Short Hopedale Stories

was an important event in the local calendar. Much preparation preceded it, and when once

started, only a severe storm would suspend operations. Mr. Barney supervised the work and took an active

part in it as well. More than once, so it is said, he broke through thin ice into a cold bath, and when rescued

was given the ice-cutter's first aid treatment, of which a quart bottle was always on hand for such an

emergency.

We are very much in need of a

at Hopedale.

is too young and

too poor to carry out any splendid design. We must be content for the present with a building which will

answer the double purpose. Might not such a one be erected for $800 or $1000? We think it might. And

may we not confidently appeal to our friends in this general region for handsome contributions in money,

materials, and labor towards the undertaking? There are many who ardently desire to see a good school

and convenient house of worship in this place. We have drawn up a paper for the purpose of providing

these, which we shall circulate among those who, we believe, take a friendly interest in our general cause.

Adin Ballou, The History of the Hopedale Community

, p. 112.

A Circular has recently been issued by the Hopedale Community, a religious, Socialist Institution in

Worcester County, Mass. under the direction of

, from which we gather some interesting

facts in regard to the history and present condition of the establishment. The Hopedale Community,

originally called Fraternal Community, No. 1, was formed at

., Jan. 28, 1841, by about thirty

individuals from different parts of the State. In the course of that year they purchased what was called the

," alias "The Dale," in Milford, their present location. About the 1st of April, 1842, a part of the

members took possession of their farm and commenced operations, under as many disadvantages as can

well be imagined.

New York Daily Tribune, December 26, 1851

Indoor entertainment was home-made. The radio had not yet come into public possession, and was not to

appear in Hopedale for another ten years. Hand-cranked Victrolas were in vogue, with records by Galli-

Curci, Caruso, and others of the period. There was an amateur company who called themselves the

Hopedale Players who did some really excellent work. I recall that soon after I came to town they presented

"The Little Minister," and I came away amazed that local talent could be so good.