USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > History of Wakefield (Middlesex County) Massachusetts, compiled by William E. Eaton and History Committee > Part 5
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(Any description of the town hall is omitted as the edifice and its uses are evident to all.)
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HISTORY OF
F WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
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GEORGE WASHINGTON Framed copy of a Gilbert Stuart painting which hangs in town hall,
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
THE TOWN HALL PORTRAITS
Familiar to every man, woman and child who enters our town hall are the two portraits that hang on the paneled walls at the left and right of the stage. Since these are treasures of art and arouse in everyone who beholds them both emotion and civic pride, they are highly deserving of mention in this history. Fortunately, the important facts about both portraits are known and documented. The research that made possible the connected story concerning the portraits was carried on by Mrs. Winfield S. Ripley.
She presented the data of her research in an address given on Feb- ruary 22, 1932, in the town hall, on the occasion of the Washington Birth- day Bicentenary. Mrs. Ripley was assisted in her investigations by Joseph C. Payro and the late Walter Kendall Watkins.
It appears that a group of public-spirited citizens, desiring to express to Cyrus Wakefield the thanks of the townspeople for his recent generosity, constituted themselves a committee to raise funds for a gift. This com- mittee was active in the summer of 1871 or early 1872. The gift that they selected and for which they raised the funds was the portrait of Washing- ton. They found this portrait hanging in the Boston studio of Thomas H. Badger, and it had been painted by the father of Thomas H., whose name was Thomas Badger. This Thomas was born in Wakefield on Salem Street, and he and his son, and his grandfather, Joseph, were all artists.
The Washington portrait is a copy of the original handsome portrait painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1796. Stuart lived in Boston the last 20 years of his life, and had a studio on "Federal Court," where Thomas Badger also had a studio. Stuart was commissioned to paint the portrait by Mr. and Mrs. Bingham of Philadelphia, who presented it to the Marquis of Lands- downe. The original was known, a few years ago, to be in Carlton House in London, and to be owned by the Earl of Rosebery. Thomas Badger copied the portrait while it was in Boston in the studio of Stuart, and his copy was presented to the town, on behalf of the citizens, sometime in the spring or summer of 1872.
The companion space on the other side of the stage did not long remain vacant. It is a reasonable conjecture that this same enterprising committee talked over with Thomas H. Badger the possibilities which the space offered. What more natural suggestion than that there should be hung there a portrait of the donor of the town hall? The necessary funds were raised and the commission given to Thomas H. Badger. On the back of the portrait is printed the artist's name, and the date "1873." It is to
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
be hoped that this portrait was finished and hung in its place before the demise of Mr. Wakefield, which occurred on October 26, 1873.
Lack of space prevents a description of these two fine portraits; but they can be seen by everyone. They should be viewed with admiration for their artistic worth and with reverence for what they signify in noble patriotism and civic generosity.
FIRST TOWN HOUSE
Erected in 1834 on the northerly side of Church Street. Two school rooms were set apart therein for the use of the two centre schools, and were occupied by them until 1853. In 1873 the town sold the town house and the buyer removed it to the south corner of Main and Salem Streets, as shown in the picture. The building was torn down in 1903.
CHRONOLOGICAL-10-YEAR PERIODS - 1870-1944
Since 1868 the town of Wakefield has grown steadily in population, in valuation, in industries and in religious, educational, civic, literary and fraternal efforts to improve a community that has taken a high place in the Commonwealth. Step by step, always Onward, has been an accepted slogan! To enumerate and to evaluate important incidents, events and accomplishments, rightly belongs to this historical recital.
Many of these events will have extended information in succeeding chapters.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
DECADE 1870-1880 -TIME MARCHES ON!
This decade had several important and a number of lesser events. The time was now ripe for a new high school to replace the old building on Crescent Street. The town decided on the early site of the Parson Prentice house-the third parsonage in the First Parish-on the northwest corner of Lafayette and Common Streets. Following the purchase of the land the town built a fine, commodious high school edifice and dedicated it on October 10, 1872, with becoming dignity and general approval. The build- ing was conceded to be the best in the state. This structure is now the re- built Lafayette building, and houses town officials and veterans' organi- zations.
EASTERLY SIDE OF MAIN STREET ABOUT 1870
The next important matter was a domestic water supply. A group of citizens formed the Quannapowitt Water Company, (May 4, 1872) later changed to the Wakefield Water Company. For several years the water situation was vigorously debated in town meetings and press. On April 2, 1883, the town entered into a contract with the company for water for hydrants and domestic use. On December 2, 1903, the town acquired the Wakefield Water Company and all its rights, pipes, hydrants, plant and equipment, authorized by an act of the legislature.
The building and dedication of the town hall has been previously de- scribed. This year, 1873, the old and first town house on Church Street, then no longer needed after having served the town for forty years, was
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VIEW LOOKING WESTWARD FROM TOWN HALL ABOUT 1875
Across Dr. Solon O. Richardson's home lot. The old circular riding building is at the right, as is the former Methodist Church, the Walton shoe factory and the first bank building. In the center is seen St. Joseph's Church, and the Osgood Shirt factory. The street at the left is West Water Street.
WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
sold to John M. Cate, who removed it to the corner of Main and Salem Streets, where it was used for the fire department and as a military armory until, years later, it was torn down.
In December, 1879, Mrs. Mary E. Stevens, residing on Broadway, had the honor of being the first Wakefieldian to register her name, entitling her to vote for School Committee. She was a clerk in the Registry of Deeds office at Cambridge.
1871. Town bought land for park. Committee of the town and mill owners on the Saugus River made an agreement defining low water mark. Boundary line between Wakefield and Lynnfield defined. Second Baptist Church, built on corner of Main and Crescent Streets in 1836, destroyed by fire June 21. (The following year the present Baptist Church was erected and dedicated.) Town purchased its first chemical engine.
1872. Town purchased first hook and ladder truck. Board of Health was organized. Wakefield Rattan Company took over the business and factories of Cyrus Wakefield. Eaton's History of Reading was published.
1873. Cyrus Wakefield died October 26, aged 62. He was deeply mourned by his fellow townsmen and business associates. First telegraphic service installed at Upper Station. First Congregational Society of Green- wood organized.
1874. Legality of the act of the town in establishing a public Park was confirmed. Pond Street, leading from Church Street to the lake, was discontinued, and Lake Avenue laid out. Town relieved from further payment on the Malden Bridge. First meeting of citizens looking to a water supply, March 1. Methodist Episcopal Society dedicated its new church edifice on Albion Street, February 7. New By-Laws went into force.
1875. Curley's brick block built on corner of Main and Mechanic Streets.
1876. Fish commissioners first chosen. New lock-up built in base- ment of town hall.
1877. State prohibited fishing in Lake Quannapowitt until January 1, 1882. Montrose Chapel Society organized.
1878. Town seal adopted. Design by Kingman S. Nichols. "Our Town," a local paper, appeared.
1879. Smith and Anthony Stove Company succeeded the old Boston and Maine Foundry Company. Was known at one time as the Franklin Foundry.
DECADE 1880-1890 -TIME MARCHES ON!
The leading events in this period include the town's contract with the Wakefield Water Company for home use, and to supply sixty fire hydrants;
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
the first introduction of the telephone service; the acceptance of Cornelius Sweetser's bequest of $10,000 for park purposes; contract to build the Hamilton School; the completion of the "Rockery"; the setting off of a large section of Wakefield. Park from Stoneham; Greenwood Park develop- ment, and electric light service. Other noteworthy events:
1880. Quannapowitt House, opposite town hall, removed.
1881. Big rattan factory fire, loss $190,000. First town watchman appointed. Steamer Lucius Beebe purchased. Wakefield Bulletin, first issue. Episcopal Church built on Water Street. Ladies vote for School Committee. Death of Cornelius Sweetser.
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HARTSHORNE'S COVE Scene at Lake Quannapowitt in the early '80's (Note pleasure steamer and public wharf)
1882. Wakefield Home Fire Protective Association formed. First telephone service. Town votes "No License" 198 to 101. Town votes for water, 563 to 250. Makes contract with Water Company.
1883. Revision of Rules and Orders adopted. Citizen and Banner changes owners. Water service to dwellings. Public reading room opened in the town hall. Greenwood Chapel built. Contract to build Hamilton School. Town accepts gift of Jonathan Nichols for a Temperance Fund. 1884. Public Park Act accepted. Miller Piano factory comes to Wakefield. Free text books required in public schools. Richardson Light Guard Veteran Association formed. Sudden death of Lucius Beebe.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
1885. Rockery built. Montrose Chapel erected. Wakefield Record published. Military drill introduced in High School. Park pavilion built.
1886. Sweetser Lectures started. First Parish release land between Main Street and Lake Quannapowitt to town. Bequest of Cornelius Sweet- ser of $5000 for lecture purposes. Women's Relief Corps organized. His- tory of Richardson Light Guard published. First issue of Wakefield Record.
1887. Co-operative Bank opened for business. New automatic fire alarm system installed. Red Men organized. Boston & Maine Railroad makes offer to town regarding new Upper Station. Electric Light Com- pany incorporated. Board of Trade organized.
1888. Masonic Lodge instituted. Incorporation of Wakefield Na- tional Bank. Paul Revere bell removed from old Town House to High School.
1889. Legislative Acts set off 140 acres of Stoneham land (Wakefield Park) to Wakefield. Winship-Boit Co. comes to town. Street Railway Company formed. Old rope walk on Cedar Street torn down.
JONATHAN NICHOLS TEMPERANCE FUND
On March 22, 1883, Jonathan Nichols made a gift to the town of $1000, the interest to be used to pay $10 to every young man of Wake- field on reaching 21 years, who made good a declaration made before his sixteenth birthday that he would not drink intoxicating liquors, nor chew nor smoke tobacco before his twenty-first birthday. With the $10 there was to be given a certificate of commendation, "and at the end of 100 years the town may, if it sees fit, pay the interest for school books for orphan children, or for lectures, or for additions to the public library." This gift the town accepted and over the years has made many payments.
DECADE 1890-1900 -TIME MARCHES ON!
The Spanish-American War (See Military Chapter) was the outstand- ing event at the close of the century. A new main line Boston & Maine station; introduction of street cars; town obtains gas for lighting; town buys a water system; all important in the town's rapid growth.
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
250TH ANNIVERSARY - 1894
Wakefield has always been a "celebration town." This fact is known far and wide. No local event of any importance to its people has been neglected.
The 250th anniversary of the town's incorporation, celebrated in May, 1894, eclipsed not only by its historical significance, but by its splendid observance, any other during the town's entire existence. The three towns of Wakefield, Reading, and North Reading gave it united attention on a scale that will be long remembered by those who were fortunate enough to participate.
The span of two and one-half centuries brought out "rare memories and traditions-helpful and inspiring to the present (and future) genera- tions."
Four days were set apart: Sunday for religious exercises in the churches; Monday was Wakefield or Settlers' Day; Tuesday was Reading's or "Incorporation Day," and Wednesday was North Reading's as "Second Parish Day." Space denies a recital of the many historical, literary and memorial exercises, parades, sports, all related in type and pictures in the "Memorial Volume," issued following the celebration.
Members of the 250th Anniversary Committee still alive: Harry Foster, Secretary; Col. E. J. Gihon, C. E. Walton, C. N. Winship, Edward Barker.
A summary of other activities:
1890. First electric light service. Organization of the Wakefield His- torical Society. H. M. Warren Camp 34, Sons of Veterans organized. New Boston & Maine Railroad depot at the Upper Station. Wakefield Lec- ture Association dissolves.
1891. Precinct voting established. Sweetser Charity organized. Cutler's Block and the R. L. G. Armory destroyed by fire. Wakefield Home for Aged Women incorporated. Town votes for municipal lighting.
1892. Wakefield and Stoneham Street Railway operates first car to Stoneham, followed later by lines to Melrose, Reading, Lynn and Salem. Old Academy building sold and removed to Foster Street. Town enters contract with the Globe Gas Light Company. First free delivery of mail. Strike at Rattan factory.
1893. Town refuses to have Boyntonville set off to Melrose. Quarter Centennial of changing of town name. Continued discussion of water question with town voting to buy the Wakefield Water Company.
1894. Daily Item first published by Fred W. Young. Armory built on Main Street. Town buys franchise of the Citizen Gas Light Company.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
1644 1894
1812
1644
1868
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ISS.
WAKEFIEL
MA
The Towns of Wakefield. Reading and Worth Reading will unite in celebrating the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the Settlement and Incorporation of the old town of Redding by the observance of Felles Day at Wakefield. Monday, May twenty eighth. Incorporation Day at Reading. Tuesday, May twenty ninth. The Town of Wakefield respectfully requests the honor of your presence on Sellers Day. May twenty eighth and cordially invites you to be her quest on that day.
Samuelfaltamitten RichardBritton Thomas Skinner
John Gould Abon
William At Tyler /
AV
Committee on Invitations.
WAKEFIELD'S INVITATION TO 250TH OBSERVANCE, 1894
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
Chicago plant of Rattan factory burns, loss $75,000. Quannapowitt Sportsmen's Club organized. High School graduates "9 young ladies and one young gentleman."
1895. Boston & Maine Railroad opens travel to Salem. Richard- son Light Guards occupies State Armory. Kosmos Club formed. Fire- men's Relief Association organized. Home for Aged Women opened. Water Company names $1,500,000 as price for franchise. H. M. Warren School completed. Wakefield Sewerage Act becomes law. Flanley's Block built on corner of Main and Avon Streets by John Flanley.
1897. Trader's Block built. Wakefield Rattan Company and Hey- wood Brothers and Company consolidate. Post Office relocated.
1898. United States declares war on Spain. Richardson Light Guard left town May 6, and mustered into United States service May 12. Win- ship Boit and Company builds mill on Albion Street. Attempt to have Rockery removed fails. Town buys land on Lowell Street for a cemetery -named Forest Glade in 1903. Return of 6th Regiment and banquet.
1899. Franklin P. Hurd School named.
DECADE 1900-1910 -TIME MARCHES ON!
A controversial decade.
The town accepted the Sewerage Act and elected Commissioners. The United States Government gave Wakefield the benefit of Rural Free De- livery. The new brick fire station on Crescent Street was completed and occupied.
The Street Railway Company obtained rights to double track to the Melrose line; on Water Street to the Saugus line; and for tracks to and into Wakefield Park, West Side.
The Soldiers' Monument on the Common, the gift of Mrs. Harriet N. Flint, completed and dedicated. (See Chapter “Memorials to Veter- ans.") Among guests present was Governor Crane. Montrose and Wake- field Park street car lines opened.
Town buys Water Company. Forest Glade Cemetery opened.
In January, 1901, the town took title to Hart's Hill and its twenty- three acres with the stipulation that it be forever kept open as a public park and reservation for the use of the people. The town had voted $5000 to purchase the Flint property and the Metropolitan Commission offered an additional $5000. Eight public-spirited citizens purchased and gave to the town buildings and one acre not included in the town's purchase. This reservation is under Metropolitan control. Later the town erected a fire tower on the crest of the hill.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
1900. Bear Hill Golf Course laid out on Hopkins Street. Old skating rink fire. Daily Item first published by Harris M. Dolbeare. Second great Rattan Co. fire. Sewerage Act accepted. New Central Fire Station completed, cost $14,554, not including land. Emmanuel Episcopal Church bought the Andrew Young property, corner Main and Bryant Streets, as a site for its new church. The old Leslie house on Prospect Street, destroyed by fire, April 18, 1901. - At that time this house, built by Sergeant John Parker about 1667-1670 was the oldest in Wakefield. National Bank bought the Hannah S. Brown land, corner of Main and Chestnut Streets, on which to erect a bank building.
1901. Street car service to Melrose. Richardson Block built.
1902. Emerson Shoe Factory torn down. Town By-Laws adopted. Final payment of indebtedness on Lincoln School. Post Office removes to Richardson Block. Y. M. C. A. organized. First street car service to Wakefield Park.
1903. First Municipal Ambulance obtained by public subscription. Cooper Street bridge completed. Old Town House on Main Street torn down. Through street car line opened-Reading to Boston. New bank building opened at north corner of Main and Chestnut Streets. Green- wood postal station opened. Town accepted Act enabling purchase of pri- vately owned water system. Contract made to build a bath house at Lake Quannapowitt. Forest Glade Cemetery opened for sale of lots.
1904. Greenwood Branch Library opened.
1905. Company A goes to Washington. Town votes to modernize cane seat chairs in town hall. Charles F. Parker Camp No. 39, Spanish War Veterans instituted. L. B. Evans Sons Company incorporated. Wakefield Catholic Club organized with Mrs. Minnie Gihon as first president.
1906. $20,000 raised for local Y. M. C. A. and new building erected and dedicated 1908. $50,000 fire in Walton's Block. New Amoskeag steamer purchased for $5157, weight 7450 pounds. Old Howlett Mill in ruins. South Reading Mechanics and Agricultural Institution, opened in 1833, dissolved. Death of Brig .- Gen. Edmund Rice.
1907. Wakefield Historical Society placed a tablet on the Pilgrim Monument at Provincetown.
1908. Volunteer Hose Company buys first motor hose wagon east of Springfield. Wakefield firemen assist at big Chelsea fire. Cornerstone of Y. M. C. A. laid in September.
1909. First Parish stone Meeting House destroyed by fire. Citizens honor Col. Edward J. Gihon, commander-in-chief of the Spanish War Veterans, with a reception. Wakefield Improvement Society formed
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
DECADE 1910-1920 - TIME MARCHES ON!
This decade saw World War I begin and finish. The town took positive, progressive actions of lasting importance. It acquired the Mans- field and Hickok properties on Main Street as a site for a new Library. It fostered action for a new Post Office and a new State Armory. Its rep- resentative at the State House introduced a bill for a State Boulevard on the northwest shore of Lake Quannapowitt. It investigated the possibility of a water filtration plant. It installed the first motorized piece of apparatus at the Fire Station, and later motorized the entire department. It placed a drinking fountain on Main Street in the business section. It bought the Wakefield Mansion property as a site for a new High School. It voted to buy electric light and power from Malden. It introduced garbage col- lection. As a town it did its full duty before and during World War I. Townspeople on April 6, 1919, celebrated the return of Wakefield men from war service, with the 26th Division, A. E. F. and other branches of the armed forces. Thousands of citizens, their families and children lined the Main Street, and the exercises at the Armory were a remarkable tribute to the returning soldiers. On October 13, there was another "Welcome Home" ceremony, considered to have been "the most memorable celebration ever held in Wakefield." The war casualty list records 29 dead, 19 killed in action; 8 died of disease, and 2 from accidents. Major General Clarence R. Edwards, Commander of the 26th Division, was the distinguished guest of the day.
1910. Water and Sewerage Departments consolidated by act of the State Legislature. Playground land bought in Greenwood. Wakefield has its first safe and sane July 4th. Land on west side of Crystal Lake to be developed for home building. Wakefield National Bank on Honor Roll, 28th in the state and 66th out of 6887 in the country.
1911. Citizen and Banner, weekly paper, purchased by Daily Item and discontinued. Cutler Brothers' Block and Armory burns. Factory Field sold to George W. Killorin. Addition to Evans' factory. Town votes to buy land for a new library. Age limit on school children-must be 5 years of age before October 1st. „Boy Scouts organize. West Siders form club.
1912. New First Parish Church dedicated. Visiting Nurse Associa- tion organized. Parcel Post system in effect. New Daily Item building completed. B. P. O. E. instituted. U. S. W. V. dedicates lot at Forest Glade Cemetery.
1913. New State Armory dedicated, January 26. Town votes to buy Wakefield estate fo. a new High School. Company A goes to Wash-
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
ington to take part in the inauguration of President Wilson. Elks buy the Fitz estate at Lakeside. Watch Tower placed on Hart's Hill. Universalist Society celebrates Centennial. Two daily mail deliveries given to Wake- field. West side of B. & M. R. R. set off as Precinct Three.
1914. Fire Department motorized. New white light way in Square. Town to use chlorine to purify water supply. Heywood-Wakefield Com- pany removes cane seat department to Gardner. First collection of gar- bage. Town accepts Workingmen's Compensation Act.
1915. Brick block built on corner of North Avenue and Chestnut Street. New class for aliens opened. Dedication of Italian Chapel. Official records show Wakefield to be the healthiest town in the state.
1916. Citizens subscribe about $13,000 to purchase land for a new library. Wakefield National Bank changes name to Wakefield Trust Company. Six Wakefield men serve in the Mexican border war, at El Paso, Texas. They were Leon H. Boudreau, Charles H. Brown, Harold Campbell, Richard Barrett, John Maloney and William J. McGlory. New Wakefield Theatre opens. Chamber of Commerce organized. First Community Christmas tree with carolers. William N. Wanamaker, first Wakefield young man appointed to West Point Military Academy. Charter granted to the Wakefield Trust Company.
1917. War declared against Germany, April 6. Town authorizes War Relief Committee, later the Wakefield Committee on Public Safety. Com- pany A leaves for Fort Revere, Hull, called to service March 30. Fare- well to Company A as it departs for war service. Junius Beebe offers to build the new Library.
1918. November 11, all-day celebration of Armistice Day. Wake- field Branch, Red Cross organized. Industrial Chemical Company locates plant in Taylor Building. Wakefield goes over top in Liberty Bond drive, total nearly $500,000. New home of Odd Fellows dedicated.
1919. Corp. Harry E. Nelson Post, American Legion organized. Welcome Home for returning soldiers. Town votes bond issue of $450,000 for new High School. Montrose-Wakefield Park street car service discon- tinued.
DECADE 1920-1930 - TIME MARCHES ON!
A decade of important events of unusual interest, many of which have extended notice elsewhere. The completion of the Beebe Memorial Library; the opening of the new banking building of the Wakefield Trust
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
Company; first graduation from the new High School building; the local post office removes to Albion Street; Greenwood obtains a new school house; Catholics open their Parochial School on Gould Street; Telephone Company erects brick building on Richardson Avenue; limited town meet- ing movement defeated; Catholic Church built in Greenwood; Wakefield- Salem railroad service discontinued; Major Connelly decorated by French Nation, and given a town reception; new water filtration plant at Crystal Lake.
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