Sandwich Manufacturing Company Employees Gather at the Fairgrounds
On Saturday in late June of 1914, employees of the Sandwich Manufacturing Company gathered at the Sandwich Fair Grounds for what the Sandwich Argus described as the company’s first annual picnic, an event that was both a celebration and a reflection of the community that had grown around one of Sandwich’s most important industries.
The above program from the first annual picnic provides a detailed look at the day’s events, prizes, and organization. (From the adams family archives)
The day proved ideal for such an occasion. Recent rains had cooled the air and refreshed the landscape, and a large crowd assembled to take part in a full program of games, races, and social activities. According to the paper, the event was “a very successful affair” and was “immensely enjoyed” by those in attendance.
The program stretched throughout the day and featured a wide variety of contests. Ball games between shop departments, most notably the Moulders and Coremakers, drew attention, as did the tug-of-war contests between divisions such as the Foundry, Blacksmith Shop, Wood Room, and Gas Engine Department. These competitions offer a rare glimpse into the internal structure of the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, where different departments not only worked side by side but also competed in friendly rivalry.
At noon, dinner was served beneath the shade of the fairgrounds’ oak trees. Following the meal, Sandwich Mayor F. S. Mosher, who also served as president of the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, addressed the crowd. His remarks were received with marked attention, underscoring the close connection between the town’s civic leadership and its industrial life.
The afternoon’s events included races and contests for men, women, and children alike. Boys’ and girls’ foot races were held, along with novelty competitions such as egg races, sack races, nail-driving contests, and three-legged races. Adults participated in events ranging from foremen’s races to “fat man’s” and “fat ladies’” races, common features of community gatherings of the era.
A number of participants appeared repeatedly across events, suggesting both enthusiasm and familiarity within the group. Names such as J. Means and E. Heusinger were recorded in multiple contests, while families like the Fannings and Johnsons were represented across age groups. These details provide a rare and personal snapshot of the people connected to the Sandwich Manufacturing Company in 1914, not only as workers, but as families and neighbors.
Local businesses contributed prizes for many of the contests, further tying the event to the broader Sandwich community. Merchants including Newton Drug Company, Vietz’s Meat Market, Converse’s Drug Store, and others supplied goods ranging from watches and croquet sets to candy and clothing services. These contributions highlight the interconnected nature of industry and commerce in early twentieth century Sandwich.
The picnic concluded with additional games, including a final ball game between the Gas Engine Department and a picked team, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie that defined the day.
Described as the first annual picnic, the event likely marked the beginning of a tradition, one that brought together workers, families, and local businesses in a shared celebration. More than a simple outing, the 1914 picnic reflects the social fabric of Sandwich at a time when industry, community life, and civic identity were closely intertwined.
Events of this scale did not happen by chance. The organization of contests, the donation of prizes by local merchants, and the participation of entire departments all suggest careful planning and cooperation, evidence of a company and a community working closely together.
Participants and Winners (1914)
The Sandwich Argus recorded the winners of many of the day’s events:
Boys’ 50 Yard Race (15 and under)
W. Francis — first
Ivan Cook — second
Tug of War , Foundry vs. Blacksmith Shop
Won by the Foundry
Girls’ 50-Yard Race (15 and under)
May Fanning — first
Clara Johnson — second
Ball Throwing Contest — Ladies
Mrs. Earl Newton — first
Mrs. Clarence Miller — second
Hundred Yard Race — Unmarried Ladies
Irene Rogers — first
Mabel Johnson — second
Hundred Yard Dash — Free for All
Raleigh Sturm — first
J. Means — second
Egg Race — Ladies
Mrs. Clark Mosher — first
Miss Hazel Means — second
Fat Man’s Race (200 pounds and over)
Clarence Clem — first
Dan Collins — second
Foreman’s Race
Fred Schuning — first
Mr. Darby — second
Married Ladies’ Race
Mrs. Clarence Miller — first
Mrs. Paul Evarts — second
Three-Legged Race
J. Means and C. Miller — first
H. Bergreen and E. Heusinger — second
Standing Broad Jump
E. Heusinger — first (9 feet, 4 inches)
J. Means — second
Ladies’ Nail Driving Contest
Mrs. H. Bergreen — first
Mrs. Stocking — second
Sack Race
E. Heusinger — first
J. Means — second
Wheelbarrow Relay Race
E. Heusinger and F. Scheuning — first
W. Coley and A. Sherman — second
Potato Race — Girls (15 and under)
Mary Fanning — first
Florence Johnson — second
Fat Ladies’ Race
Hazel Means — first
Mrs. Slayton — second
Game of Quoits
John Troupe — winner
Ball Game — Gas Engine Department vs. Picked Team
Won by the Gas Engine Department
Related
Sandwich Manufacturing Company
Augustus Adams
Research & Sources
Sandwich Argus, July 1, 1914.
Original program Adams family collection