CHAPTER XII SOLDIERS' MONUMENT THE erection and dedication of a monument commemorating the accomplishments of the Civil War, as well as the deeds of valor of those who helped to prosecute it, and especially the names of some who made the supreme sacrifice, which resulted in finally eradicating one of the greatest evils which could exist in any nation, is an attainment for which Carlisle may justly feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. Carlisle was fortunate in having among her citizens people of a liberal disposition, who found pleasure in promoting worthy objects, and were real philanthropists; and in this case, as in many others, Carlisle was not taxed in its corporate capacity for the ornamental structure now decorating Monument Square. The circumstance which led to the erection of this monument was a bequest which, with accumulations, amounted to the sum of $653.70, donated the town by the late Mrs. Lydia A. G. Farrar. At a town meeting held March 20, 1882, the town voted "that the town treasurer be authorized to receive the legacy and hold the same until further action by the town." At a town meeting held November 7, 1882, the town voted "that the money given the town by the will of the late Mrs. Lydia A. G. Farrar be appropriated for the purpose of erecting a soldiers' monument in the center of the town on or near the spot where the guide-post now stands," and also chose Messrs. Thomas A. Green, Sidney A. Bull and Edward S. Hutchins as a committee to carry out the provisions of said vote. At a subsequent town meeting, held March 19, 1883, the town voted to raise and appropriate the sum of three hundred dollars, to be expended under the direction of the former-named committee for the purpose of putting in a foundation for the monument and for fencing and grading the grounds. A stone and cement foundation was laid by Messrs. Edward S. Hutchins and Marshall Mason on May 21, 1883, and nearly one hundred loads of loam were used to complete the grading. The committees chosen to erect the monument, believing the amount of money at their disposal too small for the purpose of furnishing a monument sufficiently ornamental that would prove acceptable to the town, suggested that an invitation be extended to Miss Hannah L. C. Green, a sister of the late Mrs. Farrar, to add enough to the amount of her sister's bequest to increase it to the sum of one thousand dollars, which suggestion was favorably entertained, and the money in due time was paid over to the committee; consequently they had at their disposal one thousand dollars to be expended for a monument, and proceeded to correspond with various contractors, requesting designs and specifications for monuments that could be furnished for that sum. Several contractors responded to the requests of the committee, affording them a good variety of designs to select from. Their decision was, however, decidedly in favor of a design furnished by Andrews & Wheeler, of Lowell, which specified a granite pedestal, surmounted by a marble statue, or to describe more minutely the completed monument, included a triple receding base of Concord granite five feet two inches square on the foundation, resting on which is a polished die of Rockport granite, on the east side of which is the inscription: "Died in their country's service," followed by the names of thirteen soldiers from the town who lost their lives during their term of enlistment, which list is completed on the north side. The southerly face bears the following appropriate sentiment: "To the roll-call they make no response. To perpetuate their names to posterity." On the back or westerly side is inscribed: "Presented to the town of Carlisle by Mrs. Lydia A. G. Farrar, and Miss Hannah L. C. Green. Dedicated August 29, 1885." The die is surmounted by a fine statue of Italian marble, wrought in Italy, seven and one-half feet tall, weighing three thousand pounds, and representing the "Goddess of Liberty". On the base of the statue at the front side is the motto: "Let him who has won it bear the palm," and on the back or westerly side are inscribed the dates "1861-1865." The entire height of the monument from foundation to tip is fifteen and one-half feet. The statue was placed in position December 7, 1883, which date marked the completion of the monument as far as the contractors were liable. The monument grounds were enclosed by a fence of granite posts, connected by galvanized iron rails. A concrete walk was laid extending from the entrance on the north to the entrance on the south side of the grounds, passing in front of the monument, and the work of the committee was completed at an expense to the town of a few dollars more than the appropriation. At a town meeting held Monday, March 16, 1885, the town appropriated the sum of two hundred dollars for the purpose of dedicating the Soldiers' Monument, and chose a committee of three, Daniel W. Robbins, Edward J. Carr and Sidney A. Bull, whom they authorized to attend to the duties of having the monument dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. The committee attended to their duties, and after due deliberation decided on August 29 as an appropriate day for the dedicatory exercises, since that was the anniversary of the second Bull Run battle, in which one of those whose names appear on the monument was killed in action. The committee spared no pains to make the affair the most elaborate of any event in the annals of the town and were satisfied with the result. The weather was ideal, for a beautiful August day could not but add somewhat to the attraction of the occasion; and it was estimated that a thousand or more people were in attendance. The following were the officers and members of committees for dedication: President of the day, Daniel W. Robbins. Chief Marshal, Charles Forbush. Aids: E. A. Blanchard, T. M. Hammond, G. W. Page and B. F. Day. Decoration Committee: Thomas A. Green, Frank Wilkins, George Nickles and Mrs. Mary A. Green, Mrs. Susan M. Bull, Mrs. Lizzie L. Robbins and Mrs. Luella M. Bull. Reception Committee: Major B. F. Heald, Lieut. H. W. Wilson and James E. Taylor. The residents of the village exerted themselves to improve its appearance in every way possible, and it looked on dedication day as though it had been thoroughly swept and dusted. The monument grounds were put in the best possible condition, and the monument was tastefully decorated with flowers, evergreen and the national colors. Nearly every house in the village located on the line of march was, by invitation previously extended by the dedication committee, prettily decorated with flags, streamers and bunting. The dedication exercises began at one o'clock with a parade, of which the following is the order of procession: Chief Marshal and Aids Dunstable Cornet Band Troop F Cavalry, dismounted President of the day, chaplain, orators and invited guests Concord, Mass., G. A. R. Post Citizens on foot Citizens in carriages The procession formed on the Common, and immediately proceeded on the following route of march: From the Common to Boston Road, on the right of the monument to the home of George F. Duren; countermarch, passing monument on the right to Lowell Road; right turn, thence on Lowell Road beyond the home of William Green; countermarch to the monument; thence on Westford Road beyond the home of Daniel W. Robbins; leftwheel through short street to Concord Road; right turn on Concord Road beyond the home of George P. Nickles; countermarch, passing the home of G. W. Page and M. Lee, to the Common. During the time the procession was moving, minute-guns were fired from a cannon on the Common, under the direction of Nathaniel Hutchinson. At the close of the parade the assembly gathered under a large canvas tent, which had been procured by the committee for the occasion and erected on the Common. Here the following exercises took place: 1. Invocation, by Rev. George F. Piper. 2. Solo and Chorus, "Tenting Tonight." 3. Selection by band. 876210 |