Dave Wright Tribute Very Proper At This Time; Legion to Name Field In His Honor

 DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, NORTHAMPTON, MASS., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1956

Dave Wright Tribute Very Proper At This Time; Legion to Name Field In His Honor

Walter Salvo is in charge of the dedication of the high school football field to David S. Wright, beloved former coach. Salvo has requested all athletes who were formerly associated with Wright in high school days either to contact  him or to be present at the ticket window of the field just before the game in order that a fitting tribute be made to "Dave" on his day. The field will be dedicated in conjunction with the Booster Day weekend sponsored by the local American Legion Post. Northampton High football team plays Adams in a Class A League game Saturday afternoon to climax the Booster Day program. 

Baseball was his first love and basketball was the sport in which he enjoyed the most success, yet a football field is being named in his honor.

The David S. Wright Field, adjacent to Northampton High School, where he taught from 1919 to 1956 and turned out championship teams as coach and athletic director, will be dedicated in Mr. Wright's honor this Saturday at the school's annual football Booster Day program.

Dave Wright enjoyed much success at Northampton High School, of which he is an alumnus. He retired to his Alma Mater, as coach and teacher in 191, following a short tenure at Searles High. Immediately, Dave began to carve a niche for himself and for the school he represented by the turning out of championship basketball teams. He made himself the widest known, best loved, and most respected member of the coaching fraternity. HE made Northampton High the source of the basketball surface and spread the fame of the "bandbox" gym far and wide.

Strangely enough, football was one sport in which the school fared poorly under Wright's guidance, despite the fact that "brawn and beef" were plentiful in those days. There were many lean years in which an NHS team failed to score a solitary point, but men were developed as well as character.

Baseball, First Love

Baseball was a sport in which Wright delighted and he often donned the mask and mitt and chest protector to play himself for semi-pro and amateur teams in the city.

But basketball was his strong sport and under "Coach's" tutelage, Northampton High became the first and only team in Western Massachusetts to win the New England Interscholastic Basketball Championship at Newport, R.I., a team captained by Northampton's present tax collector, Joe Mew. This was in 1932.

Others on that championship club included Earl Peavey, Bob Ryan, Milt Allen, Jim Manning, Bolec Mozuch, Buck Pollard, Mitch Rutkowski, Dick Kopp, and Bob Sullivan.

A few years ago, on the occasion of Wright's completion of 30 years of service to the city, he was tendered a testimonial banquet by his multitude of friends and pupils.  At that time, he was labelled "a builder of men." He still is. The testimonial was evidence enough of what fans thought of this quiet, unassuming gentleman for they gathered from far and wide to acclaim his genius and every class since 1919 was represented.

Many Good Hoop Teams

Wright had many good hoop teams, many of which are compared with one another. The 1929 team went to Philadelphia and had such stars as Howard "Dippy" Miles, Chet Janus, Chet Rutkowski, Joe Allen, LeRoy Barnes. A 1923 team went to Chicago, led by Joe Zaborowski and Jimmy Zachzewski.

Stars were as plentiful in those days as one sees in the skies. There were John Gordon, Red Vichules, Dave Ziff, the numerous Sullivans, the several Allens, the Rutkowski family, Wally Salvo, Bill Saner, Charley DeRose, Hopper Miller, Ray Kneeland, LeRoy Barnes. You get the idea as you stop to think. And as each name comes back to your nostalgic memory, you think of some game won on a last minute basket in an unexplainable manner, a last minute touchdown or a "squeeze play," bunt, one of Wright's favorite baseball tricks.

1929 Most Fruitful

The year 1929 was perhaps the most fruitful for over-all events. The basketball team went through 23 straight games without a loss and in its third game at Philadelphia, bowed out of the tournament for its first setback. In addition to those mentioned previously as being members of that team, there were Joe Lojko, Jack Meehan and others. In baseball, the year was one of the most successful with Barnes, Butch Wydra, Bud St. John, Battler Young and the other basketball stars shinning on the dimand as well as on the polished surface.

In 1941, the team went into the New England basketball tourney at Manchester with a 16-5 record, but went out gracefully. Fred Barry was captain of that team.

Wally Novak starred in the 1946-1947era, and going back to 1928, there was Al Culley among others who helped the school and Wright; to a good baseball record. In 1925, Leo Gustavis, "Dutex" DeRose, Buck Allen, Bill Saner, "Dinty" Sullivan were stars of the Gridiron.

A 20-3 record was compiled in basketball by the 1926 team which had Al Krukowski, John Miller, Gene Allaire, Ed Cerrti among its members.

Builder of Men

And so it goes, in days gone by and in retrospect, Wright had many pupils to whom he taught the fundamentals not only of sports but the fundamentals of character. This is best evidenced by the manner in which many of his star athletes conducted themselves following their their high school days.  Many are in the public limelight, have gone on to a successful career in the business world. have starred on collegiate athletic teams, all of which reflects on Wright's character moulding.

Dave gave up active coaching, sport by sport, first with football when Tommy Eck came in about 1938. Baseball and basketball active coaching duties were given up a few years later, but Wright was given the assignment as director of athletics, a post he filled admirably.

He is known best to his students and pupils as "Coach."

The fact that the new athletic field is being dedicated in his honor is true attestment to his genuine popularity. It's quite a contrast to the days when football was played at the Driving Park (Fairgrounds). Fans were very few in those days, and when the hat was passed, there was very little change jingling, and no "foldin' money." The sidelines were barren of fans and the field itself was usually in poor condition. Linemen were usually students, not paid officials. Equipment was not of the best caliber and there was no dressing table. Arnica and liniment was the tonic for the weak and ailing. Adhesive tape was bought in small spools, there was trouble in paying officials, and football was a deficit, both financially and in game won.

Legion to be Commended

The Booster Day idea was originally conceived by a group of the local sports enthusiasts, headed by Herb Purseglove. This group paved the way for what us now known as the American Legion sponsored Booster Day program. It's a great idea and creates plenty of pep. The Legion is to commanded for its activities of behalf of the school.

Dave Wright retired from the Northampton public schools system this past June, but he will not be forgotten. Many are the teachers who, when they now meet Wright, tell him how much they miss his wry grim, his words of council. They all wish him good health, for it was a stroke which caused the lovable mentor to "toss in the sponge."

He gets around these days, but is limited in his activities and things he enjoys.

It's interesting to recall that when the present high school edifice was being built, in 1935, a writer suggested that the gymnasium be named the David S. Wright gym.  The words at that time were "what better way could be offered as a vote of appreciation, recognition and fulfillment of a dream, than to name the new gym after the modest, unassuming high school mentor."

Dave Wright's career as a coach is completed. The career has been studded with brilliance and heartaches, with pleasure and dismay, but in the long run we are sure that Wright can sit back, relax and receive the plaudits of his many fans who say "well done, Dave."

SAYS MAYOR IS WRONG IN WRIGHT CASE

 SAYS MAYOR IS WRONG IN WRIGHT CASE

Walter Salvo Takes Side of His Former Coach on Pension

Northampton, Aug. 8--A former schoolboy three-sport star at Northampton High School today took the side of David S. Wright, a member of the high school faculty for the past 38 years, in the latter's attempt to retire under the veterans' pension system and said, "the City of Northampton owes him that much, at least."

Walter Salvo, real estate agent and trustee under the Oliver Smith will, who played four years of baseball, basketball, and football under Wright during the latter's coaching days, stated Mayor James Cahillane should not be allowed to use the case of another School Department employee who retired last year as an example in refusing Wright's request.  

Salvo referred to a former member of the faculty at Smith's Vocational School, whose request to retire under the veterans' pension system a year ago was also turned down by Mayor Cahillane. Since then, the teacher in question, Chares Kilpatrick, accepted the state teacher's retirement pension and therefore, cannot change to the veterans' pension regardless of any future rulings.  

"This city would never be able to repay Mr. Wright for the service he has given in his long career to the School Department and the thousands of athletes who have had the privilege of learning under him.  This veterans' pension would not be a gift," Salvo said. "Wright has earned it and the law says he is entitled to be served under that system."

Salvo, also a football star at Columbia where he played end under Lou Little for two years, 1930-31, said he speaks for several other former students and athletes of Wright. "We all feel the same way," He said, "although we are not city officials and therefore cannot take an active part in the fight."

"Mayor Cahillane sets himself up above the laws of the state when he refuses to allow such a request," Salvo continued. "The law has been checked several times in recent weeks by many of us residents, including lawyers, and we find no place where the mayor has the right to take such a course of action."

The local businessman said he brought up the matter in a conversation with the mayor last Saturday and added, "but I didn't get any favorable results. Mayor Cahillane is using a previous case as a wedge as a means of making a decision in the Wright matter."

MAYER CLAIMS PUBLIC CANNOT BEAR EXPENSE

 MAYOR CLAIMS PUBLIC CANNOT BEAR EXPENSE

Cites Reason for Denying Wright Retirement Pleas Under Veterans' Act

Northampton, July 14--The request of Teacher-Coach David S. Wright to retire from the faculty at Northampton High School under the veterans' retirement fund was turned down by Mayor Cahillane "because the taxpayers would not be able to stand the extra expense."

So remarking Mayor Cahillane yesterday when informed that Legion officials are seeking advice from state headquarters in Boston as to what possible steps Wright may take to have his request approved. Wright, a teacher in the local system for 37 years and a well-known basketball coach for nearly 30 years, was forced to retire with a disability at the close of the school term last month.

It was pointed out that Wright can retire under the teacher's retirement fund, to which he has contributed during his many years of service to the school system, and receive approximately $200 annually. That money would be provided by the state ad with no expense to the city.

However, if he retires under the veterans' pension fund, he would only receive approximately $3600 annually but that amount would have to come from the city. At the same time, Wright would be eligible to collect between $8000 and $9000 in a lump sum, which he paid into the teachers' retirement fund.

Mayor Cahillane said. "I am very fond of Dave Wright and we both understand the problem. He knows his request was turned down because of the added expense to the taxpayers. But he wont be doing badly with $4200 coming in each year."

City Auditor John Curran backed up the mayor's decision and and said there are tooo many veterans in the city who would take advantage of the veterans' retirement fund, if approval was given to a certain few. Curran, it was said, handles the accounts for the veterans under the retirement pension system.

Wright's Rightness

 Wright's Rightness

An outstanding chapter in Northampton High School's history is the excellent service given over a long period of years by David S. Wright as teacher, coach and athletic director. After graduating from Amherst College and serving in World War One, and then teaching chemistry, physics, and algebra, and serving as head of the science department. He coached baseball, football, and basketball, and was particularly successful in the latter.  His teams were outstanding in Valley League play and some in tournament play.

It was not only the success he attained, but the fine manner in which he performed. Modest and self-effacing, he kept himself much in the background and did his job so well he did not become a controversial figure. He knew how to handle boys and had their confidence and respect, and he was esteemed not only in Northampton but among rival coaches and players. His was not only a highly successful era, but a most pleasant one, covering a period of 36 years, an extra long time in such positions.

"Dave," as he was popularly known to many in the city and elsewhere, has done all his jobs well, and has left a fine influence among the boys and others whom he directed or with whom he worked in high school sports. It would be fitting if his name was spelled "Right." He has well won surcease from exacting duties of a long and active career and has the best wishes of hosts of friends for a well-earned rest and enjoyable retirement. 

A TERRIFIC HAIL STORM IN NORTHAMPTON YESTERDAY

This was clipped out of the newspaper by one of the Wright family, but they didn't include the date.  Has no real baring on genealogy but I thought I would transcribe it.

 A TERRIFIC HAIL STORM IN NORTHAMPTON YESTERDAY-Yesterday afternoon a little before three o'clock, a terrific hall storm accompanied by vivid lightning and heavy thunder passed over Northampton. Fortunately but little wind prevailed at the time and the hailstones fell with only a slight variation from the perpendicular. Had it been otherwise windows and blinds on the windward side of buildings must have suffered total destruction. For some time before the tempest burst upon us in its fury, an ominous roaring in the direction of the approaching cloud, indicated that hail were to be apprehended. A darkness almost like that of night overshadowed the landscape, and as the tempest, bore down from the hills into the valley, a gust of wind lashed the dust in the streets and plowed fields into smudder which filled the air like a fog. Before the advent of the hail however, the wind had a great measure subsided, and for some minutes after the hail commenced to fall only now and then a solitary stone made its appearance.  The first one observed by us struck in the road fronting our office and was larger than the largest sized hen's egg.

Thus far it had rained but a trifle, and we could hardly believe it to be a hail stone that we saw in the street, but soon a succession of others dispersed all doubts.  For the succeeding ten minutes the scene presented was equally grand and terrible.  Hailstones, solid, compact, round as an apple, and larger than any goose egg, measuring eight nine and often ten inches in circumference, came hissing through the air, bounding from the roofs pf buildings, clipping leaves and small branches from trees, and creating a din in their collision with the objects against which they struck that fairly drowned the thunder by which the tempest was accompanied.  Many of the larger ones either bounded to the height of a man's head when the fell, or crushed to powder, such was the velocity with which they were hurled from the back bosom of the cloud.

The quantity of hail that fell during the storm was not so large as often marks the passage of such tempests through this latitude; but the average size exceeded that of any similar storm in this vicinity, within the memory of the oldest inhabitant.

Merrick Smith's Funeral

 October 5th, `934

Funeral Tomorrow

The funeral of Merrick L. Smith of Risingdale will be held at the Methodist Episcopal Church tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be in Fairmont Cemetery, Lee. The committal service will be in charge of Cincinnatus Lodge of Masons of Great Barrington.

October 6th, 1934

SMITH FUNERAL THIS AFTERNOON

HOUSATONIC, Oct. 6-The funeral of Merrick L. Smith of Risingdale, who died Wednesday afternoon at a Pittsfield Hospital, was held this afternoon. The service was held at the Methodist Episcopal Church at 2 o'clock. The Rev. Edward G. Walh of Goshen, N.Y., a former pastor, and the Rev. Purdy Halstead were the officiating clergymen.

The body was taken to Lee for burial in Fairmont Cemetery, Members of Cincinnatus Lodge of Masons of Great Barrington, conducted the committal service led by William H. Smith of this village. The bearers were, Irving Lobdell, Karl N. Peiffer, Roy Parsons and John S. Watson of this village; Clayton Smith of West Springfield, a nephew of the deceased, and Allen Brooks of Lee.

John McCann's missing wife

 March 11th, 1875

John McCann is hostler at the Morgan house. Four years ago his wife left him to go to Gloverville, N.Y., since which time he has never heard from her. About two years ago a report reached him that she was living there but he never had confirmation of it. This item may reach some one who can contribute a little information on the subject.

Death announcement for Edward Smith

 September 17th, 1863

SMITH; -At Lee, Sept. 7, Edward Smith, aged 47, formerly a member of the 27th Mass. Regiment.

Merrick Smith announcing the opening of the Horseshoe Pitch

 May 5th, 1930

HORSE SHOE PITCHING TO START TONIGHT

HOUSATONIC, MAY 5-Merrick L. Smith, president of the Methodist Episcopal church Men's club, announced today that the field for pitching horse shoes in Risingdale would open for the season tonight. Additional space has been made for more players and the Men's club teams will pitch tonight. Following the meet a business meeting of the club will be held in the home of Mr. Smith.

Merrick Smith's Retirement

 November 3rd, 1931

MERRICK SMITH IS PRESENTED PURSE

Housatonic, Nov. 3-Merrick L. Smith, who completed his duties at the Rising Paper company plant two weeks ago, after being employed there for 31 years, was presented with purse of $25 in gold yesterday. Walter J. Raybold of Pittsfield, and official of the company, called Mr. Smith to the factory and made the presentation on behalf of the employees of the finishing department. Mr. Smith was the forman of this department for many years.

Newspaper articles on visits to Merrick and Catherine Smith

June 30th, 1931

Elizabeth and Allen Bradbury have returned to their home in Dalton after spending a few days with their grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Merrick L. Smith in Risingdale.

June 1st, 1932

Mrs. Mary Kroh of Springfield is spending the week with Mr. and Mrs. Merrick L. Smith in Risingdale.

August 9th, 1932 

Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Buddington and children have returned to their home in SPringfield after spending a week with Mr. and Mrs. Merrick L. Smith in Risingdale.

July 20th, 1933

Mr. and Mrs. David Wright have returned to their home in Northampton after spending several days with Mrs. Wright's parents, Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Smith in Risingdale. George and Charles Wright are remaining here for a few more days.

October 30th, 1933

Housatonic

Mr. and Mrs. Merrick L. Smith of Risingdale left Saturday for a few days visit with Mr. and Mrs. Henry V. Bradbury in Dalton before going to Northampton where they will spend the winter.

Merrick Smith's car accident

 My cousin Frank has found a number of interesting newspaper articles that I thought I would transcribe.

August 27th, 1932

The civil cases of John Scarmana vs. Merrick Smith and of Merrick and Catherine Smith vs John Scarmana were heard in the district court Friday and the court will render a decision Friday of next week. The cases were brought as a result of an automobile accident at the subway in Housatonic sometime in June. Attorney Frank H. Wright appeared for the plaintiff Scarmana in the case against Merrick Smith and the attorneys in the other case of Mr. and Mrs. Smith against Scaramana were Paul Stoezel of Adams and C.E. Bigg of Springfield who represented insurance companies.

September 2nd, 1932

Defendants Win

Judge W.B. Sanford this morning found the defendants without costs in the civil cases of John Scarmana against Merrick L. Smith, both of Housatonic, and Merrick L. Smith and his wife, Catherine Smith against John Scarmana, which were tried in the district court earlier this week. The cases grew out of automobile accident which occurred at the underpass in the village of Housatonic on June 1 and the court in rendering it's decisions stated that the accident was due to the failure of both parties to exercise ordinary care.

Ervin Putnam's Obituary from the Marietta Times

 March 17th, 1988

Ervin E. Putnam

Houlton, Maine - Private services for Ervin Earl Putnam, 94, of Houlton, who died Thursday, March 10, in Licking Memorial Hospital, were Sunday in McPeek Funeral Home in Granville, The Rev. Thomas J. Lowery Officiated.

He was born July 9, 1883, in Houlton to Amos and Cora Carpenter Putnam. He was a retired director of radiology at the Veterans Administration Hospital at Northampton, Mass., and served in France with the U.S. Army during World War I. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Connolly Putnam.

He is survived by two sons, Robert E. of Marietta and Richard D. of Granville; one sister, Mrs. Harold (Hariette) Cates of Peacedale, R.I.; eight grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

Burial will be at a later date in Evergreen Cemetery at Houlton.