USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 32
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 32
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 32
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Nahant > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 32
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 32
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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 suf- fering business men were on the alert even while the confla- gration was pursuing its fiery course, to secure new quarters,
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ANNALS OF LYNN-1889.
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 con- venient.
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 always contributed liberally to relieve the suffer- ings of others by fire or flood - the fire at Marblehead and the flood at Johnstown, for instance. And when the great calamity overtook 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.
Lynn Woods. By referring to date 1881 of the Annals something may 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 appropriate territory that lies along our northern border. The shady glens, rocky heights, towering trees, wild shrubbery, vagrant streams and tranquil ponds, all con- spire by their varied charms and historic connections to ren- der 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 neces- sary 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 evidence of the taste, liberality and discriminating forethought of the people of this our day. Four beautiful ponds add their charms to the grounds, already secured, namely, Breed's, Birch, Wal- den and Glen Lewis. These measure in the aggregate three hundred and twelve acres. It is easy to see of what inesti- mable 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.
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1890.
The names of the first Board of Park Commissioners are : Philip A. Chase, (Chairman) ; Aaron F. Smith, C. H. Pink- · ham, 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 pictur- esque beauty. Nor is it probable that a just conception of their number and extent is usually entertained. The princi- pal ones, covering five hundred and nine acres and a half, are as follows :
Birch pond, 84 acres.
Gold Fish pond, .
I 1-2 acres. 66
Breed's pond, 64
Holder's pond, 7
Cedar pond, 43 6. Lily pond, . 4
Flax pond, . 75 66
Sluice pond, 50 66
Floating Bridge pond, 17
66
Walden pond, . . 128
Glen Lewis pond, . . 36 66
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 a laudable purpose of giving intelligent direction to that desire. Lynn may well feel that in her Woods she is not only protecting and preserv- ing most superb natural scenery, but is at the same time ad- ding to her sanitary safeguards, and preparing a delightful field for the healthful enjoyment of old and young, rich and poor.
1890.
The members of the Lynn bar gave a banquet to James R. Newhall, Jan. 2, he having completed, on the previous Christ- mas day, his four score years, and being the oldest member of the bar, by years.
Zachariah Graves died Jan. 15, aged 70. He had been a member of the Common Council, a County Commissioner for nine years, and twice a Representative in the State Legisla- ture. He was always trustworthy and conscientious.
January 17, the Lynn printers, as usual, celebrated the an- niversary of Franklin's birth by a banquet, gustatory and intellectual.
The new building of the Camera Club was dedicated Jan. 23.
On Jan. 27 an explosion and consequent fire took place in a cement factory, on Summer street, causing damage to the amount of $3,000.
The modest little Primitive Methodist chapel, on Flint street, was dedicated Feb. 2.
Died, Feb. 10, Oliver Ramsdell, aged 74. He was an
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1890.
active and useful citizen residing in Glenmere, in which pre- cinct he was born ; was a prominent Methodist and did much for the society in his neighborhood ; was a good deal in pub- lic life especially in the early days of Lynn under the City Charter, during which time his good judgment and efficient action availed much. He was a member of the first two Common Councils.
About the middle of February the tides ran very high, in- somuch that parts of old Beach street were submerged.
The first meeting in view of the establishment of a home for aged men was held, March 13.
A dead whale, about 60 feet in length, was cast upon the shore near Sliding Rock, April 26. And the next day another, somewhat larger, was cast upon the Swampscott shore. They soon began to emit offensive odors, and were speedily removed to a rendering establishment. Multitudes gathered for a look at the huge denizens of the deep.
The value of new buildings erected in Lynn during the year ending May I was $1,078,975.
A supposed Indian skeleton was exhumed at Atlantic Ter- race, May 23.
May 30, Memorial Day. The weather was fine and the military parade quite imposing. Other appropriate exercises took place during the day and evening. Hon. Myron P. Walker was orator.
While Myron Smith, of Lynn, was driving on the Peabody road, June II, during a heavy shower his horse was struck by lightning and instantly killed.
The first complete circuit by a Belt Line car was made on the evening of July 3. A number of city officials and busi- ness men were by invitation passengers.
Independence Day was celebrated with rather more than usual " pomp and circumstance." There was a long proces- sion, with city officials, various societies in regalia and a fine military escort. But perhaps the most striking feature was the tradesmen's display, so full was it of the insignia of the various crafts.
The price of ice, which has now become a necessity rather than a luxury, was this summer much higher than usual ; at- tributable, no doubt to the fact that the mild weather of the preceding winter produced a much smaller crop than usual.
A reception was given to the new rector of St. Stephen's Church, Rev. James H. Van Buren, July 14.
About five o'clock on the afternoon of July 25, a short but
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ANNALS OF LYNN-1890.
violent cyclone visited a limited tract in and near Robinson street. An unfinished dwelling house into which a number of school children had rushed for shelter was demolished and a girl, aged 13, killed.
A rattlesnake four and a half feet in length was killed on Lynnfield street, July 31, thus indicating that those reptiles, so much dreaded by our ancestors, are not yet exterminated.
Between nine and ten o'clock on the morning of Aug. 2, a fire commenced on the premises occupied by G. F. Bartol & Co., and others, on Munroe street, and destroyed property to the amount of some $11,000. An explosion of gas was sup- posed to have been the cause. James E. Tarbox, assistant engineer, lost his life by suffocation.
On the 12th of August there was a great parade in Boston of " Boys in Blue," G.A. R. veterans of the civil war. Some 40,000 marched in line. The veterans from Lynn were con- spicuous by their number, and roundly applauded for their excellent discipline. After their return home they elicited much praise and many thanks for their hospitality to visiting troops. Post 5 kept " open house," entertaining visitors from Washington, D.C., Virginia, Philadelphia, Albany and Mis- souri.
A great strike of morocco workers in August.
Died, Aug. 20, Darius Barry aged 77. He was a native of Haverhill, but came to Lynn in 1837. He was a morocco manufacturer, and did considerable business. Several of the larger manufacturers in the line, of later years, began service under him. He was a man of great independence of thought and freedom of expression, read much and well digested what he read. He had a poetic vein and occasionally contributed verses that did not fail to attract attention. And he had an abundance of mother wit, which sometimes exhibited itself in stinging sarcasm. He had, too, a wholesome contempt for those whose selfishness infringed on the rights of others. And this trait was curiously illustrated in a relation that found its way into the newspapers some years since, though I believe another name was in some instances substituted for his. It was of this tenor, though not always given exactly in these words : He entered a railroad car in Boston to take passage for Lynn. The car was quite full. But on one seat sat a man with a valise by his side, which Mr. Barry proceeded to remove preparatory to sitting down in its place. " But," said the man, " that seat is already taken ; the valise was left there by a gentleman who just stepped out, but will be back before
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ANNALS OF LYNN - 1890.
we start." "Very well," said Mr. B. whose suspicions were awake, " I will take the seat and give it up when the claim- ant comes ; and I will take good care of the valise, too, in the mean time." The train moved from the station and the gentleman did not return. " What a pity," said Mr. B., when they were well on the way, " that the gentleman lost his pas- sage ; but he shall not lose his valise, for I will see that it is put into safe custody so that he can recover it." " You need take no trouble," said the other, "I know the man and will take charge of it." "My dear sir," replied Mr. B., " you ought not to expect that. We are strangers, and I don't know But the valise is mine, let me tell
what your purpose is." you," vociferated the other, growing a little excited ; " there is no other man to claim it; and I want you to give it up without further parley." "But," says Mr. B., " do you ex- pect me to believe that? You said it belonged to some one who had just stepped out of the car ; and how do I know but you want to purloin it. I can't consent to be a participator, if that is your game." The result was that the valise was given in charge of an employee to take back to Boston for deposit among the uncalled for luggage; and the poor man, who .undoubtedly was the owner, had to go back to the city to recover it. Whether Mr. B.'s lesson had any good effect on his future conduct is not known. Mr. Eugene Barry, son of Darius, became a large and successful manufacturer in the line so long pursued by his father. And he, too, contrib- uted to our local literature many choice poems, some of which had a circulation far beyond our own bounds.
The new Police Station, on Sutton street, was occupied for the first time, Aug. 26. The cost of the building was about $43,000.
A supposed Indian grave was discovered at Mt. Gilead, in Lynn Woods, Aug. 29.
Labor Day, Sept. I, was appropriately celebrated. The weather being favorable, the procession was unusually large, numbering some 4,000, composed chiefly of various trade organizations. There was a meeting on the Common, at which stirring speeches were made in the interest of labor. And a mid-day entertainment was provided for the children.
The name of old Beach street was changed to Washington, Sept. 8.
Benjamin Sweetser, a native and life-long resident of Lynn, aged 82, was killed by a rail-road train at the Market street crossing, Sept. 18.
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1890.
Rev. Samuel B. Stewart, minister of the Unitarian Society, was given an evening reception in the church parlor, Oct. 6, it being the conclusion of the 25th year of his pastorate. There was a large attendance, many from other religious bodies taking the opportunity to show their regard for one so much esteemed.
There was a large gathering in Music Hall on Sunday evening, Oct. 12, to hear a discourse on the position and claims of labor and laboring people, by National Master Workman Powderly.
The corner stone of the new High School building, High- land Square, was laid Oct. 22, Mayor Asa T. Newhall deliv- ering an appropriate address.
Died, Oct. 22, Mrs. Lydia Rhodes, widow of Amos Rhodes, a lady of culture and estimable traits. Her benevolence was strikingly apparent in her liberal legacies to humane and ed- ucational institutions. Perhaps her most notable gift was that of $20,000 for the erection of a chapel in Pine Grove Ceme- tery, to be called the Rhodes Memorial Chapel, in memory of her husband.
On Sunday morning, Oct. 26, the fly wheel of the Lynn Gas and Electric Light power station, Pleasant street, ex- ploded, alarming the neighborhood and doing considerable damage to the building and other property.
Very high tides prevailed during the latter part of October, overflowing the marshes and at times impeding railroad trains.
Died at the Home for Aged Couples, Brooklyn, N. Y., Rev. Joseph Blaney Breed, aged 83. He was a younger brother of Mayor Andrews Breed, of Henry A. Breed, for many years one of the most enterprising business men here, and of Daniel N. Breed, also long an active business man here, but an early emigrant to California. For a short time before he reached his majority Joseph Blaney acted as land- lord of old Lynn Hotel, then a very popular house. He was in his early years a zealous Unitarian, and did a great deal for the support of the Lynn Society in its infancy. But he changed his sentiments, and while still a young man, joined the Baptist denomination, and in that connection passed the remainder of his life. When he became a Baptist he gave up all thought of a business life and zealously applied him- self to study for the ministry. In due time he was ordained, and had settlements, during his many years of clerical service, in several places. Though he may not have been especially brilliant in the pulpit, he was greatly esteemed for his many
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ANNALS OF LYNN - 1890.
virtues, his zeal in every good cause, for his genial manners, and for his benevolent acts which were only limited by his means.
The new Loretz steam pumping engine, at the Walnut street station, was ready for use, Dec. 19. Its cost, with the con- necting apparatus, was $50,000.
The total loss by fires in Lynn, during 1890, was $48,987.35.
As this year, 1890, completes forty years since the adop- tion of our City Charter, it may not be inappropriate to make a few comparisons illustrative of our progress in different departments during that period.
Population in 1850 14,257
Population in 1890 55,727
VALUATION.
1850 - Real Estate, $3,160,515
Personal Estate, $1,674,328
$4,834,843
1890 - Real Estate, $29,390,332
Personal Estate, $11,340,046
$40,730,378
RATE OF TAXATION.
1850 - On every $1,000 $9.00
1890 - On every $1,000 $15.00
VOTERS.
1850 -- Number of polls, 3.251
1890 - Number of polls,
17,003
APPROPRIATIONS AND RECEIPTS.
1850
$45,000.00
1890
$1,745,299.59
EXPENDITURES.
1850
$36,704.19
1 890
$1,508,947.92
BANKS.
1850 - Lynn Mechanics, capital, $150,000
Laighton, capital $100,000
Total capital $250,000
Also Lynn Institution for Savings.
1890 - First National, capital . $500,000
Central National, capital $200,000
National City, capital . $200,000
National Security, capital $100,000
Lynn National, capital $100,000
Total capital -$2,100,000
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ANNALS OF LYNN - 1890.
Also two Savings Banks : the Lynn Institution for Savings and Lynn Five Cents Savings Bank.
And besides these there were the Lynn Safe Deposit and Trust Company, with a capital of $100,000 ; and the Security Safe Deposit and Trust Company, with a capital of $200,000.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
The number of religious societies in Lynn, in 1850, was 17, including that at Swampscott. The houses of worship were all of wood, and most of them hardly above what would now be called shabby.
The number of religious societies is now (1890) 36. Within a few years, marked progress has been made in the architec- ture of our houses of worship, so that Lynn now has several edifices of stone and brick that will compare favorably with any in the Commonwealth out of Boston.
Whether the religious tone of our community has been elevated or depressed during these forty years, is a problem. But it is generally conceded that the comparative attendance on public worship is somewhat less, in these latter days. The very general closing of the churches on the afternoon of the Lord's day, has opened the way for meetings in the public halls and other places for the discussion of all sorts of secu- lar topics, thus diverting minds from religious subjects, and perhaps loosening the faith of many. Others, who are averse to seeking edification within doors, are inclined to spend the vacant hours abroad, in the woods, the fields or on the beaches.
LAWYERS.
The number of lawyers in Lynn in 1850, was 5. In 1890, we have 40, which certainly indicates a great increase in bus- iness or in a love for litigation.
PHYSICIANS.
The number of physicians in Lynn, in 1850, was 17. In 1890 we have 80. This can hardly be taken as indicating a decline in the healthfulness of the place, for such sanitary improvements and appliances have been made during the forty years as would naturally tend to lessen febrile and pul- monary diseases, the two classes most to be feared hereabout.
The great progress made in the facilities for street travel ; in the matters of drainage, street pavements, sidewalk con- struction, street lighting, and in many other like directions,
Sup. 3.
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ANNALS OF LYNN - 1891.
will at once occur to the mind. But above all, the water- works stand pre-eminent in value and usefulness.
· A wonderful advance, too, has been made in the architec- tural style and costliness of our buildings, public and private, business and residential, so that it may be said, the whole aspect of the place has become changed.
Our schools and the various means for intellectual improve- ment and diversion have kept pace with the general onward march.
For a simple simile let us illustrate by the progress of arti- ficial lighting. In 1850 we were fast emerging from the tal- low-dip and uncleanly whale-oil lamp, into the light of cam- phene and other burning fluids, more or less endangering from explosion. Then came kerosene, in a few years to be to a large extent supplanted by coal gas. Then comes the blazing light of electricity, which has already begun to illumine our streets, many of our business places and homes. Yes, and it is working its way with masterly rapidity, as a motive power, that will give rest to many a weary heart, and before which even our old and faithful servant, steam, seems already drawing to a wheezy end. The extensive electric works here in Lynn, which are spoken of somewhat at large elsewhere, already indicate the development of unlimited capabilities in the subtile agent, and presage effects hitherto unattained and unimagined. What next it will accomplish, it would be dar- ing to predict - perhaps the flashing forth of intelligence from other worlds.
1891.
During the early part of this year, business generally, and the shoe business in particular, was unusually dull. This was attributable in a great degree to the labor troubles that had long prevailed. Both employers and employed now be- came convinced that concession was needed on both sides ; and when the conviction was earnestly acted on affairs began to mend.
The new City Government was organized Jan. 5 ; E. Knowl- ton Fogg, Mayor.
The 70th birthday of John W. Hutchinson, one of the musical " band of brothers " known throughout the country, and to some extent in Europe, as the Hutchinson family, was celebrated at his High Rock home, Jan. 5. The day was not very pleasant without, but within, the large gathering of friends made everything cheerful and enjoyable. Some came
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ANNALS OF LYNN - 1891.
from distant homes, anxious to pay their respects to one who had so long added to the enjoyment of others, by his genial temperament, his sweet songs, and philanthropic acts. He was an early and zealous advocate for the abolition of slavery, as were his brothers; and likewise ardent as a temperance reformer. Their songs and persistent efforts, in divers ways, undoubtedly did much to advance the reforms alluded to.
The fine summer residence of Nathaniel Brewer, on Ocean street, was destroyed by fire, Jan. 7, the loss on house and contents reaching $31,000.
The Lynn Board of Trade held its first annual meeting in the Common Council room, Jan. 14, and completed the or- ganization by the choice of Albert L. Rohrer, president, John B. Newhall, secretary, and James E. Jenkins, treasurer. It numbered among its active members some of our stanchest and most sagacious business men, and soon became a power- ful aid to the business of the city, and its welfare in various departments.
Bog Meadow, so called, in the eastern section of the town, was formally taken possession of by the Park Commissioners, under a recent enabling legislative act, for park purposes, Jan. 16.
Died, Jan. 18, Edward K. Weston, aged 47, long a lead- ing music teacher in various departments of the art. He was organist and choir master of St. Stephen's Church for a number of years, and acquitted himself in a manner most satisfactory, not only by his skill upon the instrument, but likewise by his facility in the control, as well as teaching, of the large boy choir of that church. He had previously served as organist in the First Universalist and one or two other Lynn churches. His manners were pleasing, and all his ways tended to inspire confidence in those with whom he became associated.
A fire occurred, Jan. 22, caused by an overheated boiler, in a wooden building on Bowler street, occupied by Charles E. Blake & Co. as a shoe factory. The loss on building and contents was $5,100.
The Manufacturers' National Bank, being the sixth bank of discount in Lynn, was organized Feb. 3, and opened for business June 22, with a capital of $200,000.
The First Methodist Society held a centennial celebration of the establishment of Methodism in Lynn, Feb. 20.
Died, March 22, Stephen H. Gardiner, aged 90. He was a well-known citizen, and during the many years of his resi- dence here was universally known as " Captain " Gardiner.
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ANNALS OF LYNN -I891.
He was a native of Sag Harbor, Long Island, and probably a descendant from one of the old Lynn emigrants to that vicinity, as his middle name was Halsey, and Thomas Halsey was one of the emigrants settling at Southampton. Captain Gardiner was a master mariner, came to Lynn in or about 1835, and sailed as commander of one of the Lynn Whalers mentioned under date 1832. He quit the vocation of mariner, however, many years ago, and engaged in other business. He invented one or two highly useful nautical appliances and obtained letters patent. He was a man of commanding figure, genial manners and friendly sympathies.
The great strike of morocco workers, which began in August, 1890, was declared " off," April 9.
A fire occurred, April 17, in the Pevear Block, Munroe street, caused by electric wires, and resulting in loss to the amount of about $7,000.
Monsignor Strain, so long a faithful minister in the Roman Catholic Church in Lynn, receives, April 30, at St. Mary's Church, the insignia of Domestic Prelate- a member of the household -of His Holiness Leo XIII. A solemn high mass with a select Boston choir added much to the solem- nity. Monsignor Strain left Lynn soon after on a visit to Rome.
The recent introduction of military exercises in our common schools adds a new, interesting and perhaps useful feature to youthful accomplishments. There was quite a martial gath- ering here in Lynn, and a competitive drill, of what is known as the Second Massachusetts School Regiment, on May 9, Companies being present from Andover, Brookline, Chelsea, Gloucester, Lowell, Malden, Medford, Reading, Wakefield and Woburn. There was a great gathering of parents and friends, male and female, old and young, to greet the youth- ful soldier boys - " at least one girl visitor to each boy sol- dier," as a local paper said. The rivalry at the drill was quite spirited. Governor Russell and members of his staff were present. In the drill, Malden came in first of the win- ners.
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