Biweekly Newsletter December 7, 2024

​Law and Order in Easton

A little bit about early law & order in Easton. Before Easton had a jail, it had stocks. According to Chaffin the town stocks were several times repaired and/or replaced, leading one to surmise they were well-used. Other early punishments included fines and corporal punishment, “10 [or 20] stripes upon the naked back, well laid on.” Imprisonment for debt was also widely implemented in the 18th century. Vagabondism was considered a crime. Vagabonds’ names were made public, and they were unable to purchase goods or liquor. Such was the first law & order in Easton. Organized policing took some time to develop, and shaming was a popular tool.

​ Example of Colonial era stock

​By 1854 the selectmen of Easton had appointed Ward L. Foster to be a police officer, with some limitations in his duties. After the Civil War, in 1867, the town voted to build a police lockup on Pond Street (probably the first) in North Easton, though no person was named as “keeper” until 1875. It’s thought the building was primarily used to contain people who were drunk and disruptive. Noise coming from the lockup on a Sunday morning was reported by members attending mass at the first Catholic Chapel- right next door on Pond Street!
After 1885 two constables were hired and paid, however they were officially engaged to patrol the North Easton Village district only. If needed in other parts of town, they would try to help. No wonder thieves like George White and his gang (earlier, about 1800) operated in the Poquanticut neighborhood- so remote and with no help in sight. A second lockup was built in 1886 and located in South Easton, on Almshouse property. It was not unusual for vagrants and tramps to stop at the Almshouse, which was located on Center School property. It must have been an area in need of policing. That building still stands today. It is located on private property on School Street.

​ Lockup on School Street.

By 1898 a new lockup on Mechanic Street replaced the Pond Street lockup. It was brick with a basement and originally had only one cell, although more cells were added later. Initially there were no toilet facilities. Not until as late as 1928 did the Town of Easton officially employ a policeman and not until 1930 was a police car purchased. The Mechanic Street Station was repaired and continued to function until the current station was dedicated in 1968. It still stands- as a private home. I remember going inside once as a child for some kind of license- Fishing? Bicycle? I'm not sure.

​6 Mechanic Street, North Easton. Lockup, 1898-1968

It’s interesting how much the world has changed. The first generations in Easton basically did their own policing with customs brought over from Europe and there was little official organization, although the church of course was a civilizing force and had a great deal to say about members’ lives. Settlers in the New World had to be self-sufficient and willing to take many risks in order to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available here. I think I might have stayed in the Old World!

​Early Police Force

​ Dedication of Lothrop Street Station, 1968.

​Lothrop Street Station Today.

Anne Wooster Drury
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