USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 33
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 33
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 33
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Nahant > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 33
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 33
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35
A mass meeting was held at the First Universalist Church, May 20, to consider measures for the prevention of the rap- idly increasing disregard of the Lord's Day.
A prize fight took place before the Lynn Athletic Club, May 25, at which one of the participants received such " pun- ishment " as caused his death.
A choir festival was held in St. Stephen's Church, May 27,
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in which fourteen surpliced choirs of young men and boys participated. The choristers numbered about four hundred.
Memorial Day (May 30) observed as usual. The address was by Hon. F. T. Greenhalge of Lowell.
During the year ending June I, there were erected in Lynn 465 buildings, of the aggregate value of $2,092,100. Some of them were superior brick, stone and iron structures.
The Lynn Boys' Club, an institution of a few years' stand- ing, of great merit, intended for the training of youth, in all good ways, had June I, according to the Superintendent's annual report, an enrolled membership of 631.
Hon. Harmon Hall, of Saugus, died June 30, aged 73. He was a native of Portland, Me., but came hither when quite young, and from a childhood of comparative penury worked his way to a manhood of competence and considera- tion, filling positions of usefulness and trust. Among the offices which he held were those of Town Clerk and Select- man of Saugus, Representative and Senator in the State Legislature, Governor's Counsellor, and Prison Commissioner. He was likewise for a number of years President of the Sau- gus Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He was a member of various organizations ; a Freemason and an Odd Fellow. In person Mr. Hall was prepossessing, and in manners genial.
Independence Day was duly celebrated. The preparations were elaborate and successfully carried out, the procession especially being unusually fine.
The winter of 1890-'91 yielded a good crop of ice, inso- much that the price, which had greatly increased during the preceding summer, receded to about its usual figure.
A fire occurred, July 5, in a wooden dwelling on Tudor street, owned and occupied by Charles E. Peabody, caused by a defective flue, that resulted in a loss amounting to $6,700.
A destructive fire occurred, July 17, on Union street, near the Central railroad station, in the Blake, Strout and Currier brick blocks. Loss, $172,000. The cause of the fire was unknown.
The corner stone of the new West Lynn Odd Fellows' build- ing, North Common street, was laid July 30.
Died, Aug. 15, at his residence on Green street, John B. Tolman, aged 84; a citizen widely known and worthily ex- tolled for his benevolent and timely public gifts. He was born in Barre, Worcester county, but in boyhood went to Dedham, where he learned the printer's trade. In 1830 he came to Lynn, where his first employment was on the old Lynn
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Record. And he continued in the printing business, by in- dustry and frugality laying the foundation for the fortune which he finally secured and so judiciously disposed of. He was an ardent advocate for the reforms of the day; and es- pecially zealous in the temperance cause, in furtherance of which he gave a trust fund of some $30,000. To establish charitable institutions, by direct gift while living, and by will, he gave the further aggregate sum of $20,000. Mr. Tolman and his wife lived happily together far into old age. In 1881 they celebrated their " golden wedding." And death did not long part them, for she died at the age of 86, within ten days of his decease.
Died, Sept. I, Timothy Lakeman, long known as the " Old Lamplighter," aged 79. He was a faithful official in the city lighting. department for about thirty years, was intelligent and keenly observant of passing events; was affable in man- ners, had a good common school education, and was full of reminiscences of old time events and people. Though not a political aspirant, he was quite remarkable for his knowledge of current political affairs and the characteristics of public men, and was a prompter, if not a guide, for many an active and ambitious partisan.
The weather on Labor Day, Sept. 7, was so unfavorable that the out-door proceedings were less satisfactory than usual. In Lasters' Hall, Andrew street, a meeting was held, at which Mayor Fogg made an address, and other brief speeches were made.
. Mrs. Harrison, wife of President Harrison, and other mem- bers of the white house family made a short visit to Lynn, Sept. 23, and had a reception at the house of Mrs. C. A. Coffin, Nahant street. A drive about town and the vicinity, to Swampscott and Nahant, concluded their visit.
Died, very suddenly, Sept. 28, at his home, Linwood street, Cyrus M. Tracy, aged 67. He was a native of Norwich, Ct., came to Lynn while very young and began his education in our public schools. He possessed a literary turn, and while laboring day by day found means to gratify his taste and store his mind. He loved good books, and their teachings found congenial soil in his heart and mind, sinking deeply and bearing excellent fruit. He early acquired a felicitous use of the pen, and in almost every department of literature became conspicuous, in a local sense at least. His writings in poetry, history, and on the passing events of life, attracted marked attention. As the editor of a weekly paper he was
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extensively and favorably known. Nothing like a full col- lection of his writings has yet appeared. He was a true lover of nature and delighted to rove among her varied and beautiful works ; to him a day in the woods was worth many days of what most of us call the pleasures of social life. It is not overstraining even to call him the father of our late splendid acquisition known as Lynn Woods. His little book entitled " Essex Flora " will be studied long after the fragrant beauties it classifies have been driven far away by the aggres- sive hand of "improvement." "Mr. Tracy," say the Park Commissioners in their report for 1891, " was a versatile, many-sided man. His call, his inner inspiration, was to teach the people of Lynn that they had in the Woods 'an asylum of inexhaustible pleasure.' Of all the work he accomplished in his useful life he would undoubtedly desire to be remem- bered for this. That to-day the whole magnificent domain is the people's is due to the momentum which he gave. The children of Lynn, in all generations, will cherish and revere the memory of Cyrus M. Tracy for the marvelous gift to which his seer's vision guided them." He delivered the poem at the dedication of the City Hall, Nov. 30, 1867, and the oration at the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the settlement of the town, June 17, 1879. Notwithstanding. all his early disabilities, his physical imperfection and the discouragement of stinted means, Mr. Tracy kept on his ris- ing way with unwavering courage, till guiding purpose and laudable ambition began to yield their ripening fruit. He was one of the founders of the Houghton Horticultural Soci- ety, and never tired in his efforts to enhance the usefulness of that and kindred organizations. The death of Mr. Tracy was startlingly sudden. He was abroad as usual on the evening of the 27th, and on the morning of the 28th was dead and cold upon his bed.
John Wooldredge, whose death took place at the age of 68, in San Francisco, Cal., on the 7th of October, was long a conspicuous resident of Lynn, though Marblehead was his native place. He came in 1847 and here passed most of his business life. He was a prominent shoe manufacturer, and amassed a large property ; was interested in municipal affairs, and in the development of all promising resources. He served in the City Government as an Alderman, and was for some time President of the First National Bank. In railroad affairs he became widely known, and was for a time Presi- dent of the Eastern Railroad. His large and fine estate at
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the corner of Ocean and Nahant streets, overlooking the peninsula, the beaches and a large extent of the bay, must have been the source of much enjoyment to him. But it has now become the site of several less spacious but beautifully appointed residential estates; thus affording pleasure to in- creased numbers of nature's votaries.
The neat Scandinavian Church, on Pleasant street, was dedicated on the IIth of October. Its cost was $7,000.
On Sunday, Oct. 25, the weather was clear throughout the United States. No signal station reported a drop of rain. No other such occurrence reported for eighteen years.
Died, in Warnerville, Concord, Mass., Nov. 23, Gardiner Tufts, aged 63. Death found him at his post of duty as Su- perintendent of the State Reformatory, which position he had faithfully filled for some years. He was a son of Richard Tufts, for a long time a deacon of the First Congregational Church, well known as a rigid moralist and temperance ad- vocate, and a grandson of David Tufts, spoken of elsewhere as the first regular Lynn expressman. He was engaged in mechanical employments during his earlier years, but before middle life had conceived an ambition for a different and wider field of action. Among his first public appointments was that of Assistant Postmaster of the House of Represen- tatives at Washington, a position which gave him an insight into public affairs and an acquaintance with public men that proved of great benefit in after years. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil War he was appointed Military Agent of Massachusetts at Washington, and in that capacity received unstinted approbation from those in authority over him, and the affectionate regard of the many to whom in the exercise of his office he administered ; long after the war he continued to receive loving testimonials from the sufferers and their dependents, whom he had done so much to relieve. He was a friendly advocate for every worthy soldier, and a faithful counsellor for the less deserving. His constant efforts in behalf of the soldiers of our dear old Commonwealth are still fresh in the memory of thousands. It need not be said that he was universally esteemed in his native place, in whose prosperity he ever retained an affectionate interest, nor that he was called to fill various local offices of trust and responsibility. He was a member of the Common Council, an Alderman, and a Representative in the State Legislature. Colonel Tufts - for he held that military title by brevet - was a great lover of music, and an adept in its practice, at least as a vocalist. He was also well skilled in the use of
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the pen, often enriching our local papers with reminiscences and disquisitions. Many of his papers were much more de- serving of preservation than some that we day by day see between handsome book covers. He was a steadfast friend of Cyrus M. Tracy, spoken of under this date, and who passed away but about two months before him. They were fellow-workers for a time, in early life, at the tool factory of Theophilus N. Breed, on Oak street. His death was sudden and peaceful ; peaceful, for he who had so faithfully done his duty here could have no fear regarding his final accept- ance.
A banquet was held in Lasters' Hall on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, by our French citizens.
A fire occurred in the large wooden building, corner of Market and Andrew streets, belonging to T. E. Parker and heirs of James N. Buffum, Nov. 28. Loss on building and stocks, about $105,000.
Died, in Brookline, Mass., Dec. 25, Rev. Charles C. Shackford, aged 76. He was minister of the Unitarian So- ciety in Lynn for nineteen years, commencing in 1846; was scholarly and vigorous, and took great interest in all enter- prises for the promotion of intelligence among every class. For the efficiency and advancement of our public schools he was unwearied in his efforts. The Public Library received his fostering care, and he also did much by introducing lectures of the higher order. For some years he owned the chief part of the beautiful suburban precinct now know as Lynn- hurst, and resided there, spending much time and money in improving the grounds and planting a great variety of choice fruit trees - trees which have already been largely uprooted through the demands for building sites. After leaving Lynn, Mr. Shackford became a professor in Cornell University, where he diligently labored for a number of years, the recip- ient of many encomiums for his capability and efficiency. He delivered the address at the consecration of Pine Grove Cemetery, July 24, 1850. It was at the ordination of Mr. Shackford, in South Boston, that Theodore Parker preached the sermon which for the first time brought into strong light his peculiar views, creating a sensation even before the congre- gation that listened to it dispersed, and long agitating the theological world - a sermon of which the Rev. Mr. Swett, then minister of the Unitarian Church here, said in his pulpit, " If that is Unitarianism I am not a Unitarian."
The total loss by fire, in Lynn, during 1891, was $352, 119.06.
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1892.
The new City Government was organized, Jan, 4, Elihu B. Hayes, Mayor.
Died, Jan. 14, Aza A. Breed, aged 72, a native and life- long resident of Lynn. He was a lineal descendant from Allen Breed, who came here among the first settlers, in 1630. Mr. Breed was an enterprising and esteemed citizen. He served in both branches of the City Council, and exercised much influence by his good judgment and prompt action. There was, however, one flighty episode in his life; and that was when, on the 4th of July, 1878, he made a balloon ascen- sion from City Hall Square, in company with City Marshal, Charles C. Fry, C. Frederick Smith, a newspaper reporter, and the æronaut. But it was a depressing episode when, early in the afternoon of Oct. 5, 1878, he was attacked by two ruffians in Belcher Lane, Boston, and robbed of $8,000. The money belonged to the Central National Bank, of Lynn, and was in his custody as a public messenger. The robbers escaped with their plunder ; but the bank, having full confi- dence in the honesty of Mr. Breed, and sympathy for his misfortune and personal injury, readily bore the larger part of the loss. He was a trustee of the Lynn Five Cents Sav- ings Bank, a director of the Lynn and Boston Street Rail- road, and held other offices, in which care and fidelity were prime requisites.
James Warren Newhall, an accomplished writer of prose and poetry, died, Jan. 22, aged 65. Mr. Newhall was long and favorably known, especially for his poetic contributions, which in a great measure had reference to passing events and local affairs. His lines furnished for festive and patriotic occasions were always greeted with applause, and now that he has gone from among us, it may surely be said that could his writings be gathered up, they would form a volume that would afford enjoyment to generations yet to come. He had a humorous vein that induced many a healthful smile, and one of tenderness that bore sympathy and consolation. He was for some years editor of one of our weekly newspapers, and in that capacity acquitted himself as one who well under- stood the duties and responsibilities of such a position. Physi- cally, he was a cripple from his birth, and as years multiplied, found it more and more difficult to appear in the streets ; but his spirits retained their buoyancy, insomuch that his presence was sought for on all sorts of festive occasions. He had no complaints to make about his hard fate, and had no moody
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or sulky hours. Possibly had it not been for his infirmities, we should never have had such estimable fruits of his genius, for it is often seen that the mind of the physical invalid, by its indisposition and inability to grapple with the cares and perplexities of active life, turns to higher and more ennobling pursuits. One of his longest poems was that delivered at the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the First Church of Lynn, June 8, 1882. It was happily con- ceived, well delivered, and much enjoyed by the refined congregation who listened to it.
On Wednesday evening, Feb. 3, the recently formed Board of Trade held their first regular banquet, about 175 partaking. It was a notable gathering and augured well for the future good of the business interests of Lynn. Earnest and well- considered addresses on various industrial topics were made, and it seemed as if the useful organization was fast getting into good working order, as it was full of promise for the stimulation of trade and aiding all healthful municipal inter- ests.
The Thomson-Houston and Edison General Electric com- panies were consolidated, Feb. 5.
The double track on the Saugus Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad, completed.
St. Luke's Methodist Church, Oakwood avenue, was dedi- cated Feb. 14.
A fire occurred in Riley's block, Market street, Feb. 20, occasioning a loss of some $8,500.
Died, Feb. 25, Henry L. Chase, aged 66. He was a native of Leominster, but came to Lynn in 1868 as principal of the Whiting Grammar School. He was a good teacher, and besides his service in that capacity did much to enkindle a taste for science and kindred pursuits. He loved to associate with ramblers in the hidden nooks of nature's domain, and to discuss with scholars topics of progressive education. He was a devoted member of the Unitarian Society, and a touching service was held over his remains in their house of worship.
A severe and long-continued storm commenced March I, doing considerable damage along the Ocean street shore and in other exposed places. Lamper's tide mill, near the foot of Pleasant street, was wrecked.
Elijah D. Howard was found dead in his room, March 12. He was a machinist, having his place of business on Munroe street, and for twenty years had made his home in a room on Whittier street. He had the reputation of being in rather moderate circumstances, though not in absolute penury. Much
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to the surprise of his neighbors there was found in his room after his decease, in gold coin, mortgages, notes and other evidences of wealth, the amount of some $35,000.
Charles J. Van Depoele, an expert electrician holding a position at the Thomson-Houston works, died at his home on Essex street, March 18, aged 46. He was a native of Bel- gium. From early life he was fond of experimenting with electricity, and soon attained a wonderful insight into its power and capabilities. He came to this country in 1871, and was soon active in the establishment of electric plants in various places, largely at the West and in Canada. It is claimed that to him belongs the honor of being a pioneer in the electric street railway field. A solemn high mass was held over his remains at St. Mary's church, at which some 3,000 persons attended, 2,500 being from the Thomson-Houston works, which suspended labor on the occasion.
St. Patrick's Day, March 17, was duly celebrated by Irish- American citizens.
A fire in Sleeper's hardware store, Munroe street, March 20, did damage to the amount of $6,000.
The corner stone of the new Central Church edifice, Broad street, was laid March 21.
The new Club House of the Oxford Club, on Washington Square, was opened and a great fair for the benefit of the Club commenced, April 6, and continued four days. This fine building is furnished with every appliance necessary and convenient for those who take pleasure in such organizations, which, though of slow growth in this country, have now be- come a marked feature. Lynn at the present time numbers among her club members a considerable portion of our most prominent and representative citizens, and the associations without doubt as now conducted, are doing a good work in softening the asperities and frictions of common life, and aid- ing the development of resources most applicable to the needs of this our day. Time may even develop in some members the stalwart characteristics of old English club life.
The West Lynn Lodge of Odd Fellows dedicate their new quarters on North Common street, April 27.
Arbor Day, April 30, was noticed among other ways, by the assembling in the woods of representatives of the Hough- ton Horticultural Society, who planted, near Mt. Gilead, three trees, one to the memory of each of our three recently departed local lights :- Henry L. Chase, James Warren Newhall and Cyrus M. Tracy. There was a prayer, an address, and the reading of an original poem, all earnest and
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sympathetic. The trees previously selected, were, for Mr. Chase, a Norway maple, for Mr. Newhall, a cut-leaf birch, and for Mr. Tracy, a purple-leafed English sycamore. It was a touching and merited tribute.
On Saturday morning, April 30 - the next day, May I, being Sunday -the Associated Charities, an excellent or- ganization whose purposes are indicated by its name, spread a substantial May breakfast in the Armory building, Franklin street. The number of partakers was between 1500 and 2000. Various other entertainments and diversions occupied a considerable portion of the after part of the day. It was a successful and enjoyable May-day celebration. The receipts realized for carrying on this work by the Associated Charities amounted to $678.27 for the day.
The first place for Jewish worship in Lynn, a hall in Clapp's block, Market street, corner of Munroe, was dedicated on Sunday, May I. The exercises were in accordance with the solemn Jewish ritual.
Quite a " mad dog scare " took place in Lynn and vicinity about the middle of May. A small fox hound, belonging to George Pranker of Saugus, rushed furiously about the streets, manifesting every appearance of madness. He was finally despatched by City Marshal Wells, but not before having bitten, as was stated, not less than eleven persons and forty dogs. That he was really mad, for sometime remained in doubt. A professor of Harvard College, after critically ex- amining the brain of the dog gave the opinion that he was not mad. But the final death of two of the persons bitten, with unmistakable marks of hydrophobia, led to the conclusion that the examination of the dog's brain was not reliable.
A fire occurred, May 20, in J. Otis Marshall's wood-turning establishment, Marshall's wharf. It was soon under control but not extinguished till property to the amount of $17,464 was destroyed.
May 30, Memorial Day, was observed much as usual, 709 soldiers' graves being decorated. The address was delivered in the evening, by Gen. John L. Swift.
Died, at Nantucket, June 16, William Foster Mitchell, aged 67. He will long be favorably remembered as a City Missionary in Lynn for a number of years. And a large portion of his life both before and after his residence here was spent in similarly benevolent work. Especially did he labor during the Civil War, and subsequently, for the better- ing of the condition of the emancipated slaves and other colored people. He was born in Nantucket, and was a son
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of William Mitchell, an accomplished scientist, well known among scholars, especially those clustering around Harvard College. Professor Maria Mitchell, the well-known proficient in astronomical science, was a sister of his.
The new and stately High School building, on Highland square, was dedicated on Friday evening, June 17, with ap- propriate ceremonies. Members of the School Committee, the Mayor and other City officials made brief addresses, and the musical renderings gave zest to the exercises. Presi- dent Eliot of Harvard College, was the prominent orator. There was a very large attendance of interested townspeople, and every thing passed off with promptness and decorum. The cost of land and building was $295,000.
July 2, Cora Beckwith succeeds in the extraordinary feat of swimming from Egg Rock to Lynn Beach, landing nearly opposite the foot of old Beach street.
Died, July 27, Abraham C. Moody, aged 65. He took great interest in the fire department, was chief engineer for seventeen years, during which time the most appalling con- flagration with which he was destined to grapple was the great fire of Nov. 26, 1889. He was a native of Newbury- port but came to Lynn while a boy, and here worked at the morocco business, which proved to be the chief occupation of his whole life. He possessed much decision of character, was trustworthy and reliable.
August 17 will be remembered in the history of Lynn as the day on which the great gathering under the auspices of the Boston Boot and Shoe Club, took place. It was an occasion that called together leading men of the boot and shoe trade from all parts of the country, the Lynn Board of Trade acting the part of host. The day was pleasant, and the early morning trains brought numbers of eager, expect- ant and hopeful participants ; for it was the first of a series of annual trade gatherings which the club proposed to hold. Governor Russell arrived at about ten o'clock, and held a reception in the eligible rooms of the Board of Trade, on Exchange street. An hour was spent by His Excellency in shaking hands and exchanging brief greetings with the mul- titude of those eager to pay their respects. Then the mem- bers of the club and guests were driven to the grounds of Francis W. Breed, on Ocean street, where a generous en- tertainment was spread. After freely partaking, the party re-entered the carriages and were driven to various points, chiefly those of historic interest or scenic grandeur, with both of which, fortunately, Lynn abounds. Thus the hours
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