USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Dictionary of Worcester (Massachusetts) and its vicinity, 1893 > Part 5
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The Central District Court sits daily for criminal cases, and every Saturday for civil cases. District comprises Worcester, Millbury, Sutton, Auburn, Leicester, Paxton, West Boylston, Boylston, Holden and Shrewsbury. Samuel Utley is justice.
The Court of Probate and Insolvency holds at Worcester on the first and third Tuesdays of every month except August. William T. Forbes of Westboro is judge.
Cremation Society, (The Massachu- setts ) .- Organized April 10, 1885, as the Worcester Cremation Society, and incorpor- ated in January 1886, as the Massachusetts Cremation Society. At the time of the up- heaval of the Mechanic street burying ground in 1878 the writer was, so far as he knows, the only outspoken advocate of cremation in Wor- cester, and probably the original one. The idea was then generally condemned as hea- thenish and irreligious. The prime mover in establishing the society was Dr. J. O. Marble, who in the latter part of the year 1884, began to agitate the matter, and spoke and wrote much in 1886.
formation of a cremation society in Boston, to unite with them, and to dispose of a large part of the stock here to Boston parties interested in the subject, was accepted by vote of the stockholders, March 12, 1892, and the fol- lowing officers were elected : Clerk, Dr. John Homans, 2d; Treasurer, John Richie; Direc- tors, Dr. James R. Chadwick, Dr. Henry P. Bowditch, Augustus Hemenway, Dr. Russell Sturgis, Jr., and Babson S. Ladd, all of Bos- ton; Stephen Salisbury and Dr. J. O Marble of Worcester. Two Boston Ladies are also on the directorate.
It is expected that $15,000 will be subscribed in Boston in addition to the $10,000 taken here, making up the entire capital stock of $25,000. Then a lot will be purchased and a crematory erected as speedily as possible. This should be placed in some locality remote from any cemetery, where that which is mortal can be resolved into its original elements free from surroundings or suggestions of
"Corruption, earth and worms."
Those who do not regard the method with favor because it is not customary, or are averse to it through tenderness for the dead, should consider that in both cremation and burial the process of resolution and the final result are the same; in the one case rapid, pure and complete; in the other slow, with all the horrible and disgusting accompaniments of prolonged decay.
Cricket and Foot-Ball .- The Worcester City Cricket and Foot-Ball Club was organized
About the year 1855 the Worcester Cricket
in its favor. The first officers were : President, J. Evarts Greene; Vice Presidents, Edward Club was organized, and was quite prominent L. Davis, Stephen Salisbury, Thomas H. in this section for a number of years, playing Gage; Secretary, John O. Marble; Treasurer, frequently on the Common, and occasionally P. W. Moen; Directors, F. P. Goulding, E. going out of town. Nathaniel Paine, William H. Russell, Rev. C. M. Lamson, S. S. Green, S. Davis, Henry A. Marsh, Lewis W. Ham-
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CRO-DEA
mond, and C. M. Bent were well-known members.
Crompton Park .- Between Millbury street and Quinsigamond avenue. Contains about 12 acres. This land was purchased of the Crompton heirs in 1888 for $44,350.
Curtis Chapel .- A beautiful building erec- ted at Hope Cemetery by Albert Curtis, Esq., and by him presented to the City, January 31, 1891. The material is granite with brown- stone trimmings. The tower over the entrance, and the stained glass windows give it an ap- propriate appearance. The interior is finished with faced brick. The pulpit and seats are of polished ash.
Curtis Pond .- The large sheet of water at New Worcester, above the mills of Curtis & Marble, between Webster aud Leicester streets.
Cycling .- The brief furor over the clumsy and rattling velocipede of twenty years ago will be remembered by many. At that time a "riding school " was opened in the top story of Sargent's building, (since burned off) at the entrance to Southbridge street, and was popular for a season. The use of this cumber- some vehicle was, however, confined to those whose enthusiasm was far in advance of their judgment, and after a few months it disappear- ed. The modern bicycle was then an un- thought of thing. The idea originated in England. The first bicycle made in America was built in Worcester at Stowe's shop on Cypress street, in April, 1878, by W. H. Pierce, an Englishman. This was a 52-inch machine and was constructed for Hill & Tolman. April 9, 1879, the Worcester Bi- cycle Club was formed with F. S. Pratt, Presi- dent and Captain; W. H. Pierce, Sub-Captain; and Geo. M. Doe, Secretary and Treasurer. Another club of the same name has since ex- isted but is not now active. In 1882 the Æolus Club was formed, and later the Bay State. Hill & Tolman, on Front Street, were the pioneer dealers in bicycles in Worcester, and carried on an extensive business in this line. Lincoln Holland & Co. also had a salesroom.
The Cycling Clubs of Worcester at present
Club for four years past, and the Spring Meet of the Massachusetts Division of the League of American Wheelmen are the greatest cycling events in Central Massachusetts. Owing to the introduction of the safety type machine, the number of riders in this city has increased three- fold. The dealers at present are Lemont & Whittemore, L. C. Havener, L. M. Alexan- der, and John Lowe. The first named manu- facture a safety lock for bicycles that is much preferable to the chain and padlock.
Daily Papers .- The Spy and Telegram, morning papers; and the Gazette and Post issued in the afternoon, comprise the dailies at present. See under the different titles in the DICTIONARY.
Dale Hospital .- A hospital for invalid soldiers established by the Government in 1864, and continued for a few months. The Medical College building on Union hill (now the Worcester Academy), was occupied for the purpose, and in addition 14 barracks, each capable of accomodating 60 patients were erected, with a number of store houses, work- shops, etc. The hospital was in charge of Maj. C. N. Chamberlin, and at times 600 were under his care. The establishment was first occupied Oct. 24, 1864, and formally dedicated Feb. 22, 1865. It received its name from Surgeon-General Dale.
Daughters of Pocahontas .- There are two councils in Worcester: Weetamo, No. 3, organized in 1887; and Minnehaha, No 5.
Daughters of St. George .- See British Americans.
Daughters of Samaria. (United order of) .- Supreme Council, and Lodge No. I, was instituted in 1887.
Daughters of Veterans .- See Grand Army.
Davis Park .- A small open plot of ground in Clinton street, named in honor of Isaac Davis.
Day Nursery .- See Temporary Home and Day Nursery.
Deathville .- A village in the town of are the Bay State Bicycle Club (organized Feb. Rutland, now known as West Rutland, some ten miles from Worcester. There is a Post- office here. The place received its name from the circumstance that Foster Death, a promin-
5, 1887); Columbus Cycle Club; V. M. C. A. Wheelmen; and the (Y. W. C. A.) Hickory Cycle Club. The Bay State is the oldest and the largest club. The annual Cycling Tourna- ent manufacturer, owned a factory there about ment, which has been held by the Bay State sixty years ago.
29
DEE-DRY
Deeds, (Registry of) .- See Registry. Depots .- See Railroad Stations.
Dental Society .-- The Worcester Dental Society was organized in 1889. The Directory of 1892 gives the names of 48 Dentists in Worcester.
Debt of the City for each year since its incorporation :
1848, $ 99,677
1870,
$1,185,718
1849,
95,633
1871,
1,899,808
1850,
96,996
1872,
2,456,788
1851,
97,24I
1873,
2,687,910
1852,
101,829
1874,
1,238,000
1853,
108,758
1875,
1,711,000
1854,
98,567
1876,
2,589,700
1855,
98,435
1877,
2,492,300
1856,
118,955
1878,
2,509,200
1857,
102,993
1879,
2,507,100
1858,
100,188
1880,
2,542,300
1859,
99,553
1881,
2,580,200
1860,
99,429
1882,
2,582,300
1861,
102,324
1883,
2,652,700
1862,
129,319
1884,
2,947,700
1863,
208,414
1885,
3, 112,700
1864,
214,759
1886,
3,389,700
1865,
364,459
1887,
3,506,700
1866,
424,418
1888,
3,383,700
1867,
458,395
1889,
3,595,700
1868,
619,946
1890,
3,930,700
1869,
773,290
1891,
3,988,400
The Sinking Fund, Dec. 1, 1891, amount- ed to $1,287,501.
Devil's Alley .- The narrow passage way from Walnut to Sudbury street, which shortens so much the distance from Harvard street. of May. The fee in Worcester is $3 for males, This narrow strip was conveyed to the City to be kept open for public convenience.
Directories of Worcester .- In 1829 Clarendon Harris published a Village Direc- tory accompanied by a copper-plate map. This was a "House Directory " similiar in plan to the one issued in 1888 by Drew, Allis & Co., which they have elaborated in the is- sues of 1890 and 1892. A Business Directory
present time. It is now a stout octavo of nearly 900 pages, with 39,084 names.
Disciples of Christ .- This church was or- ganized Aug. 5, 1860, and for twenty-five years held its meetings on Thomas street. The present church edifice on Main street, at King street, was dedicated September 12, 1886, and cost about $25,000.
Dispensaries .- The Washburn Free Dis- pensary was established in 1874, and first occupied part of the old Abijah Bigelow house, at the corner of Front and Church streets. When that building was taken down the Dis- pensary was removed to No. II Trumbull street, and is now finally located at the Wash- burn Memorial Hospital on Belmont street, of which institution it is a branch. It is open every day except Sundays.
The Homopathic Free Dispensary, formerly at 13 Mechanic street, and now at II Trumbull street, is under the management of the Worces- ter Homopathic Dispensary Association. Pa- tients are treated daily from 10 to II A.M., Sundays and holidays excepted, and visits are made when required.
Dodge Park .- A public ground of 13 acres in the northerly part of Worcester, situated between West Boylston and Burncoat streets, in the vicinity of the Odd Fellows' Home. This Park was presented to the City, October 7, 1890, by Thomas H. Dodge, Esq.
Dogs .- The law requires that all dogs three months old and over shall be licensed, and the licenses renewed annually on the first
and $6 for females. The licenses are issued by the City Clerk at his office in the City Hall.
Drainage .- See Sewerage.
Drama, (The)-See under Theatres.
Dry Goods Trade .- Capt. John Lyon kept a small dry goods store in Worcester in the early part of the century, and was succeeded by his widow. Eliza Bancroft (afterwards. was published in 1843 by A. W. Congdon. the wife of Hon. John Davis), opened a shop Henry J. Howland began the publication of in 1811, and dealt in the finer and fancy the present " Worcester Directory" in 1844. goods. She was followed by Elizabeth Denny The first number was a 24mo. of 116 pages, in the same line. Henry M. Sikes was one of and contained 1249 names. Twelve hundred the earliest to engage in the dry goods trade copies were printed. Mr. Howland sold the exclusively. He was in business in Worcester Directory to Drew, Allis & Co., in 1872, and from 1817 to 1827. D. G. Wheeler began they have published it continuously to the in 1828, and was the first to advertise exten-
30
DUN-EME
sively. Others of this period were Jonathan Electric Railways .- Worcester was slow to adopt electricity as a motive power. The Worcester, Leicester and Spencer Railroad was the first to apply the agency, this road being opened to travel September 8, 1891. The Consolidated Street Railway, however, the well-known New York merchant, was in made the first trip over the short line from Washington square to Lake Quinsigamond by electricity just before midnight, September 2, 1891, and the road was open to traffic Septem- ber 4. The Laurel Hill line from Main street through Thomas was opened December 30, Wood, 1822; A. and C. A. Hamilton, 1827; Wm. Manning, Jr., 1828; W. H. Swan, 1829; and later Swan & Williams; Thayer & Daniels, 1830; E. & R. Sanger and E. A. Brigham, 1832; H. B. Chaflin, afterwards trade here from 1833 to 1843, and was suc- ceeded by Hardon & Hunt. D. S. Messinger opened a store in 1834, and continued several years. Among those more or less prominent from 1835 to 1845, were Richardson & Esta- brook, Orrin Rawson, (succeeded by Martin 1891. The Worcester and Millbury Electric Stowe), Julius L. Clark, B. F. Mann, J. H. Railroad is soon to be constructed, and half a Rickett, J. H. Everett and C. A. Upton, the dozen other lines are projected. It is proba- latter continuing many years. H. H. Chamber- ble that electricity will be used exclusively on lin, the founder of the present house of the all the lines of the Consolidated in the near Barnard, Sumner & Putnam Co., established future. the business in 1835. H. H. Dayton was the pioneer in the fine lace and glove trade in 1849, and was followed by Gross & Strauss in 1855. J. H. Clarke & Co. represent an- other old house in the general line, founded in 1847. The Denholm & Mckay Co., succes- sors of Denholm & McKay, succeeded Finlay, Lawson & Kennedy, and they J. S. Pink- ham, who opened a store at the corner of Main and Mechanic streets, some thirty years ago.
Elm Park .- Bounded by Elm, Agricultural, Pleasant and Highland streets. March 15, 1854, the City purchased of Levi Lincoln, 13 acres and 70 rods of land, and of John Ham- mond 13 acres and 73 rods adjoining, for a public park. The sum paid for the two lots was $11,257.50. Hon. Levi Lincoln left at his death in 1868, $1000 as a fund for the im- provement of the park. The tract remained unimproved for twenty years, and was used during that time as a place for circuses and other exhibitions, but had few of the features of a public pleasure ground. Under the ef- ficient direction of Edward W. Lincoln of the Parks Commission, a wonderful transformation
Dungarven .- The region south of the Bloomingdale road and west of Suffolk street, well-known in police circles. The name is of Irish origin. Also known as Dutch hill.
East Park .- By an act of the Legislature approved June 16, 1887, the city was granted has taken place during the last ten years, and the right to hold, occupy and control free of the park is now the most attractive public rent or charge by the Commonwealth, all the ground and the best thing in Worcester. In land belonging to the State lying between the winter the ponds are much resorted to for Shrewsbury street and East Shelby street, skating. The recent acquisition of Newton (part of the old Hospital tract ) for the purpose Hill, added to the original tract, opens to the of constructing and maintaining a Public Park. public one of the finest prospects in the City. The tract thus acquired, containing from ten Cars go direct from Main street to the Park. to twelve acres, has formally received the Elm Square .- See Grafton Square. name of East Park from the Parks Commission. With the Chandler hill portion on the north, a public ground of nearly fifty acres is formed, extending from Shrewsbury street to Belmont street.
Election or Voting Precincts .- See lance Association, organized in London in Wards.
Emergency and Hygiene Association, -- The Worcester Branch. "In the winter of 1883, the Woman's Education Association- following the example of the St. John Anıbu- 1877, and of the State Charities Aid Association
Electric Lights .- The public streets were of New York, which established courses of first lighted by electricity in 1883. There are lectures on "First Aid to the Injured," in now 332 lights furnished by the Worcester 1882,-began a similar work in Boston. It Electric Light Co., which cost 55 cents each undertook to provide, for both men and per night. women, instruction which should fit them
31
EMM-EMP
to be of use in cases of sudden illness or ac- Stevens and Prof. George E. Gladwin has cident. Seven courses of lectures to free been the Secretary from the beginning. classes, and three to paying classes, were Emmet Guards. - This company was formed in 1860, and first paraded in public on the IIth of July, under command of M. J. McCafferty. It was and is composed entirely of Irishmen, and took the place of the Jack- son Guards, disbanded by Gov. Gardner, during the Know-Nothing frenzy. The Em- met Guards served with the Third Battalion in Maryland, in 1861. The company is now known as Co. G. of the Ninth Regiment In- fantry, M. V. M. given, the money' received from the latter serving to defray the expenses of the former. As the value of these lectures became more fully recognized the work was carried forward with increased vigor in the following year. From January I to May 1, 1884, twenty-five courses of lectures, with practical demonstra- tions, were given, of which eight were to policemen and two to firemen. Each lecture occupied an hour, and was invariably followed by conversation between members of the class and the lecturer, with further demostration, Empire State Society .- An association composed of natives of New York state and members of their families, formed in 1885. which often continued more than another hour. The close of each course was followed by an examination, and by the awarding of certificates to those who passed it successfully.
Employment Society, (The Worces- ter) .- This society had its origin in the or- ganization known as the People's Club, which was formed in 1871, with Hon. Henry Chapin as president. The active work of the Club comprised three sections, viz. : Benevolent, hospitality and educational. The benevolent section was subdivided into three departments, from one of which-the Employment Commit- tee-has come the above named society. Mrs. Kate Gannett Wells, Chairman of the From a report of the Benevolent Section of the Club in 1873 the following is quoted : " The relief committee sent women, whom organization, as well as several ladies well- they find in want of work, to the employment
The work above described-having outgrown the limits imposed by the regulations of the Woman's Education Association, a new body was formed under the name of the Massachu- setts Emergency and Hygiene Association, having the purpose to extend the work through the State, with Dr. Francis Minot as Presi- dent, Miss Ellen M. Tower as Secretary, and Executive Committee. Many influential pro- fessional and business men were active in the known by their interest in practical philan- thropy. Mrs. Wells was especially prominent in the undertaking. Branches were established in different places in the State. The Worces- ter Branch began under very favorable con- ditions in November, 1885, and the following winter seven courses of lectures were given by prominent physicians to policemen, firemen, employees of several of the large manufactories, and others. This service has been repeated each year to the present time, with increasing
committee, and thus the way is opened for the flower mission to send its sweet messengers to homes of poverty, sickness and suffering." The reports of the club, in the three years of its existence, give abundant evidence of satis- factory work accomplished in all the lines undertaken. But through the reluctance of those who thoroughly believed in its methods to apply themselves practically to the work, the club through lack of sufficient support in this direction, was at last given up. The zeal and interest in the work. Following sub- evenings with the newsboys were continued stantially the plan and example of the central for some time, under the charge of ten ladies organization, the Worcester Branch has, and gentlemen, who gave themselves most through its various and efficient committees, heartily to the work, which, though very diffi-
carried out the purpose for which it was or- cult, was manifestly accomplishing much by ganized in a satisfactory degree, but for want means of its civilizing, refining and educating of space a detailed account of its efforts, meth- influences; but for want of a generous re- ods and results cannot be given here. The sponse in the way of workers, this, too, was vice-presidents and those associated in the abandoned. (See Boys' Club.)
management and direction of the association The employment committee was organized comprise many of our most respected citizens into a society, and its first annual treasurer's and best known physicians. The Chairman report appeared as a single small sheet in of the Executive Committee is Dr. William C. 1875-6. A board of managers was formed of
32
EPI-EPW
ladies representing the different churches. In known as the Dr. Bull house. This church 1883 an act of incorporation was secured was burned April 7, 1874, and the society under the present name "for the purpose of purchased the lot at the corner of Pleasant assisting needy and deserving women by giving and Irving streets, and erected the elegant brown stone structure in present occupation, which was consecrated Jan. 4, 1877. Rev. William R. Huntington, now rector of Grace 1862 to 1883. Rev. A. H. Vinton is the them employment." The different churches are represented, the inanagers acting as solic- itors in their respective churches. Each church receives in return twenty-five per cent. Church, New York, was rector here from of its subscriptions in garments suitable for charitable distribution, the garments being present rector. In 1871, St. Matthew's disposed of at cost of making simply. It is Church at South Worcester was consecrated. believed that offering them at this low figure St. John's on Lincoln street, and St. Mark's on Freeland street were formed in 1884 and serves also in another charitable direction, by enabling those who have much need for family 1888 respectively. sewing and little time in which to do it, to buy strong and serviceable garments. The Episcopal Church Club .- Organized in 1889 for social and literary purposes, and bears the same relation to the Episcopal Church as the Congregational Club does to the church it represents. visiting committee are allowed $100 worth of the same to distribute among these women. The officers may dispose of clothing to the amount of $10 each. The number of women employed is 55. The visiting committee num- bers II, each one of whom has the responsi- bility of recommending five women. As far as can possibly be assured each woman em- ployed must be honest and temperate. Most of those who come under the charge of the society are advanced in years, and left entirely to themselves for means of support, with few exceptions. Others are younger-widows, or deserted by their husbands-with large fami- lies to care for. Working naturally with the church benevolent societies, more or less, and in the absence of any association or bureau of charities, this organization has been able oft- entimes to supply in a limited way, this de- ficiency in our city.
The society has funds from legacies and other sources to the amount of about $3,500. The officers are : President, Mrs. Theo. Brown; Vice-President, Mrs. M. F. Pratt; Clerk, Miss Martha Hobbs; Treasurer, Miss Mary N. Perley. There is a board of advisors of five gentlemen, and a board of lady managers from the different churches. Rooms at 492 Main street.
Episcopal Churches .- An attempt to es- tablish Episcopal worship here was made in 1835, and the first Protestant-Episcopal ser- 47; 6, 30. vices were held here on December 13th, by the Rev. Thomas H. Vail. In 1843, another effort was made which succeeded, and in 1847 All Saints' Church was erected on Pearl street, on the lot now occupied by the fine stone residence of Dr. J. O. Marble, generally South and in Canada.
Epworth League. - An organization in the Methodist Episcopal Church similar in character to the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. ( See Christian Endeav- or). The Epworth League was organized May 15, 1889, in Cleveland, Ohio, from the five societies then existing among the young people of the M. E. Church. These five societies were: I, The Oxford League; 2, Young People's Methodist Alliance; 3, Young People's Christian League ; 4, Methodist Young People's Union ; 5, Young People's Methodist Episcopal Alliance. The first char- ter was given to the church in Plainfield, New Jersey, the church home of Dr. J. L. Hurlburt, who is General Secretary of the Leagne.
Worcester Leagues were organized as fol- lows: I, Trinity, Oct., 1889; 2, Grace, Oct. 1889; 3, Laural Street; 4, Coral Street, Nov. 17, 1890; 5, Webster Square, April 21, 1890; 6, Thomas Street, (Swedish), May, 1892; 7, Bethel A. M. Church, (colored).
The number of charter of Trinity is 584; Grace 582; Coral Street, Haven Chapter, 4206; and Webster Square, 585.
Membership of the Worcester Leagues, May 20, 1892: 1, 168; 2, 120; 3, 60; 4, 102; 5,
Total membership of the League at its third anniversary, May 15, 1892, nearly 500,000. There are over 8000 Chapters. These figures apply only to the M. E. Church. There are many flourishing leagues in the M. E. Church
33
EUC-EXP
Epworth in England was the birthplace of Jan. 1, 1859, an engine house in the school John Wesley.
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