Series looks back at Hopedale 100 years ago

By Dan Malloy, Special contributor 

In 1926, one way for people in Hopedale to keep up with what was going on in town was to subscribe to the weekly Milford Gazette. Admission to Milford Hospital, plays at the Town Hall, a vacation, and much else not reported now would be there each week. Here are some items from the first few months of 1926.

At the Milford Hospital Monday Dr. J.F. Keane operated on the foot of Mrs. Gladys Faunton.

After having kept the property at 160 Hopedale St., near the railroad viaduct, under surveillance for some time, Deputy Sheriff S. E. Kellogg (28 Dutcher St,) conducted a raid Monday and seized nine barrels of wine, some 60 bottles of home brew beer, and a half pint of what appeared to be whiskey. Samples have been sent to the state chemist for analysis and arrests will follow his report.

An illustrated address on missionary work among the Indians was given Sunday evening at the Union Church.

About 35 couples attended the apron and necktie party of the Winter Dancing Club Saturday.

James McAuley (125 Mendon St.) won the Henry Ford cup in the North Atlantic states radio fiddling contest, recently conducted from Station W.B.Z., Boston.

George Davenport, (37 Inman St.) who was taken to the Milford hospital with a fractured right ankle, sustained Saturday by slipping between the timbers while crossing the streetcar trestle over Hopedale Pond, died Wednesday of pulmonary embolism. He was 44 years old, a carpenter by trade and leaves a wife.

The Draper eleven was defeated by the Whittall team Wednesday at Worcester, 11 to 2. After a rough game with several fist fights between the players and spectators which called for action by the police. After three Hopedale players had been sent from the field the game became a runaway match.

F.J. Dutcher was moderator of the special town meeting Monday and as a member of the of the school committee he outlined the need of a new high school building, the estimated cost of which would be over $150,000. It was announced that Princess Margaret Draper Boncompagni has offered the Gen. W.F. Draper homestead on Adin Street as a site for the new school, provided that the plans for the new building are acceptable to her. B.H.B. Draper spoke in favor of accepting the offer, which was done.

Dan Malloy is the founder of www.hope1842.com, a website devoted to the history of Hopedale.