NORTHBRIDGE — Through more than 50 years of public service in the Blackstone Valley, Spaulding R. Aldrich has gained a reputation for letting people know exactly how he feels without wasting words.

“I hope Spaulding will have a few words to say,” longtime friend Paul M. Buma said at the beginning of a 30-minute dedication last night of the Spaulding R. Aldrich Heritage Gallery at Alternatives Unlimited on Douglas Road.

“Two,” replied Mr. Aldrich as a crowd of about 100 laughed loudly.

After the ceremony, the crowd gathered around Mr. Aldrich, 77. He had sat through the event next to his granddaughter, Natalie Grondin, who celebrated her 18th birthday yesterday.

Alternatives Unlimited Executive Director Dennis H. Rice said Mr. Aldrich was a wonderful role model and citizen and he was honored to have the arts center named after him.

Before the ceremony, state Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, had a simple explanation for why the center was named after Mr. Aldrich.

“He’s a good guy,” Mr. Moore said. “Spaulding has given many years of service to the Blackstone Valley and Northbridge.”

Along with Mr. Buma, another longtime friend, Douglas S. Carr Jr., and Barbara H. Gaudette spoke as an emotional Mr. Aldrich looked on.

Also in the audience was Village Congregational Church Pastor Robert Sherwood, who changed the starting time of the church’s Maundy Thursday service from 6:30 to 7 p.m. so he could be at the dedication ceremony.

“I didn’t think I was that big,” Mr. Aldrich said with a smile.

During his talk, Mr. Buma, who along with Mr. Carr was a member of the School Committee with Mr. Aldrich, ticked off the things Mr. Aldrich has been involved with through the years. The list included being town administrator for 10 years, president of the Northbridge Historical Society for 10 years and president of the Citizens for the Preservation of Northbridge for the past seven years.

Mr. Aldrich, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War, was also member of the Republican Town Committee for 50 years.

“He had a knack for disarming those who disagreed with him with quick humor,” Mr. Buma said. “All of this done totally without any personal dislike or animosity for those who might disagree with him. This is a quality we could all learn from.”

“And who else in the ’60s could wear a button-down shirt with an ascot — in Northbridge — except Spaulding and look perfectly appropriate? He is one of a kind — unique, just as the many works that will be displayed here for years to come.”

Mr. Buma recalled attending a presentation during a School Committee meeting with Mr. Aldrich many years ago when the town’s financial commitment and the needs of special education students started being recognized.

“At the end of the presentation Spaulding simply said, ‘We must do this, and we’re really going to have to fight for the money.’ Spaulding was ahead of his time in his desire to fight for those students. So it’s appropriate that this gallery is housed here, where services are provided to citizens with disabilities.”

Near the end of the ceremony, Mr. Aldrich looked at the audience and said, “Thank you. “I believe in brevity but not quite that brief,” he continued before specifically thanking the speakers, Alternative Unlimited officials, residents and his family, especially his granddaughter.

“I could never imagine being honored in such a grand manner as this, and I truly appreciate it.”