USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Dictionary of Worcester (Massachusetts) and its vicinity, 1893 > Part 2
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Art Stores .- The veteran art dealer of Art and Artists .- Art, like literature, has Worcester is Augustus E. Peck, whose store in not flourished to any great extent in Worces- the Lincoln House Block, 368 Main street, ter. Mrs. Helen C. Knowles left at her death has for years been the resort of the art lovers
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of this county. Mr. Peck established the try through friendly intercourse, advice and sym- business in 1861, in one of the stores on Main pathy, and to aid the poor to help themselves; To prevent children fromn growing up as paupers ; To aid in the diffusion of knowledge on subjects connected with the relief of the poor." street, below Central, now occupied by the Putnam & Sprague Co. He afterwards moved to a store nearly opposite, and in 1870 took And, to accomplish these objects, it is de- signed- possession of his present quarters. Mr. Peck has seen all but six pass away of those who " I. To provide that the case of every applicant for relief shall be thoroughly investigated ; were in business on Main street when he began. There are several other art stores in the city, among them being The Davis Art Co., C. A. Boyden, and Brown, Hamilton & Co.
Arthur's Spring .- A pure and abundant never-failing spring in Dodge Park, noted in the minds of many of Worcester's aged citi- zens who often quenched their thirst there in youthful days.
Art Students' Club .- Rooms in Walker Building. Meetings the last Saturday of each month. This Association was organized in 1880 for practical work, and has proved bene- ficial, particularly to beginners and students. Occasional exhibitions of works of its members are given. The club was incorporated in 1887.
Asnebumskit Hill. - The highest emi- nence in the vicinity of Worcester, on the main road to Paxton, about seven miles from the City Hall. Its height is over 1,400 feet, and a fine view can be had from the top. The summit and a considerable portion of this Hill have recently been purchased by Hon. George F. Hoar, who has caused a road to be con- structed to its highest point.
Assembly Debating Society .- See High School Societies.
Associated Charities of Worcester, (The) .- Was organized in 1890 with the fol- lowing officers: Stephen Salisbury, President; Arthur M. Stone, Mrs. George Crompton, Vice-Presidents; Charles L. Nichols, Secre- tary; Lewis W. Hammond, Treasurer; Mrs. Eliza J. Lee, General Secretary.
There is also a Board of Directors composed of prominent citizens and ladies.
The objects of this Society are :
" To secure the concurrent and harmonious action of the different charities of Worcester, namely: The various churches, charitable agencies, public relief and individuals charitably disposed, in order
To raise the needy above the need of relief, pre- vent begging and imposition, and diminish pau- perisın;
To encourage thrift, self-independence and indus-
2. To place the results of such investigation at the disposal of charitable societies and agencies, and of private persons of benevolence, and of the Overseers of the Poor, so far as such investigation may be necessary for the accomplishment of the objects of this society;
3. To obtain employment, if possible; if not, to obtain, so far as necessary, suitable assistance for every deserving applicant from charitable agencies, benevolent individuals or public authorities.
4. To make all relief, either by alms or charitable work, conditional upon good conduct and progress ; 5. To send to each poor family, under the advice of a district conference, a friendly visitor ;
6. To hold public meetings and print papers for distribution, as may be found necessary."
Or, in a general way, it may be stated that the objects of the Associated Charities are twofold :
" Ist, to be a central bureau of information for all the benevolent societies of the city and for all char- itable individuals. By this means we shall enable you to ascertain more readily and more surely the most needy and most worthy recipients of your charity; we shall discover the unworthy recipients of present charity, and we shall prevent the (ver- lapping of the charities of Worcester in consequence of which so much money is unnecessarily wasted. Our information being strictly confidential, is open only to accredited representatives of the societies or to those personally interested.
" 2d, to furnish to those whom misfortune, sick- ness or trouble have placed in need, a friendly vis- itor who shall personally advise and encourage such persons to make themselves once more self-support- ing and thus save them from pauperism. In no case will our visitors approach persons already in charge of other societies, except at the request of such society, nor are they allowed to use their posi- tion for religious proselytism."
Office in Chapin Block, No. 37 Pearl street, Rooms 9 and 10. Open from 9.30 A. M. until I P. M. every day except Sunday.
Association Hall .- The larger of the two public audience rooms in the Young Men's Christian Association building, and can be en - tered from Elm or Pearl streets. There are 800 seats on floor and gallery.
Asylums .- See Home for Aged Females ; Home for Aged Men; Odd Fellows' Home; Children's Friend Society; Temporary Home and Day Nursery; Insane Asylums; Hos- pitals.
Athletics .- More or less interest in Ath-
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letics has been manifested in Worcester during and equipment, with one-fourth mile track and the last fifty years, but a consecutive or minute 120 yards straight-away. The grand stand history cannot be presented here. The old has dressing rooms and lockers, and all the Mechanics Ball Club formed over thirty-five modern accommodations. There are Base years ago, and which played the game of Ball Grounds and Tennis Courts. The Worces- round ball, was maintained several years with a good degree of enthusiasm, which gives evi- tion in New England.
dence that the young men of that time were
The Y. M. C. A. gives some attention to alive to the enjoyment and healthfulness of athletics, and have quarters at the Lake for the sport. The Quinsigamond Boat Club, practice in the Summer season, as well as a contemporary in its first years with the above, has at different periods numbered prominent athletes among its members. The annual college regattas at Lake Quinsigamond ex- cited an interest in aquatic sports which has steadily increased, and the reader is referred to the article on Boat Clubs and Boating for further information in this particular.
Many Worcester citizens of to-day can remember Aaron Molineaux, a man of very dark complexion, who came here in 1856, and established gymnasia on Orchard and Main streets. His wife also instructed a class of ladies. After two or three years he left Worcester to become instructor in gymnastics at Harvard College. T. W. Higginson took much interest in the subject of gymnastics, and influenced the formation of the Worcester Gymnastic Club, which bought out Molineaux, and took his rooms at the corner of Foster and Waldo streets. Many bank clerks and other young men were members of this club. Samuel H. Putnam, after the training received here, went to Oberlin College as instructor in gymnastics, leaving there after a few months, to enlist in the 25th Mass. Regt.
The Germans from the first have given much attention to athletics. The Socialer Turn Verein was formed in 1859. Pedestrianism, Base Ball and Cycling have been given a large share of public notice. Several athletic associations have existed for longer or shorter periods, with greater or less measure of suc- cess. At present the prominent successor of these is the Worcester Athletic Club, which has gathered to itself a majority of the athletes and lovers of manly sports in this vicinity. The first formal meeting of this association was held April 30, 1890, and officers were elected May 21 of that year. It was incorporated March II, 1891. Samuel E. Winslow is President, Frank E. Heywood, Secretary, and Frank R. Macullar, Treasurer. The grounds at Lake View, known as the Worcester Oval, are equal to any in the U. S. in arrangement ter. (1892).
ter Club is second only to the B. A. Associa- room in their building on Elm street.
Auburn .- This town was taken from the towns of Leicester, Oxford, Sutton and Worcester, and incorporated in 1778 under the name of Ward, in honor of Gen. Artemas Ward. The name was changed to Auburn in 1837. It lies about five miles from Worcester center, and can be reached by the Norwich railroad. Population in 1890, 1,532.
Auctions and Auctioneers .- Auctions or vendues have been held in Worcester from the earliest time. The names of prominent auctioneers here are given below, with approxi- mate dates: Samuel Bridge, 1797; Thomas Stickney, Nathan Blackman, T. Farrar, 1800; William Eaton, 1808-1830; Reuben Wheeler, 1816; John Milton Earle, 1830; James Esta- brook, 1844; Thornton A. Merrick, 1845; T. W. & C. P. Bancroft, 1840-50; E. E. Ab- bott, 1852; Alex. Putnam, 1852; E. W. Vaill, 1854; W. W. Pratt, 1856; E. B. Lamson, 1856-65; Charles Hersey, 1858; A. E. Peck, . 1857; Henry Glazier, 1865-1875. B. W. Abbott, who came to Worcester in 1864, enjoyed a monopoly of real estate and other sales for several years. He died in 1886. Worcester's most successful auctioneer at the present time is Henry M. Clemence, whose office is on Pearl street. His first sale was in April, 1875. Horace Kendall & Son, in Mechanics Hall Building, hold evening and occasional sales of furniture and notions at their place of business. There are several other auction rooms in different parts of the city; Folsom & Slaney, 580 Main street, and Frank Tracy, 162 Main street, hold regular Saturday sales of new and second-hand furni- ture, etc. There are sales of horses, cattle, carriages, harnesses, etc., weekly, at the City Stock Yards, on Summer street, by O. A. Kelley, auctioneer, and at Washington square by F. W. Flagg.
Bakers .- There are 37 Bakers in Worces-
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Balanced Rock .- About a mile and a half names signed to its notes as presidents- from the center of Shrewsbury, on the road to Daniel Waldo, senior, who was for a short Boylston. It is a large boulder-an irregular time the first president, and was succeeded by cube of perhaps 25 by 15 feet, resting on one his son, Daniel Waldo, junior, who served of its angles on the surface of a flat ledge, on until his death in 1845. Stephen Salisbury the crest of the hill. It is very curious, and was then elected, and continued until his suggests an idea of the prodigious glacial death in 1884, when the office passed to its forces which probably drifted it to its present present incumbent of the same name. This position and dropped it gently and evenly bank was organized as a National Bank, May balanced. Beneath it, upon the surface of the 9, 1864. The Central Bank, 452 Main street, ledge, the stri@ or glacial markings can be was incorporated in 1829, and became a plainly seen, the over-hanging mass having National Bank May 18, 1864. The Quinsiga- sheltered them from the elements.
Bancroft's Birthplace. - The house in which George Bancroft, the historian, was born, Oct. 3, 1800, is standing on Salisbury street, about half a mile from Lincoln square. It is occupied by Mr. John B. Pratt as a resi- dence. Mr. Bancroft died in Washington, Jan. 17, 1891.
Bancroft Endowment Fund .- The Aaron and Lucretia Bancroft Scholarship was estab- lished in Worcester in 1886 by the gift of $10,000 from the late Hon. George Bancroft, in memory of his parents, for the purpose of aiding deserving indigent students in obtaining a liberal education. The annual income is $400. The first beneficiary of this fund was George B. Churchill, who went from the High School to Amherst College.
Bands, (Military) .- There are four mili- tary bands in Worcester at the present time: The Worcester Brass, which was formed in 1868, with T. C. Richardson as leader. It is now conducted by L. D. Waters. The Bat- tery. B, formerly the Cadet, and at first known as the French Band, under the leadership of E. "D. Ingraham. Both the above enjoy a well-merited reputation from the range and excellence of their playing. The City Band, formerly the Father Mathew, is now conducted by J. H. Martel. The Brigade Band, com- posed almost entirely of Swedes, is an organi- zation of comparatively late origin. There are two or three other recently-formed organiza- tions that furnish military music. Johnson's Drum Corps has more than a local reputation. See under Music.
mond, 318 Main street, incorporated in 1829, was re-organized in 1865. The Citizens, 425 Main street, incorporated 1836, re-organized in 1865. The Mechanics, 311 Main street, (Central Exchange), incorporated 1848; re- organized 1865. The City, 406 Main street, incorporated 1854; re-organized 1864. The First National, 410 Main street, organized in 1863. The Security opened for business July 20, 1875, with a capital of $100,000, and ceased to exist in 1878. It was located at the north corner of Main and Pleasant streets.
There are four Savings Bank's: The Worces- ter County Institution for Savings, 13 Foster street, incorporated 1828; The Mechanics Savings Bank, (Central Exchange), incorpo- rated 1851; The Five Cents Savings Bank, 320 Main street, incorporated 1854; and the Peoples, 452 Main street, incorporated 1864.
See Co-operative Banks ; Safe Deposit Com- panies.
Baptist Churches .- There are ten Baptist churches in Worcester, namely, the First, in Salem square, founded in 1812; the Pleasant street, founded 1841; Main street, 1853; Dewey street, on Park avenue, 1872; Swedish, Normal street, 1880; Lincoln square, Highland street, 1881; Mount Olive, John street, 1885; South, corner Main and Gates streets, 1886; Adams Square, 190 Lincoln street, 1889; and the French, 170 Beacon street, 1890. There are three missions, the Jamesville, organized 1884; Quinsigamond, at Quinsigamond vil- lage, 1885; and the Greendale, West Boylston street, 1884. The Free Baptist church, formed in 1881, is on Wellington street, and the edifice was completed the present year
Banks .- There are seven National Banks (1892). in Worcester, namely, the Worcester, on Fos- Bar Association, (Worcester County). -An organization of lawyers in the county, ter street, incorporated March 7, 1804. This bank has had during the eighty-eight years of formed for social purposes mainly at present. its existence but four presidents, and only two Col. W. S. B. Hopkins is the president.
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Barbers .- There are 88 barbers in Worces- Stephen Salisbury, Esq., by the street railroad ter. There is a Barbers' Union, which meets company. the second Monday of each month.
Battle Flags .- The original flags carried Barber's Crossing. - A station on the by the Worcester Regiments-the 15th, 21st, Boston & Maine and Fitchburg R. R's, north of Lincoln square. There is a postoffice here.
Barnardville .- A village at New Worces- ter near Hope Cemetery. A settlement was begun here some 25 years ago by William C. Barnard.
25th, 34th, 36th, 5Ist and 57th-in the War of the Rebellion, are preserved in a case in the Aldermen's chamber in the City Hall. The flag carried by Sergeant Plunkett, who lost both arms at Fredericksburg, can also be seen here. Some of these flags are reduced to shreds, and were borne in the fiercest battles of the war. On rare occasions they appear in parades of the organizations to which they belong.
Base Ball .- Base ball has always been a favorite pastime in Worcester. Previous to 1865 the game was commonly called "round ball," and the old Common was the play- Bay State Bicycle Club .- Was formed Feb. 5th, 1887. Meets every Wednesday evening at their rooms, 35 Pearl street. See Cycling. ground for everybody who wished to partici- pate, three or four games going on at the same time on holidays. For several years previous to 1860 the only organized club in the city was the " Mechanics." They played Bay State House .- The principal hotel in a strong game but were no match for the the City, at corner of Main and Exchange Uptons or Medways, who reduced the game to streets. It was erected by a corporation, and a science and far excelled all rivals. " After the opened to the public February 8, 1856. The war, the present game of base ball, first played building cost originally $100,000, and $38,000 was paid for the land. The present proprietor,
in New York, was introduced into New Eng- land, but did not become popular for several F. P. Douglass, has recently refitted the estab- years. The first professional team in the city lishment, and it has now all the appointments was the Irvings, who flourished in 1877-8. of a first-class hotel. This location has been The following year the game was loudly a tavern-site from early times. See Hotels. boomed, and the "Worcesters" were or- ganized to represent the city in what was Bay State Poultry Association .- Was organized in 1888, and incorporated in 1889. Holds quarterly meetings. called . the International Association. In 1880-81-82 the Worcesters were in the National League, and base ball prospered as Beaver Brook. - This stream rises in Holden, and flows generally south to New Worcester, where it joins Tatnuck brook, to which it is a tributary. never before or since. While in the League, a fifty cent tariff was charged for admissions to the game. The city was not large enough, however, to support a League team, and at the close of the season of 1882 the Worcesters Bell or Bladder Pond .- Belmont street. It was from this pond that the first water sup- ply for the town was drawn by aqueduct in 1845. The pipes were laid to a reservoir (recently demolished) 107 rods distant, and iron pipes conveyed the water through Pros- pect, Thomas, Main, Park, Salem, Mechanic, Pleasant and Elm streets. The Pond is still a part of the system of water works. Its name was given on account of its resembling a bell in outline. See Aqueduct Company and Water Works. ceased to exist. An attempt was made to re- vive interest in the game in 1884, and a pro- fessional team was organized, but after com- pleting half the season the team was disbanded. Base ball then remained practically at rest until 1888, when a team was organized to rep- resent the city in the New England Base Ball Association. The season was fairly successful, but the team was disbanded after two or three years. Previous to 1888 all the professional games were played at the Fair Grounds. At the opening of the season of 1888, new grounds were inclosed on Grove street and a modern Belmont Church .- The twelfth Orthodox grand-stand erected for the accommodation of Congregational Society in Worcester, formed the patrons. The new grounds were leased of in 1889. The edifice is at 50 Belmont street.
BEN-BLO
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Benefit Associations. - See under Co- was erected to mark the last resting place of operation.
Benignus Conventus, (Worcester) .- Branch No. I was organized in 1888.
Bethany Church .- Leicester street. The 19, 1861.
fourteenth Orthodox Congregational Society in Worcester, formed in 1891.
Bibles Printed in Worcester .- Four edi- tions of the Bible were printed by Isaiah Thomas: A Folio (the first in America ) with 50 copper plates; and a Royal Quarto, with and without a concordance, both issued in 1791. An Octavo, with and without the Apoc-
Blackstone River and Canal .- The nat- rypha, published in 1793. A Demy 12mo. in ural course of the Blackstone River, which 1797. The types of the latter were kept rises in Paxton, and flows south into Narragan- standing, and subsequent impressions were sett Bay, was made available in the construc- made. Isaiah Thomas, Jr., printed a Greek tion of the Canal from Worcester to Provi- Testament in Worcester in 1802; and the first dence. The project of a canal between these American edition of the Koran in 1806. An points was proposed before 1800, but the mat- edition of Confucius was printed by Tyler & ter was allowed to rest for a quarter of a Seagrave, at the old Spy office in 1866, and century. About 1820 the plan was renewed, published by Zephaniah Baker, the first city and after some agitation a company was librarian.
Bible Society. - The Worcester County Bible Society was formed Sept. 7, 1815. It has a nominal existence at the present time, but appears not to be active.
Bicycling .- See Cycling.
Bigelow's Garden -On Norwich street, between Foster and Mechanic streets. A place of popular amusement much frequented during the past few years, but whose glory has now departed. The Garden contains the building known as the "Rink," which was erected about twelve years ago for roller skat- ing. The property soon passed into the hands of Horace H. Bigelow, who inclosed the Garden and beautified it, introducing music and novel-
ties to attract the crowd. Public and religious in Worcester, not counting journeymen.
meetings and political conventions, as well as fairs, exhibitions, theatricals, walking matches, and other athletic contests, etc., have been held in the building. On the site of the Gar- den stood the old Worcester Railroad Station or Foster Street Depot, which was removed in 1877. This land was to have been the location of the monster Electric or Commercial Build- ing, for which plans were made for Mr. Bigelow.
Bigelow Monument .- On the Common. and Elm streets.
This beautiful monument of Italian marble
the distinguished Revolutionary patriot, Col. Timothy Bigelow, and was presented to the City by his great-grandson, Timothy Bigelow Lawrence. It was publicly dedicated April
Billiards. - There are 13 public billiard halls in Worcester. (1892 )
Bimleck Hill. - The elevation back or south of Oak Hill, was known by this name in ancient times, and frequent reference is made to it in the old records.
formed, and chartered in 1823 by the legisla- tures of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Excavation for the work was begun in Provi- dence in 1824, and the canal completed in 1828, the first boat arriving in Worcester Octo- ber 6th. The cost was $700,000. The canal was a losing concern, though it contributed materially to the prosperity of the region through which it passed. It ceased to be used soon after the opening of the Providence & Worcester railroad in 1847. The last toll was collected November 9, 1848, and the affairs of the company were finally settled in 1853. The Blackstone River proper begins at Quinsigamond Village, where Mill Brook and Middle River unite to form the larger stream.
Blacksmiths .- There are 47 blacksmiths
Blocks and Buildings. - The following are known by name in Worcester:
American House Block, corner Main and Foster streets.
Bank Block, Foster street.
Bangs Block, Main street, opposite Court hill.
Brinley Block, Main street, corner Maple. Burnside Building, 339 Main street. Butman Block, Main street, between Pearl
Central Exchange, 311 Main street.
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Chadwick Building, 236 Main street.
Chapin Block, Pearl street.
Chase Building, 44 Front street.
Clark Block, 492 Main street.
Clark Block, corner Front and Church streets.
Crompton Block, Mechanic street.
Cummings Building, 59 Main street.
Dean Building, Lincoln square.
Dodge Block, Park street.
First National Bank Building, 410 Main City Hall building.
street.
Five Cents Savings Bank Building, 320 of Trade.
Main street.
Flagg's Block, 288 Main street.
Flatiron Building, (Scott's Block, ) Frank- lin square.
Foster Building, Foster street.
Franklin Building, Franklin square.
Harding Block, corner Front and Trumbull streets.
Harrington Block, 173 Main street.
Harrington Block, at Harrington corner.
Knowles Building, corner Main and Chatham streets.
Lincoln House Block, from Elm to Maple streets, on Main street.
Paine Block, corner Main and Walnut streets.
Parker Block, 113 Main street.
People's Savings Bank Building, 452 Main street.
Piper's Block, 419 Main street.
Rice's Block, Franklin square.
Rogers' Block, 424-426 Main street.
Salisbury Building, Lincoln square.
Sargent Block, corner Main and South- bridge streets.
Scott's Block, (Flatiron Building, ) Frank- lin square.
Stevens' Block, Southbridge street.
Stockwell's Block, Mechanic street.
Taylor's Building, 476 Main street.
Waldo Block, 271 Main street.
Walker Building, 405 Main street.
Warren Block, Pearl street.
See Apartment Houses:
Bloomingdale .- A station on the Worces- ter & Shrewsbury railroad at Plantation street.
Inspector of Plumbing. The regulation of all matters that affect the public health, or are connected with the sanitary condition of the City, are properly within the care of the Board -Drainage, disposal of offal, contagious dis- eases, etc .; also the inspection of milk and articles of food. The Board also issues burial permits. The members are appointed bi- ennially by the Mayor and Aldermen. The office of the Board is in the basement of the
Board of Trade .- See Worcester Board
Boat Clubs and Boating .- In 1858 James F. Allen, Chas. M. Bent, E. D. Coggswell, H. A. Marsh and Nathaniel Paine formed a boat club, which was first called the " Wide- Awake." They practiced rowing on Salis- bury's pond, and employed an experienced trainer; afterwards the club removed to Curtis pond, at New Worcester, and August 2, 1859, to Lake Quinsigamond. The name was changed to " Atalanta " in April, 1859. Na- thaniel Paine was the first president. At the Lake a boat-house was built on the west side, and was occupied in common with a new club formed in 1859, under the name of the " Phantom." This, by change of name, became the present Quinsigamond Boat Club. The original members were J. G. Heywood, W. E. Hacker, H. H. Chamberlin, T. R. Green, J. P. Hamilton, Edward Hamilton and Edward Brown. It absorbed the Atalanta Club, though the latter still has a nominal existence. The Quinsigamond occupied a club and boat house north of the causeway for several years, and then erected the present attractive building some distance south of the causeway off Lake avenue. The Quinsiga- mond maintains the characteristics of a social club, and is exclusive in its membership. It takes no part, as a club, in rowing contests and regattas. In another way, however, its influence has been felt in rowing circles.
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