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afforded. The first bridge over the Manhan, built in 1668, was probably near Mr. Henry Clapp's present residence. Over this bridge the settlers conveyed the produce used to pay their taxes. At first taxes were paid at Charlestown, later at Boston in wheat. The wheat was conveyed to Hartford in carts and thence shipped to Boston. This shipping to Boston was expensive, often making heavy loads upon the cargo. An Easthampton farmer now who should raise wheat and get enough to Boston to pay his taxes would achieve renown.
The growth of Easthampton from one man, John Webb, in 1664, to 7,500 in 1904 has been chiefly due to its manufactures.
Several companies have long contributed to the busy interests of the town are still doing so. To the button business originated by Mrs. Williston in 1827, and now the United Button Company, have been added various other enterprises. Among them the Nashawannuck Manufacturing Company, the first company in this country to introduce rubber threads into woven goods to make with elastic, with G. B. Noble, treasurer, employs a capital of some $400,000, and the Glendale Elastic Fabrics Company, J. W. Greene, treasurer, with some $350,000 capital, manufactures elastic goods of various kinds. The Geo. S. Colton Manufacturing Company also makes elastic goods, with $200,000 capital; the Easthampton Rubber Thread Company represents about $400,000 capital, with F. W. Pitcher, manager. Dibble & Warner are a well-known firm of suspender makers, and the West Boylston Company, with a capital of $600,000. Geo. A. Ayer, superintendent, makes cotton yarns and fabrics. Also worth of mention is the Hampton Mills Company, mercerizers, bleachers and dyers, of which Chas. E. Childs is treasurer. The elastic goods industry represents about half the total product of these concerns, and approximately half the capital invested — about two and one-half million dollars. The Business Men's Association, of which Geo. S. Colton is president, is an influential organization which seeks to further business interests, and thus promote the welfare of the town.
Many individuals now gone might be mentioned, who, in later years, have held important places in the town's history. Among such were E. A. Hubbard and R.M. Wright, and among doctors Dr. S.T. Seelye, Dr. Joseph W. Winslow, and Dr. F. L. Greene, for many years welcome visitors in most of the families in town. Among deacons, the late Deacon Lauren D. Lyman, for thirty years deacon of the First Church, was through a long life one of the town's staunchest citizens.
Smallest of all the towns in Hampshire County in area, Easthampton ranks third in population and volume of business. It has three banks, two newspapers, a town water system, electric railways, and a free mail delivery service.
Although the times and the manners have changes, the industry and thrift of her sturdy settlers have left indelible marks that are visible in the Easthampton of to-day; while it would seem that these same characteristics have descended as a heritage to her present population. Enterprising, self-respecting and progressive, Easthampton may look forward with confidence to a prosperous future.
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