USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Arlington > Arlington City Directory 1883 > Part 10
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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF WAVERLEY.
Location of church, corner of North and White streets.
Public religious services have been regularly held in that part of Belmont called Waverley since the year 1854. Revs. S. H. Riddell, Hubbard Winslow and Charles Jones ministered to the people worshipping in (old) Waverley Hall, and the First Con-
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gregational Church (Trinitarian), consisting of sixteen members, was organized in 1865, with Rev. J. W. Turner as pastor. The edifice now occupied by the First Congregational Society was ded- icated January 13, 1870. Rev. Mr. Turner was succeeded in 1873 by Rev. Edward Abbott; Rev. J. L. Ewell was pastor from 1874 to 1878, and the present pastor, Rev. William H. Teel, was installed July 3, 1878. The officers of the church are: Pastor, W. H. Teel; clerk, G. F. Blake, Jr .; treasurer, William Jewett; standing committee, Wm. Jewett, Daniel Butler, *S. W. Grant. Society officers : Prudential committee-Rev. Daniel Butler, John Fender- son, Wm. Jewett, James W. McCabe, George F. Blake, Jr .; clerk and treasurer, C. F. Houlahan; auditor, T. W. Davis. Sunday School-Superintendent, G. F. Blake, Jr .; assistant superinten- dent, W. H. Porter; organist, Miss Chany; librarian, James Baldwin. Sunday services-Preaching at 11.15 A. M. and 7 P. M., Sunday School at close of morning service. Week day service, Friday evening at 7.30.
THE WAVERLEY CHRISTIAN UNION.
As a result of several public meetings of the people of Waver- ley interested in liberal Christianity, a new religious society was organized in January, 1883, under the name of The Waverley Christian Union. A suitable sum was raised by subscription to carry on the meetings, which have been held regularly on Sunday afternoons at 2 o'clock in Waverley Hall. A Sabbath School pre- cedes the preaching service. The officers of the society are: Chairman, J. S. Kendall; secretary, William Munroe; treasurer, E. Haskins. Officers of the Sunday School-Superintendent, Rev. D. A. Russell; assistant superintendent, George Durham; librarian, William Munroe; secretary and treasurer, Miss Olive Watts.
ST. ALOYSIUS (CATHOLIC) SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Miss McGuinness, superintendent. Meets Sunday afternoons at 3.30 o'clock at Mr. Shean's house.
*Deceased.
BELMONT HALLS.
BELMONT TOWN HALL.
At the town meeting held March 7, 1881, a committee of five was chosen, with instructions to see what land could be obtained for the purpose of erecting a building which should be adapted for use as a town hall and public library, and also to report and esti- mate cost. This committee reported at the adjourned town meet- ing, April 5th, that they were not united as to the choice of lots, some favoring that on the corner of Concord avenue and Common street, and others the present site. Mr. Elisha Atkins offered the lot upon which this building stands as a gift to the town and the town gladly accepted it, and thus a location was decided upon. $35,000 was appropriated by the town at first for the erection of the building, and on June 29, 1881, $6000 more was added to it. Work was begun early in June, 1881, and the building was com- pleted and dedicated June 22, 1882. It is one of the prettiest and best town houses in the State.
The building is of Queen Anne architecture, built of brick and terra cotta, situated at the junction of Pleasant street and Concord avenue; the lot, sloping sharply to the south from Pleas- ant street, admits of a basement story of full height and wholly above the natural surface of the ground. Advantage has been taken of this in apartments for town officers; three large rooms occupying the southerly portion and opening together through doorways twelve feet wide, enabling the whole space to be used upon occasion as a supper room, to serve which a kitchen is located near by under an ante-room of the main hall.
The base of a circular tower projecting from the southwest angle of the building contains a fire-proof vault opening from the selectmen's room, while beyond the offices, to the east, a carriage porch affords convenient access, not only to the rooms at this
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level, but, by means of ample stairways and corridors, to all other parts of the building.
Behind the rooms above named and under the hall are the furnace and coal cellars, and to the east of these a room to accom- modate a fire engine.
Upon the main floor above, lighted from the north by a group of three large windows, is the town hall, with its gallery, lobby, an- te-rooms, stage and stage dressing-rooms, these last being under the stage and above the engine-room before mentioned. Doors at the level of the hall open upon the landings of the dressing-room stairs at right and left of the stage, and these again lead to doors of exit at the rear, giving opportunity of escape for audience as well as actors, if need be.
The chief entrance to the building is under a broad, deeply- recessed arch in the western front, the place of honor here being given to a sculptured tablet of Carlisle stone bearing the names of Belmont's heroes who fell in the War of the Rebellion. This feature occupies a central position at the rear of the arched recess. The inscription reads as follows:
IN MEMORIAM.
JOHN LOCKE,
Sept. 22, 1862.
JAMES MCGUINNESS, June 24, 1863.
CHARLES V. MARSH,
ALBERT C. FROST,
Missing.
Sept. 17, 1863.
WILLIAM H. BENSON,
LEWIS H. MARSH,
Oct. 10, 1862.
May 13, 1864.
Passing this, through doors upon either side, we enter the lobby from which access is had to the main hall and ante-rooms and to the gallery above. It should be noted in passing that the stage is arranged to be shut off from the hall by means of sliding panels which close the proscenium opening, leaving forward of the same only sufficient platform space for accommodation of speakers upon ordinary occasions.
Apartments for the accommodation of the public library are level with the hall and separated from it by a brick wall and by a corridor, which, starting at the entrance porch provided for the use of visitors to this part of the building, opens not only upon its own special apartment, but also upon the town hall, the main lobby and the staircase leading up from the carriage porch below. This staircase is also continued up to a small hall, called Music Hall, over the library intended for use upon many occasions which
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BELMONT DIRECTORY.
may arise when the principal hall will not be required. Its seat- ing capacity is about 150.
The space devoted to the library consists of the waiting and delivering room, with a book room upon the one hand, giving ample space for many years to come, and upon the other, separat- ed by a wooden screen, the reading room with its open fireplace and a circular alcove formed within the tower at the angle of the building The seating capacity of the hall is five hundred and fifty. The building is finished in brown ash. Ample stage ac- commodation is provided for theatricals. All the rooms are pret- tily frescoed, well ventilated and lighted.
WAVERLEY HALL.
The project of building a hall originated at a meeting held at the residence of Mr. George H. Stearns. A number of meetings succeeded, a stock company was formed entitled the Waverley Hall Company, with a capital of $5000 in fifty shares of $100 each. The stock was all promptly taken, and plans and estimates , were obtained. The structure is after the Swiss style of architec- ture, is two and one-half stories in height, 40x60 feet in size, and has a tower in which is a bell, contributed by citizens, and bear- ing a fine clock voted by the town of Belmont. In the first story are two good stores; the second is occupied by a concert hall seating 350 persons and having a large stage and two ante-rooms. In the third story is a banquet room, also leased to the Royal Arcanum as a council, room, and containing a kitchen, closets and other conveniences. The outside design in excellent, though not elaborate; the interior is tasty and becoming. The cost of land and building was $5200, the latter costing $4550, inclusive of foun- dations. The building was dedicated Nov. 29, 1SS2. It is located on Church street, near the corner of North street. The officers of the company are: Isaac Watts, president; John Fenderson, vice- president; William Munroe, treasurer; Gustavus C. Holt, clerk; directors, Isaac Watts, John Fenderson, Wm. Munroe, *Patrick Kelly, G. C. Holt, F. E. Whitcomb, D. L. Demmon, George H. Stearns, J. Lucius Ellis, David Tenney.
* Deceased.
BELMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Located in Town Hall Building, corner of Concord avenue and Pleasant street. W. H. Stone, librarian; H. G. Trickey, assist- ant. Open from 3 to 8 every Wednesday and Saturday. Reading room in conjunction open during the same hours, also on Sunday from 2 o'clock P. M. till sundown.
REGULATIONS.
Books may be taken from the library only by legal voters of the town of Belmont, by contributors to the library, and by any person to whom such voter or contributor shall give a written order containing a promise to be responsible for the fine assessed on said person, viz :
For keeping a book beyond the time prescribed, a fine of five cents per week.
For careless injury to a book, the fine assessed by some mem- ber of the board of trustees.
For losing a book, enough to replace it.
For not returning a book the last library day in December, for examination, fifty cents.
No person fined. shall use the library until the fine is paid to the librarian.
Books marked with a star are for reference, and can be taken from the library only by a written order of one of the trustees.
Only one book can be taken from the library by any person on the same day, unless by written permission of some member of the trustees.
SKETCH OF THE BELMONT PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The public library of Belmont dates from 1868. In that year upwards of $1000 was raised by subscription among the citizens. The town provided a book-room in the High School Building, and
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BELMONT DIRECTORY.
appropriated $500 for fitting up the room and for purchase of books. The first librarian was Mr. David Mack, through whose instrumentality the subscription had been begun, and whom the town had placed upon the library committee with the chairman of the selectmen, chairman of the school committee, and the two settled clergymen of the town. The connection of these gentle- men with the library committee being ex officio, the librarian soon became the only active member, and the library remained practi- cally under his sole charge for nearly five years. In January, 1869, it contained 817 volumes, of which 118 were donated by the Farmer's Club and 30 by private individuals. In January, 1873, the librarian reported 1763 volumes and a circulation of 94 vol- umes per week. At the annual meeting of the town in that year a board of trustees was voted, the board to consist of three mem- bers, and the full term of office to be three years, one member re- tiring annually. Of this board, W. J. Underwood and J. V. Fletcher were original members, and by successive re-election have continued in office to the present time. Leonard S. King, the third member, was succeeded in 1874 by Rev. H. C. Bates, and he, in 1877, by T. W. Davis. In May, 1873, the accommodations fur- nished by the original quarters became so limited that the trustees hired a room in the basement of the Unitarian Church, where the library continued to increase in size and usefulness until another removal bid fair to become necessary. In the erection of the new town building the needs of those using the library were fully con- sidered, and such provisions were made as to meet the anticipated demands of future years. The number of volumes January, 1883, was 4016. The circulation since entering the new building has been over 200 per week. The total number of cards issued is 373. The reading room is furnished with the leading popular periodicals of the day. The present librarian, Walter H. Stone, has occupied that position since 1876, at the close of which year Mr. Mack retired on account of continued ill health. The most notable contribution received during the history of the library was an anonymous one of $1000, made in 1882, although the gifts of others in books and money have been liberal and should not pass unmentioned.
BELMONT FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Engineers-Henry Frost, chief; David Chenery, Jr., Jas. E. Poor.
BABCOCK FIRE EXTINGUISHER.
Located in the Town Hall Building. Foreman, G. M. D. Sargent; assistant foreman, Lewis Locke; secretary and treasurer, James E. Locke. Regular meetings are held the first Saturday evening in each month at the engine house.
PROTECTOR ENGINE CO. NO. 1.
House corner North and Common streets.
Foreman, Charles Parks; assistant foreman, Morris Welch; steward, Patrick Shean; secretary and treasurer, Patrick Kelly. Regular meetings are held on the first Saturday evening of each month at the engine house.
HOWARD ENGINE CO. NO. 2.
House Brighton street near Pleasant street.
Foreman, Wm. Shay; 1st assistant foreman, James Shean; 2d assistant foreman, Wm. Griffin; clerk, John Nelligan.
PUBLIC PARK.
The Belmont Town Park, located at the junction of Common street and Concord avenue, is at present in an uncomplete state. It covers an area of an acre, and a half, and was purchased in 1881 at a cost of $6000, a portion of which the town appropriated for the purpose and the remainder was raised by subscription. It is the intention some time to lay it out and open it to the public.
CONVALESCENTS' HOME.
In 1882 a Convalescents' Home was established in Waverley by the Massachusetts General Hospital. One hundred and seven acres of land, extending from North street to the town gravel banks on Pleasant street, and covering the hill on the north side of the railroad track, were purchased of the Waverley Land Company, with the purpose in view of ultimately converting it in- to the hospital and asylum grounds. The convalescents' cottage was the first building erected and the only one (excepting a stable in connection) up to the present time. The building was begun in 1881, and was occupied in May, 1882. It is of the Queen Anne style of architecture, brick, stone and wood entering into its con- struction. It sets on the top of the hill looking to the south, and is approached by driveways from both Pleasant and Lexington streets. The matron of the institution is Mrs. T. A. Moore. The physician in charge of the patients is Dr. W. N. Conant. He is at the home the greater portion of the day and remains there over night. The present number of patients is sixteen.
BELMONT CEMETERY.
Located at the corner of Cushing and Grove streets.
BELMONT BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Auctioneer.
Harris S. S., Concord avenue.
Apothecary. Otis Edward F., Learned (see advertisement page 115.) Artist.
Fuller George, Pleasant.
Blacksmiths. Hill John C., corner Brighton and Pleasant (see advertisement colored leaf).
Shean Patrick, off Common near School.
Boarding House.
Grant Mrs. E. B., Concord avenue.
Carpenters.
Ayer Geo. G., corner Waverley and Cambridge.
Hatch Lemuel, corner Clark and Thomas.
McLean John, Trowbridge.
Emery J. B., Pleasant.
Hatch S. D., off Concord avenue.
Sparrow E. S., Brighton.
Brown T. S., Cottage.
Burnham George, White.
McCabe J. W., Leonard.
McCabe David, Concord avenue, Belmont Centre.
Clergymen.
Teel W. H., Waverley. Butler D., Sycamore.
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ADVERTISEMENTS.
Robbins S. D., off Concord avenue.
Russell D. A., Waverley.
Smith Amos, Pleasant.
Contractors.
Macusty John, Pleasant, 2d on right from North. McGuinness Chas., Concord avenue.
Depot Carriage.
Perault J. B., Moore (see advertisement, colored leaf).
Dress Maker.
Suydam Mrs., Moore.
Expresses.
Hatch E. W., corner Clark and Thomas. Drayton F. O., Pleasant.
Flour, Grain, Etc.
See grocers.
Grocers.
Adams A. A., Concord avenue, Belmont Centre (see advertise- ment colored leaf).
Russell & Haskins, Waverley.
Insurance Agent.
Chenery Winthrop L., Concord avenue (see advertisement, colored leaf).
Lawyer.
Dodge Frederic, Clark.
Lustralis Manufacturing Company.
Trickey C. W., Waverley.
Masons.
Bacon C. A., off Concord avenue.
Bacon G. H., Alexander avenue.
Hammon George, North.
Milk Dealers.
Stearns G. S., Pleasant near North. Kendall J. B., Mill.
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ADVERTISEMENTS.
Music Teachers,
Homer Mrs. M. F. W., Pleasant.
Young Ladies' School, Pleasant.
Newspapers and Periodicals.
Lennan Mrs. F. G. R., F. R. R. depot, Belmont. Painters.
Wellsman J. C., Thomas.
Perault J. B., Moore (see advertisement colored leaf).
Physicians.
Wilson Dr. J. V., corner North and Hawthorne.
Conant Dr. W. N., Convalescents' Home.
Provisions.
Pierce W. H., Moore (see advertisement colored leaf). O'Brien John, Waverley.
Riding School.
Stone J. Howard, Moore.
Slaughter House.
Niles Bros., Concord avenue.
Stoves, Ranges, Etc.
Rogers F. P., Leonard (see advertisement colored leaf).
Wheelwright.
Hill J. C., corner Brighton and Pleasant (see advertisement, col- ored leaf).
CAMBRIDGEPORT, MASS.
No. 2 Hyde's Block, 603 Main St.,
ARCHITECT,
JAMES FOGERTY,
W. A. MASON & SON, CIVIL ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS,
SURVEYORS OF MECHANICS' WORK. CENTRAL SQUARE, No. 603 MAIN STREET, CAMBRIDGEPORT, MASS. RESIDENCE, Raymond St., Old Cambridge, near the Botanical Garden.
ESTABLISHED A. D., 1839.
Information of value to every property owner.
We have saved the original notes and plans of all Surveys by us since 1839, also, a vast collection of copies and other information, from which we are prepared to re- establish old boundaries as well as new ones.
Anything in our line promptlyond accurately attended to.
138
ADVERTISEMENTS
For Reference
Not to be taken
from this library
60871
REFERENCE ROBBINS LIBRARY
MANUFACTURERS, JOBBERS AND RETAILERS
OF MEN'S, BOYS', AND CHILDREN'S FINE AND MEDIUM
CLOTHING.
An immense stock, comprising all the choice»t and most at- tractive patterns, cut in latest styles, handsomely trimmed, thor- c.ighly made and perfect fitting.
SHOTLA ISEMOT
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WEAR
WHOLESALE & RETAS
LANC HOUSE
ON PRICE
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LEOPOLD MORSE & CO.,
CORNER WASHINGTON AND BRATTLE STS., BOSTON.
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