Hopedale in Worcester County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Adin Ballou Memorial
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 8, 2007
1. Adin Ballou Memorial
(inscription on right side) A man of rational Christian faith, sterling qualities of mind, and rare excellence of character, whose life was devoted to works of Righteousness, Brotherhood, and Peace, to the well-being of his kind and the upbuilding of the kingdom of God on earth.
(inscription on back) This monument is erected and these grounds are set apart as a Memorial of Adin Ballou—a tribute of affection, gratitude, and honor, from many friends. On this spot he spent the greater portion of his life; where he wrought his chief work and entered into rest. Dedicated and presented to the Town of Hopedale, October 27, 1900.
(inscription on left side) Extract from Preface to the History of Hopedale Community: “If Providence has entrusted me with any distinctive mission in the world, it is to aid in showing my fellow-men the way into that Christlike order of life which illustrates the great ideas of the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man.”
Erected 1900.
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Unitarian Universalism (UUism) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 27, 1800.
Location. 42° 7.868′ N, 71° 32.461′ W. Marker is in Hopedale, Massachusetts, in Worcester County. It is on Hopedale Street near Peace Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hopedale MA 01747, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker and memorial is in Massachusetts’ Quiet Corner, in Greater Worcester, and in the Blackstone Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Milford Town Hall (approx. 1½ miles away); Mendons First Meeting House (approx. 1.8 miles away); Mendon Historical Society (approx. 1.8 miles away); Founders' Park (approx. 1.8 miles away); a different marker also named Founders Park (approx. 1.8 miles away).
More about this marker. The monument was donated by General William F. Draper—Hopedale resident, industrialist, and member of Congress—after a movement to erect a memorial to Ballou began in the autumn of 1898. The site of the monument was known as the “Ballou Lot.” It was previously Adin Ballous homestead and was purchased by the Town in May of 1900 for $800.
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 8, 2007
2. The Adin Ballou Park
Regarding Adin Ballou Memorial. Adin Ballou was the founder of the Hopedale, then a communal town.
Also see . . . Friends of Adin Ballou. (Submitted on July 11, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia.)
Additional keywords. Unitarian Universalism
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, July 8, 2007
3. Adin Ballou Sculpture
Bronze by William Ordway Partridge (1861–1930). Statue is approx 8 feet high on an 8 foot Cape Ann granite base.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 11, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,446 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 11, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
