USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 31
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 31
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 31
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Nahant > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 31
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, 1864-1890 > Part 31
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338
ANNALS OF LYNN- 1889.
St. Luke's (Methodist) Church was dedicated October 28. Hon. William F. Johnson died at Nahant, Nov. 24. He was born on Nahant, then a part of Lynn, July 30, 1819, and was a son of the peninsular patriarch, Caleb Johnson, who was also born there and lived to about the age of ninety. The early education of Mr. Johnson was somewhat limited, so far as book instruction was concerned, but his quick apprehension and taste for reading, his penetrating examination of current subjects, and patient inquiry into the wherefore of things, soon placed him among the most intelligent. For the wear and tear of mercan- tile life he soon seemed to discover that he was not well adapted, and hence, as soon as circumstances permitted accepted more quiet and congenial employment. For many years he was Secretary of the Lynn Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and during his official period that institution lost nothing of its high reputation. But his daily duties at the desk did not prevent his cordial participation in the benevolent, reformatory and social movements of the day. The Hospital and the Home for Aged Women, especially, had his sympathy his labors and his contri- butions. In municipal affairs Mr. Johnson bore a conspicuous part for many years, always doing faithful service. He held the office of Mayor in 1858, fulfilling the duties with credit and ability. He was genial in manners, a faithful friend and the enemy of none ; and one of the attractive few who are welcome every where. In religious affiliation he was for some time a member of the Baptist connection, but in middle life became a member of the Episcopal church. and remained steadfast in that communion to the end of his life. For a number of years he was a warden of St. Stephen's, and on the organization of the Church of the Incarnation, was elected to the same office in that body. He did much to promote the growth of his beloved church in Lynn. Mr. Johnson was thrice married, and left a widow and four children. His funeral took place on the after- noon of Nov. 27, from the Church of the Incarnation.
Lennox's brick factory, Market street, with other buildings, was burned, Dec. 22. Loss, $136.000.
1889.
John W. Berry was appointed Judge of Lynn Police Court, Jan. 23, succeeding Rollin E. Harmon who had resigned to take the office of Judge of Probate for Essex County.
Philip Pitts, a police officer of Saugus, died in Lynn Hospital, Jan. 26. He was on duty in Cliftondale on the night of Jan. 23, when he was shot by a burglar, the wound proving fatal.
On the evening of Jan. 30, the planing mill near the southerly end of Commercial street was burned, with one or two smaller buildings. Loss about $25.000.
ANNALS OF LYNN- 1889. 339
Josiah F. Kimball died in Boston, Feb. 3, aged 68. He was a native of Ipswich, but came to Lynn in early life and learned the printing business in the Freeman office, which business he followed many years, as printer, publisher, and editor. Few men were better known or more highly respected. He was careful that any paper issued by him should be what is known as a " clean paper" - free from sensationalism, unkind person- alities or erroneous statements of any kind. His literary taste was far above mediocrity, and he wrote many poems, largely of a humorous character, that were widely circulated and deserv- edly praised. He held various public offices ; served in the Legislature ; and for several years held a position in the Boston Custom House. He was nurtured in the old New England orthodox faith, but in manhood became a devoted member of the Episcopal church. His funeral took place from St. Stephen's, which had long been his spiritual home. His first wife was a daughter of County Treasurer Wade; and his second; who survived him, was a lady from Portsmouth, N. H. He had no issue.
The Light Infantry and Wooldredge Guards left Lynn for Washington, March 2, to take part in the ceremonies of the inauguration of President Harrison, and returned, March 7, much pleased by their trip and reception.
Died in Tyson, Vt., March 2, Lewis Josselyn, aged 83. Mr. Josselyn was a prominent figure in Lynn for a number of years. Editors are usually conspicuous members of the community ; especially such editors as Mr. Josselyn - so alert, so ubiquitous. He was editor, proprietor and publisher of the "Lynn Bay State," a large and handsome weekly sheet, of pronounced Dem- ocratic principles. He was a vigorous writer and occupied a prominent place in the editorial fraternity of New England. Few persons connected with the newspaper press had a more just conception of the duties and responsibilities of an editor ; and the spirit of fairness that characterised the trenchant ema- nations from his pen was worthy of imitation. He made an attempt, in connection with his son, to establish a daily Bay State, but the golden day evidently had not arrived when every town, village and hamlet could rejoice in its daily service of news from every quarter of the globe, seasoned, in too many instances, with neighborhood gossip and social scandal - and so the attempt was given over. Mr. Josselyn was a native of Pem- broke, Plymouth county. During his career he held various offi- ces ; was at one time Clerk of the House of Representatives, and held positions in the Boston and Salem Custom Houses. He was what was known as a war democrat during the civil war, and fought vigorously with pen and tongue in the Union cause. The most daring partisan did not venture to call him a "copper head."
·
340
ANNALS OF LYNN - 1889.
Hon. Edwin Walden died, March 12, aged 70. He was born here and educated in the public schools of Ward 6, of which he was a native. For many years he was connected with the shoe business ; but in mature life was more especially known for his excellent management in public affairs. Though at times exhib- iting strong party feeling, he always acted from settled principle and well-considered convictions. One so qualified, with such util- itarian views and forecast, could not fail of being closely identified with public affairs. In municipal matters, after serving in both branches of the Council, he found himself, in 1870, in the Mayor's chair, where he remained for two terms, doing the duties fearlessly and with the unfeigned applause of the most considerate and unprejudiced. But perhaps he was best known by his persevering and judicious labors as one of the moving spirits in the attainment of our now generous supply of pure water. The series of plans which have so favorably resulted are in a large degree attributable to his foresight, sagacity and per- severance. And it seems most fitting that the last-formed and most beautiful lakelet - Walden pond - should bear his name. He served in several State offices, with increasing reputation for devotion to duty and for promptness and vigor of action ; was a Representative and a Senator, and a commissioner in two or three important State projects. As President of the Boston Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad, his services were apparent in the unvarying success of the corporation, notwithstanding the grave doubts and surmises that attended its inauguration. Mrs. Walden and five children survived the husband and father.
General Joshua L. Chamberlain delivered the Memorial Day address, May 30.
Lynn contributed something rising $5.000 for the sufferers by the terrible disaster at Johnstown, Pa., that occurred May 31. by the breaking of the dam of the great reservoir 450 feet above the town and some 12 miles distant, at the upper end of the valley. The dam held a body of water covering 750 acres and of an average depth of 30 feet. From 4.000 to 5.000 lives appear to have been lost, and 2.500 houses destroyed. Esti- mates as to the loss of lives however, varied, some placing the number higher than 5.000. The place was substantially de- stroyed.
Died in Lynn, June 28, Maria Mitchell, for many years pro- fessor of astronomy in Vassar College, aged 70. She was known throughout the scientific world for her attainments, especially in astronomy. She was a native of Nantucket, and inherited from her father a love for scientific pursuits and power of application.
A sudden tempest arose about noon, July 23d, with vivid light- ning and heavy thunder. Damage was done in some parts of the city by the heavy rainfall, and the lightning struck in
341
ANNALS OF LYNN- 1889.
several places. One of the electric cars was stopped by the melting of a wire.
The annual parade of the Essex County Odd Fellows took place in Lynn, Sept. 24. The weather was fine, and about 1.200 members marched in line. Many buildings were decorated.
A notable military parade took place in Lynn Oct. 3d. The Fifth, Eighth and Ninth Regiments of Infantry, the First and Second Battalions of Artillery, the Second Battalion of Cavalry, Signal and Ambulance Corps, appeared and made an extended march through a number of our principal streets with several bands of music. The day was beautiful, and there was a large gathering of spectators. A barricade was thrown across Market street, near Liberty, and a feigned mob assembled to intercept the march of the troops. Four lines of skirmishers approached the barricade, and a gatlin gun being brought to bear, the mob dispersed and the victors, clearing away the debris, marched on triumphantly. Evidently General Peach, the commander of the victorious forces had a good conception of the manner in which a mob should be met.
The electric line of street cars from the Myrtle street stable to Central square was opened Oct. 3.
The U. S. General Convention of Universalists was held in Lynn, Oct. 22, and continued four days. More than a thousand delegates and friends attended.
American flags were raised on several of the public school buildings during November -on the Burrill, Nov. 4; on the Ingalls, Nov. 9; on the Shepard, Nov. 12. On the 15th, Post 5 of the Grand Army presented a flag to the Classical High School. By such means it was thought the youth would be more thoroughly imbued with patriotic sentiments.
At the State election, Nov. 5, our citizens for the first time had an opportunity to vote under what has been called the Aus- tralian system, a system which seems substantially to have been evolved by the genius of the Australians, and which enables the voter to ballot with the utmost privacy. It had marked success and was highly praised for its convenience, its secresy, and its avoidance of confusion and excitement at the polls. To Elihu B. Hayes, a Lynn Representative in the Legislature, much of the honor of introducing the system was attributed ; indeed he was called by his fellow-legislators the father of the system in Massachusetts.
A somewhat singular disease, under the French name la grippe, prevailed here, and indeed over nearly the whole world, during the latter part of the year. It seemed to operate differently in different constitutions. In some cases there was a loss of appe- tite, and a tired, languid feeling. In other cases it suddenly seized with severe pains in the head or back, with slight nausea.
342
HISTORY OF LYNN. - Great Fire.
Very few escaped its attack in some way and to some extent. In many instances it proved to be the precursor of other dis- cases and not unfrequently terminated fatally.
THE GREAT FIRE.
The greatest calamity that ever overtook Lynn, in her whole history, occurred on the 26th of November, 1889; that is, so far as loss of property was involved, though she was singularly fortu- nate in escaping loss of life or serious personal injury. We allude to what will hereafter be known as the Great Fire.
It was about noon, of a sunny day, that the fire broke out in the boiler room of the large wooden building on Almont street known as Mower's block. There was a pretty high wind, and in an exceedingly short space of time several of the adjacent buildings were in flames. It soon became apparent that our own fire department, single handed, would be powerless to con- trol the conflagration ; and therefore telegraphic despatches, im- ploring aid, were hastily forwarded to Boston, Chelsea, Salem, Gloucester, Newburyport, and a number of other places. The despatches were responded to with the utmost alacrity, and the assistance thus promptly rendered added much to the ardor of our own firemen as well as in itself being of great value. Within an hour or two several of the finest four or five story brick business buildings were destroyed, together with many of inferior kind ; and still the flames raged. Four banks, namely, the First National, the Central National, the National Security, and the Lynn Institution for Savings, were soon out of doors ; so likewise were the three daily newspapers - the Bee, the Item, and the Press.
The area of ground burned over, including streets and squares, was thirty-one acres, and it was in the most central business part of the city. The total loss, according to the Chief Engi- neer's report, was $4.959.989.08, though the State Commissioner's report made the loss about $2.000 less. The insurance was stated at $4.133.516.67.
During the fire very commendable order was maintained, for the authorities, as a safeguard, promptly called out the military companies I and D) of Lynn, and to these was added company Il of Salem. A squad of twenty-five of the Boston police also appeared for duty.
The number of buildings destroyed was 334, some of them
[The entire length et this fire street was lomved ]
343
HISTORY OF LYNN. - Great Fire.
massive brick business structures, some wooden factories and some wooden dwellings. The various streets suffered in the loss of buildings as follows :
Almont street, . II
Munroe street,
4
Amity st.
16
Sagamore st.
25
Beach st.
48
Silsbee st.
6
Broad st.
58
Spring st.
18
Central square,
17
Suffolk st.
18
Exchange st.
24
Suffolk st. place,
8
Farrar st.
II
Union st.
45
Mt. Vernon st.
4
Washington st.
21
Our active and efficient Mayor, Hon. Asa T. Newhall, was unwearied in his endeavors to mitigate the sufferings of those most severely affected personally by the calamity ; and all others of his official coadjutors worked with a will for the common good. The result was that immediate wants were speedily supplied.
There was a good supply of water, but it appeared that some of the transmission pipes were not sufficiently large for such an unforeseen emergency ; a fact that gave rise to the apprehension that there was a deficiency. Some of the suffering business men were on the alert even while the conflagration was pursuing its fiery course, to secure new quarters, that their business might be as little interrupted as possible. And it was wonderful with what composure they met the disaster and with what energy they set about repairing their damaged fortunes. Some even claimed that the fire would prove of positive benefit, by sweeping away a number of dangerous old wooden structures whose places would soon be occupied by those of modern style, safer and more convenient. And now, in the spring of 1890, we see a number of stately buildings in process of erection in the burned district.
After the fire, from various causes, chiefly, perhaps, because land was cheaper, some manufacturers began to plan for locating in sections more remote from Central square ; in East and West Lynn, especially, railroad facilities being far better than they were at the time when business began to centre about the square.
Lynn has always contributed liberally to relieve the sufferings of others by fire or flood - the fire at Marblehead and the flood at Johnstown, for instance. And when the great calamity over- took her, she in her turn received the sympathy and contributions of others. The bread that she had cast upon the waters, when she had it to spare, floated back in her time of need.
344
HISTORY OF LYNN. - Forest Park.
FOREST PARK.
By referring to pages 90 and 254 of the present volume some- thing will be found regarding the incipient movements in the laudable enterprise of forming a Free Public Park, embracing as many acres as possible of the romantic and eminently appropri- ate territory that lies along our northern border. The shady glens, rocky heights, towering trees, wild shrubbery, vagrant streams and tranquil ponds, all conspire by their varied charms and historic connections to render it most fitting for such a purpose. By a legislative act of 1882, cities and towns are enabled to take lands for public parks ; and under that act Lynn has proceeded to appoint Park Commissioners and do such other things as are necessary to carry out what is evidently the ardent desire of the citizens-to possess a public ground that shall be worthy of the opportunity now presented, and enduring evi- dence of the taste, liberality and discriminating fore-thought of the people of this our day. The territory now [May, 1890,] secured by the Park Commissioners, together with the contiguous lands owned by the City and acquired by the Water Board, amounts to about 1.400 acres, including the water area. Four beau- tiful ponds add their charms to the grounds, namely, Breed's, Birch, Walden and Glen Lewis. These measure in the aggregate three hundred and twelve acres. It is easy to see of what ines- timable value the Park will be to future generations by keeping the great water-shed from which our supply comes free from contaminations that necessarily appertain to dense settlements.
The names of the first Board of Park Commissioners are : Philip A. Chase, (Chairman.) ; Aaron F. Smith, C. H. Pinkham, Frank W. Jones, Benjamin F. Spinney.
Many of our people, it is probable, do not fully realize the value of our ponds for sanitary purposes as well as for picturesque beauty. Nor is it probable that a just conception of their num- ber and extent is usually entertained. The principal ones, cov- ering five hundred and nine acres and a half, are as follows :
Birch pond, S4 acres.
Breed's pond, 64
Celar, pond, 43
.. Fax pond, 75
Glen Lewis pond, . 36
Lily pond, 4 Floating Bridge pond, 17 44
Gold Fish pond, . . 1 1-2 acres.
- Holder's pund, 7
Sluice pond, 50
Walden) pond, . 128 .
345
HISTORY OF LYNN. - Industries.
There assuredly is a growing desire in the community for the preservation of natural scenery ; and already associations have been formed in various places with the laudable purpose of giving intelligent direction to that desire. Lynn may well feel that in her Park she is not only protecting and preserving most superb natural scenery, but is at the same time adding to her sanitary safeguards, and preparing a delightful field for the healthful enjoy- ment of old and young, rich and poor.
INDUSTRIES OF LYNN.
The leading business of Lynn continues to be, as it has been for almost a hundred and fifty years, the Manufacture of Ladies' Shoes. And though the manufacturers lost largely by the great fire, it does not seem that there has been much diminution in the volume of trade, though it is carried on in some instances in different localities. But little need be said here in addition to what has been given elsewhere on these pages. There are 179 factories, with an aggregate capital of $4.550.000 ; average number of persons employed, 12.000 ; value of annual product, $21.300.000 ; gross profit, $4.000.000 ; average yearly earnings of each employe, $465. Of course it is not claimed that these estimates are entirely unerring in every instance, but they are as reliable as diligent inquiries and care could make them.
Next in historical importance is the Leather Manufacture- chiefly that which comes under the general names of morocco and leather. It is probable that at no „former period has this branch of industry been more active or profitable. The number of fac- tories may be stated at 30; capital invested, $950.000 ; value of product, $2.450.000 ; stock used, $1.687.000 ; number em- ployed, 800.
The recently established Thomson-Houston Electric Works, which are briefly spoken of under date 1883, bid fair to over- shadow all the other industries of Lynn. They have attained huge proportions in a marvelously short time, the business having increased in five years from about $400.000 per annum to $12.000.000. At the present time, May, 1890, there are employed at the works here 2.500 persons ; which number, by including those elsewhere engaged in the service of the Company would be raised to more than 4.000. The amount of capital,
Sup. 3.
346
HISTORY OF LYNN. - Industrics.
including invested surplus, is about $9.000.000. The floor space now occupied by the Lynn factories is 281.586 square feet. The product of the Company is electrical machinery of all kinds, and is of course for the greater part disposed of in the United States ; but there is a constant and increasing demand for their apparatus, in all parts of the civilized world.
Of the various other industries of Lynn so much has been said elsewhere that nothing need be added in this connection.
So large a portion of the population of Lynn consists of work- ing people that it would be remarkable if there were not combi- nations of various orders formed in the hope of bettering the condition of those who are dependent for a livelihood upon the labor of their hands. We have had a large share of what are popularly known as labor troubles, but at the present time seem measurably, though by no means entirely, free from difficulties of this kind. Such lessons however have been learned that the more considerate on both sides - employers and employed - see that forbearance and concession are very needful. It is said that the poor are always discontented. But are the rich ever con- tented ? The whole civilized world is now agitated by labor throes ; a condition that perhaps follows from the increasing intelligence of all classes, truer conceptions of individual capa- bilities, power, and natural rights. The result of this unrest will surely be the essential modification of some of the unnatural features of the present artificial condition of society. But these so called labor troubles are not the only elements that are work- ing important changes in the texture of society. Among others is the marked change in the relative position of woman. We now find the fairer sex in about all the professions and relations that a few years ago were considered to appertain only to men. And it is a fact of rainbow promise. Especially is her healthful influence perceptible in the ever broadening field of literature. There, she is scattering seeds that will not fail to produce most wholesome fruit. But may we not indulge the hope that she will not soon be found on the turbulent borders of the political arena, panting to join in the feverish conflicts there ? Permanent reforms must come, but need not be expected in whirlwind rush, such as characterized some of the vain attempts in years gone by, but by such peaceful gradations as nature herself exemplifies.
The above to a enfrent representation of me of the most excellent of our more recently stablished Institutions - the busgetal The fullges are not cet's, Mint are picturesque situated on Aistoric greca, on Below street! Between Franklin sol Washington street. SeF fage ;17.
1
HOME FOR ANEO WOMEN
THIS IS another of our praiseworthy institutions. The building is at the west end of the Common, on the north side, anil was originally, in 1532, Hunt for and xcupie ! by the unfor- tunate Nahant Bank, which farle } in 1536. A= ancient dwelling gave place to the structure. Sec pages 62, 73, and 345.
347
HISTORY OF LYNN. - Benevolent Institutions, etc.
BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS, ETC.
Lynn has a full share of organizations, benevolent, social, literary and recreative. But few, however, can even be named here; nor is it necessary that they should be, as our annual Directories give all the information that in most cases would be desired, their names usually indicating their fields of labor. But one or two merit special notice.
Lynn Hospital. Allusion to the history of this institution may be found on page 270. At the close of 1889, the finances appeared in a satisfactory condition. The receipts for the year from incomes, bequests, and donations, were $13.311.58, and the expenses $10.749.29. The average number of patients for the year was 21, and the expense for each patient for board, medi- cine, and attendance, was $511.87 per annum. The medical cases were in number 558, and the surgical, 703 ; diseases of the eye, ear, and skin, 136. The Hospital fund, June, 1890, has reached about $85.000. Of that $26.000 have been invested in land and buildings, and $2.500 in furnishings ; leaving over $56.000 invested in securities, the income of which is devoted to running expenses. The annual expense of maintenance is now about $10.000. And the income from investments being about $3.000, some $7.000 have to be raised each year. The working men, in all departments of trade, have year by year liberally contributed. And indeed all classes have shown their appreci- ation of the value of the institution in the true way, by pecuniary aid. The Oxford Club, until its rooms were destroyed by the fire, raised each year from $900, the amount of its first annual contri- bution, to $3.600, the result of its last entertainment. And there have been several opportune donations from sympathising individuals, as well as bequests. The annual church collections have for several years amounted to $1.000. The late collections in response to the renewed appeals of the managers, when no single subscription above $10 was asked, resulted in nearly $6.000. The managers regard the Hospital as eminently an institution for the people, and the people, on their part, cordially do what they can for its support. And all of us can give it our prayers, if we have nothing else to give. That its affairs have been skillfully and prudently managed, and with a single eye to the good of all concerned, there is no doubt ; and by increased
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