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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01101 3262
REYNOL GENEALOGY COLLEC
Gc 974.402 W89RA 2262480
١
1893
Second Issue.
25 Cents.
DICTIONARY of Worcester
RCESTER
TOW
FEBY. 9 1848 .. 1722
AND
VICINITY. BY FRANKLIN P. RICE.
GUIDI TO THE CITY, Its History, Government, Institutions, Soci- eties, Amusements, Resorts, Street Directory, Etc., Etc.
Worcester . F. S. BLANCHARD & CO., 154 FRONT STREET
WHAT MAKES HARD TIMES ? Too many people trying to get SOMETHING for NOTHING!
WHAT IS THE USUAL RESULT ? Most of those who try this, get NOTHING for SOMETHING !
The old woman, said "Everything must be done by somebody." Those who can do something well, will always have work and support. Intelligent skillful work produces wealth.
The "Science of Accounts " teaches how. Mere bookkeeping from schools will not do it. Every man should have a course of scientific study in accounts; not merely to beconie a bookeeper, but to become able to investigate business and learn what he can best do, and how to do it most successfully.
LEWIS C. MUZZY, 28 Lincoln Square, Worcester, Mass.
Scientific Expert Accountant, Auditor and Teacher. Member of the Institute of Accounts, New York. Teacher of Business Department in Worcester High School. Notary Public and Justice of the Peace.
That Many Successful Men say to me about my Course of Instruction.
It is the most profitable thing I ever studied. It is the only study of practical profit that I ever pursued. I commend all young men among my friends to you.
hat Some Unsuccessful Men say to me. I have always been sorry that I did not take such study in early life. I, wish I had known it before I commenced business. If I had learned such things I would not have failed.
SEND FOR CIRCULAR ._
E. R. CUMMINS, MANAGER.
CHAS. S. FORBES, COUNSEL.
SNOW, CHURCH & CO.,
Mercantile Reports .
Law and Collections.
We have a credit department, and get reports up to date.
We are the agency who originated the well-known "Draft System," now used almost universally.
We are the only agency using the copyrighted "Improved Draft System," which is far ahead of any, and was also devised by us. · .
Where can you find a more reasonable, yet prompt, just and courteous means of approaching a debtor for money than our copyrighted " Improved Draft System?" · · .
We have devised more and better methods of making col- lections than any other agency.
.
We employ competent lawyers, collectors and adjutors.
We make a specialty of large and important matters requir- ing intelligence, energy and integrity.
Rooms 47 & 48, Knowles Building,
WORCESTER, MASS.
Worcester Highlands, Northlands, and Bloomingdale.
THREE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL and ATTRACTIVE PROPERTIES IN THE CITY.
The Highlands is reached by Grafton street line of cars. Northlands. by Chadwick Square and North End electric cars, and Bloomingdale by the line to the Lake.
BUILDING LOTS IN SIZES TO SUIT.
Terms only $10.00 down, and four years in which to pay balance. Salesmen on the grounds daily.
Plans, specifications and free tickets furnished at the office of
QUIMBY & CO.,
15 Knowles Building.
518 Main Street.
DICTIONARY
. . . OF .
WORCESTER
( MASSACHUSETTS )
AND ITS VICINITY.
BY FRANKLIN P. RICE.
SECOND ISSUE.
REPRINTED FROM THE WORCESTER COMMERCIAL.
WORCESTER : F. S. BLANCHARD & CO., PUBLISHERS.
1893.
Non County Milk Libran FL. Wayne, ladans
COPYRIGHT, 1889, IS93, BY FRANKLIN P. RICE.
2262480
PREFACE.
The plan of the DICTIONARY OF WORCESTER comprehends a handbook of general information, which, as a collection of useful references or a guide-book to the city and its surroundings, will serve equally the resident and the stranger. The scope of the work differs somewhat from that of the "Dictionaries " issued in other cities, in being more full in matters relating to the history and chronology of the subjects treated, and in con- taining much that is not usually included in books of a similar character. Many of the facts and figures given are not readily accessible in any other form, and are of more than common interest and value to the inquirer.
Occasional mention by name in the text of trades-people, business houses and other establishments, was unavoidable, but in no instance is such mention a recommendation in the interest of the parties named.
The material for this second issue has been thoroughly revised and corrected.
Barnard, Sinner &- Jutnam Co
Established in 1842.
What has made this the largest and foremost strictly dry goods house between Boston and Buffalo?
Its Location ? No !
Its Long Standing ? No ! Its Low Prices ? No !
What, then ?
FIRST .- Because it has kept absolute faith with the people ; never deceived or misled them, nor con- sciously imposed upon a single soul. The rule of right and justice to all is the first and abiding principle here practiced in every procedure.
SECOND .- Because of its superior merchandise and exclusive styles, at low prices.
Orders by mail receive the same attention given persons present at the counters.
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DICTIONARY OF WORCESTER
AND ITS VICINITY.
Academy .- See Worcester Academy.
Adams Square .- At the junction of Lin- coln and Burncoat streets. North Park is a short distance from the square, which can be reached from Main street by the cars of the Consolidated Street Railway Company. The North End Street Railway, of about three- fourths of a mile in length, has its southern terminus here.
Adriatic Mills .- The building on the Nor- wich railroad, south of the Junction or South Worcester station, at present occupied by the Worcester Woolen Mill Company. This mill was erected in 1854 by Eli Thayer, and was constructed of stone chips taken from Oread hill. The fine stone was mixed with mortar, forming a concrete. Wooden frames or moulds were made the height and thickness of the walls, and the conglomerate turned into them and allowed to harden; no masonry being employed in raising the walls. Mr. Thayer sold the property to Charles White and J. P. Southgate; later it came into the possession of Isaac Davis, who sold it to Jordan, Marsh & Co. This firm equipped the shop (which had been used as a fire-arms manufactory), for a woolen mill, and named it the Adriatic. The original building, before later additions were made, was 400 feet long, 40 feet wide and two stories high.
as street, and then after an interval during which the services were held in public halls, the society went in 1866 to its house in Central street and remained there until 1883, when the building was removed, and the site is now oc- cupied by a part of the Putnam & Sprague Co.'s warehouse. The Adventists now hold their meetings in Clark's block, 492 Main st.
African Churches .- Zion M. E. Church was organized in 1846, and worshipped in a building on Exchange street, which was burned in 1854. The present brick Zion's church, opposite Cypress street, on Exchange, was erected in 1855. The Bethel M. E. Church was organized in 1867, and for some time met at the corner of Laurel and Hanover streets. The present place of worship is at 209 Pleasant street. Mt. Olive Baptist Church was formed in 1885, and in 1891 a church building was erected at 43 John street. Refer to Colored Population.
Agricultural Society, (The Worcester). -See Worcester Agricultural Society.
Aletheia .- See High School Societies.
Allen Library .- The collection of books formed by the Rev. George Allen during his long life, is now the property of The Worces- ter Society of Antiquity. This is considered one of the best representative libraries of the New England theology in the country, and comprises many rare and valuable works
Adventists .- A Second Advent church was formed in Worcester in 1841. The place illustrating early local history and religious of worship was for some years in Thom- controversy. Through the efforts of Senator
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ALL-AME
Hoar and other prominent gentlemen, the collection of American newspapers is here sum of money necessary for its purchase was, preserved and accessible. There are also after the death of Mr. Allen in 1883, raised many portraits, busts, with other objects of and presented to the society. The collection numbers 2,300 volumes and 2,000 pamphlets.
art and antiquity well worth inspection. The society has published seven volumes of " Tran- All Saints' Church. - See Episcopal Churches. sactions," under the title of Archeologia Americana ; and the "Proceedings " of the semi-annual meetings since its organization. All Souls' Church. - See Universalist The library is open to the public week days Churches.
Almshouse .- See Poor Department.
sued the first number of the Worcester Alma- nac and Directory, continued to the present time as the Worcester Directory. The Grand Army Almanac, a very creditable production by Comrade Henry N. Evans was published in Worcester from 1879 to 1881. The Yankee Almanac was published three years-1887-9 -by F. S. Blanchard & Co. Robert B. Thomas, who established the famous Old Farmer's Almanac, published to this day, was a resident of Boylston, a bookbinder by trade, and was in the habit of taking books to bind for Isaiah Thomas, (by some thought to be a relative). Money being scarce he re- ceived his pay in almanacs, which he peddled over the country. In consequence of some misunderstanding with his employer, his supply was withheld, and he started an opposition almanac which has long outlived the original.
Ambulance .- There is an Ambulance to be used in case of accidents, etc., attached to the Police Department. It was purchased in 1885.
American Antiquarian Society. - This Society was founded in 1812 by Isaiah Thomas, LL. D., noted as a patriot, printer, and publisher of the Massachusetts Spy. Dr. Thomas gave the society a valuable library, with funds for its maintenance; and in 1820 erected a building (still standing on Summer street), for its use. This building being in some respects unsuited to the needs of the society, was abandoned in 1853, when the books and collections were removed to the edifice in Lincoln square. The library now contains over 90,000 volumes. An invaluable third Wednesdays of each month.
(Saturday afternoons excepted ) from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M. A cordial welcome is given by the Librarian, Mr. Edmund M. Barton, who is eminently practical in his administration. Other officers of the society are: President, Stephen Salisbury, Esq .; Vice-Presidents,
Almanacs Published in Worcester .- Isaiah Thomas began in 1775 the publication of his "Almanack," which was continued until 1823; after 1800 by his son Isaiah Hon. George F. Hoar, Edward Everett Hale, Thomas, Jr., and by George A. Trumbull D. D .; Recording Secretary, Hon. John from 1820. In 1844 Henry J. Howland is- D. Washburn; Treasurer, Nathaniel Paine, Esq. The aggregate of the funds of the society is $115,000.
American Legion of Honor .- A secret fraternal and mutual benefit order. Hope Council, No. 17, was instituted in Worcester in 1878, and now has between fifty and sixty members. The meetings are at Pythian Hall.
American Mechanics. - The Order of United American Mechanics is a social, fra- ternal and benevolent secret association, com- posed entirely of those born in the United States of America, or under the protection of its flag, and who have arrived at the age of 18 years and over. The Order was instituted in Philadelphia July 8, 1845. It was intended at first to be a protection for the American Mechanics and Workingmen alone, but it was deemed advisable to depart from that rule, and to recognize everyone who works with hands or brains as eligible. It has no affilia- tion with Trades' Unions, Knights of Labor, Sovereigns of Industry, or the like. It is not a relic of the Know-Nothing family, and does not seek to proscribe the foreigner. It has a membership of 50,000 in the United States. There are three councils in Worcester. Com- monwealth Council, No. 3, was formed on Fast Day, 1889, and now meets at 566 Main
street. Worcester Council, No. 39, formed in 1891, meets in Arcanum Hall. Indus- try Council, No. 17, is a junior council. Fidelity Council, No. 4, Daughters of Liberty, is a branch of this Order formed in 1891.
American Protective League .- Eureka Lodge meets at 556 Main street the first and
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AMU-APA
Amusements. -- The places of public to serve in his Majesty's Council who should amusement in Worcester are numerous and oppose such a law. The celebrated Quock adequate to the demands of a city of its size. Walker decision, to the effect that slavery Besides the transient entertainments in the never had had a legal existence in Massachu- numerous halls, nightly performances and setts, was rendered here in 1781. On the 9th. occasional matinees are given at the Theatre of December, 1819, a Worcester Co. Anti- on Exchange street, (which, destroyed by fire, Slavery Convention was held at the Court May 16, 1889, was rebuilt. See Music Hall House to take action to prevent the further introduction of slavery into new states. In August, 1828, Benjamin Lundy visited Worces- ter, and from a long residence in the South for account of the first building. ) with generally the best talent, and sometimes high-class plays. The Front Street Musee or Opera House, at the location of the Old Worcester Theatre, gives spoke from personal knowledge of the feelings several performances daily. Lothrop's Opera of the people there. He said that a majority House, on Pleasant street, was built by R. C. of them, even of the. slave-holders, were Taylor in 1890-91, and opened to the public desirous of abolishing the slave system as soon August 17, 1891. This establishment affords as it could be done with prudence. Lundy a good class of entertainments daily at popular influenced the formation of many anti-slavery prices. The various places of resort for out- societies south of the Potomac, and it is said door amusements are treated under their appropriate headings. See Theatres.
Ancient Order of Foresters .- A mutual benefit organization, which had its origin in England. There are four courts in Worcester : City of Worcester, No. 7117; Damascus, No. 7362; Quinsigamond, organized, 1891; and Thomas E. Cunningham, No. 8076. Knights of Sherwood Forest, Worcester Con- clave, No. 91, is a higher branch of this Order located here.
Ancient Order of Hibernians .- A secret mutual benefit and fraternal order. Division I was organized in 1867, Division 2 in 1871, and Division 24 in 1876. The military com- panies of this Order in Worcester are the Hibernian Guards, organized in 1876, and the Hibernian Rifles, Companies A and B. The rooms are at 98 Front street.
Ancient Order of United Workmen .- Worcester Lodge, No. 56, was organized in 1885. Meets at 405 Main street, second and fourth Thursday evenings of each month. Victor Lodge, No. 92, organized in 1887, meets at 566 Main street, first and third Wednesday evenings of each month .. Clinton Lodge, No 29, appears not to be alive now.
that there were over 300 of them among the slave-holders in 1829. These quickly dis- solved after the Nat Turner massacre in 1831, which the slave-owners claimed was incited by the inflammatory methods of William Lloyd Garrison. Garrisonism found an early lodg- ment in Worcester, and it was for many years a stronghold of those who placed themselves above the law in opposition to slavery. It was the home of Stephen S. and Abby Kelley Foster, and many others of that stripe; and was an important station of the underground railroad. Of the political movements, the Free Soil revolt of 1848, which sent Charles Allen to Congress, should be mentioned. An attempt to arrest a fugitive slave here in 1854 caused a serious riot, the United States deputy marshal narrowly escaping with his life. The movement which rescued Kansas and con- vinced the South that it at last had met a for- midable power, originated in Worcester, and found active supporters in all the political par- ties, though it was denounced by the extrem- ists, and ignored by the professional politicians. The patriotism excited by the rebellious acts of the South in 1861 was not anti-slavery sen- timent, as the war which followed was a war for the Union, and emancipation a war measure rather than a philanthropic act.
Anti-Slavery Sentiment in Worcester. -At an early time a strong feeling against Apartment Houses. - Worcester has, within the past few years, followed the lead of the larger cities in the erection of Apartment slavery was apparent in Worcester. In 1767 the Representative to the General Court was instructed to use his influence "to obtain a Houses. The names and location of some of law to put an end to that unchristian and the principal ones are given below : impolitic practice of. making slaves of . the Ætna, 722 Main st. human species," and to give his vote for none Albion, 765 Main st.
100 years before and was
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APO-ARM
8
Boynton, 718 Main st.
Brightside, 2 King st.
Chadwick, 236 Main st. Crescent, 15 Charlton st.
Dean, Lincoln square. Estabrook, 54 Pleasant st. Evans, Main and Hammond sts. Hart, 901 Main st. Salisbury, Lincoln square. Windsor, 720 Main st.
Aqueduct Company. - The Worcester Aqueduct Company was incorporated in 1845, for the purpose of constructing and maintain- ing an aqueduct to bring water from Bladder or Bell Pond for the use of the town. Stephen Salisbury and other prominent citizens were interested in the undertaking. The rights and property of this company were purchased by the city in 1848. See Water Works ; Bell Pond.
Arcade, (The) .- An old wooden building formerly located in Washington square, on the site of the Arcade Malleable Iron Works. It was occupied principally by Irish families, and probably was erected about the time of the building of the Boston & Worcester railroad, to accommodate the workmen. It was some- times called the Rookery. A serious riot once occurred here.
Elbridge Boyden was President and Ward P. Delano, Secretary. The society was dissolved in 1891. There are fifteen architects in Worcester.
Architecture. - Worcester possesses few striking specimens of architecture, though there are many fine dwelling-houses and busi- ness blocks. Of ancient buildings, the Salis- bury Mansion in Lincoln square; the Baldwin or Eaton House, on Main street, at the foot Apothecaries .- There are 65 Apothecaries of George; and the Trumbull House, in in Worcester, according to the Directory of 1892.
Trumbull square, may be mentioned. The Oread Institute, on Alden street, is a remark- able structure, resembling an ancient castle; . and the Worcester Academy, on Union Hill, can hardly fail to attract the attention of the stranger. Mechanics Hall Building and the Stone Court House are the only edifices on Main street of classic pretentions. The new Armory at Salisbury and Grove streets, is an imposing structure. Among the churches, St. Paul's (Catholic), All Saints' (Episcopal), the Central, Plymouth'and new Old South, are worthy of mention. Of private residences, that of Jonas G. Clark, on Elm street, is most noteworthy. As a rule the dwellings are neat and attractive, and the business blocks substantial and well-built.
Area .- The area of Worcester comprises about thirty-six square miles, or 23,000 acres.
Arlington Club .- A social organization of young men, formed in 1883. The club occu- pied rooms in Clark's Block. It was dis- banded in 1891.
Architects .- The Worcester Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, recently chartered, held its first meeting March 19, 1892, and elected the following officers : Armenians .- There are about 700 Arme- President, Elbridge Boyden ; Vice-President, nians in Worcester, and the number is increas- Stephen C. Earle ; Secretary, Ward P. ing. As a rule they are industrious and worthy, and many are skilled artizans. They have been subjected to persecution and some brutal treatment in Worcester, as seems to be the case at first with every nationality coming in small numbers. Many Armenians are em- ployed by the Washburn & Moen Mfg. Co., at the Wire Mills. There is an Armenian Club by the name of " Haygagan-Gajar." An Armenian church, the first in this country, was organized here under the charge of Rev. Fr. Sarajian, who was sent to America from the Patriarcate of Constantinople for that pur- pose. The first religious service was held in Delano ; Treasurer, John B. Woodworth. This Association practically takes the place of The Worcester Society of Architects, formed Jan. 27, 1887, its objects being to unite in fellowship the architects of the city and vicinity, and to combine their efforts so as to promote the artistic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession. The Society consisted of Fellows and Asso- ciates. The Fellows were practicing archi- tects, and the Associates persons not practicing architects who had served two years in an architect's office, and others in- terested in the objects of the society. Meet- Reform Club Hall, Sunday, July 28, 1889, and ings were held in the offices of the members. the church, called St. Saviour's, is located on
9
ARM-ART
Laurel street. There are a few Armenians in 1884 a bequest of $25,000 for the promo- who worship in the Congregational faith, and tion of Art Education, either by establishing a society has been formed which meets at the some organization for that purpose, or creating building of Y. M. C. A.
Armory .- The first Armory building in Worcester was erected on Waldo street in 1875, and is now used for the purposes of the Central District Court, and Central Police Sta- tion. The land was purchased of Albert Tolman for $14,612, and the building cost $34,780, making a total of $49,392. It proved a bad bargain to the City, for the build- ing was so poorly constructed that it had to be abandoned by the militia as unsafe, and liable to tumble down when subjected to the vibra- tion incident to military drill. The new Armory, at the junction of Grove and Salis- bury streets, is a building of imposing propor- tions. It was erected on land purchased of Stephen Salisbury for $23,000, and was in process of construction from April 15, 1889, to Sept. 30, 1890. Fuller & Delano were the architects, under the special superintendence of Gen. Josiah Pickett. It was dedicated January 30, 1891. The cost (including land) was nearly $125,000, which sum was loaned by the State, to be repaid by the City in a term of years.
The new Worcester Armory was constructed under the superintendence of a State Commis- sion of three members: John W. Leighton of Boston (chairman ), Josiah Pickett of Worces- ter, and Joseph N. Peterson of Salem. This Commission built six Armories: two in Bos- ton, at a cost of $600,000 ; one in Worcester, $125,000 ; one in Lowell, $105,000 ; one in Fitchburg, $60,000 ; and one at Lawrence, $90,000. It is a noteworthy fact, that in the expenditure of this large sum of $980,000, in no case was the original appropriation ex- ceeded-a record seldom made by public commissions.
Armory Square .- The triangular plat of ground in front of the Armory, where Salis- bury and Grove streets diverge. Although not yet officially designated, the name has come into use with many. The "Square " is soon to be improved by curbing and other ad- ditions, to bring it more into character with the fine buildings in the vicinity.
a professorship in some institution already existing in Worcester .. This bequest, which had accumulated in the hands of her executors, Messrs. E. A. Strong of Boston and Henry A. Marsh of Worcester, to about $29,000, was paid over to the St. Wulstan Society (see title ), in 1891, to be held in trust for the purposes designed. To this Society, Stephen Salisbury has also given in trust for Art purposes the lot of land comprising 25,000 feet, at the corner of Salisbury and Tuckerman streets, and made an offer of $10,000 towards the erection of a building.
George L. Brown, the celebrated landscape painter, once resided in Worcester, and went from this place to Italy. His death occurred in 1889 near Boston. S. P. R. Triscott, a water-color painter of later fame, was in Worcester between 1870 and 1880. At present, Henry Woodward, Miss Helen M. Knowlton, Mrs. A. C. Freeland and George E. Gladwin are well known in local circles. J. H. Greenwood, in oil, and Fred A. M'Clure, water color, are rising to fame, and there are others of merit. B. H. Kinney was. well known as a sculptor years ago, and Eugene A. O'Connor at present is taking high rank. See Art Society; Art Student's Club.
Art Society, (The Worcester). - This Society was organized Nov. 27, 1877, and incorporated Dec. 29, 1887, its purpose being "to promote art culture." The first board of officers was constituted as follows: President, Hon. Geo. F. Hoar; Vice-Presidents, Hon. L. J. Knowles, Rev. E. H. Hall, Rev. C. M. Lamson ; Secretary, Miss Rebecca Jones; Treasurer, Jos. E. Davis; Directors, C. O. Thompson, S. C. Earle, B. W. Potter, Mrs. P. L. Moen, Mrs. J. H. Walker. The officers are : President, Rev. A. S.Garver; Vice-Presidents, Nathaniel Paine, Charles H. Davis; Treasurer, E. B. Hamilton; Clerk, Miss Sarah Hopkins; Directors, J. G. Clark, E. B. Glasgow, S. Salis- bury, Rev. Daniel Merriman, W. T. Harlow. The Society has held several art exhibitions, and lectures have been given under its auspices.
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