USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Dictionary of Worcester (Massachusetts) and its vicinity, 1893 > Part 3
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In 1860 a young ladies' boat club was formed, under the direction of Thomas Went- worth Higginson. The Lake became a popu- lar resort for boating. College regattas were annually held here from 1859 to 1870; and many amateurs and professionals have from
Board of Health .- Established in 1877. time to time availed themselves of its superior It is composed of three members, of whom the advantages. The opening of the Shrewsbury City Physician is ex-officio one. The Board railroad in 1873 largely increased the number also employs a General Inspector and an of visitors to the Lake, and gave a great
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impetus to aquatic sports there, and interest lating to special subjects, societies and events,. has increased from year to year, until Worces- too numerous to be mentioned here. A large ter has become a rowing center. The efforts history of Worcester County was published of certain active local organizations have large- about twelve years ago, and another has since· appeared. Mr. Nathaniel Paine published in 1884 a Bibliography of books about Worces- advancing the rowing interest, the Lakeside is ter, which appeared in connection with the Account of the Bi-Centennial celebration of the naming of the town. ly contributed to this result. Of the three boat clubs which have been most prominent in the foremost. It was organized Feb. 14, 1887, with a membership of 20, which has largely increased. The club is composed of young men, mostly employed in the banks and offices in the city .. They occupy a fine build- ing, erected near the Quinsigamond's, at a cost of $3,000 ; and rooms in the city are occupied during the winter. Spring and fall regattas are held. The club was incorporated in 1887.
The Wachusett Boat Club was organized in the early part of 1888, and at once took a prominent part at the Lake. The regatta of the New England Amateur Rowing Association was held under its auspices.
The Worcester was organized in July, 1888. Its four-oared crew won the championship of the Lake, and Bigelow's championship banner, in a contest with the Woodcock crew.
The Washington Social Club has a large club-house on the Shrewsbury shore, and pos- sesses a private fleet of boats.
Books about Worcester .- Peter Whit- ney's History of Worcester County is the earliest and one of the most reliable books which has reference to Worcester. William Lincoln's History was published in 1837, and extended by Charles Hersey in 1861. Albert A. Lovell's " Worcester in the Revolution " is a valuable record of that period ; and Caleb A. Wall's " Reminiscences" contains much miscellaneous matter of interest. Rev. A. P. Marvin's " Worcester in the War of the Re- bellion " gives a good account of the men, martyrs and deeds of the fight for the Union so
Book Clubs .- Possibly the Associate-Cir- culating Library Company, in being in 1793 (see Libraries), was of a character similar to. modern book clubs. The Worcester Book Club, formed in 1839, is the oldest in the city, and the Review Club, formed in 1847, comes. next. The Worcester Reading Club, the Book Club No. 4, and the Waverley Club, with those first named, are the most important, and there are many others.
Book-stores. - The oldest book-store in. Worcester is that of the Sanford-Sawtelle Co., in the Lincoln House Block, at the cor- ner of Main and Maple streets .: This estab- lishment was founded in March, 1835, by H. H. Holton, and he sold to M. D. Phillips & Co. in September of that year. In 1845 Ed -. ward Livermore succeeded, and he was fol- lowed by Zephaniah Baker & Co. in 1854. In. 1857 Rev. William H. Sanford, who had recently retired from the ministry at Boylston, purchased the store, and the business still re- mains in the hands of his family. A fine stock of books is kept here. The house of Putnam, Davis & Co., at -389 Main street, was estab- lished by Jonathan Grout nearly fifty years. ago, and has long been a popular resort of the book lovers of the town. Richard O'Flynn, 244 Front street, and Henry M. Clemence, on Pearl street, deal in second-hand and anti -· quarian books.
Book Publishers. - Isaiah Thomas was far as Worcester's part is concerned. " The the most enterprising publisher of his time on Worcester Book," by F. P. Rice, was pub- this continent. Besides several editions of the lished in 1884-a manual of dates and note- Bible (see Bibles) he published most of the worthy events. " Worcester: Its Past and school text-books then used, dictionaries and Present," published by O. B. Wood, is an lexicons, medical and law books, and many elaborate and profusely illustrated book. Rev.' standard works in history and general litera- Dr. Smalley's " Worcester Pulpit" is a valu- ture. He was succeeded by his son, Isaiah able work for ecclesiastical history. Worcester Thomas, Jr., who, during the early years of this century, continued his father's business with declining success. The following of their Churches, by Charles E. Stevens, is a recent contribution. Besides these works of general history, there have been published many books publications deserve special mention : Perry's and pamphlets on different occasions, and re- Dictionary (the first dictionary published in
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America ); Cullen's Medical Works, in several
Boys' Club. - A Boys' Club for "street volumes; Blackstone's Commentaries; Whit- boys," established in Worcester in 1889. The ney's History of Worcester County; Josephus, rooms are in the building at the head of Bar- in six volumes (1794); Plutarch's Lives, in ton place, and were opened September 21, six volumes (1802); The Koran, in 1806; a 1889. These rooms are supplied with books, Greek Lexicon, in 1808; and Thomas's His- games and other attractions, and are open tory of Printing.
evenings during the colder months of the year
George A. Trumbull, who succeeded the from 7 to 9. They are in charge of a superin- younger Thomas, published a few unimportant tendent, who devotes his time during the day books, and his successor, Clarendon Harris, to visiting among the boys, becoming ac- in 1829 issued the first Worcester Directory, quainted with them, learning their surround- with a map of the village in copper-plate, and ings, attending the police court and judicious- also published other books. Dorr & Howland ly helping any, as far as possible, whom he were in business here for several years from may find there, and in other ways keeping a 182I, as publishers and booksellers, and S. A. general and friendly oversight of the boys who Howland published in 1839 Barber's Histor- are most likely, if left to themselves, to grow ical Collections. Henry J. Howland is well up to lives of evil, and prove an expense as known as the publisher for many years of the well as a menace to our city and state. The Worcester Directory, now the property of work is similar to that which has been tried Drew, Allis & Co. Mr. Howland also pub- with good success in other cities, and which lished other books. Other parties have occa- the People's Club, some twenty years ago, - undertook in the "evenings with the news- boys," and carried on for some time. It has been found that large numbers of boys from eight to seventeen years of age will gladly take advantage of the opportunity of having a place to spend their evenings.
sionally issued publications, but for many years the business of "book-making " for the gen- eral public has been virtually dead. During the last fifteen years many historical, genea- logical and privately printed books and pam- phlets have issued from the private press of Franklin P. Rice, the list numbering more than seventy.
Boot and Shoe Stores. - There are 25 retail boot and shoe stores in Worcester.
Boulevard, (The) .- A projected pleasure drive, ultimately to encircle the city, of which only a portion, in two sections, is completed, represented by Lake avenue, along the shore of Lake Quinsigamond, and Park avenue on the west side. It was decreed in 1873, and the order authorizing it to cross Elm Park was vetoed by Mayor Jillson in December, this being the first exercise of the veto power by a mayor in Worcester. The order was, how ever, passed over the veto, and the road was built over a portion of the Park.
At times the horse-racing fraternity take possession of the drive, to the obvious exclu- sion of those who regard life and limb; and efforts to confine the road to its legitimate use have been strenuously resisted by the votaries of the turf.
Boylston .- A town seven miles northeast
The work here is under the direction of a local committee connected with the State com- mittee of the "Work for Boys," of which Rev. Edward Everett Hale of Boston, T. E. Pierson of Pittsfield, William H. Haile of Springfield and A. C. Buck of Worcester were the originators. C. L. Burges is the local superintendent.
Liberal subscriptions have been made by prominent citizens to sustain the work.
Brand Mark .- The ancient Brand Mark of Worcester, designated by the General Court in 1684, by which the cattle, etc., belonging to the place were to be distinguished, was rep- resented thus :
Brigade Club .- A social organization at first, composed of officers of the old Third Brigade and others. The club was formed in December, 1879. Rooms were occupied in
of Worcester, not accessible by railroad. It the Odd Fellows' building on Pleasant street was originally a part of Shrewsbury, and was for several years, and recently the club re- incorporated as a separate township in 1786. moved to Clark's Block. The membership is Population in 1885, 834; in 1890, 770. limited to thirty.
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British Americans .- The census of 1885 gave 2120 as the number of British born resi- in 1889. dents of Worcester, but there are probably more than 5,000 of English blood in the city at the present time. The British-American Society, Branch No. 36, was organized here in January, 1888, as the result of a meeting held in Horticultural Hall, at which a number of gentlemen from the British-American So- ciety of Boston attended. Organizations of British-Americans in nearly all the states in the Union followed the ill-advised opposition of certain Boston politicians to the use of Faneuil Hall by the Englishmen at the time of Queen Victoria's Jubilee in June, 1887. The British-American element is now an in- portant factor in politics. Although the pres- ent strong organization originated in Boston, Worcester was the first to form a British- American Society, which was organized Octo- ber 5, 1883. The inception of the idea be- longs to Joseph Turner, who was the first president. The society met regularly for sev- eral years. The Order of the Sons of St. George was founded in Pennsylvania about 1870. Prince Consort Lodge, No. 29, was organized in Worcester in 1872, and Worces- ter Lodge, No. 165, organized 1890. These are mutual benefit societies. The Daughters of St. George is a similar society for ladies. Princess Alice Lodge, No. 1, was organized here in 1882. All of the above associations hold meetings at St. George's Hall.
Builders' Exchange .- Organized in May, 1886, as the Mechanics' Exchange. The pres- ent name was adopted in 1889, when the by- laws were changed. Any citizen being a me- chanic or trader, or whose avocation is con- nected with the building trades or industries of the country, may become a member of the Exchange, but the membership is limited to 250. There is an arbitration committee ap- pointed by the Board of Trustees from their own body for the settlement of disputes. El- lery B. Crane was the first president, and was succeeded by H. W. Eddy, C. D. Morse and O. S. Kendall. George Bouchard is secretary and F. H. Goddard treasurer. The rooms of the Exchange are in the Knowles building, corner of Main and Chatham streets. The Exchange hour is 11.45 A. M.
Building Laborers' International Union meets Tuesday evenings at 476 Main street.
Building Trades Council was organized
Burial Places .- See Cemeteries.
Burncoat Plain .- A level tract two miles north of the City Hall, through which Burn- coat street runs. The origin of the name is not definitely known. In the old records it is sometimes spelled Burntcoat.
Calliope .- The steam Calliope was invented in Worcester by J. C. Stoddard in 1856. It is an adaptation of the steam whistle to the musical scale. Mounted on railroad trains it was used with great applause in the Fremont campaign, and has since been popular on river steamboats, discoursing music that can be heard for miles.
Camera Club, (The Worcester) .- An association of amateur photographers formed in 1885 for mutual improvement. The officers were: President, Dr. George E. Francis; Secretary, Paul Morgan; Treasurer, G. H. Corbett.
Canal .- See Blackstone Canal.
Canal Basin .- The Holman Machine Shop occupies the site of the main or upper basin of the old Blackstone Canal, between Thomas and Central streets, just east of Union street. In 1828 there were few buildings between Main and Summer streets, in the long stretch of meadows between Front street and Lin- coln square. Several storehouses and stores were located around the basin, kept by Gen. Nathan Heard, the Earles, George M. Rice, S. R. Jackson and others.
"Carl's Tour in Main Street."-A series of sketches or reminiscences of old Worcester, published in the Worcester Palladium in 1855, and twice reprinted in that paper. The "Tour " was the joint production of Hon. J. S. C. Knowlton and Clarendon Wheelock. The statements are not always in strict accord- ance with historical accuracy, and dates are lacking, but the descriptions of old-time men, localities and events are deeply interesting. Sanford & Davis published in 1889 an edi- tion of "Carl's Tour " in a neat 12mo. vol- ume of 246 pages, which was indifferently ed- ited by the compiler of this DICTIONARY.
Carpet Manufactories. - In 1804 Peter and Ebenezer Stowell commenced the weav- ing of carpets here, and at one time had six
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looms of their own construction in operation. St. Anne's Mission, Grand street, was or- They made the first carpets used in the State ganized in 1886. House in Boston. There are at the present time two carpet manufactories in the city which titles in the DICTIONARY. make Wiltons and Brussels. The late George Crompton established the latter manufacture in 1870, when the Crompton Carpet Com- pany was organized. W. J. Hogg, Sr., suc- ceeded this company in 1879, and was in turn succeeded by his son of the same name, the present proprietor. In 1879 Mr. M. J. Whit- tall began the manufacture of Wiltons and Brussels. which he still carries on extensively. Both mills are at South Worcester.
Carriages, (Public) .- John Crosby drove the first passenger carriage in Worcester in 1842. Fare from the depot to any part of the village 17 cents. See Hack Fares.
Cascade .- A small waterfall near Tatnuck, on the road to Holden ( sometimes called the Silver Cascade). The stream at some sea- sons does not flow in sufficient quantity to supply the cascade in volume, but in the Spring or after rainfall it can be seen at its best.
Caterers .- Probably the first Worcester ca- terer was Alexander G. Vottier, a Frenchman, who came here in 1820. Augustus Marrs was well known in this line for thirty years from 1849. He had a restaurant in · Waldo Block. C. Rebboli, on Pleasant street, and L. J. Zahonyi, 348 Main street, are the best known caterers at the present time.
Catholic Churches .- There are nine Rom- of the bodies here have been removed. A an Catholic churches in Worcester.
names and dates of formation are given below: in 1835, is still enclosed, but no interments
St. John's, Temple street, 1846.
St. Anne's, Eastern avenue, 1855.
St. Paul's, Chatham street, 1869.
Notre Dame des Canadiens, Park street, 1869. (French. ) This church edifice was built by the Methodists (see Trinity Church), and sold by them to the Catholics in 1871, The building has been made over and its ap- pearance entirely changed.
Church of the Immaculate Conception, Pres- cott street, 1874.
Church of the Sacred Heart, Cambridge increased it to 89 acres. Street cars go to street, 1880.
St. Peter's Church, 935 Main street, 1884.
St. Stephen's Church, Grafton street, 1887.
St. Joseph's Church, Wall street, 1891. (French.)
Some of the above are noticed by their
Catholic School and Home Magazine, (The) .- A monthly publication, edited by Rev. T. J. Conaty. The first number ap- peared in March, 1892.
Catholic Young Men's Lyceum. - Founded in 1885. Meets alternate Tuesday evenings at the Church of the Sacred Heart on Cambridge street.
Causeway, (The ) .- The road built through Lake Quinsigamond to take the place of the old floating bridge. It was completed June 27, 1862, at a cost of $25,997. See Floating Bridge.
Cemeteries. - The first burying place in Worcester was on the site of the school house at the corner of Thomas and Summer streets. A portion of the Common was for a century used as a burying ground, till interments there were forbidden in 1824. In 1853 many of the bodies were removed, and the grave- stones of those remaining turned down and sunk below the surface. In 1795, a ground was opened in Mechanic street, and this was used for about fifty years. The bodies were all removed in 1878. The Pine street ground, upon a part of which the Union Station and railroad improvements encroached, was opened in 1828, and used for some thirty years. Most The Catholic burial place near Tatnuck, first used are made there.
Rural Cemetery, Grove street, the original tract (nine acres) for which was given by Hon. Daniel Waldo, was consecrated Sept. 8, 1838. It now comprises 40 acres. It is con- trolled by a private corporation. Cars from Main street pass the gate.
Hope Cemetery, at New Worcester, is owned by the City, and was consecrated May 22, 1852. It originally comprised fifty acres, pur- chased in 1851 for $1,855. Additions have Webster square, a short walk from the gate.
Other cemeteries now used are St. Anne's (Catholic), Shrewsbury street; St. John's (Catholic), South Worcester, opened in 1847 (cars through Southbridge street ); the Swed-
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ish, Webster street, (near Hope cemetery), ent titles in the DICTIONARY: Associated incorporated 1885; and the Notre Dame des Charities; Children's Friend Society ; Dis- Canadiens (French Catholic), Webster street, pensaries ; Employment Society ; Good Sam- 1885.
Central Church .- At the corner of Grove street and Institute road. This fine edifice, the second owned by the Society, was first occu- pied in 1885. The land cost $20,000, the building $90,000, and the parsonage $12,000. The first Central Church building is still stand- .ing on its original location in Main street, a few rods north of George street, and is now used for business purposes. It was erected by Hon. Daniel Waldo in 1823, and presented by him to the society. The Central Society was formed in 1820, and the present pastor, Rev. Daniel Merriman, D. D., was installed in 1878. It is the third Congregational, and the second Orthodox society in the city.
Central Exchange. - The building from 307 to 315 Main street, erected in 1844 on the site of a former building of the same name. The Mechanics Banks are located here; and from 1844 to 1867 a portion of the main floor was occupied by the Post Office.
Central Labor Union was organized in 1888, and meets Wednesday evenings at 476 Main street.
Central Massachusetts Poultry Club (The)-was formed in 1882.
Central Park .- See Common.
Chadwick Square .- At the junction of Grove and West Boylston streets. The street railway through Grove street terminates here.
Chamberlain District Farmers' Club .- Organized in 1873 for mutual improvement in the science of farming. Meetings are held at the residences of members.
Chandler Hill .- The eminence to the south of Belmont street, sometimes called Reservoir Hill. The highest point is 721 feet above tidewater, and a view of the city and several adjacent towns may be had from the summit, which will well repay the effort of a few min- utes' walk from Lincoln square. The City has recently acquired this hill for a public park at a cost of $45,000. The tract pur- chased comprises about thirty-seven acres, and forms with East Park a public ground reach- in 1867, and meets at 339 Main street. ing from Shrewsbury street to Belmont street.
Charitable Institutions .- See the differ- and meets at 492 Main street.
aritan Society; Home for Aged Females : Hospitals ; Home for Aged Men ; Poor Department ; Temporary Home and Day Nursery, etc. There are charitable societies connected with many of the religious and other organizations.
Chatauqua Literary and Scientific Cir- cle .- There are three organizations in Wor- cester : Bryant Circle, Longfellow Circle, and Wide Awake Circle.
Cherry Valley .- A manufacturing village in Leicester two miles from Webster square.
Children's Friend Society, ( Worcester) -Formed in 1848 to "rescue from evil and misery such children as are deprived of their natural parents, and provide them a home until new homes are found for them in suitable fam- ilies." An estate given to the society by John W. Lincoln, located in Shrewsbury street, was occupied several years, until the removal to the present quarters at the corner of Main and Benefit streets in 1867. The Home is in charge of a board of managers composed of prominent ladies, with an advisory board of gentlemen.
Chinese .- By the census of 1890 there were 27 Chinamen in Worcester.
Chimes .- A chime of ten bells was pre- sented to Plymouth church in 1880 by E. A. Goodnow, who has been a liberal benefactor to the church. The bells cost $5,500. They are sounded on Sundays, before the Wednes- day evening. meetings and occasionally on public holidays.
Choral Union, (The Worcester) .- The Mozart Society, formed in 1850, and the Beethoven Society, organized in 1864, united in 1866 to form the Mozart and Beethoven Choral Union, which was incorporated in 1872 under the name of the Worcester Choral Union. It is auxiliary to the Worcester County Musical Association. See under Music.
Christadelphian Church .- The Society worships at 566 Main street. The Worcester Ecclesia of Christadelphians was established
Christian Alliance .- Organized in 1891,
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Christian Crusaders .- Headquarters 476 margin of Lake Park on the south, west and Main street. See Salvation Army. north. The road on the three sides of the
Christian Endeavor, or the V. P. S. C. park is about one mile in length.
E., was founded Feb. 2, 1881, by Rev. Fran- cis E. Clark, pastor at that time of the Willis- ton Church of Portland, for the purpose of training young people for and into church work. The movement has had a marvelous growth and has spread over the entire world.
1881, less than 50 members and I society.
1892, between 1 and 2 million members and 18,500 societies.
It is unsectarian and has all denominations enrolled. Its annual convention is the largest meeting of the kind known to have been held in the world, having from 15,000 to 20,000 registered delegates. Its purpose is well de- scribed by its motto, "For Christ and the Church."
Each society is independent of the national body which levies no taxes, nor interferes in any manner with the individual society work.
The first society formed in Worcester was in the fall of 1884 at the Old South Church. Soon after societies were formed in the differ- ent churches until a Union Society was found necessary and organized in the fall of 1887, Rev. W.V.W. Davis, President. At the present time the Union enrolls 32 societies and about 2,000 members, and has extended its jurisdic- tion to some of the adjacent towns. The present officers of the Union are: President, George C. Whitney; Corresponding Secretary, Charles D. Nye; Secretary, Mrs. F. H. Samp- son; Treasurer, H. H. Roach. The largest society in Worcester is the Piedmont Society, having 146 members.
Cigar Makers' Union, No. 92, was or- ganized in 1882.
Citadel .- The plan of the Committee to secure the re-settlement of Worcester, in 1684, embraced a citadel or stockade to which the inhabitants might retreat in case of Indian attacks. It was laid out half a mile square on Mill brook, the southern boundary coming a little below and including Lincoln square. Within the enclosure the house lots of the early settlers were laid out.
City Clerk .- The City_Clerk has the cus- tody of all the general records of the City; issues licenses for most purposes, including marriage licenses; records mortgages of per- sonal property and assignment of wages; registers births, marriages and deaths. He is ex-officio Clerk of the Board of Aldermen, a registrar of voters and keeper of the City Seal. There have been but three City Clerks since Worcester abandoned town government in 1848: Charles A. Hamilton to 1855; Samuel Smith to 1877; and the present incumbent, Enoch H. Towne.
City Farm .- See under Poor Department.
City Government .- The Government of the City is vested in the Mayor, eight Alder- men, one from each ward; and a Common Council of twenty-four, or three from each ward. The Mayor holds office for one year, and the Aldermen and Councilmen for two years.
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