The first meeting to discuss the situation as related to the Civil War and how that would correlate with the little town of Milford was held on May 13, 1861, just a month after the start of that conflict between the North and the South. 

At the meeting, it was determined the town would provide $3,000 to equip the soldiers; and money was also allocated as war funds to support the families of those in the military. In July of that year, it was determined that each man who volunteered for a three-year assignment would receive $125, the equivalent of about $3,500 today. In addition, money was appropriated for the families of those men who would be killed in the fighting.

Every town was requested to send a certain number of volunteers. Milford met and exceeded its quota. When the 35th Massachusetts Company F had filled their share, additional men from our town were sent to New York to be part of the New York 40th Regiment. 

Not only the men were involved in the Civil War; the women of Milford were, too, albeit indirectly. They provided the soldiers throughout the entirety of the war with handmade goods such as sheets, pillowcases, and pillows, slippers, socks, underwear, handkerchiefs, and hospital gowns. 

The young people took part, as well. There were about 70 boys, aged 15 to 18, who were outfitted with uniforms and “light guns,” and were taught drill procedures. They performed “escort duties” when needed while the older guys were “seeing the elephant,” a phrase from that war that meant “experiencing battle.” 

At the museum [30 School St.], you can view a shirt that was worn by a 14-year-old boy, who had succeeded in bypassing the age requirement for becoming a soldier. His name was Whitman Howard and he was born in Milford in 1849. He was wounded at Petersburg, Virginia, in April of 1863. When his injuries brought notice to his age, he was returned to his home in Milford. He married in 1877 and lived a long life.

Not all fared so well. In the end of it all, Milford lost 50 soldiers and officers, 180 more were discharged due to disabilities, and 76 died from wounds or disease. 

Toward the end of 1867, in commemoration of the military accomplishments and the services of our soldiers in the Civil War, the Great Army of the Republic, Post #22, was organized. It was established to honor those who fought, to foster patriotism and to promote compensation for the survivors. Weekly meetings were held; Decoration Day (at the end of May) was established; and the widows and orphans were taken care of. Events were held in the room upstairs, such as ham and bean suppers, and oyster dinners. It was also used for encampments, which brought veterans from other towns.

The building that houses our town’s museum today, now called Memorial Hall, is a testament to our participation in that great war. The beauty of this building, made with Milford granite, is so astonishing. The names of the men lost are engraved into the marble walls of the foyer and each step of the staircase leading up to the second floor is embossed with the name of a battle of the Civil War, in the order in which they took place. A grand entrance to a time long gone.

The Milford Historical Commission opens the museum at Memorial Hall on Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can experience the many treasures from that era, as well as others. Take a look at the artifacts related to the wars that followed, and also items affiliated with manufacturing, business, music, entertainment, sports, and more. Visit the museum and experience a journey through Milford’s past.