Voices of the Swift River Valley
This is a project to help make available the oral histories of the residents of the Swift River Valley at the time the Quabbin Reservoir was created. it is using the oral histories recorded in the 1970's by Audrey Duckert and that are available online from the UMass Library. The audio quality of the original recordings has been improved using an audio tool and an audiogram was generated. As such, while the recording was reviewed by a person, the audiogram may not necessarily be a perfect rendition of the conversation. Return to home page
This is an ongoing project and new recordings will be uploaded periodically.
Alice Twibell Phillips
Alice Twibel Phillips recounts her childhood in Smith’s, Massachusetts, where her father, James Twibel, worked in the woolen mill. She describes the town’s layout, including the Swift River and the Quabbin Reservoir. Alice shares memories of her family, including her siblings’ roles in the mill and their living conditions, such as using a backhouse for sanitation. She also recalls local personalities, like Lucy Reither and Marion Smith, and her experiences with spiritualism and seances. Alice reflects on her marriage, her husband’s service in World War I, and her life in Gilbertville, where she still resides.
Outline
Recollections of Life in Smith’s Valley
- Speaker 1 introduces the recording made on September 16, 1976, with Mrs. Alice Twibel Phillips in Gilbertville, Massachusetts.
- Speaker 2 and Mrs. Phillips discuss a picture of a mill, confirming it is not Smith’s mill.
- Mrs. Phillips mentions a grist mill in Enfield and recalls schooling in Enfield from Smith’s.
- Speaker 2 and Mrs. Phillips discuss Lucy Reither and Morgan Reither, noting their connection to Enfield.
Details of Smith’s Mill and Family Life
- Mrs. Phillips describes Smith’s mill, mentioning Marion Smith and the town’s layout.
- She recounts her family’s living conditions, including the lack of a toilet and the use of a backhouse.
- Mrs. Phillips shares memories of her siblings and their roles in the mill, including her brothers as weavers and her sisters as menders.
- She describes the Swift River Valley and the Quabbin Reservoir, noting the changes over time.
Community and Social Life in Smith’s
- Mrs. Phillips talks about the railroad station in Smith’s and the early railroad tracks from Springfield to Athol.
- She recalls the railroad station’s location and the local residents, including Mr. Gardner and Ralph Thayer.
- Mrs. Phillips shares stories about her father’s gardening and the family’s livestock, including pigs and chickens.
- She describes the community water source and the sale of their house to the state for the Quabbin Reservoir.
Personal Anecdotes and Family Stories
- Mrs. Phillips recounts her father’s emotional reaction to the sale of their house and the changes made by the state.
- She shares memories of playing in the water pump and her father’s drinking habits with Uncle Stewart.
- Mrs. Phillips discusses her brother’s pitching skills and her own baseball abilities.
- She describes the flooding of the valley and the current state of the area under the Quabbin Reservoir.
Spiritual and Social Activities
- Mrs. Phillips talks about her involvement in the Methodist Church choir and her experiences with spiritual activities.
- She recalls attending seances with Helen Beatrice Laughlin and Henry W. Smith, a spiritualist.
- Mrs. Phillips shares a prophecy about a red trunk in her attic and her family’s history in Ireland.
- She discusses her mother’s religious upbringing and her own experiences with prayer meetings and church activities.
Education and Work Experiences
- Mrs. Phillips recounts her education at Bay Path in Springfield and her subsequent job at the Travelers Insurance.
- She shares a story about her husband, Tom, and their early relationship, including his proposal.
- Mrs. Phillips discusses her work experiences and the challenges of balancing work and personal life.
- She reflects on her family’s support and the impact of her education on her career.
Community and Family Connections
- Mrs. Phillips talks about her connections to the local community, including her neighbors and their backgrounds.
- She shares stories about her family’s involvement in the mill and their relationships with other local families.
- Mrs. Phillips discusses her experiences with spiritual activities and the influence of spiritualism in the community.
- She reflects on her family’s history and the changes they experienced over time.
Personal Reflections and Anecdotes
- Mrs. Phillips shares personal anecdotes about her family, including her father’s strictness and her mother’s gentleness.
- She recounts her experiences with spiritual activities and the impact of spiritualism on her life.
- Mrs. Phillips discusses her family’s history and the challenges they faced, including the sale of their house.
- She reflects on her own experiences and the lessons she learned from her family and community.
Final Reflections and Family Stories
- Mrs. Phillips shares final reflections on her life, including her experiences with spiritual activities and her family’s history.
- She recounts stories about her father’s gardening and the family’s livestock, including the pigs and chickens.
- Mrs. Phillips discusses her involvement in the community and her experiences with local residents.
- She reflects on her family’s history and the changes they experienced over time, including the sale of their house and the impact of the Quabbin Reservoir.