Memories from Pontiac's "Mortgage Hill"
During the three decades that followed the Strike of 1922, Pontiac
witnessed a severe economic depression, a devastating hurricane, and a
major world war. These events were of prime significance in the lives
of the villagers as they were with most Rhode Islanders and had their
effect on Pontiac. In addition to the experiences shared with the
entire state, many who lived in Pontiac have special memories that
emphasize the unique relationships that existed between villagers and
the mills, churches, schools and other villagers.
The Good and the Bad
All recollections of village life during the early twentieth century
were not necessarily pleasant as Pontiac residents had their share of
tragedy and heartbreak and often wondered if the village would survive
the decline of the textile industry.
Throughout the difficult times, there was a strong sense of community
as neighbors helped and consoled each other. While many of the close
relationships were within ethnic lines, there was also a spirit that
crossed the boundaries to ease the pain of the "bad" times and share
the joy of the "good" times.
The Swedish Community
For those whose lives revolved around the St. Paul Lutheran Church,
many happy memories were evoked by a mention of the church choir, which
began in the late nineteenth century. The joy of singing with or
listening to the choir was an event anticipated with pleasure. For many
residents of "mortgage hill," as the Swedish community was called, some
of the happiest times revolved around the Sunday School where the
children studied the Bible and learned the Swedish language. Many of
the Swedish immigrants at first lived in the boarding houses and found
that the lodges and fraternal organizations in and around Pontiac not
only provided them with their chief source of recreation and social
activities, but gave them a sense of belonging as well.
Recreation for All
During the early twentieth century the mill sponsored a "men's club"
where operatives could go on Friday and Saturday nights to play cards
and exchange experiences and ideas. For men, women and children,
pleasant memories revolve around the summer concerts of the Pontiac
Brass Band, which was founded by the villagers. The band played every
Friday night and, along with the special programs at the school and
library, gave Pontiac residents a much-needed respite from the
pressures of life during the years of economic hardship.
The Tolling of the Bell
Nearly all residents of the village remember with nostalgia the tolling
of the mill bell. It rang out to signal the beginning of the workday,
the lunch break, the end of the day, and the time for the children to
stop playing and return home. Not only did it ring out every hour, but
it rang on special occasions as well. One of the best remembered is
when the Pontiac Mill bell joined with all the bells of all the
churches to ring out the joy of the end of World War II.
Village Identification
Because the village was small and nearly all income was derived from
the mills, a special sense of belonging was evident. While it was true
that there were ethnic and religious differences, the greater sense of
being part of a village community was strong, especially in the period
between World War I and World War II. Nearly everyone knew his
neighbors, went to the same school, had the same teachers and
librarians, shopped in the same stores and shared the joys of
graduations and weddings, as well as the sorrow of funerals and
illness.
The story of Pontiac will be continued.
1.
The early St. Paul Lutheran Church was an integral part of the life of
the Swedish Community during much of the first half of the twentieth
century.
From the Ruth Pelley collection
2.
The Reverend Frank G. Granquist can be seen here with the children and
adults who made up the very successful St. Paul Sunday School.
From the Ruth Pelley collection