Historical Farmington.....by Twink Osgood
FARMINGTON GAS COMPANY
April 1886. The Farmington Gas Co. has been recently formed here forthe introduction of gas into our dwellings, factories, stores and upon our streets. A portion of the pipe has been ordered, work will beginas soon as the frost is out of the ground.
August 1886. After a long delay, from various causes, operations fi-nally began upon the gas works. A large force is at work and mattersare being pushed. The plant is located at the lower end of Hancock St.,where the Company purchases a three acre strip. The work consists of an office, 18'X 28', and adjoining is the retort house, 20' X 22'. Both buildings are of brick, a story and a half high. In the rear will be a gas holder, of circular from, 3^ feet in diameter.
September 1886. Dr. R. B. Foss & Co.'s Store was the first to be litwith the new gas, and attracted a great deal of attention. During thesame evening, Emerson & Garland's Drug Store and Carleton & Bennett'sClothing Store were illuminated with gas and gave excellent satisfac-
tion.
April 1887. Mr. Averill is now in charge of our Gas Works. He builtthe Gas Works in Concord more than thirty years ago and also at Gard-iner, Maine. For many years, he has been in charge of the works in Do-ver, N.H. We are indeed fortunate in having the service of such a man.
Within the next year our street lights, to the number of sixteen, willbe changed from kerosene to gas lights, and other lights will be added as the gas mains are extended.
Wood is the fuel for operating the gas works and some of
supplied the necessary means to keep the Works working.
In the fall of 1893, gas was put in the Drew Hosiery Mill (on theof the former Mooney's Mill) and more lights are being put in toplace the old lamps.November 12, 1987. The
las Light Co. is con- *sidering running apipe from near the de-pot to their gas house to conduct oil through instead of trucking it.
February 10, 1899, The new lamp in front of Pythian Hall was piped for gas this week.
In the fall of 1903, a change in the manu-facture of gas took place. The Gas Co. purchased gas generators for making acetylene gas. These generators were set up and after (continued next page)
Farmington Gas Co., continued
some arrangements were made at the plant, the making of new gas was be-gun. Anyone using the new gas had to buy a new burner as the old ones could not be used.
January 22, 190^. The Cloutman Electric Plant furnished its first e-lectricity this week for use in the Cloutman factory and for lighting .As late as April 190^, a new gas light was placed on the drinking foun-tain on the Square.
Because of its convenience, efficiency and costs of electricity, the use of gas came to be used less and less. In the spring of 1908, theFarmington Gas Light Company wnet into recievership.
At Osgood Pharmacy today there is evidence of the use of gas for light-ing. If you look at the metal ceiling you can see a metal plate in thecenter of which is a rubber stopper that was used to plug the gas line. The stopper is covered with many coats of paints
These photos are stored together. They are from different periods of time. Last pulled together for possible use in August 1986.
FHS-Kyle Leach
Historical Farmington.....by Twink Osgood
FARMINGTON GAS COMPANY
April 1886. The Farmington Gas Co. has been recently formed here forthe introduction of gas into our dwellings, factories, stores and upon our streets. A portion of the pipe has been ordered, work will beginas soon as the frost is out of the ground.
August 1886. After a long delay, from various causes, operations fi-nally began upon the gas works. A large force is at work and mattersare being pushed. The plant is located at the lower end of Hancock St.,where the Company purchases a three acre strip. The work consists of an office, 18'X 28', and adjoining is the retort house, 20' X 22'. Both buildings are of brick, a story and a half high. In the rear will be a gas holder, of circular from, 3^ feet in diameter.
September 1886. Dr. R. B. Foss & Co.'s Store was the first to be litwith the new gas, and attracted a great deal of attention. During thesame evening, Emerson & Garland's Drug Store and Carleton & Bennett'sClothing Store were illuminated with gas and gave excellent satisfac-
tion.
April 1887. Mr. Averill is now in charge of our Gas Works. He builtthe Gas Works in Concord more than thirty years ago and also at Gard-iner, Maine. For many years, he has been in charge of the works in Do-ver, N.H. We are indeed fortunate in having the service of such a man.
Within the next year our street lights, to the number of sixteen, willbe changed from kerosene to gas lights, and other lights will be added as the gas mains are extended.
Wood is the fuel for operating the gas works and some of
supplied the necessary means to keep the Works working.
In the fall of 1893, gas was put in the Drew Hosiery Mill (on theof the former Mooney's Mill) and more lights are being put in toplace the old lamps.November 12, 1987. The
las Light Co. is con- *sidering running apipe from near the de-pot to their gas house to conduct oil through instead of trucking it.
February 10, 1899, The new lamp in front of Pythian Hall was piped for gas this week.
In the fall of 1903, a change in the manu-facture of gas took place. The Gas Co. purchased gas generators for making acetylene gas. These generators were set up and after (continued next page)
Farmington Gas Co., continued
some arrangements were made at the plant, the making of new gas was be-gun. Anyone using the new gas had to buy a new burner as the old ones could not be used.
January 22, 190^. The Cloutman Electric Plant furnished its first e-lectricity this week for use in the Cloutman factory and for lighting .As late as April 190^, a new gas light was placed on the drinking foun-tain on the Square.
Because of its convenience, efficiency and costs of electricity, the use of gas came to be used less and less. In the spring of 1908, theFarmington Gas Light Company wnet into recievership.
At Osgood Pharmacy today there is evidence of the use of gas for light-ing. If you look at the metal ceiling you can see a metal plate in thecenter of which is a rubber stopper that was used to plug the gas line. The stopper is covered with many coats of paints
These photos are stored together. They are from different periods of time. Last pulled together for possible use in August 1986.
FHS-Kyle Leach
A digital copy of a VHS video recording of a basic, general Farmington History, from the 1800's up to the 1980's, as told by Alan Drew, Margory Drew, Twink Osgood, and Joe Bean. The recording was created by John Nolan and features not only those residents talking about town history from their perspective, but also a class of Farmington High school students asking them a few questions. The original video was found in the historical cabinet at the Goodwin Library by Director Tami LaRock. The VHS video was donated to the library, long ago, by Dottie Bean, the daughter of Joe Bean.
This is a digital file in the collection. To view the video you will need to make an appointment to view this file.
FHS-Kyle Leach
Born in Athol, MA on May 26, 1931, he was the seventh child of Louis and Gertrude (Ward) Marble.
A graduate of Athol High School, he earned his degree in pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston in 1954. Married that same year to Shirley Cone, also of Athol, he served in the US Army for three years, being stationed for a time in Germany. After leaving the Army he continued to serve in the reserve and formally began his career as a pharmacist. The young couple moved to Manchester, NH, and Donald worked for a pharmaceutical wholesale company where he had the opportunity to work in pharmacies across the state filling in for owners on vacation. It was through this experience that he met Wilfred (Twink) Osgood in Farmington, NH, and in 1965 he joined Mr. Osgood as a partner in Osgood’s Pharmacy and ultimately became its sole proprietor. Donald served the town of Farmington for fifty-three years as a respected member of the business community, as a deacon and a warden at the First Congregational Church, as a member of the local Kiwanis chapter, and in supporting various causes through the pharmacy. For twenty-five years he managed the Interfaith Food Pantry overseeing food pickups, distribution days, and the keeping of financial records for the organization.
An avid skier, he took advantage of the ski areas in NH, primarily Gunstock, and in the summers, he took his family to cottages at Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham, NH, and Wells Beach, ME. The family found time to visit the numerous attractions and historical sites of New England, and enjoyed travelling to see family members in Maine, Massachusetts, and Ohio. As their children grew, he and Shirley visited them as they moved across the country. Always known for his quick smile, helping hands, patient demeanor, and generosity, Donald moved to Bedford Falls Care Facility in 2018.
His ability to interact with anyone was a gift that graced the lives of many for his empathy had no bounds. Though he did not suffer fools, he always sought to understand them, and he looked for the good in everyone. He was a servant leader long before the term was poplar for his goal in life was to care for his family and his fellow man. His word was as good as gold, and he could find humor in almost every situation –some of which he instigated! That twinkle in his eye now lights a star in heaven.
He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents Louis and Gertrude, and his siblings: Kingsley, Henry (Ward), Kathryn, Jane, Robert, and Richard. He is survived by his children Lyndon and Janice Marble of Manchester, NH; Dwight and Sharon Marble of Rochester, NY; Scott and Holly Marble of Colorado Springs, CO; Laura and Keith Lambert of Portland, OR; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nine nieces and nephews, more than twenty grand nieces and nephews, and numerous great grand nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be Thursday, December 7, 2023, 5:00pm-7:00pm at Peaslee Funeral Home in Farmington, NH. A funeral service will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, 1:00pm at First Congregational Church of Farmington. A graveside service will take place Saturday, December 9, 2023, 11:00am at Jones Cemetery in Orange, MA.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the First Congregational Church of Farmington in Donald’s honor.
This is a digital file and does not reside in the physical museum collection.
FHS- Kyle Leach
Born in Athol, MA on May 26, 1931, he was the seventh child of Louis and Gertrude (Ward) Marble.
A graduate of Athol High School, he earned his degree in pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston in 1954. Married that same year to Shirley Cone, also of Athol, he served in the US Army for three years, being stationed for a time in Germany. After leaving the Army he continued to serve in the reserve and formally began his career as a pharmacist. The young couple moved to Manchester, NH, and Donald worked for a pharmaceutical wholesale company where he had the opportunity to work in pharmacies across the state filling in for owners on vacation. It was through this experience that he met Wilfred (Twink) Osgood in Farmington, NH, and in 1965 he joined Mr. Osgood as a partner in Osgood’s Pharmacy and ultimately became its sole proprietor. Donald served the town of Farmington for fifty-three years as a respected member of the business community, as a deacon and a warden at the First Congregational Church, as a member of the local Kiwanis chapter, and in supporting various causes through the pharmacy. For twenty-five years he managed the Interfaith Food Pantry overseeing food pickups, distribution days, and the keeping of financial records for the organization.
An avid skier, he took advantage of the ski areas in NH, primarily Gunstock, and in the summers, he took his family to cottages at Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham, NH, and Wells Beach, ME. The family found time to visit the numerous attractions and historical sites of New England, and enjoyed travelling to see family members in Maine, Massachusetts, and Ohio. As their children grew, he and Shirley visited them as they moved across the country. Always known for his quick smile, helping hands, patient demeanor, and generosity, Donald moved to Bedford Falls Care Facility in 2018.
His ability to interact with anyone was a gift that graced the lives of many for his empathy had no bounds. Though he did not suffer fools, he always sought to understand them, and he looked for the good in everyone. He was a servant leader long before the term was poplar for his goal in life was to care for his family and his fellow man. His word was as good as gold, and he could find humor in almost every situation –some of which he instigated! That twinkle in his eye now lights a star in heaven.
He is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his parents Louis and Gertrude, and his siblings: Kingsley, Henry (Ward), Kathryn, Jane, Robert, and Richard. He is survived by his children Lyndon and Janice Marble of Manchester, NH; Dwight and Sharon Marble of Rochester, NY; Scott and Holly Marble of Colorado Springs, CO; Laura and Keith Lambert of Portland, OR; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nine nieces and nephews, more than twenty grand nieces and nephews, and numerous great grand nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be Thursday, December 7, 2023, 5:00pm-7:00pm at Peaslee Funeral Home in Farmington, NH. A funeral service will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, 1:00pm at First Congregational Church of Farmington. A graveside service will take place Saturday, December 9, 2023, 11:00am at Jones Cemetery in Orange, MA.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the First Congregational Church of Farmington in Donald’s honor.
This is a digital file and does not reside in the physical museum collection.
FHS- Kyle Leach