USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > History of Wakefield (Middlesex County) Massachusetts, compiled by William E. Eaton and History Committee > Part 17
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The society owns the property at 94 Water Street, on which it built a Catholic Chapel. With the help and co-operation of Rev. Florence J. Halloran, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Mass is said in the chapel every Sunday morning.
This chapel is now too small to accommodate the worshipers, and as this history goes to press, a committee is engaged in raising a fund for the building of a new church edifice on the present grounds. Their efforts have been most encouraging and the gifts generous.
WAKEFIELD ROTARY CLUB
The Rotary Club of Wakefield received its charter from Rotary Inter- national September 28, 1922. The charter membership consisted of 25 business and professional men of Wakefield and weekly luncheon-meetings have been held, usually at the Y. M. C. A., each Tuesday noon since its organization. The first president was Albert K. Comins, who, in 1928, was appointed Governor of the 31st Rotary District, a signal honor.
During the nearly 22 years of the club's existence, the membership has averaged about 33 members, the largest membership being 48 and the lowest 28.
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In 1926 the club organized and equipped a boys' band of approxi- mately 30 pieces, and maintained it for several years, turning it over as a going organization to the high school. The present excellent high school band is the result. Many other projects for the benefit of the town have been sponsored by the club. The present membership is 34.
Charles J. Peterson is president.
WAKEFIELD LIONS CLUB
This local organization's ideals are to have faith in humanity, a will- ingness to serve and a spirit of friendship. To this add: "doing with others the things they cannot do alone" and "to establish in the hearts of its members a spirit of loyalty to the nation."
The 1944 president is Police Chief John G. Gates.
THE WAKEFIELD GARDEN CLUB
Under the sponsorship of the Kosmos Club, Mrs. Charles E. Randall and Mrs. William W. Greenough organized the Wakefield Garden Club on October 9, 1930, to "further the advancement of gardening, to develop home grounds, and to contribute to civic betterment." The qualifications for membership are "possession of a garden, an active interest in garden- ing, and willingness to aid in projects of constructive benefit to the town."
From a small group of 20 women the club has grown to a membership of 75.
In 1931, 27 members enrolled in a course in home gardening at the Essex Agricultural School.
The Garden Club has bought and presented to the town rock maple trees and shade trees for the Water Street playground. In addition to these, many trees were given to fill in vacancies caused by the hurricane of 1938. The triangle at Church and Lafayette Streets, and the beautifully landscaped triangles at Prospect and Elm Streets, were planned and planted by members of the Civic Betterment Committee.
Funds to destroy poison ivy in various parts of the town also have been provided by the Civic Betterment Committee.
For the past three years the Horticultural Committee has planted a demonstration garden at the Church Street playground at the rear of the Hartshorne House. The combination of the newer kinds of flowers with vegetables has proved of great interest to many visitors during the sum- mer months. The 1943 demonstration garden received an award from the Recreational Division Committee of the New England Council in recog- nition of its contribution to the attractiveness of its community."
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This year, in recognition of the town's Tercentenary celebration, the Horticultural Committee is developing an old-time herb garden at the Garden Center, Hartshorne House grounds.
In the spring of 1943, Mrs. Archibald Hume trained a group of 15 High School boys, known as Victory Garden Troopers, to work as garden helpers. Their services were in constant demand by the townspeople.
Each year since 1931 the club has held a flower show.
At present the club is co-operating with the State Federation in its horticultural therapy for hospitalized members of our armed forces at nearby army hospitals. Members helped decorate the Lovell General Hospital at Fort Devens at Christmas time for the past three years, and are now busy collecting money and plants for the hospital gardens in which convalescent soldiers may exercise and relax.
Mrs. Howard S. Glynn is president.
GREENWOOD WOMAN'S CLUB
Greenwood Woman's Club was organized June 13, 1934, with 28 charter members, and now has a membership of about 135. Object: to open wider avenues of community service and to promote philanthropic work. The tenth anniversary of the club was celebrated on April 28, 1944, with a luncheon at the Union Church. A review depicted Mrs. Fell serving as first president, followed by five presidents, each giving efficient services. The new president elected was Mrs. Walter K. Freeman.
THE GREENWOOD JUNIOR WOMAN'S CLUB
In January, 1938, a group of young women between the ages of 15 and 30, organized the Greenwood Junior Woman's Club, sponsored by the Greenwood Woman's Club, who appoint two members to attend all meet- ings of the Juniors and act as advisers to the club. The club is a non- partisan, non-sectarian, non-political organization with aims, as adopted at the time of organization "to promote a spirit of friendliness among the girls of Greenwood and to further community spirit," with special empha- sis, at this time, upon the war effort.
The club was admitted to the Massachusetts State Federation of Women's Clubs, Department of Junior Membership, in May, 1938. The club has participated in several of the contests sponsored by the Federa- tion, in competition with all other Junior clubs in the state, winning first prize in 1941 for their yearbook. For excellence of program, in 1941 honorable mention was attained, and in 1942, first prize, a beautiful silver cup, was awarded to the Greenwood Junior Woman's Club.
The money-making schemes have been many and varied. Since the war, the money has been used to purchase war savings bonds.
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THE WEST SIDE SOCIAL CLUB
The history of the West Side Social Club presents an outstanding example of what can be accomplished by a small group of citizens in a community, when they are united in a common purpose.
The West Side Social Club was founded in December, 1935, when a group of 19 young men residing on the West Side of Wakefield met and agreed they could unite, and could promote social, civic, and educational activities which would reflect on the welfare of their district, namely the West Side of Wakefield.
This small group elected as their first president, John J. Powers, and during the year following their organization a club house was erected off Albion Street.
Herbert D. Anderson is president in 1944.
Members worked for civic improvements and accomplished much in this respect, for with the backing of the organization the Moulton Play- ground off Albion Street, Byron Street, and Gould Street, was developed by the town.
It was on this playground that the club members, with the financial assistance of other citizens of the West Side, provided the town of Wake- field with July 4th celebrations in the years of 1939-40-41.
During the year 1943 the members dedicated a plaque in honor of their members in the armed service of World War II, also a service flag was dedicated to fly on the Moulton Playground in honor of all men and women serving in World War II from the West Side. This service flag, at the time of its dedication, showed five gold stars and 449 blue stars.
In February, 1944, the membership of the West Side Social Club num- bered well over 100 members, of which 35 are in the armed forces of our country.
BEAR HILL GOLF CLUB
Some time after Stedman Hanks developed the Wakefield Park sec- tion for residential sites, a group organized a Country Club, with head- quarters in a dwelling on Morrison Road. Out of this club came the Bear Hill Golf Club, organized in 1900. A club house was located on Hopkins Street and a golf course laid out. In 1913 the club acquired land lying to the south and across Prospect Street, built a commodious new club house on the south side of Prospect Street, and laid out a new 9-hole golf course. Several purchases of adjacent lands gave opportunity to lengthen the golf holes, and when completed the club had and has one of the best in this part of the state. In September, 1939, the club house
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
was burned down. A new $30,000 club house was built and it is today, in size, equipment and all desirable essentials an imposing club house and often used by civic and social organizations.
WAKEFIELD BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN'S CLUB
The Wakefield Business and Professional Women's Club was formed October 26, 1937. Objects: to promote the common interests of women actively engaged in business and professional work; to maintain highest standards, and to be a constructive force for civic betterment of the town. The club has affiliation with the National Federation and the International Federation. The president is Mrs. Willhelmina Walker.
COMMUNITY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The Community Athletic Association of Greenwood was organized December 13, 1937. Its purpose is to increase interest in and improve facil- ities for athletic activities in Greenwood. This is for the benefit of the youth of the community in particular. The membership is non-sectarian and non-political, is available to any man 18 years or over, and now numbers 100.
The association has been particularly interested in the playground and the activities centered there for the boys and girls of the community. Its members have done much individually and collectively toward providing equipment for use at the grounds, and the construction of benches, stands and backstops for the tennis courts.
To keep up interest in the association, bowling leagues and softball teams were organized, which have given a good account of themselves. Under the guidance of some of the members, many of the youth of the town have started on their way toward athletic prominence. Over 30 members who are in the armed service of our country are now listed on the honor roll.
The first president of the association was William G. Dill. The pres- ent leader is Levi G. Cook.
QUANNAPOWITT PLAYERS
The little theatre movement in this part of the country is best repre- sented by the Quannapowitt Players, now in their seventh season. The or- ganization, given its original impetus by Clare Tulin Robinson of Reading, is a joint enterprise among persons in both Wakefield and Reading, and came into existence on December 10, 1937. The major productions, three plays a year, have been divided between the two towns. While the club
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has contributed to many other benefit funds, it has turned over the pro- ceeds of one play each year to the Y. M. C. A. in recognition of their splendid co-operation. The Quannapowitt Players is the only organization which is a Wakefield-Reading club, carrying on the early traditions of mutual association between the towns.
MONTROSE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
This is an organization of a group of public-spirited residents of Montrose, dating from February, 1938. Its objects are to promote the interests of the entire community, to improve home surroundings, streets, sidewalks, and zoning laws, emphasizing Montrose as a good place in which to live. The association was instrumental in obtaining a branch of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Montrose, and has been of great assistance to the district in many ways. Hiram Tobey is the 1944 presi- dent.
WAKEFIELD TAXPAYERS' ASSOCIATION .
Organized April 21, 1939, through the efforts of the Greenwood Men's Club, the first Board of Directors consisted of five voters from each of the three precincts. Objects: "to foster, encourage and promote non-partisan interest in, and study of, the business and fiscal activities of local, county, state and federal government agencies, as such activities may affect the. taxpayers of Wakefield, and by co-operation to assist in effecting economy and efficiency in public affairs." Any registered voter is eligible to mem- bership. Yearly dues are $1.00. The association can claim some credit in the lowering of the tax rate of $37.60 in 1930 to the rate of $28 in 1943.
Edward A. Ramsey is president.
WAKEFIELD HIGHWAY SAFETY COUNCIL
The Wakefield Highway Safety Council was organized in May, 1939, and the original members of the Council were James M. Henderson, Pat- rick H. Tenney, Louise P. Marché and Robert F. Fitz.
The purpose of the Highway Safety Council is to try to prevent traffic injuries and deaths among the citizens of the town and especially among the school children, by making safety suggestions to the proper town authorities, and by conducting an educational program in the Wakefield Daily Item, appealing directly to the parents and children themselves.
Meetings were held with the Wakefield School Board regarding the establishment of school boy patrols and this plan, with the able assistance of Superintendent of Schools Atwell and Chief Gates of the Police Depart- ment, was put into effect.
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The suggestions were made for the placing of speed limit signs on the main thoroughfares, warning and stop signs at dangerous intersections and the changing of location of certain signs that were hidden from the view of the driver because of trees that had grown up since the signs were installed.
In co-operation with the various parent-teacher associations, life-like wooden images were placed in positions near schools to warn drivers to be on the lookout for children.
The Council advocated for some time the adoption by the town of reg- istration plates for bicycles. This plan has now been put into effect.
Many suggestions for better safety conditions have been received from the parents and from the children themselves, and some of these have been passed on to the Board of Selectmen by the Safety Council.
WAKEFIELD BOY SCOUTS
The Boy Scout movement in Wakefield dates from 1914 when a troop was organized, sponsored by Rev. Claude A. Mackay, pastor of the Greenwood Union Church. The first scoutmaster was Carl W. Sunman, who was followed by Everett Winslow. In the absence of any Council, the boys were dependent on Scouts' handbooks and improvised programs of activities.
In the early days Scouting was largely for boys from 12 to 15 years of age. The movement increased in interest and now includes boys from 9 to 12 years as Cubs; boys somewhat older are designated as Senior Scouts, while the oldest group are organized as Sea, Aviation, Explorer and Ranger units.
Quannapowitt Council, of which Wakefield is a part, was incorporated in 1931 and was the result of adding Melrose, Wakefield, Reading and North Reading to the earlier Malden Council. The district organization consists of various Cub packs, Scout troops, and senior units.
The essence of Scouting is the building of character, through planned indoor and outdoor activities. The Scout oath pledges allegiance to God and Country, and through the Scout laws each boy promises to be trust- worthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, reverent and clean living. This means to develop mentally, nor- mally and physically.
During World War I local Scouts gave efficient service in promoting war bonds, stamps and other projects, as distributors of governmental lit- erature to homes, and as messengers on many occasions, largely under the supervision of Scoutmaster Ernest L. Brown and others.
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Since the beginning of World War II the six troops of Wakefield scouts have given full service in a hundred ways that does credit to the individual members of the organization and to the scout movement.
Paul H. Heywood is chairman in 1944 of the Wakefield District Com- mittee of Quannapowitt Council. Wakefield Boy Scouts are participating members of the Wakefield Community Chest.
WAKEFIELD GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL
The local Girl Scout Council was founded in September, 1941, and received its official charter on December 24, 1941. This council is re- sponsible for guiding and directing the Girl Scout work in the community, and sponsoring the program as recommended for girls from seven to eighteen years of age by the National Council of Girl Scouts.
At the time of organization the council had under its jurisdiction ap- proximately 179 scouts and 15 leaders. There has been a continuous growth in scouting and there are now 451 girl scouts, 126 adults represent- ing the leaders, council and committee members.
The object of this organization is to help girls realize the ideals of womanhood as a preparation for their responsibilities in the home and service to the community.
The council is an active participant in the Wakefield Community Chest.
The 1944 Commissioner is Mrs. Paul S. Emerson.
BOARD OF REAL ESTATE BROKERS
The East Middlesex Board of Realtors was organized in 1942 under a charter issued by the National Association of Real Estate Realtors. Its membership comprises leading realtors in Wakefield, Reading and Stone- ham. Its objects are to conduct realty business upon fundamental and proven ethics of legitimate business conduct.
The 1944 president is Carleton Bemis of Stoneham.
ST. JOSEPH'S BAND
About 25 years ago, a musical organization was founded in Wakefield. From meagre beginnings it flourished into a well-recognized unit. The St. Joseph's Band, under the leadership of Michael A. Sibelli, its founder, has played for many and varied audiences. It first appeared at a "welcome home" parade for the soldiers and sailors of World War I. Since then people have heard its excellent music at Metropolitan District Concerts, military reviews, holiday parades, and religious festivals.
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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Charitable and Fraternal Organizations
Lodges and Their Auxiliary Bodies - Relief Associations
SOUHEGAN LODGE NO. 38 INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS
Souhegan Lodge No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows was insti- tuted in 1844 and continued active until 1853 when the lodge surrendered its charter. In 1871, the lodge was re-instituted with Joseph Dix as Noble Grand. In 1918, the three-story brick building on the corner of Main and Avon Streets was purchased (now known as Odd Fellows' Hall) title being held by the lodge's building association.
Objects : good fellowship and benefits to members and their families in distress. Every year in January the Lodge has an annual anniversary in honor of Thomas Wildey, founder of the order, and in April, 1944, cele- brated its one hundredth anniversary with interesting exercises.
J. Edson Tredinnick is the 1944 Noble Grand.
LO.O.F
CLIFFORD -BLACK & CONFFURNITURE
1
ODD FELLOWS' BUILDING
Formerly known as Flanley Block, now owned by Souhegan Lodge No. 38, I. O. O. F. and tenanted by numerous fraternal organizations.
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DIVISION 26, ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS
The Ancient Order of Hibernians was organized on August 1, 1868, with 33 members. Timothy Hurley was the first president.
From August, 1868, to March 4, 1876, the organization was known as the Hibernian Aid Society. It was then that the society affiliated with the A. O. H.
During this time, the organization has distributed many thousands of dollars in sick and death benefits. The society was active in building up St. Joseph's parish in its early days, and since September, 1924, has owned a two-story building, in the upper hall of which are its headquarters, with stores on the first floor which are rented. The building is located at the corner of Albion and Foster Streets, opposite the Item building.
Robert P. Hurton is the 1944 president of the organization.
GOLDEN RULE LODGE OF MASONS
Golden Rule Lodge, A. F. and A. M. had its first regular communica- tion on February 9, 1889, with Bro. William D. Deadman as Worshipful Master, Everett W. Eaton, treasurer, and Willis S. Mason, secretary. The Lodge was duly constituted on January 10, 1889, in the presence of a dis- tinguished group of Masonic officials. The 50th anniversary was observed in three events on Sunday, January 23; Wednesday, January 26, and Fri- day, January 28, 1938. "The First Fifty Years," published by the lodge immediately following the anniversary, contains a detailed history of the lodge's activities. For 56 years the Wakefield Masons and Odd Fellows have continued harmoniously in sharing the same quarters.
THE SWEETSER CHARITY - 1891 - 1944
In 1881 Cornelius Sweetser left in trust to the town of Wakefield $10,000, with directions as follows: "to expend the yearly income in pro- viding such lectures as will tend to improve and elevate the public mind, and to impose a reasonable fee for admission to such lectures, and pay over the proceeds of the same to such charitable organization in said Wakefield as the municipal officers of said town may designate, to be dis- tributed among the worthy poor of said town."
The Sweetser lectures were started in 1886, and in 1891 the selectmen, William N. Tyler, Silas W. Flint, and William B. Daniel, called a meeting of ladies of Wakefield, representatives of the various churches and chari- table societies existing in the town at that time to consider the organization of a charitable association to dispose of the income of the lectures. The
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following churches and societies were represented: the Baptist, Catholic, Congregational, Episcopal, Methodist, and Universalist Churches; the Greenwood Union and Montrose Chapels; the Daughters of Rebekah, and the Women's Relief Corps.
The meeting was held May 27, 1891, and the Sweetser Charity was formally organized. The first president was Mrs. Samuel K. Hamilton.
Previous to the organization of the Sweetser Charity, part of the pro- ceeds of the first lectures was paid to the local Grand Army Post. Since then the proceeds from each year's lecture season have been turned over to the Sweetser Charity, and the money has been quietly spent for the benefit of the worthy poor of Wakefield, in accordance with the terms of Mr. Sweetser's will.
The total amount turned over to the Sweetser Charity from the lec- ture committee from June 13, 1891 to January 1, 1944, is $9030.12. (This does not include proceeds from 1943 lectures, which check of $191.70 was received after Jan. 1, 1944.) Gifts from organizations and individuals from 1891 to 1944 have totaled $234.47. Savings bank dividends have amounted to $412.66 and returned loans to $49.03.
The total amount spent for charity since 1891 has been $9,422.63.
The balance on hand January 1, 1944, was $303.65.
According to its by-laws, the Sweetser Charity is self perpetuating. Its present membership is :
President, Mrs. Arthur L. Evans, Baptist Church.
Vice-President, Mrs. Frank Reid, Montrose Chapel.
Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Eustace C. Fitz, Episcopal Church.
Miss A. Gertrude Burley, Congregational Church.
Miss Frances A. Mansfield, Universalist Church.
Mrs. A. Frank Harrington, St. Joseph's Church.
Miss Louise Sheldon, Methodist Church.
Mrs. C. Ernest Sanford, Greenwood Union Church.
Mrs. Everett Skinner, Daughters of Rebekah.
THE ELIZABETH E. BOIT HOME FOR AGED WOMEN
For fifty years the Elizabeth E. Boit Home has been a landmark in Wakefield.
In the spring of 1894 a group of serious-minded citizens gathered, or, as they expressed it, "associated themselves with the intention to consti- tute a corporation, according to the provisions of the 115th Chapter, public statutes of the Commonwealth of Mass .- The name by which the Corpora- tion shall be known is 'Wakefield Home for Aged Women'-the purpose for
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which the Corporation is constituted is to furnish a home for Protestant aged women who have been residents of the town of Wakefield not less than ten years."
The certificate of incorporation was given by the Secretary of the Commonwealth on April 21, 1894. Mrs. Sarah Y. Morton was the first president of the Board of Managers. By-laws were drawn up, the town was canvassed for contributions and the property at 5 Bennett Street, the present location, was purchased. One member of the Board was appointed the Chairman of the Committee on Admissions, and that committee was made up of representatives from the various churches. At the time the Home could accommodate but seven, and there was a waiting list.
The Home has always been under the management of a Board of 23 members chosen from the town at large, and during the half century these Boards have been made up of the town's most highly-respected women. . In several cases the length of service has been more than twenty years.
The name of Miss Elizabeth E. Boit runs like a bright thread through the records from the day of incorporation until her death in 1932. In 1921 the Board of Managers recommended "that the name of the 'Wakefield Home for Aged Women be changed to the Elizabeth E. Boit Home for Aged Women' in recognition of Miss Boit's great generosity to the Home since the foundation, and of her faithful assistance in the management of the affairs of the Home." In that same year, 1921, the Home was enlarged to its present size, affording rooms for six additional women. A New Year reception was held to celebrate the new name and the addition.
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