Hopedale History May 15, 2016 No. 300 Ballou Park Dedicated Hopedale in May Mary Phillips - Memories of her Milford and Hopedale years. Last time's ezine's link to Hopedale in April went to the wrong page. In case you still wants to see Hopedale in April, here it is. <><><><><><><><><><> The Ladies Aids Society of the Union Church netted $1976 from its recent fair. Milford Gazette, April 30, 1920 (According to the website usinflationcalculator.com, $1976 in 1920 would be equivalent to $23,527 now.) Burton W. Wheeler, a former resident and employee of Draper Company, was recently elected United States senator from Montana. Milford Gazette, November 24, 1922 <><><><><><><><><><> Ballou Park and Statue Dedicated By Virginia Cyr Eighty-three years ago today, (October 27, 1983) a combined indoor-outdoor ceremony was held to dedicate Rev. Adin Ballou's statue and park on Hopedale Street and to then turn the park and statue over to the Town of Hopedale. The weather was threatening, according to accounts of the festivities, but it did not keep a large crowd from attending the dedication and unveiling. Rev. William S. Heywood of Dorchester, son-in-law of Rev. Ballou, and Eben S. Draper, who acted as what was termed at that time "president of the day," presented their remarks following which the statue was unveiled. Mrs. William S. Heywood, the only (living) child of Rev. Ballou, unveiled the statue which had been placed on the pedestal after dark on October 26. The statue and the pedestal upon which it rests were donated by General William F. Draper. The grounds and all other expenses incurred in the memorial park were provided by subscription. The park was originally the site where Rev. Ballou's home had been prior to its relocation. (to 64 Dutcher Street) The park fronts on Hopedale Street on the opposite side of the street from Bancroft Memorial Library. Originally, it was planned that General Draper was to have been the main speaker of the day, but he was forced to decline the invitation because of his health. Reports state that he was, however, present at the exercises and took a keen interest in them. Following the unveiling, a line of march formed and, led by the Hopedale band, all proceeded to Town Hall where exercised continued. Honorable Eben S. Draper spoke briefly at Town Hall about the relations between Rev. Adin Ballou and the Draper family. He then called upon Rev. Charles J. White of Woonsocket, R.I. to offer the prayer. This was followed by a hymn by the congregation and the historical address and presentation by Rev. William S. Heywood. Rev. Heywood told of how the idea of a memorial had originated in the autumn of 1898, during a conversation between Rev. and Mrs. Heywood and Mr. and Mrs. William G. Tebb of London, admirers of Adin Ballou and his work. Rev. Heywood told of how, after many suggestions and investigation, a granite shaft of ornate decoration was decided upon, when he received General Draper's offer of a statue and pedestal on condition that a suitable site be bought by friends. He then described the various stages of work of construction at the studio of William Ordway Partridge in Milton. He told of the sculptor's difficulty in having only photographs and the suggestions of some of Rev. Ballou's intimate friends from which to work. Frank J. Dutcher of the Board of Park Commissioners received the title deed on behalf of the town. Dutcher stated that the commissioners would be the custodians of the statue and grounds. Commemorative and reminiscent addresses were given by Rev. Lewis G. Wilson of Hopedale and Rev. Carlton A. Staples of Lexington. Letters and messages were read during the ceremonies from friends of Adin Ballou. Daniel Seagrave of Worcester, representing Worcester County Commandery, Knights Templars, of which Mr. Ballou was a member, outlined the latter's work in Masonry. A brief address was delivered by Dr. Alexander Wilder of Newark, N.J., and music was offered during the afternoon by the Hopedale band. The exercises closed with two verses of the doxology by the congregation and benediction by Rev. C.J. White. Milford Daily News, October 27, 1983 Now and Then - Adin Ballou Park Ezine Menu HOME |
