in bequeathing an unclean legacy to our unborn heirs.

Neither is this an idle speculation. In many cities of our own
and other countries, sewage and rivers are not invited to occupy
the same bed to the utter waste of one and the hopeless ruin of the
other, and so long as we continue this oiFensive habit we deserve to
be written down as among those who strain at gnats and swallow
camels.

Cleansing naturally precedes embellishment; but if each waits
for the other in this case, it is to be feared that we shall remain ragged
and dirty for many years. We leave the river in its filth because the
banks are filthy; we leave the leprosy of the banks undisturbed be-
cause the river is unclean. Under wise business management the
salvation of neither would wait for the other.

The reclamation and embellishment of the river bank will not
require its exclusive use for park purposes; quite the contrary. Its

JUSTIN SACKETT

Who has left many evidences of his unselfish efforts to
preserve the City^s natural charms

4J:^<^

Springfield Present and Prospective V]

embellishment should be like that of a dining-table when it is loaded
with an abundance of wholesome food; of a workshop decorated
with the finest tools and machinery; of a fertile farm ornamented
by flocks and herds and bountiful crops. The most beautiful effects
will not be produced by treating the banks as ornamental pleasure
grounds. The city can not afford such occupation, nor would it be
suitable for land so central and valuable for commercial purposes.
We may have plenty of serpents, but it would cost too much to make
a Garden of Eden between Main street and the river. Court square
and its proper treatment will be a sufficiently expensive luxury in
the business section. There is plenty of room for riparian parks
between Springfield and Holyoke, between Springfield and Thomp-
sonville. This land is also too valuable for railroad uses, for steam
railroads not only spoil all the land they occupy, but they depreciate
the value of the property for a considerable distance at either side.

Doubtless this happy marriage of use and beauty would mean,
except where wharves are necessary, an esplanade with the open
river on one side and business buildings fronting it on the other.
The expense of constructing heavy buildings at the water's edge
would be great, but a protected embankment suitable for walks and
drives would be simple, affording ample opportunity for decorative
features next the water without loss of room valuable for building.

Inseparably connected with the development of the river bank
is the question of navigation. In navigation itself, rocks are objec-
tionable, but they make good standing ground in forecasting the
future of this subject. Among these bed rocks is the stubborn fact
that heavy freight can be more economically transported by floating
it in water than by any known contrivance of wheels on land, or wings
in the air. Another fact is well established: commercial science
abhors waste as Nature abhors a vacuum. Therefore when it can
be shown that moving the freight, taken to and from Holyoke and
Springfield, by water instead of by land will effect an annual saving
equal to a profitable percentage on the cost of making the river
navigable for steam or other tugs and their trailing lines of barges,
then the river will be made navigable to Springfield and Holyoke.
Business common sense will not long neglect so plain an opportunity
to save and make money, which is just as much a duty — provided it
is done honestly — as eating. So in our treatment of the river and

28 spring-field Present and Prospective

its banks, we must anticipate wharves on both sides with suitable
approaches and conveniences for the attendant work. They may
not come this year, nor this decade, or generation, but we can not
help thinking they are sure to come. "The mills of the gods grind
slowly, but they grind exceeding small,'' and they keep on grinding.

3. OTHER GOALS TO BE GAINED

Giving the river the first place in considering the future, there
is much to be done in the way of perfecting the minor parks
and increasing their number. In this department the first step, as
in making a rabbit pie, is capturing the principal ingredient —
first get the land. It would be a wild undertaking for the city to
attempt to build at once river walls from Pecowsic to Chicopee,
construct big wharves, complete the glories of Court square, build
a new bridge, and fill up the waste and vacant places throughout
the city with fountains and flowers, trees and statues; it would be
the wisdom of Solomon himself to secure land that will sometime
be available for both business and pleasure, while it is of little actual
value.

It can hardly be hoped that the whole of Hampden park will be
acquired for the sole use and occupancy of the public; it is not un-
reasonable to expect that a river-bank margin of suitable width may
become a part of our park system. The land north of Hampden
park has been mentioned; a similar piece across West street, north
of the bridge on the river bank, if skillfully treated in connection
with the causeway leading to the bridge, would make a dignified
approach to this connecting link with West Springfield, and would
be no more than a "retort courteous" to the charming approach
from the other side. Beyond this the river bank further north
might be secured while it is still unoccupied.

Leaving the river, there is much unimproved land in the Atwater
estate, some of which is apparently impossible of utilization except
for parks or pasturage, either at present or in the future, and this
should not be omitted in plans for future development.

The land surrounding the Van Horn reservoir has been sug-
gested as easily convertible into a pleasant pleasure ground. Wheth-
er these ponds are permanently retained as a part of our water sup-
ply or not, there would be great advantage in making them a part

TSe«IOer*Tronl'*attCourt»Si

iuar6jag;*It*m(gr*B€4

ma^mii

GCG

«.^-

Springfield Present and Prospective

of our park system. And, again, the shores of the Watershops pond;
it is not conceivable that any other practicable treatment of the
land along this lovely body of water could add more to its commer-
cial value than the reservation by the city for park purposes of a
belt including the road, giving to the building lots fronting the lake
an outlook across the intervening park and water toward the east.

HAMPDE^IPARK

A SUGGESTION

FORTHE DEVELOPME^^P^

OP THE APPROACli TO ^*

THE NORTH END BRIDGE. / (^

i :

In fact, the number and extent of the suburban parks and drives
that may easily be established in the future round about Spring-
field is limited only by the taste and enterprise of the citizens.

Passing from these more or less ornamental features to just
plain streets, one of the obvious improvements, easy enough now
but growing more and more difficult every year, is the widening of
certain portions of some of the narrower thoroughfares. Most of
the buildings on the minor streets, and many of those on the princi-

30 Spring-field Present and Prospective

pal avenues, have, at most, but a few years to live, and should not
be allowed to cause a permanent defect in the city. The best time
to make the crooked straight is before petrifaction or ossification
takes place; the next best is any time before the cost of straightening
becomes prohibitive. Still more foolish is the sparing of an old
tree. We have the best authority for hewing down the trees that
cumber the ground, which is exactly what every tree does that
stands in the way of something better.

Of still greater importance in the scientific evolution of the city's
ground plan, is the extension of certain avenues which came to un-
timely ends before they had finished their course. We may not
expect a Baron Haussman or "Boss" Shepard to drive their civic
battering rams through palaces and warehouses, slums and railway
stations, for the greater glory of the city, but we indulge a reason-
able hope that some time a strenuous city government backed by
an enlightened public sentiment will accomplish the same ends
more economically though more slowly.

Fulton and Water streets, in their present divorced condition,
can never fulfill their appointed mission; Dwight, that should be
a broad avenue at least a mile and a half long, is incontinently
barricaded by the misplaced union station; the convenience and
business value of Chestnut street are seriously impaired by its steep
descent into State; and for all of Ward one lying east of the Boston
and Maine railroad, northward to the Chicopee line, there is no
public highway to the North-end bridge above the Memorial
church.

In regard to the future architecture of the city, we may be sure
that its improvement will depend upon the cultivation of popular
taste. Good architecture grows as slowly as fundamental Chris-
tianity, and, to continue the comparison, its shallow, obtrusive ex-
pression often attracts more attention, is more sure of admiration
and imitation than the genuine article. Gradually examples of the
best in architecture will find place in conspicuous portions of the
city, and their quiet, persistent influence will lift us above the mere-
tricious and commonplace. The significance of color, of harmony
on a large scale, of proportion, which in architecture is like the lost
chord in music, will be profoundly felt if never fully understood.
The intersections of streets and the approaches to parks and bridges

^a^^M,^* ^, %

^Oy'UPte^,

Springfield Present and Prospective 31

will be emphasized by monumental features; spires, towers and
domes will exemplify the abounding resources and activity. As
in the elder days of Rome, "to be a Roman was greater than to be a
king," so the citizens of Springfield may be nobly proud of their
lofty ambitions and worthy achievements.

Eugene C. Gardner

IT would be impossible to mention all the public-spirited citizens
who, by their generosity and wise foresight, have helped to make
Springfield a beautiful city. Among these in recent years, but who
have passed away, Tilly Haynes occupies a conspicuous position,
not only because of his large bequest, but because of the gen-
erous spirit which prompted him to leave it without restrictions
that might impair its usefulness. The extension of Court square
was always a cherished purpose of his, — it would not be fair to call
it a dream, because it was too explicit, too obviously practicable.
In the selection of the site for a new court house a generation ago, it
was anticipated that sometime in the future the extension of the
square would give this notable building a worthy setting. All of
that Mr. Haynes foresaw, realizing full well that the inevitable
future growth of the city would require an enlargement of the central
public plaza. His bequest and the courageous spirit that prompted
it has been like a beacon light, encouraging and leading others to
join the ranks and keeping alive the thought and purpose of a beau-
tiful city.

Grateful memory is also due to O. H. Greenleaf for his liberal
gift of land in Forest park, land which might have been sold advan-
tageously to the owner without direct benefit to the city, and which
men of more selfish character or narrower vision would have been
sure to hold for private profit. His interest in this, as in all matters
of public welfare, was maintained and practically manifested as
long as he lived.

Another who during his life did much, very much to increase the
visible beauty of the city, was Justin Sackett. He had an innate
love of natural beauty and rare skill, not in attempting to create, or
rival what Nature alone can achieve, but in preserving the natural
beauty that only needs loving care and appreciation to become more
and more lovely with the passing years. Springfield abounds with

32 Springfield Present and Prospective

evidences of his keen insight and unselfish and well-directed efforts
to preserve and develop what a bountiful Providence has provided.

No one needs to be reminded of the long, disinterested and, hap-
pily, still active service of Daniel J. Marsh. It may almost be said
that without his constant personal effort, we should have had no
Forest park in its present shape; that what is growing every year
to be reckoned one of our brightest civic jewels — ^in fact a whole
case of jewelry — ^would not have existed, or would have been at
best of little note, liable at anytime to be sacrificed to private inter-
est. Surely this is something compelling our gratitude, a direct refu-
tation of the cynical words of the hypocritical Anthony, that the
evil men do lives after them, while the good is oft interred with their
bones. The reverse is true; such good deeds as these live on with
increasing influence from generation to generation.

Neither can we hear of this great public pleasure ground and
recreation field with its simple natural charms and the rare beau-
ties of the southern portion without remembering how much we owe
to E. H. Barney, whose untiring zeal and noble generosity have
done so much to enhance and make permanent the rare charms of
Forest park.

Not to complete the list even approximately, but to mention
one of the younger citizens who has done much in the way of lay-
ing broad foundations for the lasting beauty of the city, Nathan D.
Bill should be remembered. With the liberal devotion of his own
time and energy to public interests, with his broad conceptions and
quick perception of practical values, we can not help looking to him
for further achievement and leadership.

These men are not mentioned as being the only ones whose un-
selfish devotion has been manifested in the improvement of our city,
or with the idea of giving even the smallest account of what each
one has done — that would niake a very long story; and the most val-
uable part of their work is not in the actual accomplishment, excellent
as these have been — it is in the example and in the incentive which
they have given and are still giving to their contemporaries and
successors. They have not been merely thinking and talking, they
have been doing, and by what has been done they have shown the
still nobler possibilities of the future.

E. c. G.

coMc^'^ a^.

EDVCATIONAL
INSTrXVTIONSj

STL

]T IS a matter of record that, in June, 1679, ^^^ town
of Springfield contracted with Thomas Stebbins, Jr.,
to build a schoolhouse for the sum of fourteen pounds,
or seventy dollars in terms of present currency. In
September, 1898, this same community of Springfield
opened to her youth a high school, whose cost, including land, build-
ing and equipment reached a total of four hundred and fifty thous-
and dollars.

While such a comparison does not discredit the zeal of the early
fathers for popular education, it does show the readiness of Spring-
field to spend in generous measure for her schools, and indicates how
great have been the changes in organization and method since the
time of the seventeen-by-twenty- two-foot schoolhouse built by
Thomas Stebbins, Jr.

In the early days no special committee had charge of the work of
popular education. At town meetings and iii the sessions of select-
men, questions relating to teachers, pupils and school buildings were
considered and settled. The need of direct supervision was after-
wards met by the organization of school districts, each under the
care of a local committee. But the district system did not make for
progress. Petty jealousies and neighborhood quarrels divided the
town and set district in opposition to district. Thus a high school,
opened in 1827, closed its doors from 1839 to 1841 because of oppo-
sition from the outlying parts of the town. A superintendent of
schools, the first officer of the kind in Massachusetts, was appointed
in 1840, and again divided public opinion compelled the abolition of
this office after something like a year's trial.

34 Springfield Present and Prospective

Meanwhile the State, under the leadership of Horace Mann, was
calling for a more efficient conduct of schools and for higher stand-
ards of instruction. In response to these demands the town began
to consider the placing of all control in the hands of a central com-
mittee.

After much discussion the abolition of the district system was
brought to pass in 1855. With this date and under the policy then
inaugurated begins the modern school department of Springfield.

Next in logical order was the appointment of a superintendent of
schools. The growth of the city, the increase of school attendance
and the multiplication of buildings made it impossible for the com-
mittee to look after the details of school administration. Neither
could any lines of progress or betterment be laid down. After the
usual period of discussion and agitation the office of superintendj^nt
of schools was created and measures were taken to place the educa-
tional system of the city in charge of an expert, elected by ^^^
responsible to the school committee.

Since 1865, when Mr. E. A. Hubbard, the first superintendent,
took up his duties, the city school system has made steady and per-
manent advance. For this progress the city is in large measure in-
debted to the tact and leadership of the men to whom she has given
in trust the care of her public schools. Under Mr. Hubbard, from
1865 to 1873, many of the older style grammar schools, such as the
Barrows and Hooker buildings, were erected. New methods of
instruction were introduced. The high school grew in numbers and
finally called for a new home. This was provided by the erection
of a building now used by the State street grammar school. By
careful selection the personnel of the teaching force was improved.
Coherence and unity were given to the school system. Public
confidence was secured and found expression in generous appropri-
ations.

Superintendent Admiral P. Stone extended and perfected the
work of organization. In his annual reports he brought before the
people the vital facts of the schools. His term of service, 1873 to
1888, was a time of financial depression in the country at large and
of reduced appropriations in the city. Mr. Stone by his ability in
organization did much to bring the schools uninjured through this
trying experience.

ft.

^Ln.,^. flxM:uh.

Springfield Present and Prospective 35

Dr. Thomas M. Balliet assumed charge of the schools in April,
1888. He brought to his task a broad and thorough training in th.e
philosophy of education and a mastery of the best methods of instruc-
tion. His inspiration and influence soon made themselves felt on
teachers, committee and community. New lines of development
were opened to meet the social and economic needs of the city.
Kindergartens were placed on a permanent basis. The practical
spirit of the time showed itself in the opening of cooking schools for
both day and evening classes. Elementary evening schools were
improved and extended and an evening high school established.
With clear understanding of the city's industrial needs, Doctor
Balliet encouraged the development of the manual training course.
In 1898, a Mechanic Arts high school was organized. This institu-
tion is now known as the Technical high school, and is intended to
join academic training with courses in shop work and applied science.
An evening school of trades was opened in connection with this
department of instruction.

Material equipment made rapid advances during the period from
1888 to 1904. Over a million dollars were spent on school buildings
and among these are many that are recognized as among the best
examples of school architecture in the country.

In May, 1904, Doctor Balliet resigned his position to enter on his
work as dean of the School of Pedagogy in New York university.
His successor, Mr. Wilbur F. Gordy, was chosen in June, 1904. Mr.
Gordy's long and successful experience in school duties and his un-
derstanding of the practical problems of education insure the main-
tenance of the high standards of Springfield and a continued progress
along right lines. The community has already given Mr. Gordy its
confidence and looks on him as worthy to wear the mantle of his
high oflice.

This brief historical sketch shows that in the half-century since
the schools of Springfield were brought under one system of manage-
ment, notable results in popular education have been secured.
While there has been general advance in all lines of instruction, this
city has certain characteristics that have given it a unique reputa-
tion in the land. A prime cause of the excellence of the schools is
the intelligent interest of the people in education. School men and
citizens are one in the purpose to maintain the schools in the most

36 Springfield Present and Prospective

efficient condition. The community has always been able to com-
mand the service of strong men and women for its school committee.
The committee has wisely granted large powers to the superintend-
ent ^nd has not embarrassed him by needless limitations in the
appointment of teachers or in the planning of courses of instruction.
Politics and personal or partisan influence have never found an
abiding place in the council of the school board. Hence in selecting
teachers the only question is fitness for the duties of the position to
be filled. Incompetent or inefficient teachers are not retained.

The spirit and morale of the teaching body is unusual. Personal
interest in the children and care for the needs of the individual have
come to be traditions of the service. There is a fine enthusiasm in
their work and an active interest in promoting the well-being of the
community at large. As a result of the excellence of the Springfield
schools and the strength of her instructors there has been an increas-
ing tendency on the part of other cities to seek for candidates among
the ranks of the local teachers. Too often these attempts have been
successful. On the other hand it is worthy of note that loyalty to
Springfield has led many teachers to remain, even at some financial
sacrifice.

In her educational policy, Springfield has alwa}^ sought to give
abundant room for individual initiative and has never hampered
her teachers by petty restrictions. Routine details have been mini-
mized. The demand has been for the impress of the personality of
the instructor on the plastic nature of the child. Work under such
conditions is sure to attract and hold men and women filled with the
true spirit of the teacher.

The same consideration for the needs of the child is shown in
methods and courses of study. One illustration from the policy of
the high schools will make clear the Springfield policy. While many
boys and girls are fitted for college each year and sent to a large
number of different institutions of learning, the methods of instruc-
tion and curriculum are not dominated by the requirements for
admission to the college. Rather is regard had to the best general
training of the youth, in science, language, mathematics, history and
art. Commercial and technical courses rank on an equality with
college preparatory work. The high school maintains its own
individuality and independence. Yet no schools rank better in

Springfield Present and Prospective 37

■ -— — - — ^.^— — ^^^ — — ^— — — ^^^^— — ,_^^^^__^ . —

standing with the colleges and the success of Springfield graduates
in higher institutions and the many distinctions that fall to them
show that education for general efficiency brings in the long run
better results than special preparation for an examination.

Another characteristic of Springfield's educational system is the
emphasis laid on practical studies. In this respect the city has
shown a progressive spirit and open-minded attitude. For many
years instruction has been given in cooking, sewing, and drawing,
both free-hand and mechanical. Manual training is thoroughly
taught in the grammar grades, and finds its culmination in the
excellent courses of the Technical high school in wood and metal
work, and in the evening school of trades with its provisions for
instruction in various skilled industries.

With the increase of the foreign-born population there has come
a demand for increased facilities in evening schools to teach elemen-
tary branches. Such schools are maintained in the Elm street build-
ing and at Indian Orchard. In 1904, there was a total enrollment
in these schools of 1,430. All the evening classes, including the
high school, evening draughting, free-hand drawing and trades
school, gave a total enrollment of 2,421 students.

Practical studies are given a large place in the evening high
school and the classes in bookkeeping, arithmetic, stenography,
typewriting and laboratory work in science are well attended. While
the Central high school holds firmly to the idea of general as opposed
to special training, opportunities are given for a commercial educa-
tion. The ready demand for high school graduates by business
men testifies to the value of the instruction in both academic and
technical subjects. Yearly more positions are offered than there
can be found graduates to fill.

In this connection attention is called to the growth and develop-
ment of the Technical high school. The experimental stage of man-
ual training lasted from 1886 to 1898. At first the courses were
mainly in the grammar grades, but in 1896 a four-years' course was
established in connection with the Central high school. In 1898 an
independent school of secondary grade, known as the Mechanic Arts
high school, was organized. In May, 1904, the name was changed to
Technical high school. The school for a long time occupied rented
quarters in the Springfield Industrial institute at Winchester Park

38 SpringfieU Present and Prospective

but a fine building is now under construction on Elliott street at a
cost of over |t300,cx)0, and planned to provide large facilities for
instruction in academic and technical studies. Courses in home
economics and domestic science v^ill be given in this school. The
building will accommodate nine hundred pupils.

The practical side of education is kept in due subordination to
the claims of general culture. Such studies as free-hand drawing
and music have been recognized in the curriculum of all grades.
In the Central high school, classes in musical analysis and harmony
mark an advanced line of study, and have received special mention
from the state board of education.

Within recent years expert attention has been given to the proper
physical development of children. A supervisor of physical culture
has the oversight of the pupils of the grammar and primary grades.
Games and light gymnastics are provided. Outdoor sports are en-
couraged and directed. In the high school all athletics are under
the supervision of a competent physical director, while every boy is
required to do definite gymnasium work. The school board is now
earnestly urging the organization of a system of medical inspection.

In material equipment, the city has provided most generously
for her schools.

The buildings recently erected for grammar and high school pur-
poses have attracted favorable comment from visitors. Mention
has already been made of the Central and Technical high schools.
In 1903, the Chestnut street grammar school was completed at a
cost of 1(135,961. The Forest Park building, dating from 1899,
represents an outlay of Jt90,cx)0. The William street school, in-
cluding land and building, is valued at 1(76,000. Provision is made
of the most modern and efficient appliances for sanitation, including
heat and ventilation. Such buildings with their tasteful decorations
and neat surroundings constitute no small factor in the education of
the child's taste and contribute to right conduct.

Tribute to the excellence of Springfield's school system is given
in the attention her schools have received'from students of education.
In 1902, commissioners from New South Wales, officially delegated
by their government to examine the school systems of the world,
spent two days in Springfield, and in their report gave high praise to
what they saw in this city. Many foreign delegates to the educational

WILBUR F. GORDY

.^Toung MerCs Christian Association Training School — The Dormitories
Wood's Hall

Springfield Present and Prospective 39

congress at St. Louis in 1904 made a point of inspecting the schools
of Springfield on their way home. Most significant was the visit of
Dr. Paul Albrecht, minister of public instruction for Alsace-Lorraine,
who made a special study of methods of teaching ancient and mod-
ern languages, a field in which Germans are supposed to be masters.

These visits were due in part to the impression made by the exhi-
bition of the Springfield schools at the expositions at Chicago in
1893, Buffalo in 1900, and finally at St. Louis in 1904. At the St.
Louis fair three gold medals were awarded, one for elementary edu-
cation in arithmetic, one for evening trades classes, and one for
secondary education.

Springfield, now fully entered on her second half-century of exist-
ence as a city, possesses a great treasure in the organization, equip-
ment, standards and spirit of her schools and teachers. Generous
appropriations from the public treasury, cordial support of the school
board, freedom from political and personal influences in the city
government, are the civic factors that have contributed to this result.
Under such favorable conditions, capable, broad-minded and expert
superintendents, joined in a common work with loyal and efficient
teachers, have instilled through the schools into the youth of the
community the best of their life and character. No better founda-
tion can a city lay for continued prosperity. Economic success de-
pends on an abundant supply of trained workmen. These the
schools are furnishing, and in greater numbers and variety as de-
partments of instruction multiply. Public peace and safety depend
on the right attitude of the citizen towards all questions of law and
order. Such lessons faithful teachers supply by example and pre-
cept. Great problems of the municipality call for minds capable of
grasping details and reaching sound conclusions. The exercises of
the classroom give this mental power to the coming voter. Above
all else should the spirit and atmosphere of the schoolroom influence
the youth to consider his higher duties to the city and state, duties
that call for self-sacrifice in the interest of the community, the true
civic spirit that alone makes democracy possible.

As Springfield has loyally supported her schools in the past, she
will in the future provide fully the means and conditions necessary
to assure progress and an even better adaptation to the needs of the
public weal.

40 Springfield Present and Prospective

Certain Other Schools

SPRINGFIELD, through the enterprise of her citizens, aided by her
advantages of easy access to New York and Boston, and by her
attraction as a residential city, has been selected as a home for two
institutions of learning that are doing interesting, unique and val-
uable work. These are the International Young Men's Christian
Association Training school and the American International college,
formerly known as the French-American college. The International
Training school was founded in 1885 by Rev. David Allen Reed
in connection with the School for Christian Workers. In 1890, it
became independent, and in 189 1 was established in its present home
on the shores of Massasoit lake. Here it possesses a property of
thirty acres of land with the use of the lake two and a half miles long
for boating purposes.

The first building, a model gymnasium, was erected in 1894.
Connected with this is a fine athletic field. Since 1894, there have
been added a dormitory, boat house and Woods hall, a building
that provides dining-room and kitchen, together with facilities for
social purposes. The total value of the property is estimated at
1150,000.

As its name indicates, the special function of the school is to
train workers for the service of the Young Men's Christian associ-
ation. . Two distinct fields are recognized, secretaryship and that
of physical director. This work has been done with great suc-
cess and the reputation of the school is so high that application for
its graduates are five times greater than the number of men available.
Universities, academies and high schools are also looking to this
institution for men to take charge of their athletics and physical
training. Graduates of the school are to be found in many of the
important cities of the United States and Canada and widely scat-
tered through the foreign field.

As an equipment for instruction the school has a library of seven
thousand volumes and over sixty thousand pamphlets and maga-
zines. Many of these books are of unique value as they relate to
the history, methods and development of the Young Men's Christian
association. Laboratories are also provided for practical experi-
mentation in physiology, physics and psychology.

T/rr American International College — tVomen*s Building
^The McDufe School on Central Street

*"rA# ElmSf** on High Street ^The Drawing-room

Springfield Present and Prospective 41

The faculty is composed of nine professors whose work is sup-
plemented by the assistance of eleven instructors and twelve lec-
turers. Among the courses given are those on history and literature
of the Young Men's Christian association, anatomy, psychology,
sociology, physiology, anthropometry and the Bible. The grad-
uates of the school are exerting a potent influence on the youth of
America by their teaching and example. Purity of life and high
ideals are inculcated through the medium of the association, while
a positive work is being done through schools and universities to
elevate the tone of athletics and to make out-door and in-door
sports a means of character building.

As a factor that makes for a vigorous manhood the International
Training school is winning general recognition and the generous sup-
port of men of means. Its ___location in Springfield is an advantage
to the school and a credit to the city.

The French- American college was founded in Lowell May i,
1885, to provide for the needs of the great and growing French
population of New England. Immigration from Canada had
assumed such proportions as to cause serious concern to those in-
terested in the social and religious condition of Massachusetts and
neighboring states. To train up teachers and leaders for this new
element of our citizenship was felt to be an imperative need of the
times. After an interval of three years the college was transferred to
Springfield, where a building, Owen Street hall, was erected for
its accommodation. A dwelling-house known as the Cottage, was
purchased and put at the disposal of the institution. The college
now possesses in addition a gymnasium hall, a printing ofiice, a
dwelling-house, occupied by one of the professors, and the Woman's
hall. The last structure was finished in 1899 and contains a chapel,
reception hall, dining-room and kitchen, and dormitory provisions
for young women in attendance on the college. The college grounds
contain five and one-half acres, and the total property is valued at
190,000.

Since its foundation the institution has broadened its scope to
include, besides French speaking peoples, students from the Italian,
Greek, Armenian, Polish and Spanish races, and in 1905 the name
was changed to the American International college. Rapidly chang-
ing conditions in New England have made advisable such a widening

42 Springfield Present and Prospective

of the influence of the college. To meet the needs of its constituency
two courses of study are offered by this institution. The college
proper aims to provide instruction similar in range and thoroughness
to that commonly accepted as included in the requirement for the
degree of A.B. Those who complete the collegiate course are qual-
ified to enter on professional training and to become teachers among
their own people.

The second department, known as the French-American acad-
emy, covers the ground of a secondary education. Its regular
classical course calls for a term of study of four years. In connection
with the academy is the Gymnasium Hall school, which provides
special training for pupils who are deficient in some branches.
It supplements admirably the work of the academy proper. Re-
ligious training constitutes an important part of the curriculum in
both college and academy.

Students are given the opportunity to learn the art of printing
and to care for the grounds and buildings under supervision. The
American International college has under great difliculties succeeded
in doing a valuable work in training the young people who come
under its care in the duties and responsibilities of Christian living
and good citizenship.

Springfield is fortunate in possessing two private schools of high
grade. The older of these is The Elms, a school for girls, with fully
organized courses of instruction of high, intermediate and primary
grades. This school was opened in Hadley in 1866, and in 1881 it
removed to Springfield, where it has an attractive ___location on High
street. The removal involved no change in management. The
Elms has a high standing and is recognized for the excellence of its
college preparatory work by the leading women's colleges, such as
Smith, Vassar, Mt. Holyoke and Wellesley. All these institutions
have granted this school the right of admission by certificate. The
Elms has a reputation for thorough instruction in all branches.
It offers good courses in music, art, physical culture and the study of
current literature.

The MacDufiie school for girls is most fortunate in its situation.
It occupies the homestead of the late Samuel Bowles on a spot near
the center of the city and yet quiet and retired. Well organized

Springfield Present and Prospective 43

courses of study are pursued in this school under competent instruct-
ors. The departments cover the entire period from kindergarten
to entrance to college. Music, language and art are given careful
attention. Graduates of the school are accepted on certificate by
New England colleges for women. Preparation is also made for the
examination for admission to RadcliiFe. The school is attended
by day pupils from the city and has a number of resident scholars
who come from a distance.

William Orr

Technical Education

SPRINGFIELD stands foremost among the cities of the
country in the prominence given in her educational system
to those school exercises which give training and informa-
tion that may be quickly turned to practical account. She
was among the first to introduce manual training. This
was to be expected. The first city in Massachusetts to elect a super-
intendent of schools, a city that has always been characterized by
the keenest interest on the part of her citizens in the education of
her youth, generously supporting the schools and taking a pride in
keeping them well up to the times in equipment and efficiency, was
sure to be the first city to appreciate the industrial needs of the age
and to make an effort to meet them.

Nineteen years ago manual training was introduced into the
schools of this city. It is a credit to the wisdom of the school com-
mittee then in power and to the intelligence and public spirit of the
citizens that a beginning was made in this important form of educa-
tional work eight years before the law requiring it was written in
the statutes. Nor is this fact the only evidence in the city's belief
in the policy of making the schools thoroughly practical. In 1898,
after twelve years of experimenting, Springfield entered upon a
distinct and comprehensive system of manual and technical training.
An independent high school was then organized, of which the dis-
tinctive feature was that every student enrolled must take a four-
years' course in the mechanic arts, together with a full course in the

44 Springfield Present and Prospective

usual academic studies. In the same year an evening trades school
was opened, which, at small expense to the city, offers free instruc-
tion and practice in fundamental trades.

Meanwhile, the manual training, sewing, and cooking lessons
of the grammar grades took their place side by side with other school
exercises in regular school hours, and were greatly improved. At the
present time there are well-equipped manual training-rooms and
school kitchens in nearly all of the grammar schools. Instruction in
bench work with wood is given to all the boys of the seventh, eighth,
and ninth grades, and for the boys of the ninth grade these lessons
come once a week. Probably no city in the country has so thorough
a system of elementary manual training as that now in force in
Springfield. The high grade of mechanical work done in the Tech-
nical high school is largely due to the excellent preparation which
most of its students receive under the manual training teachers of
the grammar schools.

But the crowning evidence of Springfield's educational enterprise
and of her sympathy with modern tendencies in education is seen
in the liberal provision made for the development of the new Tech-
nical high school. The building now being erected on Elliott street,
designed by the local well-known architects, E. C. and G.C. Gardner,
will be, when completed, the largest and probably the best equipped
high school building of this type in New England. It is 238 feet
long by 214 feet deep, and is designed to accommodate nine hundred
pupils. There are twenty-two classrooms in the main building,
varying somewhat in size, the largest accommodating eighty pupils
and the smallest twenty-four. Besides the regular classrooms in the
main building, there are eight rooms on the top floor to be devoted
to physics and chemistry. Four large rooms on this floor are also
available for work in domestic science and the industrial arts. In
the basement there is a gymnasium 76 feet long by 57 feet wide,
including corridors, with two large rooms for lockers and baths and
four other rooms to be given over to athletic purposes. A capacious
lunchroom and other accessory rooms are also located in the base-
ment. The running-track of the gymnasium opens into the main
corridor on the first floor directly opposite the front entrance to the
building. Above this, on the second floor, is located the assembly
hall, which has a gallery entered from the third floor.

two

«3

William Street School ^South Main Street School

Springfield Present and Prospective 45

The mechanical wing, situated in the rear of the main building,
is of peculiar design and construction and well suited to its special
uses. In the basement of this wing is the forge shop, 67 feet square,
covered by a monitor roof of special design which admits light and
provides for ventilation. On one side of the forge shop are located
the boiler and engine rooms, and on the other the foundry and wood-
turning shops. The basement also contains two rooms for the plumb-
ing classes and the necessary locker rooms. On the first floor of the
mechanical wing are three rooms designed for machine-shop work
and three for joinery and pattern-making. All these rooms are well
lighted by large and numerous windows, and some of them receive
light through the low roof which covers the main part of the mechan-
ical wing. The rear of this wing is carried up two stories higher
than the main part, and on the first of these additional stories are
three rooms, one for electrical work, another for wood-finishing,
another for free-hand drawing. The top floor of this elevated por-
tion is to be entirely given over to the department of mechanical
drawing, and is divided into two large drawing-rooms, a lecture-
room, and several accessory rooms.

The building is designed to be of moderate cost and yet pro-
vide ever)^hing essential to a thoroughly-equipped technical high
school. It will cost, exclusive of the lot, but including the nec-
essary equipment, not less than $265,000. Ordinary red brick
is the principal material used for its construction, but the main
building is finished in a special grade of red brick, with Indiana
limestone trimmings. The central portion around the main entrance
is entirely of Indiana limestone. The entire building is of fireproof
construction of the modern reinforced concrete type. This form of
construction not only furnishes complete protection against fire, but
insures durability, freedom from sound transmission and from dust
and other unsanitary conditions. The corridor floors are of grano-
lithic or terrazzo material, and the stairs .have concrete treads. The
heating and ventilating system depends upon the forced circulation
of hot water with direct radiation and an abundant supply of fresh
air at a moderate temperature under the control of pressure and
exhaust fans. A 1 25-horse-power engine with a direct-connected
electrical generator furnishes the power for the heating and venti-
lating system, for the machine work of the mechanical departments.

46 Springfield Present and Prospective

and for a considerable portion of the artificial lighting. Great care
has been taken to give the building a thoroughly modern and
efficient equipment.

The new building will furnish facilities not only for more effective
training along lines which are followed at present, but it will aiFord
an opportunity for the development of many other lines of technical
training which are much to be desired. On general principles there
is no reason why the advantages of a technical high school should
be offered exclusively to boys, as has hitherto been the practice in
Springfield. The general policy of the school is to connect the
education of youth during the high-school period with the practical
life of the times, without sacrificing a strong academic course in all
the essentials. Girls need this practical training during the second-
ary school period as well as boys. In view of the direct influence
upon the home life, the teaching of home economics and domestic
arts to girls in a practical way is of the greatest importance. Many
of the industrial arts also offer to young women larger opportunities
every year. In several cities where schools of this type have been
carried on, girls were admitted from the first. In this respect
Springfield is behind other cities; but with the opening of the new
building for the Technical high school it need not long remain in
that position.

The value of technical education to the individual and its im-
portance to the community are sure to be realized more and more
as the opportunities for acquiring it are extended. This extension
is an assured fact in Springfield; and in providing liberally for
practical training the city is but keeping well abreast of the times
in her educational policy. The most notable fact in the educational
world of the present day is the rapid expansion of technical schools.
For many years such schools have formed a large part of great
national systems of education in continental Europe, where they
have been most important factors in determining industrial and
commercial progress. In America they are of more recent origin,
since they are, for the most part, the result rather than, as in Europe,
the cause of material development. They have come in our country
as the natural consequence of great discoveries in applied science
which have given men a new and greatly enlarged control over
natural forces, revealed unexpected stores of wealth in our vast

Springfield Present and Prospective 47

natural resources, enormously multiplied our manufactured products
and correspondingly increased our capacity to supply the world's
markets. They have come in answer to a demand for men of
scientific education and special training to study the problems and
direct the enterprises of the day or to take the humbler but no less
important places in the modern industrial world. They have come
because a practical age needs practical schools.

The first answer to this demand in this country came in the
establishment of technical schools of college grade to train men for
the engineering professions. These schools have been supported
partly from private endowments and partly from funds appropriated
by the states in which they are located; and they have also received
assistance from the general government through the sale of public
lands. But it was not enough that the colleges alone should shape
their courses to the needs of a scientific and industrial age. The
public schools under municipal control, always quick to follow the
lead of the higher educational institutions, are responding to the
demand for practical studies and a training designed to connect
school life more closely with the life of the times. To the popular
mind the new education means better training for the vocations.
To the leaders in educational thought it means much more than
this. It means a new force appealing to the interest of pupils, and
a certain completeness in the pupil's development through the influ-
ence of motor activities. It means an increased educational value
in the work of the schools.

But however justified in theory, the idea has taken firm hold of
the public schools under the general name of manual training. In
Massachusetts it finds recognition in a law requiring all cities and
towns of twenty thousand inhabitants or more to maintain manual
training as a part of its elementary and of its high school system.
In every state of the union the pressure of public opinion has been
felt in favor of vitalizing the work of the schools by the introduction
of studies and exercises that have close relation with the industrial
and home life of the times. All classes and grades of schools, those
supported by endowment and tuition fees, as well as those maintained
at municipal expense, are feeling the influence of this great move-
ment for a more practical training than that which obtained in the
schools and colleges of the country during the first three-quarters of

48 Springfield Present and Prospective

the century just passed. It is doubtful if there has been for many
years any improvement in educational thought and practice of greater
present value or of better promise for the future than the emphasis
now being given to the practical side of education through the
various forms of manual and technical training.

But the present development of the practical element in the
schools of Springfield has not been brought about at the expense of
general culture, nor is it likely to lead to that result. The too early
and perhaps over-emphasized specializing of some foreign schools
will not be copied anywhere in America. It is certainly not the
province of technical high schools to develop special skill by practice
along narrow lines. The aim is breadth of training combined with
effectiveness. All the older studies of proved value are retained and
their value increased by giving them vital relations with practical
life.

Charles F. Warner

xvx2^c^^/LZ-^-<^ -^tA-c^-T?7"^^c-X y^)^i'OZ^€^^

AR.T-AND li
LITE R AT VRE 1^1

HERE is probably no other city of its rank in this
country so distinguished for its possession and its
appreciation of art as Springfield. Its own production
in painting or sculpture is not large, — in fact it has not
produced a single sculptor; even its mortuary monu-
ments are designed if not executed in Italy; while its painters, though
we shall presently do them deserved honor, do not transcend in
ability or exceed in number those of other cities no larger or more
cultured. But the city which gives a home to the great and various
art collections of George Walter Vincent Smith, — a home of beautiful
architecture, without a fellow in its proportions and contents, — has
no rivalry in comparison; and the support which for thirty years it
has given to an annual exhibition of the art of American painters
testifies to something very unusual in the constituency of the region.
The most extraordinary feature of the culture of this city is un-
doubtedly the Art Museum. It is now famed even beyond the
boundaries of the continent; it is known in the European capitals
and in the great east of far Asia. This is because it houses the col-
lections of Mr. Smith. To this remarkable man is in simple truth
due the credit for our reputation. The way in which he came to
make his collections, and the causes which led him to choose the
people of this city and its vicinage for his beneficiaries, must be
known in the first place.

Mr. Smith is descended of a long New England ancestry, clearly
traced from 1639, when Giles Smith settled in Hartford; and in his
eight generations in America there came into his Puritan heritage

50 Springfield Present and Prospective

twice a strain of the French Huguenot, which he regards as of
moment in coloring his temperament and inducing his irresistible
passion for art; which, while it never led him to essay any field of
production, has swayed his whole life. Not to dwell upon the busi-
ness career of many prosperous forebears, including his father, who
died when he was two years old, it must be noted that he himself
began work as a youth with a New York importing house, and rose
to be its confidential assistant and manager; that later he engaged
in a manufacturing enterprise on his own account and was prospered
therein, but retired from it in 1867, when he was but thirty-five
years old, to pursue a career more to his preference — ^the cultivation
and development of his aesthetic tastes. He gave up money-making
except as an incidental means of indulging these tastes, and having
when only eighteen years old begun the acquirement of beautiful
examples of art, this has been, ever since his retirement from active
business pursuits, the one object of his life. Abjuring all display
and luxury of living, he devoted his years to the culture of the art
sense in Europe, in the society of artists and connoisseurs, and
among the treasures of its galleries and museums, never neglecting
interest in American art, and becoming the friend and patron of our
home artists. He traveled widely, and became known first in Europe,
and then by his purchases to the purveyors of Japanese and Chinese
art. It is by this devotion to a single purpose that Mr. Smith gath-
ered his marvelous collections, a considerable part of which are now
in the Springfield Art Museum.

He came to be a resident of Springfield through marriage with
Miss Belle Townsley, daughter of George R. Townsley, a highly-
esteemed citizen of large public spirit and individual character.
Various circumstances contributed to his determination to make
here the final home of his collections and the repository of his life-
work. The City Library association, under the wise management
of Rev. Dr. William Rice, its first librarian, had been so chartered
that it could include as a part of its educational scheme a permanent
display of art in all fields, and when the time came, Mr. Smith
offered to bequeath to the association his collections, and to endow
them, on condition that they should be provided with suitable rooms
for their display and their preservation intact and apart from all
other gifts. At the same time Mrs. Smith oflFered her rare and fine

^Gallery of Paintings in Art Museum (west end), with Wood's Portrait of Mr. and Mrs, Smith
*Th€ Bronze Eagle of Shokichi in the Gallery of Paintings

Springfield Present and Prospective 51

collection of laces and embroideries. The conditions were accepted
and the beautiful building, planned by the late Walter Tallant Owen
of Springfield, in the noted architectural firm of Renwick, Aspinwall
y Renwick, was built. From the bequest of $50,000 made by
Horace Smith, 1(35,000 was drawn for the land, and toward the
erection of the building sixty-nine individuals and firms of Spring-
field subscribed some i|!90,ooo, the largest contributors being Miss
Harriet B. Hitchcock, John Olmsted, James A. Rumrill, James
Kirkham, Mrs. Amelia Chapin Haile, P. P. Kellogg, Mrs. C. L.
Covell and Mrs. Horatio N. Case. The names of all are inscribed
on a bronze tablet at the entrance. The building, in Italian renais-
sance style, is one of the most beautiful examples of befitting archi-
tecture in the country. It should be noted that along its frieze, on
the south-west side and on the front, are wrought in metal letters
the names of great artists, and for the first time in the world the
names of Japanese and Chinese artists rank with those of Europe.
In all this work, interior and exterior, Mr. Smith's taste was the
governing factor.

There has not been too much space given to these preliminaries,
since after all the collections are what make the city exceptional.
Mr. Smith's scope of choice has been catholic; while the principal
and striking feature of the collections is the predominance of the
art in porcelains, cloisonne ware, bronzes, jades, iron, lacquer, and
ivory, of Japan and China, there are also shown here noteworthy
examples of the armor of past ages, from complete suits of mail of
the days of chivalry in Europe and Japan to the curious weapons of
savage nations; missals and gospels of the Christian church before
the days of printing, Jewish scrolls and Mohammedan manuscripts,
Japanese books, and so on. There are also many examples of an-
cient carved furniture from Venice and other Italian cities. A strik-
ing rarity is a shrine by the famous Jacopo Sansovino. There are
also vestments of the Roman church, and aristocratic coats and
waistcoats and small clothes of the days "when a gentleman did
not dress like a waiter." Several cabinets contain stuffs of the rich-
est weaves and patterns from various lands. Wall cases contain
rugs, the finest products of the patient weavers of Hindustan, Cash-
mere, Kurdistan, Turkistan, Daf^hestan and other Asiatic countries
where this work is done. Musical instruments are not made a

52 Springfield Present and Prospective

specialty in the collection^ but there are a few of these of curious
interest — as curious as, more pleasing than, the kreeses of the Malay
and the beheading knives — the cimeters — of the Filipinos, which
make real to us the barbarisms of the East.

The display of Mrs. Smith's exquisitely chosen and arranged
laces and embroideries occupies a number of cases in the largest hall
of the museum, which was originally intended for a gallery of paint-
ings, and which now has a few noteworthy canvases, among which
is a portrait of a young Spanish grandee by Velasquez — presented
to Mr. Smith by Mr. Renwick the architect, and in itself a distinction
for a provincial town. There is also in this room a statue of modem
Italian art given by Mr. Carnegie, in token of his admiration for the
collections and the museum. It is a "Mercury in Repose." A noble
wood interior by R. M. ShurtleiF hangs on the walls, and a stunning
example of the metallic style of painting, "The Village Tinker," by
Henry Mosler. Around this gallery are distributed some of the most
remarkable items of the Smith collection, among them a number of
Greek amphoras, rescued from the Ionian Sea a few years ago;
some great Imari jars, beautiful old cabinets and fine suits of Japa-
nese armor.

In the same building, on the first floor, is a large gallery of casts
from the great Greek and Roman statuary, from the Italian Renais-
sance, from medieval religious sculpture, and though not a great col-
lection, it is one wisely selected, and the room is called the Horace
Smith hall of sculpture. There are two attractive audience halls,
which open into each other, for the purpose of special meetings and
of lectures in behalf of education and culture. These are adorned
with many portraits of eminent citizens of Springfield, connected
with the great city library institution, and in the halls and reading-
rooms of the William Rice building are many more portraits of
historical value, not a few being also of importance in art; the works
are by Chester Harding, William S. Elwell, Joseph O. Eaton,
Thomas Waterman Wood, Irene Parmelee and others. The por-
traits of Doctor Rice, Samuel Bowles, Chester W. Chapin, Dr.
David P. Smith, Horace Smith, George Bliss, Maj. G. W. Whistler
— the railroad engineer, father of the celebrated artist James Abbott
McNeil Whistler, — ^William Merrick, a generous benefactor of the
city in many ways, after whom Merrick park was named, are here
to be mentioned.

Springfield Present and Prospective 53

The other extraordinary record of Springfield in the line of art
has been the series of exhibitions of American paintings which
James D. Gill (now collector of internal revenue in Boston) has
carried on for twenty-seven years, with a success unrivaled in the
country. If any man can assert himself a friend and the furtherer
of American art, it is Mr. Gill. These exhibitions, however, owe
their initiative, their launching, to George Walter Vincent Smith,
who in 1878 enlisted the ready interest of Mr. Gill, then dealer in
books, art and stationery, who had already held some picture exhi-
bitions in his store; and Mr. Smith filled an improvised gallery
with a collection of somewhat more than fifty paintings by note-
worthy American artists — ^his wide and intimate acquaintance with
them all enabling him to secure a fine representative collection. He
succeeded in selling here thirty-six out of the number hung, and in
the next year gave valuable service in establishing that standard of
excellence which ever since has been maintained by Mr. Gill, with
resulting success in reputation and pecuniary reward that is quite
unparalleled in the country. Mr. Gill has in the course of these
nearly thirty years brought into Springfield more than three thousand
oil paintings (and for one season, water colors also), and has sold
from twenty-five to forty out of each separate display; thus he has
placed in the homes of this city and its neighbors — sometimes, in-
deed, in cities hundreds of miles away — at least eight hundred, and
probably more than a thousand, representative works of American
art. In all this time, though often tempted to exhibit foreign paint-
ings, Mr. Gill has remained true to that patriotic feeling; the only
European work to receive a place in his exhibitions during these
many years being a landscape by Rosa Bonheur — ^which, we regret
to say, found no purchaser here. Mr. Gill has thus gained room in
Springfield for some of the most admirable landscapes or marines of
Inness, Wyant, Swain Gifford, Sanford GiflFord, Jervis McEntee,
Worthington Whittredge, Frederick E. Church, Winslow Homer,
J. C. NicoU, Maurice De Haas, John G. Tyler, Francis Murphy,
Samuel Colman, R. M. ShurtlefF, Thomas Lachlan Smith, Robert
C. Minor, James M. Hart, William Hart, Thomas Moran, Edward
Moran, J. B. Bristol, F. K. M. Rehn, among others; the figure
pieces of J. G. Brown, T. W. Wood, Leon and Percy Moran, F. S.
Church, F. E. Bridgman, Hamilton Hamilton, Edgar M. Ward;

54 Springfield Present and Prospective

the cattle or sheep pieces of Howe, Wentworth, Tait; the historical
compositions of Wordsworth Thompson, the genre work of E. L.
Henry and Harry Roseland, — and more whom to name would make
the list tedious. The exhibition of Mr. Gill has thus been for over a
quarter century the art event of the year, and bids fair still to re-
main so. That American art has been encouraged and helped by
Mr. Gill's ceaseless and intelligent business enterprise is patent to
all who note this unrivaled record. He has known how to bring to
his market the pictures that will surely sell, and with them also works
of such eminence as must dignify the exhibition and may find a wise
buyer. Many masterpieces of the foremost of our artists are owned
in the city or near by because of Mr. Gill's shrewd judgment and
educated taste.

The city is fortunate in possessing two works of art of the first
order in their respective lines, the heroic bronze statue of "The
Puritan," by Augustus St. Gaudens, on Merrick park, and the stained
glass painting of Mary of Magdala at the Tomb, by John La Farge,
in the parish house of Christ church. The statue is the gift to the
city of the late Chester W. Chapin, president of the Boston and Albany
railroad and member of Congress, in honor of the ancestor of all "the
Chapin tribe," now a very great one in this country, who was
Deacon Samuel Chapin, one of the early settlers of Springfield and
a sturdy man, as befitted the time and his duty. The statue is no
portrait of any Chapin, but a composite in the sculptor's mind of
the family type, and fitly given the ideal name, "The Puritan."
Under that name it is famous in the wider world, and a cast in
the Luxembourg ranks it in France with the foremost sculptures of the
day, and indeed St. Gaudens is by worthy critics placed beside the
men of the Italian Renaissance.

John La Farge is represented here by one of his most beautiful
of glass paintings through the desire of Mrs. Daniel Putnam Crocker
to memorialize her husband, a prominent parishioner of Christ
church. There is in all this artist's work a quality of individual in-
spiration, especially in religious subjects, which glows in his very
device of color. The window is one to remember. There are also
in the parish house several other memorial windows, of simpler
subjects, from the studio of Mr. La Farge, and others; and in the
chancel of Christ church there is a group of windows wrought by

^A Gallery of Porcelains and Curios ^ArmSy Armor and Cloissonni Ware

Q
^

^<?^m^ ^-i<m/ii;^^

Springfield Present and Prospective 55

the most eminent glass painting house in England, that of Heaton,
Butler y Payne of London, which is well worth seeing. The Church
of the Unity is adorned with a series of beautiful windows, mainly
from the Tiffanys, but also from the Church Decorating company,
and of these a copy of Correggio's "Holy Night," and a noble figure
of Heosphoros, the Light Bringer, by Edward Simmons, are to be
noted. The last mentioned is in memorial of Samuel Bowles.

Besides the St. Gaudens statue, there is on Court square a memo-
rial of another first settler of Springfield, in the statue of Sergeant
Miles Morgan with bell-mouthed gun over his shoulder and hoe in
hand, as wrought in bronze by Jonathan Scott Hartley; a gift to the
city by a New York banker, Junius S. Morgan, descendant of the
sergeant. Also there is the soldiers' monument on Court square,
given by Gurdon Bill, — a sentinel surmounting a granite shaft;
while in the Springfield cemetery there is another soldiers' monument
in the burial plot of the veterans, done by Manuel Power. The
bust of President McKinley, the work of Philip Martiny, is erected
in Forest park, on the southern point over the Pecowsic valley. It
was placed there through the subscription of citizens. The treasures
of art that are kept in Springfield homes are numerous, as the record
of Mr. Gill's sales bears witness; but besides these are many paint-
ings which the local public has not seen, the purchases of citizens in
New York of foreign art. There are several collections, largely of
the art of Paris, in the city and in near towns, such as that of James
T. Abbe; and Dr. Luke Corcoran has a fine picture gallery at his
home on Maple street. In the privacy of some of the few old houses
and old families there are noteworthy portraits of past generations;
perhaps no Copley, Stuart or Smibert, but work of artists of much
fame in their day, as, for example, Chester Harding; one of the most
striking portraits of the many Harding painted of Daniel Webster
long hung in Highland Place, the mansion of the late Col. James
M. Thompson, and is now the property of the Algonquin club of
Boston.

Art has not been without its representatives in Springfield, but
with few exceptions these have been born elsewhere, and generally
have elsewhere gained their fame, though we are bettering that of
late years in an increasing number of painters in oils and water
colors. Our most distinguished artist of the earlier days was

56 Springfield Present and Prospective

Chester Harding, who made his home in the town from 1830 to his
death in 1866, when he was nearly 74 years old, and as full of honors
as of years. Harding belonged in the Connecticut valley, for he
was grandson of a Deerfield farmer on the father's side and of a
Whately farmer on the mother's, while he himself was bom in the
adjoining town of Conway, Sept. i, 1792. He had a youth of petty
adventure in peddling, and scrambled into portrait painting through
sign painting, with little education of any sort and none in art. Yet
he became the vogue in Boston to so great a degree that, in 1822,
when 30 years old, as he has recorded, he had a long waiting list,
and "Mr. Stuart, the greatest portrait painter this country ever
produced, was at that time in his manhood's strength as a painter,
yet he was idle half the winter. He would ask of his friends, ' How
rages the Harding fever P' " And he had as great a success in Great
Britain, not only on one visit, but on several, painting royal high-
nesses and so on. These facts are worth recalling, because Mr.
Harding should not be forgotten in the town which he chose as his
home in his prime and in which he died. Among his intimate friends
were George Ashmun and Daniel Webster. His " Egotistigraphy,' '
which he wrote for his family and which was published with further
notes by his daughter, Mrs. White, ought to be known as a record
of a noteworthy man. His personal appearance was remarkable,
for he was six feet three inches in height, nobly proportioned, and
his portrait in the city library will indicate how it was that he, with
his air of Nature's nobleman, won so well in life.

Mr. Harding had a pupil in William S. Elwell, whose career
as artist was cut short in his prime by paralysis though he con-
tinued to paint throughout his life, producing beautiful miniature
landscapes. He learned in the school wherein the painter made
his own palette, and used a score or two of colors, mixing them as
he chose, and there was a fashion of delicacy and refinement which
critics of the "Hudson River School" have characterized as feeble-
ness. Yet if one of these critics should look upon Asher Durand's
great mountain view in the Metropolitan Museum, or Frederick E.
Church's "Cotopaxi" in the Lenox library galleries, he would be
hard put to it to tell where the work could be improved. This is
only to say that Mr. Elwell painted beauty in the way in which he
could with his limited opportunities behold it, and was to his last

CHESTER HARDING

From the Portrait painted by himself

WILLIAM S. ELWELL

From a Crayon Portrait by Willis S. Adams

Springfield Present and Prospective 57

bit of gray matter an artist. One -who has a miniature Elwell may
value it highly. Mr. Elwell died in 1881, at the age of 71, and his
body was buried in Springfield cemetery, where a rude granite
boulder, overgrown by vines, as he desired, marks the place. His
name and dates are cut in a palette-shaped place on the rock; while
not far away is the freestone monument of Harding.

The artists of Springfield have grown to larger numbers than of
old. Among them one pays respect first to Roswell G. ShurtlefF,
who, like Mr. Elwell, paints with careful elegance, and is particu-
larly fortunate in his portrayal of autumn scenery in the hills. An
artist long associated with Springfield, by years of residence, by
friendship and by neighborhood, is Willis Seaver Adams, who lives
now in the house where he was born, in Suffield close by the old
Enfield bridge, and there paints wondrous landscapes, such as would
make him famous if he exhibited in the great cities, as he some-
times does in Hartford and Springfield. He is a great artist, in both
oils and water colors, but he would like to conceal it from the
public. He studied and sojourned in Antwerp, Munich, Venice
and elsewhere in Europe; was associated with Whistler, David
Neal, Otto Bacher, the late Robert Blum and others in those years.
The portrait painter of our region is Miss Irene Parmelee, who has
assured her lasting fame by her excellent portraits of Justice Justin
Dewey, in the court house; Judge William S. ShurtlefF in the
probate court room; Henry S. Lee, and many more of prominent
citizens. She divines character while she depicts likenesses, and
her technical work is broad and strong. Among the elder land-
scapists now is to be reckoned Edmund E. Case, faithful in his
presentation of mountain brooks and forest interiors and also of
the stem scenery of the north shore. Mr. Case and Miss Parmelee
studied in Paris with noted masters. Joseph J. La Valley has grown
close to Nature in his years of devotion to the brush, and he also
paints with skill those still life artificialities which are so much liked,
and the fruits of each season. George N. Bowers has been indus-
triously following art a long time; and loves the seashore; one of
his truthful representations of Gay Head, Martha's Vineyard, with
its colored clays, is properly placed on 'the walls of the Science
museum, where there ought to be more such canvases to illustrate
Nature's phases. Among other artists who have been associated

58 Springfield Present and Prospective

with the city may be named Henry H. Ahl, a native of Agawam,
who studied in Munich; George S. Payne, Bertus P. Pietersz — ^who
has gained repute in New York by his cattle pieces especially, —
George Harrington and Luther Knight, the pansy painter.
- When John Cotton Dana was librarian of the City library, he
entertained the notion of making the city a center of artistic indus-
tries, by means of a yearly exhibition which should comprise the
artists of the valley north and south, in crafts as well as in pictile and
sculptural art — if indeed anything in that last line should ever be
developed hereabouts. This would draw here as a common center
the work of the Deerfield and Greenfield independent societies,
painters like Augustus Vincent Tack, the great engraver and painter
Elbridge Kingsley, and others. It must be hoped that this idea
may yet be brought to fruition.

CONCERNING Springfield on the side of letters, it may be said that
a highly intelligent old society, growing less as time went on, had
a certain old culture from the libraries, often small, but always choice,
of books which had stood the test of trial in England. For a long
time this culture gave a tone to the social gatherings, and it is but
recently that this has markedly changed — before it had simply lin-
gered, without development. We have now the culture of the great
library, where everything can be obtained for reading, but where as
a matter of fact it is not so much cultivation of the mind and exalta-
tion of the soul that is the object of reading, as it is the acquirement
of information. The Chautauqua idea is really dominant, and it
develops a clear intelligence of facts without that old-fashioned train-
ing of thought which resulted from acquaintance with masterpieces
of literature, such as came over here from England in the days when
we had no writers or publishers of anything except political pam-
phlets and religious tracts, and all our literate furniture was of the
greater and. the lesser periods from the Elizabethan classics to the
Restoration production. Then our forefathers and foremothers
thought with the noble English version of the Bible, with Milton, ^
with Bacon and Shakespeare, or with Addison and Pope, with
Dryden and Goldsmith and Dean Swift. Such are the books that
are found in the ancient collections. Later we had Scott and Burns,

Springfield Present and Prospective 59

Crabbe and Bloomfield, Young's "Night Thoughts" and Pollock's
"Course of Time." Blair's "Grave," and the poems of James
Montgomery; Cowper and Gray and the works of Flavius Josephus,
"that learned Jew." It was really a slur to call Josephus so, as if
Jews were not vastly more learned than all the rest. But not to
go further, it was from such meaty food that the thought of New
England was developed, and in the little Pynchon settlement of
Springfield as elsewhere.

Now we have many a club, of women or of men, who are esteemed
to have a literary outlook on life; and indeed their number is so
great that it is impossible that some intellectual result should not
come from all these admirable voluntary associations, with the rich
treasures of the city library to draw from. But they read Browning
and Tennyson, Walt Whitman and Emerson; or in prose still
Emerson, and also Thoreau; Herbert Spencer is read more than
Kant or Hegel, sometimes Aristotle or even Plato is ventured on;
and John Fiske or Edward Bellamy is endeavored. Thus we get
more serious year by year. Still it can not be said that Springfield
has developed a true literary or philosophical society. It waits for
the fusion of diverse elements.

It is well to turn from this general consideration to the history of
letters in the city and its vicinity, which is necessarily the record of
those individuals who have themselves formed or represented litera-
ture.

In letters, as in arts, the possession of Springfield is in the labors
of those who have come here, rather than from those who were born
here. But that is the fact with relation to the great centers of litera-
ture. What was London in Elizabeth's day but a field that received
Shakespeare, Marlowe, Jonson, and their peers ? What has New
York been, or Boston ? though the Hub has had more native growths
than most other cities, especially in the old days. Even Concord
had few native authors, perhaps none besides Thoreau, for Emerson,
Hawthorne, Sanborn, Alcott, the other famous men of Concord,
were all born elsewhere — Emerson in Boston, Hawthorne in Maine,
Sanborn in New Hampshire, Alcott in Connecticut. They were all
immigrants so far as Concord was concerned. So why should Spring-
field differ? As Schiller expressed it in one of his parables:
It was the mountain springs that fed
The fair green plain's amenities.

6o Springfield Present and Prospective

"— • • .11— -.. ■■■

Our first literary work was by the original immigrant, the pioneer
and founder, William Pynchon; and it may be too much to class
"The Meritorious Price of Man's Redemption "-with real literature,
for assuredly Charles Lamb would have put it among his " Biblia a
biblia" — books which are no books. Yet it hit a psychologic mo-
ment, and was burned in Boston by the Puritan authorities^ though
its heresy was small in proportion to what has been thought since.
It was Springfield's first distinction in the way of opinion, and it
made the settlement of Agawam famous in England for a short time.
The "Simple Cobbler of Aggawam," also famous in England, was
not of this locality; he belonged to the Pennacook region, for "Aga-
wam" was a common Algonquin word.

Literature in this community really began with the Springfield
Republican, long the most famous institution of the town, which
early devoted columns and pages to that phase of human life, and
gradually enlisted the services of many a writer afterward noted, and
some eminent. The first of Springfield's essentially literary figures
was Josiah Gilbert Holland, who was born in Belchertown, but here
entered upon his career as moralist, novelist and poet. His local
historical romance of the Puritan days, "The Bay Path" was written
here; and here also he made that characteristic New England poem,
"Bittersweet," centering in the Thanksgiving feast; and the idyl of
"Kathrina," by "the winding and willow-fringed Connecticut." It
was as an editor of the Republican that he began his essential calling
as preacher, especially seen in his three series of "Timothy Titcomb"
letters to young folks, which were rather of moral than literary merit;
and for that paper he wrote his "History of Western Massachusetts,"
the first effort at the subject since Hubbard made his collections.
Also he wrote "Letters to the Joneses" and "Gold Foil," — all ad-
vices as to the conduct of life which were wholesome, and did much
good among the class of people for whom they were meant. Nor
should it be forgotten that Doctor Holland wrote the first "Life of
Abraham Lincoln," to appear after the great man's death, — a tri-
umph of real newspaper enterprise and rushing labor, and notwith-
standing errors from insufficient knowledge, still an interesting book.
Holland's second novel, "Miss Gilbert's Career," deserves a place
among novels truly illustrative of old Massachusetts life; it gave us
one character, "Cheek" the stage driver; and one word, "jasm,"

JUDGE WILLIAM S. SHURTLEFF

From a Painting by Miss Irene Parmelee

JOSIAH G. HOLLAND

From a tablet in the Springfield Cemetery

The Holland Homestead in Brightwood

Springfield Present and Prospective 6 1

which expresses the inexpressible personal force of the Yankee. The
subsequent career of Doctor Holland, as editor of Scribner's Monthly
(since become the Century), his addition of several novels to the list
of fiction, " Sevenoaks " the best, his further poems, and his growth
into an authoritative place; — in all these Springfield may take a just
share of pride.

But while Holland first definitely brought to the Republican that
literary flavor which became an irrefragable tradition, the determin-
ing force was Samuel Bowles, the master-mind that set the model
for concise and pointed newspaper writing, with proportion, without
waste, which other and metropolitan journals have followed in such
degree as they may. He also gave to the day's literature, at the time
when they were needed, the first books about the great West, jour-
neying to the Pacific coast by stage and producing "Across the Con-
tinent, "The Parks of Colorado," "Our New West" and "The
Pacific Railroad — Open." But his calling was not that of letters, —
he had his own work to do, and in the course of it introduced to their
first public a good many notable persons, such as Bret Harte, who
signed his California letters "F. B. H."; the humorist "John Paul,"
who under his proper name of Charles Henry Webb wrote two
choice volumes of lyrics — ^the last, "With Lead and Line," contain-
ing several stirring verses which first appeared in the Republican;
Rose Terry Cooke, a writer of New England general stories worthy
to rank with Mrs. Stowe's, and far better than Miss Wilkins ever
wrote; Julia D. Whiting, in the same class and level; "Octave
Thanet" (Miss French), an excellent story-teller; Katharine Lee
Bates, professor in Wellesley college; Edwin Morton, a remarkable
but too reticent poet; the scholarly essayist, A. W. Stevens; and so
many more that the list would become tedious.

One of the most remarkable men of letters who began his career
on the Republican staflF was Edward King, the Parisian, who was
born in Middlefield, the son of a Methodist minister of the same
name. He came to Springfield a youth of seventeen, went to Paris
as correspondent of the Republican, at the exposition of 1867, and
wrote that brilliant book of sketches of life called "My Paris." He
made the journey of the southern states for Scribner's Monthly, and
his articles were gathered into "The New South." His novels in-
clude "Helen Bell," "A Gentle Savage," "Kentucky's Love" and

62 Springfield Present and Prospective

"Joseph Zalmonah," and his poems "Echoes from the Orient" and
"A Venetian Lover" — and he wrote the interesting book, "Europe
in Storm and Calm," which Charles A. Nichols published twenty
years ago. Because for so many years King was a well-known
figure here, and for the fact that his early life was of the contributive
countryside, it is well to recall so much of the life of a brilliant and
too early vanishing man of real talent. He died in New York in

'896- . . . .

Among the authors native to Springfield especially noteworthy
was the late David Ames Wells, grandson of Col. David Ames, whose
fame as political economist, statistician and sociologist is more than
national. He was both born and bred here, and never lost touch with
his birthplace. His son, David Dwight Wells, was born in Norwich,
Ct.; his untimely death cut short a career as novelist of unusual
promise. Also born in the town, and still resident here, is an author
of rare and beautiful gifts, both literary and spiritual. George Spring
Merriam, in his "Life and Times of Samuel Bowles," produced one
of the few absolutely truthful of personal biographies, linked to the
story of the nation. His distinrtive writings have chiefly concerned
the life of the soul, from the volume entitled "A Living Faith,"
through that finer treatise, "The Way of Life," the chronicle of
"William and Lucy Smith" (honoring the author of "Thorndale"
as he deserved), the personal memoir of Mrs. Briggs and the choice
anthology entitled "A Symphony of the Spirit." To these he has
lately added "The Story of Slavery in America" — an admirable
survey of the striking moral advance of the nation to the ending of
human chattelry, wrought with optimistic view of the future.

There have been many clever writers of fiction, of whom note
must be made of Adeline Trafton (Mrs. Samuel Knox), who wrote
here "His Inheritance," "Katherine Earle," and other novels and
records; and of Mrs. Katharine B. Foot, whose excellent short
stories, "Tilda," "Marcia's Fortunes," "An Orphan in Japan,"
and others are to be published in a volume. Edward Bellamy, son
of Rev. Rufus K. Bellamy, a noted minister of Chicopee Falls, here
wrote, besides many exquisite short stories in the school of Haw-
thorne, that extraordinary book, "Looking Backward," which gave
so great an impetus to the gospel of socialism by its Utopia, the
Boston of the year 2000. His brother, Charles J. Bellamy, is the

spring-field Present and Prospective 63

author of certain interesting novels and other books, "The Breton
Mills," "A Man of Business" and "The Return of the Fairies."

Poetry of genuine quality has not been lacking in the contribu-
tions to the newspapers and magazines, here and elsewhere, from
Springfield citizens, but to begin to name the writers of these, or of
sketches and tales, would be a rash essay. If there be mention made
of Aella Greene, Christopher C. Merritt and Mrs. Frances H. Cooke,
that will have to be the end.

Much worthy historical writing has been done, by George Bliss,
the first and second; by Judge Oliver B. Morris and Judge Henry
Morris his son; by Col. John L. Rice and Judge Alfred M. Copeland,
and by Judge William Steele ShurtlefF. Colonel ShurtleflF indeed
had a marked literary bent and taste, and wrote much verse of
refined and fluent grace, while he personally encouraged the life of
letters and arts. Several veterans of the civil war have written regi-
mental histories of value, among them James L. Bowen, W. P.
Derby and J. K. Newell. Mason A. Green wrote a history of
Springfield in connection with the 250th anniversary in 1886, and
Charles A. Nichols published it. Mr. Green's study of the early
history of the town, and into the first part of the 19th century, is
valuable and full of attractive quality. But to simply name the
books that have been produced in Springfield — ^well worthy of com-
ment as well as mention — would require more than our limit of
space.

One of the interesting and individual figures of our local life
for years has been Eugene C. Gardner, whose essay on Springfield
as it is and may be begins this book. He was one of the first to
make literature out of house-building, and with that, of housekeep-
ing. The fresh, vigorous and cordial impact of his early books on
these subjects, treated at once from the architect's and the house-
holder's standpoint, is not forgotten. And ever since he began
with the chronicles of "John" — in fact, of "Jack and Jill," — he has
been writing delightful critiques on everything pertaining to Spring-
field. His books are numerous; they include "Homes and How to
Make Them." "Illustrated Homes," "Home Interiors," "The
House that Jill Built," "Town and Country Schoolhouses," "Com-
mon Sense in Church Building.". Mr. Gardner is a satirist and a
humorist, with a poetic feeling.

64 Springfield Present and Prospective

Among writers of consequence in Springfield is Franklin H.
Giddings of the Berkshire family, professor of sociology at Columbia
university since 1894, and before that at Bryn Mawr college, whither
he went out of Springfield journalism. His books are well known,
and his position among economic thinkers is notable for a scholarly
socialism. He has written many books, and his "Principles of
Sociology," published in New York in 1896, has been translated into
many languages, including the Japanese.

Bradley Oilman, for some years minister of the Church of the
Unity, begun here as author, and wrote seven or eight volumes,
some for children, but the principal ones — "The Parsonage Porch,"
"Back to the Soil" (a new Utopia), and "Ronald Carnaquay: a
Commercial Clergyman," for the larger audience. A predecessor,
in fact, the original Unitarian minister in the town. Rev. W. B. O.
Peabody, a beautiful soul, wrote many hymns, among them, "Be-
hold, the Western Evening Light." To him also was due the ceme-
tery where he is buried and which ought to bear his name. Wash-
ington Gladden, when pastor of the North church in this city, wrote
several of his books, but not his important ones, — nevertheless, he
belongs in the affection of the people to Springfield. James F.
Merriam has written many charming articles of literary criticism
and appreciation that deserve remembrance. Lately Gerald Stanley
Lee, also a preacher, has turned author, and by his clever, fantastic
and witful genius has drawn attention. Miss Mary Louise Dunbar
has written graphic and happy sketches of European experience.
Mary Catherine Lee has produced excellent fiction in a richly
sympathetic rendering of characteristic life. Miss Maude Gillette
Phillips years ago made an excellent manual of English literature,
and has since written much for reviews and otherwise. Charles
Clark Munn, author of " Pocket Island," "Uncle Terry" and other
stories, has touched the "Old Homestead" vein of rustic wit and
pathos successfully, and has won a public of his own. But it is
impossible to complete with perfect justice the list of literary work
done in the city and its neighborhood in these later years.

It should be mentioned that among the books drawn from the
files of the Republican, which would in themselves necessitate pages
of titles, is to be noted " Mexico of Today," by Solomon Bulkley
Griffin, — ^the result of travel in that country in 1885. It should also

Longmeadow Birches

SAMUEL BOWLES

Springfield Present and Prospective 65

be said that Charles Goodrich Whiting's two books of Nature and
the Spirit, "The Saunterer" and "Walks in New England," are
made up chiefly from the editorial and literary columns of the Repub-
lican. In the later years many remarkable contributions have been
made to true literature by such contributors as the north of Ireland
singer, Moses Teggart; and the noble poet, Stuart Sterne, whose
name in common life was Gertrude Bloede. And in the line of
scientific philosophy there are seldom to be found so remarkable
and masterly writings as those of Dr. Chester T. Stockwell, "The
Evolution of Immortality" and "New Methods of Thought."
These are leading the way to a spiritual examination and ideal of
eternal spiritual life. There is no nobler utterance in this direction
to be found in American or English literature.

Springfield has had its literary periodicals, and among them
there are three which for one cause or another require especial
mention. The first of these was Sunday Afternoon, begun by Rev.
Washington Gladden, when he was pastor of the North church, and
continued by Edward F. Merriam. It was an original scheme of
sociologic thought which animated it, and much of high quality in
the furtherance of elevated ideals was embodied in its editorial con-
duct and its contributions. Conceptions of service to humanity
then freshly broached had voice in Sunday Afternoon; Mrs. Clara
T. Leonard gave to it some of the most important of her too few
writings, and indeed the table of contents, were it to be reprinted,
would show that there was not a little opportunity afforded for the
literary life of this city, if there were such, to exhibit itself.

Thebriefcareerof Sunday Afternoon found no following until Will
Bradley came here, a really brilliant designer of strange grotesqueries,
akin in one way to that abnormal creature, Aubrey Beardsley, who
became a London favorite, but unlike Beardsley merely grotesque,
not vile. Bradley had good magazine ideas, and while "Will Brad-
ley: His Book," in its brief existence, failed of success, it produced
a real sensation. Its literary features, under the editorial charge of
Julia D. Whiting, possessed originality and a high intellectual poise,
but life was not in it.

The present magazine. Good Housekeeping, has passed through
vicissitudes; Clark W. Bryan made it interesting for a while; others

66 Springfield Present and Prospective

assumed its management; but now, published by the Phelps com-
pany, and edited by James E. Tower, with his fine literary taste, it
is an excellent magazine of the household.

Among the remarkable men who have distinguished the Spring-
field Republican should be mentioned two who possess in common
an incisive and trenchant personal power of expression on all topics
which they touched, — ^the late William S. Robinson, "Warrington,"
who chose that pen name from the friend of " Pendennis " in Thack-
eray's novel, — a strenuous character; and Frank B. Sanborn, Boston
literary and politicafl correspondent for many years, — a radical of
the radicals, a man who, in Hosea Biglow's words, "ain't afeard."
He has given salt and spice to life by his commentary on affairs,
while his great scholarly equipment has constantly enriched the
criticism of that journal for over thirty years.

Charles Goodrich Whiting

City Library Association

JUST half a century ago, twelve hundred citizens petitioned for
the establishment of a public library. But the city govern-
ment, which was then facing heavy expenditures for the new
city hall, delayed action. Two years later, in 1857, some of
the citizens, too earnest to be balked longer in their project,
formed a voluntary association "to establish and maintain a public
library in the city of Springfield accessible to all persons," and ob-
tained the use of a room in the new city hall. This was the humble
beginning of the present City Library association which after fifty
years of surprising growth — due to the same intelligent and liberal
spirit that animated its early promoters — ^today occupies the three
large buildings on State street dedicated respectively to literature,
art, and science, and fills so important a place in the intellectual
life of the community.

From the start the association was fortunate in winning the sup-
port of the most broad-minded and influential citizens. The con-
spicuous achievement of the librarian to whom "more than to any

hf^JjUu^ (f^il

Springfield Present and Prospective 67

man living or dead, this community is indebted for the priceless
advantages afforded by our institution,"* as well as the devotion of
the early officers, are fittingly summarized on a bronze tablet in the
library entrance:

"This building erected in 1871 on land given by George Bliss with
money contributed by Springfield citizens stimulated by the zeal of John L.
King and Daniel L. Harris, the first two presidents of the City Library
Association, was by vote of the directors May 10, 1892, named

THE WILLIAM RICE BUILDING

in honor of the man who as librarian from 1861 to 1897 devoted thirty-six
years of enthusiastic service to his native city in the development of a great
educational institution for the free use of all the people."

Land, buildings, museum collections, and books, with endow-
ments of one hundred and sixty thousand dollars, all contributed
by private citizens, today amount in value to upward of one million
dollars. This property the association, which is incorporated, holds
in trust for the people of Springfield. The cost of maintenance is
borne by the city, which makes an annual appropriation of about
138,500; and this, with the receipts from endowments and other
sources, gives a yearly income of nearly $50,000.

The library — among the oldest and largest public libraries in
the country — contains 136,000 volumes. But figures mean little.
One must work daily as a student among the shelves lined with
books to realize the wealth there garnered. No city in the country
the size of Springfield has a public library collection approaching
it in value. Few cities of any size take so genuine a pride or so
active an interest in their library, contribute for its support from
both public and private sources so generously, and in return expect
and enjoy so large a use of its treasures.

The control of the association is vested in a board of directors
whose policy is conspicuous for liberality toward the public. The
reading-room is kept open every day in the year, and the reference
collection from nine in the morning till nine at night every day
except the Fourth of July and Christmas. The public have the freest
access to the shelves in all parts of the library except the medical
section, browsing at will and helping themselves to books. Instead

*Fresident*8 Report, 1895.

68 Springfield Present and Prospective

of one volume at a time, in Springfield each card-holder may
borrow one volume of fiction and any reasonable number of other
works. "Reasonable number'* is construed liberally, and students
requiring books for purposes of serious scholarship have borrowed
eighty or a hundred volumes, retaining them by renewal indefinitely,
though in such cases books are subject to recall if wanted by other
persons. In summer, readers draw a half-dozen or a dozen books
and keep them several months. If a book asked for is out, the reader
may have it reserved for his use when returned to the library.
From six to eight thousand dollars is spent annually for books, and
every serious request for books not owned receives prompt considera-
tion, and the books are usually bought or else borrowed from other
libraries. Thus the whole book resources of the country are practi-
cally at the command of any student in Springfield.

The library is free to all residents, even temporary residents,
and to non-residents employed in the city. Other persons may use
books in the building, and by pa)ang the purely nominal fee of a
dollar per year may borrow them for home use.

As a result of the liberal policy pursued, a large portion of the
population are registered as card-holders, and the annual circulation
amounts to nearly 350,cxx) volumes, a use per capita that is seldom
equalled in cities of the same or greater size. Another result is
that not a few university professors and literary workers spend their
summers in or near Springfield, attracted partly by the valuable
collection of books, but chiefly by the freedom with which they may
be used.

Not only are English readers provided for, but the foreign ele-
ments in the population receive consideration. French, Germans,
Swedes, and Poles borrow books in their own languages, while the
Yiddish books that have been recently added are extensively read.

The modern public library is not content with merely serving
such readers as come to it, but resorts to branches, delivery stations,
traveling libraries and other means of getting the books to the
people. The old proverb has been revised by somebody to read,
"a book in the hand is worth two in the stack." In Springfield the
distributing system includes branches in the Forest park district
and in the manufacturing village of Indian Orchard and two hundred
and forty-four other distributing agencies such as classrooms in the

Springfield Present and Prospective 69

schools, (ire engine houses, various Sunday schools, women's clubs,
church clubs, settlement houses, and similar organizations, to which
traveling libraries of fifty or a hundred volumes each are sent. In
addition, to households pa)ang eight and one-third cents weekly
the library delivers books at the door. Information about what the
library offers is disseminated by numerous printed lists on special
subjects; by a bulletin with library news, notes on books, and lists
of current accessions, published monthly; and by descriptions of
new books as soon as they are ready for circulation printed weekly
in three newspapers.

A large and attractive room lined with carefully-chosen books
and adorned with beautiful pictures and casts, swarms with children
who form nearly a third of the library's clientage. In charge is a
children's librarian, especially trained for this work, who with a
corps of enthusiastic assistants welcomes the children, aids them in
the selection of their books, and strives to inculcate a love of good
reading. Schools and library cooperate in teaching the children the
resources of the library and the use of catalogues and reference
books, that as these young persons grow up they may become intelli-
gent users of the best the library offers.

In a city with so large a proportion of well-educated people there
naturally exist many women's clubs — and men's also — devoted to
study and mutual improvement. With these clubs as most active
agencies in promoting general culture and stimulating intellectual
progress, the library is heartily in sympathy; and it aids them in the
selection of books, in the preparation of programs when desired,
and not infrequently by issuing printed lists on special subjects.

The commercial interests of the city are by no means neglected.
Books on banking and exchange, on business and advertising,
various trade publications and financial papers are provided, as
well as business and city directories and a collection of the standard
cable codes. Particular efforts are made to assist the young working-
men who in increasing numbers seek books on their trades. Up-to-
date works, including text-books issued by the correspondence
schools, are supplied on architecture and building, machinery,
electricity, carpentry, steamfitting, locomotives, boilers, mechanical
drawing, printing — in fact on any industry about which the em-
ployees ask for information. To promote this use, various lists of

70 Spring-field Present and Prospective

the best books on particular trades, selected with the advice of
experts, have been printed and distributed among the artisans.

The art department is unusually strong, and besides costly books
includes photographs and other reproductions of the masterpieces
of painting, sculpture and architecture. There is also a wealth of
illustrative material for designers of laces, carpets and other textiles,
wall papers, book covers, stained glass, furniture, and similar objects
of industrial art. A recent endowment insures a good collection of
wood engravings, and there is a growing collection of music scores.

The reading-room is always well filled with readers. Four hun-
dred periodicals are received currently, including representative
newspapers from the United States, England and Canada. In this
room also there is absence of all unnecessary formality, and the
reader helps himself freely from the shelves around the walls where
are found both current and back numbers.

It is seldom that the annual report of the association does not
record some important bequest, and under the leadership of Mr.
Nathan D. Bill, the president, the citizens of Springfield have, within
four years contributed, largely for the purchase of additional land,
over 1(140,000. Endowments have been received for the purchase of
books in history, biography, and travel, industrial art, natural
history, reference work, English literature, and dental science.
The late librarian. Doctor Rice, endowed the department of theology,
providing generously books for the clergy, Bible students, and
Sunday school teachers, with the result that the use of the library
by these classes is general. The David A. Wells fund, the largest
single endowment, yields annually 1(2,000 for general purposes and
an equal amount for the purchase of books on "economic, fiscal,
and social science subjects." The collection of genealogies and
New England local histories, though not endowed, deserves especial
mention because it is unusually extensive and is in constant use
by genealogists, members of patriotic societies, and historical stu-
dents. In the building are deposited also the collections of the
Connecticut Valley Historical society.

Besides the commoner bibliographical aids the library owns the
great card index issued by the Concilium Bibliographicum at Zurich,
which catalogues all the literature of zoology and allied subjects —
both books and periodical articles, English and foreign — issued

NATHAN D. BILL

«5

Springfield Present and Prospective 71

^^—-' ' ' ■ — ^— ^ ^— ^^— »— — — — ^^

during the past decade. The Springfield library is said to be the
only subscriber in New England to the complete set of cards, which
is a bibliographical tool of high value to scientists.

After the remarkable development of the past half century, it is
not surprising that the library has entirely outgrown its present
building. New quarters are now assured through the munificence
of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, who has contributed for the purpose
1(150,000. The directors of the association are giving careful study
to the problem of securing a substantial building, architecturally
beautiful, in harmony with the museums, commodious, and in
every way worthy of the noble library it is to house. The art museum
with its hall of sculpture and the magnificent George Walter Vincent
Smith collections of industrial art are described elsewhere. Under the
will of the late James P. Gray, the association will in time receive
more than half a million dollars to endow a gallery of paintings.

The museum of natural history is in a separate building erected
in 1899 at a cost of ^130,000. At the entrance one of the first objects
to catch the eye of the visitor is a fine basaltic column from the
Giants' Causeway. Near by is a huge cross section from the elm
that excited the admiration of the "Autocrat of the Breakfast
Table" who wrote, "The queen of them all is that glorious tree
near one of the churches in Springfield. Beautiful and stately she
is beyond all praise." In a large room at the left with graceful
colonial furniture is the Catharine L. Howard memorial library of
science — a laboratory collection of reference books.

In the rear is the main hall, 125 feet long, containing the collec-
tions of natural history. Minerals, geology, botany, shells, insects,
birds, birds' eggs, sponges, corals, mammals, and other subjects, are
represented by exhibits carefully classified and attractively arranged.
The large basement is not used for exhibition purposes but contains
duplicate material and study collections.

Naturally especial emphasis is laid on exhibits illustrating local
conditions, such as the Samuel Colton Booth collection of local
minerals, the Luman Andrews herbarium of local flora, and the
Robert M. Wallace collection of birds. Unusual exhibits have been
given by Mr. George S. Lewis, Jr., illustrating the cocoanut palm,
varieties of Indian corn, vegetable fibres, and their multiform com-
mercial uses. Besides the classified collections for scientific study.

72 Springfield Present and Prospective

there are nearly a score of groups, given by Mr. Gurdon Bill, show-
ing varieties of birds and some common quadrupeds like the muskrat
and fox in reproductions of their natural environment. Mr. Nathan
D. Bill has also given among many other things two notable groups,
one showing the male, female and young of the elk among the logs,
leaves, and moss of their native forest, the other representing a
family of bison set on a bit of the open prairie. These exhibits do
much to stimulate popular interest. The rooms on the second floor
contain colonial and Indian relics, the latter a large collection of
especial value since the stone implements with few exceptions were
found in the vicinity of Springfield.

The museum is not simply a show place or intended merely for
the edification of casual visitors, but is active in fostering scientific
study. Loan collections for nature study are sent to the schools, and
at stated times classes accompanied by teachers inspect the speci-
mens in the museum. From time to time prizes are oflFered to the
pupil making the best collection and study of certain insects or
minerals, and in this work the children are taken on long nature
rambles. Special exhibits show the birds and wild flowers when they
appear each season.

To persons making a more advanced pursuit of science the
museum is most hospitable, and affords a meeting place for the
geological, botanical, and zoological clubs of the city. Under the
museum's auspices an old Indian steatite quarry at Wilbraham was
excavated, and soapstone bowls with the trap implements used in
making them were gathered, illustrating in a very complete way an
Indian industry of the stone age. To this has recently been added
a large and valuable collection of Indian baskets, many over a
century old, representing another branch of industry.

It has been possible to sketch but a few of the activities of the
library and allied museums. Adequate knowledge of the extent
and wealth of the collections, literary, artistic, and scientific, enjoyed
by the residents of Springfield can be gained only from actual use.
But for a majority of the people description is not necessary. They
own and support these institutions, and that they understand and
appreciate their value is shown by the two thousand visitors who
throng the different departments daily.

HiLLER C. WeLLMAN

! mvsic-aneTI

, IME-DRAMA l

35 =i

■ 1

PRINGFIELD has been rather fortunate musically in
its position half way between New York and Boston,
not near enough to either to be reduced to servile sub-
ordination, and yet convenient enough to both to make
it easy and natural for good attractions to visit the city.
In the number and quality of the operas, symphony concerts, recitals,
and miscellaneous musical entertainments that are offered, it is to be
rated among the more favored of the smaller American communities,
and these advantages are an appreciable factor in its attractiveness
as a place of residence. It is the natural musical center of western
Massachusetts, and the spread of a network of electric roads has in
recent years greatly extended the population upon which it draws
for the more important events, both musical and dramatic. On the
other hand the music lovers of Springfield can considerably extend
their opportunities by an easy trip to Northampton, sixteen miles to
the north, or Hartford, twenty-five miles to the south, in both of
which cities first-rate concerts are to be heard.

It would perhaps be excessive to speak of Springfield as a musical
city. As in other American communities, the mass of the population
has not yet been brought to the point of taking an interest in the art,
and that the general standard has been kept so high is due to the
enthusiasm and sacrifices of a comparatively small number of persons.
Nor has Springfield been at all noted for its contributions to musical
art. It has given to the world no musician of national reputation —
no distinguished composer, singer or instrumental performer. It
has not been specially distinguished for the number or talents of its
amateurs. It is the home of no important school of music, nor has

74 Springfield Present and Prospective

any single personal influence been strongly stamped upon its musical
life. That musical life is what might be expected of a predomi-
nantly American community, not exposed to any of these special
influences, but favorably situated and intelligent and appreciative
enough to take advantage of its opportunities. Like other communi-
ties in which the Puritan strain prevails, it has approached music
from the side of religion and of general culture rather than from the
side of aesthetics or of instinctive craving. The standards have been
kept high for the reason that even those who are not by nature musi-
cal are intelligent enough to appreciate the diflference between the
best and the second best, and to sustain the best as an invaluable
instrument of culture.

The two great facts in the musical history of Springfield, the
things that have rather distinguished it among the cities of its class,
are the Orpheus club and the Music Festival. These have served
both to stimulate local interest and make sure of opportunities for
hearing the best artists in the country, thus setting from the very be-
ginning a high standard of technical skill. The Orpheus club, to
take the older organization first, was founded in 1873 as a men's
chorus, its first leader being the late Louis Coenen, a talented Dutch
violinist of a noted musical family, who had come to Boston as a
young man and after playing for a time in orchestras had settled in
Springfield as a teacher. There had of course been choral societies
before that, but the present sketch concerns only existing conditions,
and the Orpheus club is the earliest organization that has survived
the stress of years. It perhaps achieved the height of its success
under the leadership of Mr. Sumner, an exceptionally popular musi-
cian whose death was a serious blow. After his death it was con-
ducted for a number of years by E. W. Cutter of Boston, and for a
brief time by the composer Horatio W. Parker of New Haven. Its
uncertain fortunes revived when in 1895 John J. Bishop, a Spring-
field organist who had had experience as a choir leader, and the
director of a small chorus of his own, took charge, and although its
existence has from time to time been threatened, it has weathered its
thirty-second season successfully, and is looking forward to a larger
field of usefulness.

By its original plan the Orpheus club was a male chorus, limited
in membership, and with social as well as musical features. Its

Fountain on Court Stfuafe^ showing Theatre in Background

Springfield Present and Prospective 75

conceits were open only to its associate members, who subscribed to
a certain number of tickets for the season, and those concerts long
held a central place in the musical year. As other lines of musical
activity were developed, the Orpheus concerts naturally became
relatively less important, and the club had the experience of most
male choruses that have had to compete with increasingly rich and
varied music of other sorts. Some years ago the experiment was
made of adding an auxiliary chorus of women, and although more
lately the original plan was reverted to, it is now the intention to have
both men's and women's voices, and to vary the male choruses with
cantatas and other lighter works for mixed voices, leaving the orato-
rios and other heavier choral works for the larger festival chorus.
The tickets for the separate concerts have also during the past year
been thrown open to the public, so that the Orpheus club is likely
to be in the future an even more influential musical agent than it has
been in the past. It has been noted for the loyalty of its membership,
and it still contains several of its original members, among them
Henry F. Trask, who has from the beginning been its president, and
has been one of the most notable figures in the musical life of the
city. A feature of the season of the club is its annual banquet, of
which much is made.

The club formerly gave four concerts a year, but since its mem-
bers have been concerned in the festivals the number has been re-
duced to two. They were always given in the city hall till that was
burned, and will hereafter be given in the high school hall until that
proves inadequate. The programs are composed usually of a brief
cantata with lighter compositions for chorus, and three or four solo
numbers by some singer or violinist of ability. The club has made
something of a reputation for its luck in finding talented young artists
who have since become stars, and engaging them while they could
still be had for a not impossible price. These concerts have been of
great value to the city, both by bringing musicians of ability at a
time when opportunities to hear good performers were infrequent,
and by stimulating an interest in chorus singing. On the orchestral
side it has done nothing, though in recent years a small orchestra has
sometimes been engaged when the program included a cantata of
some pretensions.

76 Springfield Present and Prospective

The Music Festival, which is the most important musical enter-
prise that Springfield has undertaken, dates back to 1889, although
in the sixteen years intervening it has been under three different
managements, and in one year (1900) there was no festival at all.
The first organization was the Hampden County musical association,
which gave eleven festivals, from 1889 to 1899. But the association
itself goes a little further back than this, for in 1887 it was organized
and gave three concerts in the course of the season. The first concert
was a performance of "The Messiah," December 26, 1887, with a
chorus of three hundred, and the Germania orchestra of twenty-six
players from Boston. The soloists were Mme. Blanche Stone-
Barton, soprano. Miss Hattie J. Clapper, contralto, Theodore J.
Toedt, tenor, and D. M. Babcock, bass. The season closed April
3, 1888, with a performance of "The Creation." On the program
of the first concert of the second season, " The Messiah " being given
again December 25, 1888, was the announcement that: "The Hamp-
den County musical association will give, if sufficient encouragement
IS offered by the residents of the city and county, a series of concerts
for three consecutive days in May next, and will endeavor to make
them equal in quality and performance to those of the famous Worces-
ter festivals."

This promise was carried out, and the first festival — ^the most
important date in the musical history of the city, was held in city hall
May 6, 7, and 8, 1889. There were two conductors, Frederick
Zuchtmann, a German teacher of music in the city, who had been
influential in organizing the chorus, and Carl Zerrahn, who was at
that time the foremost choral conductor of Boston, and also con-
ducted the Worcester festivals. The board of government upon
which responsibility for the festival devolved was as follows : Presi-
dent, Orlando M. Baker; vice-president. Rev. George H. Griffin;
secretary, Thomas W. Coburn; treasurer, Thomas H. Stock; libra-
rian, Benjamin F. Saville; directors, George A. Russell, J. S. Webber,
W. E. Wright, Dr. W. H. Chapin, Varnum N. Taylor, F. E. Tuttle,
E. Porter Dyer, and Thomas L. Cushman. Mr. Saville, upon
whom a large share of the executive burden fell in this and following
years, had come to Springfield from Worcester where he had been
connected with the management of the famous festivals held in that
city, and this experience was of great value. Both in essentials and
in details the Worcester model was followed very closely.

Springfield^ Present and^ Prospective 77

^ The chorus at this first festival numbered two hundred and
seventy-six, and the newly-organized Boston Festival orchestra
formed out of the Germania by George W. Stewart, who was quick
to see the field opened by the growth of the festival idea, numbered
forty. Its leader was Max Bendix, whose place was taken in the
following year by Emil Mollenhauer. The first 'cellist in the orches-
tra was Victor Herbert, of whom the public apparently could not
get enough, as he appeared twice as soloist in the course of the festi-
val. This was the longest festival undertaken, six concerts being
given in the three days. They were chiefly miscellaneous, the only
choral works presented being "Elijah" and Rossini's "Moses in
Egypt." It was a great occasion, and Miss Emma Juch was the
star among more good singers than the public had before been
privileged to hear at one time.

The second festival was notable for the fact that G. W. Chadwick
of Boston, who was already noted as a composer, was engaged as
conductor, a post which he held till the lapse of the association in
1899. Victor Herbert was engaged as assistant conductor, but at
the third festival Mr. Chadwick stood alone, and after that Mr.
Mollenhauer was always assistant conductor so long as that orchestra
was used. The festival was fairly prosperous for a half-dozen years
or so, and while it was not intended to make it profitable, the deficits
were slight. The policy of engaging the most famous "stars" was
adopted to arouse the interest of the public when it began to lag,
and the festival audiences were given a chance to hear the reigning
favorites of the opera — Mmes. Eames, Nordica and Melba, with
Calve as a climax of expensiveness. The plan in the end proved
unprofitable, and the association was crushed under an accumulating
burden of debt. The cost of the festival was further increased in
1897 by the engagement of the players from the Boston Symphony
orchestra who had long been serving the Worcester festival. That
was the disastrous Calve year, and although for the next festival a pol-
icy of severe retrenchment was adopted, it was too late. The excite-
ment of the Spanish war made it diflicult in 1898 to arouse interest in
the moribund festival. The association did not dissolve after the festi-
val of 1899, which resulted in further loss, but it remained in a state
of suspended animation from which it never emerged.

78 Springfield Present and Prospective

There was no festival in 1900, and in 1901 Charles S. Cornell, a
Holyoke music teacher, seeing that the field remained open, organ-
ized the Springfield Oratorio society, which gave two festivals on a
smaller scale in 1901 and 1902. The Boston Festival orchestra
was engaged, and Mr. Cornell organized a chorus of three hundred
singers which lacked the experience needed to reach the standard of
choral singing to which the city had been accustomed. The second
festival resulted in a disastrous failure, and the field was taken by
the Springfield Music Festival association, under whose management
the festivals are still given.

This association was formed by a small group of representative
people of the city who had made up their minds to put the festival
upon a firmer basis than in the past. A guaranty fund for a period
of five years was subscribed, and it was decided to make the Orpheus
club the nucleus of the festival forces and to put the conduct of the
festival in the hands of the Orpheus leader, John J. Bishop. Thus
the function of the festival association is that of a supporting body.
The Orj)heus club is enlarged for the festival into a chorus of over
two hundred, and ^is assisted by the Boston Festival orchestra, Mr.
Mollenhauer acting as assistant leader. The first festival of the
new association was given in April, 1903, the principal works given
being Sullivan's ''Golden Legend" and H. W. Parker's "Hora
Novissima." In 1904 Verdi's "Aida" was presented in concert
form, and in 1905 the Verdi Requiem was the chief work. The
festivals are shorter than were those of the Hampden County asso-
ciation, the maximum thus far being four concerts, but the standard
of performance has been sustained, though high-priced stars have
not been engaged.

For orchestral music Springfield has until quite recently been
obliged to depend upon the festival, which for the first time assured
the public at least a taste of symphonic music. In the older days
there were occasional concerts by Theodore Thomas' orchestra, the
Boston Symphony orchestra, or such less permanent organizations
as those of Anton Seidl and Walter Damrosch. The usual result,
however, was a loss that discouraged similar ambitions for a number
of years. The festival has undoubtedly done much to stimulate an
interest in orchestral music, and a few years ago the Boston Sym-
phony orchestra was so well received that an annual feature was made

GEORGE W. CHADWICK

Springfield Present and Prospective 79

first of one concert and then of two. These concerts are the most
important events of the year aside from the spring music festival,
and draw large numbers of music lovers from other towns. By an
easy trip to Northampton and Hartford six Boston Symphony orches-
tra concerts are at the disposal of the Springfield public each season.

Springfield does not as yet support a local symphony orchestra
such as New Haven and Hartford enjoy, though music lovers have
hopes that this will come within a few years. There have been
many promising beginnings, but most of them have not received
enough support to encourage a continuance. In the '70s and *8os
the chief mover in this form of musical activity was the late Louis
Coenen, who conducted a number of orchestras, and did much to
build up a considerable force of competent orchestral players in the
city. In the '90s the most important orchestral enterprise Was that
of Edmund Severn, a composer of merit who at that time made
Springfield his home. Financial difficulties abruptly put an end to
a very promising experiment. Since then no fusion of professional
and amateur talent has been attempted, but for the past two years
two amateur orchestral bodies have been sustained, the Springfield
Symphony orchestra, conducted by Miss Rebecca Wilder Holmes,
and the Springfield Symphony club, conducted by Emil Karl Janser.
The former of these is open to women as well as to men. These
orchestras give but one concert apiece each year, and therefore do
not materially affect the musical season, but they have been of service
in arousing an interest in orchestral playing, and in training amateur
players. Each numbers about forty.

Of miscellaneous concerts, recitals, etc., the city has in recent years
had an allowance very creditable for its quality and by no means
despicable in quantity and variety. The principal factor has been
the High School course conducted by the music department of the
high school but open to the public as well as to pupils. Concerts of
the best sort, including an annual concert by the Kneisel quartet,
have been given with an admission fee of but fifty cents. This course
has during the past year been suspended because the greatly increased
number of other concerts has made it at present unnecessary. The
high school has done much for music, and was one of the first schools
in the United States to introduce courses in harmony, ear training
and the appreciation of music. The success of this experiment has

8o Springfield Present and Prospective

done not a little to bring about the striking recent developments of
high school music.

Another considerable factor in the musical life of the city has been
the various musical clubs, but there has been no such general organ-
ization as in some towns where the women's music club manages the
concert and drums up the audiences. The organizations here have
as a rule been of a smaller, neighborhood sort, and have confined
their work to private musicales and meetings for cooperative study.
In this way they have done much to foster a healthy interest in the
art. Not a great deal in the way of concert giving has been done by
Springfield musicians except in the field of organ music, in which
formerly John Herman Loud, then at the First church, and at present
Arthur H. Turner of the Church of the Unity, have been active.
The choir music of Springfield has as a rule been of the conventional
quartet form, but there have been some very successful larger choirs,
notably the chorus of the South Congregational church, conducted
by Mr. Bishop, the musical services of which always draw large con-
gregations. Organ music has been somewhat handicapped in
Springfield by the lack of adequate modern instruments, and a suita-
ble concert room with a large organ is at present the most immediate
need of the city. The destruction by fire of the old city hall destroyed
what had long been the home of music, and since then only the Court
Square theatre has been available for the larger musical affairs, while
the high school hall serves for recitals.

As an educational center for niusic Springfield stands well in
spite of the fact that it has never had a central school of music. The
public schools are doing much for the art, and the city is well supplied
with excellent teachers in all branches. Entirely adequate instruc-
tion can be had in piano, violin, violoncello, bass, many of the wind-
instruments, singing, and musical theory, a fact which parents who
desire to give their children a musical education appreciate. Alto-
gether Springfield has done as much musically as almost any city of
the same rank in the United States, and its advantages have so
steadily increased in recent years that a marked development of
musical culture may be confidently looked for.

In theatrical matters there is of course no such opportunity for
municipal individuality as in music, and what little individuality
there may once have been has steadily decreased as the development

/^/

Springfield Present and Prospective 8i

of the theatrical business crowded out amateur performances, and
the control of the stage by the syndicates reduced all provincial towns
to the same level. At present they all drink out of the same tap;
they take what the syndicate sends, and the lists of attractions at
any two cities of the same class are as alike as two peas. But while
there is in the theatrical life of the city nothing distinctively
local, it is still, as it has always been, rather unusually favored in the
quality of the attractions offered. Its position as the center of a
considerable outlying population, and the character of its population,
have given it standing as a good ''show town," and this, together
with its strategic position on the map, has always given it a very
generous share of the best things, things that under ordinary circum-
stances would not be brought to a town of its size. There are few
noted actors, native or visiting, who are not seen in Springfield sooner
or later.

Until recent years the quality of what was offered was perhaps
more notable than the quantity: it may be suggested that at present
the tendency appears to be the other way. Until 1891 a single small
theatre (in the years just preceding that it was what is now the New
Gilmore) sufficed perfectly, and there were not more than two or
three performances a week through the season. With the opening
of the fine new Court Square theatre by Dwight O. Gilmore his
opera house seemed rather superfluous. The extraordinary devel-
opment of the cheap theatre which has lately been so wide spread
has been nowhere more conspicuous. There are at present four
playhouses, all of which are usually in operation — the Court Square
theatre seats 1,800 people, the New Gilmore, the Nelson, and Poli's
theatre. Of these the Court Square is chiefly devoted to "the legiti-
mate" and has all the important attractions that are brought. The
function of the other three buildings has fluctuated from time to
time, one usually having vaudeville, another "burlesque" and a
third melodrama. Enough theatrical entertainment is now given
in a week to last the Springfield often years ago for an entire season,
and people who would have then attended a performance perhaps
once in a fortnight now seem to go almost daily. Yet the enormous
development of the cheap theatres seems not to have hurt the patron-
age of the best plays, though the city could no doubt support more
of the first-rate productions but for this diversion.

82 Springfield Present and Prospective

While the number 6i important theatrical performances is small, ,
some of the very choicest productions find their way to Court Square
theatre, including more or less grand opera. In recent years until
1894-5 the Metropolitan Opera House company of New York has
usually given one performance each year, and "Tannhauser,*'
"Lohengrin,*' "Die Mcistersinger," "II Barbicre," and "Don
Pasquale" have been among the works presented. At present the
place of these performances is taken by the Henry W. Savage com-
pany which gives an annual operatic festival. That for 1904-5, the
first, included "Otello," "Carmen," "II Trovatore,'* and "Lohen-
grin," and there was in addition a performance of " Parsifal." These
performances of grand opera in English vrill assuredly do much to
stir popular interest and will be an important reinforcement to the
musical season.

It is in the operatic field that the local theatrical talent has had the
fullest opportunity, and the chief leader has been the late Mrs. W. P.
Mattoon, who after her marraige devoted to the amateur world talents
which she had trained for a broader stage. The brilliant perform-
ance of "Pinafore," which was given under her direction when
the opera was quite new and had not been presented in this country
except in Boston, kindled a strong local interest in this form of enter-
tainment, and was the first of a series of highly successful local
performances the exceptional merit of which was largely due to
her gifts.

Francis E. and Howard K. Regal

MRS. W. P. MATTOON

The Wading Pond at Forest Park

THE STORY- OF
5PRINGFIELD

N the spring of 1636 the little band of hardy forefathers,
who were the germs of the present city of 72,cx)0 inhab-
itants, made a settlement on the banks of the river,
which was called by the Indians, who were not partic-
ular about their spelling, "Quinnektuqut," and tran-
scribed in the deed by the settlers, who were equally careless
orthographically, " Quinneckiot."

The settlement was named Springfield, not because it was settled
in the spring, nor on account of the numerous springs that to this
day flow from the hillsides, but in honor of old Springfield in
England.

For a consideration, much less than the land is now held for, two
of the "ancient Indians of Agaam" representing eleven other Indians,
who claimed joint proprietorship, conveyed to William Pynchon,
Henry Smith, and John Burr, their associates and heirs forever, a
large tract of land on both sides of the river, including a greater
part of the land now occupied by Springfield and West Springfield
and Agawam. It is almost a shame to publish the purchase price,
but it is in the ancient deed, and stands as a monument of clever
financiering. One parcel of land, without doubt the largest, was
paid for with "ten Fathom of Wampam, Ten Coates, Ten howes,
Ten hatchets and Ten knives," and two other parcels for four each
of the same coin. The deed states that the Indians agree to "truck
and sel al that ground" for said consideration, a vivifying glimpse
at the way we got our sense of the word "truck."

In the year 1647 ^^^ General Court made very large additions to
the territory of Springfield, so that it included Westfield, Suffield, a

84 spring-field Present and Prospective

— — — ..I - II ■■ I - . II . . ,,,_■_

considerable part of Southwick, the whole of West Springfield,
Holyoke and Agawam on the west side of the river, and the present
sites of Springfield, Chicopee, Enfield, Somers, Wilbraham, Ludlow,
Longmeadow and Hampden on the east side. Later years found
these towns set apart and conducting their own business, but they
do not forget that they were once part of the old stand.

The village was burned by the Indians in 1675, but was quickly
rebuilt, and the ashes used to fertilize the Indian corn and early
settlers' potatoes. There have been some amateur attempts to burn
the city since by white people, but never again was it so thoroughly
done.

In 18 1 2 the southerly part of the old county of Hampshire was
named Hampden, and Springfield was made the shire town. The
necessary court house was erected in 1821.

By 1850 the population of the town had increased to 12^498, a
bewildering lot of people in those days, and it was proposed to incor-
porate the town as a city. There was abundant opposition to con-
summating the plan, the township spirit being strong, but two years
later the charter was secured and Springfield became a city corpora-
tion May 25, 1852.

Springfield celebrated the 250th anniversary of its settlement the
week of May 25, 1886, in memorable fashion, that date being the
anniversary of the first recorded town meeting, and the same month
in 1902 the fiftieth anniversary of its incorporation as a city.

Glimpses of Events and Incidents and Men that Figured in
Springfield's History

COTTON Mather, in his writings, explained the inception of Spring-
field in this way: "The fame of Connecticut river, a long, fresh,
rich river, had made a little Nilus of it, in the expectation of the
good people about the Massachusetts bay, whereupon many of the
planters, belonging especially to the towns of Cambridge, Dorchester
and Roxbury, took up resolutions to travel an hundred miles west-
ward from those towns, for a further settlement upon the famous
river." John Cable and John Woodcock were sent forward in the
spring of 1635 to build a house, which they did, on the west
side of the river, in the Agawam meadow. They remained there
during the summer and cultivated some land, and returned to

Springfield Present and Prospective 85

Roxbury in the autumn. But being informed by the Indians that
the meadows were frequently overflowed, the settlers located on the
east side of the river. It is believed that William Pynchon, alike
the founder of Roxbury and Springfield, with Henry Smith, his
son-in-law, and John Burr, had visited the spot in 1634 and selected
the ___location of the city of today, so that as far back as we can go
the descendants of the Pynchons, Burrs and Smiths can claim the
sponsorship of Springfield for their families.

William Pynchon, a man of wealth, education and piety, became
the principal man of the town, and, too late for him to appreciate
the honor, had a street, a bank, and a hotel named after him. There
is to be a Pynchon statue in Springfield some day. In 1638 Mr.
Pynchon was made the first magistrate, and served till 165 1, when
he fell under the displeasure of the General Court because of his
book, "The Meritorious Price of Man's Redemption," and he soon
after returned to England. His son. Major John Pynchon, succeeded
him in importance in the town affairs.

Rev. George Moxon was the first minister, his services beginning
in 1637. The meeting-house, which stood not far from the site of
the present First church, was not built till 1645. It was the first
church edifice in the state outside of Boston.

In 1649 witchcraft broke out, and raged for several years. There
was nothing then like our state board of health that would have
secured germs and investigated and reported on the analysis later.
Suspicions were confirmation enough for prosecution in those
days. In 165 1 Mary Parsons was charged with bewitching the
minister's two daughters, for which she was tried and finally ac-
quitted. Pastor Moxon was dismissed at his own request in 1652.
He was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. Peletiah Glover in 1661.

Major John Pynchon, who in the heyday of his activity was the
personified trust of the town, being banker, importer and exporter
of merchandise, land speculator, farmer, stock raiser, beaver trader
and village merchant, owning sawmills, gristmills, cider mills, ware-
houses and boats, was also a mining prospector, and could never
get it out of his head that the hills about Springfield contained iron
and other valuable minerals. The story goes that he, as did his
father before him, spent much money prospecting, going as far
north as Deerfield.

86 Springfield Present and Prospective

— ^— ^^— ^-^--~-^— ^^^— ^— — — -^^ ' - '■"- -■-' ■ ^-^— -^^-^^— — — ^^—

John Pynchon built the Pynchon house — commonly known as
the Fort, on the west side of Main street and a little north of Fort
street, sometime prior to 1660, and it was occupied by the Pynchon
family until about 183 1, when it was taken down. The main part
of the house was built of brick; and it was often a place of refuge
for the people during the Indian troubles.

The first recorded marriage was in 1640, when Elizur Holyoke
became the husband of Mary Pynchon, daughter of William. The
groom has a town up the river named after him. The records of the
same year divulge a fine for profanity. Goody Gregory was accused
by John Woodcock of saying to him with a profanatory preface,
"I could break thy head." Three hours in the stocks was Goody's
punishment.

The town was incorporated June 2, 1641. In 1647, "Woronoko"
was made part of Springfield. Certain common lands were annexed
March, 1648, and May 19, 1669, these lands and "Woronoko" were
separated from Springfield and established as the town of Westfield.
May 31, 1670, the bounds between Westfield and Springfield were
established. The boundary between Springfield and Northampton
was established in 1685, and that between Springfield and Wil-
braham June 15, 1763, and that between Springfield and West
Springfield February 23, 1774. February 28, 1774, a part of
Springfield known as Stony Hill was established as the town of
Ludlow. October 13, 1783, a part of Springfield was set off and
established as the town of Longmeadow. June 11, 1797, a part of
the town called "The Elbows" was annexed to Wilbraham. June
5, 1830, the boundary between Springfield and Ludlow was estab-
lished. April 29, 1848, a part of Springfield was set off and estab-
lished as the town of Chicopee. And what was left of the original
town was incorporated April 12, 1852, as the city of Springfield.
A part of Longmeadow was annexed to Springfield June 2, 1890.

The following is a list of the inhabitants of Springfield from 1636
to 1664, as given in Barber's book:

William Pynchon, Heniy Smith, William Blake, Edmund Wood, Thomas
UfFord, John Cabel, Matthew Mitchell, Samuel Butterfield, James Wood,
John Reader, Thomas Woodford, John Seele, Richard Everitt, Thomas
Horton, Rev. George Moxon, Thomas Mirrick, John Leonard, Robert
Ashley, John Woodcock, John Allin, John Burt, Heniy Gregoiy, Samuel

WILLIAM PYNCHON

^The Pymhon Memorial in Springfield Cemetery ^Mary Pynchon Holyoke Headstone

The Wait Guide Stone at Federal and State Streets

Washington Elm ^Parson Tavern

Springfield Present and Prospective 87

Hubbard, Elizur Holyoke, William Warriner, Henry Burt, Rowland Steb-
bins, Thomas Stebbins, Samuel Wright, Richard Sikes, John Deeble,
Samuel Chapin, Morgan Johns, Thomas Cooper, James Bridgman, Alex-
ander Edwards, John Dobie, Roger Pritchard, Francis Ball, John Harmon,
William Vaughn, William Jess, Miles Morgan, Abraham Mundon, Francis
Pepper, John Burrhall, Benjamin Cooley, John Matthews, George G>lton,
Joseph Parsons, John Clark, James Osborne, Thomas Rieve, Wid. Margaret
Bliss, Nathaniel Bliss, Thomas Tomson, Richard Exell, William Branch,
Griffith Jones, Reice Bedortha, Hugh Parsons, John Lombard, John Scarlet,
George Langton, Lawrence Bliss, Samuel Bliss, John Bliss, Anthony Dor-
chester, John Lamb, Samuel Marshfield, John Dumbleton, Jonathan
Taylor, Rowland Thomas, Thomas Miller, Benjamin Parsons, Obadiah
Miller, Abel Wright, Hugh Dudley, William Brooks, Simon Beamon,
Samuel Terry, John Lamb, Benjamin Mun, John Stewart, Thomas Ban-
croft, Thomas Noble, Richard Maund, Thomas Gilbert, Simon Sacket,
Richard Fellowes, Rev. Peletiah Glover, Tahan Grant, Nathaniel Ely,
Samuel Ely, John Keep, Edward Foster, Thomas Sewall, Thomas Day,
John Riley, John Henryson, William Hunter, John Scott.

In Elizur Holyoke's list of "allowed and admitted inhabitants"
were the following names not in the above list: Henry Chapin, John
Bagg, Peter Swinck, John Baker, Capt. John Pynchon, Timothy
Cooper, David Ashley, Jonathan Burt, John Lombard, Thomas
Bancroft, Joseph Crowfoot, James Warner, Jeremy Horton, Syman
Bemon, Charles Fferry, Wid. Burt, Jonathan Ball, John Horton.
Many named in the former list had left, so that Holyoke's list con-
tained but seventy-four names in 1664. Assuming that each was
the head of a family, the number of admitted inhabitants was prob-
ably as many as three hundred.

Deacon Samuel Chapin, who came to Springfield about 1640,
became a man of prominence in affairs of town and church. He
was a typical Puritan, was made selectman for many years, and held
other positions of trust.

Miles Morgan, another worthy of the same period, was of the
rough-hewn type of pioneer. The records show that although he
was elected selectman, he could not write, but made his mark by
drawing something the shape of an anchor. He made his mark in
other ways in the growing town, and his namesakes have done
likewise. One of them is J. Pierpont Morgan.

In 1662 Hampshire county was established embracing all the
territory between Berkshire and Worcester counties and extending

88 Springfield Present and Prospective

from the Connecticut line to the north line of Massachusetts. Spring-
field was the shire town; and it was provided in the act establishing
the county that the courts be held alternately at Northampton and
Springfield.

The first board of selectmen in Springfield, elected for the years
1644-45, ^^^^ Henry Smith, Thomas Cooper, Samuel Chapin,
Richard Sikes and Henry Burt.

The early settlers were for the most part farmers. One of the
early industries was the gathering and preparing of turpentine from
the pine trees in the vicinity, and some regulations were established
touching the manner of conducting the business. No one was
allowed to work more than one thousand trees at the same time.
Those engaged in this business were required to take a license, for
which a fee was charged. The money thus raised was devoted to
the public schools.

In 1 7 16 Springfield had six precincts: the west side of the river,
now West Springfield, Longmeadow, Agawam, Upper Chicopee,
Lower Chicopee, and Skipmuck. Each precinct was obliged to
keep a school running, with financial help from the town.

The Dwight family began to appear in the town affairs about the
time of the Revolution, and the old Dwight store, at the corner of
Main and State streets, was for many years a leading feature of the
town, conducted successively by Jonathan Dwight, Jonathan Dwight
&f Son, James and Henry Dwight, and J. and E. Dwight. It was
a general store, the forerunner of the modern department store in
the variety of goods carried. The Dwights owned boats running
between Hartford, New York and Boston, and a line running from
Springfield to Hartford. They were also interested in the banking
business here and in other towns. Jonathan Dwight, Jr., was at
one time president of the old Springfield bank. The family were also
alive to other institutions in the profit-making class of banks, and Col.
Thomas Dwight and Jonathan Dwight were with Colonel Worthing-
ton and John Hooker in establishing a gin distillery on Main street
in 1792.

The first Springfield paper was The Massachusetts Gazette and
General Advertiser, published by Babcock tf Haswell in 1782.

The industrial possibilities of Mill river, Chicopee river, and of
other available streams, were not neglected. Cornmills and saw-
mills were of the earliest industries of the town. A fulling and cloth

* Tht old Dwight House^ which stood at the corner of Dwight and Sanford Streets

* The old Day House in West Springfield; now preserved and used by the Daughters of the Revolution
as museum for ancient relics of local interest

The Old Blanchard Invention for Turning Gun stocks

Springfield Present and Prospective 89

mill, a bleachery, a small tannery, were established on Mill river
prior to the government work on the same stream. About 1800 the
Ames paper mill was established.

Springfield had much less population than West Springfield at
the beginning of the eighteenth century. By 18 10 it had gained
noticeably on the rival side of the river, the figures being 2,767 for
Springfield and 3,109 for West Springfield. In 1820, for the first
time in the memory of those then living, Springfield gained the lead,
having 3,970 inhabitants to West Springfield's 3,246. From that
time on our neighbor has been outclassed, though it would have
been a different story had the Armory been located over the river.
Legends say it was almost the toss of a penny which ___location was
chosen.

In the eighteenth century many prominent Springfielders were
slaveholders, such names as Pynchon, Dwight, Colton, Day, Mir-
rick, Ely and Bell appearing as the owners of black chattels. Slav-
ery died out in Springfield early in the last century.

Up to the war of 18 12 it was not the custom to bolt the doors of
houses in the town. A series of burglaries, however, made it fash-
ionable.

An advertisement of the second toll bridge lottery in 1816, over
the signature of H. Brewer, showed that the modern style of adver-
tisement writing is no novelty. The public was beseeched in this
wise: "There's a tide now flowing and is almost flood tide, Spring-
field bridge lottery is a fine tide of riches. Improve it. Set every
sail. Soon it will be too late. The 26th is at hand."

Thomas Blanchard's invention of a lathe for turning irregular
forms, which was perfected at the Armory under Col. Roswell Lee
in 1820, was a device that caused a revolution in mechanics and gave
Springfield international fame.

At the annual town meeting held in 1848, the year in which
Chicopee was set off from the town of Springfield, the last boards of
town officers were elected to serve the undivided town. It was a
mixed list of Springfield and Chicopee men. Joseph Ingraham,
whose service before and after the separation covered many years,
was chosen clerk and treasurer. The selectmen were Henry Vose,
Titus Amadon, John B. M. Stebbins, Harvey Butler, all Springfield
men, and Bildad B. Belcher and Nathaniel Cutler, Cabotville men.

90 Springfield Present and Prospective

The assessors were Lewis Girham of Springfield^ Ira M. Bullens of
Cabotville, and Pliny Cadwell of Chicopee Falls. Of the overseers
of poor, Elijah Blake, David Hitchcock and William Hatfield were
Springfield men, Andrew Hubbard was of Chicopee Falls. The
board of health were Elijah Blake, Josiah Hooker, Daniel Hitch-
cock of Springfield, Clark Albro of Cabotville, and Andrew Hubbard
of Chicopee Falls. The school committee was composed of Rev.
Henry W. Lee, Hon. William B. Calhoun, Samuel McNary of Spring-
field, Rev. Eli B. Clark of Cabotville, and Rev. Robert C. Mills of
Chicopee Falls.

The Massasoit house, under the management of members of the
Chapin family, which has continued to this day, was opened in 1843,
and long has served to distinguish Springfield. The Springfield
house, owned by Charles Stearns and conducted by Bugbee l^ Clark,
made the corner of Bridge and Water streets important in 1844.
The Wason car works were started in 1845.

A little strike followed by trouble with strike-breakers interested
the Springfield police and militia in 1847. The workmen on the
Holyoke canals struck because their pay was reduced from seventy-
seven and seventy-five cents a day to seventy cents. The men who
took their places at that munificent wage were mobbed, even as
today.

The perodicals in Springfield in 1848, just before Chicopee was
set off, were as follows: Springfield Gazette, weekly and daily, by
William Stow, at No. 12 Main street, upstairs; Hampden Post,
weekly and tri-weekly, by D. F. Ashley, office Elm street; Springfield
Republican, weekly and daily, by S. Bowles, Exchange row; Hamp-
den Washingtonian, by A. G. Tannatt; Springfield Sentinel, by Haw-
ley tf Tenney; Chicopee Telegraph, by J. C. Stove J«f Co., at Cabot-
ville; Cabotville Mirror, by Henry Russell.

The Springfield Young Men's institute was organized in October,
1843. The library numbered about 2,000 volumes. The officers
for 1848 were John Mills, president; Ariel Parish, Erasmus D. Beach
and Henry Morris, vice-presidents; Ephraim W. Bond, correspond-
ing secretary; Samuel Bowles, recording secretary; John R. Hixon,
treasurer; and the counselors were Lorenzo Norton, Elisha Gunn,
Jr., Addison Ware, C. B. Bowers, William W. Billings, Allen Bangs,

Springfield Present and Prospective gi

George B. Morris. This institute was one of the links in the evolu-
tionary efforts that finally culminated in the formation of the city
library, and seems to have absorbed the earlier literary societies of
the town. It had a large membership, and had acquired an excellent
local reputation, and received material support from prominent
citizens. Its officers were prominent men, some of them of more
than local reputation.

Another organization of much local interest was the Springfield
Light Guards, organized in 1844, as company E of the loth regiment,
6th brigade, 3d division of the M. V. M.; and made its first public
parade on the fourth of October, 1844. Its officers in 1848 were
J. M. Thompson, captain; B. F. Warner, E. W. Bond and James
Kirkham, lieutenants.

The Hampden agricultural society, incorporated in 1844, was
another organization of great local popularity, and numbered among
its members many well-known men from all parts of the county.
Its president in 1848 was William B. Calhoun, one of Springfield's
most able men. Its annual fairs were attended by people from all
the towns in the county, and it did much to encourage agriculture in
the Connecticut valley.

The banking institutions in Springfield in 1848 were the Spring-
field Institution for Savings, incorporated in 1827. Its office at that
time was at the Springfield bank. Its president was Josiah Hooker.
The Springfield bank, with a capital of $250,000 in 1848, was incor-
porated in 1 8 14 with a capital stock of $200,000. Its president
in 1848 was John Howard, and the cashier was Lewis Warriner.

The Chicopee bank was established in 1836 with a capital stock
of $200,000. Its president in 1848 was Samuel Reynolds, and the
cashier was B. F. Warner. The Agawam bank was incorporated in
1846 with a capital stock of $100,000. In 1848 its president was
Chester W. Chapin, and the cashier was F. S. Bailey. The Mutual
Fire Assurance company was incorporated in 1826. Its president
in 1848 was Philo F. Wilcox, and the secretary was Justice Willard.

The meeting-houses and clergymen of Springfield in 1848 were
the following:

First Congregational, Court square, Samuel Osgood, D.D.

Second Congregational, Chicopee street, E. B. Clark.

Third Congregational (Unitarian), State street.

92 Springfield Present and Prospective

Fourth Congregational, State street, E. Russell.

Fifth Congregational, Chicopee Falls.

Sixth Congregational, Cabotville, S. G. Clapp.

Seventh Congregational, Bliss street, S. G. Buckingham.

Eighth Congregational (Unitarian), Cabotville, C. Nightingale.

North Congregational, Free church, R. H. Conklin.

First Methodist Episcopal, Union street, G. E. Landon.

Second Methodist Episcopal, Chicopee Falls, D. Sherman.

Third Methodist Episcopal, Cabotville, L. Crowell.

Fourth Methodist Episcopal, Pynchon street, M. Trafton.

First Baptist, Main street, M. G. Cask.

Second Baptist, Chicopee Falls, R. C. Mills.

Third Baptist, Cabotville, J. G. Warren.

Protestant Episcopal, State street, H. W. Lee.

Wesleyan Methodist, Main street, W. Bevins.

First Universalist, Main street, A. A. Folsom.

Second Universalist, Cabotville, Z. Thompson.

Roman Catholic, Cabotville, Father Cavanaugh.

Roman Catholic, East Union street, G. T. Reardon.

There were twenty-two lawyers in the town in 1 848, among whom
were George Ashmun, R. A. Chapman, E. D. Beach, E. W. Bond,
Henry Morris, Ansel Phelps, Henry Vose, George Walker, John
Wells, and Justice Willard, who attained more than a local reputa-
tion; and there were thirty-five physicians.

CiTYHOOD, AND BeTTER COMMUNICATION WITH TRIBUTARY

Country

SHORTLY after the separation of the two principal villages and the
creation of two separate towns, the political affairs of Spring-
field became so intolerable that it was decided to apply for a city
charter; which was granted April 12, 1852, and was accepted by the
town April 21, 1852, by a vote of 969 yeas against 454 nays.

William B. Calhoun, John B. Kirkham, Theodore Stebbins,
Eliphalet Trask, and James Ingraham were chosen to be a committee
to divide the city into eight wards. The population of the several
wards when so divided was stated by the committee as follows:
Ward One, 2,222; Ward Two, 2,294; Ward Three, 2,120; Ward
Four, 1,711; Ward Five, 1,935; Ward Six, 710; Ward Seven,
688; Ward Eight, 730.

^The Old First Baptist Churchf where the Republican building now stands
^The Old Wilcox Buildingy razed in 1889 to make way for the present post office

«5

Springfield Present and Prospective 93

Joseph Ingraham was elected city clerk, and as clerk made an
entry upon the records as follows:

Springfield, May 25th, 1852.

This day ends the town and commences the city government. Having
been a town just two hundred and sixteen years to a day. And now we go
from an old town to an infant city. Joseph Ingraham, last town and first
city clerk and treasurer of the old town and the new city of Springfield.

Although a list of all the men who have been elected to office
since the incorporation of the city would be uninteresting to the
general reader, a list of the mayors can hardly be omitted, and in
the order of their service the list is given :

Caleb Rice, 1852-53; Philos B. Tyler, 1854; Eliphalet Trask, 1855;
Ansel Phelps, Jr., 1856-58; William B. Calhoun, 1859; Daniel L. Harris,
i860; Stephen C. Bemis, 1861-62; Henry Alexander, Jr., 1863-64; Albert
D. Briggs, 1865-67; Charles A. Winchester, 1868-69; William L. Smith,
1870-71; Samuel B. Spooner, 1872-73; John M. Stebbins, 1874; Emerson
Wight, 1875-78; Lewis J. Powers, 1879-80; William H. Haile, 1881; Edwin
W. Ladd, 1882; Henry M. Phillips, 1883-85; Edwin D. Metcalf, 1886;
Elisha B. Maynard, 1887-88; Edward S. Bradford, 1889-91; Lawson Sib-
ley, 1892; Edward P. Kendrick, 1893-94; Charles L. Long, 1895; Newrie
D. Winter, 1896; Henry S. Dickinson, 1897-98; Dwight O. Gilmore, 1899;
William P. Hayes, 1900-01; Ralph W. Ellis, 1902; Everett E. Stone,
1903-04; Francke W. Dickinson, 1905.

The relation of Springfield to other towns in the vicinity, and the
methods of travel and of transporting goods and merchandise to and
from the town prior to the day of railroads, is an important feature
of its history. Aside from the river and private carriages of various
kinds, the public at large traveled in stage-coaches, a good represen-
tation of them being shown in the old wood cut of Court square, a
reproduction of which is here shown, that were usually drawn by
four horses, the drivers of which were very skillful and took honest
pride in their vocation. As a rule they were a good class of men.
Turnpikes, maintained on the toll-gate system, were in use every-
where in New England. Every town had a prosperous tavern for
the entertainment of travelers, in compliance with the law which
required that "every innholder shall at all times be furnished with
suitable provisions and lodging, for strangers and travelers, and with
stable room, hay and provender, for their horses and cattle." As
business was usually good they found no difficulty in complying with

94 Spring-field Present and Prospective

the law. The transportation of goods and merchandise was done
with transportation wagons and horses. This encouraged the main-
tenance of numerous small taverns scattered along the way at con-
venient intervals for the entertainment of teamsters and their teams.
Farmers along these routes of travel found ready sale for all the
products of their farms.

It will aid the reader to a better understanding of the condition
of Springfield at this period in its history, by comparing its popula-
tion with that of other towns in this part of New England at about
1825. Quoting from Morse's Pocket Gazetteer, published in 1826,
the following towns are selected at random as to population : Spring-
field, 3,970; West Springfield, 3,246; Westfield, 2,668; Palmer, 1,197;
Wilbraham, 1,979; Monson, 2,126; Granville, 1,643; Chester, 1,526;
Blandford, 1,515; Worcester, 2,962; Suffield, 2,681; Pittsfield, 2,768;
Hartford, 6,901; Worthington, 1,276; Northampton, 3,288. So it
would seem that under the then system of travel and transportation,
all the towns had a reasonably equal chance. But Springfield en-
joyed the additional advantage of river navigation, bringing it, in
an imperfect way, in touch with the sea.

Early in the nineteenth century a line of small steamers for carry-
ing passengers and light freight was in operation between Springfield
and Hartford. It is said that this enterprise was started by Thomas
Blanchard of Springfield. In an account of these boats given by
T. M. Dewey, Esq., whose practical experience qualified him to
speak upon this subject, in a paper read by him before the Connecti-
cut Valley historical society in 1878, he said: "The first was the
Springfield, a side-wheel steamer; then the Vermont, a stern-wheeler
built by Blanchard; then the Massachusetts, the Agawam and the
Phoenix. The captains of these boats were Peck, Mosely and Ho)rt."
There are living many who will remember the Agawam and the
Phoenix, and their captains. Peck and Hojrt. The passage of these
boats through the opening in the dam and through the narrow
channel to Warehouse Point, was interesting and sometimes exciting.
It was not thought necessary at that time to have draws in the bridges
to let the boats through, nor was it considered necessary to elevate
the bridges to an unusual height. A hinge in the smokepipe with
proper appliances to bring it to a horizontal position, was quite
satisfactory.

Springfield Present and Prospective 95

General freighting was done in flat-bottom boats that were
usually poled up the river when there was insufficient wind for the
sails. The canal at Windsor Locks was u^ed by boats ascending the
river. Of the river pilots, Mr. Adin Allen was well known, and sur-
vived to a good old age, well into the latter part of the century.

In February, 1842, Charles Dickens went from Springfield to
Hartford. The late John Mulligan was the engineer, and the writer
learned from him some facts touching this trip. Soon after the
Springfield and Hartford railroad went into operation in 1844, the
little steamers were abandoned.

The Hartford and Springfield railroad corporation was estab-
lished by an act of the Massachusetts legislature, April 5, 1839.
March 13, 1841, the time limit for its organization was extended two
years from the fifth of April following, and for its completion a
further extension of three years from that date was granted. And,
by an act passed February 23, 1844, the time was further extended
to April 5, 1846. The road was completed in the year 1844.

On January 25, 1829, "The board of directors of internal im-
provements of the state of Massachusetts'' submitted a report "on
the practicability and expediency of a railroad from Boston to the
Hudson river," with maps showing the proposed route substantially
as at present located. March 12, 1830, the Massachusetts railroad
corporation was incorporated with authority to locate and construct
a railroad from near Boston to the Hudson river at some point near
Albany or Troy; and was required to complete the railroad before
January i, 1835.

June 23, 1 83 1, the Boston and Worcester railroad corporation
was incorporated with the condition that its road should be com-
pleted before July i, 1836.

March 15, 1833, the Western railroad corporation was incorpo-
rated to construct a railroad from the western terminus of the Boston
and Worcester railroad to the western boundary of the state in a
direction toward the Hudson river. The first train was run from
Worcester to Springfield in October, 1839. That part of the railroad
extending west from Springfield was so far constructed that cars
began running from Springfield to Chester Factories, May 24, 1841,
and the road was in full operation between Springfield and Albany
in 1842. The running time from Albany to Boston was ten hours

96 Springfield Present and Prospective

and three-quarters, including stops. The regulation speed was
twenty miles an hour.

George Bliss was one of the prime movers in railroading in
western Massachusetts, and the names of William B. Calhoun,
George Ashmun, Charles Stearns, Justice Willard and J. B. Sheffield
also figure in the early plans for the Western railroad, which matured
through the '30s.

The railroad between Springfield and Chicopee was provided
for in the act incorporating the Hartford and Springfield railroad
corporation. On March i, 1842, a railroad corporation was estab-
lished under the name of the Northampton and Springfield railroad
corporation, to build a line from a point in Northampton "to meet
the track of the Hartford and Springfield railroad corporation at
Cabotville in Springfield." January 25, 1845, the Greenfield and
Northampton railroad corporation was incorporated as an extension
of the Northampton and Springfield railroad. Such was the begin-
ning of what was subsequently the Connecticut River railroad cor-
poration, and under that name the time for filing its ___location was
extended by act passed April 14, 1847. ^^ ^^^ *^^^ Y^^^ opened as
far as Greenfield.

The Springfield and Longmeadow railroad company was in-
corporated May 2, 1849, and in 1866 the act of incorporation was
amended so as to permit a ___location terminating at the state line in
either Longmeadow or Wilbraham. By a later act this corporation
was authorized to consolidate with a Connecticut corporation under
the name of Springfield and New London railroad company, and by
Chapter 70 of the Acts of 1869, the city of Springfield was authorized
to take stock in or loan its credit to the road. A proposal for a sub-
scription of ;$i5o,ocx) to the stock of the Longmeadow road was
accepted by the city government, and the question was submitted
to the voters at a special election July 21, 1874. The comments of
the Springfield Republican, touching this vote, led to a libel suit of
Willis Phelps against the publishers of that paper. Shortly after
this vote the road was completed.

In 1856, the Springfield and Farmington Valley railroad was in-
corporated, and it was to approach Springfield by way of Feeding
Hills and West Springfield. For some reason the road was not built.
Subsequently the Springfield branch of the Central New England
railroad was built over substantially the same route.

2
Co

1^'

gilMlilllllliMll

^The Carew Housty old home of Joseph CarexVf whose name is bequeathed to Carexv Street
^The Chapin Stage Coach, one of those famous vehicles that preceded the railroad train

J k.

spring-field Present and Prospective 97

The Athol and Enfield railroad was connected with Springfield
by act of incorporation in 1871, with authority for the two roads to
become one corporation by uniting the Athol and Enfield with the
Athol and Springfield.

The Springfield street railroad company was incorporated March
16, 1868, and it was operated with horses until electric power was
introduced in 1890. The first horse cars that went down Central
street hill were derailed before venturing to make the descent.

Chester W. Chapin, who once drove an ox team, then drove
stages, and soon owned stage lines and a river boat running to Hart-
ford, seized the early railroad opportunities. He was the wealthiest
man in Springfield in 185 1. He became president of the Connecticut
River railroad, and was keen in developing Springfield as a railroad
center. His connection with the Boston and Albany railroad was a
period of constant progress for that line. He was congressman at
one time, was prominent in banking and other corporations in
Springfield, being the foremost of local financiers.

The first toll-bridge was opened October 30, 1805, and it is said
to have been the "child of a lottery." It was 1,234 feet long and
thirty feet wide; it was forty feet above low-water mark; an open
bridge painted red, and supported on five piers. Its cost was
1(36,270. It is said that a succession of floods so weakened it that it
gave way under a load of army supplies nine years after it was
opened; and it was torn down in 18 14. The tolls as established in
1808 were as follows: For each foot passenger, 3 cents; each horse
and rider, 7 cents; each horse and chaise, chair or sulky, 16 cents;
each coach, chariot, phaeton or other four-wheeled carriage for
passengers, if drawn by two horses, 33 cents; for each additional
horse, 6 cents; each curricle, other than two-wheeled carriages for
passengers, drawn by more than one horse, 25 cents, each sleigh
drawn by one horse, 10 cents; if by two horses, 12J cents; and
for each additional horse, 3 cents; for each cart, sled, or carriage of
burden drawn by one beast, 10 cents; if drawn by two beasts, 16
cents; and if by more and not exceeding four beasts, 20 cents; and
for each additional beast, 4 cents; for each horse, ass or mule without
a rider, and for neat cattle, 4 cents each; for sheep or swine, i cent
each; and one person and no more shall be allowed to each team to
pass free of toll. But in favor of inhabitants of Springfield or West
Springfield some modifications were made.

qS Springfield Present and Prospective

The second toll-bridge was opened to travel October I, 1816.
Its cost was $22,000. This is also said to be the "child of a lottery."
It was partly carried away in 181 8, and was restored in 1820, and
it is the bridge now standing. It was made a free bridge in 1872.
The North-end bridge was built in 1878, costing 1^170,904; the
South-end bridge in 1879, costing $116,188. In March, 1674, a
ferry was authorized on the Connecticut below Agawam river, and
the charges were 8d. for horse and man; 2d. for foot passenger; 3d.
for troopers training days. A ferry was maintained at this place
down to the time of opening the South-end bridge. The fact of the
existence of a ferry a short distance above the present railroad bridge
at some time is a fact preserved in the name Ferry street.

The Springfield fire department traces its origin to the earliest
years of the town's history, when the founders of the plantation or-
dered among themselves to keep a stout leathern bucket for use in
case of fire. At the public expense a number of hooks and ladders
were made and were stored in some place known to every man in the
town. A little later a two-wheeled cart was provided to carry the
ladders, and on each corner of the primitive truck was hung a leather
bucket ready for instant use. This equipment comprised the fire-
fighting apparatus for more than the first century of the town's
history, while the personnel of the department included every man
who could pass the bucket along the linfe without spilling the water.
The town brook supplied water, and was supplemented by small
reservoirs here and there. A small fire engine called the Lion was
purchased about 1792. In 1794 a fire club was organized to man
the engine, and each member was required to keep in his house two
fire bags with which to move goods from burning houses, and two
buckets to be used in carrying water. At first the Lion was supplied
with five feet of hose, but under Foreman Elijah Blake twenty-five
feet more were added.

In 1824, largely through the efforts of George Dwight, a new
side-brake engine, the Tiger, was purchased almost wholly by sub-
scription. About this time there was purchased a Button machine
called Eagle No. i, and a Waterman called Eagle No. 2. There was
also a machine called the Old Ocean. The Indian Orchard and
Sixteen Acres people secured an engine and named it the Torrent.
In 1826 the town appointed a committee to purchase a first-class

• S

Springfield Present and Prospective 99

suction engine with one hundred feet of hose. In 1827 it was voted
to build an engine house.

In 1830 the Legislature passed an "act to establish a fire depart-
ment in the town of Springfield." In 1831, Elijah Blake was ap-
pointed chief engineer. The fire department was reorganized in
1833. In 1845 the Springfield fire district was established. The
officers were Cicero Simmons, chief engineer; Lucius Harthan, first
assistant; James M. Thompson, second assistant, and Samuel S.
Day, third assistant engineers. Under the provisions of the amenda-
tory act in 1853 the city council adopted an ordinance establishing
a fire department, to consist of a chief engineer and eight other
engineers, and as many enginemen, hydrantmen and hook and
laddermen, to be divided into companies, as the number of engines
and other fire apparatus should from time to time require.

In 1862 the city purchased a steam fire engine. In 1867 the
working force of the department comprised three steamers, each
with a hose carriage and a company of twenty-five men, one inde-
pendent hose company of thirty-five men, and one hand engine and
hose carriage at Indian Orchard. From time to time, keeping even
pace with the growth of the city^ the fire department has been in-
creased in working force and efficiency as occasion has required;
and liberal expenditures have been made in favor of this branch of
government. An aerial ladder was added to the equipment of the
fire department in 1888 immediately after the fire in the offices and
composing rooms of the Daily Union.

In 1893 the affairs of this department were placed in charge of
a commission, under whose management the department has been
eminently successful. The present equipment for fighting, and the
discipline and morale of the force inspire a feeling of security to the
citizens of Springfield. One of the first notable fires to occur in
Springfield was the burning of the Armory buildings in 1824. On
October 13, 1844, a disastrous fire occurred at the corner of Main and
Sanford streets, resulting in the destruction of five buildings and eight
stores. In the afternoon of May 30th, 1875, fire started in the plan-
ing mill of H. M. Conkey fcf Company in Taylor street, and ex-
tended to Main and Worthington streets. Bond place, Wight ave-
nue, Vernon street, and Water street, burning fifty buildings of
which thirty were dwellings, at a total loss of 1596,300.

100 Springfield Present and Prospective

A fire in the building occupied by the Springfield Daily Union,
corner of Main and Worthington streets, on March 7, 1888, spread
so rapidly that many persons in the upper stories of the building were
cut off from escape. Some of them jumped from the windows and
were fatally injured, and others perished in the building.

The city hall took fire about noon of January 6, 1905, and was
rapidly consumed.

Prior to 1843, the principal reliance for water for domestic pur-
poses was on wells and springs; and for fire purposes the Town
brook and the river were relied upon with the addition of storage
cisterns. In the summer of 1843, Charles Stearns, an energetic and
public-spirited man, suggested the propriety of establishing a system
of waterworks; but failing to induce others to take hold of the enter-
prise with him, he decided to enter single-handed upon the under-
taking of constructing a general water system for the business section
of the town. In August, 1843, ^^ began the work of lapng wooden
main pipes from Van Horn reservoir to the Western railroad depot
and down Main street to Bliss street, supplying dwellings, hotels
and other buildings. This system remained in successful operation
until 1848, when the Springfield aqueduct company was incorpo-
rated; Charles Stearns, Festus Stebbins, George Hastings and their
associates and successors being named as the incorporators "for the
purpose of supplying the village of Springfield with pure water."
This company maintained a water system until about i860, when
the question of the water supply began to be agitated anew, which
resulted in the city taking upon itself the burden of a water supply
for the public. At first a system of wells was started on the hill, but
was soon abandoned. In 1872, action was taken which resulted in
the building of the Ludlow reservoir. This afforded an abundant
supply; but the quality has not proved satisfactory.

Public Buildings and Physical Development

WHEN Hampden county was created in 1 812, it became neces-
sary to provide a suitable building in Springfield, the county
seat, in which to hold the courts. The old court house built in
1722-23 was unsuitable for the new county. Naturally differences
of opinion arose as to the best spot upon which to erect the new

Hampden County Court House

State Street frtim

Old Jail and High School

STATE STREET IN

Ozi ight to Elliott

A Reminder of the Past

THE 'SEVENTIES

The Late City Hall

Springfield Present and Prospective 10 1

county building, and after due consideration of the question, Meet-
ing House square was decided upon, and the building was erected
in 1 82 1 at a cost of 1(8,375. It is now owned and occupied by the
Odd Fellows. In size and style it was like those built for Berkshire
and for Hampshire counties. It answered its purpose very satis-
factorily until the necessity for more room demanded a change.

The erection of the present — ^third — court house was authorized
by the legislature in 1871, and it was finished and ready for use in
1874. The duty to see to this work was with the county commis-
sioners, none of whom were lawyers or had any practical experience
or any definite idea of the proper construction of a court house, or
of those things essential to its convenient use. Those whose business
best qualified them to suggest points of practical importance either
were not consulted, or their opinions, if expressed, were ignored.
The building was not what it should have been, though costing the
sum of $304,543, including land, building and furnishings, and few
years have passed since its occupation in which the county has not
expended large sums of money in necessary alterations. A plan is
now on foot for additional structures to meet the growing need of
the county.

The late city hall was built in 1854 and dedicated January i,
1855, and it answered the purpose for which it was designed fairly
well. It housed the several departments of the city government,
including at one time the police court room, and it housed the police
department with lock-up accommodations. The school committee
also had rooms in the building. Its ample audience room proved
defective in acoustic qualities; but after several years of experiment-
ing it was greatly improved in that respect. Its destruction by (ire
revealed the fact that it was a fire trap. Prior to its construction the
most available assembly hall in Springfield was Hampden hall,
occupying the second story of a building that stood on the present
site of the Springfield Five Cents savings bank and the block imme-
diately north of it.

The old town hall building, still standing on the comer of State
and Market streets, was used for the city's business block until the
dedication of the city hall in 1855. In that building the police court
held its sittings.

102 Springfield Present and Prospective

The old high school building stood on the site of the present
police headquarters, and at the time of its devotion to that use was
regarded as one of the most pretentious structures of its kind in the
county. Its occupation for the high school extended from 1849 to
1874, when the first regularly-known high school building was con-
structed on State street. But as the city grew in population it proved
insufficient to meet the requirements of the school, and in 1898 the
present beautiful high school building was erected on land purchased
of the county. The city library building on State street was com-
pleted in 1 87 1 by the City Library association, incorporated in 1864.
The art building, near the city library, was completed in 1895, and
the science building was built in 1898.

The first jail in Springfield was built about 1662, and was located
on the "road on the brow of the hill," now called Maple street. It
was burned by the Indians, October 16, 1675, and was replaced in
1677. A log jail once stood in the rear of the. Old Gaol tavern, that
stood partly on the site of the Union house. In 18 13, the county
purchased one and one-half acres of land on State street for I500
(now occupied by the new high school building), upon which a jail
and a house of correction was erected at the cost of i! 14, 164. This
was used as a jail and house of correction until 1887, when it was
abandoned for the building now used as a jail and house of correction
on York street, the cost of which was $266,953.94.

The Massachusetts Mutual life insurance company, incorporated
May 15, 1851, with a guarantee capital of j!ioo,ooo, had its office in
No. 8 Foot's block, corner of Main and State streets. The greatest
risk on a single life was limited to <!5,ooo. The officers were Caleb
Rice, president; E. D. Beach, vice-president; Francis B. Bacon,
secretary; Harvey Danks, general agent; Alfred Lambert, M.D.,
medical examiner; J. M. Smith, M.D., consulting physician. In
1856 the capital and surplus of this company was but jSi 26,233.85.

In 1 85 1 the Hampden Mutual fire insurance company had its
office in the second story of Foot's block, adjoining that of the Mutual
life. Hon. John Mills was president; Hon. William B. Calhoun,
vice-president; George W. Rice, secretary; William W. Lee, treas-
urer. This company was crushed by the Portland fire.

At this time the Springfield Institute for Savings occupied rooms
on the second floor of Foot's block. The Hampden savings bank

^A View of Westjord Avenue ^Looking up Jefferson Avenue

ft.

Springfield Present and Prospective 103

was incorporated and organized in 1852. The Springfield Five
Cents savings bank was chartered and organized in 1854. The
Mutual fire assurance company of Springfield was chartered and
organized in 1827, and its place of business was in the Chicopee
Bank building.

The Springfield Fire and Marine insurance company was incor-
porated in 1849. It occupied rooms at first in the City hotel build-
ing. In 1858 it occupied the building that it had erected on the site
of the old Pynchon fort. Now it occupies its magnificent building
on State street.

Hampden park was officially opened in October, 1857, with
ceremonies in which the civic, military and fire organizations took
part.

Gas was introduced for lighting purposes in 1849, and electric
light in 1887. Electricity as a motive power for street cars was
applied in 1890.

The first telephone appeared in 1879, following a demonstration
here of his discovery by Professor Bell.

For several years after the incorporation of the city, the general
business transacted, such as stores, etc., persistently remained on
Main street, and for the most part between the railroad and State
street. The condition of the streets was not good during the early
years of the city. Main street was often very muddy through its
entire length, as were most of the streets branching from it in either
direction. The proper surfacing of it was a puzzling problem for
many years. An experiment was made somewhat early by block
paving Main street from the railroad to Hampden street; but not
being properly done it proved a failure and was abandoned. The
principal material used on the street for several years was gravel.
But the condition has gradually improved down to the present time.

Touching the buildings located on Main street, the Massasoit
house and the Goodrich block have not been materially changed
since the fifties. Immediately below Hampden street on the west
side of Main was a row of wooden buildings consisting in part of an
ell detached from the Massasoit house and converted into small
stores. Then came the Fort block, so called, on the site where the
post-office stands. On the lower corner of Worthington street was
the two-story residence of Doctor Chaffee. Further down was the

I04 Springfield Present and Prospective

old North church, and below that, on the corner of Main and
Bridge streets, was the somewhat pretentious mansion of Mrs. L.
Trask, standing a little above the level of the street and surrounded
by a substantial iron fence. On the lower corner of Bridge and Main
streets was a substantial two-story dwelling, the residence of the
Bond family. From this point down were several dwellings with
ample yards and gardens down as far as Vernon street. The lot occu-
pied now by the Haynes house and by the Forbes ^ Wallace block,
was partly an open lot below the Barnes block now owned by Forbes
&f Wallace. Often in the fifties people would make a short cut across
the open lot on their way to the court house.

On the east side of Main street, from the railroad down, were
some brick blocks of a type not wholly extinct. Between Worthing-
ton and Bridge streets were some old frame buildings in a somewhat
tumble-down condition, and used for some kinds of business — one of
them being used for a tin and stove shop; and shortly above this
building a daguerreian gallery on wheels was pushed in with the rear
end to the street, and an active and probably successful business
was carried on in it for several years. There were some buildings
of like value and character on the Barnes lot at the junction of Main
and Bridge streets. Barnes' lot was sometimes used as a pasture,
extending from Main to Chestnut street, and was the usual place for
firemen's musters, ball playing, and for circuses. This lot was thus
open for several years after the incorporation of the city. Why did
not the city buy the entire lot ?

Early in the history of the town the strip of land lying between
Main and Chestnut streets was a swamp. Whenever State street
has been dug up between Main street and the foot of the hill, the
logs used in constructing corduroy have been found at a considerable
depth below the present level of the street. East of Main street
below Park street, B. K. Bliss ^ Haven maintained with great
success a greenhouse, garden and nursery.

At the corner of Main and York streets stood a stone monument
dressed into shape and lettered and marked to show the height of the
water at that point at the time of the great flood of May i, 1854.

In 1775, Moses Church was appointed postmaster in Springfield,
and he established the office in a one-story building at the corner of
Main and Court streets on ground now occupied by the Five Cents

^Site of the Present Fuller BuUdingy corner of Bridge and Main Streets

H)ld Chicopee Bank Building' corner of Main and Elm\StreetSy showing the old Exchange
Hotel just beyond

Springfeld Present and Prospective 105

savings bank building, where he carried on the hat and fur business.
The average rate of postage for letters is said to have been fifteen
cents, but the writer remembers when letter postage was as high as
twenty-five cents, and when it had dropped to ten cents, to five cents,
to three cents and to two cents. In 1 792 Ezra W. Weld was appointed
postmaster and he moved the office to the Hampshire Chronical
establishment, of which he had charge, in a two-story building at
the corner of Main and Elm streets, where the Chicopee bank
building now stands. He was succeeded by James R. Hutchins in
1793, and the office was moved to the corner of Main and Sanford
streets, in a building where he conducted as editor the Federal Spy.
In the following year Hutchins was succeeded by John W. Hooker.
James Byers, Jr., was appointed postmaster January i, 1800; and
the office was moved to a building on the east side of Main street,
a short distance north of State. Daniel Lombard was appointed
postmaster July 29, 1806, and moved the office to the corner of
Main and Elm streets. In 1829, Lo"ibard was succeeded by Albert
Morgan, and the office was moved to the corner of State and Market
streets, where it remained until 1834, when it was moved to the Elm
street stores now owned by Newrie D. Winter, where it remained
for thirty years under six successive postmasters. In 1842 Col.
Solomon Warriner succeeded Morgan, and he in turn was succeeded
in 1843 by Col. Harvey Chapin, who after a short service was suc-
ceeded by Galen Ames. In 1845, under the administration of Presi-
dent Polk, Colonel Chapin was again appointed and served until
1849, when he gave place to William Stowe. Abijah Chapin was
made postmaster in 1853, but was removed in 1861 when Mr. Stowe
was reappointed under Lincoln's administration.

In 1866 the post-office was moved from Elm street to the Haynes
hotel. Mr. Stowe dying in December, 1871, Gen. Horace C. Lee
was appointed in January, 1872, and during his administration the
office was moved to the Five Cents savings bank building. In 1884
Edwin P. Chapin became postmaster, and on his resignation Col.
John L. Rice was appointed, and the office was shortly afterwards
moved to the Gilmore block, where it remained until the completion
of the present post-office building in 1891. Col. Henry M. Phillips
was appointed postmaster in 1890, and served until succeeded by
John H. Clune in 1894. The present postmaster, Louis C. Hyde,
was appointed in June, 1898.

lo6 Springfield Present and Prospective

The present post-office building was finished in 1891. The land
on which it stands was purchased of the Cadwell heirs for $70,000,
by citizens of Springfield who wished the building placed in that
part of the city, and they sold it to the government for $18,500. A
sharp rivalry existed between those favoring the present ___location,
and people favoring a ___location near the corner of Main and State
streets. It was felt by many that the government was niggardly in
its appropriation, throwing the principal burden of purchasing a lot
for the new building upon the citizens.

About this time, as the result of strenuous efforts, Springfield
was made a port of entry, and the custom house is housed in the
post-office building. As a natural outcome of this, there has been
maintained to the present time persistent efforts to secure a re-opening
of the river to navigation, but no crowning result has appeared.
The government, however, treats it as a public highway subject to
its jurisdiction in the matter of collecting license fees, but it utterly
fails to keep the highway in suitable repair, allowing private inter-
ests to override the right of the public to reasonably uninterrupted
use of the river.

The quarter-millennial celebration, May 25 and 26, 1886, was
memorable in many ways. A committee of fifty of the leading
citizens planned the work, and all the outlying towns that were
formerly part of the old Springfield had special committees.

The observance began with special services at all the churches
on Sunday, the 25th, that at the historic First Congregational church
being properly the most notable. The chapel was later in the week
in charge of the loan exhibition committee, who had gathered there
a wonderful collection of relics and heirlooms.

An immense throng gathered at the city hall on Tuesday. Ex-
Mayor William L. Smith, chairman of the citizens' committee, made
preliminary remarks, introducing Judge Marcus P. Knowlton, the
acting president of the day. The speakers who followed were
Mayor Edwin D. Metcalf, Governor George D. Robinson, of Chic-
opee, Hon. John L. Houston of Enfield, and Judge Henry Morris.
The anniversary ode was read by its author. Judge William S.
ShurtlefF, and the anniversary hymn, written by E. Porter Dyer,
was sung by the Orpheus club, who performed other music during
the exercises.

U, S. Post Office and Custom House

Springfield Present and Prospective 107

At the banquet to distinguished guests, which was given at the
Massasoit house in the evening, the speakers included District
Attorney George M. Stearns, Governor Robinson, Ex-Mayor Wil-
liam H. Haile, Hon. A. £. Pillsbury, president of the state senate,
Samuel Bowles, editor of the Republican, Dr. Thomas A. Pynchon
of Hartford, Mayor O'Connor of Holyoke, David A. Wells, General
H. C. Dwight of Hartford, United States Senator Dawes, Railroad
Commissioner Kinsley, Rev. John Cuckson of Springfield and Rev.
John Harding of Longmeadow.

The second and final day of the celebration, Wednesday, opened
with a concert by 2000 children in Court square. The big event of
the day, the procession, started at i o'clock and was a most ambitious
aifair. In addition to the military, civic and society organizations
of the city, and visiting military and other bodies, there were floats
and costumed characters representing different periods in Spring-
field's history. The day closed with band concerts in Court
square, and a grand ball at the old city hall, now passed away with
other landmarks.

The city's golden jubilee began on Sunday, May 25, 1902, the
anniversary day of incorporation, with special services in the
churches, and at the Court Square theatre in the evening there
were notable addresses by Dr. Talcott Williams of Philadelphia,
Congressman Frederick H. Gillett, Mayor Ralph W. Ellis, Lawyer
E. H. Lathrop and Lawyer C. W. Bosworth.

Court square was made the "court of honor," and was a memor-
able spectacle, the scheme of decoration being snow-white pillars at
intervals along the edge of the park, surmounted by flags and hung
from one to another with festoons of evergreens and electric lights.
When lighted up at night it was a scene of beauty not to be forgotten.

The anniversary was chiefly marked by the completion of the
fund of 1$ 1 00,000 for the extension of Court square to the river, the
impulse being a ]$ 10,000 bequest from the late Tilly Haynes for that
purpose, conditional upon the necessary sum being raised. Thus
the thing that Tilly Haynes, George R. Townsley, N. A. Leonard,
Samuel Bowles and other leading citizens talked of in their day was
brought to a realization. No record of this enthusiastic rolling up
in a few weeks of 1(90,000, to which sum the half-dollar contributor
was as welcome as the man who gave a thousand, should pass without

lo8 Spring-field Present and Prospective

mention of George Dwight Pratt, who was the most active force in
inspiring the subscriptions, though it was also first in the heart and
endeavor of Theodore L. Haynes and Everett H. Barney.

Monday, May 26, was given over to the parades, through bril-
liantly-decorated streets, of the military and civic bodies, societies
and trade unions in which every organization in the city — French-
Canadians, Italians, and all — ^took part. Band concerts and fire-
works rounded out the day. The chairman of the day was the late
Elisha Morgan, a direct descendant of the Miles Morgan, whose
effigy on Court square silently witnessed the 250th anniversary of
his early struggles. To Mr. Morgan's keen artistic sense and ad-
ministrative ability was due much of the good taste of the decorations
and the successful carrying out of the program. Mayor Ralph W.
Ellis was vice-chairman and Elijah A. Newell, the city clerk and a
civil war veteran, was secretary. The sub-committees represented
the best of the executive ability of the city.

Springfield in the Wars

SPRINGFIELD is naturally a peaceful community; but when there
was fighting to be done, there were always to be found men of
Springfield. During the French and Indian wars, from 1744 to
1760, in which New England bore so prominent a part, Springfield
lost many citizens who went as soldiers and were killed.

The local Indians were friendly till 1675, when, possibly because
the knives and hatchets and hoes for which they had bartered their
birthright had worn out, they became restive, and the memorable
King Philip war broke out. For many a weary month an occupation
that had to be reckoned in the day's duties was detaching Indian
arrows from the person. The alertness of the settlers, led by Major
John Pynchon, averted a massacre, but the town was burned by the
Indians, October 16, 1675. Arrows with burning brands and fire-
balls were thrown on the roofs of the houses and barns and forts,
and little but the forts was saved.

In the Revolutionary war Springfield was a recruiting post and
a depot for recruiting stores. Works for repairing arms were carried
on, which led to the establishment of the national armory. The
Boston alarm of September, 1774, set men drilling and marching in
Springfield as elsewhere in New England. In April of the following

spring-field Present and Prospective 109

year the news of the battle of Lexington got to the Connecticut river
settlements with wonderful promptness. Companies of men from
Suffield, Longmeadow and West Springfield gathered in Springfield
and with the Springfield men pressed to the front. From all accounts
the streets and taverns were in an uproar of excitement. Many
enlistments of Springfield men are recorded in this and succeeding
years. They scattered among various regiments. The news of the
Declaration of Independence aroused the village to intense enthusi-
asm, and it is a legend that one farmer who was coming from West
Springfield with a load of hay, when he heard the news touched a
light to the hay and celebrated right on the spot.

During the summer and autumn of 1780 there were gathered
forty-two divisions of six-months' men who marched to the points
where they were required as fast as they were ready for service. So
Springfield at no time lacked intimate knowledge of the fray.

Springfield had a little war of its own in 1786-87 when the
locally famous Shays rebellion disturbed the equanimity of this and
neighboring towns. The incitement to this uprising was the drastic
action of the courts against delinquent debtors, and lawyers and
judges were the bbjects of fierce denunciation. Hard times evidently
followed the war of independence, for in the term of the court of
common pleas in February, 1786, no less than three hundred and
thirty-three cases of unhappy debtors were called up, and judgment
obtained. The foreclosure of mortgages was an every-day event.
Daniel Shays and Luke Day took radical steps in September, 1786,
by interfering with the session of the Supreme Judicial court.
Troops had been gathered under General Shepard, but they avoided
a collision with the forces of Shays, which marched and counter-
marched before the court house. The court adjourned without
action against any of Shays' men and the October term of court at
Great Barrington was abandoned.

In January, 1787, Shays made a bold attempt to capture the
federal arsenal at Springfield. He made a dash from Rutland with
nearly 1,200 men, armed with guns, camping at Wilbraham. The
women and children of that frightened town were transferred to
Longmeadow for safety. The plan was to overpower General
Shepard before Eastern troops, two days' march away, could get to
his rescue. Other insurgents were camped at Chicopee and West

no Springfield Present and Prospective

Springfield, making nearly two thousand men who were to oppose
General Shepard's one thousand.

The Shays forces met the militia on the Boston road, within view
of the Armory, the afternoon of January 25. Shays' arrangement
with the other rebels had miscarried and they had not joined him.
The first shots of the troops scattered the insurgents, and they fled
in confusion, not even returning fire. Three men were killed and
one wounded, and the war was ended. There were plenty of mut-
terings and some small disturbances afterward, but peace came at
length.

In the second unpleasantness with England, beginning in 181 2,
Springfield was not eager for any more fighting, but when a British
fleet was discovered off the New England coast in August, 1814, and
there was a call for troops. Gen. Jacob Bliss started east with a
militia brigade. They did not, however, participate in any engage-
ment.

The war spirit in Springfield from 186 1 to '65 was, if anything,
more active than in other cities. This being the headquarters of the
supply of arms, the people felt the pulse of war palpably. Companies
for several regiments were raised here, and the tenth, twenty-seventh
and forty-sixth Massachusetts volunteers were encamped here before
going to the seat of war. The Springfield City guard formed one of
the companies.

Judge Chapman called to order the first war rally in April, 1861.
The city government voted ;f30,ooo for volunteers. The destruction
of the Harper's Ferry armory left the Springfield arsenal the main
resourse of the government for a time.

These Springfield men officered companies in the Tenth Massa-
chusetts regiment: Captain, Hosea C. Lombard; 1st lieutenant,
Hiram A. Keith; 2d lieutenant, George W. Bigelow, all of the
Springfield City guard; Captains Joseph K. Newell, Homer G.
Gilmore, Frederick Barton, Edwin L. Knight, and George W.
Bigelow; 1st lieutenant and adjutant, Oliver Edwards; chaplain.
Rev. Frederick A. Barton.

In the Twenty-seventh Massachusetts : Colonel, Horace C. Lee;
surgeon, George A. Otis; captains, Walter G. Bartholomew, Gusta-
vus A. Fuller and Horace K. Cooley; ist lieutenants Edward K.
Wilcox, Peter S. Bailey, George Warner and John W. Trafton;

Home of the State Militia

S
5

•>3

Springfield Present and Prospective III

2d lieutenants, W. Chapman Hunt, Ira B. Sampson and William
A. White. Captain Bartholomew became lieutenant-colonel and
E. K. Wilcox captain. He was killed at Cold Harbor and is memor-
ized in E. K. Wilcox post of the Grand Army.

The Forty-sixth Massachusetts had a Springfield man. Colonel
Walker, in command of the camp, and Company A was an all-Spring-
field organization with Samuel B. Spooner as captain, Lewis A. Tifft
1st lieutenant, and D. J. Marsh 2d lieutenant. William S. Shurtleff
also became lieutenant-colonel, after enlisting as a private. He
became colonel in 1863.

The Thirty-seventh Massachusetts regiment, organized at Pitts-
field, had many Springfield men and officers, and there were several
companies in other regiments partly manned and officered by sons of
Springfield. The city's death list in the war numbered 167.

The war with Spain in 1898 is vivid in memory, because our
three companies of Massachusetts volunteer militia were among the
first to be called to Cuba. The day they marched to the depot the
streets were packed with people, but there was very little cheering.
There were too many there whose memories of the previous war
were yet painful, and the younger folk were oppressed with the
solemnity of the sight when men they knew were marching to battle.
Companies B, G and K were in action at El Caney, when Santiago
was taken, and Springfield gave of its youth, from death on the field,
from wounds and disease, twenty-one, while half a score more have
since died from the effects of the hardships and fevers of that
campaign. Of these was Captain Henry McDonald, city marshal
of Springfield.

Among the tenderest memories of the late Henry S. Lee is the
untiring zeal with which he looked after the welfare of the Springfield
boys in this war, solacing the families of those who perished, and
personally seeing that those who came home invalided had the best
of care and treatment.

The official roster of the second regiment and Springfield com-
panies was as follows:

Field Staff and Non-Commissioned Staff: Colonel, Embury P. Clark;
major, Frederick G. Southmayd; adjutant, ist lieutenant, Paul R. Hawkins;
quartermaster, ist lieut., Edward £. Sawtell; major and surgeon, Henry
C. Bowen; major and surgeon, Ernest A. Gates.

112 Springfield Present and Prospective

B Company — Captain, Henry McDonald; ist lieutenant, William J.
Young; 2d lieutenants, Harry J. Vesper and Thomas F. Burke.

G Company — Captain, John J. Leonard; ist lieutenant, William C.
Hayes; 2d lieutenant, Edward J. Leyden.

K Company — Captain, William S. Warriner; ist lieutenant, Philip C.
Powers; 2d lieutenant, Harry H. Parkhurst.

H Company, Naval Brigade, were called to duty, and were as-
signed chiefly to the auxiliary cruiser Prairie, but were not in serious
action. The officers were assigned as follows: Lieut. Jenness K.
Dexter, U. S. S. Russell; Lieut. Henry S. Grossman, U. S. S. Prairie;
Lieut. William O. Gohn, U. S. S. Lehigh.

General Lawton camp, Spanish war veterans, was organized to
keep alive the brotherhood of our last war.

The United States Armory

No HISTORY of Springfield is complete without a story of the
Armory, which has been an important factor in the city's life
and progress. It is recorded that when George Washington passed
through Springfield in October, 1789, he saw and approved of the
present site of the Armory. Congress passed an act establishing it
in April, 1794, and buildings were soon after erected on the Hill and
on Mill river, the latter department still retaining its old name,
"the Watershops."

The manufacture of small arms began in 1795 with a force of
forty hands, and a production of 245 muskets the first year, and for
over one hundred years it has been carried on without interruption,
except when the main buildings of the Armory were burned in 1824.

No less than a score of different models of muskets have been
made in that time. The first guns were the French model, and the
King's and Queen's arms, English models. The former had a small
calibre, short barrel and light stock, and, for those days, was a hand-
some gun. The King's and Queen's arms were heavy, long-barreled,
large-bore guns, and favorites with the Indians, one of whom, ac-
cording to legend, expressed his preference for "big gun, big noise,
big bullet." The first American model was made, with flint lock, in
1822 and improved in 1840. In 1842 the flint lock was abandoned
and the percussion lock adopted, and a proud historian states in
the Springfield Directory of 1848 that it was "confidently believed

On Guard at the Armory

spring-field Present and Prospective 113

that the arms made at this armory since the adoption of the percus-
sion lock are not equaled by any other establishment in the world."
The new model was used in the Mexican war.

A model usually bore the name of the year in which it was adopt-
ed. The 1855, or Maynard primer model, was used effectively by
the regular army in frontier engagements with the Indians. Of this
model, when the great war of the North and South began, only about
40,000 had been made, many of which had been already distributed
to the army, so that until the 1862 model could be made and put in
the field, the Union volunteers had to take what guns could be got —
Enfields, Austrians, Belgians, flint-locks, rifles, fowling pieces; any-
thing, indeed, in the shape of a gun.

A large increase in the Armory force and the addition of new
buildings followed the outbreak of the war. In 1864 there were
3,400 men employed and 1,000 guns a day turned out. At the time
Fort Sumter was fired on, 1,000 guns a month were made, but the
production was steadily increased till the same quantity was finished
every twenty-four hours, the works running day and night. Daily
shipments of 1,000 guns were sent to quartermasters in diflFerent
parts of the country. The payroll at this time amounted to over
^200,000 a month, and the foundation of the home of many a thrifty
Springfield mechanic was laid in those years of trouble.

In 1873 the breech-loader model was perfected, and many im-
provements were added in the next twenty years. The Krag-Jorgen-
sen gun was adopted in 1892, and this model was modified in 1898
from experience gained by its use in the Spanish war. The later
model has been generally supplied to the regular troops and the
militia, but in the case of the "regulars" this is being replaced by
the 1903 model, or United States magazine rifle, a gun that will shoot
farther and more frequently than any yet produced. A new sight
and a new model of bayonet made for fighting service, are recent
features.

The present output of guns is about three hundred a day, some
1,400 men, working eight hours, being employed. The monthly
payroll in recent years runs from $75,000 to $130,000.

Before the civil war there were four arsenals that were used solely
for the storage of small arms and their appendages. In i860, under
Capt. George Dwight, the middle arsenal was converted into a
workshop, and later in the war, when guns were shipped as fast as

114 Spring-field Present and Prospective

produced, the east and west arsenals were used as work shops. The
main arsenal was built in 1846 under the superintendency of Colonel
Ripley, and has a storage capacity of about 300,000 guns, 100,000
on each floor. The total storage room of all the arsenals packed to
repletion is 1,000,000 stands of arms. It was of this that Longfellow
wrote, to quote again from his much-quoted poem:

This is the arsenal. From floor to ceiling.
Like a huge organ, rise the burnished arms;

But from their silent pipes no anthem pealing
Startles the villages with strange alarms.

Ah! what a sound will rise, how wild and dreary.
When the death-angel touches those swift keys;

What loud lament and dismal m'iserere
Will mingle with their awful symphonies!

The visitor to the Armory enters the grounds at the southern
corner, passing the uniformed guard at the gatehouse, and ascending
a short hill reaches the plateau where most of the buildings are situ-
ated. Keeping to the right he passes the officers' quarters, the
barracks, the guard house, the middle arsenal and the east arsenal,
all on the southeast side of Union square. Northerly is the long
building occupied by the ordnance storekeeper, the general offices,
the milling department, etc. Along the north side of the square,
fronting Federal street, are the machine, stocking, filling, polishing,
carpenter and paint shops. Across Federal street, looking east, is
the experimental department.

The arsenal and tower, and some of the other buildings, are open
to the public during working hours, the condition being a pass,
procured at the office. The tower commands a superb view of the
city and vicinity, and it is one of the points of interest that strangers
in Springfield rarely fail to visit.

Col. F. H. Phipps, colonel ordnance department, is the present
commanding officer. There are four assistant officers, and the post
has a garrison of sixty men.

Springfield's Growth

THE city is growing in population, in beauty and in building, as
never before in its history. To show the increase in ratio of
population it is only necessary to refer to census figures for the past

Springfield Present and Prospective 1 15

century. In 1810 the population of Springfield was 1,267; in 1820
it was 3,914; in 1830 they counted 6,784; in 1837 there were revealed
9,234; in 1843, 10*985; in 1850, 11,330; in 1852, 12,498; in i860,
15,200; in 1870, 26,703; in 1885, 37,575; in 1895, 51,512; in 1900,
62,059, and the census of 1905 showed a population of 73,484, a
growth in the past five years of 2,285 a year. A continuance of this
ratio of growth will make it a city of 100,000 in ten years more.

The buildings now in process of completion and the buildings
planned for immediate erection form an unusual development in
Springfield's growth. Most important of these are the Fire and
and Marine insurance company's handsome new home at the corner
of State and Maple streets, which is to be followed by a new office
building for the Massachusetts Mutual life insurance company at
the corner of State and Main streets, the present site of the Foot
block; the Springfield Institution for Savings is to have a new home
on Elm street, the county of Hampden will build a hall of records
adjoining the court house, the Odd Fellows are to have a temple
on Pynchon street, a large assembly hall is in prospect, and a new
city hall, of architecture in keeping with the dignity of the city, is
in the immediate future; likewise a new building for the City library,
toward which Andrew Carnegie has given $150,000.

Springfield's development in business and manufacturing lines
is constant. The post-office ranks next to Boston's among the Mas-
sachusetts cities in the percentage of net receipts, and in gross
receipts it leads all other cities and towns of New England. The
gross receipts in 1904 were $294,724.

Five lines of railroad fetch and carry freight and passengers to
and from Springfield, and the volume of business grows steadily.
The street railway carried nearly 19,000,000 passengers over its
ninety-four miles of track in 1904, and yet there were some that
couldn't get seats.

Evidences of the city's material prosperity are found in the one
thousand manufacturing concerns, engaging $20,000,000 of capital,
paying out $8,000,000 yearly in wages and salaries, using material
amounting to $12,000,000 and producing goods to the value of
$30,000,000. Among these products, those most famous, in fact
known all over the world, are Webster's dictionary, the Smith £5f
Wesson revolver, the Barney £5f Berry skate, the Wason car, and
the United States army rifle.

Ii6 Spring-field Present and Prospective

The total assessed property of the city is about J!8o,ooo,cxx); the
property exempt, used for school, county and government purposes,
is about ;|t4,ooo,ooo.

The deposits of the eight national banks and two trust companies
amounted in a recent statement to nearly $17,000,000, showing an
increase of ten per cent in the past ten years. The surplus in the
same ran to nearly $900,000.

The following editorial, a remarkable prophecy of Springfield's
development, and as true in other respects today as it was half a
century ago, appeared in the Republican January 27, 1853:

Those who have seen other valleys and lived in other lands can only
appreciate the surpassing beauty and loveliness of the Connecticut valley,
its desirableness as a home, its advantages for acquiring competence and
wealth and the profusion of intellectual and moral privileges which it enjoys.
This thought occurs to us, always when we hear a young man expressing his
discontent with the **slow East" and his wish to mingle in the gigantic enter-
prises of the Western States or to unite with the sturdy pioneers who are
founding a mighty empire on the Pacific Coast. No land in the world is
more productive, or can be made more productive than the bottom lands
of the Connecticut. No valley is more abundant in its natural facilities
for mechanical and manufacturing enterprises. Holyoke alone has water
power enough, if employed, to support 100,000 persons, while Thompson-
ville, Chicopee, Indian Orchard, South Hadley, Mittineague, Jencksville,
Leeds Village, Haydenville, Greenfield and numerous other points have
water power enough to form the nuclei of cities. These are scattered
through the valley, every rod of which can be transformed into a garden
for the supply of the wants of a dense population. The hills that roll up
on either side afford pasturage for cattle, and the products of the stall and
the dairy alike have even now but to be taken to the manufacturing points
we have indicated to be changed into gold.

But we are told that the growth of the population and the development
of the natural resources of the valley are slow. Pray, how old is the valley
in settlement and enterprise ? Go back only 20 years — ^where were Cabot-
ville, Mittineague, Indian Orchard, Greenfield and the host of other points
now alive with busy manufacturing life ? Go back 30 years — ^where were
Chicopee Falls, Haydenville, Thompsonville and the rest ? It strikes us
that the growth has been fast and that it promises with the accumulating
strength of capital and experience to be faster still. New branches of
manufacture have been struck out and fortunes have been made and are
still making. Look at the improvements that have been made for the
transportation of manufactures, merchandise and passengers. Eighty years

;>
>:

* Oxford Apartment House ' Municipal Building

Springfield Present and Prospective 1 17

ago nothing but the slow coach and the still slower sailboat were engaged
in the transportation of merchandise and passengers up and down the river.
Now a splendid railroad runs almost literally by every man's door from
Springfield to the fountain spring of the river, vrithin a day's walk of the
Canadian line. Has this been slow stretching ? Nay, are not other roads
already planned to run out into by-places among the hills and along the
valleys of tumbling streams ?

Thus much for the physical advantages and developmentsof the valley,
but to the mind that regards life in its higher objects and relations there
are other and higher advantages which in comparison with those enjoyed
by newer localities leave us far above them. Where else in the broad earth
can be found a more beautiful stream than the Connecticut, a more beauti-
ful valley than its waters or a more beautiful background to rise up and
meet the sky ? Where can we find more beautiful homes ? Above all,
where have education, religion, refinement, taste and all the elements of
an elevated civilization been more prospered than here ? There is a church
on every hill, a schoolhouse in every valley, a lyceum in every neighborhood,
a newspaper in every house, while colleges and seminaries and academies
can be seen from each other's spires.

It is to these things that those who wished to go faster and who in
order to accomplish their wishes, went to new countries always look back
with regretful eye. The elevated and educated society, the sound of the
** church-going bell" in the clear Sabbath mornings, the lecture room, the
convenient schoolhouse — all these things come before the mind of the
emigrant as he stands b^ the side of his cavern in the woods with his uned-
ucated children around him. Privileges like those enjoyed here are often
sold for countless gold. They weave the very crown of life and endow the
poorest among us with riches far above the price of rubies. We believe
that the Connecticut Valley is destined to a full development of its immense
physical resources while we prize altogether beyond these material advan-
tages the moral, social, educational, political and religious privileges enjoyed
here by all. The habits of life engendered by the prevailing spirits of our
institutions and growing out of the very fact that no man looks for sudden
wealth, contribute most essentially to happiness, manliness and true worldly
prosperity.

Judge A. M. Copeland and Edwin Dwight

Il8 Springfield Present and Prospective

Our Soldier Citizen: A Tribute

The soldiers* monument in Court square, given by Gurdon Bill to the Grand Army, was
dedicated September 29, 1885, with an appropriate honoring ceremonial. The veterans of the
Union army marched in procession; there was music of bands; Col. S. C. Warhner made
surrender of the monument to the city, and Col. William S. Shurtlef! in a speech of beautiful
eloquence accepted the duty of transfer, while Mayor Henry M. Phillips briefly received the
charge. Elijah A. Newell recited the record of Springfield in the war. The ode by Charles G.
Whiting was read by Alfred P. Burbank, then a noted public reciter, whose noble voice and
intellectual expression gave the lines full value. Afterward came the oration of Gen. Joseph
R. Hawley, one of the best he ever made, which dosed with Lincoln^s Gettysburg oration^as
Hawley's Habit was. The ode follows:

THE soldier citizen of America!
So as he marched, so as he stood on guard
In our heroic age,
So wrought in bronze on pedestal of stone
Stands his emphatic figure sentinel
High in the elms the shade of whose young boughs
Swayed over Washington —
That man of all most lofty and benign,
Leader of generals, master of statesmen.
Great citizen, great soldier of America! —
What time, well-nigh a century ago.
He journeyed through the land he freed.
And rested here.

Above the people's common he keeps ward, —
The people's soldier;
And o'er the streets through whose applauding throngs
By companies, by regiments, they marched to war.

The men whose deeds he honors.
Bone of their bone, flesh of their flesh, soul of their soul,

the people spared, —
And glad and proud were they to spare their best.
And glad and proud their best to go.

O not for pride of rule, vain victory or conquest,
They went from home and friends, and left the arts of peace.
Their patriot purpose deeper rooted was.
More broadly swelled and more sublimely soared.
Than ever patriots' had since time began.
God's love to man,

spring-field Present and Prospective 119

The freedom of the world,

Hope of all peoples that were yet to be

That starry banner bore.

With high resolve and fiery urge

Our sons, our brothers, fought and fell;
Heart, brain and life, in battle's surge

We launched them all, for fires of hell
Alone should burn hell's curse away,
In lurid dawn for freedom's day!

Yea, then we did behold.
As in the wondrous vision of the seer.

The opening of the seals!
The angels from high heaven descended swift.
Earth with their glory grew intolerably bright!
And He that Faithful and True is called.
Who in righteousness judgeth and maketh war,
Who treadeth the wine press of fierceness and wrath

Of God, the Almighty, —
He bowed the heavens and came down!
And lo! the nation that dealt wickedly
Trembled beneath the terror of his sword.
And set the bondman free.

God's wrath
Strode o'er the land:

His lightnings smote, his thunders volleyed, and his floods
Were ruddy currents of our dearest blood.
And dread anxiety savored all our meat;
Grief was our bedfellow, and rose
Before the dawn to cry to all
Weep! for the dead that are! and yet again.
Weep! for the dead that shall be!

The earth shook with the tread of armed men.

And all the cope of heaven with their cries

Resounded: as the Revelator said

The noise of their shoutings as the noise

Of many waters was; their songs

Were prophecies; and the fateful march

Of John Brown's soul
Echoed, reechoed to the listening world
Christ's gospel writ anew in blood and fire and tears!

120 Springfield Present and Prospective

Not against flesh and blood
'The Union warriors wrestled in that strife;
The rulers of the darkness of this world,
The principalities and powers of ill,
These drew rebellion on, and led the blinded hosts.
Ours was the right, the surety and the pledge

Of all the Nation's future;
Ours was the right, ours also was the power;
What could they do —
Our mad, misguided countrymen ? —
Valiantly fight, most fortunately fail.

For them all that we knew
Of war's bereavement; for them too
Were households filled with mourning;
For them moreover ravage and despoilment,
And plundered, drained, exhausted commonwealths;
For them the bitterest of all, —

Defeat's dark draught.
And their wild dream destroyed!

What in the process of the ages means
This dire displacement of a nation's force.
One half against the other ?
Never before did civil war end thus:
It was a triumph where the victor said

"My foe is still my brother!"
No hideous gallows rises to forbid
The fellowship of Federal and Confederate;
Foiled for the mighty purposes of God
The schemes of faction faint ;
And ere the memories of battle cease
The end of battle 's won !

For out of the odor of powder and striking of steel,
Out of the musketry rattle and screaming of shells.
Out of the combats of iron-clads, the clearing of rivers and

silencing forts by the ships.
Out of the prison privation and anguish of wounds,
Out of the weeping of women and fury of fight.
Out of the foam of the fiery sea.
Out of the stress of the storm, —
New-born emerges the Union!

Memorial Hall

Springfield Present and P rospective 121

Shapes that shamed her in her past

Sting and stab her as they flee;

For the slave that war made free

Slowly grows in liberty;

And his lord as well as he

Limps within the fetters cast

Over both by slavery —

Broken, brutal though they be.

Forms of evil vaguely vast

Frown upon her destiny;

Venomed vermin, worst and last,

In her path void anarchy:

All shall fade before the blast

Blown from where God's throne sits fast.

Bearing law with liberty I

In every age
God hath his chosen people.
The final gospel of the race
He gives to us; within our gates
Shall bloom and fruit a nobler golden age;
Man unto man be brother, nor usurp
Place, privilege and power;

Woihan with man share sway, and rise with man
To clearer air, diviner heights,
That strength and gentleness in holy league
Our social order fill and purify.

In freedom lapped and founded in His fear.

Fashioned from out the nations of the earth,

Fused in the furnaces of war.

Wrought of fine gold with many a strange alloy,

Wearing the warrant of His signet stamp.

The crowning splendor of humanity,

Behold our State I

And this to thee, O soldier citizen!

To thee we owe!
Whether in battle perished, and bestowed
Beneath the soil their sacred blood bedewed;
Or borne unto their homes, worn with disease,
And sepultured amid the sobs of friends;
Or dying full of years, and honors earned

122 Springfield Present and Prospective

In works of peace to mend the waste of war;
Or living, laboring, honoring the land, —
Our neighbors in the shop, the court, the church.
Or on the farms or in the nation's halls, —
To all we owe the priceless debt.
Theirs are the hands that did preserve the State, —
The soldier citizens of America!

O never shall the State forget
The heroes of her trial hour
That sprang to arms, nor counted life their own.
Nor held their dearest sacrifice too dear
Beside the nation's peril;
When He that sitteth in the heavens spake
And summoned forth his servants, and they came
Ordained of Him and by his Spirit dowered, —
His messengers of justice.

O never shall the State forget
Her soldiers and their famous chiefs I
The man whose brows the martyr's glory lights.
Who with sublime divining led

The way of God's decrees, —
That stem and gentle, strong and padent soul,
Th' incarnate conscience of the people's life:
And he, the captain of the strife.
Who struck no blow for selfish fame.
And only saw in war the path to peace;
Who in the grasp of Death
Found his true triumph and immortal joy
As North and South in him were reconciled, —
The greatest soldier of America, —

The G>nqueror of Peace!

Charles Goodrich Whiting

^
^

«:
^

DR. SAMUEL G. BUCKINGHAM

RELIGION -AMD
CHARITIES

HE men who came to live in Springfield in 1636, unlike
the first settlers of many New England towns, were not
accompanied by a minister, nor were they organized
as a church. They made it evident that this state of
affairs seemed to. theni to need a remedy, if not an

apology, for they put the following declaration at the beginning of

their agreement:

" ily. We intend, by God's grace, as soon as we can, with all convenient
speede, to procure some Godly and faithfull minister, with whome we pur-
pose to joyne in church covenant, to walk in all the ways of Christ."

Having thus cleared their consciences, they were ready to plan
how as many as fifty families might live together in harmony, if
they should finally decide to allow more than forty homes in their
community. But they did not rest content with an expression of
purpose. In 1637, Rev. George Moxon was a householder in Spring-
field, and, although the early records have been lost, there is little
doubt that the church was organized in that same year. Mr. Moxon
shared the fortunes of the little community for fifteen years, but when
Deacon William Pynchon was accused of heresy, in 1652, and re-
turned to England, Mr. Moxon went with him. Then ensued a
period of difficulties under which a less resolute company of people
would have given up the attempt to maintain a church. Seven years
passed during which no pastor could be found. Several ministers
preached, and efforts were made to induce some of them to stay, but
most of the time the deacons officiated. The discouragement of
the people was reflected in the vote of the town inviting Rev. Peletiah
Glover to be the minister of Springfield, wherein they promised to

124 Springfield Present and Prospective

■ — ' — - .1 ■ , ■ ■

pay him a salary of ;f6o if he would stay a year. He stayed a gene-
ration — from 1659 till his death in 1692. The next pastor, Daniel
Brewer, was thirty-seven years in office. Then followed the settle-
ment of Rev. Robert Breck, who was opposed by a minority of the
parish and who was ordained only after an exciting struggle involving
almost all the prominent ministers in New England as well as the
General Court of Massachusetts. After this severe storm the air
soon cleared, and Mr. Breck served as pastor, to universal satisfac-
tion, for forty-eight years. Other pastors of long service were
Bezaleel Howard (twenty-four years) and Samuel Osgood (forty-five
years). Doctor Osgood is still remembered by the older residents
of the city, having served till his death in 1854.

Doctor Osgood's pastorate was the era of development in the
church life of Springfield. When he began preaching in the First
church it was the only church in Springfield, though a weak Method-
ist society occasionally secured ^ preacher for a service in the Water-
shops district. When he retired there were not less than ten strong
churches in the city, four of which had directly sprung from his own.
The present pastor of the First church is Rev. Frank L. Goodspeed,
Ph.D.

"The Second society of the First parish in Springfield *' was set
off by the Legislature in 1818, the petitioners for the act declaring
that they could no longer profit by the ministrations of Doctor
Osgood. The founders of this society did not formally avow Uni-
tarian belief, though it was understood that their action was due to
their restlessness under the unflinching orthodoxy of the minister of
the First church. The separation appears to have taken place with
much less ill feeling than was manifested in many other towns.

The organization of the other three churches was due simply to
the growth of Springfield. January 8, 1833, the "Fourth Congrega-
tional church" was formed to meet the need of "the Armory village
on the Hill." The second church was that in Chicopee street, Chico-
pee being then included in Springfield township, and the third was
the Church of the Unity. The Fourth church, after twenty years'
use of its numerical designation, elected to call itself Olivet, and after
another twenty years its name was confirmed by the Legislature.
The Olivet edifice was erected in 1834, and has long been known by
the men in the Armory across the street as "the double-barreled

spring-field Present and Prospective 125

church," on account of its two towers. Its most notable pastorate
has been that of Rev. Luther H. Cone, D.D., who was settled as
pastor in 1867. He became pastor emeritus in 1898, retiring to New
Haven, where he still lives. Rev. Rufus S. Underwood is now serv-
ing the church as pastor.

In the early forties, the coming of railroads to Springfield caused
a rapid growth of the population, and the South church was formed
in 1842, the North church following four years later, its founders
being actuated by their zeal for the anti-slavery cause. The first
building of the South parish stood on Bliss street, its present edifice
at the corner of Maple and High streets having been built in 1874.
The first pastor was Noah Porter, Jr., afterward president of Yale
college; while his successor, Samuel G. Buckingham, D.D., who
served from 1847 till 1885, and remained pastor emeritus till his
death in 1898, was for many years one of the foremost citizens of
Springfield. The present pastor is Rev. Philip S. Moxom, D.D.

The North church also numbers two names of more than ordinary
distinction in the list of its pastors — President L. Clark Seelye, of
Smith college, and Washington Gladden, D.D., of Columbus, Ohio,
the present moderator of the National Council of Congregational
Churches in the United States. This church, after worshiping for a
time in various more or less available places, erected its first building
on the west side of Main street, north of Bridge street, and dedicated
it in 1849. The building now used by the church, on Salem street,
facing Elliott, was dedicated in 1873. The pastor is Rev. Newton
M. Hall.

South church has been the mother of two other Congregational
churches, having started mission Sunday schools and erected chapels
on Union street and Long Hill. The Union street Sunday school
was organized in 1865, the chapel was built in 1870, and in 1876
Hope church was recognized as an independent body under the
pastoral care of Rev. Charles L. Morgan. In 1881, Mr. Morgan was
succeeded by Rev. David Allen Reed, under whose leadership the
church grew rapidly, erected its present house of worship at State
and Winchester streets, and sent out three colonies to form other
churches. The mother church continued to grow, however, and is
now under the pastorate of Rev. Samuel H. Woodrow, D.D., the
second in number of members among the Congregational churches.

126 Springfield Present and Prospective

Faith church, the other daughter of South church, was maintained
as a mission for a long time, the development of the city in the direc-
tion of Long Hill being more delayed. The church organization
was accomplished in 1894, and the church has since had steady and
healthy growth. Its building, at the corner of Sumner and Fort
Pleasant avenues, is centrally located, and the church is sure to be-
come one of the strongest in Springfield. Its pastor is Rev. D. Butler
Pratt.

The three churches that sprang from Hope church under Mr.
Reed's ministry are the .Eastern Avenue (1888), at the corner of
Eastern avenue and Chapel street, which has had a hard but brave
struggle against adverse conditions; the Park (1889), at the corner of
St. James avenue and Clarendon street, which after many vicissi-
tudes seems now to be (irmly established; and Emmanuel (1889),
which was started as a mission as early as 1881, and which, though
not yet wholly self-supporting, is universally regarded as a most
promising undertaking. Its ___location at the corner of Orange and
White streets gives it access to the rapidly increasing population of
the Watershops district as well as to the eastern end of the Forest
park section. The list of Congregational churches in Springfield
includes also the Union Evangelical church at Indian Orchard. Its
first organization was in 1848, and its building was completed in

1863.

The origin of the Church of the Unity has already been noted.
The first minister of the new parish, Rev. William B. O. Peabody,
impressed his strong personality not only on his own congregation
but upon the city. His pastorate lasted twenty-seven years. The
first building of this parish stood at the corner of State and Willow
streets. Its present building on State street, opposite the city library,
was completed in 1869 from designs by H. H. Richardson. This
edifice is perhaps generally considered the most beautiful public
building in Springfield. Among the prominent ministers of this
parish should be mentioned Francis Tiffany, the well-known literary
critic and essayist, and A. D. Mayo, whose services in behalf of edu-
cation have made his name honorable. The present pastor is Rev.
Arthur P. Reccord.

The date of the founding of the first Methodist church in Spring-
field is given as I795» though services had been held by Bishop Asbury

. -f^ i

First Church on Court Square

Wm^d..

South Congregational Church

North Congregational Church

Hope Congregational Church

Springfield Present and Prospective 127

and several itinerants as early as 179 1. The followers of Methodism
were few but determined, and at last in 18 15 were granted recognition
as a station of the Tolland (Connecticut) circuit. Four years later
a preacher was appointed for Springfield, and services were held alter-
nately on Armory Hill and at the Watershops, where the work had
first gained a foothold, and where in 1820 a Methodist chapel was
erected. In 1823, a church was built on Union street, and work at
the chapel became intermittent, sometimes being entirely suspended
and at other times being carried on by a separate church organiza-
tion. At last, in i860, the Florence Street church, now known as the
Asbury First Methodist Episcopal church, was reorganized. The
Methodist polity does not allow long pastorates, and comparatively
few of the ministers of the Methodist churches have left distinctly
traceable personal impress on the life of the city. One of the pastors
of Asbury church. Rev. Joseph Scott, is still, in his superannuation,
a prominent figure in the life of the city. Others, like Dr. Daniel
Dorchester and Doctor Raymond, have won high rank as leaders in
their own denomination. The pastor of the Asbury church is Rev.
Henry L. Wriston.

The Union Street church moved in 1873 to the corner of State
and Myrtle streets, and became known as the State Street Methodist
church. It had a series of able and eloquent preachers in its pastor-
ates, and was recognized among the leading churches of the city.
This position it held until in 1899 it was merged with St. Luke's
church, which had been organized ten years before, worshiping in a
building on Bay street near Westminster. The new organization was
named Wesley Methodist Episcopal church, and its building at 741
State street, opposite Buckingham, is famous as a model of conven-
ience. Its arrangement for Sunday-school work is especially note-
worthy for excellence. The union of the two churches was brought
about under the pastorate of Rev. Charles F. Rice, D.D., whose
father, as city librarian, and grandfather, as register of probate, had
rendered conspicuous service to Springfield. Doctor Rice has only
this year left the pastorate of Wesley church, to become presiding
elder of the Cambridge district of the New England conference.
Rev. C. C. P. Hiller is the present pastor.

The Pynchon Street church, organized in 1844, worshiped in its
first building for twenty-five years, though not without enlargement.

Hope Congregational Church

Springfield Present and Prospective

and several itinerants as early as 179 1. The followers of 1^ 1 ^.
were few but determined, and at last in 1815 were granted r^^ o^wm
as a station of the Tolland (Connecticut) circuit. Fo\4r ve^^l^^**
a preacher was appointed for Springfield, and services ^vv^re K Irl 1*^^^
nately on Armory Hill and at the Watershops, where t:He ^^v- k ^^A
first gained a foothold, and where in 1820 a Methodist ohanel
erected. In 1823, a church was built on Union street:, aiTi<l w^rk
the chapel became intermittent, sometimes being entirelv susoended
and at other times being carried on by a separate ch^reh organiza-
tion. At last, in i860, the Florence Street church, no^w kno^^m as the
Asbury First Methodist Episcopal church, was reorga^ntzed. The
Methodist polity does not allow long pastorates, and comparatively
few of the ministers of the Methodist churches have left distinctly
traceable personal impress on the life of the city. One of the pastors
of Asbury church. Rev. Joseph Scott, is still, in his superannuation,
a prominent figure in the life of the city. Others, like Dr. Daniel
Dorchester and Doctor Raymond, have won high rank as leaders in
their own denomination. The pastor of the Asbury church is Rev.
Henry L. Wrist on.

The Pynchon Street church, organized in ^ 844' ^^"^'^^^^^^^
first building for twenty-five years, though not without enlargement,

128 Springfield Present and Prospective

but in 1869 moved to Bridge street, changing its nan^e to Trinity
church. It has high rank among the strong down-town churches of
the city, and has always been noted for its agressive spirit, the latest
testimony to which is its plan to build a chapel on Liberty street for
the use of a mission that has been conducted in that vicinity for some
time. Trinity church is now under the pastorate of Rev. Eugene
M. Antrim.

Grace church was organized in 1866 by twenty-nine members of
the Pynchon Street church who felt the need of a church in the south
part of the city. This church was conducted first as a mission and
later as a regularly organized church, in rented quarters until 1875,
when the present building, at the corner of Main and Winthrop
streets, was dedicated. Rev. George M. Smiley, D.D., is at present
in charge.

In 1879, ^ chapel for the use of all evangelical denominations was
built at the comer of Birnie and Wason avenues in Brightwood.
Services were held as they could be arranged, ministers of several
denominations serving from time to time. In 1887 a church was
formed on a union basis, without denominational connection, but a
few months later it joined the Methodists and was named the St.
James' Methodist Episcopal church. Its present building, at the
corner of North Main and Dover streets, was erected in 1901. The
minister of St. James' church is Rev. Wilson E. Vandermark.

The Baptists organized their first church in Springfield in the
Watershops district in 181 1. Its life for the first ten years was a
hard struggle, but by 1822 it had grown to fifty members, erected a
chapel at the Watershops, and settled Rev. Allen Hough as its first
pastor. In another ten years it had put up a larger building at the
corner of Maple and Mulberry streets, and in 1847 "loved to the
corner of Main street and Harrison avenue. In 1888 its present fine
edifice at State and Spring streets was erected. Most noteworthy
for length of service and efficiency among the pastorates over this
church was that of Rev. George B. Ide, D.D. (1852-1872). At the
present writing this church is without a pastor.

In 1864, during a time of revival interest, it was found that the
building of the First Baptist church would not accommodate those
who desired to attend. Consequently a colony of one hundred and
twenty-one members was sent out to form the State Street Baptist

Springfield Present and Prospective 129

church, the friendly feeling being shown by a gift of <!i2,ooo from
the First church toward the building fund of the new enterprise.
After a few months of life as a colony the new church was organized,
and Rev. A. K. Potter began service as pastor on January i, 1865.
He was succeeded after eighteen years by Rev. W. H. P. Faunce, now
the president of Brown university. The church has almost from the
start been recognized as among the stronger churches of Springfield.
Its house of worship, on State street, opposite Dwight, was dedicated
in December, 1867. Rev. B. D. Hahn, D.D., is the pastor.

The Highland Baptist church was organized in 1886, when the
growth of the Armory Hill district was most rapid. Its longest pas-
torate was that of Rev. George W. Quick, D.D., who was ordained
in 1887, and had the pleasure of seeing the church develop from its
small beginning to its present importance. The first building was
a small chapel at the corner of State and Stebbins streets. Its
present edifice, on the same site, was completed in 1892. Rev. W. W.
Weeks, D.D., began service as pastor of the Highland church in
1904.

The Carew Street Baptist church grew out of a work begun in
1878 by members of Trinity Methodist church, which was called the
Ward One mission. Two years later, the church decided to turn its
support to a more promising undertaking in West Springfield, and
the First Baptist church took up the work in the First Ward. The
organization of the church was in 1887. The building, at the corner
of Carew and North streets, was seriously injured by fire a few
months ago, but has been thoroughly repaired. The pastor is Rev.
W. A. Taylor.

In 1889, Mr. D. L. Swan, who was interested in the development
of the Forest park district, joined with a number of other gentlemen
in the State Street Baptist church to buy a lot at the corner of Belmont
and Euclid avenues. A house was erected on this lot in 1892, the
title being given to the State Street church. On April 10 of that year
the first religious service was held, and the church was organized
June 30, 1899. The present building, known as the Park Avenue
Memorial Baptist church, was erected in 1901, and stands as a me-
morial of Dr. George B. Ide and Dr. A. K. Potter, pastors respec-
tively of the First and State Street Baptist churches, and of Jonathan
Gould Chase, who was deacon of the First Baptist church 1880-84.

130 Springfield Present and Prospective

The situation of the church, at the junction of Park avenue with
Forest and Garfield streets, only a few steps from Belmont avenue,
makes it certain that it will exercise a large influence in future years.
This church is under the pastoral charge of Rev. Herbert E. Thayer.

The first service for Episcopalians in Springfield was arranged
by Col. Roswell Lee, commandant of the Armory, in 1817. It was
held in a hall in the office building at the Armory, which had been
designated as a chapel. In 182 1, a parish was organized and a rector
secured, but he resigned after a year's service, and the organization
lapsed. It was revived in 1838, under the leadership of Rev. Henry
W. Lee, son of Colonel Lee, and soon became firmly established.
A building was erected on State street, between Chestnut and Dwight,
in 1840, and served until 1876, with several remodelings and enlarge-
ments. The present Christ church property, consisting of church,
rectory and parish house, stands on Chestnut street, just north of
Merrick park and the city library. The rector. Rev. John Cotton
Brooks, began service in December, 1878, and is the senior clergy-
man of the city in the length of his pastorate.

St. Peter's church, now located at the corner of King street and
Merrick avenue, expects soon to build on Buckingham street. This
church was organized in 1893, and represents the high church wing
of the Episcopalians. Rev. W. T. Dakin is the rector.

The hall at the Armory where the first Episcopal services were
held was the place also of the assembling of the first company of
Universalist worshipers. The society under whose auspices the
meetings were held was organized and chartered in 1827. The first
church building of the Universalist society was at the corner of Main
and Stockbridge streets, and was erected in 1844. The church or-
ganization, to which was given the name St. Paul's, was completed
in 1855. The present building, at the corner of Chestnut and Bridge
streets, was built in 1869. Rev. Flint M. Bissell is minister here.

In 1898, under the leadership of Rev. Charles Conklin, the Second
and Third Universalist churches were organized. Buildings were
put up at once, the Second at the corner of Bay and Princeton streets,
the Third at North and Waverley. Until 1904, the two churches
were in charge of the same pastor, but at the beginning of the present
year Rev. Asa M. Bradley was called to the Second church, and Rev.
Ernest Linwood Staples became pastor of the Third church. Mr.
Bradley has since resigned.

Church of the Unity

Trinity M. E. Church

m-- m

• -^

I-?

First Baptist Church

South Congregational Church

North Congregational Church

132 Springfield Present and Prospective

provided for, having a Congregational church on John street, a
Lutheran church at 136 Union street, and a Methodist church at 57
Bay street. The French church is Congregational, and is at 35 Bliss
street. The German service is conducted by the Lutheran church
at 20 King street, and the Baptists support a mission for Italians
which meets at the Springfield rescue mission on Elm street.

A Spiritualists' union has existed as an incorporated body in
Springfield since 1850, and a church organization was completed in
1897, with headquarters at 54 Andrew street.

The Christian Science fellowship has a strong following in the
city, and a church building is m process of erection at State and
Orleans streets.

A Seventh Day Advent church meets at the homes of its members.

The synagogue at 24 Gray's avenue is the headquarters of the
followers of the Jewish faith.

The Shiloh chapel at 43 Catherine street and Peace chapel in
the Glenwood district both maintain services under the auspices of
the Christian Alliance. Holiness meetings are also held in Evan-
gelist hall, 182 State street.

The Carlisle chapel on Dresden street, near Wilbraham road, is
maintained as a mission by the Baptists, and is at present under the
charge of Rev. Samuel A. Read.

Several missions for the rescue of the abandoned classes are main-
tained in the city. Of these the largest and best organized are the
Salvation Army, which has its industrial home at 60 Dwight street;
and the Springfield rescue mission, an incorporated organization
which owns a modern mission building at 74 Elm street. This mis-
sion is generally supported by churches and givers of all denomina-
tions. There are several other missions, none of them incorporated,
some of which are supported by individuals or by groups, while
others appeal to the public for support. Among these are the Union
gospel mission, 65 Main street, the Holiness mission, 79 Main street,
the Beacon Light mission, 613 Main street, and Joe's mission, 548
Worthington street.

John Luther Kilbon

REV. A. K. POTTER

*Park Memorial Baptist Church '^St. James M. E. Church

a
•^

Springfield Present and Prospective 133

Leading Philanthropic Organizations

LIKE all other cities, Springfield is called upon to do a great deal
in the relief of poverty and distress, through its city govern-
^ ment. This work is done through a board of five overseers
of the poor, including the mayor, ex-officio. The board
maintainsanoffice in the Municipal building, with an agent in charge,
and is also responsible for the administration of the city farm and
almshouse, with its well-managed hospital, on upper State street.

Although there may be question whether the Hampden county
truant school, at 617 Armory street, belongs to the class of penal
rather 'than of philanthropic institutions, its methods and its success
seem to justify classing it here.

The oldest and largest of the hospitals is the Springfield hospital,
which was opened at its present ___location, Chestnut and Springfield
streets, ih 1888. A hospital was maintained by the city from 1879
in a wooden dwelling house now on the grounds of the American
International college. In 1883, in pursuance of a purpose to enlarge
the facilities of the hospital, the trustees, who had been appointed
by the mayor, were incorporated. The endowment of the hospital
consists chiefly of funds left by Mrs. Dorcas Chapin and William
Merrick and of the proceeds of a general popular subscription made
just before the present property was secured. The Mercy hospital
maintained by the Roman Catholics of the Springfield diocese, is
mentioned in another chapter of this book. The Hampden Home-
opathic hospital was incorporated in 1900 to receive the gift of the
dwelling at 132 High street, offered by Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Wesson
on condition that ;? 10,000 be raised for equipment. The hospital
has had a steady growth, and the new building which Mr. Wesson
'S erecting east of the present quarters will give it rank among the
best-equipped institutions of its kind. It will be known as the
Cynthia Wesson hospital.

The oldest organized charitable association now working in
Springfield is the corporation of the Home for Friendless Women

134 Spring-field Present and Prospective

and Children, which dates from 1865. It was organized to work for
the reform of fallen women, the relief of the needy, and the care of
destitute children. Its first headquarters were at 62 Union street,
but in 1 87 1 the work for children was provided for by the building
at 37 Buckingham street, which is still occupied. In 1897, the home
for women was removed to 136 William street. The incorporators
and managers of this institution are all women.

The fact that our oldest charitable organization dates back only
to 1865 is not due to absence of charitable effort in earlier years, but
to the efficiency of newer methods of charity. The Union Relief
association, which was organized in 1876, is the oldest of the really
modern charity organizations in the United States. It was organized
mainly through the efforts of Rev. Washington Gladden, D.D., at
that time pastor of the North Congregational church, and Mr.
Samuel Bowles, the second of the name, who was then the publisher
of the Springfield Republican. Their suggestions were drawn from
the methods of progressive charity workers in England. The origi-
nal members pledged themselves to abstain from indiscriminate giv-
ing of food or money, and to do all that was possible to make their
giving really helpful. The history of the association has manifested
a two-fold tendency. On the one hand it has tended to bring to a
common center the charity administration of the whole city; while
on the other hand it has started various enterprises which have found
independent existence. Instances of the first tendency are seen in
the Hale fund, the Aged Couples' fund and the Penny Provident
bank. The bank is indeed a branch of the association's work. Its
purpose is to encourage small savings, especially by children in the
schools. The Hale fund is one of the oldest Springfield charities,
having been left in charge of the pastors of the First Congregational,
First Baptist and Trinity Methodist churches, with the clerk of
courts as treasurer. The proceeds of the fund are used for the pur-
chase of coal and flour, and much of the work connected with its
administration is done through the Union Relief association. The
Aged Couples' fund was raised for the use of the association in
paying rent for aged couples who would otherwise be forced to
separate in the almshouse or the homes for the aged. The district
nurse, supported by the King's Daughters of the Church of the Unity,
with some assistance from other circles of King's Daughters, and

Springfield Present and Prospective 135

•~-^— , ■ II —

individual givers, is granted free use of desk room in the office of
the Union Relief association.

The tendency of the association to send out branches which be-
come independent appears in two of the most valuable charities of
the city. The older of these is the Hampden County Children's
Aid association, incorporated in 1880. Mrs. Clara T. Leonard,
whose recent death removed one of the most intelligent and devoted
philanthropic workers in the United States, was the leading spirit in
its organization. Much of the progress in the wise treatment of
neglected and dependent children during the past twenty-five years
has followed the lines worked out by the Children's Aid association.
The object professed by the association is to provide homes for indi-
gent children in families and to visit the wards so placed. The work
has extended to cover cases of neglect and abuse, and somewhat more
than three hundred and fifty children are now under the watch of
the association.

The work of the Industrial House charities began in 1883 with
the opening of a day nursery and employment bureau as a branch of
the Union Relief association. In 1895 the organization was incor-
porated, and the house at 78 Bliss street became its property. The
corporation maintains a laundry, a day nursery at its headquarters
with a branch at 23 Pendleton avenue, and an employment bureau
especially for transient work by the day. It aims particularly at
giving assistance toward self-support by mothers of families. More
than one hundred and fifty different children have been in the nur-
series during the past year.

The Springfield Home for Aged Women, opened in 1886, holds
a high place in the esteem and interest of those inclined to philan-
thropic work. For a number of years the home was located on
Main street near William street, but is now beautifully situated at
the corner of Chestnut and Carew streets.

The Springfield Boys' club is located at 43 Sanford street, where
its rooms are open from September till May every evening except
Sundays, from seven till nine o'clock. A gymnasium, a game room,
and classes in carpentry, drawing and other similar subjects, are
provided. There is a membership of more than seven hundred, and
an average nightly attendance of about one hundred.

136 Springfield Present and Prospective

The Ferry street settlement was begun in 1899 by Miss Eleanor
Townsley. The first work was carried on in a few rented rooms,
but in 1904 the settlement was incorporated, and secured the use of
the whole house at 90 Ferry street. There is no permanent resident
in the house, but it is open every day for various social and educa-
tional activities.

Primus P. Mason, a colored resident of Springfield, at his death
in 1892 bequeathed his estate for the founding of a Home for Aged
Men. The estate thus left, valued approximately at 525,000, was
increased by other gifts and by accrued interest, until in 1904 the
trustees, who had been incorporated in 1897, felt warranted in pur-
chasing the property at 94 Walnut street, and opening it as a home.
The number of inmates is limited by the size of the endowment, but
a promising beginning has been made.

J. L. K.

Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A.

TWO organizations, similar in plan and scope, one in the
interests of girls and young women and the other in the
interests of boys and young men, are maintained in the
city of Springfield. Their methods of work are similar
to those successfully employed by similar organizations elsewhere
throughout the world.

The Young Men's Christian association was established in
Springfield in 1852. There were but two organizations of the kind
in the United States at that time. After passing through the vicis-
situdes of pioneer work in this field, a reorganization was effected
in 1864 and again in 188 1. In the latter year the Railroad associa-
tion was formed in West Springfield, and in 1882 a similar organi-
zation was established in Springfield. In 1891 the then existing
associations were consolidated into one corporation and the era of
material expansion began. In 1894 a building which, with the lot
on which it stands cost 5 135,000, was erected for the central branch
and was regarded at the time as one of the model Association plants
in the country. In 1904 a building for the Railroad branch was
opened, adjacent to the union station. This well-equipped structure

Springfield Present and Prospective 137

cost ^^ijOOO^and^^makes a valuable contribution to the whole work
of the Association.

The Young Women's Christian association, organized in 1870,
has continued its valuable work in spite of its lack of equipment.
Its boarding home is maintained at 19 Bliss street, while the social,
educational and religious work are centered in the building at 46-54
Court street. These organizations which began as purely religious
ventures, have greatly broadened their activities, and have inter-
preted religious work to mean the establishment of wholeness and
righteousness.

To meet the incessant demands of modern industrial life and
promote a knowledge of one's own physical nature and to fortify
young men and women against the peculiar temptations of youth,
the associations have carried on their physical departments. To
supply the deficiency which many young people feel, educational
classes have been established along special lines calculated to sup-
plement the work already well done by our municipality. More than
four thousand young men, and a very large number of young women,
are living in the boarding houses of the city, and the open buildings
of the associations provide, each for its particular constituency, a
social headquarters.

In the Young Men's Christian association the promotion of
Bible study has been effective, and in the classes will be found a
registry of about two hundred men and boys. Also, in the same
association, a social service bureau is maintained, which has for its
particular duty the bringing together of employe and employer.
This venture, though new, has been particularly successful, 2127
applications for work having been received from men and boys
during the year ending September I, 1905, while 1253 applications
were received from business men requiring employes, 613 positions
being filled.

In both associations the younger element is trained and guided,
affording excellent opportunity for unselfish service on the part of
the more mature.

What of the future ? The Young Women's Christian association
is confidently looking forward to the erection of an adequate
building, and to work unhampered, should possess an endowment
fund. The Young Men's Christian association anticipates a build-

138 Springfield Present and Prospective

ing for Its other Railroad branchy to be located in the West Spring-
field freight yards, the enlargement of the dormitory facilities at
the Central branch and the creation of an endowment fund for the
support of the whole work.

The Christian association movement, in all of its phases, has
passed the experimental stage, has been thoroughly established in
the confidence of the church and the business community and now
offers as never before an avenue for the investment of time, influence
and money for the promotion of clean, vigorous, Christian man-
hood and womanhood.

William Knowles Cooper

r. M. C //. Building, corner of State and Dwight Streets

^Raihoad r. M. C. A. Bu tiding 'T, M. C. A. EleclrUa! Ciass

RT. REV. THOMAS D. BEAVEN

Bishop of Springfield Diocese

Springfield Present and Prospective 139

The Roman Catholic Church

WHAT a history is told in the years that have passed
since a Catholic parish was established in Springfield;
what a' story of effort and progress and achievement
for religion I From small and humble beginnings the
church has grown to its present grand proportions,
with churches, schools and institutions, with bishops and priests and
religious organizations to minister to the spiritual and material re-
quirements of the masses.

Within the priestly life of a man yet living, most Rev, John J.
Williams, archbishop of Boston, who participated in the dedication
ceremonies of St. Benedict's church in Union street, February 14,
1847, an immense change has taken place in the religious life of this
community. At that time you could almost count the Roman Cath-
olic churches of New England on the fingers of one hand. The
people were mostly poor emigrants from Ireland, existing on suffer-
ance in a community strongly opposed to their faith and church.
About this time there began an emigration from Ireland, which
brought thousands to the United States and especially to New
England.

When Rev. G. T. Reardon was appointed first pastor of a
Catholic parish in Springfield in 1846, there were only two parishes
with pastors in all the territory comprising the present diocese of
Springfield, St. John's of Worcester and St. Matthew's in the north-
ern part of Springfield, called Cabotville, now Chicopee; while the
missions attached to the Springfield parish extended north, south
and west to the state limits and eastward to Worcester county. At
that time the population of the present "City of Homes" was only
a few thousand, while the Catholics numbered three or four hun-
dred, and in the whole county probably less than one thousand.
The territory covered by the three priests of Worcester, Springfield
and Cabotville, in 1846, today comprises the whole diocese of Spring-
field, which includes the five western counties of the state.

140 Springfield Present and Prospective

Springfield is the center of Catholic ecclesiastical authority
throughout this territory, having been created an episcopal see by
Pope Pius IX in 1870. Here is the bishop's cathedral; here he pre-
sides over a Catholic population of about 300,000 souls, worshiping
in one hundred and fifty churches and ministered to by two hundred
and forty-seven priests. The Roman Catholic communion of Spring-
field comprises about one-third of the population, or 25,000 people,
divided into seven parishes, presided over by Rt. Rev. Thomas D.
Beaven and ministered to by seventeen priests. There are seven
religious communities in the city, including the Vincentian Fathers,
in charge of schools, hospitals and reformatory work. The churches
and parishes are St. Michael's cathedral. Sacred Heart, St. Joseph's,
Holy Family, St. Augustine's, St. Matthew's, St. Aloysius's, and the
Sacred Heart chapel at Brightside, and Immaculate Conception
chapel at Indian Orchard.

The history of active Catholic faith and the spiritual progress
and prosperity of the Catholics of Springfield may be said to date
from the coming of Rev. M. P. Galligher to this city from Boston,
to take charge of St. Benedict's parish, October 20, 1856. In the
ten years preceding his coming, three priests. Revs. G. T. Reardon,
John J. Doherty and William Blinkensop had ministered to the
spiritual needs of the Catholic people in this vicinity. Father Galli-
gher found a small church in Union street, totally inadequate to the
growing demands of the population. He immediately began to
organize his people, and so successful were the united efforts of
pastor and flock that in about four years from the time of his
arrival the splendid church property, unsurpassed for beauty of
___location in New England, on which St. Michael's cathedral, the
bishop's residence, the Catholic rectory, parochial schools and the
beautiful convent of the Sisters of St. Joseph, now stand, was pur-
chased, January 13, i860. The foundation and cornerstone of St.
Michael's church were laid the following summer. The church was
completed and the first mass celebrated by Father Galligher, Christ-
mas day, 1861.

So successful was he as pastor and so alive to the parish interests
that the property was entirely free from debt and the church conse-
crated by Bishop Williams of Boston, September 28, 1867. Worn
out by his ardent labors and respected by the whole community as

Springfield Present and Prospective 141

a valorous and self-sacrificing priest, Rev. M. P. Galligher died
June I, 1869. The patriotic stand which he took during the civil
war, encouraging the enlistment of Catholics for the Union army,
and the especially active part which he took at the time of President
Lincoln's death, endeared him to all Americans, and Protestants
mourned his death as deeply as did those of his own faith.

The diocese of Springfield was created by Pope Pius IX in July,
1870, and Rev. P. T. O'Reilly, pastor of St. John's church,
Worcester, was appointed first bishop of Springfield. The conse-
cration of Bishop O'Reilly took place at St. Michael's cathedral,
September 25, 1870, the consecrator being the late Cardinal Mc-
Closkey, archbishop of New York, assisted by Bishops Williams of
Boston and Conroy of Albany. Bishop Bacon of Portland, Maine,
preached the sermon. Bishop O'Reilly began at once the arduous
duties that fall tp the lot of a Catholic bishop in a new diocese. He
labored unceasingly for twenty-two years, developing business abili-
ties of the highest order and always gaining by his contact with his
fellow citizens their respect, confidence and admiration. In the
government of his diocese, both with priests and people, he succeeded
easily and fully. His was the art as old and as simple and as attract-
ive as the faith of his church. He was kind and courteous to all,
and his sweet face with its benignant expression is well remembered
by all who knew him. Bishop O'Reilly died May 28, 1892, and his
funeral was held June i. The funeral obsequies were the most im-
posing requiem ceremonies ever witnessed in this city. Lawson
Sibley, then mayor of Springfield, issued an address of sympathy,
and called upon all citizens to unite in paying respect to his memory
by a general suspension of business on the day of the funeral.

Rt. Rev. Thomas D. Beaven was appointed bishop of Springfield
by Pope Leo XIII, August 14, 1892, and was consecrated in St.
Michael's cathedral, October 18 following, by Archbishop Williams
of Boston. The elevation of Bishop Beaven to the episcopate was
received with general favor by the clergy and people of the diocese.
Bishop Beaven was born March i, 1851, and shares with the venera-
ble archbishop of Boston the very rare distinction in this country of
being bishop of his native city.

Bishop Beaven attended the Springfield schools until he entered
Holy Cross college, where he pursued his classical and philo-
sophical studies, graduating in 1870. After being professor of

142 Springfield Present and Prospective

mathematics at Loyola college, Baltimore, for a year, he began the
study of theology in the grand seminary at Montreal in 1872, where
he was ordained for the priesthood December 18, 1875. ^^^ ^^^
assignment was at Spencer, of which parish he became pastor in
1879.. After a residence of thirteen years at Spencer, he was ap-
pointed pastor of the Holy Rosary church at Holyoke, where he
remained until his consecration as bishop of Springfield. Bishop
Beaven is a man of distinguished presence, scholarly ability, wise
discrimination, exalted character, unquestioned impartiality; more-
over, of great geniality and charming personality.

St. Michael's cathedral parish is the oldest and largest in the city,
and originally embraced the territory of all the other parishes in the
city. The present congregation numbers nearly seven thousand
souls. The cathedral is a brick building with brownstone trim-
mings. Its length is 175 feet and its width 105 feet at the transepts;
the spire rises 190 feet above the street. In a niche on the outside
of the tower is a life-size statue of St. Michael, a spear in his hand
and a dragon at his feet. The windows are of cathedral stained
glass and on those in the transepts are beautiful figures representing
Biblical scenes. In the semi-circular dome over the sanctuary are
figures of the angelic choir in the act of singing Gloria in Excelsis
Deo. The church interior is elaborately and handsomely furnished.
The high altar proper is of pure marble. The tabernacle is of wood,
surmounted with a Latin cross, and is a fine piece of workmanship.
In the panel back of the main altar are five oil paintings — ^"The
Agony in the Garden," "Carr)dng the Cross," "The Crucifixion,"
" The Resurrection " and " The Ascension." The altar of the blessed
Virgin is highly carved, and above it is a life-size statue of the
Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus in her arms. The bishop's
throne, of Roman design, occupies a space near the gospel corner of
the sanctuary. On the opposite side is a similar altar, dedicated to
St. Joseph, a statue of whom stands above it, and near this is a
memorial tablet to Bishop O'Reilly. Over each of these altars are
pictures representing the "Holy Family" and "Christ. healing the
ruler Jairus' daughter." It is expected that some day in the not
distant future a new and magnificent cathedral will be erected to
take the place of the present edifice.

St, Michaers Cathedral on State Street

RT. REV.P. T. O'REILLY

First Bishop of Springfield

REV. JAMES J. McDERMOTT

Fir&t Pastor of Sacred Heart Church

■.:sA

Sacred Heart Church, North Chestnut Street

Springfield Present and Prospective 143

The present rector of the cathedral, Very Rev. John T. Madden,
vicar general of the Springfield diocese, was born in Leicester, Massa-
chusetts, in 1 85 1. He received his early education in the public
schools of Worcester, graduating from the high school in 1869.
After a course of study at Holy Cross he entered Montreal seminary,
where he remained until he returned as professor to Holy Cross for
two years, after which he went to France to complete his theological
studies and was ordained to the priesthood at Aix-en-Provence in
1876. On his return to this diocese he was assigned by Bishop
O'Reilly to duty as curate at Uxbridge, Turners Falls and North
Adams, respectively. He was appointed pastor of West Stock-
bridge in 1885 and went from there to succeed Rev. Dr. David
Moyse as pastor at Warren in 1892. From Warren he went to Web-
ster, where he was pastor of St. Louis' church until he came to the
cathedral in October, 1903. Father Madden has proved himself a
priest of high 'Scholarly attainments and excellent judgment, and is
greatly respected among his associates. Rt. Rev. T. D. Beaven
showed his appreciation of the estimation in which he is held when
he selerted him to succeeed the late Rev. Dr. John Power of Wor-
cester as vicar general of the diocese. The curates of the cathedral
are Revs. M. T. Slattery, M. A. K. Kelley, G. F. Flynn and J. J.
Kenney, with Rev. John F. Ahern as chancellor and secretary to
Bishop Beaven.

St. Michael's school in Elliott street is the largest parish school in
western Massachusetts. It is a brick building 120 feet long, with
two wings, each 94 feet in length. The building was erected in 1881
and the school was opened in 1883. St. Michael's hall, in the school
building, which seats one thousand people, is neatly decorated and
has a fine stage. On the teaching staff of the school there are at
present sixteen Sisters of St. Joseph, who have charge of five hundred
pupils. The school has a four-years' advanced course, in which
special attention is given to English, Latin, typewriting and stenog-
raphy. The crayon work done here is excellent.

The Sisters of St. Joseph, with Sister Mary Cecilia as superior,
came to Springfield from Flushing, Long Island, in August, 1881.
Bishop O'Reilly received them as a diocesan order with the Mother
house in the cathedral parish in 1884, where their magnificent con-
vent was dedicated by Bishop Beaven October 18, 1899. Connected

144 Springfield Present and Prospective

with this community are two hundred and fifty sisters, mostly
teachers of parochial schools in this diocese. They teach 4,000
boys and girls. The present superior is Mother Mary Albina.

The Church of the Sacred Heart at the corner of Chestnut and
Linden streets is one of the grandest church edifices in New England.
Truly cathedral in its proportions, it looms majestic in its brown-
stone massiveness.

As one enters the church the sense of immensity is uplifting. One
needs to study the harmonious construction of the naves and arches,
pillars and capitals and paintings, to appreciate its architectural per-
fection. In the transepts are two stained-glass windows of excep-
tionally large size, one representing St. Patrick at Tara's hall, when
he converted King Laghern and the pagan Irish to Christianity;
the other, on the opposite side, representing three groups, "The
Annunciation," "The Presentation" and "The Holy Family."
The five beautiful paintings over the altar are representations of
scenes in the life of Christ — ^" Christ among the Doctors," "The
Marriage Feast at Cana," "The Manifestation of the Sacred Heart,"
"The Last Supper" and "Christ presenting the Keys to St. Peter."
Around the walls and between the windows are fourteen groups of
figures representing "The Way of the Cross."

The church will accommodate over two thousand people at
one time. There are six thousand souls in the parish. The
parochial schools of this parish are attended by five hundred girls,
the teaching body consisting of fifteen Sisters of Notre Dame. This
school was established in 1877 and during its history has given thor-
ough training for the practical duties of life, along with a high school
course which is admirable. The people of the Sacred Heart parish
feel well repaid for maintaining the first parochial school opened in
the city.

During the administration of Rev. P. Healy at St. Michael's
church the tract of land known as Brewer's nursery, at the corner of
Chestnut and Linden streets, was purchased for $12,000, and after
the coming of Bishop O'Reilly the following year an additional tract
was bought on Everett street, as the time had arrived to recognize
the growing need of a new parish in the north part of the city. In
the summer of 1873 Bishop O'Reilly announced to the congregation
of St. Michael's the formation of the new parish of the Sacred Heart,

spring-field Present and Prospective 145

embracing the territory north of the Boston and Albany railroad
to the Chicopee line and the appointment of Rev. James J. Mc-
Dermott, rector of the Cathedral, as the first pastor. His energy
prompted him to begin immediately the erection of the edifice in
Everett street, which for ten years served as church and parochial
school, the dedication taking place Easter Sunday, 1874. The cor-
ner-stone of the new church was laid October 21, 1888. The tre-
mendous labor entailed in the building of this magnificent temple
undermined his constitution and compelled him to seek a restoration
to health in a trip to Europe. He left Springfield in May, 1891, and
died in Paris, France, July 26 of that year. His body was brought
home for burial, and his funeral mass was the first service held in the
church he had labored so hard to erect, on the morning of August 11,
1 89 1, which was the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination to the
priesthood. Bishop O'Reilly pontificated at the requiem mass, and
Bishop Keane, then rector of the Catholic university at Washington,
preached the eulogy.

Rev. Thomas Smyth was appointed pastor of the Sacred Heart
church soon after the death of Father McDermott, and upon him
rested the burden of carrying on to completion the building of the
edifice. It was a Herculean task, and he went at it with that indom-
itable will and energy which he possesses and which admirably fitted
him to take up the work and bring it to a successful termination.
Father Smyth's dignity, his humility and loftiness of character have
endeared him not only to the people of his own congregation, but to
the citizens of Springfield in general.

Rev. Thomas Smyth was born in Ireland, December 25, 1848.
He was educated in All Hallows college and was ordained to the
priesthood for the diocese of Springfield, October 21, 1871. On
his arrival in this country Bishop O'Reilly assigned him to duty as
curate to Rev. Mgr. P. J. Harkins at St. Jerome's parish in Holyoke.
From Holyoke he was transferred to Pittsfield, where he remained
two years as curate to Rev. E. H. Purcell at St. Joseph's church.
In July, 1874, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's church, West-
field, where he remained until he became pastor of the Church of
the Sacred Heart. His work for the people of the Sacred Heart
parish speaks for itself, needing no further encomium. The pres-
ent curates of the Sacred Heart parish are Revs. M. A. Griffin,
Thomas A. McGovem and J. F. Spellman.

1 46 Springfield Present and Prospective

The Smaller Parishes

FIFTY years ago the Catholic population of this city was composed
almost entirely of people of Irish origin, while today the great
majority of the people of that faith are native Americans, with large
representations of French, Italian, German, Syrian, Polish and sever-
al other nationalities. Many of these new-comers have purchased
the comfortable houses once occupied by citizens of a former genera-
tion, and are fast becoming educated Americans and engaging in
business and professional careers.

St. Joseph's church in Howard street is attended by the French
Catholics, who are a large and important factor of the population.
Previous to the establishment of St. Joseph's parish the Catholics
of French Canadian origin were included in the congregation of
St. Michael's church, special attention being given them by priests
of their own nationality. The parish was organized under the patron-
age of St. Joseph, March 9, 1873, with Father Gagnier as pastor.

The property selected as the site for the new church was the
estate of Caleb Rice, the first mayor of Springfield, and was pur-
chased by Bishop O'Reilly. The Caleb Rice homestead is now
used as a parochial residence. There is a parochial school attended
by four hundred pupils and in charge of six Sisters of the order of
the Holy Cross. The Sisters' convent is connected with the school.

Rev. Louis G. Gagnier, the first and only pastor of St. Joseph's
church, celebrates the golden anniversary of his priesthood in De-
cember, 1905. He is the oldest priest of the diocese of Springfield.

There are three Catholic churches in Indian Orchard — St. Mat-
thew's, St. Aloysius', and the chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
Connected with the former is a new eight-room school building,
erected in 1902, in charge of four Sisters of the order of St. Joseph,
and attended by one hundred children.

St. Matthew's parish was established in 1878, with Rev. James
F. Fitzgerald as the first rector. He died in 1880, and Rev. John
Kenny, the present pastor of St. Mary's, Northampton, succeeded
him. The present pastor. Rev. William J. Power, was appointed
in 1889. Rev. W. J. Power was born in Worcester in 1856, and

Graduated from Montreal college. During his administration
ather Power has made many improvements in St. Matthew's

Views in Springfield Cemetery

- .' -^-i^

NT ^--^^'il Jt

K^ jlUgll^^ .^

J ^

k (^I^Hn - L wtssk^

.^ -.^^Hv ■

m «

;^,>_J^Ci^^^^

'/« Oak Grove Cemetery *A View in St, MichaeTs Cemetery

Springfield Present and Prospective 147

church and parish and has accomplished much good. The Father
Matthew temperance society of his parish has a large membership
and is a power for good in the community.

St. Aloysius' parish is composed of people of French Canadian
birth and their descendants, who constitute an important element
in the prosperity of this growing district. St. Aloysius' church is
an imposing structure of red brick. The parochial schools are at-
tended by three hundred and fifty children and are in charge of six
Sisters of the order of the Assumption. The Sisters' convent on
Worcester street cost about ^10,000, and the whole parish property
is valued at ^75,000. The congregation numbers two thousand
five hundred. The French Canadian Catholics of Indian Orchard
were members of St. Matthew's parish until the establishment of
St. Aloysius' church December 11, 1873, when the first mass was
celebrated by Rev. Louis G. Gagnier, now pastor of St. Joseph's
church. The present pastor is Rev. Edmund Graton. During the
present year a new parish has been erected at Ludlow, reducing
the congregation of St. Aloysius' by several hundred.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, near the Ludlow
bridge, is a new chapel erected the present year, and is attended by
the Polish people, already numbering 1,200 souls. The chapel was
dedicated March 26, 1905. The pastor in charge of this mission is
Rev. Stanuslaus Czeluniek, who is assisted by Rev. George Jacnolski.

The Italian Catholics of Springfield number about one thousand
souls and are multipl3ang rapidly. They attend divine service in
the chapel directly under the western transept of the cathedral.
The altar of this chapel was dedicated to St. Augustine in 1893.
Mass is offered up in the chapel every Sunday at nine o'clock, when
a sermon is preached in Italian. Rev. M. A. K. Kelley has special
charge of the Italian congregation and takes much pleasure in their
growth, progress and prosperity. They have their own societies —
religious, charitable and social.

The Holy Family parish was the last set off* from the cathedral,
September 29,' 1901, and embraces the territory east of Hancock
and Thompson streets. Rev. William T. Sherry, a curate at the
cathedral several years, was appointed the first pastor. Father
Sherry was born at North Adams, November 12, i860. He attended
the public schools, graduated from the Drury high school, and en-
tered the Allegheny seminary, where he completed his theological

148 spring-field Present and Prospective

education. He was ordained to the priesthood at Kansas City,
Missouri, April 26, 1885. After laboring nearly four years in the
western parishes he returned to this diocese and was appointed
assistant at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Greenfield, April 16,
1889, where he remained ten years, coming to the cathedral April
16, 1899. Father Sherry's success in the building up of this parish
proves the estimation in which he is held.

The property in Eastern avenue, between King and Granville
streets and running back to Colton street, had been purchased a few
years previous with a view to its use as a site for the erection of a new
church when the increase of the Catholic population in that section
should warrant. Father Sherry immediately set at work to raise
funds for the erection of a building suitable for religious services
and school purposes, and at a bazar held in the city hall in May,
1902, over ^10,000 was realized. The foundation for the new build-
ing on King street was laid at once and the structure finished in
August, 1902. The dedication ceremonies took place Sunday,
August 31, with Bishop Beaven officiating. The parochial schools
of the parish are attended by three hundred children in charge of the
Sisters of St. Joseph. Father Sherry and his parishoners hope to
see a new church erected on the site in Eastern avenue before many
years. Rev. M. J. McKenna is curate to Rev. Father Sherry.

The House of the Good Shepherd

THE House of th& Good Shepherd, situated on the Wilbraham
road, about two miles from the cathedral, is an institution for the
reformation of women who have strayed from the paths of virtue
and for the education and preservation of young girls who have been
badly brought up, or rescued from great moral danger. The home
is in charge of sixteen Sisters of the Good Shepherd, with Sister
Mary Pius superior. There are two brick buildings, each four
stories above the basement, one occupied as a convent for the Sisters
of the Good Shepherd and the other for the inmates. The latter is
equipped with machinery, sewing machines, etc., for the manufac-
ture of women's garments.

The buildings stand on one of the sightliest spots in the city,
overlooking Massasoit lake, with a fine view of the Wilbraham hiUs

Springfield Present and Prospective 149

1 —

in the distance. There is a farm of thirty-six acres connected with
the institution surrounded on all sides by nature's loveliest charms.
The young women are trained in domestic and industrial accom-
plishments, and on leaving the home, positions for which they are
best fitted are found for them.

The home was established by Bishop Beaven, October 31, 1893,
when the pioneer colony in charge of Sister Mary Lilian, superior,
and Sister Mary Priscilla, assistant, came from Boston and took
possession of the quarters provided for them at the corner of King
street and Eastern avenue. Here they remained until the comple-
tion of their new home, the corner-stone of which was laid by Bishop
Beaven, October 18, 1896, and into which they moved July 4, 1897.
The new convent was dedicated by Bishop Beaven, May 24, 1899.

The order of the Good Shepherd was founded at Caen, France,
in 1 65 1, and today there are houses in all the large cities of the world,
whose work is the reclaiming and restoring of rescued and wasted
lives and opening to the despairing new paths of hope and honor
while safeguarding the virtue of young girls. There are at present
one hundred and three inmates in the institution. The total number
received since the opening of the home here is five hundred. The
receipts and expenditures for the past year were over ^12,000.

The Mercy Hospital

THE Mercy Hospital, in Carew street, a few rods from Chestnut
street, is one of the most successful enterprises of its kind in
the state. It is equipped with all the modern appliances in every
department and is capable of accommodating one hundred patients.

The generous patronage of the Mercy hospital by people of all
classes and creeds is the best evidence of the place which it holds in
the esteem and confidence of the community. Its first great work
was on the return of the soldiers of the Second regiment from the
Spanish war in Cuba, when the hospital service was taxed to its
utmost capacity.

The Mercy hospital is an incorporated body, with a board of
officers and trustees as follows: President, Rt. Rev. Thomas D.
Beaven; vice-president, Edward A. Hall; secretary. Rev. Thomas
Smyth; treasurer, Mother Mary of Providence; trustees, John Mc-

150 Springfield Present and Prospective

- ■ - - —

Fethries, Mary C. Carroll, Ann Marra, Dennis F. Lcary, Daniel
Dunn, William Simpson. The late Henry S. Lee was one of the
trustees at the time of his death and took great interest in its estab-
lishment and success. The hospital is in charge of the Sisters of
Providence, who also have charge of St. Luke's sanatarium in State
street for the treatment of nervous diseases, the institutions for orphan
children at Brightside and Ingleside, and hospitals at Worcester,
Holyoke, Adams and Montague.

In the spring of 1896, the property known as the Allis estate in
Carew street was purchased by Bishop Beaven of Dr. C. S. Hurlbut,
and work was begun at once to put the building in readiness to
receive patients. The Mercy hospital was dedicated by Bishop
Beaven June 23, during the golden jubilee celebration of St. Michael's
cathedral, and was open for patients July 13, 1896. It grew at
once into popular favor so that in less than two years the accommoda-
tions were inadequate to the demands upon it and steps were taken
to build the present large hospital, the cornerstone of which was
laid Sunday, September 25, 1898. Rt. Rev. Philip J. G^migan
preached the sermon. This hospital was dedicated October 9, 1899.

St. Vincent de Paul

THE St. Vincent de Paul society has charge of the Catholic
charities of the city, as aiding the poor in their homes, the care
of orphans and neglected children, etc. The particular council of
Springfield is made up of the conferences, one in each of the parishes
in the city. The receipts and expenditures of the society for the
past year were ^12,307. This money was used to pay board of chil-
dren in institutions and for fuel, groceries and clothing given to
poor families. The society provides a free bed for its poor in the
Mercy hospital.

The permanent officers are as follows: Spiritual director, Rt.
Rev. Thomas D. Beaven; president, Edward A. Hall; vice-presi-
dents, James B. Carroll and Edward F. Payette; secretary, William
H. Lane; treasurer, Timothy J. Foley; councillors. Rev. Thomas
Smyth, Very Rev. John T. Madden, Dr. Benjamin Fagnant, Dr. A.
J. Flanagan, Thomas H. Collins, Rev. L. G. Gagnier.

Edward A. Hall

Maple Street Entrance to Springfield Cemetery

«»J

The Winding Pecowsic

SOCIAL -AND
CLVB-Lirt

OCIAL life in Springfield retains much of the character
which .one may read between the lines of Timothy
Titcomb's shrewd counsel to young men who would
storm the fortress of society, addressed to them from
the author's exalted place as an arbiter of manners
and convenances in a provincial city of the best type. Nearly fifty
years ago Doctor Holland wrote these useful and immensely pop-
ular talks, and in spite of the doubling and tripling of our population
and the spread of our residential area to tracts which in those days
were remote woodland, the advice rings true not merely to human
nature and the traditions of New England, but to our community
as it stands today: so much for the conservatism of our old families.
Few passages are pictorial, the spaces between lines disclosing
more than the words, but take this bit of wisdom : ''Society demands
that a young man shall be somebody, not only, but that he shall
prove his right to the title; and it has a right to demand this. Society
will not take the matter upon trust — at least, not for long time, for
it has been cheated too frequently. Society is not very particular
what a man does, so that it prove him to be a man : then it will bow
to him, and make room for him."

The young man of that generation found a society dominated
by New England ideals, and graced with the culture which came
from these, rather than from wealth; for this community seems
never to have been notable for the great fortunes and luxury of
living which characterized the old seaport towns. Here could be
found the Brahmin caste of New England, as it has been described,
and here it still survives, though in lessening numbers. Signs are

152 spring-field Present and Prospective

not wanting of a transformation of our social customs in accord
with the wealth and luxury which have accumulated in the past
twenty years as never before, but old traditions are still cherished,
and the more tenaciously by the survivors of a passing regime.

Character as the foundation, and enough of intellect and social
grace to embellish a society "worth while," are the main qualifica-
tions for admission to the best of what is termed "society" in this
city. The new-comer must be sound and he must be interesting;
he need not be rich, or even well-to-do, any more than in the days
of Timothy Titcomb. A gentleman or lady bom carries a passport
which is sure to be honored wherever generations of ladies and
gentlemen have lived and died and attached their names to the
landmarks; this is a law of human nature, and it would be idle to
assert that pride of family has no place in the local life. Pride of
ancestry there is, and the acknowledgment of breeding, but of a
character too dignified and too refined to admit of snobbery or the
exclusion of new elements which are essential to preservation of
freshness and vitality. It is conceivable that representatives of the
"smart set "in a great city might find our best society not merely
uncongenial but unresponsive. Millionaires of this class would be
astounded to discover young people, minus the credentials of either
money or ancestry, enjoying the best that the town affords.

Of "society," therefore, in the modern acceptance of the term,
there is still very little, perhaps none. The community is demo-
cratic as no other eastern city of its size of which we know. The
secret of coherence in our social mingling is not yet — thank Provi-
dence — mere familiarity with high living.

The "vices of our virtues," to quote the French phrase, we may
reckon not the worst in the world. Springfield is a great village
still, with many of the characteristics of a village, and if our women
are so much engrossed with the duties and pleasures which are
inseparable from a very large social acquaintance that the new-
comer must needs wait for recognition, be assured that when the
welcome comes it will be genuine and permanent. If our leaders in
business and professional life are cautious and deliberate in according
ambitious youth the preferment it craves, their confidence and their
backing, fairly won, will be correspondingly powerful. Such is the
stability of our industries and our entire social fabric that brief

Springfield Present and Prospective 153

— — ^-^— — ^— — ^-^~— — — — ~— ~— ^— — "— — ' — — — ^»-»— — -I ■

and transient associations and attachments are not easily formed;
these belong to a more fluid society.

Indications there are, as we have remarked, of inevitable change.
The development of residence districts at Forest park, at the High-
lands and elsewhere, almost as large as the Springfield of a genera-
tion ago, will mean separate social centers. Before the growing
wealth and the much closer communication with New York, the
great pleasure resorts of the seashore and the mountains, and of
Europe, the simple life of an older day must ere long give way.
But it persists, in spite of these influences, and there is still a place
here for character and brains and the charm of personality quite
independent of the vanities of pomp and luxury. It is still demo-
cratic Springfield, and there are influences at work which will help
maintain this fortunate condition, we believe, a long time to come.

The Women's Clubs

THE club is not a purely modern institution, but is the
outcome of an older social philosophy put into active
operation in obedience to the impulse of new social and
intellectual conditions. The term club does not appear
until the middle of the seventeenth century, when it is
applied to the convivial societies meeting at taverns and coffee
houses. Doctor Johnson, to whom we owe the social adjective
"clubable," derives the word from the old English cUofan, to share,
to divide, from the old custom of sharing the expenses at the social
feasts; while others make a particular application of the word club
in the sense of a "clump or knot " of people.

Clubs are a growth. They have had a beginning in many places
in different centuries, and have taken the form suited to the wants
and tastes of the particular time and place in which they have been
established. However, the purpose has always been the same.
They have been organized either for the promotion of some common
project, or for the development of good comradeship and social
enjoyment, or for purely intellectual exercise.

The first woman's club in America was established by Mistress
Anne Hutchinson, that "new woman" of 1636 who prophesied the

154 Springfield Present and Prospective

future Boston by giving transcendental lectures there! She gath-
ered about her a group of women who readily sympathized with her
somewhat "heretical" ideals. This gave great concern to the stern
Puritan divines. The result was the banishment of Mistress Hutch-
inson and the founding of the first New Hampshire towns. Although
this club led a strenuous existence it can not be said to have been
without purpose and accomplishment.

Two hundred years later, Margaret Fuller began her "Conver-
sations/' which were attended by some of the "most alert and active-
minded women in Boston." In a letter to a friend, Miss Fuller sets
forth her plan and aim which have since been the aims of the club.
She says, "The advantages of a weekly meeting for conversation
might be great enough to repay attendance, if they consisted only in
supplying a point of union to well educated and thinking women,
in a city which, with great pretensions to mental refinement, boasts
at present nothing of the kind." "The meetings, although taking a
wide range," says Colonel Higginson, "were always concentrated
and with a good deal of effect on certain specified subjects." The
conversations were successful, and, adds Colonel Higginson, "served
as a moral even more than as a mental tonic to all who took part in
them." Miss Martineau, however, takes another view, and speaks
of Margaret Fuller and her adult pupils sitting "gorgeously dressed,
talking of Mars and Venus, Plato and Goethe, and fancjang them-
selves the elect of the earth in intellect and refinement," while in
truth the "pedantic orations were spoiling a set of well-meaning
women in a pitiable way."

Isolated examples of local clubs organized by women have ap-
peared from time to time, but with the exception of the religious
orders there was no general federated movement by women until
the nineteenth century. Sorosis, incorporated in 1868 in New York
city, was the pioneer club in this great movement.

Independently and almost simultaneously with Sorosis, the New
England Women's club was founded in Boston. These two clubs,
working independently, and on somewhat different lines, have been
the inspiration and the models for the club life of women throughout
the country.

As a social force, the woman's club has been most effective. It
is essentially democratic in its organization, its vital principle being

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TuJO 0/ SpringfieliTs Old and Dignified Residences —

*The Alexander House^ on State Street ^The Ames Houses on Maple Street

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Springfield Present and Prospective 155

-~"^^^-^— — — ^— "■ ' ■■ ' ■ ■ " — ^-»-~— — ^— — _ -

that it is based on no artificial distinctions, and admits no conven-
tional barriers. In the early part of the nineteenth century the
social relations of people, especially in New England, were deter-
mined by their political and religious affiliations. The club has
practically effaced lines between sects and classes in communities
by bringing its members, at regular intervals, into cooperation
under the "liberalizing atmosphere" of a company composed of
many kinds, creeds, parties and social ranks. So that wives of
professional and business men, business and professional women,
and society women meet on a common basis. In this way the club
represents the great principle of cooperation so potent in every
activity of modern life. No longer living in "splendid isolation,"
women feel the power and the results of associated effort in a
natural social direction. Women gain a breadth of view with the
result that there is a growth of mutual understanding and respect
between the so-called social classes and a greater tolerance for differ-
ence of opinion on all vital subjects.

The influence of the club upon the individual woman has been
most marked. The "everyday woman " having discovered her gifts,
has been developed and brought into responsible relations with the
club and the community.

This change in her social relationships and the new interests so
awakened have not, however, brought woman into active politics as
a similar change in England has done.

Women, for the most part, take their club life seriously. They
seldom use the club for "informal recreation." They are always
"on duty." The primary objects, in the words of a club leader, are
"self-culture, mental improvement, self-development, enlargement
of powers."

The primary purpose of the woman's club, then, is education and
self-culture, and it is plainly one of the manifestations of the great
popular educational movement.

What is true of the women's club in general is true of the specific
clubs in Springfield. To one who studies the growth of the local
clubs it is interesting to note the origins. Some have "found them-
selves organized " naturally as neighborhood or social friends. Some
have developed from the reading circles, and still others have been
organized with great care, having a direct and definite end in view.

156 Springfield Present and Prospective

The women's clubs in the city now number about twenty, and
they enroll more than a thousand women in their membership. The
first women's club to be organized in Springfield was The Club,
formed in 1872. It was the outcome of the Dorcas society, a sew-
ing circle composed of young ladies in the Church of the Unity. This
proved so attractive, it was proposed that the members should invite
personal friends outside the church to form with them a social and
literary club, similar to the Saturday Morning club of Boston. This
was accomplished. The membership, though fluctuating, was lim-
ited to twenty or twenty-five. The organization of The Club, taking
for its model the previously-established men's club of the same name,
is simple in the extreme, having but one officer, the secretary, who
presides, and one committee, the program committee. Although a
literary program is always presented at the meetings, this is an essen-
tially social club, and organized for a social purpose. After the
fashion of the time-honored English club, whose aim was "to ad-
vance conversation and friendship," the members dine together at
the invitation of some one of their number, and spend the evening
in informal discussion of the topic assigned. The range of topics
considered is not limited, but it is as wide as the interest of the times,
or the preference of the members suggests.

The second club to be formed was the Cosmian, organized in
1877, just five years after The Club. The object of this association
was clearly defined as being to maintain a thorough and systematic
course of study, an object which has been consistently carried out
from the beginning. The choice of subjects was the poets and
dramatists. The verdict of the members is that this club has been
of great educational value. Since the membership of fifteen has been
remarkably stable, only two members having been added in the past
fifteen years, the social life of this club has been of the most informal
and intimate nature.

The Women's Political Class, which was first organized in 1882,
is the outgrowth of the Women's Suffrage league. As its name sug-
gests, it has for its object the study of governments, the first general
interest in the subject being awakened in a few women by a thorough
study of Bryce's" American Commonwealth." The class keeps in
touch with the acts of Congress, the state legislature, and the city
government, reports on the legislative events of the week being made

^The Residence of James T. Abbey on Maple Street ^E. C. Gardner"! Home at Rockrimmon

•^3

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BBaEr^

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-^ ^^^jHV^^Ik^^^BV^^tV

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*r/rf firffef Residence on Maple Street ^A Street in Forest Park District

Springfield Present and Prospective 157

at each meeting. Not only are the members made intelligent on
current political events in this class, but it is as well a school for par-
liamentary knowledge, one meeting a month being devoted to parlia-
mentary drill. At each meeting a member of the class or a speaker
from the outside treats some living question. Among the subjects
considered have been "Municipal Architecture," "School Suffrage
for Women," "Comparisons of Civic Life in Canada and the United
States," "English Women in Politics." The class is eminently
practical, and, although it does not actively engage in politics, at
the time of election instructions are given women as to the ways and
means of voting. In its nature the Political Class is essentially dem-
ocratic. Its membership is not limited, any woman being free to
join. The club is carried on with as little machinery as possible.
There is little club spirit, and the unity is preserved by a few. The
club undertakes a great deal of work which is wholly serious. There
is no social life connected with it, hence the club is small and the
membership fluctuating. Even with these disadvantages this club
is a force in stimulating an interest in the local civic life and in
the broader state and national questions. To the individual mem-
ber it gives freedom of expression in discussion, skill in practice of
parliamentary law, and wide intelligence and interest in the present
governmental problems.

In 1884 the Women's club was founded, an organization destined
to fill a large place in the social life of the community and to unify
the wide diversity of interests among the women of the city. At
this time the society of Springfield, like that of most New England
towns, was divided according to church relationships. One sought
and found his social life in his own church. Attempts were made,
by some broad-minded men and women, to find some common point
of interest upon which many might agree and work effectively. This
point of contact was found in the Women's club, whose special aim,
in the words of its constitution, is "to create relations of esteem and
friendship among its members by giving them facilities for becoming
better known to each other; and its general aim is to promote moral,
intellectual, and social improvement."

The story of the founding has many times been told. A few
women met once a week with Mrs. M. L. Owen to read and study
together Tennyson's " In Memoriam." Both the comradeship and

158 Springfield Present and Prospective

the serious work proved of value to each woman, so that all wished
to continue the relationship and the study. The leader, with charac-
teristic generosity and foresight in accord with a long cherished hope,
proposed an increase in numbers and a broader plan of work — ^in
short, a woman's club. The response was immediate and enthusi-
astic. The club so formed ''came only by degrees to its present
policy and clear conception of its scope and duties." The leaders
builded broadly and well, and much of the efficiency and power of
the club is due to their clearness of vision, enthusiasm and singleness
of purpose, as well as to the spirit of cooperation and helpfulness that
prevailed among the members. At present the membership is about
one hundred and fifty. In its program there is a diversity of subjects.
The only subjects tabooed in its discussions are religion and politics.

The club, as an organization, has never adopted any definite
plan of philanthropy or benevolence. It has, however, shown deep
interest in the educational work of the city. It took the initiative
in introducing cooking to the public schools. For two summers it
also carried on a vacation school in the city. Early in its history the
club secured for the city the rare exhibition of the famous Bayeux
tapestry, in fac-simile, "a work valuable for the exquisite skill of
its reproduction and far more so as an historical document."

In 1904, the Springfield Women's club again took the lead in
forming for the women's clubs in western Massachusetts a semi-
annual conference, the nature of which should be informal, social,
and free in its discussion of club methods and problems. This club
has accomplished much. It has stood for "all-around" work, for
united effort and diffusion of culture. With an increased membership,
and larger facilities for work, which it anticipates from the proposed
club house, the Women's club looks for greater development and
larger results.

Since 1890, at least thirteen local women's clubs have been estab-
lished, each with its own intent. None have the diversified interests
of the Women's club, which is typical in its plan of organization,
being an association drawn together by no ties of family, neighbor-
hood, church or profession. These later organizations, with the
exception of the Teachers' club and the College club, are compara-
tively small and limited in their membership. The majority are
"study clubs" with systematic courses of study, the primary object

^The Residence of John A. Halif on Ridgewood Terrace "^A View of Dartmouth Street

t*3

G.
^

ft3

Springfield Present and Prospective 159

being self-culture. A few carry on a miscellaneous program, doing
work which is valuable and stimulating, while the main object of
the association is a social one.

The largest of these study clubs, the Cosmopolitan, is also the
youngest, being founded in 1903. The membership limit is forty.
This, although a literary club, aiming systematically to study the
world's literature and to cultivate the art of expression, has a broader
outlook than has the solely literary club, and has shown a practical
interest in forestry and civics by planting a "Shakespeare oak" and
an "Emerson pine" on the grounds of the central high school.

The other clubs with systematic courses of study, named in order
of their organization, are the Cosmian, the Women's Political Class,
the Traveling, the Kindergarten, the Mothers', the Thursday, Fort-
nightly, Morning, and Early Morning clubs.

A careful questioning of members of the several study clubs as
to the value of the particular club to the individual member has
brought out a surprisingly uniform list of answers. These show:

First. The study club really stimulates to study. One of the
greatest needs of women is motive for mental activity. The work
demanded by the study club supplies the motive, and the member
puts forth her best effort.

Second. The member gains a more systematic course of study,
and a more thorough method of work.

Third. The study class trains to clearness of thought and ac-
curacy of expression.

Fourth. The value of the individual club is seen in the individual
home where the interest of the mother gives direction and impulse to
the reading of the home and creates a community of interest in the
home circle.

And fifth. The increased interest in study is often the motive
for building up a well-selected home library.

The Atalanta club, organized in 1892 with a membership limited
to thirty-five, is the largest of the literary and social clubs which place
emphasis on the social life, the others being The Club, already men-
tioned, the Wednesday Morning and the Book and Thimble clubs.
The chief social event of the Atalanta club is the annual evening
"open meeting" to which the members invite their friends to meet
some speaker of distinction.

l6o Springfield Present and Prospective

The value of the social club in advancing "conversation, letters
and friendship'' has been recognized many times. Emerson, writing
of club life, says, "What is it all for but a little conversation ?" "By
conversation we mean expressing the thing we think, the thing we
have learned, the thing we have experienced/' And it is in accord
with the highest social instinct to like best, through the advantages
of an inspiring subject, to "tell out our minds" to our valued friends.

We must note that each of the order of clubs, which we have
characterized as study and social, possesses features of the other.
The study club has a social life characteristic to itself, while the social
club has its literary work which is of marked value. The characteri-
zation is made according as emphasis is placed upon the one feature
or the other as seen in the composition of its membership, and the
characteristics of the program as systematic and uniform or miscel-
laneous and varied. Only a small number of clubs work for any
object outside their own associations. Those which are federated,
namely, the Women's club, the Atalanta, Cosmian, Cosmopolitan,
Woman's Political, Morning, Mothers', Fortnightly and Teachers',
contribute generously to the educational work carried on in the
South by the Massachusetts state Federation of clubs. Some of the
independent organizations, like the Kindergarten club, have also
contributed to the work of the local charities.

Some few clubs vary in character from the general type of the
study and social club. The Traveling club, established in 1890 with
a membership of twelve, studies the successive countries from the
viewpoint of the tourist, discussing the places of note visited, not
only from their geographical position, their historic interest, but also
their present-day interests as centers of commerce, of culture, or of
government.

The Kindergarten club, formed in 1893, is an educational club.'
The motive of its organization was to promote a general fellowship
among the kindergarten teachers and to keep the members in touch
with the most progressive thought on kindergarten theory and
methods. It has at present a membership of nearly sixty kinder-
garten teachers.

One of the most unique clubs in its purpose is the Mothers' club.
This was started in 1894 by a group of young mothers who met
fortnightly to discuss the problems that enter the home with children.

Springfield Present and Prospective i6i

The first organization in 1898^ under the name of Mothers in Coun-
cil, undertook the study of the home, applying to the subject the
methods of modern inductive science. The members aimed to be-
come specialists of the home, learning their art at first hand by direct
investigation. From the systematic exchange of real personal ex-
perience in the individual home, the discussions broadened to a con-
sideration of the professions and trades which affect the home, such
as domestic economics, the servant. The study of the individual
child grew to a study of child life in general — the physical and
mental life of childhood, education in the home, education in the
public schools, children in their ideals and relationships. Civic
questions are also considered with the viewpoint of their effect upon
family life. This club, in its application of philosophy, art and
science to the material, social and intellectual problem of the home,
points to the club of the future which will undoubtedly address itself
to the great problem of living.

In 1897, five women teachers, all principals or supervisors, issued
a call soliciting the '^ cooperation of all teachers in organizing a club
similar in purpose to the Women Teachers' association of Buffalo."
In response to this call the Springfield Teachers' club was formed
with the purpose of promoting the welfare of the teaching profession
and of cultivating a spirit of sympathy and good will among the
teachers. This is the largest women's club in the city, numbering
some three hundred members. Its work is varied. It includes the
subjects of travel, current events, literature, music and drama.
There are also study classes under expert leaders for those who wish
the opportunity of study.

In its short career the Teachers' club has done service to the city
in entertaining the Massachusetts state federation of clubs, and in
presenting such a course of lectures as Professor Tyler's on "Evolu-
tion." Also with the help of the Board of Trade and Architectural
club it has given an exhibition of artistic handicraft, the objects being
gathered largely from the art industries of the Connecticut valley.

The last of these large local organizations of women is the College
club, composed of one hundred and fifty women representing some
twenty or more universities, colleges, and professional schools. This
club was organized in 1899 by a few college women to maintain the
spirit of college fraternity and to promote the interests of collegiate

1 62 Springfield Present and Prospective

education. In its program its aim has been to present, so far as
possible, the various aspects of college life, its artistic, social, literary,
and philanthropic interests. During the past year, a college schol-
arship of two hundred dollars has been offered by the club to some
young woman who could not otherwise obtain the means for an ad-
vanced education. In this way it hopes "to promote the interest of
collegiate education " and to escape the remonstrance which Dean
Swift makes in his journal to Stella, "My club, alas, it does no good!"

In this sketch the attempt has been made to show a few of the
prototypes of the modern club, the ideal and value in general of the
women's club, and the local clubs in range, order of organization,
purpose and achievement.

The value of the club is seen to be both educational and social.
It has stimulated women to greater mental activity and to broader
interest in the state. It has unified and brought into cooperation dif-
fering sects and classes, and so has broadened social acquaintance
and sympathy.

Carolyn D. Doggett

THE WOMEN 8 CLUBS OF SPRINGFIELD, WITH DATE OF ORGANIZATION
AND MEMBERSHIP

Organhed Membership

Th« Club

1871

»5

COSMIAN

1877

WOMEN^S POUTICAL CxAM

I88Z

WoMKN^s Club

1884

«5o

Travbuno Club

1890

Atmjmta Club

18^2

KlNDKROARTCN ClUB

^893

Mothers*

1894

»5

Fortnightly

1895

Thursday

1895

Wednesday Morning

1895

Morning

1895

»5

Teachers*

1897

300

Early Morning

1898

The College Club

1899

150

Book and Thimble

1900

COSMOPOUTAN

1903

"*%.

S
A

1:5

^Home of the Springfield Country Club ^A Northern View from the Country Club

Springfield Present and Prospective 163

The Men's Clubs

SPRINGFIELD may be called, without reflection on its
title of a " City of Homes," a city also of many clubs.
Situated as the city is, with river and hills near at hand
it follows naturally that the clubs which most distinguish
it are those with outdoor recreation as their principal,
though not sole, aim, and of these Springfield has a notable wealth.
No picture of the city or description of its pleasant life would be
complete without reference to the clubs that dot the river bank,
find a situation upon the hills rising from the valley, or farther yet,
upon the smaller streams and lakes of the countryside — all easily
accessible by the indispensable electric car.

The Country club of Springfield merits chief mention through
being the largest club in the city and for its distinctive character and
the unrivaled beauty of its ___location. It is the familiar comment of
the visitor that never has he seen a club with a view so splendid.
Situated on the brow of a steep slope rising about one hundred feet
from the meadow land on the western shore of the Connecticut,
one gains from its broad verandas a view so wide and superb as to
be a constant feast to the eye, whether in the clear air the distant
hills are silhouetted sharp against the sky, whether clouds roll down
the valley, or whether at night the lights of the city glimmer across
the river and the dim outline of Mount Tom is surmounted by its
flashing point of fire. From Mount Tom on the north the eye
sweeps in the daytime down the valley and its meadows to the broad
and winding river fringed with bending trees, down that to the white
tracery of the long and slender bridge, and further still to the roofs
and chimneys of the city piercing through the green mantle of its
abundant foliage.

The Country club owns and leases on the slope referred to and
upon the broad plateau beyond it a tract of some seventy-five acres.
It is reached by electric car in about twenty minutes from the center
of the city. The club house, set in a commanding position at the

164 Springfield Present and Prospective

brow of the slope, is a large and attractive building equipped with
a restaurant and the facilities of the progressive country club, includ-
ing locker-rooms, baths, etc. Golf has been the principal interest
of the club from its start, and the excellent eighteen-hole course
offers attractive variety to test the golfer's skill. The event of the
club year is "tournament week," late in the summer or in early
autumn, w/ien both golf and tennis tournaments are held, gathering
many players from out of town, and making the club grounds a
scene of gay and busy animation. The interest taken in golf by the
women of the club is noteworthy, and this year (1905) an open
women's golf tournament was held for the first time, bringing to-
gether some of the best women players in the country. There has
of late years been a steady increase in the club's interest in tennis.
The club now has five dirt courts which are as nearly perfect as
courts can be made. In addition to the annual invitation tennis
tournament, generally held at the same time with the open golf
tournament, the college tennis teams, Yale, Harvard, Amherst and
Williams, are seen each spring in competition with the club team.

With its big membership — in all nearly one thousand persons
enjoy its various privileges — ^the Country club, particularly in the
summer months, becomes largely the social center and gathering
place. It is, in fact, the extent to which this is true that chiefly
distinguishes the club. In spite of its generous equipment and
extensive grounds its dues have hitherto been held at unusually
moderate figures and so within the reach of the greater number.
Its character has thus been kept admirably democratic. In its
provisions for the children of members it is particularly liberal, and
for them also it is a gathering place. Through the spring the club
verandas are a popular place for card parties; afternoon teas are
held at stated intervals, and club dances are a regular feature. But
at no time is the club more attractive than on the night of the Fourth
of July when the fireworks of the city may be looked down upon and
enjoyed from a distance and when the club itself is made brilliant by
illuminations and its own display.

On Nine-mile pond, a pretty little sheet of water l)ang about
the distance from the city that its name indicates, is the Manchconis
club. Almost wholly hidden from view among the trees that border
the shores of the pond, the club house with its restaurant and facili-
ties for spending the night is an inviting retreat, especially for the

Springfield Present and Prospective 165

week-end. A few steps from the club house is a boat house for
canoes, and extending from this is a wharf from which to dive into
the clear water of the pond. Back of the club house are three good
tennis courts. The club, which is limited to seventy-five members,
owns a tract of four acres. It takes its odd name from the fact that
the whole surrounding region, which once belonged to a blind Indian
called Wecombo, was known among the Indians as Manchconis.

The Oxford Country club on the Chicopee river near Chicopee
Falls, although it numbers most of its members from Chicopee, has
also not a few members from Springfield. It has a nine-hole golf
course, a hospitable club house and two tennis courts. Inter-club
matches with the Country club of Springfield are frequent among
the golf events of the year.

The Rockrimmon golf club is still another organization devoted
to the Scotch game, which is conducted on a more moderate scale
than the two country clubs, but which is possessed of a picturesque
nine-hole course.

Along the Connecticut river, within a few minutes' walk, almost
a stone's throw, from the center of the city, are the numerous
boat club houses, including that of the Springfield canoe club
association, which is owned jointly by the Springfield yacht club
and the Springfield canoe club. The Springfield yacht club is
one of the largest inland yacht clubs in the country. Its pennant
flies from about eighty-five craft of varying sizes, some fifty of which
are power boats. Through the spring and summer months the
view from the river front, or from the train as one comes into the
city from the south, is made picturesque by the presence of a num-
erous fleet lying quietly at anchor with the dark green foliage of the
western shore for background, or cruising up and down the sixteen-
mile stretch from the Enfield dam to Holyoke that constitutes the
home waters of the club. To reach wider cruising grounds the
yachts may be taken through the canal past the Enfield dam and
Windsor Locks, and so into the lower Connecticut and out into
Long Island Sound and further at will. Plans are now in agi-
tation to build a yacht club house at some point down the river
and thus make an attractive point to which to sail a short distance
from the city.

1 66 Springfield Present and Prospective

The Springfield canoe club, which is in reality the older organi-
zation, the yacht club being an ofF-shoot, was formed over twenty
years ago, and affords to a large membership easy facilities for
pleasant recreation. The club house, in addition to locker-rooms,
etc., holds at present some seventy-five canoes. Not only does the
Connecticut offer its broad surface as a convenient paddling ground,
but the Agawam, flowing into the Connecticut from the west, tempts
the canoeist with the special attractions of the smaller and narrower
stream.* As in the Yacht club, the spirit of the Canoe club is more
for quiet paddling after the day's work, or for vacation cruising,
than for racing. Lake George, Lake Champlain, the streams and
lakes of Maine, and especially the beautiful upper waters of the
Connecticut as well as its lower reaches to Long Island Sound, are
familiar cruising grounds for many of the enthusiastic canoeists.
Others, more adventurous, even make canoe trips out from Long
Island Sound and along the coast where the large sail and power
boats of the yacht club frequently find their way.

The other boat clubs on the river, while coming chiefly under
the head of athletic organizations, are not to be overlooked even in
this brief sketch. With their racing eights and single shells they
offer opportunity for vigorous and healthful exercise at one of the
most royal and at the same time most democratic of all sports,
while their houses overlooking the river are attractive gathering
places for rest and leisure. There are three of these clubs — ^the
Springfield boat club, the Atlanta boat club, and the Rockrimmon
boat and canoe club. The Rockrimmon club has the newest house,
and in addition to its own racing shells and canoes shelters also the
shell of the Springfield high school eight.

Of the strictly city clubs, which, while possibly more essential
than those mentioned are certainly less distinctive in Springfield,
the Nayasset club is the most important. Its membership of three
hundred includes many of the important men of the city. It occu-
pies the entire upper three stories of a large four-storied building
designed expressly for its use and erected after the formation of the
club in 1892. In these ample quarters the Nayasset affords the
customary club facilities, billiard-room, cafe, etc., and in addition
are a ladies' parlor and dining-room. The Nayasset club is con-
veniently located in the center of the city, and at luncheon particu-
larly is a gathering place for the men of affairs.

The Connecticut Valley from the Country Club

«o

Springfield Present and Prospective 167

Second to the Nayasset club, though not competing with it since
conducted on a diiFerent and more moderate scale, is the Winthrop
club. It has a larger membership which is made up more of the
younger men, though they by no means comprise the full member-
ship. It has a large billiard-room and library and attractive card
and reading-rooms, but no restaurant or bar.

The club house of the Springfield lodge of Elks merits special
mention through its unusually attractive appointments and hospiti-
ble proportions. It oiFers all the facilities of the city club. Sur-
rounded by a green lawn and shaded with fine trees, while yet
within a step of the heart of the city, the Elks club is unique in
Springfield, and there are probably few lodges better housed the
country over.

Springfield has other clubs too numerous to mention — an auto-
mobile club, fishing clubs controlling the rights on nearer or farther
trout streams, and clubs devoted to the whole list of sports and
pastimes. A survey of them all might prompt the rash conclusion
that if there is a club of any sort which Springfield lacks, then Spring-
field can not have heard of it. But quite apart from all the clubs here
noticed, yet not to be entirely ignored since the role they play in
Springfield is considerable, are those small and informal organiza-
tions, going ordinarily under the title of literary clubs, whose nature
does not lend them to advertisement but which may mean much in
any community, and do in Springfield, as centers of thoughtful
discussion.

Richard Hooker

yt<,^^ /A^o^A^

SPRIWGFIELD
COMMERCIAL CENTER

i^£

IHE commercial life of Springfield is decidedly unique.
The fact that it is unique — ^that it has a character quite
distinct from that of the commercial life of any other
city — gives to this article a value and an interest quite
independent of that accruing from its importance as a
link in the chain of articles which make up this book. In other
words, it has an individuality all its own.

It is the purpose of the writer to portray this characteristic as
clearly as possible in the following pages, which will deal mainly
with Springfield's commercial life of the present day, and which will
also include a brief sketch of the city's industrial growth in the past,
as well as a statement of what may be reasonably hoped for in the
future.

It is not the intention to make this an exhaustive treatise, nor, on
the other hand, to produce a mere outline. The aim is rather to
present, in as concise a manner as is consistent with clear under-
standing, those facts which have an important bearing upon the
subject in hand.

To the end of this article is appended a brief review of some of
the largest and most successful of Springfield's business institutions.
It is regretted that limited space forbids mention of a greater number,
but those selected are typical illustrations and thus serve the purpose
for which they are intended.

To understand fully the reason why Springfield occupies its
present important position in the commercial world, it is necessary
to know something of the city's industrial history. The reader's
attention will, therefore, first be called to a summary of those events

169

170 Springfield Present and Prospective

in Springfield's history which can be regarded as materially afFecting
its industrial growth.

In this connection it is interesting to note how the site of Spring-
field happened to be chosen by its founders. History tells us that
William Pynchon and his little band of Puritans selected it because
of the unusual fertility of the soil and the opportunity afforded of
trading with the Indians.

A leading figure of the settlement in the seventeenth centuiy was
John Pynchon, the son of William Pynchon, whose success as a man
of business was most pronounced. Under his direction a large ex-
port and import trade was developed with England as well as with
the numerous colonies. This was the means by which the name of
Springfield was first made known to the outside commercial world.
To Pynchon belonged the distinction of being the principal merchant-
trader not only of Springfield, but of all western Massachusetts,
and this distinction he carried for a full half-century, until his death
in 1703.

The period from 1700 to 1776 was uneventful so far as the indus-
trial growth of the town was concerned. But the year 1776, which
is such an important one in the history of our country, proved to be
a particularly memorable one for Springfield. It was in this year
that the foundation was laid for what afterwards became her most
famous industry — the United States armory.

At the beginning of the Revolutionary war Springfield was made
a military post and a depot for supplies and munitions of war.
Some time during the year 1777 an arsenal was built and shops for
the manufacture of cartridges were erected. These buildings were
situated on Main street, but were afterwards transferred to "the
hill."

The making of Springfield a military depot was a small enough
event in itself, but it marked the beginning of greater things. In
April, 1794, by act of Congress, the United States armory was form-
ally established in Springfield. For this we must thank one Col.
David Mason of Boston, who had been commanded by President
George Washington to select a site for a national armory. What it
was that caused Colonel Mason to decide in favor of Springfield is
not recorded, but there can be little doubt that he was influenced to
a considerable extent by the fact that the beginnings of an armory
were already established here.

Springfield Present and Prospective 171

The first deed of land to the United States was recorded in 1795,
and this was the sale of a plot of ground in the section known as
'*the watershops" 01} Mill river. In that year the manufacture of
small firearms was begun, about forty workmen being employed.
The first year's output was two hundred and forty-five muskets, they
being the first ever manufactured by the United States government.

From that time until the outbreak of the civil war the capacity
of the shops and the number of the men employed were considerably
increased. During that interval came the war of 181 2 and the
Mexican war, each of which caused a period of unusual activity at
the armory and resulted in the erection of new buildings.

When the war between the North and South began, only two
hundred and fifty men were employed at gun-making, and the pro-
duction was about one thousand guns per month. Three months
later, the output was three thousand guns per month, and the num-
ber was gradually increased until in 1864 the product for one day's
work reached the thousand mark,' over three thousand men being
employed at that time.

Speaking of the influence which the war had upon Springfield,
a contemporary writer said: "A boom of no ordinary dimensions
came to the city with the opening of the war of the Rebellion.
Workmen were called from all quarters, gun-making machinery was
built and bought as best it might be, old buildings were enlarged,
and new ones erected on the grounds, until the Springfield armory
was enabled to equip a full regiment with arms in a single day.
This fact necessarily made Springfield famous, and gave much occa-
sion for its name and locality to be kept constantly before the eyes
of the people, not only of our own land, but, incidentally, of the
world at large. The city limits had scarcely room to contain all
its new-comers — had not food and shelter sufiicient for the proper
accommodation of all the workmen who had been so suddenly
gathered upon the grounds of our national armory. Every house
in the city was stowed full of humanity from basement to attic;
boarding-houses sprang up, like Jonah's gourd, in a night, and were
ready to 'take boarders' in the morning; and prosperity reigned on
all hands."

The effect of the civil war upon Springfield while the war lasted,
as described in the preceding paragraph, is what we might expect.

172 Springfield Present and Prospective

However, we are not concerned so much with that as with the after-
eiFects of the war upon the city. Let us take a look at the state of
affairs in Springfield immediately after the close of the war, when
the need for more arms had ceased and the number of persons em-
ployed at the armory had been greatly diminished. What. would
you expect to find in the average city under those conditions ? You
would expect to see empty tenements, closed stores, and a large
decrease in the city's population owing to the emigration of a vast
number of armorers with their families. What do you find ? Neither
a noticeable decrease in population, closed stores, nor empty tene-
ments; but, on the other hand, the building of houses, stores, and
blocks, the opening of streets, and the rapid and successful develop-
ment of new industries. "What is the cause of this," do you say?
The reason is found in the fact that those who had worked in the
armory had become so atta'ched to Springfield and so impressed
with its industrial and residential possibilities that they determined
to make it their permanent abode.

From 1864 up to the present time has been a period of constant
outlay by the national government for land improvements, new
buildings, repairs, machinery, tools, etc., so that now the United
States armory is a thoroughly-equipped and up-to-date establishment,
giving permanent employment to a large force of skilled workmen.

Futile, indeed, would it be to attempt to give a correct, or even
an approximately correct, statement of how great a proportion of
Springfield's growth and prosperity could be properly attributed to
the establishment of the United States armory within the city's
limits. However, it is safe to say that no other one thing, except,
perhaps, the advent of the railroads, has contributed so much
towards making Springfield the prosperous city which she is today.

Industrial Arteries
npHE next epoch-making event to which the reader's attention is
^ invited is the arrival of the railroads. The Western, now a
part of the Boston and Albany division of the New York Central
and Hudson River railroad, was the first to reach Springfield, being
opened for business between Springfield and Worcester October i,
1839. Between that time and the year 1845 railroads were pro-
jected from Springfield in rapid succession to the north, south and
west.

CHESTKR W. CHAPIN

Main Street looking South from the Post Office

Springfield Present and Prospective 173

Previous to the coming of the railroads the chief means of trans-
portation, particularly of freight, between Springfield and points
north and south, was the Connecticut river boats which want from
Saybrook, Connecticut, as far north as Wells River, Vermont. The
advent of steam navigation gave a great boom to commerce on the
river, and many steamers were built in Springfield. It is said that
competition for business became so hot between Springfield and
Hartford that passengers were carried either way for twelve and
one-half cents, and sent home in a carriage at their journey's end.

Passengers and freight between Springfield and points east and
west were carried by stage-coaches, Springfield being situated on
the highway running from Boston to Albany. The cost of moving
freight from Springfield to Boston was then about eighteen dollars
per ton. As soon as the railroad was opened this price was, of
course, materially reduced.

Springfield is today served by six distinct railway lines, which
may appropriately be termed 'industrial arteries." These arteries
reach out from Springfield in all directions and are controlled by
three great corporations, the Boston and Maine railroad, the New
York Cenual and Hudson River railroad, and the New York, New
Haven and Hartford railroad. For freight traffic to the east and
west all three of these systems compete; to the south the latter two
are in competition; while the first two mentioned compete for north-
ern business. As a result the business men of Springfield get the
benefit of low rates as well as good service. How real this benefit is
can be readily ascertained by comparing the conditions here with
those existing in our neighboring cities.

What Springfield owes to the railroads can hardly be overesti-
mated. It would not be going too far to state that the enviable
position which it occupies in the commercial world today is due
chiefly to the fact that it was made a railroad "four corners" instead
of a mete way station. For this we must thank those enterprising
and farsighted citizens of Springfield whose capital, courage, and
perseverance caused the main thoroughfare from the west to pass
through this city, crossing the Connecticut river at this point, instead
of at another point some distance away, which was seriously con-
templated.

174 Springfield Present and Prospective

In the preceding pages Springfield as an industrial center and
a freight clearing-house has been portrayed; but to prove its right
to the title "A Commercial Center," using the term in its broadest
sense, further evidence is required. To become a commercial
center a city should not only have superior transportation facil-
ities and a vast number of prosperous industries, but should be a
center of trade, retail and wholesale, and a rendezvous for travelling
salesmen. It should also have large and strong financial institutions.
Before this article is concluded it will be the writer's aim to demon-
strate clearly that Springfield has a just claim to this title.

For the past twenty years Springfield has been steadily and
surely making an enviable reputation as a center of trade. During
the first of these two decades the progress along this line was slow
compared with that of the past ten years, during which time the
city gained ground as a trading center by leaps and bounds, so that
today with a population of about seventy-five thousand, Springfield
has a trading tributary population of nearly half a million.

This rapid growth and progress can be attributed largely to the
development of the street railway system in and around Springfield.
Such an important factor has the street railway become in the busi-
ness life of the city that a brief story of its developement can properly
find a place in this article.

The Introduction of a Street Railway

TN THE spring of 1868 the project of providing Springfield with a
*- street railway system was first undertaken. The pioneers in this
line of transportation were Chester W. Chapin and Henry Alexander,
and their idea was to establish a horse railroad, this form of transit
being then in its infancy. There were at this time three omnibus
lines in operation, one down South Main street to Mill river, another
through Maple street to the Watershops, and the third to Oak street
on Armory hill. The service was not satisfactory, but when Mr.
Chapin first broached his scheme it was regarded as visionary and
few capitalists could be induced to give it their support. He had
faith enough in the experiment to apply to Governor Alexander
H. Bullock for a charter, which was granted May 5, 1868. The
Massachusetts laws required that 50 per cent of the capital stock
must be paid in before the enterprise was started. The di£Bculty

Springfield Present and Prospective 175

of raising the necessary funds was so great that Messrs. Chapin and
Alexander gave up the idea and turned over the charter to George
M. Atwater, who had recently come back from Cleveland, Ohio,
with a knowledge of horse railroading that he proposed to use here.
It was uphill work convincing the local capitalists of the security
of the investment. The newspapers lampooned his "hair-brained
scheme", and a lively opposition was met from the liverymen, who
feared that the new project would be a menace to their business.
Finally a sufficient amount was subscribed by 64 persons, and in
July, 1869 ^^' Atwater petitioned the city government for per-
mission to build a horse railroad. The city officials laughed at the
petitioner but good-naturedly voted to allow him to try his "crazy"
experiment. The Springfield street railway company was then
formally organized and the first important official act of the directors
was the purchasing of Smith Cff Fuller's Oak street omnibus line,
which was managed by the company until March, 1870, when its
operation was suspended.

A stable was erected at Hooker street in the summer of 1869,
and at the same time the laying of the first road was begun from the
bam to Oak street, a distance of nearly two and one-half miles.
The contractors were enabled to complete the work March 10, 1870,
seventeen days in advance of the time limit. The equipment of
the road at this time consisted of four bobtail cars, two of which
were twelve-footers and two ten-footers, and twenty-four horses.
The initial trip was made on that day with one of the twelve-foot
bobtails. The driver was cooped in by a semicircular railing inclos-
ing the front platform, and a step in the rear like the step of an
omnibus allowed entrance for passengers. When the door was
closed the step was covered up so that it was impossible to board
the car while in motion. The car was filled with passengers and
thousands of people stopped on the sidewalks to stare after the new
fangled coach. The cars continued to make half hour time for the
remainder of the day. The fares were adjusted at eight cents singly,
or sixteen tickets for one dollar.

In these early times cars were not run on the rails in winter,
but upon the snow, runners being substituted for wheels. The city
officials forbade the removal of snow from the track, and it was not
until 1876 that the uninterrupted operation of wheeled cars in winter
was allowed in the city streets.

176 Springfield Present and Prospective

I ■■ ■ ■

The year 1874 saw the first two extensions of the road. The
State street line was extended from Oak street to Winchester park,
and the Main street line was extended from State street to Mill
river. In 1876 Mr. Atwater resigned from the presidency and John
Olmsted became president and treasurer, holding the former office
until his death, April 6, 1905.

Another onward step in the interest of the public was taken in
1879 when the company adopted sheet tickets. A sheet containing
one hundred tickets was sold for five dollars, but single fares cost
seven cents. Main street was double-tracked and the equipment
was enlarged to meet the expected increase in passengers. The
following year there were still further reductions in fares. Single
fares were established at six cents, while the five-cent fare was put
within the reach of the public by the sale of five tickets for a quarter.
It was in this year also that the Maple and Central street lines to
the Watershops was opened for public travel.

It was in 1882 that open cars were introduced on this system,
the earliest of these cars containing but five benches, and simul-
taneous with the advent of these cars was the employment of con-
ductors to collect fares. Previous to this time the patrons of the
street railway dropped their fares in the slot of the cash box which
was located in the front of the car. This was very unsatisfactory,
and it was especially difficult to reach this cash box when the car
was crowded. So many persons lost courage on such occasions
that the company, for its own protection, employed the services of
conductors, as an experiment, on the open cars.

Beginning in 1884, various extensions of the system followed
one another in rapid succession.

A petition was sent to the board of aldermen in the fall of 1888,
asking for permission to use electricity on the Mill river line. Two
public hearings were given and the movement met with decided
opposition from various sources. The telephone company objected
on the ground that the single trolley system, which the railroad
contemplated adopting was a dangerous one, and moreover, would
raise such a din on the telephone lines that they could not be used
advantageously. These objections were overruled, and December
23, 1889, permission was granted to use the single trolley system
from State street to the new terminus in Sumner avenue, opposite

Springfield Present and Prospective 177

Forest park. This line was equipped with the single trolley system
in the summer of 1890, and the first trial was made with two cars.
By the summer of 189 1 the electric cars were running on all lines.

In 1890, a uniform fare of five cents was established. It was in
1892 that cars were run for the first time to Indian Orchard and
Mittineague, and the following year the line from Merrick to Mitti-
neague, the Brightwood, Worthington street and King street lines
were opened.

In 1895 a road was constructed to connect with the line of the
Holyoke street railway company, and a year later cars were running
to the state line in Longmeadow, the Tatham and Catherine street
lines were opened, and all night cars were run on the hill lines.
In 1897 cars were run for the first time on the Dwight street, and
the Maple street line was extended past the Watershops to White
street. In this year, also, tracks were laid over Plainfield street to
Brightwood, and in 1898 the Hancock street line from Forest park
was opened.

It was in 1894 that a power house was built at the foot of Mar-
garet street, the power used previous to this time being purchased
from the electric light company. In 1898 and again in 1900 this
plant was enlarged to meet the demands of the road, and today is
a most modern power plant.

During the years of 1899 and 1900 the Belmont avenue line and
the Agawam line to the state border were opened, and connection
was established with the Woronoco street railway company of
Westfield by which through cars were run. In January, 1902, the
Feeding Hills line was opened, and in September of the same year
the Wilbraham road and East Longmeadow extensions were also
opened.

Thus has developed the Springfield street railway company, a
system which today ranks as one of the best equipped street railway
systems in the country. It now comprises nearly ninety-four miles
of track, of which forty-eight and one-fourth miles are located in
the city limits of Springfield. Constant improvements have been
made in its construction, heavy tee and girder rails having been
substituted for lighter rails. The equipment of the road consists
of 107 closed cars and 120 open cars, and it requires seventy-five
cars to run the regular daily schedule, while, in addition, extra cars

178 Springfield Present and Prospective

are run morning and evening for the accommodation of the working
people. In the matter of equipment there have been rapid advances,
large fifteen-bench open cars and thirty-foot body closed cars con-
stantly being added to replace the smaller single-truck cars.

A notable feature is the advance in through service conditions.
Today it is possible to go from Springfield to Holyoke, Northamp-
ton, Westfield, Palmer and Hartford without change of cars and
at reasonable rates.

One cause of the success of the Springfield system is the extension
of its lines to attractive and interesting parts of the city and its
suburbs. The Forest park, Glenwood, Chicopee, Indian Orchard
and all through line cars are well patronized with people who desire
to take a ride into the country for pure recreation.

The rapid and adequate development and extension of the lines
of the Springfield street railway company have been of incalculable
benefit to the people of this city, greatly enhancing real estate values
and providing convenient, rapid and safe means for both pleasure
and business travel.

Sources of Strength

Springfield's industrial growth and prosperity are due in large
part to the character and strength of the city's financial institu-
tions, which are described in greater detail in another part of this
article.

The characteristics of Springfield's banking institutions is the
fact that they are all the result of local initiative. That this is so
should be a source of pride to every citizen of Springfield, for in
banking facilities there is no city of its size in the United States
that surpasses it, and many cities that have much larger populations
possess banking facilities greatly inferior.

Springfield has eight national banks, two trust companies, and
three savings banks, the combined capital of the national banks
and trust companies on August 23, 1905, being $3,550,000, and the
deposits about $15,000,000. The deposits of the three savings
banks on the same date were nearly $28,000,000.

In this connection it is interesting to note that Springfield, which
stands ninth in population in the state, has the second largest sav-
ings bank and the second largest trust company in the common-
wealth, outside of Boston.

::5

Springfield Present and Prospective 179

Among the things that have helped to make Springfield famous,
next, perhaps, to the United States Armory, are the two local insur-
ance companies: the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance com-
pany and the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance company.
These companies were both organized by citizens of Springfield,
the former being chartered in 1849, and the lauer in 1851. The
characteristic of each company is, above everything else, solidity.
Their record has been one of steady growth and progress, accom-
plished under conservative management. Each year sees a large
increase in the amount of business done and a corresponding gain
in assets.

It is doubtful if there is another city in the United States of the
size of Springfield which can boast of so many first-class hotels.
The hostelries of this city have a reputation that is national. Not
only are they well appointed, but they are very commodious. Trav-
elling men make this city their rendezvous, owing to its central
position, and the hotels receive a patronage that is both large and
constant. The two oldest and best known are the Massasoit house
and Cooley's hotel, the former having been opened in 1843, ^^^ ^^^
latter in 1850.

There is no question but that the high character of Springfield's
hotels has contributed much toward giving travellers the favorable
impression which they generally have of our city. So attracted have
travelling men become by the city's advantages that many have
moved their families here, some two thousand commercial travellers
now making this their headquarters.

Among the things already mentioned that have helped to make
Springfield famous should be added Springfield's publications.
Foremost among these it is safe to place the Springfield Republican,
• a newspaper that is read and quoted throughout the country. Of
almost equal importance and of even greater renown, perhaps, is
"Webster's Dictionary," published by The G. & C. Merriam
Company.

The enterprise and prosperity of a city are judged by, among
other things, the amount of mail matter handled at the post-office.
The volume of business done at the Springfield post-office is nothing
short of remarkable for the size of the city, and it is constantly in-
creasing. There are but three states in the country which surpass

l8o Springfield Present and Prospective

^^—^—' • • ■ — ^~— ^.^^^^— -^— — ^— .^^— ^-^»...^-^— ^— ^.^— ^^-^-— — — — ^

Massachusetts in the aggregate of its post-office receipts, these three
exceptions being New York, Illinois and Pennsylvania. In Massa-
chusetts, Boston, the first city in population, leads in gross receipts,
and Springfield, which is eighth in population, stands second in
gross receipts. In percentage of net receipts to gross receipts Spring-
field makes a still better showing, ranking first not only in Mass-
achusetts but in all New England.

For the year ending June 30, 1905, Springfield stands second in
gross receipts, ranking above Worcester for the first time, Spring-
field's receipts being $315,779.15 and Worcester's $313,493.17.
The population of Worcester, according to the 1905 census, is
127,763, and that of Springfield 73,484. The following tables give
at a glance the rank of the Springfield post-office as compared with
those of Boston and Worcester:

Boston

Population
1904 190s

I I

Gross

Receipts

1904 1905

I I

Net

Receipts
1904 1905

I I

Per cent. Net

Receipts to

Gross Receipts

1904 1905

3 3

Worcester

2 2

^ 3

3 3 ■

2 2

Springfield

9 8

3 2

2 2

I I

The Springfield Board of Trade

THE commercial life of Springfield is unique as compared with
that of most cities in that it has a board of trade which is act-
ive. The Springfield Board of Trade is a young organization, hav-
ing been in existence but fifteen years. During that time it has grown
steadily in size and influence, until, today, it ranks among the strong-
est commercial organizations in the country. In proportion to the
city's population it has the largest membership and is the most
prosperous of any board of trade in New England.

The progress which the board has made is due to the fact that
the leading business men of the city take a genuine interest in its
work. The men who have served as presidents have been citizens
of the highest character, and have, without exception, given liberally
of their time in the effort to make the board of the greatest possible
benefit to the community. During the past two years the office of
president has been filled by Henry H. Bowman, president of the
Springfield National bank, under whose guidance the affairs of the

Springfield Present and Prospective i8l

board have prospered greatly. The only salaried official is the
secretary, who devotes his entire time to the work of the board.
The present secretary is J. Frank Drake, who is now serving his
third year in that capacity.

As stated in the by-laws, the objects of the Board of Trade are:
"To establish a body of recognized authority to deal with matters
of interest to the business men of Springfield, and to the general
public; to forward the prosperity of the mercantile and manufactur-
ing community; and to procure and spread such information as
will advance and elevate commercial dealings and extend just
methods of business by the establishment and maintenance of a
a place for business and social meetings."

There is a diversity of opinion among the members of the board,
as there is bound to be in any organization of its size, concerning
the scope of the field in which the Board should confine its work.
Some think that it should be the "boom" organization, the "shout-
ing mule-driver of the municipal triumphant car of progress," and
that its success should be gauged entirely by the number of new
enterprises secured. Others, who are greatly in the majority, think
that better progress in the end can be made by a more conservative
course, under which no one is offered a cash bonus to choose a
business ___location, but all manifest natural advantages to the manu-
facturer and the home-seeker are presented in every possible way.

The quarters occupied by the Board of Trade are centrally
located and well furnished. Their value has been well appreciated,
as is shown by the fact that Board of Trade meetings and meetings
of various business associations are held oh the average of more
than one per day. The rooms are also freely used by business men
in fulfilling engagements for business purposes.

The administrative function is vested in a board of directors,
twenty in number^ which meets once each month. From time to
time during the year, as occasion requires, the full membership is
called together, and twice each year formal banquets are held at
which it is customary to have as guests men of national and even
international repute, who deliver addresses.

In the course of the fifteen years that the Board of Trade has
been in existence many things have been accomplished which have
greatly benefited the city. Besides the various industries which the

1 82 Springfield Present and Prospective

board has induced to locate here, there are two pieces of work which
stand out conspicuously, namely, the creation of the Advertisers'
Protective association and the Springfield Credit Exchange. These
two organizations have for several years past been the means of
saving the business men of Springfield many thousands of dollars,
and would be in themselves of sufficient importance to warrant the
maintenance of an institution like the Board of Trade.

A Diversity of E nt e rpri se s — Some Wh ich
HAVE Helped in Upbuilding Springfield

THE one characteristic of commercial Springfield which is per-
haps the most pronounced is the diversity of its industries.
The fact that Springfield did not possess any one particular natural
advantage suited to the growth of any one particular line of business
has made of Springfield a "broad" city in the sense that we speak
of a broad-minded man. It has caused prosperous industries of
all kinds to make a start here, many of which have grown to such a
size that they have a national and international reputation.

The fact that our industries are diversified in character has
tended to make general business depressions and hard times felt in
Springfield to a much lesser degree than would be the case were
our industrial life like that of most cities in which there is usually
some one industry vastly superior in size to all the others.

A self-made city is Springfield. This is quite evident to the
person who makes himself familiar with the city's industrial history,
which has been briefly given in this article. Even as the world is
proud of a successful, self-made man, so should we be proud of our
prosperous, progressive city.

It is impossible to prophesy accurately what the future of Com-
mercial Springfield will be. There is only one way in which an
intelligent forecast can be made, and that is to judge the future by
the past, with a full knowledge of all the present resources which
should have an important bearing upon future activities.

The advantage of a central ___location Springfield will undoubtedly
always enjoy. This fact, coupled with the city's great prosperity
which is not the result of a boom but the outcome of years and years
of steady, healthy growth, points to continued progress. Numerous
other advantages, such as low taxes, cheap insurance, abundant

Home of the SpringfieU Board of Trade

6«

«
^

Springfield Present and Prospective 183

supply of skilled labor, unsurpassed transportation accommodations,
adequate banking facilities, and a city government that is free from
graft, constitute a wonderful force which makes the future of
Springfield look extremely bright.

It is possible in this chapter to briefly review only a few of the
hundreds of enterprises which are recognized as prominent among
those materially aiding in the upbuilding of Springfield, and to give
as adequate an idea as possible of their past growth and development,
and of their present standing.

The Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Company has a his-
tory of serious difficulties successfully overcome, of growth and progress
most creditable to its management, and of business development of the
most satisfactory character. It is a record in which especial pride is felt in
the city whose name the company bears and where its home offices have
always been located. It is one honorable and notable in the annals of
American fire underwriting.

The Springfield was organized and began business in the spring of
1851, under a charter granted by special act of the Massachusetts Legisla-
ture two years earlier. The capital stock of the proposed company had been
fixed at 1^150,000, with the provisos that business might commence when
150,000 had been paid in, but that no more than ten per cent of the amount
of paid-in capital should be taken on any one risk. The formation of the
company was largely due to the persistent efforts of Marvin Chapin, at
that time one of the proprietors of the Massasoit house. He was a public
spirited cidzen, actively idendfied with Springfield's interests. He believed
that the money being paid for insurance to out-of-town companies should
be retained through a home organization. Springfield was at that time a
large and growing town, not having attained to the dignity of cityhood, and
the business of fire underwriting was still in the formative and experimental
stages. It required long and earnest effort to secure subscribers for the
necessary amount of capital stock; but the movement was finally successful,
and the Springfield began to do business May 31, 185 1. At the close of
that year, after seven months of business, the company's report showed
that 11,784,916 of fire risks and ^8,280 of marine risks had been written,
while the two fire losses paid during the period amounted to but I356.25.

It was a modest beginning, but the men active in the enterprise were
among the leading citizens of the town, and they were determined that the
company to which they had given the loved name of their town should
prove worthy of the honor. The "home offices" at this time consisted of
two rooms in the City Hotel building, which had been hired for one hundred
dollars per year, and a little later a lease of the quarters for ten years at an
annual rental of one hundred and fifty dollars was taken.

184 Springfield Present and Prospective

While bearing a local name, the Springfield did not, unlike too many of
the companies then doing business, confine its efForts to the home vicinity.
Almost as soon as it began doing business, a New York city agency was
opened, and steadily the name of the company was extended to more remote
portions of the country. Many difficulties were encountered in the western
states, some of which had obnoxious insurance laws; but the company
steadily widened and broadened its field. Its managers were dismayed by
no ordinary obstacles or adverse conditions. While the "hard times" of
1857 were at their height it was decided to have an appropriate home office
building; the historic site at the comer of Fort and Main streets was pur-
chased, and the following spring the building which the company were to
occupy for forty-seven years was completed. In the fall of that year it was
voted to double the capital stock of the company, and without serious dis-
turbance the years of the civil war were passed. The company had, however,
taken a wise precaution early in the year i860, by discontinuing all marine
underwriting with the exception of inland (lake and river) risks. August,
1866, the company voted to increase its capital stock to half a million dollars,
under an act of the Legislature authorizing the same. The then stockholders
were allowed to subscribe for two shares of the new stock for every three
shares held by them, and the full amount was taken within two months,
although the company had just suffered a severe loss in the Portland (Maine)
fire of 1866.

The Chicago fire of 187 1 cost the Springfield in round numbers a sum
equal to its entire capitalization. While the fire was still raging the board
of directors met and took such measures as were practicable to provide for
meeting the unknown but certainly enormous losses; and when the extent
of the disaster became known, the stockholders in special meeting unani-
mously voted a 65 per cent assessment of the stock in order to restore the
impaired capital.

The Boston fire of 1872 brought another severe trial to the Springfield,
its losses amounting to about ^250,000, and an assessment of thirty per
cent to repair the capital stock became necessary. As in the former case,
it was voted without dissent. Having thus within thirteen months passed
two crises of appalling magnitude, making a record rarely if ever equaled
in the history of underwriting, the Springfield had brilliantly shown itself
worthy of public confidence, and loyally has the recognition been extended,
as abundantly attested by the company's subsequent growth — a growth so
marked that in the Baltimore fire of 1904 it was able to meet a loss of
/440,ooo without embarrassment or serious inconvenience.

The growth of business is well shown by that of the capital stock,
iTvhich in 1874 was increased to |6oo,ooo; in 1875 to ^750,000, in 1 881 to
1 1,000,000, in 1887 to 11,250,000, in 1890 to 11,500,000, and in 1901 to

Office Interiors of the Fire and Marine Company's New Building

5^
S

&
«

spring-field Present and Prospective 185

f 2,000,000, the present figure. All of these increases in capitalization have
been made from the company's surplus earnings. Meantime the risks have
grown from less than <li, 800,000 in 1852 to 1^442,061,692; there has been
paid in cash dividends to the stockholders i»4,754,542 — all of which has been
more than met by the ^15,009,816 interest and dividends from investments;
the assets of the company December 31, 1904, amounting to ,((6,446,898.

In 1902 the initial steps were taken toward the erection of a modern
fireproof building as a home office for the company, seven estates at the
comer of State and Maple streets were secured, and President A. W. Damon,
with directors Warren D. Kinsman, Mase S. Southworth and James L.
Pease were appointed a building committee. As a result of their eflForts,
the present magnificent home of the company, complete and adequate in
every respect, finely appointed and fitted with every modern convenience
and device for the transaction of the underwriting business of today, was
occupied July 3, 1905.

The present official board of the Springfield consists of A. Willard
Damon, president; Charles E. Galacar, vice-president; W. J. Mackay,
secretary; F. H. Williams, treasurer; directors — Frederick H. Harris, Mar-
shall Field of Chicago, James L. Pease, Mase S. Southworth, Warren D.
Kinsman, Homer L. Bosworth, William A. Harris, A. Willard Damon,
Charles E. Galacar, and Joseph Shattuck, Jr.

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. George W.
Rice and Dr. Alfred Lambert were the first propagandists of the idea that
the premium money of Springfield citizens might better be paid to a home
than to an alien life insurance company. Their zealous preaching was
successful, and the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance company, Spring-
field's largest financial institution, was given life on May 15, 1851, by act of
the Massachusetts legislature, the enabling document bearing the signatures
of the governor, George S. Boutwell, Henry Wilson, president of the Senate,
and N. P. Banks, speaker of the House. The design of the corporators of
the company was to establish an institution that at an early day should be
purely mutual; and it was only the necessity of providing funds to start' the
business that prevented strict mutuality at the outset. The company was
therefore, when it began to do business, a mutual company having a small
capital stock interest — <{ioo,ooo. Interest upon the stock was limited to
seven per cent per annum, and the stock itself was retired in 1867, since
which year the company has been in full reality the Massachusetts Mutual.

The first home office of the company was not extravagantly sumptuous,
it being no less and no more than one room, to wit, Room 8, Foot's block,
corner of Main and State streets. In 1866-67 ^^^ built and occupied a new
headquarters, a five-story building at 413 Main street. And now, in 1905,
plans are under way whereby the company will in two or three years return

1 86 Spring-field Present and Prospective

to "the very spot of its origin," namely, to the comer of Main and State
streets — it having bought the Foot block and property in the rear, upon
which an adequate home office building will be erected. The company's
officers have always been men of prominence and activity in our com-
munity. The personnel of the first management was Caleb Rice, president;
James M. Thompson, vice-president; Caleb Rice, treasurer; F. B. Bacon,
secretary; Samuel S. Day, clerk; Dr. Alfred Lambert, medical examiner;
William Rice, Waitstill Hastings, Samuel Day, finance committee. These
men in their day were among our civic leaders, and their names frequently
appear in the chronicles of their generation, nor are they yet forgotten by our
city's elders. Of equal quality were their successors, the predecessors of the
present business body of officials. Too much space would be required for the
naming of all who have occupied official positions in the past, but a history
of either the city or the company would be a half-told tale if no mention
were made of E. W. Bond, M. V. B. Edgerly, E. D. Beach, C. McLean Knox,
Homer Foot, Henry S. Lee, Julius H. Appleton, Gideon Wells, Avery J.
Smith, James Weir Mason, Henry Fuller, Jr., Dr. David P. Smith, and
Harry W. Haskins. The present list of officials is as follows: John A. Hall,
president; Henry M. Phillips, vice-president; Wm. W. McClench, second
vice-president and counsel; Wm. H. Sargeant, secretary; Oscar B. Ireland,
actuary; Dr. F. W. Chapin, Dr. George S. Stebbins, medical directors;
Wheeler H. Hall, Geo. D. Lang, assistant secretaries; A. K. McGinley,
assistant counsel; Chas. H. Angell, assistant actuary; C. S. Warburton,
superintendent of loans; Isaac B. Snow, superintendent of agencies.

Many of these officers have been connected with the company during a
long period. President Hall was the Springfield general agent of the com-
pany in 1872, and his steps toward the presidency were as follows: Super-
intendent of agencies in 1880; elected secretary in 1881 ; thence to the position
of president in 1895. Vice-president Phillips was elected secretary in 1895
and vice-president in 1904. For many years prior to 1895 ^^ ^^^ \>t&a. a
director of the company and a member of committees. Second vice-president
McClench became connected with the law department of the company in
1893 and was appointed counsel in 1898; his election as second vice-president
occurred in January, 1905. Secretary Sargeant began as an office boy in
1884, and before his election to the secretaryship in January, 1905, he had
served as inspector of agencies and risks and as an assistant secretary.
Actuary Ireland received his appointment in 1872. Doctor Chapin began his
duties as a medical examiner of the company in 1879, and Doctor Stebbins
in 1887. Assistant secretary Hall entered the employ of the company as a
junior clerk in the actuarial department in 1886; whence he was transferred
to the bookkeeping department; a few years later he became chief accountant;
next followed his election as an assistant secretary. Assistant secretary

Springfield Present and Prospective 187

Lang has been connected with the company continuously during thirty-two
years, having joined the office force as a boy in 1873; he was elected to his
present position in January, 1905. Superintendent of Loans Warburton,
became an agent of the company in 1877 and was placed in charge of the
loan department in 1897. Superintendent of Agencies Snow joined the
company as an agent in 1880, and in 1900 was given the oversight of the
agency corps. And both the assistant counsel and the assistant actuary
deserve a place on the list of old employes. This chronologic recital indi-
cates that faithfulness and ability are prized and necessary elements of pro-
motion in the home office of this company. The following Springfield men
are members of the board of directors: Henry S. Hyde, Hon. Marcus P.
Knowlton, Nelson C. Newell, Lewis J. Powers, A. B. Wallace, W. S. Cald-
well, John A. Hall, Henry M. Phillips, Wm. W. McClench, Dr. F. W. Cha-
pin, C. S. Warburton. Holyoke is represented by Hon. William Whiting.

Perhaps it is not as well known to our citizens as it ought to be, that the
Massachusetts Mutual occupies an almost unique position in life insurance
in the United States, in that, together with but two or three other companies
among all the regular companies, it issues annual dividend life insurance
only, and pays annual dividends of yearly-increasing aggregate magnitude.
The long and successful dividend-paying record of this company demon-
strates that the annual dividend system is practicable, is satisfactory to the
insured, and affords the only just method of distributing surplus. By its
employment the accumulation of a huge surplus is prevented, and thus is
avoided the temptation to extravagance of various kinds and the great waste
of policy-holders' money in mad rivalry for new business. Massachusetts
law, of course, governs the company's policy contracts, its leading feature
being the statutory determination of paid-up and cash-surrender values,
whereby, after three annual premiums have been paid, a policy-holder in a
Massachusetts company possesses an inalienable, vested insurance right, of
fixed money value. The law is frequently referred to as the " Famous Non-
Forfeiture Law of Massachusetts," and it is worth a Massachusetts man's
knowing that his state was the first to enact such laws and the first to estab-
lish an insurance department for the supervision of its companies. Annual
dividends, Massachusetts law, liberal policies, and honest and capable
management, have made the Massachusetts Mutual greatly successful — not
in hugeness, but in acquiring that popular confidence which is reflected in
safe and normal growth.

The total income of this company in 1904 was over eight million dollars,
showing an increase of more than one hundred per cent in the last ten years.
The assets at that time were over thirty-seven million dollars, an increase of
136 per cent; insurance in force, ,((182,874,119, an increase of 103 per cent;
surplus, i»3,3CX),623, an increase of 118 per cent. The total payments to

1 88 Spring-field Present and Prospective

policyholders and beneficiaries from the date of organization in 1851 down
to December 31, 1904, were as follows: Death claims, ,((27,241,873; matured
endowments, ^14,494,549; dividends, ^113,015,120. During 1904, ^41,827
was paid to policy-holders in annual dividends alone. The company operates
in thirty-four states of the Union, and had at the close of last year some
eighty thousand policies in force.

G. &. C. Merriam Company. Had Springfield nothing else to be proud
of she would have just claim to world-wide fame on account of the fact that
here is issued Webster's International dictionary, that marvelous compen-
dium of human learning that was first published by Noah Webster in 1828.
Upon his death in 1843 ^^^ copyright was bought out by George and Charles
Merriam, who for ten years previous had conducted a bookstore and printing
establishment in Springfield and to whom the world is indebted for the
development of Webster's great works to their present commanding position
in the world of learning. Homer Merriam, who had been in the book busi-
ness in Troy, N. Y., came to Springfield in 1856 and became a member of
the firm, although the name G. &. C. Merriam remained unchanged. No
further change was made in the business until 1882, when after the death
of George Merriam and the retirement of his brother Charles, Orlando M.
Baker and H. Curtis Rowley entered the partnership, which took the style
G. & C. Merriam & Company. Mr. Baker was educated at Genesee Wes-
leyan seminary and college, and taught for ten years in Milwaukee. From
1866 to 1874 he was in the book business, and was later chosen assistant state
superintendent of education in Missouri. He came to Springfield in 1877,
and served the house five years previous to becoming a partner. Mr. Rowley
is a son-in-law of Homer Merriam, and prepared for Yale at Whitestown
seminary, but changed his plans and entered the army in 1864. In 1865
he became a member of the book and engraving firm of L. S. Currier &
Company, Cincinnati. In 1866 he founded the firm of Curry, Rowley
& Company at Utica, N. Y., and conducted a wholesale stationery business
until 1879, when he came to Springfield and took a position with the Mer-
riams. In 1892 the firm was incorporated as the G. & C. Merriam company,
with Homer Merriam as president, a position which he held until he moved
to California in 1903. Mr. Baker then became president, with Mr. Rowley
as treasurer and K. N. Washburn as secretary, the latter having been con-
nected with the house ever since 1884, following a ten-years' experience in
the schoolbook business.

While in a historical sketch of Springfield, the greatest interest naturally
centers in the personnel of the publishers of Webster's dictionary, there
should be some mention made of the result of their work. The book as it
came from Doctor Webster's hands was revised or added to, first in 1847,
again in 1859, 1864, 1879, 1884, 1890, 1892, 1900, 1902, each date repre-

Main Street looking North from State Street

-5s
CO

"^
o

spring-field Present and Prospective 189

senting some advance in accuracy, comprehensiveness or convenience. A
complete series of school and college dictionaries was issued, the smaller
books being handled by a New York house, but the largest abridgment,
the Collegiate, and the smallest, a vest-pocket edition styled Webster's
Little Gem dictionary, are published in Springfield in connection with the
complete International. Of the latter, special editions are issued in Eng-
land and for Australia.

In every quarter of the globe wherever the English language is spoken,
Webster's International dictionary is looked upon as an intellectual store-
house, filled with the artistic, scientific, historic and legendary lore of every
age and country, convenient in arrangement and terse in condensation. It
represents a century of research, careful thought and painstaking compila-
tion t>n the part of eminent philologists, aided by linguists and men of letters
in every leading profession, and of both English and foreign tongues. The
best talent in the world has been constantly employed without regard to
cost; the best type, ink, presswork and binding have been utilized, and in
every way the firm has lived and worked closely upon the lines of its motto —
"Get the Best."

The Wason Manufacturing Company, the largest car-building works
in New England, is at Brightwood. No manufacturing. concern in Spring-
field has become more world-famed, and none have, with the exception of
the United States Armory, handled more money. The corporation was
organized February i, 1862, with a capital of il50,cx)o, taking over the car-
building business of T. W. Wason & Company, commenced in 1845. In
February, 1868, its capital was increased to jl 150,000, and in February,
1 88 1, to ^{300,000. In March, 1868, the company purchased the property
t'hen occupied by it upon Lym^n street, just opposite the Union depot, and
which it still owns. In June, 1868, it purchased the foundry and car-wheel
business of Wason, Ladd & Company, and in 1870 the land now occupied
by it in Brightwood, where in 1871 and 1872 it built its present shops, to
which since that time large additions in buildings and machinery have been
made. These buildings, constructed of wood and brick, are commodious
and complete in every particular. They are said to be the best arranged of
the sort in the United States. Here every part of the car is made. The
workshops are on either side of a wide-gauge railway extending from the
tracks of the Boston and Maine railroad company to the river bank. This
forty-foot gauge track is traversed by a steam engine and carriage, by
which arrangement the cars when completed are transferred from the shops
to the track and thence, by means of switches, to the tracks of the Boston
and Maine railroad.

The founder of the business, Thomas W. Wason, died in 1870. His
successor as president of the company, George C. Fisk, has been connected

190 spring-field Present and Prospective

with the business since 1852, and is now serving his fifty-fourth year.
Henry S. Hyde became connected with the company at its organization in
1862 as secretary, was chosen treasurer in 1869, and is now serving his
thirty-seventh year as such. Henry Pearson, now vice-president and general
manager, has been connected with the company for twenty-four continuous
years. Louis C. Hyde has been chief accountant since 1876 and secretary
since 1882.

The Wason company when running to its fullest capacity employs
seven hundred men, and its product has amounted to jli,5CX),ooo per annum.
During the last five years its product has been ^14,960,9 14, and its payment
for labor j»i ,430,635.50. Its product can be found upon nearly all the steam
railroads in the eastern states, and in many foreign countries. It built the
first Woodruff, and first Pullman sleeping-car, and in 1858 completed the
first order for cars to be exported ever filled in the United States. Its recent
extensive contracts have been for the Manhattan Elevated, and the Inter-
borough Rapid Transit railway companies of New York, the New York,
New Haven and Hartford railroad company, and for government railways
of the Argentine republic, and electric work for Havana, as well as a large
amount of steam and electric work for eastern railways aggregating in value
over 1500,000.

Smith & Wesson. Few cities can boast of an industry of so great an
international reputation as that enjoyed by Smith & Wesson of Springfield.
This firm were the pioneers in revolver manufacturing. The same re-
markable business ability and inventive genius which gave the concern
their start has caused the business to grow so rapidly that it is today the
largest of its kind in the United States. The firm began business in 1857
under the name of Smith & Wesson, and this name has always remained
unchanged. The partnership was then composed of Horace Smith and
Daniel B. Wesson. In 1874, Mr. Smith retired and Mr. Wesson continued
alone until 1882, when his son, Walter H. Wesson, became a partner with
him, and seven years later his other son, Joseph H. Wesson, was admitted
to the firm. The business was first located on Market street, but in i860 it
was moved to the present site on Stockbridge street. The main factory is a
four-story bricb structure, and extends from Stockbridge street through to
Cross street. Several other large buildings have been erected since the
factory proper was built so that now practically a whole block is occupied.
At the beginning, only two styles of revolvers were made, but at the present
time fourteen models are being manufactured. The output has steadily
increased as the years have passed by, and today the production is ten
thousand per month. In the busiest season over six hundred men are em-
ployed, but five hundred men have steady employment the year round.
From its inception it has been the policy of the company to keep up with

spring-field Present and Prospective 191

the most recent inventions in their particular line, and they have never
hesitated to buy up patents when it was for their interest to do so.

The Smith & Wesson revolver has been exhibited at nearly every expo-
sition of any great size for the past forty years, and has never failed to take
the highest award. Among the first prizes secured were those awarded at
Paris in 1867, Moscow in 1872, Vienna in 1873, Philadelphia in 1876, Paris
in 1877, Melbourne in 1880, Paris in 1890, Chicago in 1892, Paris in 1900,
Buffalo in 1902, and St. Louis in 1904* Such a splendid record maintained
over a series of years is something which not only the company itself may
well be proud of but reflects great credit upon the city of Springfield. No
revolver yet invented consists of comparatively so few parts, and accomplishes
so much. Only the very best of steel is used and great attention is paid
to the smallest details. Every revolver before it is put upon the market
is very carefully tested for accuracy, penetration and workmanship, and
when it leaves the factory is fully guaranteed. It is with good reason that
the makers are able to claim for the Smith & Wesson revolver that it is
"unequaled in excellence of material and workmanship, force, accuracy of
firing, safety, simplicity of construction, and convenience in loading."

Barney & Berry Company. The manufacture of skates, carried on
so extensively by this concern, was begun in 1864 in the building then known
as Warner's pistol factory at Pecowsic, and removed to Mill river in 1866.
The reputation of the Barney & Berry skate grew rapidly and became so
world-wide in the next ten years that a new factory was erected on Broad
street. In 1882 these quarters were outgrown and the present handsome
building was erected. It has a frontage of 2CX) feet on Broad street and 120
feet on Elmwood street, and is three stories high. The firm employs only the
most skilled workmen and uses material of the highest grade, which accounts
for the award of highest medals for excellence wherever exhibited. In 1876,
at Philadelphia, their company received the only medal awarded; in 1873,
the highest medal at Vienna; and in 1878, the highest award at Paris.

Everett H. Barney, founder of the Barney & Barry skate manufacturing
industry, park commissioner and public-spirited citizen generally, is a man
of ideas and untiring energy. Before he founded the skate business which
has borne his name broadcast, and the product of his factory ''wherever
water freezes," he was a skilled mechanic for several years previous to his
coming to Springfield, and was a superintendent in several manufactories of
small arms. He was a skater from early youth, and his fondness for skating
led him to turn his inventive faculties to a satisfactory skate. Long before
he began the manufacture of them he had devised for his own use a metal-
top sKate, and was the first to put that kind of skate into the market.
The Barney & Berry company was incorporated under the laws of Massa-
chusetts in December, 1904, with £. H. Barney as president and W. P.

192 Springfield Present and Prospective

Dodge as treasurer. At present about one hundred men are employed at
the factory.

The Milton Bradley Company. Wherever American games and
diversions are known — ^wherever education in this country has taken the
kindergarten form — wherever publications touching the kindergarten and
allied methods are known and studied, not to mention other interests and
specialties — the name of Milton Bradley company of this city is familiarly
and favorably known. Few people realize the immense variety of goods
included under the name of kindergarten material, which ranges from a
little box of pegs or straws to a kindergarten table or an elaborately illus-
trated book.

It was in 1869 ^^^ ^^' Bradley came under the spell of the Froebelian
philosophy, mainly through the influence of Miss Elizabeth Peabody, and
Prof. Edward Wiebe, who was trying to introduce into Springfield the kinder-
garten as known in Germany. The professor had prepared for publication
a kindergarten guide, entitled "The Paradise of Childhood," and after much
persuasion the firm of Milton Bradley & Company consented to bring out
the book. This action has never been regretted, for the volume, the first
kindergarten guide ever printed in English, has been of great benefit to
thousands of kindergarteners. The publication department is, today, of
rapidly increasing importance, and includes the Kindergarten Review, a
monthly magazine of high standing in its field. The lithographing branch
of this large and varied business has increased with all the rest, and its
presses are always crowded with large orders for color printing and first-class
commercial work. Being pioneers in lithography in western Massachusetts,
the company have a large accumulation of engravings adapted for wmk in
this region. The reputation of the company for home amusements nas
never been eclipsed. Some of the most successful games the country has
ever seen have originated with this concern. In the early days of croquet,
for example, their facilities were taxed to the utmost night and day to keep
up with the demand.

While in all this growth from small beginnings, Mr. Bradley, who i«
treasurer of the company, has had many able assistants, yet his has been
the guiding and controlling hand, and to him alone is due much of the
present success of the company.

The R. H. Smith Manufacturing Company. Few industries owe so
much to the energy and inventive genius of one man as does the rubber-stamp
business to R. Hale Smith of this city, the founder and manager of this com-
pany. Mr. Smith was born in Chicopee in 1845, ^ind after having had
valuable experience with large concerns as machinist, toolmaker and
draughtsman, he became associated in 1866 with B. B. Hill in the manu-
facture of ribbon printing stamps, taking the mechanical superintenaency

>T ^^

spring-field Present and Prospective 193

of the business which grew to national prominence. In 1873, having de-
veloped the manufacture of rubber stmaps, Mr. Smith determined to devote
his whole attention to the new line. He severed his connection with Mr.
Hill and started business alone in the present building under the name of
R. H. Smith & G>mpany, his brother, H. M. Smith, afterward joining him.
The business prospered, and at the end often years had grown to such pro-
portions that a change from a co-partnership was desirable, and in Decem-
ber, 1883, the R. H. Smith Manufacturing company was incorporated with
a paid-up capital of Jl30,ocx3. The rubber and metal hand stamp-making
industry is now so universally established that the chief business of the
Smith company has long since become that of a stamp trade supply house,
the larger share of their goods going to the stamp-makers and dealers where-
ever located, but as from the start, they make a prominent feature of the
designing and construction of vulcanizers and all other machinery and tools
for the use of stamp-makers in the making of rubber stamps. As early as
1876 they found England and the Continent a good field for their goods and
cultivated it vigorously. Besides having placed many manufacturing outfits
in Peru, Chili, Argentine and Brazil. Venezuela, Colombia and Equador
they have gained a substantial foothold in Australia and New Zealand,
South Africa, India and other British colonies. The company now has
sales agencies of long standing in many parts of the world. For example,
their London general agency has been housed at 170 Fleet street for twenty-
four years, and their Rio Janeiro, Brazil, general agency has not changed
managers for twenty-eight years. Many hundred stamp makers throughout
this and foreign countries owe their existence to the R. H. Smith Manu-
facturing company, who first fitted them up and have since furnished them
with supplies necessary to carry on their business. The present officers of
the company are R. Hale Smith, president and treasurer, Henry M. Smith
and Arthur H. Rogers, vice presidents, and Frank A. Wakefield, secretary.
The W. D. Kinsman Company, though not the largest of our depart-
ment stores, must be accounted the oldest. No other name has been identi-
fied with the dry-goods trade of Springfield so long a time as that of W. D.
Kinsman, and with only three or four exceptions there are none who have
been continuously in any line of business in this city so many years, Mr.
Kinsman having established his business here in 1862. In 1879 he erected
the building on the northwest comer of Main and Bridge streets, occupying
the corner store since 1880. In 1901 the W. D. Kinsman company was
incorporated, the other shareholders in the corporation being Howard L.
Kinsman and George E. Scott, Mr. Scott having been with the house
twenty-five years and H. L. Kinsman fifteen years. Mr. Kinsman's ambi-
tion has not been to establish a great department store, but rather to choose
his trade and carry high-grade goods, and the store which he founded is

194 Springfield Present and Prospective

conceded to have the best class of Springfield dry goods trade. With the
growth of our city Mr. Kinsman's trade has increased each year until now
is has become necessary for the company to add more floor space, taking
for that purpose the adjoining store occupied by Albert E. Lerche.

Forbes & Wallace. Thirty-one years ago — in the year 1874 — the
great business of Forbes & Wallace had its beginning. It was a small store
in those days — ^the city was small, less than 30,000 inhabitants. But behind
that early enterprise were men whose shrewd minds, whose intelligent and
unwearied energies, were destined to place their standards on a height
rarely reached in the business world. As the city grew, the store of Forbes &
Wallace grew, but it far outstripped the tide of Springfield's population, until
today, in its mammoth home, with its acres and acres of merchandise, its fair
and honorable reputation, its genial hospitality, it ranks as a favorite trading
center, not only of western New England, but of wide regions beyond. An
idea of its immense patronage may be gained from the fact that probably as
many as twenty times Springfield's entire population thronged in and out
its doors in the past year; indeed, the great store, crowded with goods from
every comer and clime of the world, is a veritable Wonderland, well worth
a journey of many miles to see.

Meekins, Packard & Wheat. The year following the great fire of
1875 saw the beginning of many new business enterprises in Springfield.
One of the most notable of these, in the light of later developments, was the
establishment of the store now so widely known as Meekins, Packard &
Wheat. In that year the late Emory Meekins, then a member of the firm of
Tinkham & Company, formed a partnership with Mr. A. A. Packard, who
had been for three years in charge of the carpet department in the same
store, and opened a store at the present ___location of the Hampden Trust com-
pany under the name of Meekins & Packard, dealing in carpets and house-
furnishings. In one year the new firm was obliged to look for larger quarters,
and accordingly two stores in the new block at the corner of Main and Hill-
man streets were hurriedly completed for their use, and the spring of 1877
saw them established at the ___location which has ever since been associated
with this firm. New departments were now added and the business of the
store grew at a remarkable rate. Dry goods had now been included in the
stock, and the other departments had been doubled in size. In 1879 Mr.
W. G. Wheat acquired an interest in the business and a few years later
became one of the partners, the firm name being changed to Meekins,
Packard & Company and later to Meekins, Packard & Wheat. Since Mr.
Meekins' death in 1900 Messrs. Packard and Wheat have been the sole
proprietors. In the meantime drapery and furniture departments had been
added and the growth of the business had compelled repeated enlargements.
A phenomenal growth has attended the development of this store. While

Carr Building on Harrison Avenue

Springfield Present and Prospective 195

the city has been doubling its population this store has doubled its capacity
a dozen times over, until today it is one of the largest houses in New England ,
depending for its business not alone upon Springfield and nearby towns and
cities but reaching out all over New England and even beyond the borders
of the six eastern states. From a store twenty by seventy feet with a force of
three men (the two members of the firm and a colored boy) this establishment
has grown until today it has several hundred employes on its payroll, and
with its handsome new building just completed on Hillman street, it occu-
pies six and one-half acres of floor space.

Smith & Murray. This department store started modestly April 19,
1879, at the comer of Court square and Main street, occupying the ground
floor and basement, each being forty-five feet by a hundred feet, or nine
thousand square feet floor space. Still on the same comer, by a constant
application to what is best in business methods, they added store after store,
until now the doors include twelve numbers on Springfield's busiest street.
The store occupies five floors in one block and six in another, over sixty
thousand square feet more floor space than at the beginning. Both of the
founders of this concern were Scotch by birth, having been educated in
Scotland, and learned the dry-goods business first in their native towns, and
later in Glasgow, Scotland. Coming to America in their early manhood they
were employed in some of Boston's famous dry-goods stores before starting
the business that now bears their name. Smith & Murray have developed a
wholesale business of considerable proportions, all of which helps to make
Springfield the splendid business center it is. One of the two men who
founded the business, John M. Smith, died December 12, 1898. The
other, Peter Murray, still stands at the head, guiding with skill the many
departments.

Haynes & Company. The firm of Haynes & Company, founded in
18+9 by the late Tilly Haynes, has practically "grown up" with Springfield
during the past half century, as its growth has been closely identified with
that of the city. In 1855, Theodore L. Haynes purchased from his brother
his interest in the business, and has since conducted it, having been assisted
for a number of years by another brother, John Haynes, and for the past
five years by his son, Stanford L. Haynes. Mr. Theodore Haynes has always
been proud of Springfield as a city and the part his firm has played in
making it the trading center it is today. For years he was active in the work
of the Board of Trade and supplied the early home of the board in his building;
later his son, Stanford Haynes, served for five years on the directorate of
the board. The feeling of the firm has always been that what it is and has
it owes to Springfield, and it is always willing to do whatever it can for
Springfield in return. There are today in New England very few concerns
dealing in goods strictly for men and boys that can boast of anywhere near
the volume of business yearly handled by Haynes & Company.

196 spring-field Present and Prospective

Charles Hall, after being burned out by the great Chicago fire,
thirty-three years ago, settled on Springfield as the best place in which to
start anew. He bought out the bankrupt stock of the little store then occu-
pying the present site, and by a steady, healthy business growth developed
the largest wholesale and retail trade in his line in New England outside of
Boston. His trade not only covers western Massachusetts, but extends to
Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The stock in
trade is not confined to the choice line of china and glassware, but includes
selected odd pieces of furniture, sterling silver articles, and nearly everything
with which to decorate a home. There are whole departments devoted to
choice products of art, others to mantels, tiles, fireplace furnishings, gas and
electrical fixtures and stained glass windows. While the stock is remarkable
for the amount and beauty of its fine goods, and while it includes no "Cheap
John" wares, it at the same time is adapted to all purses.

kiBBE Brothers Company ranks among the oldest and most reliable
business houses of the city, and have the distinction of being the largest
confectionery manufacturers in New England outside of Boston. From
1843, when Horace Kibbe, who had previously been making lozenges in a
little shop on Cross street, bought of Cicero Simons and George A. Kibbe
a small retail candy store, the business has steadily increased, the company
now occupying large buildings on Harrison avenue and employing about
three hundred and fifty hands. The wholesale trade of this company was
originally started with one two-horse team and was gradually enlarged
until eight four-horse wagons were continually on the road visiting all towns
within a radius of seventy-five to one hundred miles from Springfield. The
growth of the railroad and trolley systems has driven away these teams, but
their places are taken by men with sample cases who cover the larger part
of New England and New York state, sAid shipments are also made to
California and many other Western states.

From 1843 ^o 1^49 Cicero Simons was associated with Horace Kibbe,
the company being called Simons & Kibbe. H. B. Crane succeeded Mr.
Simons in 1849, and four years later George A. Kibbe again entered the
candy business, the firm now becoming Kibbe, Crane & Co. Mr. Crane
retired in 1863 and the following year Edwin McEIwain and Sherman D.
Porter were taken into partnership and the firm name changed to Kibbe
Brothers & Company. To these two men is largely due the present success
and high standing of this well-known confectionery house. George A. Kibbe
died in 1882, and after the death of Horace Kibbe in 1887 the business was
continued by Messrs. McEIwain & Porter, and in 1890 the factory was
moved from Main street, where it had been for twenty-eight years, to larger
quarters on Harrison avenue. The first building erected on the present site
was a five-story structure with a frontage of eighty and a depth of one

Springfield Present and Prospective 197

hundred and thirty feet. Large additions have since been built until at
present the company occupies over 125,000 square feet of floor space and
the daily output of candy exceeds twelve tons.

In 1892 Kibbe Brothers company was incorporated under Massachu-
setts laws with a capital stock of |lioo,ooo. The present oflicers are Sherman
D. Porter, president; Edwin McElwain, treasurer; Charles C. McElwain,
assistant treasurer, Robert R. Cleeland, secretary.

The E. Stebbins Manufacturing Company. In the evolution of the
modern dwelling, nothing has shown more marked advancement and pro-
gress than the development which has taken place in sanitary and plumbing
conditions and appliances. Among the foremost manufacturers of brass
plumbing goods in this country is the E. Stebbins Manufacturing company
of this city. This company was begun in a small way by Erastus Stebbins
of Chicopee for the manufacture of a patented compression faucet, which is
still made by the concern. Outgrowing its quarters, the business was moved
to Taylor street in this city in 1861, where it remained until the fire in 1875,
having in the meantime been sold by Mr. Stebbins, passed through several
hands and been incorporated in 1872. After the fire it was moved to its
present quarters in Brightwood. This company has won an enviable repu-
tation as manufacturers of the highest grade of sanitary and plumbing
goods, including not only compression goods but a full line of Fuller and
ground key work, besides many miscellaneous items, among which is the
Broughton self-closing work, which stands highest of any work of its class
in the country. For several years it has been unable to keep pace with the
orders which come to it from different sections of the country, and recently
has made extensive additions to its plant. The annual production of this
company today is suflicient to supply, complete, a city of twice the number
of inhabitants of Springfield. The oflicers of the company are H. M.
Brewster, president, and A. H. Warner, treasurer.

The Bay State Corset Company is one of the most prominent and
noticeable industries of the city, and makes the largest and most varied line
of corsets and waists of any concern in America, its most celebrated brand
being the W. T. corset. The company was among the early pioneers in
the manufacture of corsets, and was started at West Brookfield, Mass. A
branch was opened in Springfield later which was subsequently enlarged
and the factory at West Brookfield closed out. The Bay State Corset com-
pany was organized in 1885 and was incorporated under the laws of Massa-
chusetts in 1890. Much of the early success of the company was due to
A. D. Nason, who for over fifteen years was its president, treasurer and
general manager. The capacity of the plant has been increased from time
to time until at present it occupies 75,000 square feet of floor space, and
has a capacity for turning out over six hundred dozen corsets- per day.

198 spring-field Present and Prospective

which are sold in every city of the United States and exported to foreign
countries.

The present officers of the Bay State Corset company are William M.
Titus, president and manager, and Royal J. Wright, treasurer. For many
years previous to being chosen president, Mr. Titus was one of the leading
and most popular salesmen known to the trade. He has been acdve in
local club life and is prominent in Board of Trade affairs. He is known
throughout the trade centers of the country, and to his undring efforts and
strict maintenance of the high standard grade of goods manufactured, and
fair and just dealings with all patrons, is due the present prosperous condidon
of the company.

FiSK Manufacturing Company. Like many of the largest soap-
makers of the country, the Fisk Manufacturing company's first product
was candles. That was half a century ago, and the company consisted of
Thomas F. Fisk, then a resident of Hinsdale, N. H. The business flourished
from the start and grew to such proportions that it was thought best to move
the entire plant to Springfield. This change took place in 1864. The pres-
ent extensive factory on Walker street demonstrates conclusively that the
growth was not retarded by the process of transplanting. Like the majority
of Springfield's industries, the products of the Fisk Manufacturing company
are national in their distribution. It would be hard indeed to find a place
where Fisk's Japanese soap is unknown. This has been accomplished by
extensive advertising and the manufacture of an article of remarkable merit.
More recently the Fisk Manufacturing company have introduced Japine, a
washing powder that cleanses without rubbing, scrubbing or boiling, and
which is guaranteed not to shrink flannels. The latest addidon to the list is
known as Auto-car soap, and is made in response to a general demand for a
soap that will remove grease and grime from highly-polished surfaces with-
out streaking or scratching or dulling. In addition to these specialties the
Fisk Manufacturing company make a wide variety of mill and manufac-
turers' soaps. These are used in silk, woolen and worsted mills; in paper
works, dye houses and kindred branches of industry. It is interesting to
note that the raw material used by this company are almost wholly
imported from Europe, the larger part coming from France, Germany and
Italy.

Since 1880, the Fisk Manufacturing company has been a stock company,
capitalized at ^150,000. George C. Fisk is the president and treasurer, H. G.
Fisk, clerk, and W. S. L. Hawkins, agent. From the time of its establish-
ment to the present date this company has stood an excellent example of
what may be accomplished by thrift, perseverance and good management.
While there are many concerns of greater magnitude, it is safe to say that
few stand .higher in the estimadon of the business world.

Harrison Avenue looking toward Main Street

too

«5

spring-field Present and Prospective 199

Knox Automobile Company. Experiments with air-cooled automo-
biles were inaugurated in this city in February, 1900, by £. H. Cutler and
a half-dozen business men whom he associated with him as the Knox
Automobile company. In July of the same year these men decided to
enter upon the manufacture of motor cars, and adopted a three-wheel
model. They were located in a small wooden factory on Waltham avenue,
and at that time employed ten men. In 1902 they discarded the three-wheel
model and began making four-wheeled cars. From that time the business
grew very rapidly. In 1903 they purchased the large plant owned by the
George A. Shastey company, retaining their old shop. At that time they
took on the manufacture of bodies, which also takes a large amount of space.
In 1904 another large four-stoiy brick factory was erected, which gives the
company a total floor space of over eight acres, and during a large part of
the year they employ over six hundred men. The company has its own
salesrooms in New York and Philadelphia, and has agents in all the large
cities and towns throughout the United States. They are the largest manu-
facturers of gasoline commercial cars in the United States, and are shipping
them to all parts of the world. In July, 1901, the partnership was dissolved
and a corporation formed under the same name with a capital of |l6o,ooo,
which in 1903 was increased to |l200,ooo. The officers of the company are
E. H. Cutler, president, W. E. Wright, vice-president, Albert E. Smith,
treasurer, and H. G. Farr, secretary and superintendent. These gentlemen
have all been associated with the company from the first. The product of
the company last year was valued at more than |li, 000,000.

The Elektron Manufacturing Company. The development of the
electric elevator has been marked; it has steadily increased in favor, until
now it is firmly established among leading architects, engineers and builders
as the most reliable and economical of all types of elevators. The Elektron
manufacturing company early saw the many advantages of the electric
elevator, and for fifteen years has improved on their first machines, sparing
no expense to make them the highest grade of elevators produced. The
success with which these efforts have been rewarded is shown by the enviable
reputation that Elektron apparatus has enjoyed for many years. This
company has installed elevators in all parts of the United States and a num-
ber in foreign countries, but its principal territory is New York, Washington,
Boston, Rochester, N. Y., and neighboring cities. It has a force of men
erecting elevators in each of the above-named places. The sizes of its eleva-
tors range from the small dumbwaiter to those of suflicient size to lift a
loaded truck team — horses and all. A type of elevator known as the "full
automatic push-button control" has attained large popularity. With this
elevator no operator is required, as the passenger simply presses the button
corresponding with the floor to which he desires to go and the elevator pro-

200 Springfield Present and Prospective

ceeds to that floor, stopping automatically. This elevator is absolutely safe
and is so simple that children five years of age readily operate it. The
Elektron company also manufactures a complete line of electric motors,
generators, organ blowing motors, controllers, ventilating fans and other
electrical machinery. The growth of this business has been steady and
healthy. Starting in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1888, with a few men building
small motors, the company now employs about one hundred and fifty men
in the factory and also the several gangs which are outside erecting elevators.
The officers of the company are W. D. Sargent, president, E. H. Cutler,
treasurer, L. J. Harley, superintendent, and L. J. Harley, Jr., Assistant
treasurer.

The Taber-Prang Art Company is another Springfield concern which
has gained repute not only in the United States but in many other
countries as well. Its rank as an art publishing house, producing Amer-
ican art calendars and novelties of every description, is among the first
in the world, and its picture-framing department is perhaps the largest
in this country. The company was incorporated in 1897 with a capital
stock of Jl550,ocx3, it buying out at that time the entire property of the Taber
Art company of New Bedford, Mass., and the L. Prang & Company of
Boston. The officers are Dwight O. Gilmore, president, Frederic Taber,
vice-president, Theodore Leete, treasurer and general manager.

The Massasoit House is the oldest and perhaps the most widely
known hotel in western Massachusetts, and though time changes all things
the spirit of change has not yet come over the reputation of this well-known
hostelry. Travelers still come and go, but as of yore this house registers
the most prominent families of those who make Springfield a brief sojourn.
Erected in 1843, the hotel has since been considerably enlarged so that it
is now more than three times its original size. The interior appointments
have always been of a luxurious character, and they have suffered no deter-
ioration, while the cuisine maintains its old-time high reputadon. The
present proprietor, W. H. Chapin, is a nephew of M. and E. S. Chapin, and
has been connected with the house about thirty years.

Cooley's Hotel. The traveling public judge a town or city by its
hotels. Springfield is fortunate in this respect. Cooley's hotel, established in
1848, has always kept to a high standard, constantly enlarging and improv-
ing. The original buildings have been replaced with new, so that the
Cooley house ranks with the leading hotels in New England, equipped with
all modem conveniences. Henry £. Marsh, the proprietor, is constantly
watchful for the comfort of his guests, and it is largely due to his personal
efforts that the house has gained a high reputation, above even that which
it already enjoyed. Detailed description of a house such as the one whose
office interior is shown in this engraving counts for but little, but some idea

/^ll roads lead to Springfield

^New Office Interior of Cooley Hotel
and Harrison Avenue

^The Republican Buildings corner of Main Street

Springfield Present and Prospective 20 1

as to its appointments may be gained when it is mentioned that it has accom-
modations for three hundred guests and contains seventy-five private bath
roonis. Many are the notable men who have responded to toasts within its
famous banquet hall. The Board of Trade banquets held here, have as
their special guests of honor, men of high office and distinction, the most
recent of whom, and one much in the public eye, being Baron Kaneko, the
Mikado's special peace envoy to the president.

The Press
Springfield is proud of its newspapers. They are a credit to the
city and a power in the journalistic field, moulding public opinion
and holding brilliant sway over their readers. They are far above
the average, and maintain high standards and ideals. They are
our heralds. abroad, reflecting the character of the population — the
education and refinement of the great body of Springfield people.

The Springfield Republican is one of the oldest business institutions
in the city. It was established September 8, 1824, by Samuel Bowles, the
second of that name, who came from Hartford, Conn., where he had been one
of the editors and proprietors of the Times. It was published by Mr. Bowles
for twenty years as a weekly before the daily edition was started on March
27, 1844. The latter was first issued as an evening paper but in a few months
was changed to a morning publication and has so continued since. About
the time when the daily was begun, Mr. Bowles' son, Samuel 3d, was taken
into business with him, and under the son's leadership in later years the
Republican became widely famous and influential. The elder Bowles died
in 1 85 1. Other men became associated in the proprietorship of the paper
and of an extensive general printing and publishing business which gradually
developed, notably Dr. Josiah G. Holland, the author and lecturer, Clark
W. Bryan and Benjamin F. Bowles. The firm of Samuel Bowles & Com-
pany prospered, especially during the civil war and the boom years that
followed it. The Republican was enlarged and strengthened from time to
time in anticipation of the growing demands and opportunities of the field.
It became the newspaper not merely of Springfield but of all western Massa-
chusetts. In 1872 Mr. Bowles determined that it was desirable for the greater
editorial freedom of the paper to separate it from the general printing and
publishing business, and a division of the interests was accordingly made.
The printing establishment is preserved in the present Springfield Printing
and Binding company. Samuel Bowles 3d died on January 16, 1878, and
was succeeded in the management of the paper by his son of the same name,
who is still in control. The concern was then reorganized as a corporation
under the name of the Republican company with Samuel Bowles as president

202 Springfield Present and Prospective

and treasurer. The Sunday Republican was first published on September
15, 1878, and three editions of the paper have appeared regularly since —
the daily, the Sunday, and the weekly.

The Republican has been published from eight different locations in
the eighty-one years of its existence. Mr. Bowles id set up his hand press,
which had been poled up the Connecticut river on a flat-boat from Hartford ,
in a building on the west side of Main street between State and Elm, and
nearly opposite the post office of those days. In 1836 the office was moved
to the second floor of the Frost building, a wooden structure on the north
comer of Main and Sanford streets, which was burned in 1845, and remained
there until 1844 when it was transferred across Main street to the then new
brick block of the Chicopee bank. In 1850 Mr. Bowles bought or con-
structed a brick building at the northeast comer of Market and Sanford
streets, in which the paper and job printing plants were established and
remained until 1853. The business office was on the ground floor. This
building is still standing. Shortly before the civil war the Republican block,
now the Brigham building, was erected by local capitalists on Main street,
next north of Townsley avenue, especially for the accommodation of the
paper and its connected departments. Here the business rapidly expanded
until 1867, when more room was needed, and the establishment was moved
across Townsley avenue into Franklin block, also built expressly for its use
by the Second National bank. Eleven years later another move was made
to the new granite block at 417 and 419 Main street provided by the Five
Cents savings bank. By this time the paper was conducted independently
of other interests and less room was needed for its accommodation. In 1888
the Republican company bought the First Baptist church property on the
north corner of Main street and Harrison avenue, of O. H. Greenleaf for
^50,000 and put up the present Republican building at an expense of
f 60,000 more. It has since enjoyed one of the most convenient, best lighted
and appointed newspaper offices in the country. The ___location is in the cen-
ter of the retail district of the city and on one of its most prominent business
comers.

The Republican has long been distinguished by three marked features —
the fullness and superior quality of its local news service, the vigor and
breadth of its editorial articles, the richness and excellence of its literary
department. In all of these lines it has improved and expanded with the
years and the development of its own resources. It has always been the
policy of the paper to deal most liberally with its readers, to give them in
improved service, both as to quality and volume, all that its revenues would
permit. As a result it has a singularly loyal and appreciative although
often critical constituency.

Springfield Present and Prospective 203

^— — ^^^^^— — — — ■ ■ .^^— ,,,-^— ^^— — ^^^^-^^^-^^ — ^^

Nearly one hundred persons are fully employed in the editorial, mechan-
ical and business departments of the paper, and in addition it has a large
staflF of correspondents who devote a part of their time each day to its service.
Its weekly payroll averages well over f2000. It operates nine Mergenthaler
linotype machines, all of which it owns, their cost value being f 3000 each.
Its press is a Hoe quadruple of the best type, costing f 35,000. Its machines,
including the big press, are run by electric motors, but it has also a full,
up-to-date steam power plant for use as a reserve in emergencies. The
Republican's editorial staflF is unusually large for a paper' published in a
city of the size of Springfield. Its leading members are S. B. GriflBn, man-
aging editor; Ernest Howard and Waldo L. Cook, editorial writers; Charles
G. Whiring and Francis £. Regal, literary editors; George K. Turner,
local editor; Richard S. Brooks, general news editor; Edward F. Hayes,
editor of the weekly; F. B. Sanborn and R. L. Bridgman, Boston corres-
pondents; Richard Hooker, Washington correspondent. The directors of
the Republican company are Samuel Bowles, S. B. Griflfin, and George S.
Lewis, the last the veteran cashier of the establishment.

The Springfield Union, the oldest evening newspaper in western
Massachusetts, was founded by Edmund Anthony of New Bedford, Janu-
ary 4, 1864. It was in the dark days of the civil war, and the paper took its
name from the cause it espoused. The first ofllice of publication was in
Pynchon street, in the rear of Haynes hotel, and the old-fashioned type
cases and the primitive little press which were crowded into these narrow
quarters would make an amusing contrast with the typesetting machines
and the huge muldple presses in use today. The Union appeared only as
an evening newspaper until July 2, 1892, when the morning edition was
started, and two years later the Sunday Union was established.

The early days of the Union were marked by many changes in proprie-
torship, and it was not until 1872, under the ownership of Lewis H. Taylor,
that it began to yield a profitable return. In that year it was sold to the
Clark W. Bryan company, which conducted an important printing and
binding business. William M. Pomeroy was appointed editor, retaining
that position until he was succeeded in March, 1881, by Joseph L. Shipley.
A year afterward Mr. Shipley organized a stock company, in which he held
the majority interest, purchased the Union, and for the ensuing eight years
directed its policy, business and editorial. The last change in ownership
and management came in April, 1890, when the paper was sold to the
Sprngfield Union Publishing company, Mr. Shipley retiring. The Union
then entered upon a new epoch. Albert P. Langtry, who came to Spring-
field after a valuable training in the metropolitan newspaper field, was
made business manager and soon afterward publisher, a position he has
held since then, John D. Plummer succeeding him as business manager.

204 Springfield Present and Prospective

There was a strong demand for a morning Republican newspaper in
western New England, and when the Morning Union was launched on
July 2, 1892, it met with immediate success. In July, 1894, during the rail-
road strike in Chicago, when a clash between the strikers and the Federal
troops seemed imminent, an extra edition of the Union was published on
Sunday, simply to give the news from the seat of the trouble. This venture
was so successful that it was repeated the following Sunday, and it was then
decided to make the Sunday edition a permanent feature.

In politics from the beginning the Union has held consistently to the
support of Republican principles, and has been unwavering in its party
allegiance, but it has taken a broad view of matters of public importance
and its editorial pages have always been open to a full and free discussion
of all subjects. Its news service is unsurpassed in its own field. As a mem-
ber of the Associated Press it receives the news of the world over two wires
working day and night, and this service is supplemented by special corres-
pondents in Washington and other important news centers. In its home
Held there is a correspondent in every city and town, and two distinct staffs
of editors and reporters handle the news of the city, state and nation for the
morning and evening editions.

The Union's aim is to provide a bright, newsy, clean family newspaper.
It takes a lively interest in civic affairs, and is ever watchful of the interests
of the community it serves. A feature of the Sunday Union is the discussion
of the important events of the week in the cities and towns of Western Mas-
sachusetts.

Four times since its establishment has the Union been compelled to seek
larger quarters. From the original place of publication in Pynchon street
the paper moved to the building at the comer of Main and Taylor streets,
now known as the City hotel. Its next home was at the comer of Main and
Worthington streets, on the site of the Hotel Worthy building, and from
there it moved to the opposite comer, where the disastrous fire of March 7,
1888, occurred. In 1894 the Springfield Union Publishing company pur-
chased the building at 335 Main street, which was remodeled to suit the
requirements of a newspaper office, and this was occupied the following
year. During the past ten years its growth has been so great that this build-
ing must be extensively enlarged in the near future, or more commodious
quarters secured elsewhere.

The Springfield Daily News for the greater part of twenty-five
years, has been the only one-cent newspaper in Springfield, and during that
period it has never had but one competitor in the matter of selling-price.
Like all newspapers the Daily News has grown with the times and it is
today a very different paper in all respects from the publication which
Edward Bellamy and Charles J. Bellamy started first as the Penny News,

Springfield Present and Prospective 205

the latter appearing for about two and one-half months previous to being
changed in name and frequency of issue. The first issue of the Penny News
was on February 24, 1880. The publishers of it were Edward Bellamy, for
eight years previous an editor on the Springfield Union, and Charles J.
Bellamy, a member of the Hampden county bar. Neither then had any idea
of devoting much time to the publication and probably did not imagine that
the field for it would so soon be so large that they would be compelled to give
a great deal of their time to it. The modest little sheet, however, was wel-
comed by the public with so much favor that the publishers quickly saw the
advantage of turning it into a daily newspaper, which was done May 13,
1880. But even with this change in its policy the Daily News did not at the
outset aspire to be classified with the ordinary newspaper published every
day. Editorial comment was not indulged in, there were no telegraphic
dispatches in its columns, no particular political principles were espoused,
and the paper did not attempt to systematically chronicle the general news
of the world or of the locality. Its editor, Edward Bellamy, aimed to print
only such material as was considered to be interesting for its piquant, dra-
matic, or other features. It continued along these lines for about three
years. In 1883 the first step forward was taken in the publishing of a com-
plete record of the news. One year later, editorial comment appeared in its
columns for the first time and it was still longer before the use of a daily
telegraphic service was inaugurated. It was competion that urged the
Daily News on to more ambitious endeavors. In 1883 the Daily Democrat
was established, being more expensively gotten up than the Daily News of
that rime, and to add to the complications, Edward Bellamy decided to
retire from the active newspaper field in order to devote his time to literaiy
work, a conclusion that was responsible for his "Looking Backward" and
other works that attracted the attention of the world.

Charles J. Bellamy, who then became and has since remained the sole
publisher and manager of the News, fully realized that the paper was filling
a place in the community and that ultimate success was ahead. Its com-
petitor, the Daily Democrat, had ceased publication and the circulation of
the Daily News was largely increased and constantly growing. Twice the
paper was enlarged until the full limit of the original press had been reached
and then, a new press being secured, the paper was enlarged to eight pages.
This was the most important epoch in the history of the paper up to that
time. Then came the installation of a full daily telegraph service, and
gradually, the enlargement of its editorial force and other departments undl
the Daily News is now the largest and most complete, highest grade and
most expensively gotten up one-cent paper in New England. In 1894 the
News moved from lower Worthington street, just below the Whitney build-
ing, to its own building at the comer of Dwight and Worthington streets,
since which time the circuladon of the paper has doubled.

2o6 Springfield Present and Prospective

The Daily News presents in complete form the news of the world
through the Publishers' Press association, the local field being thoroughly
covered and the news of the immediate suburban field carefully looked after.
The mechanical department is equipped with the latest typesetting machines
and other devices, and the office is in other ways thoroughly equipped for
the getting out of a daily newspaper of influence in the community.

Springfield Homestead, now in its twenty-seventh year, published
semi-weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, fills a large place in the social
and commercial community of Springfield. The Homestead is the hand-
somest paper typographically and from an illustrative standpoint published
in this vicinity. It is frank and fearless in its utterances on local matters,
independent politically, and insistent in matters affecting the public weal
locally. Its crusades against the billboard nuisance and its refusal to allow
patent-medicine and other indecent advertising in its columns has won for
it much commendation, and several local organizations have passed resolu-
tions to this effect. The Homestead has a large circulation in Springfield
and the immediate vicinity, and sends copies to every state in the Union.
The publishers are the Springfield Homestead Newspaper company, a
Massachusetts corporation with a nominal capital of f 30,000. James £.
Sullivan is editor-in-chief and conducts the paper. The company is success-
ful; has paid since its incorporation ten per cent dividends. The Home-
stead is published in the company's own building, 84 to 86 West Worthing-
ton street, in the rear of the post office.

The Phelps Publishing Company. Springfield is the home of a large
periodical publishing house-H)ne of the largest in New England — the Phelps
Publishing company, with which is allied the Orange Judd company. From
the extensive plant of this concern on West Worthington street are issued
a series of agricultural papers which constitute the largest group of the kind
in the world, and the Good Housekeeping magazine in addition, a household
monthly which ranks with the best and circulates over 200,000 copies of
each issue.

The Phelps Publishing company, established in 1880 by late Edward
H. Phelps and others, publishes the semi-monthly Farm and Home, an
agricultural and family journal of much ability and enterprise, with a
circulation of 375,000 copies. The influence of Farm and Home in the
great movements for the economic and social betterment of the farmers
of the entire United States has been very marked. Its editor is Herbert
Myrick, the president of the Phelps Publishing company, the author of
several books dealing with agricultural problems and a leader of farmer's
movements from Maine to California. The establishment employs over
three hundred hands and comprises a thoroughly up-to-date newspaper,
magazine and book-publishing equipment, including electrotyping and

spring-field Present and Prospective 207

photo-engraving. It manufactures the Orange Judd company's agricultural
weeklies, namely, American Agriculturist of New York (and westward to
Indiana), and the New England Homestead. These papers, like Farm and
Home, are under the editorial direction of Herbert Myrick, and have an
immense influence. This company manufactures likewise the many agri-
cultural and horticultural books published by the Orange Judd company
and sold at the latter *s headquarters, 52 Lafayette Place, New York. The
two companies have a considerable office and editorial force in Chicago for
the western field.

The monthly output of the several periodicals is rapidly approaching
the 2,000,000 mark; Farm and Home with 400,000, Good Housekeeping
with 200,000, and the Orange Judd Weeklies with 230,000 copies of each
issue. So huge is the bulk of second-class mail going out that the mailing
room is constituted a post office, and the sacks of papers and magazines go
directly to the railroad station, ready assorted for their respective states
and "runs." The city post office has not the space nor the facilities, by half,
for the handling of this matter. More pieces of mail, more weight of mail,
and more bulk of mail are despatched from the buildings of the Phelps
Publishing company than from all the rest of the city of Springfield put
together.

While the magazine Good Housekeeping is published by the Phelps
Publishing company, under the editorship of James E. Tower, its owner-
ship is vested in the Good Housekeeping company. The officers of the
three corporations, of which the Phelps Publishing company owns a con-
trolling interest, are as follows:

The Phelps Publishing company, incorporated under the laws of Massa-
chusetts, capital stock f 250,000. President, Herbert Myrick; vice-president,
James M. Cunningham, who is subscription manager of all the publications;
treasurer, Albert W. Fulton, who is managing editor of the agricultural
papers; directors, in addition to the foregoing, William A. Whitney (who is
advertising manager of all the publications), A. Willard Damon, Frederick
Harris; assistant treasurer, Charles M. Hill.

Orange Judd company, incorporated under the laws of New York,
capital stock ^(500,000, headquarters 52 Lafayette Place, New York. Presi-
dent, Herbert Myrick; vice-president, William A. Whitney; treasurer,
Thomas A. Barrett; directors, in addition to the foregoing, James M. Cun-
ningham, A. Willard Damon, Frederick Harris, Warren W. Rawson; secre-
tary, Joseph W. Kennedy.

The Good Housekeeping company, incorporated under the laws of
Maine, capital stock f 1,000,000, headquarters 52 Lafayette Place, New York.
President, Herbert Myrick; vice-president, James M. Cunningham; treas-
urer, William A. Whitney; editor of the magazine, James E. Tower; secre-

2o8 Springfield Present and Prospective

taiy, Charles M. Hill; in charge of agents, James S. Judd; directors, in
addition to the foregoing, A. Willard Damon, Joseph W. Kennedy,
Frederick Harris, Randall W. Bums.

Financial Institutions

The general development and progress of a city is so intimately
connected with its banking facilities that the history of one is
closely allied with that of the other. While Springfield was yet in
Its infancy, a town of only three thousand inhabitants — ^while the
second struggle ¥rith Great Britain was still raging ¥rith fury and the
capital of Washington was threatened by the British, — ^the solid men
of Springfield sought to increase the manufacturing possibilities of
the locality by organizing a bank to supply manufacturers with
banking facilities that they might profit in the expansion of business
brought on by the war.

In 1 8 14, Jonathan Dwight, John Hooker, George Bliss, James
Byers, James Dwight, Justin Ely, Jonathan Dwight, Jr., Moses
Bliss, Jr., Edward Pynchon and Oliver B. Morris, met in "Uncle
Jerry Warriner's tavern" and formed an organization which ob-
tained from the state a charter for a bank to be known as the Spring-
field bank, whose capital should be Ji200,ooo "in gold and silver.'*
The first president of the new institution was Jonathan Dwight,
whose successors were such well-known men as James Byers, John
Hooker, Benjamin Day, Edward A. Morris and Henry Alexander.
The first ___location of the bank was on State street, in the building
now occupied by Wilder's grain store, and here also was first located
the Springfield Institution for Savings, when that was organized in
1827, the two continuing together until 1849.

The bank prospered from the beginning under the management
of such men, and it loaned to single local individuals to the extent
of a hundred thousand dollars, thus early fostering the manufactur-
ing industries which have been the making of Springfield. Today
Springfield has eight national banks and two trust coinpanies with
total deposits of over fifteen millions of dollars, aside from the several
prosperous institutions for savings.

The Second National Bank. The old Springfield bank was reorgan-
ized in 1863 as a national bank, being one of the earliest banks to avail itself of
the National Bank Act, its charter number being 181. Soon after its reorgan-

".a

<3
CO

Springfield Present and Prospective 209

ization it moved from its original quarters on State street to its present ___location
on Main street. Its first president as a national bank was Henry Alexander,
who stood foremost among the financial men of the city and whose loyalty
to the government during the dark days of the rebellion led him to invest
large sums in government bonds, which later proved very profitable to the
bank. For almost fifty years Lewis Warriner was cashier, giving that careful
attention to detail and having that knowledge of his clients which make a
successful banker. Among the successors of Henry Alexander as president
have been Alfred Rowe, Albert T. Folsom (for many years city treasurer),
and Gurdon Bill, who was one of the directors at the reorganization as a
national bank and who has served as a director for almost a continuous
period of more than forty years, and whose rare insight into financial matters
has done much in building up the bank to the place of eminence it holds in
the financial institutions of the city today. Walter G. Morse is the present
president and Charles H. Churchill its cashier. Its deposits are more than a
million dollars, with a capital and surplus of over five hundred thousand.
Its board of directors are all prominent business men chosen for their sagac-
ity and conservatism. They are Gurdon Bill (retired), Dwight O. Gilmore,
TTieodore W. Leete, Walter G. Morse, Henry M. Phillips, William P. Porter,
Frank C. Rice, George A. Russell, Horace P. Wright. Notwithstanding
the prosperous growth of the several other banks of subsequent origin, the
old Springfield has steadily grown and maintained its reputation for con-
servatism combined with liberality to its patrons.

The Chicopee National Bank was started as the Chicopee bank,
twenty-two years after the Springfield bank, by the class of small traders
and mechanics whose needs were looked upon with some disdain by the
aristocracy of the old bank, whose funds were all absorbed in carrying the
great manufacturing enterprises of the time. Its first president was George
Bliss, and the first cashier, Henry Seymour. It became a national bank in
1865, and for many years Thomas Warner, Jr., was cashier. The present
organization of the bank is as follows: President, Arthur B. West; cashier,
Edward Pynchon; directors, George S. Taylor, Horace A. Moses, I. H. Page,
G. Frank Adams, Silas L. Kenyon, Charles L. Goodhue, Arthur B. West.

The John Hancock National Bank. Two years before Springfield
in 1852 achieved the dignity of a municipality the John Hancock bank was
organized, finding its first ___location on Armory Hill, where C. C. Merritt's
drug store now stands. Conspicuously displayed in front of the building
was a white carved wooden bust of the famous John Hancock, president of
the Continental Congress of '76, whose bold challenging signature shines
forth so heroically on the immortal Declaration of Independence. Seven
years later it was wisely determined to move the institution to the business
section of the city, where it now is on Main street near Fort. The capitaliza-

210 Springfield Present and Prospective

tion of the bank was 1 100,000, which was increased to 1150,000 in 1865,
at which time it received its charter as a national bank. Sometime
later the capital stock was brought to f 250,000, where it remains today.
The first president was Col. James M. Thompson, who was succeeded
by Roger S. Moore, and in turn was succeeded by £. D. Chapin in 1890.
The golden year of Mr. Chapin's connection with the bank was passed in
1890, as he had been its cashier from the time of its establishment in 1850
down to the day when he accepted its presidency, and now after more than
half a century of honorable active work he is every day, rain or shine, found
in constant attendance at his duties. £. Dudley Chapin, a nephew of £. D.
Chapin, entered the bank February i, 1880, as bookkeeper. He afterwards
became teller, and when his uncle was made president he was elected to
succeed him as cashier, and holds that position today. The directorate of
the bank includes £. D. Chapin, £. C. Rogers, £dw. H. Wilkinson, John
Kimberly, Henry S. Dickinson, L. Z. Cutler and £. Dudley Chapin.

The First National Bank was the first in this country to apply for
organization under the national bank act. Other applications reached
Washington first, but its number is 14. At first the capital stock was
f 150,000, but it was soon increased to f 300,000, and afterward to ^00,000.
Throughout its career it has been managed upon the principle that the
interests of the bank and its patrons are identical. James Kirkham was its
first president and served in that capacity for many years. He was succeeded
by John Olmsted, upon whose death James W. Kirkham was elected presi-
dent. D. A. Folsom is cashier. The present directors are H. J. Eieebe,
John West, B. Frank Steele, James W. Kirkham, D. A. Folsom, Peter
Murray.

Thb Third National Bank, universally acknowledged to be one of the
strongest and most influential banking institution in the city, was organized
under the national banking laws in 1864, and from its inception to the present
time has stood as firm and solid as the rock of Gibraltar. Its organizers were
the Honorable George Walker, former bank commissioner of Massachusetts
under the state system and for some years our consul-general at Paris, and
Frederick H. Harris, who has had the active management of the institution
from its beginning, first as its cashier, and since 1886 as its president, at
which time his son, Frederick Harris, became its cashier. With a capital of
f 500,000 it has accumulated a surplus of equal amount besides paying its
stockholders ten per cent annual dividends amounting to ^2,125,000. It is
a designated depositary of the United States and has always furnished the
large sums of money necessary for the Armory located here. The bank has
been characterized by its judicious circumspect and faithful management,
which has enabled the corporation to stand unshaken through panics and
business depressions. The Messrs. Harris have a wide reputation as able

^High School Boys on the Connecticut ^The Bridge at Indian Leap, Indian Orchard

spring-field Present and Prospective 21 1

financiers, and are directors and trustees in the most prominent local insti-
tutions, some of which are the Springfield railway companies, the Springfield
Fire and Marine Insurance company, the Springfield Gas Light company,
The Springfield Institution for Savings, the Holyoke Water Power company,
and the Holyoke Street Railway company. The officers and directors are
as follows: F. H. Harris, president, Frederick Harris, cashier. Directors:
F. H. Harris, J. S. McElwain, H. A. Gould, Aaron Bagg, Jr., A. W. Damon,
Frederick Harris and Joseph Shattuck, Jr.

The Chapin National Bank, at the comer of Main and Lyman street,
was originally the Giapin Banking and Trust company, organized in 1872
as a banking adjunct of Chester W. Chapin 's large interests. It became a
national bank in 1878, having as president William K. Baker, who had
been for many years the confidential business adviser and right-hand man
of Mr. Chapin. The capital stock is f 500,000, its surplus ^475,000, while
its deposits amount to over a million and a half. Its president is W. F. Cal-
lender and its cashier George R. Yerrall. The directors are James A.
Rumrill, Edward S. Bradford, Samuel R. Whiting, W. F. Callender, Charles

C. Jenks, Chester W. Bliss, W. W. McClench, Francis de V. Thompson and
George R. Yerrall.

The City National Bank was organized in 1879 with James D. SafFord
as president, and has been successful from the start and now ranks fourth
in point of size among the national banks of the city. In the first twenty-five
years of its existence its total net earnings were f 635,000, an average of more
than ten per cent per year on its capital stock of f 250,000. The present
cashier is William £. Gilbert. The following compose the board of directors :
Nelson C. Newell, James B. CarrolK Luke S. Snow, Louis F. Carr, Edwin
A. Carter, Lewis J. Powers, George Nye, Jr., Charles C. Abby, and James

D. SafFord, president.

The Springfield Safe Deposit and Trust Company occupies a
unique position among the financial institutions of this city. No institution
of its kind enjoys a more honorable reputation or is doing better service in
its specified field, or is more widely or favorably known than this company. .
It began business in 1886, and in a comparatively short time has come to
be recognized as one of the leading banks of the city. By recent report of
the savings bank commissioners of Massachusetts, its deposits are the largest
of any discount bank in the state outside of Boston, with the exception of
one in Worcester, amounting to 13,654,352.72. The present officers are
J. G. Mackintosh, president; W. A. Lincoln, vice-president, and George
H. Kemater, treasurer. The following compose the board of directors:
J. G. Mackintosh, Samuel Bigelow, A. B. Wallace, Joseph Metcalf, Luke
Corcoran, W. A. Lincoln, Edwin McElwain, W. S. Robinson, S. L. Haynes,
W. H. Heywood, A. A. Marston, George H. Kemater, Joseph A. Skinner.

212 Springfield Present and Prospective

The Springfield National Bank is the youngest of Springfield's
financial institutions, being organized in 1893, and is one of the most wisely
managed as well as successful banking houses of the city. The bank was
organized by Henry H. Bowman, who was ably assisted by Ralph P. Alden,
and under their aggressive and enterprising management has achieved signal
success. It has a capital of 1250,000, the surplus and profits amounting to
f 308,500 and the deposits running well over |S2,ooo,ooo. Henry H. Bowman
is president, Robert W. Day, vice-president, and Ralph P. Alden, cashier.
The directors are Robert W. Day, Ralph W. Ellis, W. D. Kinsman, Franklin
Pierce, F. G. Tobey, Michael Dunn, William C. Simons, C. A. Crocker,
George W. Tapley, Henry H. Bowman, Ralph P. Alden.

The Hampden Trust Company, having been granted a charter in
1887, was reorganized in 1905 with a paid-in capital of |S200,ooo. It has a
board of directors whose names are a guarantee of good faith and conserva-
tive management. Its president is Edward S. Bradford, formerly state
treasurer, and its treasurer is Joseph C. Allen. The following compose the
board of directors: James A. Rumrill, Charles A. Vialle,. William W. Mc-
Clench, Samuel R. Whiting, George M. Holbrook, Peter Murray, C. H.
Hobbs, Alfred Leeds, Henry C. Haile, George R. Yerrall, Joseph C. Allen
(treasurer of the company), and Edward S. Bradford.

The Springfield Institution for Savings, the oldest of Spnngfield's
savings banks, was organized in 1827, ^^^^g ^^^ tenth in the state. John
Hooker was its first president, and the list of prominent and shrewd financiers
who succeeded him in guiding the affairs of the institution up to the present
day were in themselves a guarantee of the solid principles on which the bank
was being conducted. They included George Bliss, Theodore Bliss, William
Dwight, Josiah Hooker, James M. Thompson, John B. Stebbins, Henry S.
Lee, Julius H. Appleton and John A. Hall the present encumbent. John
Howard was the first treasurer; he resigned to Henry Stearns in 1849, who,
in 1858, gave way to Henry S. Lee, who served in that capacity till 1899,
when he was elected president. Joseph C. Booth then became treasurer,
but resigned in 1902 in favor of Joseph Shattuck, Jr., who is the present
treasurer. The bank receives deposits up to |Si,ooo, and allows principal
and interest to accumulate to the amount of |Si,6oo for each depositor.
Since its organization this institution has received deposits amounting
to 1(80,723,248.39; has distributed 1^15,229,041.84 in dividends, and made
payments to its depositors aggregating ^78,602,236.11. The institution has
purchased a lot fronting on Elm and West State streets, being the westerly
part of the lot now occupied by the Elm Street school, and in the near future
will there erect a building for its sole use. The Springfield Institution for
Savings has at present 42,979 depositors, and the amount deposited is
117,350,054.12. The officers are as follows: John A. Hall, president; Win-

Springfield Present and Prospective 213

ford N. Caldwell, vice-president; Joseph Shattuck, Jr., treasurer and clerk;
John W. B. Brand, assistant treasurer. Trustees: John A. Hall, A. A.
Packard, Edward P. Chapin, A. B. West, Frederick Harris, Homer L. Bos-
worth, W. N. Caldwell, John McFethries, A. W. Damon, Joseph Shattuck,
Jr., William W. McClench. Auditors: W. C. Marsh, G. Frank Adams,
George Dwight Pratt.

The Five Cents Savings Bank of this city was chartered April, 1854,
and has a record of usefulness that may well cause its depositors' and
officials' hearts to swell with pride. It was founded upon a plan suggested
by George W. Rice, the idea being to encourage thrifty habits among the
working classes, and the minimum amount of deposit — five cents — was a
stroke of genius, for it at once attracted the amused attention of many who,
keeping large accounts with other banks, "encouraged" the new institution
by taking out books recording the deposit of a half-dime, which they delighted
in exhibiting among their friends in ridicule or as a joke, little thinking that
this was just what Mr. Rice desired and the most effective manner of adver-
tising the enterprise. Some of those who began thus in a spirit of banter
continued in serious earnest, and thus was laid the foundation of an institu-
tion that in a career of more than fifty years has conferred benefits untold
upon all classes, from the ragged newsboy up to the great man of affairs.
The opening occurred in July, 1854, offices having been secured in Foot's
building, corner of Main and State streets; Willis Phelps was president, and
Joseph C. Pynchon, treasurer. Upon the retirement of Mr. Phelps in 1858,
Mr. Pynchon was promoted to the presidency, and the next year Charles
Marsh was made treasurer. Daniel J. Marsh was chosen treasurer in 1859,
to the duties of which position were added those of secretary in 188 1, the dual
services of the position having been performed by him without interruption —
except during the years 1862-63, when he served as lieutenant of Company
A, 46th Massachusetts, and on the staffs of Generals H. C. Lee, John A.
Dix, and John G. Foster.

This institution occupied its present building in 1876, where it has con-
tinued to prosper under wise management, controlling a constantly increasing
volume of deposits from one dollar to thousands, with profit to depositors.
It has received deposits amounting to nearly ^(30,000,000, and now has on
deposit about seven million dollars. Ephraim W. Bond succeeded to the
presidency in 1889, and on his death in 189 1 Rev. William Rice was made
president. Mr. Rice was followed in 1897 by Robert O. Morris, who still
holds the office. The official board as constituted at present is as follows:
Robert O. Morris, president; Daniel J. Marsh, treasurer; Henry D. Marsh,
assistant treasurer and clerk. Trustees: Robert O. Morris, Henry M.
Phillips, Charles A. Nichols, Alfred M. Copeland, Henry D. Marsh, William
H. Gray, Aaron Bagg, Newrie D. Winter, Edwin F. Lyford, Daniel J.

214

SpringfielJ Present and Prospective

Marsh, Oliver Marsh, Ralph W. Ellis, James H. Pynchon, George Leonard,
Thomas F. Cordis. Finance committee: Oliver Marsh, N. D. Winter,
William H. Gray. Auditing committee: Alfred M. Copeland, George
Leonard, Thomas F. Cordis.

The Hampden Savings Bank was organized in 1852 with Albert
Morgan as its first president; he was succeeded by Eliphalet Trask, who in
turn was succeeded by Charles L. Gardner. Peter S. Bailey has served in
the capacity of treasurer since 1872. H. S. Hyde and Lewis J. Powers are
vice-presidents, and J. B. Phelps is assistant treasurer. The last report of
the treasurer shows the amount due depositors to be 1^3,584,369; the gain in
deposits for the past year, jl 26,534.40, and the gain in open accounts, 278.
The trustees are Louis C. Hyde, Elijah Belding, F. E. Carpenter, E. Dudley
Chapin, J. D. Safford, W. E. Callendcr, W. E. Wright, Mase S. Southworth,
Dwight O. Gilmore, George R. Esterbrook, F. H. Stebbins, E. T. TifFt.

A'^v

4^f noble enterpni^et
%nb be tbou fielb tobence men mai? bcin0

4^f brotberboob tbe prise t
iFoc tbou mu#t belp to i^preab abroad

(Cbe bope of ali manhinb,
^Forgetting not tbou cam'#t of ^ob,

KttJti art to ^ob coni^igneb.

— Cbarlei^ ^oobricb Uniting

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Springfield present and
prospeotive. 1905.

37621

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