Cutting ice 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.  Charles F. Merrill, Hopedale As I Found It, p. 3.     We are very much in need of a School-house and Chapel at Hopedale.  The Community 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 Rev. Adin Ballou, 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 Mendon, Mass., 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 "Jones Farm," 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. Charles F. Merrill, Hopedale As I Found It, p. 2.                           Short Stories Menu                              Back                               HOME