Prior to the Old Centre Cemetery tour held by the Winchendon Historical Society this past fall, research was conducted in order to be able to tell the stories of the people who were buried there. The Society has now launched a new project to continue their efforts to tell these stories, this time focusing on the graves at the Riverside Cemetery. “We want to tell the stories behind the graves,” said Amy Scott who, with Caitlin Staples, are conducting the research for both cemetery projects.
Scott said she has been interested in cemeteries since she was a child when she would visit her aunt in Nichols, N.Y. Her aunt would often tell them stories of those buried there.
Among those graves Scott and Staples discovered while researching graves at Old Centre Cemetery was that of was Capt. Jacob Woodbury, who fought in the Revolutionary War, served with Benedict Arnold, including at West Point, which Arnold discussed turning over to the British. Woodbury was tried but found not guilty as it was decided that he was only obeying orders.
Staples and Scott began working on the Riverside Cemetery project shortly after finishing the Old Centre Cemetery research. The Riverside Cemetery is larger than the Old Centre Cemetery and thus volunteers are being sought to assist with the research of the graves. “Family members of people buried at the cemetery are welcome to tell their ancestors’ story. However, others who are interested in the project, whether they come from Winchendon or not, are also welcome to participate in the research project,” said Scott.
“We have an abundance of people’s gravestones available for research, including veterans of war, prominent people in town, and we are able to help people find anyone that would be of interest to them,” Scott continued. Among the graves which still need volunteers to research include those of Morton Converse, who was founder of Converse Toy Company, the largest toy company in Winchendon and at one point in America; the White Family, who were textile manufacturers, and who also had family members who died on the Titanic; Elijah and Rohanna Whitney, who were the original owners of the Murdock-Whitney House, now the home of the Winchendon Historical Society, and whose son George died of dysentery at age 7; Lois Greenwood, author of “Winchendon Years 1764-1974”; and World War I soldiers Pvt. Harold Stiles; Pvt. Bernard McNeil, and Pvt. Charles S. Lowe.
Scott for her part has chosen to tell the story of Orlando Mason, buried at Riverside Cemetery. “I have chosen Orlando Mason, who I think of as the forgotten toy guy … My house was originally owned by Grace and Aseal Speare who was a manager for Converse Toy Company. The second owner of the house was Carl Tournquist a manager for Mason and Parker Company. Mason originally partnered with Converse to make toys, creating the Mason Converse Co. In 1883, their partnership ended and Mason teamed up with H.N. Parker, creating the Mason and Parker Co., also producing toys in Winchendon.
Scott said that it is hoped that the society can have a tour of Riverside Cemetery on May 23. Researched information on the graves at the cemetery are also stored at the historical society. Those interested in becoming involved in the project can contact Scott at winchendoncemetery@gmail.com