PS LEAVES FROM THE SIGNAL ELM lass / cJe^c^ i^ .1 Book y^f^/tji^ ■ ^NTKD BY ' /^ I--' Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive in 2011 witii funding from Tine Library of Congress Iittp://www.arcliive.org/details/leavesfromsignal01lord LEAVES FROM THE SIGNAL ELM The Signal Elm, or Sentinel Tree, is a landmark near an old fort, in sight of the author's house. LEAVES FROM THE SIGNAL EL VERSES BY LUCIEN LORD COLLECTED FOR HIS SEVENTY -FIFTH BIRTHDAY OCTOBER 11. 1915 BY HIS NEPHEW LUCIEN EDWARD TAYLOR ATHOL MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A. PRIVATELY PRINTED 1915 .4\^ ^ COPYRIGHT, 1915 BY LUCIEN EDWARD TAYLOR fUiVCtS-M lJlj^f&Jx.Cl <"vXM.,«.'!5A. Dear Uncle Lucien, You have said that there is no merit in these verses. I think that they may speak for themselves. I have found great pleasure in gathering these reminiscences of old times in Athol. I am not alone in hoping that you will exercise oftener this graceful gift of yours. I wish you a happy birthday, and I am ever Your affectionate nephew, Lucien Edward Taylor Boston, October 11, 1915 CONTENTS PAGE Athol 11 A Letter 13 Let All Rejoice 16 A Toast 17 W. Allen Luey 21 Then and Now 25 Save Yer Dollar 26 Funny, Ain't It? . . . . , . .28 Lucien's Message 30 Who Is It? 31 ILLUSTRATIONS Portrait, 1912 . . , . . . Frontispiece Author's Birthplace .... Title Engraved by William Cowee, 1870 Signal Elm Cover Engraved jor The Athol Transcript, 1912 Facsimile ....... Facing page 11 VERSES ^ lo^kou CciA^ /^"^ Xat/iulct h- lol/l-Ut '^/A^^ -^4^ ^H^^^^ ^ IIjm J died ~0jtiuJcUA.ci/)i^TL^ i^rv^ ^ ^ yir^ YYA/viMyx.'^ ^ouy^ a^^^c/L 5/Ki>Mr ^ tiled ^>w^ L^^ nu^f^ ^ A^; <;^AA^tyVJL^ ATHOL Our fathers came from Hatfield here, thrice fifty years ago, They felled the trees and built their homes in winter's rain and snow. They builded schools, and churches, too, that our lives might be free; They lived and died for Athol. She is good enough for me. I love her hills and valleys, and I know them all by heart, I've fished the ponds and river, and I've traded in the mart, I've seen the buildings, one by one, take shape since forty-three; From then till now my native town was good enough for me. 11 ATHOL I oft recall my boyhood days, the friends whom then I knew. The Reverends Clark and Nightingale, and Burton strong and true, They helped us more than words can tell, as scores of us can see. Their memory helps to make our town seem good enough for me. In many things we have not reached perfection yet, I know, We go too fast in many ways, in some perhaps too slow. But search the country far and wide, from Maine to Tennessee, You'll find no better town than this. It's good enough for me. The men and women, young and old, are helpful, day by day, A thousand children, bright as gold, make glad our toilsome way. A poor return my service is, whatever it may be, For all the blessings Athol gives. She's good enough for me. 1892. 12 A LETTER At Athol Depot still I stay. Still work for Thorpe and Sloane. 'Tis 10 P.M. — 14th of May, I'm in the store alone. And as my chum, this eve, is out, I'll answer your kind note. I'll tell you what I've been about. Since last to you I wrote. At work I've never lost a day, An evening scarcely one, A reading club, or "Masons' fray" Attend, when labor's done. I went to Orange to a dance, With Frank a week ago, Of course would not neglect a chance To "trip fantastic toe." 13 A LETTER On Friday night we all went out To Greenfield, Gougli to hear. On temperance the man did spout, On gin, and lager beer. The Rev. Mr. Hunt was there. His wife and Clara dear, Myself, my sister, and Maria, And many others here. Folks say that Emma took a ride With Meriam last night. Eph says on Friday eve beside. And says that is all right. He says she has a right to choose, And that he does not care. She's all to gain, he nought to lose, There's others just as fair. I called at Baker's house to-night And had a pleasant chat. We talked ! I sang ! We had a bite. At ten I took my hat. And where was I one week ago. You asked of me, I think. Right on my bed, my tooth ached so. It hurt me just to wink. 14 A LETTER You ask when Fay and Harriet In holy bonds unite. Some think it will not be quite yet, While others think it might. I s'pose you know that H. Southland And Louise Thorpe are one, On Wednesday last he took her hand. By Hunt the task was done. I have not been to church to-day, I'd nothing fit to wear, And as our pastor was away, I really did not care. I took a book — 'twas Bitter-sweet — And went up on High Knob. The story it was so complete. It caused my heart to throb. But here comes Otis, half asleep, My nonsense here must end. Please give it to the flames to keep. Nor show it to your friend. I have not told one half the news I thought I had to tell. But what there is you can peruse And Lu remember well. 14th of May. 15 LET ALL REJOICE To Walter Brown Let all rejoice With heart and voice In country and in town: A bouncing boy Is now the joy Of Lu and Ella Brown. Grace doth adorn The Tuesday-born, How sweet the adage sounds! Both child and wife Are full of life, The weight is just nine pounds. 1875. 16 A TOAST Athol Alumni Reunion, June 24, 1895 " The Original High School Boys, "Leaders in Town and State." And I'm to toast them here to-night, And tell what made them great, Recite their virtues, and their deeds. Their hopes, their griefs, their joys; Well, go with me back thirty years. And let us find the boys. 'Tis quite a distance in the past. And memory grows dim. Until it touches Henry Sprague, You still remember him. He and his brothers, Lu and Ed, Were "true blue" from the start, "A man's a man for a' that, an' a' that," They learned that song by heart. They took that song to Boston, And they lived it everywhere. And now for boys of fame and worth. There are no better there. 17 A TOAST Then there was J. D. Miller, too. He's senator, you know, He started more than medium. And never failed to grow. He had a knack at writing, And in preaching, few could match. We should have kept him with us. Such boys are hard to catch. Then there was William Haven, A High School boy, a friend; He's more than a professor. And will be to the end. And how they pass before my mind, Like panoramic view! In all the many varied scenes Which peace and conflict drew. We studied and recited. Thinking little what was said, For the night might bring sad tidings. That some precious friend was dead. Time we stole for preparation. For the concert, or the play. To provide some needed comfort For companions in the fray; 18 A TOAST And when the War was over, And its frightful duties done, Each boy and girl quite ready. Took up duties, one by one. You'll find them all in stations That are worthy to be filled: The churches, schools, professions. Ever helpful, true, and skilled. Thus we did our duty. In the dark times, and the bright. From the very first beginning, Just as you do yours to-night. 'Tis a great thing for young folks In their elders to confide, To learn their thoughts and struggles, Their successes, shame or pride; To meet, as we are met to-night, For mutual help and cheer; To grasp the hand, to hear the word That shows a heart sincere. But 'tis a greater thing, I think. And quite as helpful, too. For older boys and girls to see The good the young can do, 19 A TOAST To watch their youthful vigor, Their bright faith and hopes so strong. Forgetting all life's tumult In their merriment and song. And so the older boys and girls Bid you God-speed to-night, Believing you will always try To know and do the right, And that in thirty years from now, When your life-work is told, It may be free from all alloy. And purer than fine gold. 1895. 20 W. ALLEN LUEY Of all the great and mighty throng Who view the century's end, 'Tis you for whom I weave a song, And hail as loyal friend. And may the coming century find Our faith and love still true, And year by year more closely bind Your heart to "Uncle Lu." 1900. 21 "ADS" IN RHYME FROM THE HOLIDAY HERALD AND OTHER PAPERS THEN AND NOW When I was but a puny thing. My mother taught me how To bake and brew, to wash and wring; My wife can do it now. In after years, into a store, With Walter Thorpe I went, Who taught me of the tradesman's lore Of profit and per cent. And now I have my own bazar Of gifts for Christmas morn, Which I have bought from near and far, Your houses to adorn. So, when the puddings, cakes and pies Are done and put away, And you desire to feast your eyes On books and pictures gay, Remember Lucien takes the cake For selling notions low; When Christmas purchases you make, To him you'll surely go. 1885. 25 SAVE YER DOLLAR My Friend: Always act generous, Whatever be yer lot — Not selfish, or penurious, In any place or spot. When asked to favor any scheme That tends towards sin and squalor, 'Twere manly, then, to draw the line: You'd better save yer Dollar. You owe a duty to yourself, As through the world you go. To save a portion of its pelf. For use v/hen times are slow. The man of labor, or of skill, The merchant, or the scholar. Can have a plenty, if he will. You'd better save yer Dollar. 26 SAVE YER DOLLAR "A penny saved is two-pence earned. This maxim, true and old, By every person has been learned, Who ever bought and sold. Buy Christmas gifts of Lueien Lord, "That's good advice to f oiler" — For all proclaim, with one accord: You're sure to save yer Dollar ! 1885. 27 FUNNY, AIN'T IT ? New Song for 18 88 Christmas is coming, and Lucien is here, Funny, ain't it? His goods are just lovely, prices not dear. And that's funny, ain't it? Bought at first hand, and at prices so low. None are in doubt as to where they shall go To get precious things their homes to make bright, The whole region round is wild with delight, And that's funny, ain't it? He has goods from Japan, far, far away. Funny, ain't it? Tliis is no craze, they have come here to stay, And that's funny, ain't it? Books by the thousand, never so cheap. Though you don't wish to buy, just take a peep. Rich fancy goods, — of these he is proud, He shows them with pleasure, and doesn't talk loud. And that's funny, ain't it? 28 FUNNY, AIN'T IT? He has plush goods, and leather goods, china and gold, Funny, ain't it? Bought with spot cash, and for cash they'll be sold. And that's funny, ain't it? Paper goods, wooden goods, iron and tin, Art goods, toilet goods, thick goods and thin, Perfume, and winter games, pictures and toys, For mothers and daughters, fathers and boys, And that's funny, ain't it? Lucien is modest, and never would brag. Funny, ain't it? Though under its burden his bookstore should sag, And that's funny, ain't it'? But people of culture and taste are assured. Where holiday presents can best be procured. And all will rejoice with unspeakable joy. That life is made brighter by Thankful Lord's boy, And that's funny, ain't it? 1888. 29 LUCIEN'S MESSAGE LuciEN likes to work, Lucien likes to sing; Lucien likes to help a friend To do a worthy thing. He'll sell to you a home, At half its actual worth, Where you can be as glad and free As though you owned the earth. Athol is the town, Lucien is the man. Of South Park, Lake Park, Intervale, He'll furnish you a plan. 1893. 30 WHO IS IT ? Who is it the children run pell-mell to meet, At school or at church, in the field or the street, And know that a welcome their presence will greet? Who is it that takes the affirmative side, Relies on the One who governs the tide. With never a fear for the whole world beside? Who is it will help you, whatever you seek. Will start you in life at one dollar a week. And if you can't pay never utter a squeak? Who is it that morning and evening will prate. About houses and lands and gilt-edged real estate, And knows that old Athol is bound to be great? Who is it? 1894. 31 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH Born in Athol, October 11, 1840, eldest son of Ethan Lord and Thankful Richardson Lord. Married September 1, 1868, Delia Maria Peirce, of Royalston, whom he survives. Book and music store, owner and manager, 1866-1890. One of the founders of The Athol Transcript, 1871. Built: Masonic Block, 1873; Sunnyside, his home on Chestnut Hill, 1882; Academy of Music, 1892; Pequoig House, 1895. Developed Lake Park, 1890-1900; gave the land for Lake Park School, 1895. Superintendent of Sunday School: First Con- gregational Unitarian Society, 1868-1875; Second Unitarian Society, 1877-1910. Postmaster, 1869-1888, Represented the First Worcester District in the Legislature, 1891. Committees: county estimates, parishes and religious societies, joint special. This session authorized the printing of the state records, entitled: Massachusetts soldiers and sailors of the Revolutionary War. Has held many town offices and is now Treas- urer of Athol, member of Board of Assessors, and member of board of investment of the Athol Savings Bank. Thanks are due to Mr. W. L. Hill, the editor of The Athol Transcript, for kind permission to reprint verses originally contributed to that journal, and for the use of the engraving of the Signal Elm. M. J. RABINOVITZ CAMBRIDGE FIFTEEN COPIES PRINTED OCTOBER 9, I915 TWO HUNDRED COPIES PRINTED OCTOBER 21, I915 REPRINT FROM AthoB, Mass., Oct. 19, 1915 Lucien Lord's 75th Anniversary. Lucien Lord was the guest of honor Monday, Oct. 11th, his 75th birthday, at a family gathering at the home of his brother, Wallace Lord. The souvenir of the evening was a volume of verse en- titled, "Leaves from the Signal Elm," by Lucien Lord, collected for his birth- day by his nephew, Lucien E. Taylor, of the Boston Public Library. The book is a small quarto of 34 pages, with portrait, autograph facsimile and cuts of the Sen- tinel Tree and the author's birthplace. The poems contain many interesting reminiscences of old times in Athol. Present were Mr and Mrs Wallace Lord, Mrs V. O. Taylor, Mr and Mrs John L. Earle, Mr and Mrs L. E. Taylor of Bos- ton, Ernest L. Earle and Miss Marian I. Lord. Refreshments were served, among which was a birthday cake deco- rated with initials and 75 candles. The legion of Mr Lord's friends, at home and away, will be glad to extend him their heartiest congratulations on this pleasant event, and to know that he bears his years so easily, being in excel- lent health, and just as capable as ever to perform his duties as town treasurer and assessor. Mr Lord's part m the upbuild- ing of Athol, beginning some 25 years ago, is a matter of local history, too well known to need extended review at this time. The New Pequoig House, the beautiful Academy of Music, the opening of Lake Park and Intervale residence districts, the opening of Exchange Street north, the work at South Park, and other extensive building operations, were all the offsprings of his brain and energy, achievements that, though they cost him heavily and left him little except the honor of the work, are now yielding enormous benefits to the whole town, and parts of our busiest and most valuable taxable properties. It is interesting to reflect on the condition that all these es- tates might now be in but for Mr Loid's great and courageous undertakings a quarter of a century ago. Other people might have taken hold of the work later, but it is fair to say that much of it would even now be in an undeveloped shape. Lucien Lord believed in Athol and in her future, and what the town is today he foresaw Jong before others did, and single handed he undertook what a big corporation would nave hesitated at. On this anniversary he is rightly the figure of a kindly, grateful and admiring in- terest. Athol, Mass., Dec, 7, 1915. "Leaves from the Signal Tree." This is the title ot a beautiful little volume of 36 pages comprising a collec- tion of verses from the pen of Lucien Lord, written by him from time to time between 1860 and 1900. Some of the verses were printed in the Transcript at time ot their writing. Others are in the form of advertisements ni rhyme written for the '•Holiday Herald," and other publications. They were received at the time of their issue with much interest and pleasure.as the theme was invariably local life and people, and showed the author's breezy optimism concerning our town, which was apparent in a more substantial way in his splendid building operations in different parts of the town. On October 11 last, on the occasion of Mr Lord's 75th birthday, there was a quiet family gathering at the home of Wallace Lord in the observance of the event, and the feature of the occasion was the presentation to Mr Lord of a collection of his verses, which had been carefully prepared unknown to him by Mr Lord's nephew, Lucien E. Taylor of Boston, and eleeantly printed by Rabi- novitz of Cambridge. The volume exhib its the nice accessoj'ies of the art ot book- making, and includes cover design of the old Sentniel Tree ; title vignette ot the author's birthplace on Freedom Street, engraved by William Cowee in 1870 ; por- trait by Clapp ; and a stanza in autograph facsimile. Fifteen copies wijre issued on the occasion of the author's birthday, and a limited edition is now presented to his friends. We understand that a Christ- mas edition is proposed for the benefit of the American Red Cross Society. There are many people, here and away, who will be glad to secure copies. The verses are happily reminiscent of old limes, and reflect the author's active life, his loyalty to Athol, and his affectionate interest in old friends and business asiociates. One poem entitled "Athol" we take the lib- erty of reprinting in lull. It was written in 1892, and is a clever bit of versifica- tion, breathing affection for the old town in every line, and a generous pride and satisfaction in its history, its people and its environment. The poem is as follows : Athol. Our fathers came from Hatfield here, thrice fifty years ago. They felled the trees and built their homes in winter's rain and snow. They builded schools, and churches, too, that our lives might be free; They lived and died lor Athol. She is good enough for me. I love her h'lls and valleys, and I know them all by heart, I've fished the ponds and river, and I've traded in the mart, I've seen the buildinsrs, one by one, take shape since torty-three. From then till now my native town was good enough for me. I oft recall my boyhood days, the friends whom then I knew. The Reverends Clarke and Nightingale, and Burton strong and true ; They helped us more than words can tell, as scores of us can see. Their memory helps to make our town seem good enough tor me. In many tilings we have not reached perfection yet, I know. We go too fast in many ways, in some perhaps too slow. But searcn the country far and wide, fiom Maine to Tennessee, You'll find no better town than this. It's good enough for me. The men and women, young and old, are helpful, day by day, A thousand children, bright as gold, make glad our toilsome way. A poor return my service is, whatever it may be. For all tbe blessings Athol gives. She's good enough for me. Deacidified using the Bookkeeper proc Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: Sept. 2009 PreservationTechnologi A WORLD LEADER IN CDLLECTIDNS PRESERVA 111 Thomson Park Dnve Cranberry Township. PA 16066 (724)779-2111 LEAVES FROM THE SIGNAL EL^ immimmi , 015 929 033 5 _W