USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wakefield > History of Wakefield (Middlesex County) Massachusetts, compiled by William E. Eaton and History Committee > Part 7
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
WORLD WAR 1-1917 - 1919
The story of Wakefield's part in World War I is a story of the con- tinuance of the activities and unity of the town and its men and women down through the years-a demonstration of patriotism and supreme sacrifice in keeping with our well-known traditions.
April 6, 1917, is an unforgettable date to our town and country. It was then that Congress declared war against Germany. Thereafter local military action followed in succeeding days. Company A was mobilized, new recruits added. On April 7 the company proceeded in trucks to Fort Revere at Hull. From then until April 29, 1919, the members of Com- pany A, with hundreds of other men and women, played an important part in World War 1. Prior to August 5, 1917, officers and men were under state control, but on that day all troops were placed in the service of the U. S. Government. Individually, his body and allegiance was pledged to the nation-all had moved up to the level and status of men in the Regular Army. Members of the Richardson Light Guard served overseas chiefly in the Yankee 26th Division of the American Expeditionary Force in the 101st and 102nd as the 51st Brigade. The record of Wakefield's soldiers in France and other scenes of war on land and sea is one indelibly recorded on the pages of local history.
Many years passed before the History of World War I was written. As far back as March 18, 1919, a committee was appointed to prepare such a History but time speeds, and it was not until December, 1935, that the project was given a "go-ahead" signal under W. P. A. direction, sponsored by the Board of Selectmen. This History has been completed with a service record of every local man and woman in the armed forces and allied branches, as well as the war efforts of hundreds of civilians -- a volume containing 472 typewritten pages. It is to be regretted that only a few copies were made-one of which is in the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library.
The introduction of the History of World War I is a condensation of its contents and reads as follows:
"It is to the honor of the Town of Wakefield that during the long and trying days of the World War her records were a noble one, of faithfulness to the obligations and restrictions incident to the war, and of alert response to every call.
"Nine hundred men and women were enrolled in the different branches of the Service and there were many men and women engaged in hazardous occupations such as gas and munitions plants.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
"Forty-one gave their lives to the cause, and ninety-seven were gassed or wounded; twenty-seven received decorations for valor. Three received the Distinguished Service Cross, four the Silver Star decorations, two the Navy War Cross, one the French Legion of Honor, twelve the French Croix de Guerre, one the Italian Silver Medal, two the Polish Cross of Honor. Thirty-seven were also cited for gallantry in action, one hundred and four received officers' commissions in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.
"Not only did hundreds of our young men serve bravely, and many dying in the line of duty, but there was also no lack of devotion among those who waited at home.
"As we recall that unreal April, 1917, and the many succeeding months of anxious apprehension, there comes back to our minds the events of those not-to-be forgotten days. With pride we remember the lavish expenditure of time and thought on the part of the business men and pro- fessional workers who served on important committees; of the quick answer to the constant needs for money by the thousands of men, women and children who helped to make the Liberty Loan Drives and the War Chest Fund, and all other necessary campaigns so universally successful.
"We recall, too, the spiritual support and the steady co-operation given by the pastors of the Churches; the enthusiastic help that came from many fraternal and patriotic organizations, as well as the assistance of various clubs and societies."
The diversified civilian activities and accomplishments deserve more space than is available here. To enumerate:
The original War History committee, Ashton H. Thayer, chairman.
Wakefield Committee on Public Safety, Solon O. Richardson, honor- ary president; Charles E. Walton, president. This committee's financial report showed receipts of $6,633.35, expenditures $5,519.93, balance of $1,113.42 turned over to Corp. Harry E. Nelson Post 63, American Legion for relief purposes.
Citizens' War Relief Committee, John J. Round, chairman.
Wakefield War Chest, with a chairman in each of seventeen districts. Receipts were allocated to the United War Work, the Red Cross and branches, the Salvation Army Home Service, the Y. M. C. A. contingent fund, and the Ladies' Auxiliary of Co. A.
Four Liberty Bond Drives, Junius Beebe, chairman. Quota of $1,885.700. Value sold, $2,728,350 with 10,974 subscribers, and an over-subscription of $842,650.
Various War Reliefs with the Kosmos Club as the first of several.
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
Wakefield Branch of the Red Cross, Harry I. Thayer, chairman, with .collections of $10,906.25.
The Special Aid Society, Mrs. Ida Farr Miller, chairman; member- ship 194, collections $5,033.77.
The Patriotic Knitting Club, Miss Lucia Beebe, president. Money raised, $1500.
The activities of the Y. M. C. A., School Gardens and Food Cam- paigns, Schools and Churches all merit special mention.
In what might be termed the Appendix, there are well written authori- tative records of :
Co. H, 12th Regiment, Massachusetts State Guard.
Victory celebration of Armistice Day, November 11, 1918.
American Legion, organized May 28, 1919.
American Legion Constitution.
Welcome Home Celebration, February 29, 1919.
Welcome Home Celebration, October 13, 1919, with roster of parade.
Unveiling of Boulder Tablet at Greenwood, May 23, 1920.
Unveiling of the War Memorial Tablet-the Boulder on the Common. November 14, 1920.
Wakefield soldiers were in practically every and all branches of the activities of the United States in World War I.
One was intelligence officer of the Navy-"one of the eyes of the Navy" in America.
One was on the U. S. S. Texas in the North Sea taking the German defeated fleet to the Firth of Forth, Scotland.
One served in both the English and American armies performing over 2,000 surgical operations.
One was in the Saw Mill unit-first overseas-cutting lumber in Scot- land for the English ship-building yard.
One was on the war vessel escorting President Wilson to France.
Several were in the Canadian Army.
Several were in the English Army.
One was early in the French forces and doubly cited for bravery.
One was credited with capturing, unaided, ten German prisoners.
One Wakefield family had six sons in service, another family five sons, and another, four sons.
One woman had service on a United States war ship to eastern Siberia. Wakefield had twins in service-one killed in action.
One had a thrilling trip from South America to the United States to enlist.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 To 1944
WORLD WAR II
As this history goes to press, the United States, England, Russia and China, as allies, are hastening the destruction of the military might of Germany and Japan to an "unconditional surrender."
The United States declared war on Japan on December 8, 1941, fol- lowing Japan's dastardly attack on Pearl Harbor on December. 7, 1941. Immediately following, on December 11, war was declared against Germany.
Germany's dream of being a world-conquering nation is being de- stroyed on battlefields on many fronts and in many countries, with disas- trous results to her military and economic power.
The United States has mustered into war service her vast strength of manpower, gigantic production of war materiels, and financial resources for a successful finish to this great global war, the scope of which the world has never before experienced.
The town of Wakefield and its citizens of both sexes are bearing an honorable part in these years of our country's peril. With promptness, energy and co-operation, a variety of efficient defense organizations is making an excellent record of service.
Wakefield (with the entire country) has experienced sharp rationing of foods, gasoline, fuel oil, coal and many other articles. She has exceeded sums allocated for War Bonds, Red Cross, and Community Chest drives and other money-raising calls, local and national, and has successfully carried out black-outs, and dim-outs as required by the government.
Wakefield's military companies are now a part of the regular army, performing valiant service in the far-away islands of the South Pacific Ocean. Through enlistments, drafts and selective service almost two thousand men and women have joined the armed forces, serving in Africa, Italy, India, South Pacific Islands, Iceland, Alaska, England and other foreign countries. Almost daily, information reaches the home front of promotions of our service men and women; of decorations for valorous service, and of distinguished work at home and abroad by instructors in military camps, in hospitals, in Red Cross activities, and in all branches indispensable to the conduct of the war.
In the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Air Corps-on land, sea and in the air-as part of a gigantic military organization, they are doing their full duty to their beloved country and to their homes, where anxious parents, relatives and friends eagerly await the Day of Peace!
In recognition of the men and women serving in World War II, several flag raisings have taken place in the different sections of the town, with patriotic exercises and programs at each.
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
WAKEFIELD UNIT OF STATE GUARD
Following World War I, the Richardson Light Guard, as Co. A, Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, subsequently Co. K, 101st Regiment, maintained its military organization in formation and in the spirit of earlier days.
Previous to the advent of World War II, Co. K was re-designated as Co. E, 182nd Infantry, Massachusetts National Guard. The company was mustered into service in January, 1941, and went to Camp Edwards under Capt. James G. Brown. Its members are, at this writing, in the service of the United States and scattered through the battle areas of several foreign countries. In the South Pacific, Co. E officers and men acquitted them- selves with signal valor, under Capt. Richard B. Dolbeare, since promoted to Major. Other members of this unit have seen or are seeing service in England, Africa, Italy, India and elsewhere in many battle and training areas.
In the summer of 1940 a local company was formed, and in Septem- ber was designated as Co. F, 23d Massachusetts State Guard with Capt. Gray B. Brockbank as its commanding officer. In 1943 it became the Sixth Company Wakefield Unit of the 23d Massachusetts State Guard, as a first line of defense within the State of Massachusetts. The Company in 1944 was made up of three officers and 61 men. Since the local unit was formed, 100 men had been honorably discharged and of this number more than 50 are serving with the armed forces, some with commissioned and non-commissioned officers' ratings.
MASSACHUSETTS WOMEN'S DEFENSE CORPS (See Chapter on Civilian Defense for story)
FLEET OF SAILBOATS ON QUANNAPOWITT
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CHAPTER FIVE
Town Government
Early Forms - Duties and Obligations of Town Officials and Departments, as of 1944 - Town Planning
Orderly conduct of the town, a true democracy, through rigid rules and regulations, closely followed settlement. The Colony Court for a long time took over protective and local authority. Its first act was to order a military guard for protection against the Indians, and it also ordered training of youths from ten to sixteen years old. The early town records, from year to year, "ordered" this and that shall be or shall not be done. In 1649 William Cowdrey was elected Clerk of the Writs, and Edward Taylor, constable. Taxes became necessary, and in 1651, a poll tax of 2s 6d per head was levied, but on a provisional basis "the reste to be put on estates." As early as 1658, forty-six persons were assessed to pay the minister.
Gradually, in progressive steps, so to speak, came election of town officers-first surveyors of highways, selectmen, pound keepers, committees on division of lands, a "clerk of the market," a sealer of weights and measures, and commissioners to accept and ratify the old Indian Deed of 1686.
Voting in town meeting, in early times, was limited to Church mem- bers and to Freemen. The Church was the moral disciplinary force, as the old Church records reveal in language unrestricted.
For the ten years prior to the settlement of Reading, the Colony had established a form of government with restrictive rules of conduct. The town adhered as strictly as possible to such lawful instructions, following amendments, and legal obligations as they occurred down through the years.
Coming down to recent times-to 1944. We have an efficient Town Government based on the democratic idea that we, as a town, govern our- selves. We elect, annually, town officials to execute national, state and town laws, rules and regulations for the benefit of the people as a whole. This is their job.
The set-up of Wakefield government follows:
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
TOWN MEETINGS
Wakefield is a typical New England town, and it was in this region where the system of government of, by, and for the people was born. For three hundred years the town has adhered to government by its citizens, and by the town meeting, with free and open expressions of individual opinions. Town meetings are regular or special, called by the Selectmen, and directed by an elective Moderator, under accepted town and parlia- mentary rules of procedure. In recent years, since the appointment of a Finance Committee, all appropriations calling for money are considered by this committee, and their recommendations, favorable or otherwise, have become a deterrent against unwise appropriations of town's money. This has tended toward a lower tax rate-very much lower during the past ten-year period. - Town meetings are also called for all elections of national, district, state, county and town officials elected by ballot. Wake- field is one of only two or three large towns to keep clear of a city charter, or of a district-elective representative government. It is the duty of the Town Clerk to keep accurately a record of all meetings.
The town meeting, or the moderator, appoints all committees to report on matters that require special consideration and reports as to action rec- ommended, as on Town By-laws, Zoning Laws, or Building Rules and Regulations. The town meeting authorizes sales and leases, accepts gifts and bequests, considers claims against the town, and many other matters of major or minor importance. Elected by the meeting are field drivers, surveyors of lumber, the Recreation Committee, and the Planning Board.
TOWN CLERK
This is the oldest of all town-elected officers. For three centuries there has been continuous service by worthy officials. The first town clerk was William Cowdrey, elected in 1644 and serving to 1687. In the eighteen fifties William J. Wightman, the town clerk of Reading, made a copy of the early town records that are now at the Reading town building.
In Wakefield the late Charles F. Hartshorne, first elected in 1872, held office until his death, January 7, 1911, a record-service time. He was succeeded by his son Frederick S. Hartshorne, who served until June, 1939.
Charles F. Young is the present town clerk. He has many and varied duties. He keeps the records of all town meetings and elections; keeps a record of all births, deaths, and marriages; gives genealogical information to all inquirers; keeps the voting list up to date, prepares ballots and other details for elections.
The town clerk, by Statute, is clerk of the Board of Registrars. Other duties include issuing of dog licenses and sporting licenses. All local chat- tel mortgages and business certificates are registered at this office.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
TO LAWRENCE & HAVERHILL
TO MIDDLETON.
LOWELL ST.
TO LOWELL WILMINGTON
LYNNFIELD CENTER
129
SALEM ST
SUMMER ST
LYNNFIELD SQ
128
28
1
WAKEFIELD
128
129
FROM LEXINGTON
128
STONEHAM
--
TURNPIKE
129
3B
SPOT
O
MELROSE
CLIFTONDALE
CHURCH ST
WINCHESTER PIONDD
EAST SAUGUS
3
MALDEN
1
MEDFORD
ARLINGTON
REVERE
EVERETT
38
28
SOMERVILLE
CHELSEA
NO. ARTERY
CAMBRIDGE
3
BOSTON
BEACON ST.
N
W
E
S
WAKEFIELD'S LOCATION
Middlesex County. Ten miles north of Boston. Other nearby cities: Malden, 5 miles; Lynn, 8 miles; Lawrence, Lowell, Haverhill, 17 miles; Worcester, 50 miles; Springfield, 100 miles; Portland, Me., 96 miles; New York City, 230 miles.
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NEWBURYPORT
SAUGUS
LYNN
1
28
MAIN ST. I
--
FROM SALEM PEABODY NO SHORE
READING
--
KE
LOWELL ST
IAM
VERNON ST. !
---
LYNNFIELD RO
WOBURN
128
60
MASSACHUSETTS AV
HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
SELECTMEN
The first Board of Selectmen of our parent town was elected in 1647. Seven citizens were sworn into office. Several had long years of service. Thomas Kendall, first elected in 1647 was a Selectman in 1677, but not in continuous service.
It has been a highly esteemed office and in all the years has called upon able, conscientious and honorable citizens for this civil responsibility.
In this day and generation, the Board is made up of five elected citi- zens with duties onerous and complex. The Board is the governing body of the town, charged with duties affecting many town departments. The Board also makes twenty-four annual appointments from Town Counsel, Fire Inspector, Soldiers' Relief Agent and down through the list to the Sweetser Lecture Committee. It grants liquor and auction licenses; acts as a Board of Survey; appoints citizens to various civil duties on Public Safety, War Transportation, and Rationing Board. Under the state law, the Selectmen perambulate the town boundary lines to see that markers are in place and condition. It is the body where constructive plans and ideas, yes, and complaints and criticisms find recognition and decision.
The Board approves warrants weekly drawn on the Treasurer for the payment of bills and payments of town officials and employees' salaries.
If one should ask a member of the Board in 1943 or 1944 if the above fairly indicated its duties, the answer would probably be, "you ain't told the half of it!"
The Tercentenary Board: William R. Lindsay (chairman), Orrin J. Hale, William G. Dill, L. Wallace Sweetser and Richard M. Davis.
TOWN TREASURER
The Town Treasurer is appointed annually by the Selectmen. All monies received or paid out are made through the treasurer's office. A long list of trust funds, aggregating over $60,000; money borrowed on bond issues or temporary notes, and debt payments and maturities ' are major duties of the treasurer. John 1. Preston is the present treasurer.
Deeds, issuing from tax title, come from this officer.
TOWN COUNSEL
The duties of Town Counsel are described at length in the Town By- Laws adopted March 22, 1921, under Chapter 5, Legal Affairs. John 1. Preston is the 1944 Town Counsel by appointment of the Selectmen.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
TAX COLLECTOR
The title is a clear indication of the Collector's primary duties. Back in 1877 and 1878 Richard Britton was Collector, followed by Charles F. Woodward and Charles E. Walton; the present Collector is Carl W. Sunman. All payments of taxes-real and personal-are made at his office in person or by mail. Payment of water, sewerage and tax titles; street betterments, sewer and moth assessments, poll, motor vehicles and excise taxes are also collected at this office. The Collector acts as pay- master, under the supervision of the Town Treasurer, and takes care of the labor payrolls, including the Welfare Department payments and the Old Age Assistance Bureau payments.
All records of the Collector of Taxes and Town Treasurer relating to taxes and tax titles, are kept in the Collector's office, as are all Old Age Assistance checks.
ASSESSORS
The town appropriates money. It is the duty of the Board of Asses- sors, made up of three elective officers, annually to apportion all annual or special appropriations among the people in two forms, based on the tax rate determined each year-assessment on real estate, and assessment on personal property. Taxes, so assessed, are payable annually on October 1. After November 1, all unpaid taxes are subject to interest charges. Any citizen objecting to the assessment on his property, may file an appli- cation for abatement, with all facts supporting his objection, stated in a legal form furnished by the Board.
The complete list of all taxable property, and plans of all lands within the town are open to inspection during regular office hours.
In the determination of the tax rate the Board has to consider valua- tions of all land, buildings and personal property; State, Metropolitan and County charges; estimated receipts, and state credits, free cash, transfers, bonded indebtedness, etc. In the list of property exempt from taxation. it is noted that the United States has property valued at $88,450 and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to the value of $179,075. Other exemp- tions include literary and benevolent institutions, houses of religious wor- ship, cemeteries, parsonages and tangible property to the value of $1,108,650 in 1943.
. Valuations and tax rates of recent years have been :
Year
Valuation
Tax Rate
1934
$21,451,675.00
$34.00
1935
21,418,205.00
34.00
1936
20,978,320.00
35.20
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HISTORY OF WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
1937
20,788,745.00
36.20
1938
20,756,885.00
37.40
1939
20,644,140.00
37.60
1940
20,757,660.00
34.40
1941
21,242,075.00
31.40
1942
21,865,666.00
30.40
1943
22,273,850.00
28.00
The Board lists all polls assessed, number of motor vehicles, persons, partnerships and corporations; stock in trade, live stock from horses and cows to turkeys, ducks and geese. The excise tax also eminates from this office.
The 1944 Assessors are George E. Blair, chairman; Leo F. Douglass and George H. Stout.
MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT
In a little more than two centuries the town went from candles and fireplace light to whale oil lamps, then to kerosene, and then, in 1860 came gas! That year the Citizens' Gas Light Company of Reading, Wakefield and Stoneham was incorporated with a capital of $100,000. A gas house and tank were erected on Railroad Street (now North Avenue) and gas piped to the three towns for street lighting, public buildings and private residences at a cost of $3.50 per 1000 feet.
In 1890 Wakefield citizens had their first electric light service and two years later the town entered into lighting contracts with the Globe Gas Light Company.
In 1894 the town purchased from the Citizens' Gas Light Company its gas and electric equipment and on July 23, voted to issue bonds for $180,000, to take over the plant, franchise, etc., and "to reconstruct and enlarge same." The cost to the town was $145,000. At that time there were only 84 electric and 169 gas consumers, 42 miles of electric wires and 600 poles, but no electric street lighting.
The story of rapid and efficient development of electric and gas light- ing over the intervening years of town management is fully described in the 1943 town report recently published. Summarized it gives ample proof of very efficient management over a period of fifty years, and is attested by the fact that in the past ten years, this department has turned back to the town $258,611.82. More than this, the entire original cost and all exten- sions have been paid out of income.
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WAKEFIELD-1868 TO 1944
The following comparisons are self-explanatory :
1896
1943
Total assets
$179,187.35
$983,992.72
Total liabilities
179,543.56
62,685.37
Surplus
356.11
921,309.35
Book value of gas and electric plant
169,373.33
681,195.27
Gas sales
11,702.50
114,905.96
Electric sales
3,784.85
272,269.72
Operating expenses
21,401.62
322,193.39
Gas sold-cubic feet
6,918,400
85,745,300
Electricity sold-K. W. H.'s
190,000
8,523,442
Meters in use-gas
231
4,116
Meters in use-electric
80
5,246
Electric Street lights
145
1,366
During this time the price of gas for home use has been materially reduced and the price of electricity for home use has had welcomed reductions.
Under favorable contracts, Wakefield's supply of electrict current is purchased from the Edison Company, and its gas from the Malden and Melrose Gas Light Company.
Wakefield was one of the first towns in the state to make a test of municipal ownership of gas and electric services. The test has proven to be not only remarkably successful, but of great benefit to the town and its people.
The 1944 Commissioners are Marcus Beebe 2d, chairman; Curtis L. Sopher and Theodore Eaton.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
The early engine house, a small building, stood a little west of the gate to the first burial ground on Church Street. This was to house the "Repub- lican Extinguisher," a hand-pump tub. The next piece of fire apparatus was the "Black Hawk" engine; followed later by the "Yale," with a rather pretentious brick engine house on the northerly side of Church Street, east of the old town house. Next came the "Silsby" steamer, costing $3400, and a chemical, hook and ladder, and hose equipment. The old "Silsby" still "shows off" at musters and exhibitions. The department was modern- ized with the introduction of fire hydrants throughout the town.
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