The Historic Sutton Cattle Pound
Thank you to Joyce Smith for providing this history of the Cattle Pound and Hearse House! These facts are fascinating. Her original article can be found here.
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The Establishment of Sutton's Cattle Pound
Not everyone knows that in Colonial times, a 1635 law mandated every town to have a cattle pound. These structures, essential in managing livestock, are now often forgotten, ignored, or considered obsolete curiosities. However, they once played a crucial role in community organization and agricultural practices.
At a Town Meeting on March 17, 1719, held at the house of Samuel Sterns, Sutton's residents voted on several important issues. They chose town officers, allocated 100 pounds per settler to defray the cost of building a meeting house, and decided to hire a minister for three months. Notably, the fourth article passed that day was: “Voted also the same day to raise a rate of three pounds to defray the charges of building the pound and other charges.”
Historical Significance and Location
The cattle pound, established in 1719, was originally located west of the driveway at 324 Boston Road, across from the house at 334 Boston Road. The present pound, situated across the street, marks the western extent of the town common. This common was where livestock could graze freely, often leading to conflicts. Troublesome animals could be penned up in the pound, where their owners would pay a ransom to retrieve them. Each town set its own fees, and unclaimed animals could be sold after a set period.
Construction and Evolution
Cattle pounds varied in shape and construction, often described as needing to be “horse high, bull strong, and hog tight.” As the 19th century progressed, the practice of grazing on common lands declined, and farmers began using fences to contain their livestock. Many pounds fell into disrepair, hidden by brush, dismantled, or simply forgotten. Sutton’s pound, however, remains prominently located in front of the oldest cemetery, next to the hearse house, and a house once owned by John Hancock during the Revolution.
Personal Memories and Preservation
As Joyce recalls, living across the street, my family occasionally used the pound for its intended purpose, mostly for runaway horses. My dad, Jim Smith, then Chairman of the Selectmen, installed the gate and cleared the trees that had grown inside before the 1954 Bicentennial. The reviewing stand for town officials during the parade was built in front of a lovely, huge elm tree next to the pound.
The present pound is believed to have been built by Jonathan Wales Paine, who also constructed the walls at Pigeon Hill Cemetery on Mendon Road. According to the 1911 Selectmen’s Report: “The wall around the old Pound has been repaired, which brings back to some of the older residents of the Town, memories of the time when cattle found roaming at large were driven there and kept at the expense of the owner.”
A Community Landmark
For those of us growing up on Boston Road during the ‘50s and ‘60s, the pound was an integral part of our childhood games. The corner of the pound wall served as first base in kickball and softball games, and the area near the cemetery and hearse house was a popular spot for hide-and-go-seek.
Today, the hearse house, where the horse-drawn hearse was once stored, is used for storage. My dad retrieved a cannon, now known as Big Ben, from being sold as scrap and placed it in the hearse house. It was later restored by the Historical Society and now resides in a shed next to the M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop at 6 Singletary Avenue. It is fired on Memorial Day and “Last Night” at midnight.
Bringing History Home
Celebrate Sutton’s rich history with a beautiful 12 x 9 print of the historic cattle pound, matted in black to a standard size of 11 x 14. This photograph captures the essence of a bygone era and serves as a reminder of our community's agricultural heritage. Visit my online store to purchase this unique piece of Sutton’s history.