A New Hope

We return to Hopedale Massachusetts to view another Statue of Hope.

Transcript

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away I started this little podcast. We have now reached the latest episode I’m going to call A New Hope. No, it’s not episode 4 (in Roman numerals, of course) of that space movie franchise. It’s actually episode 6 of our second season. Or you could think of it as part 2 of an earlier episode where we discussed Aiden Ballou and his utopian community in Hopedale MA. I’m calling it Season 2, Episode 6 for now for the sake of continuity. However, as we will discuss later, I think some changes are coming to this podcast. Okay, I know some changes are coming to this podcast!
Hello and welcome to the New England on a Pedestal podcast. I am your host, Doug Farquharson.  As you will see, the episode title, A New Hope has a twofold meaning here. First, I personally have a new hope for this podcast. It has been way longer than I wanted it to be in between episodes. And I really want to rectify that and get back to producing timely content. So, let’s friggin’ get to it, shall we?
While working on the script for the Utopian Hopefuls episode, a coworker of my wife sent me some additional information. I initially thought it was about the statue I was working on. However, once I started reading more of the info he sent me, I quickly realized it was a completely different statue also located in Hopedale. While you do not have to have listened to episode 4 to enjoy this one, I would suggest giving it a listen if for no other reason than boosting my numbers! Just kidding. I think you’ll find it interesting and gain some background for this one. No seriously, go listen to it and help boost my numbers!
So, without further ado, let’s explore some more hope thanks to Fred Oldfield.
Most of the information and historical background for this episode was found on the website “hope1842.com.” If you’re interested in local history, it is a wonderful source. Included on the website are transcripts of numerous historical letters and memos from citizens, businesses, and town government officials.
General William F. Draper’s wife, Susan Preston Draper made a gift of the Statue of Hope to the Town of Hopedale in 1904. The website contains text from several letters and communications between the parties coordinating the placement, installation, and upkeep of the statue and fountain. At the November 1904 town meeting, Mrs. Draper stated, in part, the following: “I am informed that the town of Hopedale has made its selectmen and the trustees of the town library a committee to receive in its name the fountain which has been erected on the public library grounds.  For the purpose of making the presentation, therefore, I have asked you to meet me, and I am very glad to turn the fountain over to the town, it being complete and in place.  A winter covering has been ordered for it, and will be included in the gift.

For several years I have had in mind the leaving of a suitable memorial in our beautiful town, and I have felt that something artistic would be desirable, as you are sure to provide yourselves with everything that is needed of a practical character.  Being well acquainted with the eminent and representative American sculptor in Rome, Waldo Story, I took his advice, and that of others, and decided that a fountain, surmounted by a statue of Hope, would be a suitable embellishment of the town of Hopedale. Artistically I think it is a great success, and I believe the time will come when people will come from far and near to see and admire it.  As a southerner by birth I have given less thought to the utilitarian side, but I hope that the cups of water here furnished will refresh many a tired mechanic or schoolboy in long years to come.

I  hereby transfer the ownership and care of the fountain to you, selectmen and trustees, as agents for the town, and if any papers are thought necessary by your counsel, in addition to this statement, I will gladly furnish them.”
Edward A. Darling, Chair of the Selectmen accepted the gift on behalf of the committee and townsfolk. His statement was recorded as this “Mrs. Draper:  In behalf of the town of Hopedale, I have the honor of accepting your generous gift. The town is gratified to have such a magnificent work of art; beautiful in design, wonderful in carving, the work of a master.

This fountain will prove a source of education, with its perfect Carrara marble and its symbols of hope and prosperity and plenty, to us of today and to future generations.  The town appreciates your gift, thanks you and accepts it in the generous spirit in which it is given, and for it, will ever keep you in grateful remembrance.”
The statue is located on the grounds of the Bancroft Library near the intersection of Hope and Hopedale Streets. It is approximately a one minute walk from the statue of Aiden Ballou. Around 2001, a fundraiser was held for the restoration of the statue and the fountain was once again working for the first time in over a half century. As I understand it, the fountain does not run regularly, but is turned on from time to time for special occasions.
Interestingly, my research found some juicy gossip loosely associated with the carving of Hope. It is believed that Waldo Story used the likeness of Bessie Abbot to create this statue. She was an American opera singer.  Based on some historical letters that I saw, a friend of Story’s wrote to him warning him that tongues were wagging about him being spotted romantically with someone other than his wife. Indeed, Story would divorce his wife and later marry Bessie. It was in all of the society pages in newspapers of the time! Talk about some juicy high society gossip! If TMZ or Access Hollywood had been around, it certainly would have made for some captivating B grade celebrity news.
I hope, (heh heh heh get it?) that you have enjoyed this little look at Hopedale’s other statue. 
The concept behind New England on a Pedestal has always been rather simple. Travel around our six-state area, find some interesting statues, and discuss them. We have covered a variety so far and have been developing a list of others to explore. Why not be like Fred Oldield and share with us one that you are fond of and have some information on? I’d love that! We would love to hear from you. Let us know what you think. Let us know of a statue with a story near and dear to you. We can be reached via email at newenglandonapedestal@farqie.com. That’s New England on a Pedestal all one word at F A R Q I E dot com.  Go to Facebook and like the New England on a Pedestal page. Follow us on Instagram. 
I’m currently working on several new episodes. The format may change up a little and each episode may be a little shorter than previous ones. Might make some so-called mini episodes. Maybe have them build upon each other. Maybe that will help get more timely content out there into podcast land. We are likely getting rid of the season concept and just renumbering everything in chronological sequence. In the meantime, not only do I want to thank the usual bunch of people who have contributed to making this podcast, I really want to thank you, the listeners and subscribers out there who have stuck with me this far.
Oh! Hey! Before we bid you a fond farewell, I wanted to tell you about something that happened to me recently while visiting someone at the Rhode Island Hospital in Providence Rhode Island. Hasbro Children’s Hospital is part of the larger complex there. Their entrance way is rather cool looking in that they have on display within the lobby windows a lot of the Hasbro Company’s toys and games. Both modern ones and vintage ones. Well, one afternoon upon arriving there, I decided to head over to the cafeteria first and grab lunch. Hasbro’s entrance was the most convenient one for me to use and as I walked through a connecting hallway, something caught my eye. So I had to stop, turn, and walk over to it. I thought I recognized a small fun statue that was there. If you listened to an earlier episode that we called The Wave, you may remember a Kay Worden statue named Dreams of Tomorrow located inside the Jamestown, RI Library. The day my wife and I visited it, the library was closed and we had to peer through a window to spot it.
Well, apparently the way I had suddenly stopped and reached out to touch the statue, something by the way that I think the artist fully intended people to do and would be happy to have them enjoy doing. Anyway, my actions had been noticed by a security guard who came over and asked if I was alright. I explained the podcast and how I thought I recognized this piece. He quickly suggested we move it slightly and tipped it so we could read the inscriptions along the bottom of it. Indeed, it was Worden’s work. It had the #15 stamped into it along with the year 1999 if I recall correctly and her name. This led to a pleasant conversation with the man regarding the artist, her life, and some of her works. I think it made both of our days a little brighter.
The Wave was a fun episode. My wife and I had a great time researching and finding a number of Worden’s works and joining a local Newport friend in our quest. Finding the statue at Hasbro was an unexpected bonus.
Join us next episode when we dig into some more New England history. Until then, be safe, be well, be kind and keep discovering. Thanks for listening!