The Politican

It is neither sinful nor criminal to be a politician, or an officeholder, or both. Abstractly considered, politics, if not a profession, is at least a field in which the greatest abilities should find honorable employment. Office holders are necessaries of life, and the mere fact of holding an office should be the reverse of a reproach. Further, we do not believe that the world is worse now than it used to be, and regard the “praiser of the things that were” as a very tiresome bore. But the politician, as we know him “averages” Generally speaking; he is a fraud, a disappointment. The canker gets him, and he ripens as a speckled crab instead of a high-bred pippin. He has even deteriorated from the standard of some years ago, as statute books and State debts now, and speeches and newspapers then show, in this; while his predecessor was the greater ruffian, he is the greater rascal. Consequently, he is amenable to the scarifying reviewer.

Now, having got him down, and kicked him afterward, let us proceed, with becoming charity, to inquire why he is such a naughty beast. Very likely the condition of public morals is responsible for a part of his badness.

The character of the politician is in a great measure what the tone of public sentiment permits it to be. When the public is guided by a high moral tone the politician reflects that condition. When the moral tone of the public is questionable the politician is dishonest. Since the first years of the war there has undoubtedly been a lowering of the standard of morality. Then commenced the era of reckless stock gambling and wild speculation. Men were eager to be rich. The chances of making money by questionable means were largely increased. Great contracts were let by the Government, by which fortunes were quickly and often corruptly made. Money was abundant. Patriotism and integrity were, in a measure, forgotten, in the race for wealth. The mania extended to all classes. Strict rules of business and honor were lost sight of. Every unscrupulous advantage was taken. The sole effort was to get money, either honestly or dishonestly. It is to be wondered at that in the general scramble for wealth the politician and the officeholder forgot his honor. Was he expected to remain pure while all about him was impure? Was it hoped that his standard of morality was higher than that of the public, whose servant he was? His demoralization followed quickly. It manifested itself all over the country; in the great ring frauds in New York; in the Credit Mobilier and Pacific mail briberies in Congress.

The lax conditions of public sentiment made all these things possible. We shall not have honest politicians and officeholders until we shall have a higher standard of public morality. The evil is permitted by the public. The remedy is also with the public. It must purify itself. The history of civilization teaches that the downfall of nations commenced with the corruption of the people. The history of the politics of this country shows that official depravity commenced with the decay of public morality.

It is useless to cry out against political corruption. It is vain for the press to publish individual instances of official depravity. The public itself must attain a higher standard of morality. There must be such a sentiment that a public man dare not be otherwise than honest. Until such a standard is reached, we may expect nothing better from officeholders and politicians. The New Orleans Times, April 29, 1875.

Rodman Ford Foxboro Early Days 1960-1964

In an recent article titled, “Rodman Ford goes back to the future,” the Foxboro Reporter and Attleboro Sun Chronicle reported, “Rodman Ford is relocating to its original location at 53 Washington Street.” To someone reading this article whose life has not been ‘touch’ by the generosity of the Rodman family, the reader is led to believe that there were no earlier locations in the establishment of Rodman Ford.

Actually, prior to moving to the present location on Washington Street (Rte 1) Rodman Ford had been located at 5 Mechanic Street and 100 Central Street, near Foxboro Centre. The former became a Rodman dealership in July 1960 and the latter in May 1962.

The July 9, 1960 Foxboro Reporter stated, “Don Rodman is anxious to meet his new Foxboro friends and has opened the door to all to visit and meet the staff at the newly renovated establishment which houses one of the oldest Ford Dealerships started in the East when it was founded by George C. Collier, now retired… Mr. Rodman, a native of Dorchester, has spent his entire career in the automotive business from mechanic to salesman… A veteran of 4 years in the Army during World War II, he is married and makes his home in Canton with his wife and two sons."

Two years later, the May 17, 1962 Foxboro Reporter stated, “It was revealed last night that Rodman Ford Sales, Inc. of Mechanic Street has purchased the building and area formerly occupied by McKenzie Motors of Central Street.

Two months later, in July, Rodman Ford celebrated its 2 Year Anniversary. The nascent business which two years earlier employed nine employees had grown to a staff of twenty-one. The full page “Thank You! See How We Have Grown” in the July 12, 1962 Foxboro Reporter included a photograph of the staff. Pictured were Joe Cardinute, Jim Eastman, Tony Fasulo, Stan Markrush, Mary Curry, Mary Anzalone, Jerry Rodman, Don Rodman, Herb Harris, Lou Cabana, Mike Fallon, Gordon Sunderland, Al Collier, Bill Boyer, Bruce Peterson, Bill Miller, Eddie Peck, Chester Cutler, Bill Gibson, Steve Nimtroski and George Farris.

Two years later, in1964, Don and Gerry's continued success enabled them to expand to a new location on Route One, the present location of Rodman Ford, the location referenced in aforementioned news articles.

Christmas Watchfulness & Vigilance: Past & Present

Christmas historically is a time that many give thanks and appreciation to those who provide the many private and public
services that are the woven into the fabric of our daily lives. These neighbors, friends and citizens are called to a vocation of vigilance and watchfulness while we work, sleep and play.

For thus says my Lord to me:
"Go, station a watchman, let him tell what he sees."
The watchman cried, "On the watchtower, O my Lord, I stand constantly by
day;
and I stay at my post through all the watches of the night."
"Upon your walls ... I have stationed watchmen; never, by day or by night,
shall they be silent."- Isaiah 21:6, 8, 62:6

In the United States the existence of a city or local police department is rarely given a second thought. In the countries
recovering from the civil turmoil of the “Arab Spring” a respectable, dependable police force is a priority for public safety. Those countries suffering from civil war and genocide it is only a dream, a dream that may take several generations to establish.

The origins Massachusetts’ city and local police departments can be traced back to 1631. The English system of sheriffs,
constables, and night watch were easily adapted to the colonies. The county sheriff, appointed by the governor, became the most important law enforcement agent particularly when the colonies remained small and primarily rural. The sheriff's duties included apprehending criminals, serving subpoenae, appearing in court and collecting taxes. The sheriff was paid a fixed amount for each task he performed. Since sheriffs received higher fees based on the taxes they collected, apprehending criminals was not a primary concern. In fact, law enforcement was a low priority.

In the larger cities and towns, such as Boston, New York and Philadelphia constables and the night watch conducted a wide variety of tasks. The night watch reported fires, raised the hue and cry, maintained street lamps, arrested or detained suspicious persons, and walked the rounds.

This Christmas let us be watchful and vigilant of the many gifts of family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and especially those who are the eyes for those who peacefully sleep.

William J. Milhomme, WWII Veteran Day Memorial 2011

William Joseph Milhomme enlisted in the US Army on April 1, 1943. His enlistment was “for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law.” His registration recorded that he had completed one year of high school and his civil occupation was listed as “North Woodsman or Guide, Hunting And Fishing.” His stature was listed at 5’6” and weighed 100lbs. (Dad had been placed in the Franco American Orphanage (Lowell, MA) in 1935 at the age of 12. In 1937 he was later transferred to the House of the Angel Guardian (Jamaica Plain, Boston), a pseudo orphanage industrial school institution. He remained here until 1941 when he reached the age 21.

The following research was compiled by my brother, EdwardFrancis. Dad was assigned to the Fifth U.S. Army, IV Corps, 85th division, 338th regiment and company B. The 85th is also known as the "Custer" division. He trained at Camp Shelby, Mississippi and embarked for North Africa 12/25/43 aboard the USS General W.A. Mann. After the war he returned to the US on the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain.

He arrived at Casablanca, Morocco on 1/2/44 and received amphibious training at Port aux Poules near Arzew and Oran, Algeria from 2/1/44 - 3/23/44. He landed in Italy at Naples somewhere between 3/28/44 and 4/10/44. There they faced the Gustav
Line and held defensive positions for a month.

On 5/11/44 launched their attack taking Solacciano, Castellonorato and Formia. Terracian was taken and they participated in opening the Anzio beachhead. They then took Monte Compatri and Frascati and then onto Rome on 6/5/44. Viterbo was next and
then had a few days of Rest and Relaxation. Then they took over the defense of the Arno River from 8/15/44 - 8/26/44. The division attacked the mountain defenses of the Gothic Line on 9/13/44 and broke through taking Firenzuola on the 9/21/44.

The 85th advanced slowly through mud and rain against heavy resistance taking La Martina and gaining the Idice River Valley on 10/2/44.Reached Mount Mezzano on 9/24/44 overlooking the Po River Valley. From 10/27/44 to 11/22/44 they held defensive position near Pizzano. Nothing much happened during 12/44 - 2/45 because the winter was brutal in the mountains.

On 4/14/45 they fought southwest of Bologna pushing through Lucca and Pistoria into the Po Valley as the German resistance collapsed. The Panaro River was crossed and the Po River the next day. The 85th mopped up fleeing Germans until their mass surrender on 5/2/45 in the Belluno Agordo area. So basically Dad walked from Naples all the way to the Northeast area of Italy
into the Alps. (end)

Excerpts from Official History:

This time the 1st Battalion of the 338th made somewhat better progress. Company B, spearheading the attack, reached a point
within 75 yards of one of the crest of Altuzzo. Company E of the 2nd Battalion tied in with the left of B Company to keep abreast of the advance. But the gains they made were not to be easily held……………..

B Company, advancing over rocky, exposed slopes, came to a point where it had little cover and where it soon found itself fired upon from 3 sides by machine guns. Even while it attempted to prepare itself for defense the enemy began counterattacking, in a repetition of the same, long-tried German tactics, and the Germans were repulsed each time. For its action on Altuzzo, B Company received a Presidential {Unit} Citation……….

For conspicuous gallantry in the attack on Altuzzo on September 14th, Staff Sergeant George D. Keathley, B Company, 338th Infantry, was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. When the leaders of the 2 forward platoons were wounded, Staff Sergeant Keathley, platoon guide of the supporting platoon, took over the command of the other 2 platoons. The enemy was counterattacking fiercely, and after 3 of these attacks only 20 men remained from the 2 platoons. Staff Sergeant Keathley reorganized these, placing each man in a position where he could best defend the badly exposed position on the hill. Ammunition was running low, and Staff Sergeant Keathley, while directing the defense, passed among the killed and wounded, collecting ammunition from men who could no longer use it, and distributing it to the remaining defenders……

The plan of attack was first to reduce the enemy positions in the villages. B Company attacked Quinzano while G Company moved over to the northwest to attack San Martino. Quinzano fell by early afternoon, but San Martino held out. Tanks in San Benedetto were meanwhile firing against the enemy on the mountain, F Company was moving up to climb through the ravines on the east, and B Company started up the ridge to -the summit. The fighting went on throughout the night against resistance that gave no signs of slackening. The fight for San Martino was still raging in the morning, but B Company began to make steady progress up the ridge, slowly forcing the enemy back, and by midafternoon of October 5th it had occupied the crest. F Company too was making progress clearing the enemy from the northern reaches. San Martino was finally subdued by dark, and the mountain was entirely cleared of the enemy by midnight. The first of the important hill masses dominating the Idice Valley had been captured.

The Cry of the Middle Class: Hagop Bogigian, 2 June 1914

Is it not time for our thinking men and women and influential newspapers and magazines to take up the cause of the middle class and work for the interest of those who are the greatest sufferers and the greatest in number? We, who form the middle class, have done no injury to the country. We have used no dynamite to blow up buildings, bridges, and railways. We have not taken up arms against the State and Federal authorities. We have not intimidated the President, Governors, and Legislators, or men in authority. If it were not for ninety-eight percent of the population, what would the union labor do for their living? The present Administration and Congress have gone mad on the labor question, as if that was all that was expected of them.

Prompted by a variety of catalysts, including the monopolization of commercial markets, unethical commercial-pricing strategies, consumer protection, and employee protection, in October 1914, the Clayton Antitrust Act was passed. Its passing restricted the use of the injunction against labor, and it legalized peaceful strikes, picketing, and boycotts. It declared that “the labor of a human being is not a commodity or article of commerce.”

Hagop Bogigian, Boston, Mass., June 2, 1914.

“Those who forget history are destined to repeat it.” George Santayana

Bill Milhomme, Foxboro, MA 02035

Arthur H. Murray: Boston First Black Fireman

Dear Boston Society of Vulcans, It was an honor to compile historical research regarding the commissioning of the first African American City of Boston Fireman. However, it is my hope that your organization will follow up on the new information I am going to provide. My research reveals that on May 21, 1897, the first commissioned African American Boston fireman was commissioned. He is several times referred to as A. H. Murray, Augustus H. Murray and Arthur. H. Murray. Interestingly it appears that his commission may have been the direct result of three important facts. (1) The appointment of fireman Murray was due to Col. Henry Sturgis Russell, the City of Boston fire commissioner at the time. Nineteen years earlier, as Boston police commissioner, he appointed the first African American Boston policeman, Horatio J. Homer. (2) Col. Henry Sturgis Russell was a first cousin of Col. Robert Gould Shaw. (3) Several days after Murray’s commission, the Col. Shaw and 54^th Regiment Memorial on Boston Common was dedicated and unveiled on Memorial Day, May 31, 1897. The event began with a large parade including 1000 veterans of the Seventh New York Regiment, marching some thirty years after they had fought together. Gun salutes were fired from ships in the Boston Harbor and from Battery A on the Common. Speeches were held in the Music Hall. In attendance were Massachusetts Governor Roger Wolcott, Harvard College's President Charles W. Eliot, Booker T. Washington as well as surviving members of the 54th Regiment. I hope this information is a catalyst to continue to document African American public service in the city of Boston.

Clement G. Morgan: The message I bring to you is a very short one. The watchword of the hour is unity.

Throughout history there have been countless calls for "Unity!" Even today, throughout the scores of nations and communities of the modern world there are calls for "unity" of thought and action. Occasionally when researching history, much like mining for precious ore, a diamond of unknown information is discovered. On 9 July 1890, Clement Garnet Morgan, then a 21 year old African American graduate of Harvard College, delivered an address upon “Race Unity” before a large gathering of the colored National League. The words he spoke that night in the Charles Street A. M. E. Church in Boston were said thirty-nine years before the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King. What I find remarkable today is that the call for unity then among his fellow black brothers and sisters, in many respects rings true for the call for unity today as Americans regardless of cultural heritage, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. Therefore, I post Mr. Morgan’s words as recorded by the Boston Globe 121 years ago for your edification and thought.

“The message I bring to you is a very short one. The watchword of the hour is unity. Unity of feeling, thought and action”.

"The duty of the hour is work; work with a will and purpose.”

“I am glad to be a Negro, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart.” (Applause).

“I mean to be a Negro.” (Applause.)

“On the bottom of my heart is written Negro.” (Applause.)

“Let me say to you this fight means business. You and I can not escape it. It is business all the way.”

“We should be given every chance of cultivating heart and head. Where will you find greater persecution than among the colored people of this country.” (Applause.)

“We are loyal and never had an anarchist. For loyalty look at Bunker Hill, the Boston massacre and Fort Sumter.” (Cries of hear! Hear!)

“Be true to yourselves. Be true to each other. Believe me, I am not speaking idle words to you. There have been cases where we have not been true to each other.” (Cries of True! True!)

“We cannot advance a single inch without this. Take those things home and think of them in your rooms tonight and tomorrow, and all through this fight. It is going to be a moral fight. You and I, so sure as we have justice and fair play on our side, will win.” (Applause.)

“But we must be sincere. You and I are not unselfish in any cause unless we are willing to sacrifice all. We must be thoroughly educated. Everyone makes some sacrifices for the good of race or country. Go into the schools of Boston and how many colored children do you find there? You can count them in a few times around your fingers.”

“Save something, send your boys through college. Don't think that there is no opening after they go through. There is an opening and there is one for your boy.”

“I wonder what became of the movement of your young women to secure places in Boston stores. I am almost sure that movement hangs in the balance; you were not in earnest. Get in earnest and be about our business. We should feel these things from the bottom of our hearts. Men are forcing these things. Pick up the gauntlet and send it back. Face them and don't be ashamed.”

“I want to hit again that question of the Negro. I love the race and am not ashamed of Negro blood. If any of you are ashamed of your blood it is cowardice! (Cries of Good! Good!) and someday it might face you.” (Applause)

“We want to educate thoroughly. We must accumulate and we must demand an open field and fair play, and if we are right we will get that.”

“Men are thinking of you and your backwardness every day. Get out of this. We want every one of you to feel as an American and man, and act as such. Be united and true to each other, be proud of your blood, and condemn every one who speaks spitefully against it.” (Applause)

“Do what you can. Get into what avenues you can, be patient and complain not.”

“Take your medicine like men. One thing is certain, it will kill or cure, and I think it will cure before it kills.” (Laughter)

“In conclusion, let us have united feeling, work, accumulation and demand.”

Clement Garnet Morgan

Clement Garnett Morgan was born in Stafford County, Virginia, on 9 January 1859. His slave parents, on being emancipated, moved to Washington, where he attended high school. Morgan then worked as a barber and went to St. Louis to teach school for four years. Moving to Boston, he spent two years at Boston Latin School as preparation for entering Harvard College at the age of 27. Barbering and substantial scholarships covered most of his expenses. As a junior he won first prize in the annual oratory contest (the second prize going his black classmate W.E.B. Du Bois). He received his bachelor’s degree in1890, proceeding directly to Harvard Law School, from which he graduated in 1893 – the school’s third black graduate and the first of his race to hold degrees from both the College and Law School.

For the rest of his life he resided in Cambridge and maintained a law practice in the same Boston office at 39 Court Street. He was active in Republican politics and, elected from an almost all-white ward, served on the Cambridge Common Council in 1895 and 1896 and on the Board of Aldermen in 1898 and 1899, but thrice was an unsuccessful aspirant to the state legislature. Ever the agitator, he was in 1903 largely successful responsible for the closing of a segregated school for 33 black children in the western Massachusetts town of Sheffield. In 1905, Morgan became a founding member of the Niagara Movement (1905-1910), and headed its Massachusetts branch. In 1909, he followed W. E.B. Du Bois into the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

For the remainder of his life, he continued to fight for African American rights through his profession and through protest activities. Clement Garnett Morgan died at Massachusetts Homeopathic Hospital in Cambridge, Massachusetts on 1 June 1929.

Lake View Pavilion Foxboro celebrates its 105th anniversary

On July 4, 1906 the Lake View Pavilion opened as a family owned business enterprise with an ongoing tradition of service and hospitality to the townspeople and to the residents of southeastern Massachusetts.

Pre-1906

1784 March 27: Simon Pettee purchased the land and erected an iron forge and blacksmith shop. Several decades later Pettee erected the Foxborough Thread Manufacturing Company, one of the earliest cotton thread mills in the area.

1832 June 30: Daniel Carpenter purchased the mill and operated the thread factory for the next forty years. It was during this era that the unnamed manmade "mill pond" became known as Carpenter Pond.

1871 June 26: John Dixon deeded the property, who initially manufactured interior decorations and table mats of pressed pulp and later operated a dye house on the property.

1875 December 24: Property sold to Charles Freeman, who operated a wool scouring mill on the site.

1886 September 28: Alexander Ross purchased the property and operated the wool scouring business until July 1898 when the mill was destroyed by fire.

1906 - 1926. Lake View Park and the Ross Family

1906 July 4: Lake View Park opened and was operated by the William Ross family. The original dance hall pavilion was 90 feet by 60 feet with a 4-foot wide promenade. Additionally, there was a dining room, a theatre, and a band stand that accommodated 25 pieces.

In 1907, renovations included a larger promenade, with roof and side coverings, 170 feet long by 10 feet wide with windows every 10 feet, each 6 feet by 2 feet-3 inches wide.

There were two entrances on the promenade facing the road-way, and one entrance on the rear, as well as a coat room and ticket offices.

Carpenter Pond was henceforth referred to as "Lakeview."

Young pines and cedars were planted along the shores of the lake in the vicinity of the buildings, flower beds were arranged in front of the main building which added greatly to the beauty and attractiveness of the surroundings, and a concrete walk was built leading from the dance hall to the restaurant building.

Dancing was provided three evenings each week; Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and were patronized by delegations from many places including Providence, Pawtucket, the Attleboros, Norton, Walpole, Franklin, Dedham, Norwood, and even as far as Revere.

Patrons who hailed from distant towns would arrive by train in Mansfield and board trolley cars to Foxboro.

Recognizing the potential ridership business, the Norfolk & Bristol Street Railway constructed a spur line from the electric rails between Foxboro and Wrentham directly to the Lake View Park. The spur line ended with a rail loop for the return trip. The trolley cars were 40 feet in length, with a 30 foot body, and had a seating capacity of 40 people. The cross seats were upholstered in rattan and the sides of these cars could be re-moved in summer. They were fitted with weather-proof curtains to be used in case of storms and when the windows were out.

The original 1906 Pavilion dance hall remains the central function room of the 2011 Lake View Pavilion

1926 - 1988 Lakeview Ballroom, the Witschi and Crichton Families

1926. Lake View Park was purchased by Paul F. N. Witschi. The new management remodeled the pavilion to include a lady's room, men's smoking room, large check room, soft drink parlor, and a large screened veranda just off the dance floor running the entire width of the building.

"Lakeview Ballroom, The Home of Headliners"

Big Band concerts included the band leaders and orchestras of Mal Hallett, Duke Ellington, Phil Napoleon, and Ross Gorman. 1961. Lakeview Ballroom was purchased by the Crichton brothers; Ralph, James, and Edwin. They embarked on a business plan to expand the ballroom activities to become a destination for weddings and social events. A new function hall was constructed and the two structures were joined by a new central entrance portico.

1988 - 2011. Lake View Pavilion, the Kourtidis Family

Efstathios and Kiparisia (Steve and Kathy) Kourtidis purchased the Lakeview Ballroom in 1988. Arriving from Greece in 1981 in search of the American Dream, they purchased Steve's Greek Restaurant on Newbury Street in Boston where the entire family worked. The Kourtidis hospitality philosophy is to "treat your customers well and provide them with good food and the best service."

The ballroom was renamed Lake View Pavilion and is managed by daughters Anastasia Tsoumbasnos and Natalia Kapourelakos. Lake View Pavilion is considered a premier facility, especially for its personalized "Fairytale Weddings" that have set the standard for the wedding industry in the local market.

The Kourtidis family established the Lake View Charitable Trust which provides annual multiple scholarships to Foxborough High School graduates. It funds Boyden Library patron passes to museums and is a supporter of the Foxborough Discretionary Fund.