USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lawrence > Semi-centennial history of Lawrence, Mass.; with portraits and biographical sketches of prominent citizens of Lawrence and Essex County, together with views of Lawrence & vicinity > Part 4
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HON. JOSEPH N. PETERSON.
THE MAYOR OF SALEM, Hon. J. N. Peterson, was a fa- miliar and welcome figure in the Semi-Centennial Celebra- tion. He is interested in our citizens, and has just completed the magnificent new Court House building which Lawrence has so long needed.
Mr. Peterson is a native of Salem, also treasurer of the Republican State Central Committee, and with his brother is extensively engaged in the contracting and building business.
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conflagrations of any magnitude, due in a great measure to its well-organized and efficient fire department.
While our good city is situated in America, and is cer- tainly an American city, yet the nativity of its population is so varied that it may be said to be as cosmopolitan as any city of its size in the country. In the beginnings of Law- rence a large number of Irish settlers came here to help in the good work of making the city. A few years later the needs of our mills called to us a considerable number of English and Germans, who were familiar with the details of cotton and woolen manufacture. Still later, came the im- migration from Canada of large numbers who have devoted themselves to all kinds of work. And in more recent years the numbers coming from southern and eastern Europe and beyond, is ever increasing. All of these have brought with them customs and habits differing much from those of the native American. But in the course of years the process of assimilation has been working out results which we hope may be to the advantage of all.
In 1848 the population of Lawrence was classified as fol- lows :-
Born in America 3,766
Born in Ireland 2,139
Born in England 28
Born in France
3
Born in Wales
2
Born in Scotland
9
Born in Italy
I
Born in Germany
I
Lawrence is essentially a manufacturing city. The fol- lowing list will give some idea of the size and variety of some of the principal manufacturing industries situated in Lawrence and vicinity :-
PACIFIC MILLS .- Capital, $3,000,000; annual payroll, over $2,000,000; operatives employed, 5,200; cotton con- sumed annually, 11,562,000 lbs .; wool consumed annually,
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THE LATE WILLIAM R. PEDRICK. ONE OF THE PIONEERS OF LAWRENCE.
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7,000,000 lbs .; cotton spindles, 180,304; worsted spindles, 51,000; looms, 6,600; printing machines, 25; annual cloth product, 110,000,000 yards.
ATLANTIC COTTON MILLS .- Capital, $1,000,000; annual payroll, $430,000; operatives employed, 1,200; cotton consumed annually, 16,640 bales; spindles, 140,000; looms, 2,400; annual cloth product, 20,000,000 yards.
WASHINGTON MILLS .- (American Woolen Co.) Annual payroll, $2,500,000; operatives employed, 6,500; wool consumed annually, 42,000,000 lbs .; wool tops bought and used, 2,093,000 lbs .; spindles, 84,296; looms, 1,500; annual cloth product, 13,500,000 yards; worsted yarn sold, 2,000,000 1bs.
PEMBERTON COMPANY .- Capital, $450,000; annual payroll, $250,000; operatives employed, 580; spindles, 26,- 000; looms, 814; cotton consumed, 3,800,000 lbs .; cloth product, 3,333,000 yards.
LAWRENCE DUCK COMPANY .- Capital, $300,000; annual payroll, $90,000; operatives employed, 300; spindles, 17,000; looms, 150; cotton consumed annually, 5,000 bales; annual cloth product, 2,500,000 lbs.
EVERETT MILLS .- Capital, $700,000; annual payroll, $380,000; operatives employed, 1,000; cotton consumed an- nually, 5,720,000 lbs .; spindles, 52,000; looms, 1,800; annual cloth product, 13,000,000 yards.
GEORGE E. KUNHARDT .- Fine worsted and woolen men's fabrics. Annual payroll, $350,000; operatives em- ployed, 850; raw wool consumed annually, 2,500,000 lbs .; worsted yarns bought, 550,000 lbs .; looms, 250; cards, 12; annual cloth product, 1,600,000 yards.
ARLINGTON MILLS .- Capital, $3,000,000; annual pay roll, $1,960,000; operatives employed, 4,500; cotton con- sumed annually, 3,500,000 lbs .; wool consumed annually, 50,000,000 lbs .; cotton spindles, 50,384; worsted spindles, 48,404; looms, 1,064; annual cloth product, 11,500,000 yards.
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GEORGE G. ADAMS.
GEORGE G. ADAMS was born in Somersworth, N. H., in 1850. He came to Lawrence in 1854, and has resided in this this city ever since, receiving his education in the public schools of Lawrence. He has been engaged in his profession as architect since 1872, and was for two years previous with Baldwin Coolidge as Civil Engineer. Mr. Adams has de- signed more public buildings in New England than any other architect in this state.
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PROSPECT WORSTED MILLS .- (American Woolen Co.) Annual payroll, $55,100; operatives employed, 207; spindles, 4,200; wool consumed annually, 1,200,000 lbs .; worsted yarn produced, 500,000 lbs.
FARWELL BLEACHERY .- Capital, $200,00; annual payroll, $75,000; operatives employed, 175; annual product, 40,000,000 yards.
THE J. H. HORNE & SONS CO .- Paper mill ma- chinery. Capital, $125,000; annual payroll, $100,000; num- ber of employes, 200; annual product, $300,000.
DILLON MACHINE CO .- Paper mill machinery. Capital. $50.000; annual payroll, $35,000; number of em- ployes, 75; annual product, $130,000.
EMERSON MANUFACTURING CO .- Paper mill machinery. Capital, $25,000; annual payroll, $50,000; num- ber of employes, 100; annual product, $200,000.
CHAMPION INTERNATIONAL CO .- High grade enameled book papers, etc. Capital $650,000; annual pay- roll. $180,000; number of employes, 375; annual product, 6,000 tons machine-finished paper, 6,000 tons coated paper, 6,000 tons wood pulp.
MERRIMACK PAPER CO .- Enameled book papers, writing papers, etc. Capital, $100,000; annual payroll, $98,- 000; number of employes, 200; annual product, $700,000.
ESSEX COMPANY, land and water power.
LAWRENCE GAS CO., gas and electric lighting.
WRIGHT MANF. CO., braids of all kinds.
HAMBLETT MACHINE CO., machinery manufactur- ers.
LAWRENCE MACHINE CO., machinery manufac- turers.
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E
L
BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF THE CITY LOOKING TOWARD ARLINGTON DISTRICT AND METHUEN.
JOHN McCAFFREY, pulley manufacturer.
DAVIS FOUNDRY CO. (James F. Lanigan), iron founder.
UNION SHUTTLE CO., shuttle makers.
WALWORTH BROS., dress goods.
BROWN & WHITTIER, dress goods.
STANLEY MANF. CO., shoe machinery.
ARCHIBALD WHEEL CO., wheel manufacturers.
SAMUEL SMITH, machinery manufacturer.
MERRIMACK IRON FOUNDRY, iron founder.
WILLIAM R. HART, iron founder.
FRED BYRON, brass founder.
E. McCABE & SONS, boiler makers.
BRIGGS & ALLYN MANF. CO., wood-working manufactory.
LAWRENCE LUMBER CO., lumber, boxes, etc.
EMMONS LOOM HARNESS CO., loom harness and reeds.
L. SPRAGUE CO., bobbins.
WATTS REGULATOR CO., steam specialties.
BEACH SOAP CO., soap manufacturers.
E. M. SLAYTON CO., cold storage.
A. LEE CO., manufacturing chemists.
E. E. POORE, crackers and fancy biscuits.
LAWRENCE ELECTRICAL AND SUPPLY CO., electrical goods.
SPICKET MILL (J. W. Barlow) loom pickers.
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-
BIRD'S-EYE VIEW LOOKING TOWARD THE MILLS AND CHURCHES.
SELDEN WORSTED CO., dress goods.
COLUMBIA NAPPER CLOTHING CO.
F. A. & P. HALL, spindle, flyer and machine works .. E. FRANK LEWIS, wool scourer.
LAWRENCE DYE WORKS CO., dyers and finishers .. CRESCENT WORSTED CO., worsted yarns. ALFRED KIMBALL SHOE CO., men's shoes.
MILLS MANF. CO., paper mill machinery.
MERRIMACK BOILER WORKS (Wright Stafford). steam boilers.
D. W. PINGREE CO., lumber, boxes, etc.
METHUEN.
Knitted Fabrics Co. Tremont Worsted Mills ..
Methuen Yarn Mills. Methuen Company .. Methuen Napper Clothing Co.
ANDOVER.
Smith & Dove. Tyer Rubber Co_
NORTH ANDOVER.
Davis & Furber Co. Stevens' Mills ..
Sutton's Mills. Brightwood Manf. Co ...
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WILLIAM P. REGAN.
One of the best known of Lawrence architects, whose work is to be seen in this and other cities in the Middle and New England states, is William P. Regan. The Wetherbee and Bruce grammar schools testify to the beauty of liis de- signs in schoolhouse architecture. Many handsome and pa- latial residences in the back bay were built from his plans and the new French church, to accommodate 2500 worship- pers, (now in process of construction) is from the plans of Mr. Regan, whose office is in the Essex Bank building.
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THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL EXERCISES.
The celebration of the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of Lawrence as a city is now a part of its history; and its citizens may well congratulate themselves upon the happy consummation of their efforts to make the occasion one long to be remembered. Citizens of all classes vied with one another in their endeavors to carry out the plans of the various committees having the celebration in charge. The citizen of fifty years' residence here and the immigrant newly arrived, joined hands to promote the interests of the city of their home, and to make pleasure and happiness for the visitor of the day. The spirit thus shown will greatly tend to bring together and consolidate the great cosmo- politan mass of the city's population.
Long before the date set for the celebration the mer- chants, traders and citizens in general began to decorate their places of business and houses with flags, bunting and pictures; and the extent to which this was carried has never been exceeded in the history of Lawrence.
Many of the city churches held services on Sunday, May 3Ist, commemorative of the city's anniversary. On Mon- day morning, June Ist, the celebration proper began with the booming of cannon and the ringing of bells at sunrise, and from that hour until the last piece of fireworks had been discharged on Wednesday evening, every hour was filled with something of interest and importance to one or another of our citizens. The three great parades were, perhaps, the most important features of the celebration, and attracted the most attention, both from resident and visitor. But the lesser features had their attractions for many of the people. Even the peggy match and the hom- ing pigeon fly, which was certainly "out of sight," had their advocates.
Governor Bates, with members of his staff, honored the occasion with his presence, arriving just before noon on Monday. After a lunch at the Franklin House with Mayor Grant and members of the reception committee, he was
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conducted to the City Hall, where he held a reception in the Council Chamber, and met many present and past resi- dents of Lawrence. Later, he took part in the literary ex- ercises in the hall above, responding to the address of wel- come of the Mayor. The oration by Hon. Charles A. De- Courcy and the poem by Hon. Robert H. Tewksbury have been highly complimented by all. The witty address of Samuel J. Elder, Esq., one of Lawrence's former bright boys, was the delight of all who heard him. Owing to other engagements the Governor was obliged to leave early in the afternoon. Lieutenant-Governor Curtis Guild was the guest of honor on Tuesday, and reviewed both of the parades of that day.
The parade of the school children on Tuesday morning has been considered by many as the gem of the celebration. The beauty and variety of the costumes, and the decorations of the many floats commanded the admiration of all who witnessed it. The military, civic and trades procession in the afternoon was one of the largest and best Lawrence has ever witnessed, and all who took part in it are entitled to much credit.
The principal feature of Wednesday was the parade and muster of the Veteran Firemen. Starting at 10.30 o'clock, thirty-seven companies with their engines marched over the route of the parade, and then entered the Common for the playout contest. This took up all the afternoon, and at- tracted thousands to that beautiful spot to watch the ex- citing contest. The fireworks in the evening brought to a successful close the public exercises of the celebration.
The local newspapers of the day have well covered the sports and games of the celebration exercises, and it need only be said that they gave enjoyment, not only to our own citizens, but to many of the visitors as well. It has been said by those competent to judge that the number of visi- tors in town during the days of the celebration exceeded two hundred thousand. It is a well known fact that a great number of former and old residents of the city came to re- new old acquaintance and pay homage to their former home.
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THE ESSEX COMPANY.
The Merrimack Water Power Association, formed in 1843, with Samuel Lawrence as president and treasurer, and Daniel Saunders as agent, with associates, mainly from Lowell, was the forerunner of this more powerful chartered company. This pioneer association secured lands and made surveys that greatly simplified and facilitated later operations. It had been demonstrated that, at and about Bodwell's Falls by the historic Andover Bridge, there lay a tract of land resting upon foundations of imperishable blue stone and so shaped and environed by nature as to be a rare site for a permanent dam and a connected system of canals and for the building of a manufacturing city.
The Essex Company was incorporated March 20th, 1845, and on that very day the active promoters visited the site of Lawrence and perfected general plans for future opera- tions. In less than one month from the granting of the charter the company was duly organized and the capital of one million dollars had been subscribed without the issue of circular or prospectus. The directors were Abbott Law- rence, Nathan Appleton, Patrick T. Jackson, John A. Low- ell, Ignatius Sargent, William Sturgis and Charles S. Stor- row, all either practical manufacturers or promoters of en- terprises intended to largely extend American textile pro- duction in factories built upon a new, or American model.
Fortunately, at the outset, Charles S. Storrow, the pio- neer railroad superintendent and engineer, who for several years had successfully managed the first passenger railway in New England-the line from Boston to Lowell-became the resident manager of the Company's affairs, and, with a corps of assistants, immediately commenced locating and constructing the dam and canals and laying out the new town in accordance with a definite plan well considered and rapidly executed.
Mr. Storrow had been thoroughly trained as an engineer in the technical schools of France, then in advance of other nations in that regard. His practical experience as assist- ant engineer in building a line of railway and in managing and operating the same for several years, had given him a thorough business education.
Abbott Lawrence was president of the Company during all the early years. These two men, both enthusiastic and forceful in the execution of plans, pushed forward the work of development and of town building with a rapidity that won the admiration of those who watched every step of progress. Daniel Saunders was upon the spot, a shrewd adviser and a judicious purchaser of needed lands. He first called attention to the available water power.
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The public cannot, at this day, be interested in follow- ing the history of this company through fifty-seven years of management. It must suffice if we say that it con- structed the great stone dam, of solid granite, founded upon ledges of blue stone, also the north canal, about one mile in length, and the new south canal. The length of the dam and width of waterfall between wing abutments is nine hundred feet; the average plunge of the fall is twenty-six feet. Including the protecting wing walls the whole struc- ture, visible and covered, has a length of 1,629 feet.
This company also built for other owners the original Atlantic, Pacific, Pemberton and Duck mill buildings, and also built and for a time operated the great Machine Shop, afterwards controlled by a company organized as the "Law- rence Machine Shop," and now changed and operated by the Everett Mills. The great dam has stood for more than half a century without leaking a drop, starting a single stone, or opening a seam for a hair's breadth. It stands to-day the firmest structure in stone masonry in America.
Nearly all the land underlying the business portion of the city was plotted, improved and sold to individual own- ers by this company, and many of the streets were built and for years maintained by it. The central and beautiful Common, Storrow Park, West Park, Union Square and Stockton Park were reserved by this company and con- veyed by deed of gift to the inhabitants of Lawrence to. be forever used as public grounds.
The work of development and construction originally undertaken has been so fully completed that the business of this company is now the care of its works, the rental of its mill powers and the improvement of its remaining lands.
In the whole history of the company there have been but two treasurers in general management, Charles S. Stor- row and Howard Stockton. The engineers in charge have- been Capt. Charles H. Bigelow, Benjamin Coolidge and Hiram F. Mills. John R. Freeman and Richard A. Hale, assistant engineers, have become widely known as experts: in hydraulic engineering, George D. Cabot, Capt. John R. Rollins, Henry H. Hall and Robert H. Tewksbury have in turn served as accountant and cashier. A large percentage- of titles to real estate in Lawrence originated with this company and its record of deeds and surveys, open for pub- lic inspection, greatly simplifies the work of examiners in perfecting titles. Because of the loyal and effectual sup- port of the Lawrence family of business associates having prominence and power in mercantile affairs, the new town they founded and supported until it became a flourishing city took and will forever bear the name of "Lawrence."
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ESSEX SAVINGS BANK.
The ESSEX SAVINGS BANK was incorporated March 15, 1847, and commenced business the following October in the rooms of the Bay State National Bank, then located on the floor above its present place of business. Mr. Charles S. Storrow, now of Boston, who is the only surviving member of the original board of trustees, was the first president ; and Mr. Nathaniel White was treasurer. Mr. Storrow served until 1860 and was followed by Mr. George D. Cabot, who, in turn, was succeeded by Mr. Joseph Shattuck in 1877. Mr. Shattuck has continuously held that important office to the present time.
Mr. Nathaniel White filled the office of treasurer until his death, which occurred September 12th, 1866. He was an active, careful, and painstaking manager, and was regarded as one of the best financiers Lawrence has ever known.
Mr. James H. Eaton succeeded Mr. White as treasurer, serving in that capacity until his death, which occurred March 22, 1901. During his service of thirty-four years Mr. Eaton applied himself diligently to the work of the bank. His conscientious devotion to duty, together with his strong personality and his recognized ability in matters of finance, won for him an enviable reputation, and account in a great measure for the marvelous growth of the institution. Under his management the total assets increased from $750,518.74 to $8,775,468.32, or more than eight millions of dollars. Mr. Eaton devoted his life unselfishly to the success of the insti- tution, and won the unbounded confidence and respect of the entire community.
At his decease Mr. Joseph Shattuck, Jr., was elected treasurer, resigning in September, 1902, to accept a similar position with the Springfield Institution for Savings, in Springfield, Mass. Mr. Albert I. Couch, for many years identified with the bank, was elected to succeed Mr. Shat- tuck as treasurer.
The Essex Savings Bank has never failed to compound the interest each April and October, and the one hundred and eleven dividends already paid amount to $7,466, 766.02.
In the investment of savings bank funds the element of safety is of primary importance, and the rate of interest is a secondary consideration. The officers of this institution strive to invest its funds safely and wisely, so that the de- positors may have their money and what it may have earned whenever they desire to withdraw the same.
MONEY ON DEPOSIT IN A SAVINGS BANK IS A GOOD FRIEND IN TIME OF NEED.
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SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
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JAMES J. STANLEY.
SUPERINTENDENT OF ALMSHOUSE.
ONE OF THE important departments is that of the poor, and the people of Lawrence appreciate fully the able services of Supt. J. J. Stanley, whose administration, assisted by Mrs. Stanley, the Misses Stanley, and a corps of capable assist- ants, has been most satisfactory. Mr. Stanley was born in 1848, and enlisted in Lawrence in '64, in the 26th U. S. In- fantry, to defend the flag. In '86 he was a member of the Board of Aldermen, and since '98 has been Supt. of the Almshouse. At the outbreak of the war he was a pupil of the late ex-Mayor Eaton, subsequently engaging in the hay and grain business, which his son George now conducts.
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$
ESSEX COUNTY COURT HOUSE. GEO. G. ADAMS, ARCHITECT.
85
H. A. PRESCOTT.
THE PUBLIC of Lawrence-those who have use for horses and carriages-recognize as the leading harness manufacturer Henry A. Prescott, who in 1896 succeeded to the business founded 28 years prior by F. M. Morgan. Mr. Prescott was born in Lawrence in 1861, and is a graduate of our pub- lic schools. His harness factory at 138 Broadway is equipped with a magnificent stock of harnesses, and every requisite for the horse, and also the facilities, machines, etc., for pro- ducing the finest class of work-hand or machine made.
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ST. MARY'S CONVENT.
-
LIEUT. JOHN T. GOLDEN.
INSPECTOR OF RIFLE PRACTICE 9TH REGT. INFANTRY, M. V.M.
Conducts a dry goods and millinery business at 421 Essex Street, Lawrence.
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SETH MITCHELL.
ONE OF THE BEST KNOWN WOOL BUYERS in the United States, is Seth Mitchell of this city, buyer for the Ameri- can Woolen Company, operating thirty-three mills.
Mr. Mitchell is a native of Yorkshire, England, but has resided in this country since 1866. In 1886 he became associ- ated with the Washington mills, and four years ago with the incorporation of the American Woolen Company. his know- ledge, judgment and experience was duly recognized. Mr. Mitchell has never sought political office, is retiring in his. disposition, and resides at 193 Garden Street.
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EDWARD I. KOFFMAN.
EDWARD I. KOFFMAN, the clothier, in Blakeley Build- ing, has for 28 years been closely identified with the business interests of Lawrence.
Prior to entering business for himself here and in Con- way, N. H., he was for 17 years salesman for Bicknell Bros. By strict attention to business and consulting the tastes of his patrons, he has built up an excellent business. Mr. Koffman is a native of Connecticut, but has resided here since 1871. He is a charter member of Lawrence Lodge, B. P. O. E., and Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in this noble order. He is a member of the Lyra Glee and Press clubs, and President of the Times Publishing Co.
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VIEW OF THE MUDDIMAN
J. J. DESMOND.
J. J. DESMOND is a native of Lawrence, born November 3, 1867 ; attended the Lawrence public schools, and after- wards was a student at Villanova College, Villanova, Penn. He is a registered pharmacist, in business for himself at the corner of Broadway and Park street. Was a member of the Common Council in 1895, and during that year took a prom- inent part in arranging for the semi-centennial celebration observed that year, being a member of the executive com- mittee, and chairman of the committee on printing and pub- lication. In 1898 he assumed his duties as member of the Lawrence Water Board, to which position he was elected in December of the previous year for a term of five years. Was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature in 1901 and 1902.
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LORD & CO. - - PIANOS.
ESTABLISHED 1875.
WHEN the people of Law- rence want Pianos, Organs, or Musical Instruments of any kind, they go to Lord & Co., who keep the biggest variety and the largest stock.
The firm of Lord & Co. is incorporated, with the follow FRED LORD, TREAS. ing officers : Mrs. Annie Lord, President ; Fred Lord, Treas. and George H. Lord, Secretary and General Manager.
Their handsome store is in the Central Building, stocked with pianos of the following makes, for which they are agents: Chickering, Sterling Merrill, Crown, Foster, Hain- er, Marshal and Wendell. They are also sole agents for the Angelus Piano Player. They recently purchased the retail business of the Merrill Piano Company, which makes this concern the largest Piano House in Essex county.
CENTRAL BUILDING,
ESSEX STREET,
LAWRENCE, - MASSACHUSETTS.
GEORGE H. LORD, Gen. Manager.
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NEVINS HOMESTEAD, METHUEN, MASS.
NEVINS MEMORIAL HALL.
TABLET ON BUILDING: "This Hall and Library was erected and endowed by ELIJAH S. NEVINS, and by David and Henry C. Nevins, his children. A memorial of David Nevins, born 1809. Died 1881.
ALBA
THE JOHN DALY BLOCK, SOUTH LAWRENCE.
ESTABLISHED 1889.
JOHN DALY, one of the best known citizens and businessmen of Lawrenc established himself in the grocery and provision business in 1868, and is toda the oldest firm of grocers in Lawrence.
Mr. Daly is prominently identified with the Board of Trade, and in 18' was a member of the city government from ward 6. He has been a resident Lawrence 55 years.
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DR. MICHAEL F. SULLIVAN was born in Lawrence in 1859. He attended St. Mary's Paro- chial School and the Lawrence High School. In 1878 he op- ened a drug store. Attended medical school four years and was graduated in 1891. Was a member of the Common Coun- cil in 1885-'86, being President of the Council in 1886. Mein- ber of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library from 1886 to 1890. Member of the Legis- lature in 1888-'89. He was elected to serve on the Board of Overseers of the Poor for the year 1896, and has been a meni- ber of the board since that DR. MICHAEL F. SULLIVAN. time. He was National Treas- urer of Foresters of America from 1893 to 1895, and National Medical Examiner of the same order from 1895 to 1899. Dr. Sullivan is a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society and the Galen Medical Society. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, F. of A., A. O. H., C. M. B. A., and Y. M. Catholic Association.
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