Ellen A. Pond: In the Choir Above

Ellen A. Pond (1845-1919)

Ellen Augusta Pond was born on May 7, 1845 in South Dedham. She was the daughter and only child of John C. Pond (1814-1906) and Mary E. Lewis Pond (1818-1896).

According to a friend’s diary, in February of 1880, Ellen was hospitalized and her foot amputated; she returned home on May 6, 1880. The 1880 Census also makes note of her disability. She did not work outside the home. After the deaths of her parents, Ellen boarded in various homes, chiefly along Walpole Street including 129, 143, and 347 Walpole Street.

Ellen Pond was a faithful member of the Congregational Church and a charter member of the Norwood Women’s Club. A lady of fine character, she had a great many friends who held her in high esteem. An active member of the community, Ellen was especially fond of music and attended most of the concerts held in town, often at Village Hall and, later, the bandstand at Guild Park.

Bandstand at Guild Square Park Washington and Guild Sts. as it appeared in the early 20th century.

Guild Square Park and the Siege of Louisburg commemorative monument as it appears in 2021.

She died on November 26, 1919 at the age of 74; the cause of death was a cerebral hemorrhage. Her funeral service was held at the Congregational Church and burial took place in Old Parish Cemetery alongside her parents.