Connecticut western news., 1898-06-30
GREAT HARRINGTON.

The unexpected death of Dr William II. Parks at the house of his SOD, Dr Harry Parks. in Reading, Mass, last week Tuesday causes general regret among his old friends in this town, where he was prominent resident for over 10 years. The doctor. though not feeling very we'll. was around until the morning of kis death. That morning, not appearing, he was found dead h bed Dr Parks, who was skillful prac- titioner both in medicine and surgery, was born at Poultaey, Vt, about 10 years ago. When about 25 years of age he came to this village and it is just 50 years ago this month since he became connected with the drug store of J. B. & J. N. House, which was established in 1S46 The same store has been con- tiuued till the present time, and though there has been several proprietors, 1t IS now at the original location in the Ma haiwe block, under the management of G. w. Platt. In February. 1S49, Dr Parks bought out the interests of J. B. and J. N. House and with the exception of brief period, when the business was conducted by A. T. Bryan. the doctor carried on the drug trade in town for over Q quarter of century, when he was succeeded by Richard b. Morgan, who had been long time clerk. Dur ing his residence in this village Dr Parks vas aD officer and treasurer of the Epls- copal Church. In 1S71-2 he was on the board of school committee and In 1S74-5 was one of the assessors. He built the brick block on Main street where the savings bank is located and for l5 years was treasurer of the bank. He was the first to bring up the subject of intro ducipg water from East Mountain into this village, and though his plan of rais- ing money by the issue of bonds failed because of opposition. yet in two or three years stock company was formed and the water was brought in. The first wife of Dr Parks was a daughter of Si- las Sprague, in his day large property owner in town. She died several years ago and Dr Parks married for Lis second wife Ella Timlew, who is also deceased The subject of this sketch is survived by son, Dr Harry Parks. and a daugh- ter, Edith. who Is married to a Mir Hotchkiss, New York lawyer. Five grandchildren also survive him. The body of Dr Parks was brought here last Thursday and buried In the Mahaiwe cemetery.
 A Children's Day service was con- ducted at the A. MI E Zion church Sunday with sermon by the pastor, Rev J. H. Young, In the evening the Sun- day school gave service of sacred songs and recitations
 The graduation exercises of the High ,ol, ol akk kl,ok l11l -. were of a rather higher order than usual. Music was furnished by Baldwin's or chestra. The graduating class comprised 13 girls and eight boys. The program was as follows: Essay, Queen Victoria and English Life. Nellie E. Baker; Rec itation. The Legend of the Beautiful, Jessie K Pendlebury; Essay, The Pur- pose of Education, Edith V. Warner; Essay. Bits of Berkshire, Clara E. Mi coli; Class History, Charles H. Holmes; Class Prophecy, Mary NJ. Waldron; Es- say, Concentrated Attention, Louise s. Steinwsy; Recitation, The Famine, Elm. ma F. Rounds; Grafton, Cuba, John M. Dellea. The diplomas were presented by Rev Dr Hartley of the board of school committee. Sanford l.. Cutler, principal of the school, together with his assistant, Miss Dresser, and Rev NJ. B Snyder were seated on the platform during the exercises. As Sanford l.. Cutler, principal of the High school for five years, is to be superseded by an- other teacher farewell reception was given him at the town hall Tuesday evening
 The marriage of Myron Cleveland of Clayton and Miss Emma Dewey of this village is expected to occur today at her home on Church street.
 The monthly reception of the Thurs day morning club will be given this evening from 30 to 10 o'clock.
 Though the gospel meetings on Rail- road street are to be continued and though the attendance outside the door is greater than in the room, we have not heard of the conversion of any drunkard or hqnor seller on that street We cer- tainly hope for 8 general reformation as a result of these meetings.