Ida Morse: Steward of Natick’s History
It all begins with an idea.
A Storied Family Legacy
Ida H. Morse stands as a remarkable figure in the history of Natick—not only for her achievements but also as a scion of one of the town’s most influential families. Her dedication to preserving local heritage and her role as an educator and civic leader has left an enduring imprint on the community.
Ida’s roots run deep in Natick’s history. She was the paternal great-great-great-granddaughter of David Morse (1694–1773), an early settler and prominent citizen originally from Sherborn. David Morse was a man of civic responsibility—holding offices like Hog Reeve and Highway Surveyor, serving on local committees, and participating in militia service during the early 18th century. The 1856 Walling Map of Natick shows the Morse homestead, preserving a visual record of the family’s place in the town’s development.
Community
Ida H. Morse was born in 1856, during a pivotal time in Natick’s history. Between 1850 and 1860, the town’s population nearly doubled—from 2,744 to 5,515—marking a period of transformation as Natick shifted from its agricultural roots toward increasing industrial activity. The railroad’s arrival in 1846 opened new economic opportunities, while the Harwood Baseball Factory and a booming shoe industry signaled a new era. In 1855 alone, Natick produced over 1.2 million pairs of shoes, valued at more than $1.1 million. That same year, the town repurposed its former Town Hall into a new home for Natick High School, underscoring its commitment to growth and education.
Ida was raised in a household grounded in tradition and service. Her father, Alexander Hamilton Morse (1825-1904), worked as a shoemaker at Pfeiffer’s Shoe Factory, a key employer in South Natick. He was also a devoted member of the Eliot Unitarian Church, serving as deacon, treasurer, and clerk for more than 35 years. Her mother, Eunice Sawin (Mann) Morse (1828-1880)—daughter of Captain Hollis Mann (1798-1833) and Lucretia Parker (1808-1880) of Needham—died young at the age of 52 from gastric fever. On the passing of Mrs. Morse, a former Natick teacher, Mrs. Cowdry, wrote a moving memorial tribute for family and friends.
Ida’s only sibling, Francis Henry Morse (1858-1885), also worked in the shoe industry but died at a young age—an emotional loss Ida later reflected on in her writings.
The Morse homestead was 112 Eliot Street, South Natick. At a young age, Ida began teaching music. Though a music teacher by trade, Ida’s interests extended beyond the classroom to social movements and community affairs. In 1880, a young Ida served as the Recording Secretary of the Ladies’ Social Library, a library established by Oliver Bacon (1796-1878) in memory of his late wife, Sara Griffin (Bigelow) Bacon (1805-1870). By 1887, she was the Recording Secretary for the South Middlesex County Temperance Union (SCTU).
In the early 1890s, Ida taught in Lowell, and the local newspaper frequently recorded her visits home. Back by 1902, Ida and her father were still living at 112 Eliot Street, accompanied by boarder Nellie Hayward. That same year, Ida suffered from malaria but recovered.
Natick Bulletin, May 23, 1885
A Pioneer in Historical Preservation
Ida H. Morse was appointed in 1903 as the first woman to serve as Curator and Custodian of the Natick Historical Society, a role she held with distinction until 1932. For nearly three decades, she diligently preserved genealogical records, collected local family histories, and curated exhibitions that fostered a deeper understanding of Natick’s past.
Today, the Ida H. Morse Collection remains a vital resource for scholars and researchers. It includes extensive genealogical research, personal correspondence, and original historical narratives authored by Morse, reflecting her lasting impact on local historical preservation.
A Childhood Memory: Little Brother Lost & Found
From the written work of Ida H. Morse housed at the Natick Historical Society, about 1866.
“When I was about ten years old, and Frank not much more than a toddler, he wandered off while Mother and I were shelling peas in the kitchen. We heard no sound—only the sudden dread that he was not where he should be. I ran outside and saw his little straw hat floating in the brook. Father came running. We found Frank half-submerged in the reeds by the footbridge, shivering but alive. That image never left me—his wide eyes and soaked curls—and the silent terror we all shared before relief washed over us.”
Explore More
For those interested in exploring Ida Morse’s legacy and the wider Morse family history, the Natick Historical Society offers access to invaluable artifacts and archival materials. Ida’s dedication to history and education continues to inspire, reminding us of the importance of preserving our collective past.
By Jennifer Richards, June 9, 2025
Ida H. Morse, Natick Historical Society Photograph Collection, undated.
Pfeiffer’s Shoe Factory, Natick Historical Society Photograph Collection, undated.
Ida H. Morse as a young girl, Natick Historical Society Photograph Collection, undated.
Memorial Library Building with Ladies’ Social Library pictured on left, NHS Photograph Collection, undated.
Ladies’ Social Library, NHS Photograph Collection, undated.
Images from the Ida H. Morse Collection—most currently unidentified, but we are actively researching to uncover their stories.
Blog Post Title Two
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Three
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
Blog Post Title Four
It all begins with an idea.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.