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.

Outline

Charles Baxter discussed his family’s involvement in the soapstone and lumbering trades in North Dana, Massachusetts. His grandfather, the superintendent of a soapstone plant, later bought it. Baxter recounted his early work experiences, including driving oxen and operating a sawmill. He detailed the decline of the soapstone business and the impact of the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) on local timber operations. Baxter also shared personal anecdotes, such as his father’s drowning and his own experiences with local doctors during the 1918 flu pandemic. He reflected on the changes in the valley, including the introduction of electricity by Tony Mason and the relocation of residents after the MDC took over.

Soapstone Quarry and Family Business

• Audrey Duckert introduces the recording made on June 7, 1974, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Baxter in Orange, Massachusetts.
• Charles Baxter discusses his grandfather’s involvement in the soapstone quarry, which was later bought by Tony Mason, who introduced electric light to North Dana.
• Charles Baxter recounts the history of the soapstone quarry, including the involvement of various business partners and the eventual retirement of his grandfather.
• The soapstone business in North Dana is discussed, with Speaker 2 noting that every house had soapstone sinks.

Childhood Memories and Early Work Experiences

• Charles Baxter shares memories of his childhood in North Dana, including being cared for by his grandmother Jane Doubleday and attending school.
• At age 13, Speaker 2 was told he could no longer return to North Dana and had to stay in Athol.
• Charles Baxter describes his first job driving oxen for a farm, which ended when he was crowded into a mill pond by the oxen.
• He then worked in the Black Cat textile company in Bennington, Lamont, before returning home after his father’s death.

Lumbering Trade and Family Business Expansion

• Charles Baxter discusses his work in the box shop, making wooden cases for paper products, and driving a four-horse team to haul lumber.
• He describes his transition to the lumbering trade, starting with a portable mill at age 20 and eventually operating multiple mills in New Hampshire and Maine.
• Charles Baxter details the process of cutting and drying lumber, including the use of drag sleds and the evolution of sawmill equipment.
• He reflects on the changes in the lumbering industry, including the introduction of chainsaws and the decline in timber availability.

Impact of the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC)

• Charles Baxter discusses the impact of the MDC taking over the land in the valley, including the schedule for land clearing and the purchase of stumpage.
• He recounts the arrival of the MDC and the subsequent operations of portable mills in the valley.
• Charles Baxter describes the process of buying stumpage from the MDC, including the different methods of pricing.
• He reflects on the decline of timber availability and the changes in the lumbering industry over time.

Community and Personal Stories

• Charles Baxter shares stories about the community in North Dana, including the involvement of various lumbermen and the operation of multiple mills.
• He discusses the impact of the MDC on the community, including the sale of properties and the relocation of residents.
• Charles Baxter recounts personal stories, including his experiences with local doctors and the impact of the 1918 flu epidemic.
• He reflects on the changes in the community over time, including the decline of local businesses and the impact of modern technology on the lumbering industry.

Historical Landmarks and Personal Reflections

• Charles Baxter discusses various historical landmarks in the valley, including the Mendel Hotel and the role of the Doubleday family.
• He reflects on the impact of the railroad on the community and the changes in transportation over time.
• Charles Baxter shares personal stories about his experiences with local doctors and the impact of the flu epidemic on the community.
• He discusses the changes in the community over time, including the decline of local businesses and the impact of modern technology on the lumbering industry.

Economic and Social Changes

• Charles Baxter discusses the economic and social changes in the valley, including the impact of the MDC on property values and the relocation of residents.
• He reflects on the changes in the lumbering industry, including the introduction of new technology and the decline in timber availability.
• Charles Baxter shares personal stories about his experiences with local businesses and the impact of the MDC on the community.
• He discusses the changes in the community over time, including the decline of local businesses and the impact of modern technology on the lumbering industry.

Personal Anecdotes and Community Stories

• Charles Baxter shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with local businesses and the impact of the MDC on the community.
• He discusses the changes in the lumbering industry, including the introduction of new technology and the decline in timber availability.
• Charles Baxter reflects on the impact of the MDC on property values and the relocation of residents.
• He shares personal stories about his experiences with local doctors and the impact of the flu epidemic on the community.

Final Reflections and Personal Stories

• Charles Baxter reflects on the changes in the community over time, including the decline of local businesses and the impact of modern technology on the lumbering industry.
• He shares personal stories about his experiences with local doctors and the impact of the flu epidemic on the community.
• Charles Baxter discusses the impact of the MDC on property values and the relocation of residents.
• He reflects on the changes in the lumbering industry, including the introduction of new technology and the decline in timber availability.