USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 34
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Swampscott > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 34
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynnfield > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 34
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Nahant > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 34
USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lynn > History of Lynn, Essex county, Massachusetts: including Lynnfield, Saugus, Swampscott, and Nahant, Vol. II. 1864-1893 > Part 34
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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
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ANNALS OF LYNN-1892.
were occupied till the meridian was passed; and then the drive to " Lynn Woods," our newly-acquired sylvan domain, was commenced. An extended ride along the shady ways, with now and then a momentary pause to visit some wild glen, legendary shrine or commanding height, brought them to the vicinity of Mount Gilead. And there, on a spacious forest opening, carpeted by leaves and moss, they found ample preparations for a now highly appreciable banquet, for the ride had been long and the hour was late. The rustic seats along the tables were soon occupied by a hungry com- pany of more than three hundred. In due time the appetites were appeased ; and then began the intellectual exercises. The speeches were, of course, chiefly on topics connected with the shoe and leather interests, but not exclusively so, and elicited most hearty applause. The president of the club, F. G. Nazro, was the first speaker, then Mayor Hayes, of Lynn, expressed warm words of welcome to the visitors ; next came our enterprising townsman, Francis W. Breed, a member of the World's Fair Commission and President of the New England Shoe and Leather Association ; then spoke Gen. Augustus P. Martin, of Boston. Hon. Henry Cabot Lodge, of Nahant, a member of Congress, followed; then Isaac H. Bailey, of New York. Isaac B. Potter, of New York, read a paper on roadways and kindred topics. The last speaker was Charles Eliot, of Cambridge, son of the president of Harvard College; his speech, too, had refer- ence to public grounds and reservations. Congressman J. H. Walker, of Worcester, not being able to be present, for- warded a letter of regret, which was read at the table. The day will be long remembered as the one especially on which good old Lynn was honored by unstinted encomiums on her thrift, her beautiful scenery, her hospitality ; and as a day on which she, in her turn, honored her visitors by a rich display of her resources and her opportunities. It was an occasion that enhanced the reputation of Lynn wherever she was known; and which rendered her name familiar in many a place where it had not before been heard. Undoubtedly the main purpose of the gathering was to magnify and extend the fame of the shoe and leather trade of New England, and its success in that direction can hardly be questioned. Inci- dentally it did much other good work.
James E. Bessom, Aug. 30, performed the surprising feat of walking backwards from Lynn to Bass Point, Nahant, and returning in two hours and twenty-seven minutes.
Labor Day, Sept. 5, was celebrated by a parade and ad-
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dresses. The weather proved favorable and the working people had a gala time.
Died, Sept. 9, of Bright's disease, Abel Bates, aged 68. He was a soldier in the Civil War, and at the battle of Spott- sylvania lost his right arm. He returned to Lynn, on being mustered out, and in 1865 was elected City Messenger, which office he held till the time of his death - twenty-seven years. He discharged his duties faithfully, and was unassuming and courteous to all.
The Knights of Pythias, of Essex County, had a grand parade in Lynn, Sept. 15.
A large number of members of Post 5, Grand Army, left Lynn, Sept. 17, for Washington, to join in the great National Encampment there.
The Board of Aldermen, Sept. 20, voted to accept the bequest of $2500 made by William Shute for an electric fountain.
Charles S. Ingalls conveyed the ownership of Mount Spicket to the city, Sept. 20.
The North Shore Traction Company was incorporated at Camden, N.J., with a capital of $6,000,000, Sept. 21. The " Lynn and Boston " and " Belt Line " systems of street rail- roads, together with other lines in neighboring places, soon became the property of this absorbing company.
The Steamer Watertown, a packet plying between Lynn and Boston, was burned, off Point Shirley, Sept. 28. She was a wooden propeller, and had done a successful business in the passenger and freight line during the season.
The Lynn Naval Company of fifty members was mustered in at the Armory, Franklin street, Oct. I, the oath of allegi- ance to Massachusetts and to the United States being taken.
" Gipsey " Smith, a celebrated English evangelist, com- menced a series of revival meetings in Lynn, Oct. 16, chiefly in the First Methodist Church. He claimed to be, and no doubt was, a genuine gipsey. His discourses were fluent, pointed, and attracted many hearers.
Died, at his residence on Mall street, Oct. 17, John T. Moulton, aged 54. His death was very sudden, and sent a thrill through the community not commonly experienced, for he was a man extensively known and as extensively re- spected. He was one of our largest manufacturers in the morocco line, his towering manufactory being on Marion street, almost on the site where his ancestors had for two centuries or more carried on business in one way or another connected with the production of leather. His father had
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ANNALS OF LYNN - 1892.
for many years conducted a successful business on the same spot. To his naturally intellectual quickness was added a good education, for he graduated from our High School in 1855, well prepared to enter college. He was skilled in the use of the pen and produced many pieces, both in prose and poetry, well worthy of preservation. But his great, and as may be said, chief inclination, was to historical and antiqua- rian studies. There he seemed to feel most at home, and there his patience in research and reliability in statement were conspicuous. He always took great pains to make no statement that he did not feel assured was the exact truth - a most commendable habit in any writer on historical topics, but one far too uncommon. It was Mr. Moulton, who in connection with Isaac O. Guild, in 1888, caused to be erected in our Old Burying Ground a commemorative stone at the grave of the celebrated fortune teller, Moll Pitcher, who died in 1813 ; a simple stone, which has already become a shrine at which many a young knee has bent, as is shown by the depression of the sod. A strong love of liter- ature, of one kind and another, seems to have run in the family of Mr. Moulton, a love that cropped out now in prose and then in poetry. His father took unbounded pleasure in poring over old English tomes, as well as pursuing matters of local history, though he wrote little or nothing for publi- cation in endurable form. Dr. Joseph Mansfield, of the fam- ily on the maternal side, a graduate of Harvard College in 1801, and who the year before took the prize of eighty dol- lars for a poem delivered in the College Chapel, being the best metrical production offered in the judgment of the faculty, left poems enough to fill a volume, which it is yet hoped may one day appear in a form where others than those of the family may enjoy the perusal. Then there was Solo- mon Moulton, an uncle of John T., who early developed more than ordinary poetic genius and aptness at versification. Mr. Lewis spoke highly of his productions ; but he died at the age of 19, and what he would have accomplished had his life been spared, can only be conjectured. Judging, how- ever, from what he actually did, there was reason for great ex- pectation. Mr. Moulton was not an aspirant for public office, nor by any means what is called a politician, but he filled several offices of trust with marked fidelity. During one or two of the last years of his life he was subjected to sore trials by the labor troubles that prevailed over most of the indus- trial world. There was a protracted " strike " at his factory, and occasional threats of violence, but he exercised a
Sup. 4
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ANNALS OF LYNN- 1892.
manly forbearance while firmly maintaining his rights, and finally succeeded in re-establishing the harmony always so dear to him.
Oct. 21, it being Columbus Day - the four hundredth an- niversary, according to new style, of the discovery of Amer- ica by Christopher Columbus - business was generally suspended in accordance with the recommendation of the President of the United States and the Governor of the State. It was generally observed here as a holiday, though there was no very marked demonstration. At the schools patriotic addresses were made and patriotic songs sung. Veterans of the Grand Army were out in numbers, in some instances giving a military aspect to the proceedings, but on the whole, it being an anniversary of such a peculiar nature and so new in its apparent requirements, many seemed at a loss to determine what proceedings were most appropriate.
Egan & Bolger's shoe factory on Eastern avenue was burned, Oct. 25, involving a loss of $19,500.
A large convention of Associated Charities was held in Lynn, Oct. 25. Numbers from other places were present, and vigorous discussions were held touching the benefit, pur- pose and success of the organization.
The registration in Lynn closed Oct. 29. Of the 12,498 on the list, 10,790 voted at the election Nov. 8 - a remark- ably large percentage.
Capt. William Phillips died Nov. 16, aged 93. He was born on the border district formerly known as the Marble- head farms, came to Lynn proper in early life and was long engaged in some branch of the shoe trade. His title of cap- tain came from his having command of a company in the old Lynn militia regiment.
Nov. 21, there was presented to the City of Lynn, by John E. Hudson, a relic of singular interest. It was an iron pot of about the capacity of one quart, stated to have been the first piece of iron casting made in America. The presentation took place at the City Hall in presence of a number of leading citizens, and Mayor Hayes responded in a fitting speech. Two or three others made brief addresses, chiefly of an historical character. The inscription on the tablet provided for the relic embodies a succinct history, which is as follows : "The first casting made in America. Saugus Iron Works, 1642. Presented to the City of Lynn by John E. Hudson, a descendant of Thomas Hudson, the owner of the site of the Iron Works, to whom the first cast- ing was given. This case presented by citizens of Lynn,
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ANNALS OF LYNN-1892.
1892." The existence of this casting has long been known, and the question is sometimes asked how it is proved to have been the first casting. Probably nothing can be known be- yond the statement of Mr. Lewis, in the History of Lynn, under date 1642.
The City Council vote, Nov. 29, $12,000 for a Marine Park ; $8,000 more to be raised by subscription.
St. Mary's Church was broken into on Monday evening, Dec. 26, by thieves who stole valuable gold and silver ves- sels.
The Lynn and Boston Street Railroad commence running their cars to Boston by electricity, Dec. 26.
The fine house of worship of the Central Congregational Society, on Broad street, was dedicated on the evening of Dec. 29. There was a large attendance and the exercises were impressive, the sermon being by Rev. Alexander Mckenzie, D.D. This is the third edifice that the Society has reared since its organization in 1850. The first was entirely consumed by fire on the morning of Sept. 9, 1866 ; and the second, which was erected soon after, was destroyed in the great conflagration of Nov. 26, 1889. The first was of wood, the second of brick, and the present is of stone.
The total loss by fire in Lynn, during 1892, was $80,669.10.
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HISTORY OF LYNN.
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 un- erring 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 mo- rocco and leather. It is probable that at no former period has this branch of industry been more active or profitable. The number of factories may be stated at 30; capital invest- ed, $950,000 ; value of product, $2,450,000; stock used, $1,687,000 ; number employed, 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, 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 ma- chinery of all kinds, and is of course for the greater part disposed of in the United States ; but there is a constant and
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HISTORY OF LYNN.
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 working people, that it would be remarkable if there were not combinations 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 we 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 contented? The whole civilized world is now agitated by labor throes ; a condition that perhaps fol- lows from the increasing intelligence of all classes, truer con- ceptions of individual capabilities, power, and natural rights. The result of this unrest will surely be the essential modifi- cation of some of the unnatural features of the present artifi- cial condition of society. But these so called labor troubles are not the only elements that are working 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 whole- some 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? Perma- nent reforms must come, but need not be expected in whirl- wind rush, such as characterized some of the vain attempts in years gone by, but by such peaceful gradations as nature herself exemplifies.
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HISTORY OF LYNN.
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 pa- tients for the year was 21, and the expense for each patient for board, medicine, 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 fur- nishings ; 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 de- partments of trade, have year by year liberally contributed. And indeed all classes have shown their appreciation 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 contribution, to $3,600, the result of its last entertainment. And there have been several opportune donations from sym- pathizing individuals, as well as bequests. The annual church collections have each year 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
LYNN HOSPITAL. 1888.
THE above is a correct representation of one of the most excellent of our more recently established institutions -the hospital. The buildings are not costly, but are picturesquely situated on historic ground, on Boston street, between Franklin and Washington streets.
IN PELLE
HOME FOR AGED WOMEN.
THIS is another of our praiseworthy institutions. The building is at the west end of the Common, on the north side, and was originally, in 1832, built for and occupied by the unfor- tunate Nahant Bank, which failed in 1836. An ancient dwelling gave place to the structure.
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HISTORY OF LYNN.
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 skilfully and prudently managed, and with a single eye to the good of all concerned, there is no doubt; and by increased means its usefulness will be correspondingly increased. As will be observed, the means are still quite limited. The President is William F. Morgan, and the Treasurer, David H. Sweetser.
Lynn Associated Charities. This is another of Lynn's most commendable organizations, which has, in an unosten- tatious way, accomplished much good. Especially would its promptness and energy in supplying the immediate wants of sufferers at the trying time of the great fire, entitle it to grate- ful recognition. It was organized in 1885, as mentioned under that date, and has continued to increase in usefulness and public favor. Its President is William F. Morgan.
The Home for Aged Women is another institution that has had the careful attention of some of our best people, and the funds that have been secured have enabled the directors to conduct the affairs of that pleasant abode in the most satis- factory manner. The establishment of a home for aged men has for a long time been under consideration in many benevo- lent minds ; and it is ardently hoped that the time is not far distant when so desirable an object will be accomplished. And then a home for aged couples would be a noble addition to our beneficent institutions. Who of our wealthy worthies will spare of their abundance the little that will at first be needed for such objects as these, and thus have assurance that their names will be pronounced with blessings by future gen- erations ?
The ancient institution of Free-Masonry has long had a foot- hold in Lynn. Mount Carmel Lodge was constituted in 1805, and with the exception of the singular Anti-Masonic episode that exerted its influence along from 1830 to 1840, has held a very respectable position. There are now four bodies here, with an aggregate membership of about 650.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows have some twelve
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HISTORY OF LYNN.
lodges in Lynn, with a correspondingly large membership, and are a power among our provident organizations.
It is needless to add that Lynn, with its large proportion of working people, is well supplied with associations designed to provide for the contingencies of sickness or otherwise forced idleness ; indeed for mutual aid in every approved way. And all such things show a prevalent good-will and fraternal feel- ing. May it ever continue !
AUTOGRAPHS OF MAYORS.
By turning to pages 292, 293, and 294 the reader will find fac-similes of the signatures of all the Mayors of Lynn, down to Mr. Lovering- 1882. And the following embraces all the succeeding ones down - 1893.
William L. Baird
1883 and 1884, WILLIAM L. BAIRD.
John R Baldwin
1885, JOHN R. BALDWIN.
1886 and 1887, GEORGE D. HART.
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HISTORY OF LYNN.
Geo Ce Higgins
1888, GEORGE C. HIGGINS.
asa J. Newhall.
1889 and 1890, ASA T. NEWHALL.
E. Knowlton Logg
1891. E. KNOWLTON FOGG.
Elilm B. Hayes.
1892 and 1893. ELINIC B. HAYES.
CLOSING WORDS.
Considering that the writer has already passed the age of four-score years, it is hardly probable that he will again take up the thread of the history of Lynn, his native place ; though it is not an inspiring belief that the pleasant employment that for so many years has occupied hours that, to say the least, might have been devoted to some worse purpose, is to be for- ever abandoned. In this whirligig world, however, there is a possibility that in accordance with the custom of our dramatic friends there may be other last appearances. He claims to have a pretty good knowledge of the goings-on in Lynn for
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IIISTORY OF LYNN.
the last seventy years, and to have contributed something to elucidate her history from its beginning. With his own hands he has set the types for these historical volumes even down to the page now under the reader's eye. But this is the place for a few modest words of retirement rather than for amplifi- cation. If, however, any one is eccentric enough to desire a glimpse at the chief landmarks in the life of one so little known to fame, he may find in the History of Essex County, published in 1888, by J. W. Lewis & Co., of Philadelphia, an autobiographical sketch. And for that history he prepared the sketches of Lynn, Lynnfield, and Swampscott. Were it not doing violence to his native modesty he would also add that the Centennial Memorial of Lynn and the account of the proceedings on her 250th anniversary, both published by order of the City Council, were prepared by him.
Since the writer undertook the recording of Lynn's general history, several others have employed their pens in various departments. David N. Johnson, in 1880 published a volume entitled " Sketches of Lynn, or the Changes of Fifty Years," a work of very good appearance, and containing many pleas- ant and graphic descriptions and faithful biographical deline- ations. It was deservedly received with favor. Then there came, also in 1880, " Lynn Pictures, by James Jeffrey, with designs and engravings by the Author," an unpretentious but companionable little volume. "Lynn and Surroundings, by Clarence W. Hobbs," profusely illustrated, appeared in 1888, and was well received by a large circle of readers. Many other writers have appeared here from time to time, whose valuable works do not come within the present line of notice.
As the main body of this work has been carried along from the beginning in the form of Annals, the Supplement is continued in the same style. It contains the events of eleven years - 1882 to 1893.
The Annals from 1629 to 1865 are found in HISTORY OF LYNN, Vol. I. The present volume takes up the Annals on page 17, with the year 1865, and on page 96 closes with 1881. Pages 329 to 371 record the Annals of 1882 to :893. By the Indexes, the contents of each page may be easily found. On page 295 the contents of all the pages preceding are noted. On page 310 is an Index to the Pictorial addenda following. On page 379 at the close of this Supplement is its Index. Of course, Vol. I has an Index of its own. EDITORS.
INDEX- (to Supplement.)
Aged Couples, Home for, 351. Aged Men, Home for, 348. Aged Women, Home for, 333, 375. Appropriations, &c., 352. Arbor Day, 364.
Armory, Franklin St., dedicated, 339. Arthur, President, burial of, 336.
Associated Charities, 334, 365, 370, 372, 375. Australian system of voting, 344. Antographs of Mayors, 376, 377.
Bachiler, Rev. Stephen, 337. Backward walking, 367. Baird, Wmn. L., mayor (autograph) 376. Baldwin, John R., mayor (autograph), 376.
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