USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Dictionary of Worcester (Massachusetts) and its vicinity, 1893 > Part 13
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Of individuals who have contributed much he visited Worcester with his famous Salem to the advancement of music in Worcester in Band on their return from the democratic the past, the names of Emory Perry, Rufus D. national convention at Charleston in 1860. Dunbar, L. S. Rust, Edward Hamilton, Sam- The two bands paraded together, and Gill- uel R. Leland and William Sumner are prom- more soon after obtained the services of inent. Mr. Perry was a teacher of music here Arbuckle for his own organization. Isaac Fiske, to whom belongs the credit of main- taining the organization for four or five years, was a manufacturer of band instruments in Worcester for a long period. (See Bands for present organizations. ) for thirty years. He instituted the Worcester Harmonic Society, active for ten or twelve years after 1826. Mr. Hamilton possessed sound musical taste, and was a safe critic. He was also a composer of merit. Of prominent musicians who have resided or now reside in Worcester, only a few can be noticed in addi- Mystic Brothers (Independent Order of) .-- Viking Council, No. 8, was organized in 1881, and is composed largely of Scandi- navians. Meets at Integrity Hall, Pearl street. It is a mutual benefit order. tion to those above named. Eugene Thayer, who achieved such eminence as an organist, had his early training here, and went abroad from this city. Matthew Arbuckle came to Worcester in 1857, through the efforts of Isaac Fiske, whose band he conducted. for Naturalization Clubs .- See under French Canadians. three years; and while here his subsequent fame began to dawn. Arbuckle was a Scotch- man, and deserted from the British service in Canada, induced to this action by members of a band in Troy, N. Y., who were impressed with his power, which he himself did not suspect. After playing in Troy some time, he was found by Mr. Fiske, who brought him to Worcester. C. C. Stearns, the well-known musical composer and teacher, has for the past thirty years resided in Worcester. The lamented Henshaw Dana was also a resident. Walter Kennedy, Ben. T. Hammond and E. N. Anderson are prominent as teachers of the voice. The useful work and long service of Mr. B. D. Allen entitle him to honorable mention.
Natural History Park. - The tract of land near the north end and bordering on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond, owned by the Worcester Natural History Society. The Natural History Camp and Training School for boys is held here every summer. The park includes the summit and eastern slope of Wigwam Hill, and contains about 40 acres. The money to purchase the land ($5,000) was given by Hon. Joseph H. Walker, and Thomas H. Dodge, Esq., erected the pavilion known by his name. A well-equipped work- shop is one of the attractions of the camp, and Horace H. Bigelow largely contributed to the expense of this and other conveniences. (See next article. )
Of military bands information is meagre. About 1840 two bands were formed, one
Natural History Society (The Worces-
located at New Worcester, and the Harrison ter). - The Worcester Lyceum of Natural excitement of that year afforded ample oppor- History, formed in 1825, was in existence three or four years. Dr. John Green was president. Some of the specimens owned by this organization are now in the cabinet of the present society, which can trace its pedigree
tunity for the exercise of their abilities. David Perry and Marshall Tenney were well-known band masters of the period from 1840 to 1850. The most notable enterprise in this line was entered into in the formation of Fiske's Band to the Worcester Lyceum formed in 1829, for in 1857, which was the means of bringing to
the instruction and improvement of the citi- Worcester such musicians as Arbuckle, Patz, zens of Worcester. In August, 1852, the Kendall and others of note, for the spirit of Young Men's Literary Association was incor- rivalry excited by Mr. Fiske in securing the porated for the purpose of affording intellect- services of Arbuckle caused extraordinary ual and social advantages to the young men of efforts on the part of the managers of Joslyn's the city, by maintaining a library and reading or Goddard's Band, and competition was room, and courses of lectures. Through the lively between them. Under Arbuckle, Fiske's efforts of Rev. Edward Everett Hale, a natu- Band attained a high degree of excellence in ral history department was organized in April, playing, and greatly astonished Gillmore when 1854. In 1855 the Young Men's Rhetorical
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Society united with the Library Association, community. He entered upon the work with and in 1856 the Worcester Lyceum joined much enthusiasm, which proved contagious to fortunes with the others, the consolidation those about him. Under his direction free forming the Worcester Lyceum and Library classes in the different branches of natural Association. In 1859 the books belonging to science were instituted, the cabinet or museum this society were given to the city as a nucleus opened daily to the public, and field and of the circulating department of the Free practice meetings held at short intervals. By Public Library, and the natural history de- these means the membership of the society partment was the only active branch left, the was largely increased (1300 in 1888), and Rhetorical Society having withdrawn and re- organized by itself. Interest was kept up, however, and the name of the Lyceum and
new life infused into every department. Find- ing that the development and success of his plans required money in larger amounts than Library Association assumed, and the work the membership fees and other resources of carried on so far as could be done with cur- the society afforded, he appealed to the tailed resources and objects. The courses of wealthy and business men of the city to aid popular lectures were still maintained, and for him by contributions of money or otherwise, and the response was generous in a surprising degree. The first year (1880) $1,708.99 was received, and the sums given for each succeed- ing year, as shown by the treasurer's books,
some fifteen years received liberal patronage. When the City Library was removed from Bank building to Elm street, the society was accommodated with quarters in the basement for its natural history cabinet. In 1866 the appear as follows:
name was changed to the Worcester Lyceum and Natural History Society, and March 6, 1884, altered to Worcester Natural History Society by legislative enactments. The society had after four or five years moved back to Fos- ter street, and taken possession of the upper story of the Bank Building, where it remained until Oct., 1891. The collections became very valuable as they increased, and among the acquisitions may be mentioned the John Mil- ton Earle collection of shells, and a fine cab- inet of minerals. The society also had at one time a good collection of Indian relics and
YEAR. AMOUNT.
1881 . $2,239.88
1882.
2,383.62
1883 . 2,587.21
1884
4,250.48
1885
5,152.78
1887
6,788.89
1888 . 12,204.16
In addition to the above, gifts for special purposes have been received, which swell the aggregate sum raised for the society by Dr. Raymenton previous to his retirement from other curiosities, but these have been scattered. the presidency in 1889, to $55,000, the last Interest in the work was kept up in a tolera- gift being $3,000, to settle some obligations of ble degree until 1875, but for the next five the year before. The principal benefactors of years there was a noticeable falling off in the society during the Doctor's administration attendance and enthusiasm. Mr. Thomas A. have been Hon. Stephen Salisbury, Hon. Dickinson, who had succeeded Mr. James G. Joseph H. Walker, Stephen Salisbury, Esq., Arnold as superintendent. of the cabinet, and Thomas H. Dodge, Esq. Three years' exerted himself in various ways to revive the subscriptions were instituted, a certain sum old interest, and by his invitation Prof. being pledged each year for three years; and Francis G. Sanborn, afterwards in charge of these have been renewed two or three times the cabinet, came to Worcester, and gave by some, and in many instances in increased much assistance in the form of lectures and amounts, the donors manifesting the utmost practical work and instruction. Mr. Nathan- iel Paine, after many years' valuable service as list for 1883, for example, has the names of enthusiasm in the work of the society. The president, withdrew, and his successors were prevented by the pressure of other duties from giving the necessary attention, time and labor
three contributors who gave $200 a year for three years, five who gave $100 a year, eight $50 a year, and ten $25 a year. In addition needed to revive the old spirit. In 1880 Dr. there were ten subscribers at $20 each, five at William H. Raymenton was elected president, $15, and forty-six at $10. Many of these in and began his vigorous administration, which renewing their three years' subscriptions has made the society a living force in the doubled the amounts and a few did better.
1886.
5,091.03
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The society has a permanent fund of over $16,000, and its whole property is valued at about $80,000.
In 1885 the Summer Camp for Boys was issue of May 3d, in the possession of the
established at Lake Quinsigamond, and a American Antiquarian Society, bears the cer- tificate of Isaiah Thomas that it was the first thing ever printed in Worcester. (See under Spy in the DICTIONARY.) An abridgment of the Spy, called the Massachusetts Herald or Worcester Journal, issued in 1783, failed after four numbers. The American Herald and Worcester Recorder was removed here bond for a deed of a tract of land, which in- cluded most of Wigwam Hill, was taken. The money to pay for this land was given in 1888 by Hon. Joseph H. Walker. ( See pre- ceding article.) This Camp or Training School has been maintained to the present with gratifying and increasing success. The plan of the work here is fully set forth in a from Boston in August, 1788, and was printed communication written by Prof. E. Harlow in Worcester two years and two months. The Independent Gazetteer appeared Jan. 7, 1800, and continued two years. The National Ægis was founded in 1801, to sustain the principles of Jefferson against the misrepre- sentations and abuse of the Federalists of Massachusetts. It was published till 1833, and reestablished in 1838, continuing to 1857, when it was merged with the Transcript, and at present is known as the Ægis and Gazette. and its success was so great that Thomas H. political sheet, appeared in 1809. The Mas- Russell, of the State Normal School, and print- ed in the Fifty-second Annual Report of the Massachusetts Board of Education (1887-88), to which the inquirer is referred for particulars. The Camp is open from July I to Sept. I. Something of military discipline is maintained, and daily lectures on scientific subjects are given, alternating with manual training, swimming, etc. The subscriptions in' aid of the camp amounted in 1886 to over $1,000, Three numbers of the Scorpion, a virulent Dodge, Esq., offered the use of a tract of sachusetts Yeoman appeared from 1823 to land on the Shrewsbury side of the lake to 1833. Jubal Harrington began the publica - establish a summer school for girls. In the tion of the Worcester County Republican, a winter, scientific work in the Natural History Jacksonian paper, in 1829, which continued Society is carried on by clubs, formed by those interested in the different departments. The rooms are open to the public every week day from 9 to 5.
By the will of the late Edwin Conant, Esq., the society came into possession of the fine estate at the corner of State and Harvard streets, and the collections were removed there in 1891. Mr. Conant gave in addition $10,000, the income of which is to be used in providing an annual course of scientific daily in Worcester, appeared June 23, 1845, lectures in his native town of Sterling.
New England Village .- A manufacturing village in the north part of Grafton, estab- lished in 1826, at the time the New England Manufacturing Company located on the mill privilege there, the waters of Lake Quinsiga- mond having their outlet at this point. Cotton, linen, and other goods, firearms, boots and shoes, etc., have been made here. The vil- lage is about six miles from Worcester.
New Hampshire (Sons and Daughters of) .- An association, composed of natives of New Hampshire and their families, organized in 1880.
Newspapers. - The Massachusetts Spy, established in Boston in 1770, was removed to Worcester in April, 1775, and a copy of the
ten years. The Worcester Palladium, unt.1 1856 a Democratic weekly, afterwards Repul,- lican, was founded by J. S. C. Knowlton Jan. I, 1834. The last number was published Feb. 12, 1876. The Worcester Waterfull and the Cataract were temperance papers published in Washingtonian times. Elil. "3 Burritt began to publish the Christian Citiz Jan. 6, 1844, and the paper was continu( ? seven years. The Daily Transcript, the fir. i and was followed by the Daily Spy July 24 cf the same year. These papers were consoli- dated. The Worcester Daily Journal was printed from September, 1847, to October, 1849. The Daily Morning Transcript, first issued April 1, 1851, is continued in the pres- ent Evening Gazette. The Worcester Even- ing Journal, a Know-Nothing paper, was in existence from Aug. 30, 1854, to May 26, 1855. The Worcester Daily Press was pub- lished from April 1, 1873, to April 27, 1878. It was Democratic in politics, and those who sustained it lost heavily. The New England Home Journal, subsequently sold to the Times, first appeared Dec. 21, 1882, with
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NEW-NOR
Henry M. Smith as editor. The above com- vented the lunch wagon in present use, which prise the more important of the papers which is arranged to afford both shelter and comfort have been published in Worcester, though to those who patronize it; and is capacious many others have at different periods appeared, enough to contain the appliances and conven- iences of a restaurant. Mr. Palmer's enter- prise gave the business a great start, and night lunch wagons after his pattern have multiplied rapidly throughout the country. Mr. Palmer manufactures these wagons, and also his food and enjoyed a brief existence. The papers published at present are noticed in the DIC- 'TIONARY under their different names, viz. : Gazette, Light, Messenger, Post, Spy, Telegram, Worcester Commercial. See also under French Canadians, and the article on Swedes. supplies at his establishment on Salem street.
Newton Hill .- The eminence now includ- ed in Elm Park, known in earlier times as Little Prospect Hill. Its height is 672 feet. After several years' consideration the city pur- chased the hill in 1888, and it is now open as public ground. Of the tract acquired, some sixty acres in all, John W. Wetherell and wife Nobility Hill .- When Main street was first graded, a portion on the west side, ex- tending from opposite Park street to a little beyond Franklin square, was left at its orig- inal level and a bank wall erected with an iron railing on the top, giving much the same appearance that Court Hill now presents. owned 45.77 acres, for which they were paid This hill or terrace was occupied by several $25,120; William S. Lincoln 10.25 acres, fine residences of the old style. A street receiving $12,565; and N. S. Johnson and C. from High street to the roadway over the hill G. Harrington 3.87 acres, taken by the Parks was called Corbett street. This was in the Commission, who awarded them $6,700, line of the present Chatham street, but, of which they refused to accept, and a jury award- course, at a much higher level. The hill was removed about twenty years ago, much widen- ing Main street at that point. The Rice, Franklin, Knowles and Clark buildings follow the line of the old residences.
ed them $12,227.71, which with $135 for legal expenses, makes the price paid for the whole hill $50,047.71. A fine view of the city and surrounding country can be had from the sum- mit, and the ascent is easy. Various improve- ments are being made by Parks Commission- er Lincoln to beautify the hill.
New Worcester. - The region around Webster square. Main street ends here, and Mill, Leicester, Webster and Cambridge streets diverge from this point. The name appears to have been first applied about the year 1820.
New York (Natives of) .- See Empire State.
Night Lunch Wagons .- The night lunch
Non-Secret Endowment Order .- This Order was organized in Worcester, and in- corporated Sept. 17, 1889. Its distinctive characteristic among the fraternal and mutual benefit societies is the entire absence of se- crecy, so far as dispensing with pass-words, signs, and a secret ritual is concerned. The Supreme Assembly has its headquarters in this city.
Normal School (State) .- "By the terms of a resolve, which went into effect on the 25th day of June, 1871, the Board of Educa- tion was authorized and required to establish
business is said to have originated in Provi- a State Normal School in the city of Worces- dence, R. I., about twenty years ago, with a ter; and the trustees of the Worcester Luna- man named Scott, who at first accommodated tic Hospital were authorized and required to his customers by going around with a basket convey to the Board of Education and its of sandwiches, etc., and the increasing de- successors a tract of land of not more than five mand in time necessitating a wagon, he found acres, to be located by the governor and so many patrons gathering around it that he council, within certain limits fixed in the remained inside and handed out the viands. resolve. An appropriation of $60,000 was made upon condition that the city of Worces- ter should pay the Board of Education for the purposes named in the resolve the sum of $15,000. This condition was promptly com-
He is still in the business, which he has large- ly increased. Mr. S. M. Jones came to Wor- cester from Providence several years ago, and engaged in the night lunch business, in a "hand out" wagon, which he sold to Mr. C. plied with. The tract was located by the H. Palmer Sept. 23, 1889. Mr. Palmer in- governor and council Sept. 2, 1871; and on
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NOR-OAK
the 19th of September, 1871, the conveyance
Notabilities .- A complete list of notabili- was made by the trustees of the Hospital to ties who have been in Worcester cannot be the Board of Education and its successors in given here, but some prominent ones are trust as directed."
mentioned below. General Daniel Gookin
The land was located upon a portion of and John Eliot visited Worcester in early what was called Hospital Hill, and the build- times. Chief Justice Sewall was here several ing as erected now fronts on Prospect street. times during the first quarter of the eighteenth This building is a large three-story massive structure, of granite from Millstone Hill. It century. Whitefield spoke on the Common in 1740. The youthful Lord Howe, to whom was dedicated Sept. 11, 1874, and the school Massachusetts erected a monument in West- was opened on the 15th. E. Harlow. Russell minster Abbey, passed through here on the has been principal from the beginning, and is assisted by a corps of seven teachers. "The design of the school is strictly professional; that is, to prepare in the best possible manner the pupils for the work of organizing, govern- ing and teaching in the public schools of the Commonwealth." Entrance examinations oc- cur twice a year, at the beginning of each 5th of August, 1757. He was killed at Ticon- deroga in 1758. Lord Amherst with his army of 4500 men halted in Worcester on the 17th of September, 1757. In Revolutionary times the place was visited by Generals Washington, Lee, Steuben and Burgoyne. Dr. Franklin, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Paul Jones and Lady Washington were here during
term. Exercises of graduation occur on the the same period. Lafayette visited Worcester last day of the summer term. There are two twice in 1824-5. The Duke of Saxe-Weimar courses : one of two years, the other of four years. Tuition is free to such as intend to teach in the public schools of Massachusetts. was in Worcester August 9, 1825. Of the presidents, Washington, John Adams, John Q. Adams, Van Buren, Polk, Pierce, Buchanan, North Park .- This tract of land in the vicinity of Adams square, came into the pos- session of the city January Ist, 1889. It com- prises about thirty-nine and one-half acres, owned as follows by the parties named, who sold the land to the Parks Commission at $500 an acre : Joseph E. Bond, 12.64 acres; A. C. Harris, 3.75 acres; Alfred Smith, 3.58 acres; A. G. Weatherbee, 2.53 acres; John D. Cur- tis, 16.89 acres. Mr. Curtis was allowed $112 to cover one year's' taxes, making the total amount paid $28,265. Lincoln, Johnson, Grant, Hayes, Arthur and Cleveland have favored Worcester with their presence. Of political notabilities we find the names of Oliver Ellsworth, Alexander Ham- ilton, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, Thomas H. Benton, Stephen A. Douglas, William H. Seward, Charles Sumner, Henry Wilson and many others; Dickens, Thackeray, Longfel- low, Collins and others eminent in literature; among noted foreigners Father Mathew, Kossuth and the Prince of Wales. For musi- cal and theatrical celebrities who have visited Worcester, see under Music and Theatres.
North Pond .- The largest pond lying entirely in Worcester, supplied mainly by the waters of Mill Brook. It was formerly the head water of the Blackstone canal. The pond lies about a mile and a half north of Lincoln square. The area of the pond is over 200 acres.
Nurses' Training School .- A training school for nurses is maintained at the City Hospital, under the management of an effi- cient superintendent, and is an important and successful department of the institution. The pupils do the entire nursing at the hospital, and also attend patients in families outside.
Northville .- A village in the north part of Worcester, near North Pond, some two miles from the center of the city. The Northville Library Association is a literary society estab- lished here, and a mission is sustained.
Oak Hill .- The rising land southeast of the Union Railroad Station, populated largely with French Canadians. The slope rises abruptly from the railroad, and the houses rise one above the other in full view up the decliv- ity. The Bloomingdale road runs along the side of the hill.
North Worcester .- A village in the north part of the city, on Holden street. The asso- ciation known as the North Worcester Aid Society has its headquarters in a hall on Hol- locality above the Bloomingdale road long den street.
Dungarven, or Dutch Hill, is a particular known in police circles.
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OAK-ODD
Oaks (The). - The estate on Lincoln Mt. Vernon, No. 53, was instituted Sept. 27, street, formerly the property of Timothy Paine, 1877. The Odd Fellows' Mutual Benefit a prominent loyalist in the Revolution. It is Association of Worcester County was organ- now occupied by the Rev. George S. Paine, a ized Oct. 13, 1871, and incorporated Oct. 15, descendant in the fourth generation. The 1877. It now has 1300 members and $14,000 erection of the house was begun about the in funds. The Canton is a social and military time the war opened, and the place was aban- association of Odd Fellows, but not of a mu- doned by its owner, who was for a time a tual benefit character. The Shaffner Society refugee. The property was subsequently re- (named for Tal. P. Shaffner ) is a social club covered, and for many years was occupied by of Odd Fellows, with rooms at 377 Main Dr. William Paine. His son, Frederick W. street. The building on Pleasant street, known as the "Odd Fellows'," is not owned Paine, gathered a fine and large library, which is still maintained in the house by the present by them, but a hall is used there, and there is owner.
another hall in Chapin Block on Pearl street. Odd Fellows .- "The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was introduced into the United States in 1806. Some persons who had been members of English lodges established a lodge in Baltimore in 1819, and this lodge soon The Grand United Order of Odd Fellows is a colored organization, and comprises in Wor- cester Integrity Lodge, No. 1768 ; Patriarchal Lodge ; and Household of Ruth. Rooms on Pearl street, in Warren Block. The Order of Odd Ladies is entirely separate and distinct received a charter from the Manchester Unity. from Odd Fellows, though similar in character. The lodges already established in New York, There are three lodges: Worcester, No. 8, Philadelphia and Boston accepted charters Goodwill, No. 9, Hope, No. 11, all organized from the Maryland Grand Lodge. The since 1886.
American lodges have long since ceased to hold friendly relations with the Manchester Unity. The United States Grand Lodge has established grand lodges in all the states and
The DICTIONARY is indebted to Mander A. Maynard for many of the above facts.
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