USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Danvers > Danvers, Massachusetts : a resume of her past history and progress, together with a condensed summary of her industrial advantages and development : biographies of prominent Danvers men, 1899 > Part 7
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DANVERS.
ing the dedicatory sermon on " the Chris- tian's Inheritance." The cost of the church building was about $15,000, with all but $6,000 raised at time of dedica- tion. The first superintendent of the Sunday School was Bro. O. D. Ham, and Mrs. Mary A. Cheney was chosen first president of the Ladies' Society.
In April, 1875, Bro. Hodges, having been with the church as pastor three years, the length of pastorate then allowed by the M. E. Church, was succeeded by the late Rev. R. H. Howard, under whose pastorate the church con- tinued to flour- ish. Following Bro. Howard ,in 1877 came Rev. Garrett Beek- man, during whose pastorate the debt of $6,000 was paid. Rev. W. J. Ham- bleton came to this people Apr., 1880 and re- mained three years. During his pastorate
great spiritual
prosperity pre- vailed. Rev. W. M. Ayres was pastor for the succeeding three years. Peace and harmony prevailed during the pastorate of this saintly brother. Just before the close of Mr. Ayres' last year he was prostrated with nervous exhaustion and has never since been able to resume active service. He still lives among us and his presence is a benediction. The next shepherd ap- pointed to this flock was the late Rev. Charles A. Merrill, whose ministrations to this and all charges he has served were seasons of refreshing from the Lord. The annual conference of 1888 sent Rev. J. H. Tompson to preside over this peo-
METHODIST CHURCH.
ple. It was during this pastorate that the church was remodeled and beautified without a dollar of indebtedness. It is due to Bros. H. J. Call and L. D: Cros- by, to record that to them great honor should be given for the consummation of this work. It was during Rev. L. W. Adams' pastorate that, through the efforts of chorister A. W. Howe, a fine pipe organ was purchased and put in place in the church. During the pastorate of Rev. WV. F. Lawford, the twenty-fifth anniver- sary of the church was celebrated. Un- der this brother's pastorate a good work was done. Rev. H. H. Paine came to this church Apr., 1897. Although Mr. Paine was over this church but one year, during this time plans were con- summated for a new parsonage, and the present pastor, Rev. H. B. King, found a new and com- modious house ready for his oc- cupancy.
REV. HARRY B. KING.
Rev. Harry B. King was born in Norfolk, England. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to London, where Mr. King's younger days were passed. In 1876 he came to this country, shortly after which he was converted. Mr. King lived in Boston for several years. Feeling a call to the min- istry, after spending seven years in the following institutions, Kimball Union Academy, Dartmouth College and Boston University, he joined the New England Conference at Worcester, April, 1889. Since that time he has served the follow-
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DANVERS.
ing charges :- Belchertown, St. Luke's, about fifty. Sabbath school every Satur- day at 11.15 A. M. Meeting 1.15 P. M. Sunday even- ing meeting, 7 o'clock. Present offi- cers, Elder, G. F. Fiske; Dea., W. H. Edwards; Supt., J. H. Tiney ; Asst. Supt., E. R. Stone.
Lynn, Warren, Mittineague and Tapley- ville. He was appoint- ed Apr., 1898, to this last charge. Mr. King was married Jan. 15, 1890 to Miss S. Ella Hendrick of Chicopee, Mass. They have one daughter, Mabel E., about eight years of age.
Seventh Day Ad- ventist Church.
In the sum- mer of 1877, Elder D. W. Canright pitched a large tent on the vacant lot near the corner of Maple and Hobart Sts., and after preaching nearly every evening for three months, on Dec. II, he organized a church of about sixty members. In the fall of the same year, a church was built and it was dedicat- ed in the spring of 1878. Regular services have been held weekly, present membership
REV. HARRY B. KING.
11
ADVENT CHAPEL.
cussed. The church building is on Putnam street, near Maple.
The keep- ing of Satur- day as the Sabbath day serves as a n especially distinguish- ing feature of this society, whose mem- bers are earnest, faith- ful and hope- ful people. The organiza- tion has done much good in many direc- tions, and al- though not among the larger socie- ties, it is not without its influence i n the morale of the town. Special preaching services a r e held from week to week, conducted by out of town speakers, when leading religious top- ics are dis-
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DANVERS.
As a Community.
Many factors enter into the making of a community. The climate, the geograph- ical conditions, the soil, the character
the community reenforce the work of the churches and the schools. The social life here will not tolerate immorality or iniq- uity in any form. The town regularly declares against license. Moral suasion
BERRY STREET.
of first settlement, the intellectual and moral trend, the activity and the pursuits of its people, and all that is in life, in fact, goes to determine what a community is and is to be. The origins of Danvers were
and the strong arm of the law join forces to accomplish the best results for society. The churches and the courts are equally active in sustaining the morale of the community.
CONANT STREET.
suchjas laid broad and deep the founda- tions for a good community. Nowhere are morality, law and order more re- spected than in Danvers. The homes of
RESIDENTIAL.
As a place of residence Danvers has many attractions. The location is a de-
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DANVERS.
lightful one, and its eligibility in this re- gard has had much to do with the devel- opment of its resources. The sanitary condition of the town is in the highest
tunities, her advantages as a manufactur- ing and distributing point, her wealth and intelligence, refinement and culture of her people, for public and private enterprises, and the thousand and one things that tend to make a town a desirable place of resi- dence, are attract- ing the attention of people in other parts of the State, and, as a natural result, capital and business enter - prise are coming to the town in considerable measure and help- ing to raise it to a deserved plane among the manu- facturing centres of the State. Dan- vers has every- thing to offer that can be desired, wheth- er for private residence or the carrying on of manufacturing and commercial pursuits,
RESIDENCE OF GEORGE O. STIMPSON.
degree creditable, and as a result the death-rate is low. Taxation is being re- duced; the town has telegraph, tele- phone, and ex- press services am- ple for all require- ments, the lines of transportation insuring the low- est rates ; and all 12 these and other advantages com- bine to make liv- ing in Danvers cheaper, better, and more pleasant than in many oth- er places of the same population, while there are generally oppor- tunities for em- ploy ment for skilled artisans and day laborers. Then the town from her favorable situa- tion, her advantageous surroundings, her commercial facilities, her business oppor-
RESIDENCE OF GEORGE A. GUNN.
and its future is one of a most promising and hopeful character. The streets are wide, regular, and well shaded, while in all
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DANVERS.
parts of the town the residences are con- spicuous for their neat and tasty appear- ance, most of them being surrounded by fine lawns, presenting an air of thrift and
CLIMATIC AND SANITARY CONDITIONS.
No consideration is more essential to the continued prosperity and happiness of a community than health. Sta- tistics prove that Danvers is one of the most healthful towns in the state. Its climate is pure and genial, the high temperature of summer being modified by its proximity to the ocean, while in winter the cold is not ordinarily ex- cessive. The town is subject to no prevailing dis- eases, is well drained, and its sanitary condition is well regulated by an efficient board of health. In com- parison with other towns the per centage of mortality, 15.73 a thousand, is low.
RESIDENCE OF GEORGE W. FISKE.
comfort. The number of elegant and substantial mansions is surprisingly large for a town of this size, and indicative of wealth, refinement and cultivation of a high order. Aside from these, her rich and pic- turesque sur - roundings, her fine schools and churches, and, above all, her healthful location, make Danvers a very desirable place for perma- nent homes. Much activity is observable in the building of new residences. The work of the Im- provement socie- ty in beautifying the town and establishing a public park is a matter of general knowledge and fav- orable comment.
RESIDENCE OF JAMES M. GEORGE.
The natural features of soil, climate and topography are conducive to health, and the natural drainage of the locality has
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DANVERS.
saved the tax-payer's pocket and preserved his health. With the introduction of the water works the necessary sewers followed to improve the sanitary system. A practi- cal, well-built system of catch basins is found in the town. Public improvements and regulations are constantly lowering the mortality.
VITAL STATISTICS.
The latest report shows that the deaths for one year were, females, 107; males, 92. Births : females, 76; males 74. There were 74 marriages solemnized.
its character as the basis, the safe, the sure and the indestructible. Time, ex- perience and statistics show conclusively that an investment in real estate is the most profitable known to finance. Real estate grows in value in proportion with the increase of commerce, of education and of manufactures.
Danvers is a town in which her citizens largely own their own homes. The build- ing operations in Danvers during the past two or three years have been a matter of wonder ; the large number of substantial and even expensive structures erected
SUMMER RESIDENCE CF MRS. LEOPOLD MORSE.
REAL ESTATE AND BUILDING.
Ever since the establishment of the earli- est American settlement in this country, each succeeding year has more fully demonstrated the fact that it is as much of a characteristic or inborn desire of most Americans to own real estate as it is char- acteristic of them to be independent, free citizens. " Real estate is the basis of all wealth," still holds good, and never was this so positive as at the present time. Real estate asa commodity for investment has long since conclusively demonstrated
during that period, including schools, residences, and the remodeling of the his- toric Berry Tavern, show an abundant measure of prosperity. There are at present many buildings under course of construction and projected and this fact speaks eloquently for the steady growth and great popularity of Danvers as a place in which to establish a home. There has been no fictitious and unnatural boom in prices of real estate here. Whatever in- crease in values has come, has been be- cause of a legitimate demand for the property. Realty is in demand not only
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DANVERS.
for investment, but for homes for the people who buy. As an investment it is safe and sure, yielding a good percentage on the capital invested. It is a significant fact that outside capital thinks highly of
ple who are here to reside, to own their homes and to be useful citizens. Those who own their homes do so from a desire to own and hold property that is con- stantly increasing in value. Danvers real
ESSEX BLOCK.
Danvers realty as security and that a large percentage of demands for Danvers real estate comes from people who want it for homes. The large amount of money on
estate has been a splendid and sure in- vestment and it will continue to be so. The stability of the town's institutions, the class of men interested in it, the absence
NEW MAPLE STREET SCHOOLHOUSE.
deposit in the savings bank is indicative of the industry and thrift of the people. The majority of this money is the savings of wage earners. They are a class of peo-
of any inflation or boom in prices, the construction and purchase of homes for a permanent class of population, all argue in one direction-the stable and constant-
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DANVERS.
ly increasing value of realty. No boom in real estate is expected, or desired, in Danvers. There will continue to be a steady natural demand for property, cre- ated by the constant increase in popula- tion and the inflow of new residents.
HIGH SCHOOL-CHEMICAL LABORATORY.
EDUCATIONAL.
The schools are provided with plenty of books and supplies, and an excellent corps of earnest, well trained teachers who are fully alive to the duties and responsi- bilities of their positions. It seems to be the purpose of the citizens of Dan- vers to cherish their schools, to make them more efficient, and to let no policy of undue retrench- ment nullify what has been accomplished, for they believe that the brain power, which it is the province of the teacher to impart to the young, is a source of great material prosperity. The general course of study has been broadened and strength- ened by the introduction of nature lessons in connection with language and drawing.
Geography, history, music and literature are taught in a simple but systematic man- ner in all grades from Primary to High school by a proper correlation of these subjects with reading and spelling. Latin and Algebra have been introduced into the Grammar school course. The result has been both a larger number of pupils to grad- uate from this department and larger classes to enter the High school. The High school course of study has been ex- tended and streng then ed greatly, espec- ially in classical and scientific lines. A practical laboratory for experi- mental work in chemistry and physics and electricity has been provided and equip- ped and has proved of inestimable bene- fit to the pupils in their studies. The spirit and tone of school life has been ris-
HIGH SCHOOL-PHYSICAL LABORATORY.
ing and improving gradually. Three new school buildings, accommodating one- third have recently been built, and anoth- er is being constructed. The High school occupies its new quarters in the remod-
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DANVERS.
eled town house. The history of Danvers records no equivalent improvement in the same period as that of the past two or three years. A new feature in school work has been introduced last year. A kindergarten school for children from three and a half to five years was started in the Danversport schoolhouse under the direction of the Danvers Women's Asso- ciation and continued until the summer vacation. It w a s again opened in Septem b e r and contin- ued until Christ m a s, and has this spring been held in the Tapley schoolhouse. It was fre- quently vis- ited by the committee , who were much pleased with the methods adopted in the training of the little folks and were grati- fied with the results a t - tained. The outlook is most en - coura ging on account of the inter- Miss Glover, est and en- Mis; Campbell, thusiasm manifested by the people, the devotion and hearty co-operation prevailing among the teachers, and the unity and harmony which characterize every effort made to improve the schools and elevate the stand- ards of instruction. Fostered as they are by a generous public, sustained by an en- lightened sentiment, and assisted by the stimulating influence of a strong progres-
sive public spirit, there is no reason why the schools of Danvers should not take an advanced position among the best in the Commonwealth.
HERBERT E. WENTWORTH.
Herbert E. Wentworth is a graduate of the Bridgewater High and State Normal schools and has had an experience in grammar school work extending over a period of sixteen years. He was master of the Pond school, Brain t r e e, for four years, after- ward a c - cepting the principal- ship of the Falls school, Attleboro, where he re- mained two years, com- ing from thence to Danvers as principal of the Tapley school. His work in con- nection with the school has been of a hlgh order and has been emi- nently satis- Miss Herrick. Miss Eaton. factory to the school committee ,
HOLTEN HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS.
Principal Powers, Miss Richmond,
and the pupils have been commended for their excellent rendering of vocal music on Memorial Day and other public occa- sions. Mr. Wentworth has been unusual- ly successful in his objective methods of teaching, and has displayed his ability to analyze, revise and adapt a study to the class he is teaching. He is the au- thor of the text-book " Objective Lessons
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DANVERS.
in English," which he has recently copy- righted and expects to publish this year.
Mr. Wentworth enjoys the confidence of his scholars and their parents. The Tapley school is sufficient proof of the capability of the teacher, and his efficiency in adapt ing the course of study to the various classes is the result of sound judgment and the experience gained in many years of grammar school work.
LEWIS W. SANBORN.
Lewis W. San- born, principal of the Danversport grammar school, was born in Unity, N. H., Jan. 20, 1847. In 1858 he moved to Claremont, N. H., and began his education in the
PRINCIPAL H. E. WENTWORTH, TAPLEY SCHOOL.
course for college at New Hampshire Conference Seminary and Female College, in Tilton, N. H. While there he was as- sistant instructor in mathematics. His health be- came impaired and he was obliged to aban- don study for a while, and when he resumed he did so in the role of a teacher, becoming principal of Tubbs Union Academy in Washington, N. H., in 1871. Dur- ing his college preparatory course he taught, during winters, in Acworth, Newport and Claremont, N. H., and one winter in Vermont. He was superinten- dent of schools in Claremont, N. H., in 1871 and was re-elected in 1872. He soon resigned
TAPLEY SCHOOL.
public schools and academy in that place. He afterward attended the academy in New London, N. H., and finally took a
to accept the position of principal of the Danversport school, which he has held uninterruptedly for nearly twenty-eight
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DANVERS.
years. He is a conscientious and effective teacher, with exceptional ability to impart knowledge, and he seldom or nev- er fails to graduate every pupil of his first class directly from his school in- to the High school. He is a conservative but exceedingly pop- ular man. He has a wife and son,
Retail Trade.
No community of equal size in New England is more favored in the extent, variety and quality of its retail mercantile establishments than Danvers. Ev-
PRINCIPAL L. W. SANBORN, DANVERSPORT SCHOOL.
ery branch of trade is represent- ed by an adequate number of dealers to furnish a salu- tary amount of competition. This competition is ad- vantageous as
a spur to the various merchants, n o t only to retail goods at favorable figures to the con- sumers, but as an incentive for the various dealers to outdo their com- petitors in variety and completeness of the stock of goods carried. It is true that most of the staple goods that can be found in the large trad- ing centres may be found in Dan- vers stores upon
DANVERSPORT SCHOOLHOUSE.
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DANVERS.
fully as favorable terms. There is thus no legitimate excuse for the people to trade out of town. This spirit of patronizing and supporting home merchants finds a ready reciprocity in the tradesmen in the shape of the best in all lines of goods at the narrow- est margins consistent with legitimate and reasonable living profits. Thus it happens that there is found in Danvers a class of merchants broad and liberal enough to co-operate for the general betterment of business conditions, a class of citizens wise enough to patronize the home mer- chants. The many advantages of trading in Danvers are so well known that people come from an ever increasing radius to barter, to sell their products and to buy their supplies. Thus Danvers is the cen-
tral trading point of a much larger territory than the average town of the same size and i m portance. There is no perce ptible reason why this pleasing condition of affairs should not continue, thus giving every assur-
ance . of steady, sub-
RESIDENCE OF L. W. SANBORN.
stantial growth and permanent prosperity.
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION.
The growth of any community is great- ly enhanced by the extent and liberal character of its transportation facilities. Few towns in the commonwealth are bet- ter provided with railroad facilities both for shipping and for passenger traffic than Danvers. The Boston & Maine R. R. affords an easy outlet and inlet to the town, there being nine passenger stations within the town limits. This road gives quick transportation to the various trade centres toward any point of the compass, twenty-one trains arriving and departing from Danvers daily. The Lynn & Boston
street railway, recently absorbed by the big syndicate, has an excellently equipped and managed electric road with a half hour service to the principal adjoining cities. The Postal and Western Union telegraph companies and the New England Tele- phone and Telegraph company maintain offices here and place Danvers in direct communication with the entire world. The American and other express compa- nies are represented and do a general for- warding business.
TO MANUFACTURERS.
One object of this work is to bring to the attention of manufacturers and capi- talists the many advantages Danvers of- fers either for the establishment of new industries ·or the extension of those al- ready in oper- ation in other places. Among the intelligent and well meaningman- ufacturers and merchants of Danvers the spirit of pub- lic and com- mercial prog- ress is strong- ly developed, and among these that feeling of unity of thought and action so absolutely necessary to individ- ual and collective welfare is most striking- ly displayed. These representative men have always been alive to the fact that prosperity based upon commercial inter- ests exclusively must of necessity be ephemeral and short-lived. They have actively and practically encouraged the location of manufacturing enterprises of all kinds, and will do so again. Every ef- fort that is consistent with honest, pro- gressive endeavor will be gladly and vig- orously made. Let your enterprise be a good one and Danvers people will see that you receive every encouragement to locate here. The men we want to avail
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DANVERS.
themselves of the proffered advantages are those possessing thorough practical and technical knowledge of the business they propose to undertake and sufficient capital to establish and operate such busi- ness. To such men Danvers will extend a hearty welcome and they will have no difficulty in securing good factory sites and every facility for this purpose. No- where is there combined more of those elements which are so essential to the successful manufacture of goods of a va- ried character as in Danvers. The great system of the Boston and Maine R. R., converging in all directions, places Dan- vers in direct touch with the great com- mercial centres and markets of the coun- try ; this combined with the abundant supply of raw material and the large amount of capital lying ready to be in- vested in any legitimate enterprise having a reasonable prospect of success, all com- bine to make Danvers a desirable location for the establishment of industries. The close proximity to the large eastern cities and the lowness of the freight rates bring the cost of production down to the low- est possible figure and provide an excel- lent market for manufactured goods of every description. Our geographical position, the advantages of a commercial, financial and manufacturing centre already established, and a vast territory to supply, a good supply of skilled labor at very reasonable wages, leave nothing to be de- sired. Practically every class of goods can be successfully manufactured here to advantage and with a good profit to the manufacturer who does not have to pay an exhorbitant sum annually for freight to far-distant markets. It will be to the advantage of all those seeking a location, whether for business or residential pur- poses, to come and look the field over and obtain further particulars of what induce- ments are offered before deciding upon a location. To the man or corporation looking for a new location for business, profession or manufacturing, Danvers pre- sents a pleasing prospect. He sees here a diversity of industries, a variety in man- ufacturing, that insures progress and prosperity. Then, too, the prospective new comer observes that the manufactur-
ing interests of the town are in the right hands. They are owned and controlled principally by men interested in Danvers. They are interested in it, not only as the location of their business, but as the home of their families, as the centre of their ambitions. The manufacturers of this town are invariably men who have large property interests here and are therefore vitally concerned for the growth and future welfare of this place. This, then, gives Danvers a large advantage over those numerous manufacturing towns where the masters of industries live and are interested in other cities. Danvers, as a community, extends a cordiality of reception to new comers which has been a factor in increasing its growth.
MANUFACTURING.
Agriculture would seem to have been the primal industry which occupied Dan- ver's first settlers ; but she unquestionably owes the growth of the past years to the introduction of manufactures. Though there may be prejudices against such branches of industry, and some have re- garded manufacture as hostile to agricul- ture, we are persuaded there is no natural antagonism between the two. The manu- facturer and the mechanic must subsist on the products of the soil, and their pres- ence in an agricultural district not only creates a demand for the product of the farmer, but brings the market to his own door. The Danvers farmer, with his broad acres of grass and grain, not only finds a better market for his staples by the increase in population, but can dis- pose of his vegetables, fruits, and other produce for which there was formerly no local demand. The introduction of the shoe industry has, without doubt, tended towards the weal of the town, and placed it among the coming manufacturing cen- tres. Nor is it strange that a town so well located as Danvers should invite capital to be invested in manufacturing. There are at present shoe, leather, brick, box, rubber and necktie, iron works and machine shops. establishments, numbering in all 105. Market gardening is also an important in- dustry. These industries employ on an average of 1,113 persons, who receive in
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