Walking in Smithville
New Ipswich Historical Society
Smithville Center
Not much has changed after 100+ years except the way people dress.
Newspaper Clipping
NEW IPSWICH - 1928
Engine Company Organized
The new fire engine company was organized April 9 with Edward R. Wheeler as foreman, Alexander Anttila first assistant, William T. Thompson second assistant, and Harold P. Hurlbut clerk.
The present company comprises 12 men and the fire engine company's meetings are to be held the first Tuesday of each month at 7.45 o'clock in the fire engine hall.
Originally there were three fire engine companies in New Ipswich, the "Tiger" company in the center of the town, the "Water Witch," in Bank Village and High Bridge, and the "Southern Hero" company in Smith Village, now Smithville.
When a large modern fine engine was purchased by the town last year with all necessary equipment, it was voted at the March town meeting to disorganize the two remaining companies and reorganize a new company. It is probable that the three companies mentioned were organized about 1860.
Records of the "Southern Hero" company show that it was organized Aug. 22, 1860, meeting in Richard H. Davis' shop. The subscribers were Richard H. Davis, Henry A. Hildreth, John K. Walker, Stephen Sylvester, John C. Nutting, Allen A. Wheeler, Jeremiah Smith, John F. Knowlton, George Smith Charles Goen, Jonas Nutting, Joseph Knowlton, John C. Hildreth, Roby Fletcher, Edwin F. Blanchard, James Chandler, Charles Taylor, Harrison A. Bucknam, Augustus C. Wheeler, Charles S. Nut- ting, William H. Hildreth, George W. Shattuck, James B. Davis, John U. Davis, Stephen T. Sylvester, Henry W. Nutting, Charles S. Gibson, Charles Wheeler, William R. Knowlton. John S. Brown, Russell Gibson, Farwell, Nathaniel Charles Bateman, George Fox and Richard Wheeler.
On Sept. 1, 1860, the subscribers met and chose Jeremiah Smith moderator, Richard H. Davis clerk and treasurer, George Fox foreman, John C. Nutting. second foreman, John K. Walker third foreman and James Chandler steward.
Jeremiah Smith, Richard H. Davis and Stephen Sylvester were the committee to draft the constitution and bylaws.
"Southern Hero" was the name given this company.
Edwin F. Blanchard is said to be the only one of the original members now living. Guy Blanchard has been a members of this company for over 45 years, the longest period of continuous service
James Roger diary entries
27th July 1912
Cool and cloudy; wind north. David cutting for Sam Thayer in forenoon and went to Spoffords’ before noon. Alice & I swept Hall and Church. Dan & Dave mended windmill after dinner and he went to Greenville with Mary & John; brought grain for C. Perry and ourselves. I picked 1 fowl & 2 broilers.
Actually a lot has changed. The fences, the trees, the Purple Martin house, and a building behind the Wheeler house (on the right) that no longer exists, in addition to dirt roads and excessive clothing. Imagine being dressed like that today at 91 degrees. The Fire companies history is interesting. A lot of familiar names mentioned. In James' column he mentions buying grain for Chauncey Perry. Chauncy was a college professor and a musician. Did he also have animals?