USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Dictionary of Worcester (Massachusetts) and its vicinity, 1893 > Part 7
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place of several noteworthy liberal movements, 000. The latter has 275 members with $1,950" religious and political. The free-thinking ele- in bank, December, 1891. ment has existed here in considerable numbers Of the two French newspapers now pub- and force, in all degrees, from the Unitarian lished, Le Travailleur, founded by late Fer- of high culture down to the iconoclastic Nihil- ist, "who is, but was not, nor to be." Con- siderable "Infidel " literature has been pub- lished here. The Liberal Tract Society, in existence some twenty years ago, printed hun- dreds of thousands of tracts, and employed a colporteur to distribute them, with Paine's "Age of Reason," broadcast over the coun- try. Some of these tracts are very curious, adorned with strange wood-cuts to emphasize the argument. The Anthropological Society, formed in 1868, used to meet in Crompton's block, but did not retain its organization after 1875. It had several able members and sen- sible men, but the ranting element was large-' ly represented, and perhaps caused its down- fall. Prof. William Denton, Parker Pillsbury, Ingersoll and other distinguished liberals and infidels used to speak often in Worcester.
dinand Gagnon, and now owned by B. Leuthier " of Lowell, is the oldest, being established October 16, 1874. Le Courrier de Worcester ,. founded by Bélanger Frères, February II, 1879, and now owned by B. Leuthier of Lowell. Le Républicain, founded by P. U. Vaillant and F. J. Laurie, in 1891. There is also a yearly publication, Le Worcester Cana- dien, founded by J. Arthur Roy, November 4, 1886. There were also La Voix du Peuple, founded by late Ferdinand Gagnon, in March, 1869. L'Etendard National, founded by late Ferdinand Gagnon, November 3, 1869. L'Impérial, founded by M. Lanctot, 1869. Le Foyer Canadien, founded by late Ferdinand Gagnon and Frederic Houde, March 18, 1873. Lanterne Magique, (illustrated), founded by Dr. J. N. O. Provencher, August 13, 1875. Le Bien Public, founded by late Charles Gigault, January 10, 1879.
There are two orphanages.
There are 1736 families. There are about 125 native Frenchmen in this city, but
French Canadians .- The DICTIONARY is indebted to J. Arthur Roy, proprietor of Le Worcester Canadien, for the following concise statement: French Canadian population in this takes men above 18 years old only. In January, 1891, there were 5,401 males and 4,765 females. January, 1891, there were 1,719 French Canadians working at different trades, and 145 laborers.
Worcester, January 15, 1892, 10,343; number of voters, 677; business men, 178; there are three French schools-Notre-Dame des Cana- diens, St. Joseph and Ste. Anne, with 1278 pupils. There are two French Catholic churches, Notre-Dame des Canadiens and l'Eglise St. Joseph de Worcester. There is also a chapel at South Worcester, called Ste. Anne. The first was formed September 10, 1869. The second, April 17, 1892-a chapel in the same parish ( St. Joseph ) was organized September 26, 1886. The church edifice on Park street was formerly that of the Metho- dists, but the appearance is now very different.
French Catholic Young Men's Asso- ciation .- Rooms at 44 Front street.
French Medico-Chirurgicale of New- England, (The) .- Meets at Worcester semi- annually on the first Tuesdays of April and October.
Friends or Quakers. - The number in Worcester at present probably does not exceed 100. Meetings were held in Worcester as early as 1845, a room in Paine's block, at the corner of Main and Walnut streets, being occu- pied at first. In 1847 the Friends' Meeting House on Oxford street was erected, and is still in use. The first meeting held here was on the Ist of January, 1848. The land on which the meeting house stands was given by Anthony Chase and Samuel H. Colton, two prominent quakers of Worcester.
FRENCH CANADIAN SOCIETIES-28 as fol- lows: 3 benevoient, 9 national, 6 religious, 2 choral, 2 dramatic, 2 literary, I commercial, I musical, 2 military. There are three Naturalization clubs, in wards 3, 5 and 6, and a French Republican club. The Garde Lafayette and Garde Nationale are military companies. The principal French Canadian societies are Societe St. Jean Baptiste, organ- ized 1868, and L'Union St. Joseph, organized in 1885, both of the mutual benefit order. The Friday Morning Club .- An association former has 825 members and $7,200 in bank, of ladies interested in the study of the works December, 1891. Yearly receipts about $13, - of the great musical composers. It was formed
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several years ago, and has given on occasion eral attempts in this direction have failed. chamber aad semi-public concerts with much success.
Frohsinn Gesang Verein. - A German singing society organized in 1858.
Garde Lafayette and Garde Nationale .- French-Canadian military companies, the first organized in 1878.
Gas Light Company. - "This company was formed on the 22d of June, 1849. The works were for twenty years located on Lin- coln street at Lincoln square, where the buildings · still remain. The works are at present on Quinsigamond avenue, near the South Worcester railroad station, and the city office is at 39 Pearl street. The rate is $1.50 per 1,000 feet.
Gazette, (The Worcester Evening) .- Published at 390 and 392 Main street by The Gazette Co. This paper was established on April 1, 1851, as the Daily Morning Tran- script. The several editors of the Transcript were Julius L. Clarke, Charles E. Stevens, Edwin Bynner, J. B. D. Cogswell, Z. K. Pangborn, Wm. R. Hooper and Caleb A. one or two cases in which a small fee is Wall. The latter sold the paper to S. B. exacted. The society has a room at 174 Southbridge street which is open every week day from 12 to I, in charge of the custodian, Miss Helen Taft. The loan of articles can be had only through an order from a physician or the District Nurse. Dr. Charles H. Davis was the prominent mover in the organization of this society. The officers elected are, President, Mrs. C. H. Davis; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. J. B. Stone, Miss Mary E. D. King; Secretary, Miss Mary E. Tatman; Treasurer,
Bartholomew & Co., and the name was changed to the Worcester Evening Gazette on January 1, 1866. In 1869 the paper passed into the hands of Doe & Woodwell, and on the death of Mr. Woodwell, Mr. Doe suc- ceeded. The weekly edition of this paper, the Ægis and Gazette, has been published continuously under the name Agis since 1838, when the National Ægis, first published in 1801, was re-established after four years' suspension. The Gazette is Republican in Miss Mary L. Nichols; Executive Committee, politics.
Geographical Position .- The latitude of Worcester is 42º 16' 17"/ north, and its lon- gitude 71° 48' 13"/ west.
Geology .- The local geological structure consists of the St. John's group, Merrimack schist and fenruginous gneiss, in which occur steatite, beds of clay and peat, and iron ore.
includes the above-named officers and Mrs. Chas. L. Gates, Mrs. F. L. Durkee, Mrs. O. F. Rawson. The Society has over one hun- dred members. The annual dues are one dollar, and from this source and gifts there is a present fund of $368. The room is well equipped with a good number and great vari- ety of articles needed in the sick chamber.
Gounod Club .- A musical society formed in 1886. Henry F. Harris is president, and E. N. Anderson musical director.
Germans .- According to the best estimates there are about 1500 Germans in Worcester at the present time. They are generally a well-conditioned people, and form a valuable Government Building .- The new Gov- ernment or Post Office Building is now erect- portion of the community. In religion their liberal views have made it difficult to maintain ing on the land between Main and South- any distinctive religious organization, and sev- bridge streets, bounded by Myrtle street on
The latest is the German Lutheran Church, formed in 1888, which worships at the Mis- sion Chapel on Summer street. Of the German associations the Singing Society "Frohsinn" was formed in 1858. The Socialer Turn Verein, or School of Gymnastics was founded in 1859. Einigkeit Lodge, No. 44, Deutcher Orden der Harugari, a mutual ben- efit association similar to the Odd Fellows, was organized in 1853.
Golden Cross, (United Order of the). -Worcester Commandery, No. 88, was or- ganized in 1880, and meets at 566 Main street.
Good Samaritan Society of Worcester, (The) .- An association for practical philan- throphy, formed March 4, 1892, with its principal object "to loan to the sick and needy such articles as may be required by them;" in other words to keep for use on occasion, comforts and conveniences needed in time of sickness which are not likely to be in the possession of ordinary families. These articles are loaned without charge, except in
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the south. For this land the Government
Grand Army of the Republic .- George paid $75,000, and it is asserted that a like H. Ward Post, No. 10, was organized April amount in addition was paid the owners of the 13, 1867, with the folowing charter members : property by parties who were interested in pull- A. A. Goodell, J. A. Titus, Harlan Fairbanks, ing the city southward. A curious anecdote showing the value of the land at this place sixty years ago will be found in the article on Franklin Square.
J. Stewart Brown, R. H. Chamberlain, H. Elliott Blake, D. M. Woodward, J. M. Wood- ward, J. M. Drennan, Augustus Stone, Geo. M. Woodward and Chas. E. Simmons. Since the formation over 2000 members have joined the Post, 700 of whom are still active. $35,000 have been dispensed in benefits and reliefs. The Women's Relief Corps, organ- ized in 1883, as an auxiliary, has 165 members. Daughters of Veterans, Clara Barton Tent, No. 3, was organized in 1890, and meets at Sons of Veterans Hall, 418 Main street. Camp A. A. Goodell, No. 2, Mass. Division, Sons of Veterans, was formed in 1883. Meet- ings of Post 10 are held every Thursday even- ing at Grand Army Hall, 344 Main street.
Grangers .- See Patrons of Husbandry.
. Grant Square .- Bounded by Harrington avenue, Mt. Vernon place, and Windsor and Mt. Vernon streets. Laid out in 1854 or '55, and was known as Mt. Vernon square till 1870, when the name was changed to "Grant" in honor of the General and President.
Greendale .- A village in the north part of Worcester on West Boylston street.
Green Hill .- The ancestral home of the Green family in Worcester, lying north of lane from Lincoln street.
Grocers' Association. - The Worcester County Retail Grocers' Association was formed in 1881 for mutual benefit, information and protection. Samuel A. Pratt of Worcester is president. The Directory of 1892 gives the names of three wholesale, and 255 retail grocers in Worcester.
Guinea .- The name formerly applied to the region around Washington square, partic-
Grafton Square. - At the junction of ularly perhaps, to the lower end of Mechanic Grafton, Orient and Hamilton streets. The street, where many colored people lived.
name Elm Square is improperly applied, as the place was officially designated Grafton square several years ago.
Hack Fares .- Within one mile 50 cents for one passenger and 25 cents for each addi- tional passenger. Between ten o'clock P. M. and six A. M. 50 cents each. Within one and
Grand Army Hall .- At 344 Main street. Formerly called Brinley Hall, which was one-half miles 75 cents for one; if more than opened in 1837. It was many years the prin- one, 50 cents each. For greater distances special rates. Children between 3 and 12
Grace Methodist Episcopal Free Church .- Walnut street. This church was formed in 1867, and for four years worshipped in Washburn Hall, under the name of the Main street M. E. Church. In 1870 a lot on Walnut street was purchased of W. W. Sprague for $10,000, and the present struc- ture erected at an expense of about $60,000. The corner stone was laid Oct. 1, 1870, and the new church was dedicated Jan. 24, 1872. On removal the name Grace M. E. Church was assumed, as the old name was then ob- viously inappropriate.
Grade Crossings .- Worcester is afflicted with this curse probably in a greater degree than any other place of its size in the country, if not in the world. There are over thirty places where the railroads and highways cross at grade, twelve of which are in the busy parts of the city. The estimated cost of ob- viating all these dangerous nuisances in Worcester is over two million dollars ! Meas- ures are being taken to change the grade of several of these crossings.
Grafton .- A town situated eight miles Millstone hill. It is approached by Green
south-east of Worcester, reached by the Boston & Albany railroad, (station at North Grafton and branch railroad to centre). This place was in ancient times one of John Eliot's "Indian Praying Towns," known as Hassa- namisco. It was settled in 1728 by the whites, and incorporated in 1735, under the name of Grafton. The boot and shoe busi- ness, and the manufacture of cotton cloth, are carried on here to some extent. Population in 1885, 4,498. In 1890, 5,002.
cipal hall in Worcester. It will seat 300.
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years, half-price. These rates were estab- plied at the time of the erection of Harrington lished by the City Council and any driver Block, and it appears cut in granite on the violating the provisions of this order will incur a penalty not exceeding $20. building. Harrington corner is the Charing Cross of Worcester, or the grand centre of Halls, (Public). - The principal public halls are named below : business and travel, though the indications are that the central point will in the future be much further south.
Mechanics Hall. Seating capacity 1926. See under the title in the DICTIONARY.
Washburn Hall, (in Mechanics Hall build- ing). Seating capacity 552.
Horticultural Hall, Front street. Seating capacity 650.
Grand Army Hall, Main street, formerly Brinley Hall. Seating capacity 300.
Continental Hall, corner Main and Foster streets. Formerly the first Universalist church. Seating capacity 750.
Association Hall, in the Y. M. C. A. build- ing, Elm street. Seating capacity 827.
Father Mathew Hall, 100 Green street. Seating capacity 1000.
Colonial Hall, 34 Front street. 300 seats.
Salisbury Hall, in The Worcester Society of Antiquity Building on Salisbury street. 300 seats.
Worcester Theatre, Exchange street. 1338 seats.
Front Street Opera House, 1059 seats.
Lothrop's Opera House, 21 Pleasant street. 1050 seats.
Hamilton Square .- On Prescott street, between Lexington and Otis streets.
Hancock Club, (The) .- A social club formed in 1891, and at first made up of resi- he gave up his solitary habits, returned to the dents of the North end, with rooms over the multitude, and is now a familiar figure in our office of William H. Sawyer on Lincoln streets.
street. In June, 1892, the club leased of Stephen Salisbury the old Salisbury mansion in Lincoln square for a term of five years, and will occupy it from October 1, 1892. The club has no political, social or religious bias, and its membership includes some of the staunchest and most popular business and professional men of the North end. The number is limited to 150.
Hancock Hill. - The eminence which rises near the junction of Salisbury and For- est streets, to which the name has recently been appropriately applied, as this land once belonged to John Hancock, the revolutionary patriot.
Hatters' and Furnishers' Association. -Was formed in 1886.
Health, (Board of ). - See Board of Health.
Heart of the Commonwealth .- A name applied to Worcester on account of its central location in the state. The origin of the term is uncertain, but it was used as early as 1820, then generally in reference to the County rather than the Town. The City Seal has the device of a heart, which tells its story without any Latin.
Hebrews .- See Fews.
Hermit .- Worcester once enjoyed the dis- tinction of possessing among other unrivalled attractions, a real hermit, who lived among the rocks near the summit of Rattlesnake hill, where Solomon Parsons many years ago built a temple, and deeded the spot to the Almighty, recording the conveyance by cutting the letters in the surface of a flat rock. The hermit lived in a small stone house, where he was visited by many persons from the City, and sometimes by those who were not to his liking, and who abused his hospitality Some ten years since
Hermitage .- A romantic spot in the valley west of Millstone hill and north of the exten- sion of Forest avenue. The name was prob- ably given by William Lincoln to a wooded dell, the quiet and seclusion of the place suggesting the designation.
Herbert Hall .- See Insane Asylums.
Herdics and Coupés .- Several years ago a line of herdics was started in Worcester, and regular routes traveled through the prin- cipal streets, with a five cent fare. The effect was to reduce the horse-car fare from six to five cents. Most of the herdics were with- drawn after a few months.
Harrington Corner .- The north corner of Front and Main streets. The name was ap- cycling club connected with the Y. W. C. A.
Hickory Cycle Club .- A young women's
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High School .- The Classical and English High School was established by vote of the town in 1844, and the school was opened in September, 1845, in a brick building which had been erected for the purpose at the corner of Walnut and Maple streets. This building, which was considered when new the finest high school house in the State, was moved to the opposite side of Walnut street, in 1870, to make room for the later structure, where it still stands. In 1846 Hon. Stephen Salisbury gave $750 to purchase a philosophical appara- tus; and in 1859 Hon. Alexander H. Bullock established the Bullock Medal Fund by a gift of $1000, the interest of which is now used in inaking additions to the school library. In 1870 the erection of the present High School building was begun, and it was dedicated December 30, 1871. The building alone cost $169,691.82. The plans were drawn by H. H. Richardson, of celebrity as an architect ; and Norcross Brothers were the builders. There are 19 rooms, besides the large hall and the basement, and the intention was to accommodate 500 pupils; of late the school has been greatly overcrowded. Gifts to the new building were: A piano from Hon. Stephen Salisbury; the bell and fountain from William Dickinson, Esq .; and the clock in the tower, and the electric system of clocks in the interior from Hon. Edward Earle.
There are three courses of study, the Classi- cal and English of four years each, and a College Preparatory of five years.
The Academe is the literary organ of the High School. It was established in 1886. The High School Thesaurus was published from
Highland Military School .- A private academy on Salisbury street, founded in 1856 by Caleb B. Metcalf, who was previously for Nov., 1859, to May, 1866, but only 32 num- years a teacher in the public schools of Wor- bers were issued in that time. The first cester. The studies here are similar to those beneficiary of the Bancroft Scholarship Fund, in the high and scientific schools, including founded by a gift of $10,000 from George the preparatory studies, with surveying, civil Bancroft, the historian, was a High School pupil, George B. Churchill, who received the income for three years.
HIGH SCHOOL SOCIETIES. There are three boys' societies : The Eucleia, formed in 1859; the Sumner Club, 1884; and the Assembly, 1885. The girls' society, the Aletheia, was organized in 1881.
- The Worcester High School Association, composed of past graduates, was organized in 1886.
Elbridge Smith, (B. U.) Aug., 1845, to Sept., 1847. Nelson Wheeler, (Y. C.) Sept., 1847, to Sept., IS52. George Capron, (B. U.) Sept. 1852, to Dec., 1854. Lucius D. Chapin, (A. C.) Jan., 1855, to Feb., 1855. Osgood Johnson (D. C.) Feb., 1855, to July, 1856. Homer B. Sprague, (Y. C.) Sept., 1856, to Dec. 1859. Harris R. Greene, (B. U.) Jan., 1860, to July, 1866. James F. Claflin. (A. C.) Aug., 1865, to Feb., 1867. Ellis Peterson, (H. U.) March, 1867, to June, 1869. Abner H. Davis, (B. C.) Aug., 1869, to Dec., 1872. Ellis Peterson, (H. U.) Dec., 1872, to July, 1875. Jos. W. Fairbanks, (A. C.) Aug., 1875, to July, IS78. Samuel Thurber, (B. U.) Aug., 1878, to Nov., 18So. Alfred S. Roe, (Wes. U.) Nov., 18So, to June, 1890. John G. Wight, (D. C.) Sept., IS90, to the present.
Mr. Roe served longer by three years than any other principal of the school. The number of. pupils increased from 350 when he came to the school, to 900 when he retired. Through his efforts mainly, the number of books in the school library were greatly in- creased, and the interior of the building adorned with portraits, busts and works of art, including two memorial tablets to the memory of pupils of the school who lost their lives in the Rebellion.
High School (New English) .- Corner of Irving and Chatham streets. Opened Septem- ber, 1892, with James Jenkins, principal. Cost of the land, $49,500. Cost of build- ing, over $100,000. Barker & Nourse were the architects. The building is 147 by 117 feet square, with a tower 130 feet high. The ma- terial is Greenfield brick with brown sandstone dressing, resting on a base of Fitzwilliam granite.
engineering, and natural science. Military drill was instituted in 1858, and is still a prominent feature in the school, its purpose being to promote health, improve the figure and personal carriage, and aid discipline. There are two courses-English and Classical -of four years each. The Highland School is a boarding school, and a large proportion of its pupils come from a distance, attracted by the high reputation which the institution has maintained from the beginning. The uniform of the cadets is of a gray color and attractive appearance, and its wearers are tired from the management of the school
Following is a list of Principals of the High School, from 1844 to the present time, and their terms of service; with the colleges from often seen upon our streets. Mr. Metcalf re- which they were graduated :
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several years ago. The Academy is under on the Fitchburg Railroad. Population in 1885, 2,470. In 1890, 2,623.
the charge of Joseph A. Shaw as principal.
Hillside .- The home of John B. Gough, in the town of Boylston, near Worcester. It has recently been purchased by Mr. W. J. Hogg, the carpet manufacturer. In Mr. Gough's lifetime the house contained the valu- able library, with the matchless collection of Cruikshank's drawings and illustrations, and many other memorials of the owner's life and work. These were dispersed by auction in 1892.
John Bartholomew Gough was born in Sandgate, Kent, England, 22d August, 1817, and died at Frankford, Pa., 18th February, 1886. His labors in the temperance cause have made his name a household word. He was a true reformer, for he reformed himself, and his example has been an inspiration to thousands.
Historical Societies .- See American An- tiquarian Society; Worcester Society of An- tiquity, ( The); Massachusetts Record Society.
History, (Early) .- The first grant of land located in the vicinity of Worcester, was made by the General Court of Massachusetts to Increase Nowell of Charlestown, May 6, 1657, and comprised a tract of 3200 acres. In 1662, 1000 acres were granted to the church in Malden; and in 1664, 250 acres were twenty-four trustees, of whom one-half were granted to Thomas Noyes of Sudbury. The to be women. The institution was incorpo- rights of Nowell and Noyes were transferred rated in 1869. Mr. Washburn's widow pur- to other parties. About 1673 Ephraim Curtis chased for $11,000 the reversionary interest built a house here; he is generally considered of the trustees in the homestead, and with the first settler, though some statements indi- this money they bought the Cleveland or Isaac cate that others were here before him. In Goddard Mansion on Orange street, where the spring of 1675 lots were apportioned and the Home was opened July 1, 1873, with a settlement effected, but the settlers were seven inmates. Up to the present time more driven away by the Indians, and in December than fifty have received the benefits of a com- the buildings were burned by the savages. fortable home and support. Only those of good moral character, and such habits of life and deportment in manners as shall not ren- der them unpleasant or troublesome in their intercourse with the superintendent, and at- tendance on each other, are admitted. Applicants are at present required to pay $100 before admission. The Home is in charge of an efficient matron. The fine mansion and grounds on Leicester street have recently been acquired, and the institution is to be removed Another settlement was made in 1684, and in October of that year the plantation, which had been known as Quinsigamond, received the name of Worcester. The second settle- ment met the fate of the first, and about the year 1700 the place was again abandoned to solitude. In 1713 the third and permanent settlement was effected by Jonas Rice, and in 1717 some two hundred were living here. A church was formed in 1719, and the town was incorporated in 1722. See Military History. to that place.
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