USA > Massachusetts > Historical collections, being a general collection of interesting facts, traditions, biographical sketches, anecdotes, &c., relating to the history and antiquities of every town in Massachusetts, with geographical descriptions > Part 67
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The following, respecting Boston, is copied entire from the " Statistical 'Tables," published by the state, 1837.
-
539
BOSTON.
" Number of merino sheep, on the first of April, 178 ; number of pounds of merino wool raised in the year, 712; average weight of fleece, 4 lbs .; value of wool, $356 ; capital invested, $534. Boots manufactured, 15,047 pairs ; shoes, 24,626 pairs ; value of boots and shoes, $102,641; males employed, 304; females, 55. (The return also states, that there were manufactured, in various towns in the commonwealth, by the agents of persons residing in Boston, and exclusively on Boston capital, 50,604 pairs of boots, and 952,640 pairs of shoes, employing 1,431 males and 583 females, amount- ing in value to $957,289.) Value of leather curried, $228,000 ; hands employed, 50 ; capital invested, $60,000. Hat manufactories, 12 ; hats manufactured, 76,317 ; value of hats, $194,673 ; males employed, 95 ; females, 68, Air and cupola furnaces, 5 ; iron castings made, 4,000 tons; value of same, $372,000 ; hands employed, 289; capital invested, $665,000. Axe manufactory, 1; axes manufactured, 6,000; value of axes, $7,500 ; hands employed, 8; capital invested, $2,000. Glass manufactories, 3 ; value of glass, $48,000; hands employed, 77; capital invested, $47,000. 'Chair and cabinet manufactories, 23; value of chairs and cabinet ware, $148,100; hands employed, 164: Comb manufactories, 4; value of combs, $41,000 ; males employed, 25; females, 16 ; capital invested in shell, horn and ivory, $121,000. Tin ware manufac- tories, 37 ; value of tin ware, $112,032 ; hands employed, 116. Distilleries, 13; mo- lasses distilled, 2,574,600 gallons, producing 2,317,140 gallons of spirit ; gross value of spirits, $926,856. Straw bonnets manufactured, 116,200 ; value of straw bonnets, $182,450 ; males employed, 19; females, 438. Vessels built in the five years preced- ing April 1, 1837, 37; tonnage of the same, 8,612 ; value of same, $622,000 ; hands employed in building, 86 ; (number of vessels, built within the five years, in other towns, which 'received their papers' at the Boston custom-house, 266; tonnage of the same, 59,670.) Vessels employed in the whale fishery, 5; tonnage of the same, 1,550 ; sperm oil imported in those vessels, 88,100 gallons; whale oil, 68,169 gallons ; value of sperm oil, $70,619; value of whale oil, $25,604; hands employed, 125 ; capital invested, $155,000. Vessels employed in the cod and mackerel fishery, 152; tonnage of same, 9,703 ; cod-fish caught, 127,250 quintals,; value thereof, $408,509 90 ; mackerel caught, 43,266 barrels ; value of same, $320,165 ; salt used in the cod and mackerel fishery, 142,567 bushels ; hands employed, 1,794 ; capital invested, $593,200. Manufactory of axletrees, 1; value of axletrees manufactured, $10,000 ; hands em- ployed, 6; capital invested, $6,000. Brewery, 1; value of beer, $12,000; hands employed, 8 ; capital invested, $30,000. Manufactories of soap and candles, 7 ; value of soap and candles, $93,000; hands employed, 29; capital invested, $125,000. ' Manufacture of sperm oil,' (refining,) 25 tons. Manufactory of whale oil, (refin- ing,) 1; value of oil refined, $135,000 ; hands employed, 16; capital invested, $100,000. Copper smitheries and brass foundries, 13; value of manufactures, $756,754 ; hands employed, 200 ; capital invested, $316,300. Piano-forte and organ manufactories, 7 ; number of piano-fortes manufactured, 1,033; organs, 11; value of pianos and organs, $302,700 ; hands employed, 220; capital invested, $163,500. Brush manufactories, 4 ; value of brushes,' $93,000 ; males employed, 79; females, 59 ; capital invested, $38,000. Manufactories of gold and silver leaf, 5; value of gold and silver, $43,000 ; males employed, 22 ; females, 14; capital invested, $11,200. Manufactories of coaches, chaises and harnesses, 14 ; value of articles made, $128,805 ; hands employed, 149 ; capital invested, $82,200. Manufactories of refined sugar, 4 ; value of sugar refined, $976,454 ; hands employed, 92; capital invested, $303,653. Manufactories of jewelry, 3; value of jewelry, $63,000 ; hands employed, 36; capi- tal invested, $91,000. Manufactory of chain cables, 1; value of cables, $60,000 ; hands employed, 20; capital invested, $75,000. Manufactories of silver ware, 5; value of ware, $165,100 ; hands employed, 52 ; capital invested, $20,050. Manufac- tories of umbrellas, 10; value of umbrellas, $65,000 ; males employed, 37; females, 26 ; capital invested, $36,500. Manufactories of saddles, trunks and whips, 15 ; valne of articles, $177,000 ; males employed, 120; females, 17; capital invested, $83,000. Manufactories of granite, marble and other stone, 17; value of articles manufactured, $336,000; hands employed, 400; capital invested, $165,500. Manufactories of machinery, 16; value of machinery, $326,000 ; hands employed, 287; capital in- vested, $183,775. Manufactories of blank books and stationery, 5; value of articles, $78,000 ; males employed, 43; females, 7; capital invested, 849,000. Manufactory of gas, 1; valne of gas, $100,000 ; hands employed, 40 ; capital invested, $375,000. Manufactories of looking-glasses, 8; value of articles, $147,500 ; hands employed, 42; capital invested, $55,600. Manufactories of lasts, 2; value of Insts, $40,000 ; hands employed, 29; capital invested, $18.000 ; lasts manufactured, 210,000, Manu- factories of neck-stocks and suspenders, 8; value of these articles, 8122,000 ; males employed, 21 ; females, 435 ; capital invested, $58,200. Type and Stereotype foun- dries, 4; value of types and stereotypes manufactured, $157,000 ; males employed,
540
BOSTON.
185 ; females, 30 ; capital invested, $140,000. Manufactories of printed books, 4; value of printed books, $925,000 ; males employed, 500; females, 400; capital in- vested, $850,000. Manufactories of clothing, 97; value of clothing, $1,765,666 ; males employed, 542 ; females, 2,402; capital invested, $710,894."
BANKING AND INSURANCE COMPANIES .- There are twenty-six banks, with a capital of about 18 millions of dollars. The charters of these banks, as well as of all banking companies in the commonwealth, expire by limitation in 1851. The oldest bank in the commonwealth is the Massachusetts Bank, in Boston. It was incorporated in 1785. The Union Bank was incorporated in 1792; the Boston Bank in 1803. Most . of the other banks in Boston are of a much more recent date.
There are twenty-seven insurance companies in Boston, with a capital of $7,600,000, besides the Massachusetts Hospital Life Insurance Company, with a capital of $500,000, and the Massachusetts Mutual Fire Insurance Company. The charters of these companies are subject to the control of the legislature.
SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS .- The first settlers of New England were exceedingly tenacious of their civil and religious rights, and they well knew that knowledge was an all-powerful engine to preserve those rights, and transmit them to their posterity. They therefore very early laid the foundation of those free schools, of which all the sons and daughters of New England are justly proud. Exclusive of Infant and Sab- bath school scholars, about a quarter part of the population of Boston is kept at school throughout the year, at an annual expense of about $200,000. Boston is not only celebrated for its schools, but for its munificent donations in support of its institutions for moral, religious and literary purposes. Since the year 1800, not less than two millions of dollars have thus been appropriated by the citizens of Boston.
The Massachusetts General Hospital was incorporated in 1811. It is divided into two departments, the Hospital in Boston, and the McLean Asylum at Charlestown, of which an account has been given. (See Charlestown.) The institution is under the management of a board of twelve trustees, and a board of five visiters. The funds of the institution, including the munificent donations of the late John McLean and Miss Mary Belknap, are about $120,000. In the hospital in Boston the number of patients received since its establishment, to June, 1835, was 5,658. The average number of sick in the house is about 45. The average cost to the institution for each patient, for five successive years, was $1,62 a week. Whilst no patient pays more than $3 a week, (except a few who have extra rooms and attendants,) nearly two thirds of the whole number are entirely free ; consequently, those who do not pay receive $4,62, and those who do pay receive $1,62 a week from the funds of this noble charity.
New England. Institution for the Education, of the Blind .- This institution was incorporated in 1829; but little was accomplished until 1832, when Dr. Howe returned from Europe, accompanied by a blind teacher; manifesting that zeal in the cause of the blind which had distinguished his philanthropic labors in another sphere, in a distant land. He opened a school with six blind young scholars. The pro- gress of those children was so great, and the value of an institution of the kind so apparent, that legislatures and citizens generally became much interested. By public and private donations, particularly by the influence of ladies in several parts of New England, and by the munificent gift of a splendid building in Pearl street, by the Hon. Thomas H. Perkins, the institution has increased, both in reputation and funds, with unparalleled success. The scholars are instructed in all those branches common in other schools, and some of them in the higher branches of literature. Music is the study of all. Mechanical labors are taught and enjoyed by the pupils. Musical instruments of all kinds, and other implements, are provided for their convenience and use. A printing press is established, and several books have been printed in embossed letters, which are superior to any in Europe. It is exceedingly delightful to see these interesting youths, whose lives once seemed a dreary waste, and witnessing their improvement in acquiring useful knowledge, partaking of all those recreations natural and proper for their age, sex, and condition, and fitting themselves for useful stations in society. The institution is managed by a board of trustees, and is patron- ized by the governments of all the New England states.
Eye and Ear Infirmary .- This institution was commenced in Boston, by Drs. Jeffries and Reynolds, in 1824, from a conviction of its utility and importance, derived from what they had seen and known of similar establishments in Europe. Those gentlemen conducted the establishment at their own expense for some time, during which large numbers received the most important benefits. In 1827, by the philan- thropic exertions of those and other gentlemen, an act of incorporation was obtained, and some funds were raised. As early as 1828, 2,610 cases were treated at the infirmary, of which about five sixths were cured. Of these cases about one sixth were for discases of the ear. Since that time the number of appli- cants has increased annually ; and this institution, whose merits are not surpassed by any other in the city, has now a beautiful and commodious building in Bowdoin Square for the reception of patients.
THEATERS .- The Boston Theater, on Federal and Franklin streets, was first opened February 3, 1794. It way burnt February 2, 1798; it was rebuilt, and re-opened on the 29th of October, the same year. It is of brick, 152 feet long, 61 wide, and 40 high. This building is now denominated "The Odcon," and is consecrated to the worship of God. A huge wooden building was erected on Tremont street, and opened as the " Hay-market Theater," December 26, 1796. The citizens in its neighborhood, being fearful of its conflagration, caused its demolition by subscription, and the block of elegant brick dwelling houses near and north of Boylston street now occupy the spot.
The Tremont Theater, on Tremont street, is a very neat building, with a granite front, 135 feet by 79. It was commenced in July, and opened September 24, 1827. Cost, about $120,000.
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541
BOSTON.
The National Theater, at the junction of Portland and Traverse streets, near the Warren bridge, was constructed in 1831. This building was first used for equestrian performances.
The Massachusetts Historical Society was incorporated in February, 1794. The ob. ject of this society is to collect, preserve, and communicate materials for a complete history of this country, and accounts of all valuable efforts of human ingenuity and industry from the beginning of its settlement, &c. " The library consists principally of printed books and MSS. on American history, though by no means exclusively confined to it. It numbers near six thousand articles, many of which are precious. The most ancient MSS. are probably a fragment of the laws of Hoel Dha, in Welsh, and a specimen, in a medical treatise, of the English language in the reign of Richard II., with an illuminated missal, and a few similar productions. Then follow autograph letters and treatises of several of the fathers of New England. A large collection of these, and of documents of a more recent date, had been made by Gov. Trumbull of Connecticut, and are now bound in 23 volumes folio, the property of this society." The publications of the society have consisted almost entirely of their "COLLECTIONS." These now extend to two decades, and six volumes of a third. Among the collections of the society are a number of ancient and modern paintings of distinguished persons. Among these is a portrait of the first Gov. Winslow, supposed to have been painted by Vandyke.
The Boston Atheneum originated in 1806, and has now become a most valuable and splendid library, with all desirable conveniences for literary pursuits. The number of volumes is above 25,000. There is a large collection of medals and pictures and statuary. A reading-room contains almost all the periodicals of the day, with the most valuable public newspapers and journals. The building was presented in part to the institution by the late Mr. James Perkins, a public-spirited and liberal merchant of the city. Subscribers to the Atheneum have privileges in proportion to their subscriptions or interest in the property of the institution. A proprietor pays $300, and has a right to 3 tickets of admission. A life subscriber pays $100 for his own benefit. An annual subscriber has the privileges of the Atheneum for $10 per year.
In the rear of the Atheneum is the Gallery of Fine Arts, or Atheneum Hall. The building is of three stories, 60 feet long and 50 wide. The lower story is divided into apartments for libraries and apparatus; the second is a lecture-room that accommo- dates 500 persons ; the third is an exhibition room, fitted purposely for the exhibition of paintings. The patronage which this institution has received is an honor to the citizens of Boston, and, with other examples of munificence, has acquired for the city the distinction of being the literary emporium of the western world.
The following list of the churches in Boston, with the date of their organization, is taken from Dickinson's Boston Almanac, for 1839.
CONGREGATIONAL.
Chauncy place
1632
Phillip's, South Boston 1823
Second Church, Hanover st.
1649
Twelfth Cong. Chambers st. 1824
Old South, Washington st.
1669
Purchase street 1826
Brattle street
1699
Bowdoin street 1526
New North, Hanover st.
1714
Greene street
1826
New South, Summer st.
1716
Federal street
1730
Hollis street
1732
South Cong. Washington st.
1827
West Church, Lynde st.
1736
Mariner's, Fort Hill
1828
King's Chapel, Tremont st.
1686
Marlboro' Chapel, Chapel place
Park street
1809
Franklin street (Odeon) 1835
Hawes place, South Boston
1822
East Boston
1836
Union, Essex street
1822
BAPTIST.
First, Hanover street
1664 | Independent, Belknap street 1805
Second, Baldwin place -
1743
North, Hanover Avenue 1835
Third, Charles street
1807
South Boston
1831
Fourth, Federal street
1827
Pine street 1827
Salem Church, Salem st. 1827
542
BOSTON.
EPISCOPAL.
Christ, Salem street
1723 | St. Paul's, Tremont street
1820
Trinity, Summer street
1734 Grace, Temple street 1829
St. Matthews, South Boston
1818 Free, Common street 1836
METHODIST.
First, North Bennet street
1792 Fourth, Church street 1834
Second, Bromfield street -
1806 Fifth, South Boston - 1836
Colored, May street
1826 Sixth, Blossom street 1837
UNIVERSALIST.
First, Hanover street
1786 Fourth, South Boston 1830
Second, School street
1816
Fifth, Warren street -
1836
Central, Bulfinch street
1823
CATHOLIC.
Church of the Holy Cross, Franklin st.1800
St. Augustine's, South Boston - 1817
St. Mary's, Endicot street 1835 St. Patrick's, Northampton street - 1836
MISCELLANEOUS.
Bethel, North Square - 1829 | Second Christian Society,
New Jerusalem, Phillip's place - 1817 - Free Calv. Bapt. Tremont Row,
Christian Society, Summer street,
Meth. Epis. Zion Church, Parkman's Mar- -
F. W. Baptist, Causeway street - 1836 ket, Cambridge street.
Chapels of Ministers at large.
Pitts street, Rev. Frederick T. Gray. Warren street, Rev. Charles F. Barnard.
Butolph street,
Suffolk street, Rev. John T. Sargent ..
Milton street, Rev. George W. Kilton.
| Friend st. chap., Friend st., Wm. Howe.
zKUTku
Southern view of the State-house in Boston.
The State-house is on an open square on Beacon street, fronting the malls and common. It is 173 feet in length and 61 in breadth, and its foundation is 110 feet above the level of the sea. Its size and elevation make it a very conspicuous object as Boston is ap- proached. It was constructed at an expense of $133,333. On the area of the lower hall stands the beautiful statue of Washington, by Chantry. "From the top of the dome on this building, which is 52 feet in diameter and 230 feet above the level of the harbor, the whole city appears beneath, with all its crooked streets, its ex- tended avenues, its splendid buildings, and the malls and common of 75 acres, crossed with romantic walks and shaded by centurian elms. On the north and west, the county of Middlesex presents
543
BOSTON.
its numerous villas, and a rich array of agricultural taste and beauty. Here are viewed the hallowed walls of Harvard, and the sacred field of Bunker. On the south, the county of Norfolk appears with its granite hills and luxuriant vales, chequered with a thousand farm-houses and cottages and splendid mansions. On the east, the city, with its lofty spires, the harbor, and the ocean, all conspire to render this the most enchanting scene west of the Bay of Naples."*
E
S.E.BROWIV
Western view of Faneuil Hall.
Faneuil Hall, of which the above is a representation, is three stories high, 100 feet by 80, and was the gift of Peter Faneuil, Esq. to the town, in 1742. The building was enlarged in 1806 to its present size. Before the new market was built, the lower part of it was used for meat stalls; it is now improved for stores. The Hall is 76 feet square, 28 high, and has deep galleries on three sides. It is adorned with superb paintings of patriots, warriors, and states- men. A speech was pronounced in the hall on the 14th of March, 1763, by James Otis, Jr., Esq. He dedicated it to the cause of freedom, a cause in which he labored and suffered, and it has since received the appellation of The Cradle of Liberty.
The following is an eastern view of Faneuil Hall Market, which is 535 feet in length, and 50 in breadth. The center part of the building, 74 feet by 55, projects two or three feet on the north and south, and rises 77 feet from the ground to a beautiful dome. The wings are two stories in height, and the lower floors are exclusively appropriated as a meat, fish, and vegetable market. The upper story is one vast hall, arranged to be divided into compartments for ware-rooms and large sales. This building was completed in 1827, and cost $150,000.
* The author would here state that he is indebted principally for the present descrip- tion of Boston to the New England Gazetteer, a valuable work, now on the eve of publication, by John Hayward, Esq. From the " Massachusetts Directory," another work of Mr. Hayward, much valuable information has been derived.
544
BOSTON.
Side view of Quincy Market, Boston.
The following is a view of probably the oldest building now stand- ing in Boston. It is situated at the corner of Ann street and the open square adjoining Faneuil Hall; and is chiefly remarkable for its age and antiquated form, showing what was considered ele- gance of architecture a century and a half since. The timber used in its construction is principally oak, and where it has been kept dry is perfectly sound and very hard. The outside is covered with
1680
Ancient Building, built in 1680.
Franklin House.
plastering, or what is usually called rough-cast. The figures 1680 were impressed into the rough-cast to show the year of its erection, and are now legible. The building is 32 feet by 17, and two stories high. The tide-waters formerly flowed on the south and south-west sides of this building, but now so much land has been artificially made below it that it is now seventy rods to the ncar- est water of the harbor. The cut on the right is a representation of the old Franklin House, in Milk street, which stood nearly op- posite the south door of the Old South church. It is the house where the parents of Dr. Franklin resided for some time. This house was burnt in 1810. The drawing was taken a short time previous.
In 1704, the first newspaper published in America appeared in
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545
BOSTON.
Boston. It was printed on half a sheet of pot paper, with a small- pica type, folio, and was entitled,
"N. E. Numb. 1. THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER. Published by Authority. From Monday, April 17, to Monday, April 24, 1704."
" The proprietor's name was John Campbell, a Scotchman, who was established here as a bookseller. The imprint is, 'Boston ; printed by B. Green. Sold by Nicho- as Boone, at his Shop near the Old Meeting-House.' Green was Campbell's printer, and Boone was for some weeks his publisher.
" The first number contained the following prospectus :- ' This News-Letter is to be continued Weekly ; and all Persons who have any Houses, Lands, Tenements, Farmes, Ships, Vessels, Goods, Wares, or Merchandizes, &c. to be sold or Lett ; or Servants Runaway ; or Goods Stoll or Lost, may have the same Inserted at a Reasonable Rate; from Twelve Pence to Five Shillings, and not to exceed; Who may agree with Nicho- las Boone for the same at his shop, next door to Major Davis's, Apothecary, in Boston, near the old Meetinghouse.
" " All Persons in Town and Country may have said News-Letter Weekly upon rea- sonable tearms, agreeing with John Campbell, Post Master, for the same.' "
DALE
City Hall, State Street.
The above is an eastern view of the City Hall, and the build- ings in the vicinity, at the head of State street. This building was erected in 1714. It was burnt in 1747, and the interior was built entirely new. It was formerly called the Town-House, and has been occupied by the provincial and state legislatures. Since the new state-house has been built it has been called the old state- house. In 1830, it received repairs and alterations which were to accommodate the post-office, the public reading-room, or hall, and the city officers. It is 112 feet long, and 36 broad. The post- office is at the western end, which fronts Washington street. The western, or upper part of State street, is called the Exchange, a place of resort for mercantile men to meet and transact their money affairs. Here are most of the banks in the city. State street, for- merly King street, has been the scene of many memorable events; of none more remarkable than the Boston Massacre, in 1770.
69
546
BOSTON.
The presence of an insolent military force, sent over to overawe the inhabitants, was extremely irksome to a free people, and it could not be expected that harmony could long subsist between the inhabitants of Boston and the British troops. A slight affray took place between them on the 2d of March, 1770; but on the night of the fifth, the enmity of the parties burst forth in violence and blood. The following account of this event is taken from a History of Boston, by Caleb H. Snow, M. D., published in Boston, by Mr. Abel Bowen, in 1825. (This work is an octavo volume of 400 pages, embellished with engravings, and contains a full and interesting history of Boston from its origin to the present time.)
" The officers were apprehensive of difficulties, and were particularly active in their endeavors to get all their men into their barracks before night. Murray's Barracks, so called, where the 14th regiment was principally quartered, were in Brattle street, in the buildings directly opposite the little alley which leads from the bottom of Market street., The 29th regiment was quartered in Water street and in Atkinson street. As a measure of precaution, there was a sentinel stationed in the alley before mentioned, (then called Boylston's alley,) and this very circumstance led to the quarrel which terminated in the Boston Massacre. Three or four young men, who were disposed to go through the alley, about nine o'clock, observed the sen- tinel brandishing his sword against the walls and striking fire for his own amusement. They offered to pass him and were challenged, but persisted in their attempt, and one of them received a slight wound on his head. The bustle of this rencontre drew together all those who were passing by, and fifteen or twenty persons thronged the alley, and thirty or forty more, gathered in Dock Square, were attempting to force their way to the barracks through Brattle street, (which was at that time so narrow that a carriage could with difficulty pass.) Being foiled in this attempt, the party, which was continually increased by acces- sions, gathered in Dock Square round a tall man with a red cloak and white wig, to whom they listened with close attention two or three minutes, and then gave three cheers and huzzaed for the main guard.
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