New Britain herald., 1925-06-25

today is noticed in the river. About 30 years ago the river was used as a swimming pool and was very beautiful and clean river, The swimming pool was about where the Chemical company is today. Fishing was also enjoyed in the river. and especially was shad fish ing enjoyed. Shad at that time sold for l5c, 200 and 25c apiece.
 Only One Church
 East Berlin boasted of only one church in 1892, namely, the Methodist church which stood on the site of the present church. but was much smaller. The Episcopal and Catholic churches were built a little later.
 There was also barber shop conducted by Phil Lotz. which got the overflow of checker players from the store, which was run then by Lewis Wescott. Clark's hall was the center of attraction where all the entertainments, dances, etc, were held. Athletic hall was not built at that time.
 "Clark's Hall later became a pill factory and the town had two doc tors practicing and residing here. The voting was always done in the basement Of the pill factory. The post office was originally where it is today, but later was moved into the main store of Mir. Westcott.
 Two other public places were the meat market run by Charles Wood ward and the store and refreshment l place run by Jack Welch," said the speaker, "The meat market is still l standing, but is not used. Jack Welch's store was loacted in the building now occupied by P. Holi- ' gan and family. The older residents of the town will well remember the meat market for it's premium in- ducements to buyers.
 East Berlin has a great many more houses today than it had 5C 1 years ago. Wilcox avenue was jus, building up and was considered the 1 Fifth avenue Of the town, whereor resided the elite, such as the draughtsmen, template makers, of. ficers. in other words it was tht aristocratic section. The beautiful maple trees which line the street 10, day were set out about this time.
 Big Indian Massacre.
 July 1. 1893, was a great even
 for East Berlin. There was grea
 deal Of talent in the town and tho townsmen got together and put on { regular wild west, Indian celebra
 ton. The grove made an ideal set
 ting for such an event. As the Epis
 copal church was not built then, tha
 was all wood too, They built cabil
 in the center and had white peoplt
 living there. Then they had Indian
 come out of the woods and attacl
 them, burning thoir cabin to th,
 ground, after which the Indians hat
 10 be driven back again. This even
 nearly proved fatal. when one of th
 actors came within a hair'6 breadtI
 Of getting killed. At night they ha,
 wonderful display Of fireworks il
 the open lot in back of the store. "A little might be said Of the peo pie Of East Berlin al that time. The
 were very much like they are today
 only they were Of greater extremes
 There were all types Of people, where as today they are more of the cam
 class. They were divided into si groups, First, few Of the natiN | settlers. R. O. Clark being one C these. It was understood among th people that anyone who couldn't g
 a job in the Bridge Shop or an! where else might go 10 R. o. Clar 7 and he would give them a job. Tn l five other groups were as follow r the office force, toremen, mechanic ' common laborers and last but n' 7 least the tramps Ii is said that theI ] isn't one tramp In the country to1i | who can't say that he hasn't worl = cd al least one week in the BridI !. Shop Of East Berlin"
 3 The town had one school consis t ing Of one large room and small,
 room. said Professor Berson. Tn l school stood in the woods on q !, back road 10 Berlin and has recen Y ly been fixed over into a dwellil : house and is at present occupied l n Frank Aspinwsll and family. Pc c hsps the best remembered teache
 in the school are Mrs. Andrews, vi g StiA iveS here, MiAE Williams q