Lee Historical Society
Newsletter
Vol. 8, No. 9
September 2011
Lee Historical Society, Inc.
Crossway Tower
P. O. Box 170
Lee, MA 01238
Visit us: www.leehistoricsociety.homestead.com
Contact us: Lee_Hist_Soc@msn.com
Well, here we are, entering September and the Autumn Season. I shudder to think what comes next! September will be a very busy month for the Lee Historical Society. First, we will be having our monthly meeting on Thursday, September 8th, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Hyde Meeting Room at Crossway Tower. This will strictly be a business meeting and all members are urged to attend.
We will be discussing what the Society will be doing on Founders’ Day Weekend and who will be setting up and manning our booth. Our booth will again be on the south side of Memorial Hall on Friday afternoon and evening and all day Saturday (if Mother Nature cooperates). Secondly, we will be accepting nominations for Board Members for the upcoming October Annual Meeting election. If anyone wishes to become a board member or an officer, please let your intentions be known at or before the September meeting. We will also finalizing the November “Calendar Raffle”. Again this year, the society has collected a bunch of great prizes from generous area businesses that will be raffled away on each day of November. We will have tickets available at our Founders’ Day booth for $10.00 each.
At the booth we will also have all of our for sale items on display. We have the new 2011 Commemorative Mug of Hyde School and our new picture note cards with envelopes that people can send to their friends and relatives. There are five different scenes of Lee with envelopes priced at $5.00 a packet. Where can you get a card to send for $1.00? Not mentioning the scene of historical Lee. We will also have membership forms if anyone would like to become a new member. Anyone signing up now, becomes a member for the remainder of 2011 and all of 2012.
Carol Nadeau of Saugus, Massachusetts has supplied us with another article that she has come up with from the Ninth Report of the Free Public Library Commission of Massachusetts. This brings us back to the time when the Lee Library was located in Memorial Hall. The article reads as follows:
LEE
The Lee Public Library was founded in 1874, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Gale, at the time pastor of the Congregational Church, $3,000.00 being raised for the purpose by private subscription. Two commodious rooms were set apart for its use in the new building erected for town purposes and, as a memorial to the soldiers of the town who fell in the Civil War, called Memorial Hall. The largest donors to the original fund were Hon. Harrison Garfield, Hon. Elizur Smith of Lee and Edward N. Gibbs of Norwich, Conn. The number of volumes at the beginning was about 3,000. The Library Association was organized under the Acts of 1872, and has exclusive control of the library. With the exception of a fund of $500.00 received by bequest, and occasional and small donations, it is supported wholly by taxation, the amount appropriated yearly of late being $300.00 and the dog tax, a total of about $465.00.
The library is wholly free to all inhabitants of the town and is growing in use every year. The number of library cards now out is 1,000, and the number of books given out each library day averages about 100. The needs of the young are specially consulted in the purchase of books, and special privileges in the library are given to the teachers and pupils of our public schools. Two full catalogs have been printed, the second one a few months ago, and new purchases are at once bulletined for the information of the patrons of the library. The rooms are open twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 to 5 and from 7 to 9 p.m. The present officers of the Library Association are as follows; president, Rev. L. S. Roland; vice-president, Abner Rice; secretary; Augustus R. Smith; treasurer, John L. Kilbon. The present librarian is Miss Isabella D. Bassett. The cost of the administration is something over $200.00.
Population, 1895, 4,066; valuation, $1,814,415.00; volumes, 1898, 5,150; circulation 9,000.
Sounds like our Lee Library has always been a special place to visit!
The Lee Historical Society is looking for people that might have pictures or postcards of Lee that we might be able to scan or copy for displays around the town. We now have a place in Crossway Tower where we can hang pictures for all to see.
We are still arranging our new room to use for business and to display items of Lee. We would again thank all the people that made this room available to us.
If you have a story or article about Lee that you would like to see printed, send it to us. Maybe you have a question about Lee that you would like answered or an ancestor that you are searching for, we might be able to help. Let us also know if there is a certain subject that you would be interested in us writing about. We are all interested in learning about the history of our little town. If anyone has an idea about a topic or a speaker they might enjoy hearing, let us know.
Recollections X
By U. S. Navy Retired Commander Vic Mottarella,
A native of Lee
(Continued from the August -11 issue)
Back Aboard Ship
Prior to every cruise aboard a carrier the Navy always prepared us by scheduling several Field Carrier Landing Practice flights. Since I now had to re-qualify in both the Hellcat as well as the Bearcat I was pretty busy for a few days. Otis Air Force Base was used in preparation for the next cruise. The cruise would take us to Guantanamo Bay for fleet exercises. After successfully completing the landings on the field I made eight carrier landings on April 13, 1948. Six of these were in the Hellcat with two in the Bearcat. I presume more were required in the Hellcat because I had not made any in this aircraft since qualifying on the USS Ranger in 1946. Eight carrier landings are the most that I have ever made in one day.
Lost at Sea
We had been at sea for about two weeks when I was assigned a Hellcat mission with Lt. Junior Grade Jim Dillingham. We were both catapulted and the flight proceeded without incident for the first half hour. The Combat Information Center (CIC) that was controlling our flight from the carrier ordered us to climb to thirty thousand feet. Since we were under positive radar control with limited visibility and had executed numerous turns I had no idea where the ship was. At this point it was not all that important.
I looked at my oxygen supply and noticed that it was almost empty. I reported my situation to the controller and he ordered me to detach from my section leader and return to the ship alone. The controller gave me a course and distance to the ship. I followed the given course but with marginal visibility and many cumulous clouds en route I became concerned. At this point I lost all communications with my VHF (Very High Frequency) radio. Since VHF requires line of sight communications I climbed to ten thousand feet but this did not help to re-establish communications. I discovered another problem. A crude and primitive low frequency electronic homing device (also referred to as a homing beacon) was not functioning. This device transmitted coded letters in fifteen-degree sectors from the ship to a receiver in the aircraft. Each sector was assigned a different letter. The code was changed periodically so you had to be sure the updated code was readily available. When this device was working properly you could use it to eventually find your way back to the ship. I did not know if the problem concerned my receiver or the ship’s transmitter.
After a period of time I knew I had passed the distance that had been provided me with no ship in sight. I reverted to a search plan that had been learned in cadet training called an expanded square search. This involved making periodic ninety-degree turns. It turned out to be an exercise in futility. My thoughts then turned to the location of Guantanamo Bay. After thinking it over I was pretty sure I was somewhere south of the island of Cuba. I had looked at the maps and knew that Guantanamo was somewhere near the Southeast part of the island while the city of Santiago was further west. Fuel was not a problem since I had a full belly tank. I finally decided to fly due north until I found the island and then fly west. If I found the island with this plan I knew I could find Guantanamo or the city of Santiago. If I located Santiago I would reverse course and fly east until finding Guantanamo.
After flying north for some time I saw the outline of the coastline through the haze and mist. After intercepting the coastline I headed west and finally saw a large city. I knew it had to be Santiago. I reversed course and about twenty minutes later spotted Guantanamo Bay. It was at about this time that I started picking up coded letters from the antique homing device mentioned earlier. I concluded that my receiver had been working all along and that the ship’s transmitter for the homing device had been inoperative. They must have repaired it. I then had a big decision to make – do I try to find the ship or do I land at Guantanamo? As a young inexperienced Ensign I concluded that I would be in less trouble if I returned to the ship so I took up a heading in conformance with the coded letters I was receiving. After about twenty-five minutes I spotted the ship through the haze.
Since my VHF radio was inoperative I flew along side the ship to indicate my presence. The ship immediately turned into the wind and I made a normal carrier landing. Upon shutting down the engine I heard over the ship’s loudspeaker – “the Hellcat pilot who just landed report to the Admiral’s bridge”. I did as I was told. There I found Duke Windsor, the Ship’s Air Officer as well as the Admiral. I really expected to be chewed out but the Admiral only wanted to know all the circumstances surrounding my being lost. I made a strong point about the ship’s malfunctioning homing beacon. I suppose I was a little over defensive and raised my voice more than I should have. Duke Windsor told me to cool it.
No one questioned the fact that my difficulties stemmed from the defective VHF radio in the Hellcat and the transmitter on the ship’s homing beacon. After hearing all sides the Admiral concluded that never again would aircraft be separated with less than a two-plane formation. I have never since observed this doctrine being violated in all the carrier flying performed since. While talking to the Admiral and others I learned that several planes had been sent out looking for me but I beat them all back. It sure was lonesome out there for well over three hours. From that point on I tried to be better prepared to take care of unforeseen circumstances.
The Culebra Strike and the Photo Mission
On May 6, 1948 our squadron participated in Fleet exercises where we made a strike on the Island of Culebra located very close to Porto Rico. I don’t remember many details concerning this mission but my logbook shows my flying the Bearcat and delivering six rockets and a full load of twenty-millimeter cannon ammo in the target area. Later on the same day I flew the Hellcat on a photo mission with Jim Dillingham. We would be airborne for over three hours but it would not be a problem since we had a full load of fuel aboard including a full belly tank. Our mission was to take photos of the city of San Juan, Porto Rico.
After taking the pictures I knew we would still be in the air for another two hours and things got a little boring. I decided it was time for a little horseplay. I gradually turned in full left rudder trim tab while at the same time turned in most of the right aileron trim tab. This allowed the plane to fly straight but with the wings slanted about thirty degrees to the right. I was flying in close formation on Dillingham’s left wing. When Dillingham looked over at me it startled him because it looked like I was turning into him. That was my intention!
We were flying at grossly reduced power and at a very slow speed to conserve fuel so I came up with another great idea! I opened the canopy and after some difficulty was able to lift my right foot outside the plane while flying in close formation. I never did anything like that again but it helped to kill time and it was fun. I enjoyed seeing the expression on Dillingham’s face as well as his reactions. It made great conversation with my squadron mates upon landing aboard the Kearsarge. This was one of the last flights before we returned to Quonset Point for a very short stay.
The Flying Midshipmen
Sometime during the year 1947 the Navy started a new program in which Naval Aviators started their flight training as Midshipmen but not until they had completed two years of college. Those who successfully completed the program were designated Naval Aviators but would not be commissioned as Ensigns until they served for eighteen months in an operational squadron. As I recall three Midshipmen joined our squadron during 1948. The first two joined early in the year. Their names were Lee Nelson and Frank Sheffield.
A few months later Jesse Brown joined the squadron aboard the Kearsarge in the Mediterranean. Jesse Brown was the first black Naval Aviator. Prior to his coming aboard I remember Duke Windsor’s briefing concerning making it as easy as possible for Jesse, since he was the only black aviator in the Navy. Sadly to say, two of the three former Midshipmen were later killed in aircraft accidents. Frank was killed on takeoff in a Grumman Cougar and Jesse was shot down during a mission in a Corsair in support of the Marines near the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War. LTJG Tom Hudner crash landed his plane and tried to rescue him but with negative results. For his efforts Tom was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Truman. Jesse’s wife christened the USS Jesse Brown (a frigate) a few years later. The ship served in the Navy for many years and later was donated to the country of Egypt.
(Continued to the October –11 issue)
The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum, in conjunction with Housatonic Heritage, will be offering the first “Paper Trail by Train” excursion leaving Lenox Station at 4:45 on September 17th,
The journey will cover the industries along the “Berkshire Line” between Lenox and Stockbridge. These industries include paper mills in Lenox Dale, Lee, and South Lee, the iron furnace and glass works in Lenox Dale, and the former Lee Lime.
Narrative on each of the sites will be presented by speakers on the train. At Stockbridge Station, Judith Monachina of Housatonic Heritage will moderate a panel of paper industry experts on the past and future of the paper industry in Lee.
The $25.00 ticket price includes the train ride, a light box dinner of wraps, beverage, and salad; and dessert and coffee at Stockbridge Station. (As an option, passengers can bring their own picnic for $20.00). Seating will limited to 75 passengers. Order tickets at www,berkshirescenicrailroad.org.
The Lee Historical Society has the following items for sale. Any one of these would make a great gift for an out of town friend or relative.
(1.)
Picture Packet – Six, 8” x 10” colored prints of “Old Lee” for $10.00 each or 3 packets for $25.00, plus $2.50 if they need to be shipped.
Picture Packet – Six, 8” x 10” colored prints of “Old Lee” for $10.00 each or 3 packets for $25.00, plus $2.50 if they need to be shipped.(2.)Refrigerator magnets – (approx. 2” x 3”). Three are of old street scenes from the early 1900’s and one is an “Entering Lee” replica sign. They are $3.00 each or buy all four for $10.00 with no shipping charges.
Refrigerator magnets – (approx. 2” x 3”). Three are of old street scenes from the early 1900’s and one is an “Entering Lee” replica sign. They are $3.00 each or buy all four for $10.00 with no shipping charges.(3.)Cookbook – “Boiling Water” – a 400 recipe cookbook, put together by the ladies of the society for $10.00, plus $3.50 if shipped.
Cookbook – “Boiling Water” – a 400 recipe cookbook, put together by the ladies of the society for $10.00, plus $3.50 if shipped.(4.)“Historical Lee” – a tribute to the late Betty Dennis. A seventy-three page book containing the articles that Betty wrote between April 1971 and August 1977 that appeared in the Penny Saver. Price is $10.00, plus $2.50 if shipped.
“Historical Lee” – a tribute to the late Betty Dennis. A seventy-three page book containing the articles that Betty wrote between April 1971 and August 1977 that appeared in the Penny Saver. Price is $10.00, plus $2.50 if shipped.(5.)“Third Strike”- a book, the last of three written by Ralph W. Smith that was published in 1984. It contains stories of people and tales of earlier days in Lee. The price is $15.00, plus $2.50 if shipped.
“Third Strike”- a book, the last of three written by Ralph W. Smith that was published in 1984. It contains stories of people and tales of earlier days in Lee. The price is $15.00, plus $2.50 if shipped.(6.)Commemorative Mugs;
Commemorative Mugs;(a.)A 2008, #1 in our series, mug with a replica of Memorial Hall embossed on the side.
A 2008, #1 in our series, mug with a replica of Memorial Hall embossed on the side.(b.)A 2009, #2 in our series, mug with a replica of Central Fire Station embossed on the side.
A 2009, #2 in our series, mug with a replica of Central Fire Station embossed on the side.(c.)A 2010, #3 in our series, mug with a replica of the Lee Library embossed on the side.
A 2010, #3 in our series, mug with a replica of the Lee Library embossed on the side. These mugs can be purchased for $10.00 each, plus $3.00 shipping or two
mugs for $18.00 and $5.00 shipping or all three mugs for $27.00 and $7.00 for
shipping.
Please send me (amount) ______________of (item/items) __________________________
Enclosed is my check for (no cash please)______________________________________
Name_____________________________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________________________
City_________________________State_______________Zip________________________
Mail to:
Lee Historical Society
P. O. Box 170
Lee, MA 01238
Officers of the Lee Historical Society for the year of 2011
President – Gary W. Allen – 413-243-2140 or garywallen@earthlink.net
Vice- President – Open Office
Treasurer – Mal Eckert – 413-243-1797 or MalEckert@msn.com
Secretary – Bambi Johndrow – 413-243-2845 or disdeer62@netzero.net
Board of Directors of the Lee Historical Society
Mary Morrissey/2011Josh Hall/2011Peg Biron/2011
Josh Hall/2011Peg Biron/2011Matt MacNayr/2011JoAnn Zarnoch/2012Maria Hopkins/2012
JoAnn Zarnoch/2012Maria Hopkins/2012Robert Kelly/2012Ethel Noonan/2013Annette Perilli/2013Dolores Eckert/2013
Immediate-Past President and Board Member – Stephen Cozzaglio
Society Historian – Charlotte Davis
Newsletter Editor – Mal Eckert
Please support our “Business Members” that support us.
Bartini Roofing CompanyBen’s ShopCharles Flint Antiques
Ben’s ShopCharles Flint Antiques290 Pleasant Street68 Main Street52 Housatonic Street
68 Main Street52 Housatonic StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lenox, MA 01240
Lee, MA 01238Lenox, MA 01240Karen Keenan Gifts & HomeQuality PlusLocker Room Sports Pub
Quality PlusLocker Room Sports Pub151 Main Street260 Chestnut Street232 Main Street
260 Chestnut Street232 Main StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Frank Consolati Ins. AgencyPaperdilly, Inc.Dresser Hull Company
Paperdilly, Inc.Dresser Hull Company71 Main Street74 Main Street60 Railroad Street
74 Main Street60 Railroad StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Robert M. Kelly, PaperhangingKelly Funeral HomeThe Jonathon Foote 1778 House
Kelly Funeral HomeThe Jonathon Foote 1778 HouseSouth Prospect Street3 Main Street1 East Street
3 Main Street1 East StreetLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Monk’s Professional Barber ShopLee BankDevonfield Inn
Lee BankDevonfield Inn91 Main Street75 Park Street85 Stockbridge Road
75 Park Street85 Stockbridge RoadLee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238
Lee, MA 01238Lee, MA 01238Hunter & Graziano P. C.l
l10 Park Place
Lee, MA 01238
How about becoming a member to help support our Society? Do you have an out of town friend or relative that might enjoy our newsletters? Sign him/her up as a member.
Student Membership - $5.00Senior Membership (one person over the age of 65) - $5.00
Senior Membership (one person over the age of 65) - $5.00Business Membership - $25.00Individual Membership (one person under the age of 65) - $10.00
Individual Membership (one person under the age of 65) - $10.00Family Membership (All members of one family living at home) - $15.00
Please circle one:Student Senior Individual Family Business/Corporate
Student Senior Individual Family Business/CorporateName_______________________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________
City____________________________State__________________Zip____________________
Telephone____________________Email___________________________________________
Is this a renewal membership?__________
Would you be interested in serving on a committee? __________
Or helping out at one of our fundraisers? ____________________
Lee Historical Society
P. O. Box 170
Lee, MA 01238
