Concord Notes: Community Pride in 1884

Do you think the residents of Concord Township had community pride 140+ years ago? You bet they did. Here’s why:

“Concord is no mean place; it has citizens whose actions are exemplary and therefore worthy of note.

What town sent a list ”long enough, and strong enough” to prevent any license [liquor license for a tavern/bar] being granted? Concord.

Where will you find a town of this size which has two as good schools as the Maplewood Institute, with its native and foreign professors, and the Ward Academy which permits its pupils to only that number who can be thoroughly taught by two if the best teachers in the county [Dr. Benjamin F. Leggett and Sarah Shaw Leggett]? Concord is that town.

Where is the best roller skate in the country made? Rush Roller Skate Works, Concord.

Where is a mill and feed business compelled to run night and day within six months after its erection? Scott & Son’s, Concord.

Where is a creamery which failed in the hands of an association, run successfully by an individual [P.E. Sharpless company creamery in Ward]? Concord.

Where is the railroad compelled to put a new turnout to accommodate the increasing business? Concord.

Where is the town of this size that supports two Friends’ Meeting Houses, whose attendants are more highly thought of at home, and wherever known, than Concord?

Where is the church that pays its bills more promptly and whose members are always ready for any good work the rector suggests? St. John’s Church, Concord.

Where is a Tax Payers’ and Farmers’ Club which has correspondents in many parts of this country and Europe? Concord.

Where is a Literary Association, composed of some of the best talent in the neighborhood of all creeds, which has run regularly winter and summer for more than six years? St. John’s Literary Association, Concord.

Where are some of the best farmers in the country, too numerous to mention? Concord.

“Blood will tell,” and therefore Concord comes into prominence. Can any one object to Concord or its citizens being prominent especially as no one is injured by it?”

published in the Daily Local News

Monday, April 23, 1883, page 3.