USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > History of South Boston : formerly Dorchester Neck, now ward XII of the city of Boston > Part 14
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Mr. Thacher continued to give his undivided time and attention to these works, until about some two years since, when the state of his health, which had at times previously been feeble, admonished him to take that rest and quietude which it was hoped would restore him to his former strength and activity. But in this his friends were disappointed ; he gradually declined, although he frequently visited the works, until, on the 21st of October, 1856, he departed this life, universally respected and beloved. It was truly a singular coincidence, that both Messrs. Cyrus Alger and George C. Thacher, the oldest and most experienced Iron Founders in this country, former partners and carly settlers of South Boston. should both die in the same year.
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209
MANUFACTORIES.
Coney's Foundry-Was built in the fall of 1837, adjoining Mr. Adams's Works. In 1843 was com- menced, here, the building of an Iron Steamer for the United States, called the McLean, which was launch- ed in 1845. Its length was 140 feet, breadth 22 feet, depth of hold 11 feet 6 inches. Weight of the hull, complete, 275,000 pounds, and the vessel of 450 tons burthen. In 1848, Mr. Coney contracted with the United States Government to build the ma- chinery for the War Steamer Saranac, the hull being built at the United States Navy Yard at Portsmouth, N. H. This contract was completed on the 7th day of February, 1850, since which time Mr. Coney has been confined to his house by a paralytic affection, and in consequence his business was suspended and the work shop closed.
Globe Locomotive Works .- The business was first carried on at these works by Lyman & Souther, who commenced at the corner of First and A streets in the year 1846. From this time they kept in their employ from twenty to seventy-five men, until 1849, when Mr. Souther bought of Mr. Lyman his interest in the firm, property and business, and carried on the concern alone under the style of the " Globe Works," until May 1st, 1851. Business increased so rapidly that he found it necessary to extend his fa- cilities to be enabled to fill his orders, which he did by leasing the establishment occupied previously by Jabez Coney, in Foundry street, employing at both places some three hundred men, and manufacturing every variety of machinery of the very best quality.
In the years 1852 and 1853, Mr. Joseph R. Ander- son was associated with Mr. Souther as superinten- dent of the work, during which time was manufactur- 18*
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210
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
ed in this shop the large Borer for the tunnelling of Hoosac Mountain. This gigantic piece of machinery is probably the largest ever constructed in New England, its weight being upwards of one hundred tons, and excited the wonder of all who examined it. In 1853, Mr. Souther greatly enlarged his premises on A street, making them extensive enough to ac- commodate the entire business of the Company, which was organized as an incorporated body May 1, 1854. The capital stock of the Company is $100,000. John Souther (the original founder) was chosen President, and D. N. Pickering Treasurer. Mr. Souther is a native of South Boston, and served his apprenticeship in the place. His sterling integ- rity as a man, and his practical knowledge of the de- tails of business, render him peculiarly well fitted for the position which he occupies. Mr. Pickering, the Treasurer, is also a practical machinist, having been superintendent of machinery on the Boston & Worcester Railroad, superintendent of several other Railroads, and possessing considerable experience in building and repairing railroad machinery. The business of the Company is now in a very prosper- ous condition, they employing about 300 men, and turning out machinery equal to $350,000 per annum, -comprising Locomotives, Excavators, Sugar Mills, Stationery Engines, Boilers, and general machinery.
Loring's Works .- Harrison Loring is proprietor of one of our most popular establishments for the manufacture of large stationary and marine engines. He commenced the manufacture of machinery in 1847, and now employs 200 men, with every mechani- cal facility for increasing to 100 more. Although devoting his chief attention to stationary and marine
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MANUFACTORIES.
engines and boilers, he has built almost every varic- ty, from a machine for making nails to a first-class steamship. Mr. Loring is a native of Duxbury, Mass., and served his apprenticeship with Mr. Jabez Coney, of South Boston. He spent one season in Cuba, su- perintending the erection of engines and machinery, and at the early age of 22 years commenced business on his own account, employing from 15 to 30 men the first year. Mr. Loring is both a practical and theoretical mechanic, and has been successful in every thing in this line that he has undertaken. He built the machinery of the Steamer " City of Boston," which, after construction, was purchased by the United States Government for the Pacific; and re- modelled the machinery of the United States Steam- er John Hancock, employed on the Japan Expedi- tion. He was also the builder of the screw propel- ler "Enoch Train," rated as the fastest of her class in the country. He has recently commenced the building of Iron Steamships.
The Bay State Iron Company's Works-Situ- ated at City Point, employ some three hundred men, in the manufacture of railroad iron-being the larg- est and most extensive works of the kind in New England. The work made here is of the most supe- rior quality, and equals if not surpasses any other manufactured in the country. They are under the gen- eral superintendence of Ralph Crooker, long and fa- vorably known as Superintendent of the Boston Iron Company Works. John H. Reed is Treasurer of the Company. The mills are kept in operation con- tinually, day and night, and the buildings connected with the works are fire-proof and cover several acres of land. The process of rolling the iron is one of
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
the most interesting to visitors presented in any of our manufactories. The facility and speed with which the rails are made is truly wonderful.
The Wire Works .- The bright flame throwing its glare over the sky, night after night, issuing from the wire works on Dorchester Avenue, attracts the at- tention of the stranger in visiting our city. Here one of the most novel and curious spectacles is pre- sented to the visitor. The hammering of the iron into bars and drawing it into wire is here done, and a large number of operatives are employed day and night in this work. The works were founded and carried on for several years by Henry S. Washburn, but have lately passed into the hands of Naylor & Co.
Alger &. Reed's Forge-Is located adjoining. Here are forged the largest of anchors, and other forgings, there being in the works one of the heavi- est hammers now in use. The work from this establishment is of the highest order. Under the style of the "Forge," Messrs. Alger & Reed con- ducted these works until the death of the senior partner, Cyrus Alger, Jr., when Edward Reed under- took the management of them. The concern has lately passed into the hands of Francis Alger.
Ship-Building .- Although we believe Lot Wheel- wright was first in the field of ship-building in South Boston, previous to 1822, still it was not until that year that much was done in this line. Capt. Noah Brooks then came from the Eastward, and set up a yard at the foot of F street. Here for years he
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MANUFACTORIES.
kept a large number of men at work. He was also very active in laboring for the good of the Ward, and his memory will always be gratefully cherished by those who knew him. He met with a sad death in January, 1852, by being thrown from his sleigh.
The barque Edward Fletcher was built by Capt. B., and was launched from back of the Forts, fully rigged.
The well known ship-builders, E. & H. Briggs, were for a time in company with Noah Brooks in the business, but the partnership was dissolved in 1847, and the Messrs. Briggs soon afterwards remov- ed to the Point, since which time they have built the following ships :-
Newton, of
450
tons burthen.
Reliance,
450
Oxenbridge,
580
Mary Glover,
650
Berkshire,
650
Southern Cross,
1000
Northern Light,
1050
Cape Cod,
850
Winged Arrow,
1150
Meteor,
1150
Golden Light,
1150
John Land,
1150
Bonita,
1150
Cyclone,
1150
Boston Light,
1180
Star Light,
1180
Grace Darling,
1240
Saracen,
1300
66
Cossack,
600
Vitula,
1185
Mameluke,
1300
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Fair Wind,
1300 tons burthen.
Alarm, 1200 66
Joseph Peabody, 1200
Asa Eldridge,
1300
Besides which, they now have two ships on the stocks, one of 800, and the other of 1000 tons bur- then.
The reputation of the Messrs. Briggs is very high, and their clippers have made some of the quickest passages on record.
American Flint Glass Works .- Among the many busy scenes of manufacture located in South Boston, there is none of more interest than the Glass Works situated on Second street, owned by P. F. Slanc. In April, 1843, he commenced work in the old glass- house of the South Boston Glass Company, and gra- dually extending and enlarging his operations, he had attained a high position, had won for himself and his work an enviable reputation, and worked his busi- . ness into a very prosperous and flourishing condition, when his prospects were suddenly blasted by the destruction of his entire works by fire in December, 1852. He rebuilt, and was soon again in active ope- ration. Fortune smiled on his efforts; but in De- cember of the next year, 1853, at the close of the most successful year he had ever known, fire again laid waste the whole scene of his operations. No- thing daunted, he took a careful survey of his position, and in a short time the thick smoke was seen again ascending from his chimneys, and the sharp click of busy manufacture was again heard in his rebuilt shops. Since then he has increased his arca, until his buildings now cover 87,500 feet. The quality of the glass here manufactured is surpassed by that
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MANUFACTORIES.
of no works in the country, and from time to time he has embraced all the improvements and inven- tions, many of them original, in its manufacture and moulding, which have been suggested. The work is all done in the establishment, from the making of the glass to the finishing of every article, even the construction of the moulds and other machinery used. Mr. Slane now employs two hundred men, and no more interesting sight offers itself in our ward than the various operations connected with glass-making in this establishment .- The Boston & New York Central Railroad passes near by it.
Phoenix Glass Works .- Situated near Mr. Slane's buildings, are the works commenced in 1811, to which we have already referred, and for many years successfully conducted by Mr. Thomas Cains. These, too, have been several times destroyed by fire, and the rapidity and completeness with which new build- ings have sprung up from the ashes of the old ones, warrants the name which in consequence has recently been given them. The health of Mr. Cains has pre- vented his confining himself to the business of the concern for some years past, and his son and son-in- law have been connected with him. The death of the latter, Mr. William Johnston, the present year (1857), leaves it now in the hands of the Messrs. Cains, by whom it is extensively carried on.
Mount Washington Glass Works .- These works were for many years under the superintendence of the late Luther Russell. They are now conducted by Jarves & Cormerais. The buildings are situated on Second street, near Dorchester street, and a large number of hands are employed in them.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
The Brewery-On Second street, is now carried on by James L. Phipps & Co., who are doing a very large and profitable business. Indeed, the establish- ment is the largest in its operations of any in the New England States.
Other Manufacturing Establishments. - Many other works are carried on in South Boston, but we can merely mention Brainard's Wagon Factory, famous for its Express wagons, Earl's Soap Factory, Howard's Brass Foundry, Cuba Iron Foundry, Frye's Carriage Shop, Downer's Soap Works, Suffolk Lead Works, Plough Factory, Stevens, Ingolls, & Co.'s Brass Foundry, P. A. Sylvester's Machine Shop, &c.
CHAPTER XIX.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Banks .- SOUTH BOSTON has had four Banks locat- ed within its limits, only two of which are now in operation.
The FRANKLIN and LAFAYETTE, on what was then Turnpike street, both failed in 1837. In 1836, the MECHANICS BANK commenced business in the brick building at the north-casterly corner of A and Fifth streets. The Company soon after erected the build- ing they now occupy at the foot of Broadway. Sam- uel Goodridge was first President, and Alvan Si- monds Cashier. The Bank has been very successful, paying for the ten years, ending April, 1856, 8 per cent. per annum, which with two extra dividends paid at times of increase of capital, make 10 1-3 per
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MISCELLANEOUS.
cent. per annum. The original capital of the Bank was $150,000, but it has been twice increased, and is now $250,000. J. W. Converse is President, and Alvan Simonds Cashier.
The BROADWAY BANK commenced business ope- rations in December, 1853, in the free-stone building erected by the Company near the foot of Broadway. Seth Adams is President, and H. H. White Cashier ..
Newspapers .- Several unsuccessful attempts were made, some years since, to sustain a newspaper in South Boston. The Galaxy continued for a few · months, and then died. In 1847, Mr. Albert J. Wright started the South Boston Gazette, and con- tinued it very successfully until September, 1855, when it passed into other hands and soon ceased to exist. Mr. Wright then started the Mercury, and continued it for a year, when that also was discon- tinued, and South Boston has now no local paper.
Firemen .- There are in South Boston two Fire Companies-both provided with admirable machines,. and manned by a gallant and courageous body of" firemen, always ready for action. Mazeppa, No. 1,. is located near the head of Broadway ; Perkins, No .. 2, on Broadway near C street.
Military .- The Pulaski Guards were chartered in March, 1836, and their first captain was Col. J. L. C .. Amee. Subsequently they changed their name to the " Mechanic Greys," but resumed the old name in May, 1841. They are now in a prosperous con- dition, under Capt. Joshua Jenkins as commander.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Water .- South Boston enjoys the benefit of the Co- chituate water, in common withits neighbors of the city proper. The water is brought across the Old Bridge in an iron pipe, laid on a foundation of earth sup- ported at the sides by piles and planks, as far as the harbor line. It is thence supported across the pub- lic waters, as far as the draw and channel, in a wood- en box, resting on piles. It was originally intended that it should be protected from frost, by a filling of non-conducting materials, but this was afterwards abandoned. The pipe is carried in an inverted sy- phon 20 inches in diameter, with perpendicular ends, under the water, and imbedded in the hard bottom of the channel. It is enclosed in a box or frame of timber, and completely enveloped with a covering of hydraulic cement. It is thence conducted to the reservoir on the hill, and then distributed to all parts of the place.
The reservoir is placed on the east side of Tho- mas Park. The walls are formed of a puddled em- bankment, lined inside with granite rubble, and the bottom paved with pebble stones. It resembles in shape a segment of an ellipse, measuring across the widest part about three hundred and seventy feet, and about two hundred and sixty across the narrow- est part. It contains 7,508,246 gallons. The top of the dam is 125.86 feet above tide marsh level, and the bottom of the reservoir 105.35 feet. The occasion of the introduction of the water, Nov. 20th, 1849, was made a gala day in South Boston. Thou- sands gathered upon the hill, where a salute was fired by the Mt. Washington Guards, singing by the children, and an eloquent address by His Honor, Mayor Bigelow. The appearance of the water, as it first jetted up, was the signal for one general
219
MISCELLANEOUS.
shout of joy, in which the booming of cannon joined with thunder tones.
Since then, the hill has been levelled and made into a magnificent Park, and called THOMAS PARK, in honor of General Thomas, of Revolutionary re- membrance. A beautiful drive around the whole is reached from G street.
Gas .- South Boston is supplied with gas by a Company incorporated on the 13th of April, 1852. The gas was first used on December 16th, 1852. The works are situated on Seventh street, near the corner of B street. Pipes are laid in all the princi- pal streets, and many of our citizens avail themselves of the use of this brilliant light in their stores and dwellings.
The following are the present officers of the Com- pany :-
President-WILLIAM T. ANDREWS.
Directors-WILLIAM T. ANDREWS, FRANCIS ALGER, JOHN II. BLAKE, THOMAS B. WALES, EDWARD J. DA- VENPORT.
Clerk-EDWARD J. DAVENPORT.
Treasurer-JEREMY DRAKE.
Agents-JOHN H. BLAKE, FRANKLIN DARRACOTT. Superintendent-EDWARD JONES.
Hawes Free Evening School .- This Institution has been conducted every winter, for some years past, by a Committee, chosen by the citizens, in connection with the Trustees of Hawes Fund. Its expenses are paid out of money left by John Hawes for the support of schools in South Boston, and it has been the means of much profit to a class which could not otherwise be reached.
220
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Shade Tree Society .- On the evening of March 23, 1853, a meeting of citizens was held for the pur- pose of organizing a Shade Tree Society. C. J. F. Al- len was chosen Chairman of the meeting, and Lewis Smith Secretary. Josiah Dunham, Jr., Chairman of a Committee appointed for that purpose, reported Rules and Regulations for the government of the Society.
The following gentlemen were chosen officers of the Society, and as no subsequent meeting has since been held, they have retained their situations until the present time.
President-SAMUEL LEEDS.
Vice Presidents-ISAAC ADAMS and SAMUEL HILL.
Directors-FREDERIC NICKERSON, SAMUEL R. SPIN- NEY, JOSHUA JENKINS, GEORGE P. BLAKE, JOHN P. MONKS.
Treasurer-CALEB GILL.
Secretary-LEWIS SMITH.
The receipts of the Society have been, From individual subscriptions $288 75
From Trees sold and payment for setting out 543 56
$832 31
The Expenditures have been,
For 550 Trees purchased 520 04
Labor and other expenses attending set- ting out trees .
290 27
810 31
Leaving a balance on hand at the present time, May 18, 1857, of 22 00
$832 31
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MISCELLANEOUS.
The principal operations of the Society were made during the years 1853 and 1854, under the direction of the President, Samuel Leeds, Esq., to whom the public are much indebted for the impulse which has been given to this object.
The benefit to South Boston by this organization cannot be estimated by the amount of money. collect- ed and expended, or the number of trees set out by it during its existence. Its operations have been the means of awakening an interest in the subject, and hundreds of trees have been set along the bor- ders of our streets by individuals, which will be of incalculable benefit to future generations.
It is to be hoped that the day is not far distant when every street, as soon as graded, will be graced with flourishing and beautiful shade trees.
The South Boston Samaritan Society .- In addi- tion to the charitable associations connected with the individual churches in South Boston, the society with the above name is general in its character, nei- ther its members nor its beneficiaries being confined to any religious denomination. The following brief sketch of its formation and operations will show what it has accomplished, during the fourteen years of its existence.
October 19th, 1842, some of the ladies of South Boston met together at Brooks Hall, and formed a charitable association under the title of The South Boston Samaritan Society, for the relief of the suf- fering poor of this Ward. Mrs. Samuel Hill was the first President, which office she held for a number of years.
This society, consisting of about 40 members at 19*
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222
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
its formation, increased in a few years to the num- ber of 230.
In 1851, Mr. Elisha Goodenow, a beneficent resi- dent of South Boston, bequeathed to the Society the sum of $1000. Thereupon the Society petitioned the Legislature for an act of incorporation; and a charter was granted, February 6, 1852.
Gentlemen are admitted as life or honorary mem- bers, and the Society, though not quite as large as it was a few years since, is in a flourishing condition, dispensing sympathy and comfort to the destitute and wretched. The following table will give the read- er some idea of its proceedings.
RECEIPTS.
In the year
1843
$407 08
EXPENDITURES. $303 82
1844
395 28
273 73
1845
185 87
182 87
1846
unknown
unknown
1847
126 73
122 62
1848
162 26
160 76
1849
123 11
113 19
1850
95 01
101 95
1851
141 50
144 77
1852
129 82
120 30
1853
99 69
96 45
1854
94 37
98 92
1855
287 57
289 13
1856
252 94
241 08
Total
$2,501 23
$2,249 59
From the above table it will be seen that, during the first year of its existence, the Society received and expended more money than any year since. Of late, however, the interest seems to be revived, and
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MISCELLANEOUS.
in 1856, when the Society held its Fair in Lyceum Hall, by the aid of a generous public the sum of $1125 was realized.
Masons and Odd Fellows .- There are two Ma- sonic Lodges in South Boston-St. Paul's, and Gate of the Temple. They both meet in Jenkins's Build- ing.
Bethesda Lodge No. 30, I. O. of O. F., meet at Fraternity Hall, 120 Broadway; also Mt. Washing- ton Encampment No. 6.
Washington Chapter of the Order of United Ameri- cans meet at the same place.
Lyceum Hall-Was built in 1846, by an incor- porated company, having a capital of $20,000, with a par value each share of 25 dollars. As but $12,000 were subscribed, no dividends were paid for several years, the profits being used to make up the remaining amount of capital. The main hall will ac- commodate about 600 persons, and the stores on the lower floor are large and well situated for business.
City Institutions .- About the year 1822 the city purchased a large tract of land at the Point, and erected thereon a Poor House. In due time other Institutions followed, until there were built there the House of Industry, a brick building; House of Reformation, a stone building; a Lunatic Asylum, of brick; and a House of Correction, a little easterly of the Asylum. Many of the citizens of South Bos- ton felt regret that these City Buildings were within the limits of the Ward; and after the purchase of Deer Island by the city, long and frequent were the struggles of those anxious to move the whole of
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
these institutions to that place. Finally a House of Industry for the poor was built on that Island, the city paupers were removed into it, and the land in South Boston which was cultivated by them was laid out into streets. The Lunatic Hospital, which was first opened in December, 1839, now under charge of Dr. Walker; and the House of Correction with its extensive shops, under the superintendence of Capt. Robbins, still remain in South Boston.
Omnibuses .- The first public conveyance from the city proper to South Boston was owned by Ephraim Dodge. As early as 1829, he commenced running a hack, taking passengers from the city to any part of the place in which they desired to be left. Broad- way not then being in good condition for wheels, his route lay over the old bridge and up Fourth street. His first attempt to use the main street was frus- trated by the sinking of his carriage to the hubs of the wheels in the soft clay. The patronage he re- ceived soon warranted him in purchasing two omni- buses, which run to and from the city once every hour. The fare on this line of coaches was nine- pence.
In 1838, the Warren Association having opened the Mount Washington Hotel, commenced running a coach from the Old State House to the hotel, charg- ing twenty-five cents. The Company soon, however, reduced the fare to six cents, and placed another coach upon their line, which movement obliged the enterprising pioncer in the business, Mr. Dodge, to discontinue his coaches. The Association, after run- ning the line something less than two years, sold out to Samuel D. Blood, who added two omnibuses and carried on the concern until 1842, when he sold out
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225
MISCELLANEOUS.
to the present proprietor, Jonas C. Gipson. Soon after, Mr. G. associated with himself Horace Ham- mond, and they have since constantly added to their stock, until now they own twenty coaches, employ some forty men, and keep one hundred and five horses. Trips are run every five minutes from the office near I st. to Cornhill. This " White Line," so called from the coaches all being painted white, fully accommodates the public, to whom, under its judicious management, it has become a cherished institution of the place. The fare, which has varied at different times, is now six cents for a single passage, the old ticket system having been discarded.
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