USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Somerville, Mass.; the beautiful city of seven hills, its history and opportunities > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11
117
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
MEYERS'
PUTZ
CREAM
WHITE
POLISH
METAL® AMERICAN METAL POLISH CO. BOSTON. MASS .USA
PUTZ CREAM
For Cleaning Brass, Copper, Nickel and Auto Trimmings
SILVA PUTZ
For Cleaning Gold, Silver and Precious Stones
SILVA PUTZ THE
RED
CROSS
TRADO
MARK
Silver Polish SPECIALLY PREPARED BY AMERICAN METAL POLISH CO BOSTON, MASS. USA
These two articles are manufactured in your home city-are widely distributed over the world. They are made on honor, and have been for over twenty-five years.
AMERICAN METAL POLISH CO.
89 Winslow Avenue, West Somerville, Mass.
URE ICE
1
ICE CUTTING Brookline N.M.
IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR WATER-PITCHER SICK-ROOM IT PAYS
"Where the water supply Is suspicious ... you can get a safe drink by melting down clear nat- ural Ice: because in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred clear Ice when melted givee pure water. ... I am a thorough believer In the wholesomeness and wisdom of the general use of ice water. *** Tha principal physiological effect of ice-water Is that of a powerful and, when one le habituated to it, a most agreeable stimulue; and I have never eeen or heard of any good evidence that this atim. ulus was harmful."
Dr. Wm. T. Sedgwick, Professor of Biology and Lecturer on Sanitary Science and Public Health, Mass. Institute of Technology, Boston.
"Nature has safeguarded the production of natural Ice In a remarkable degree. As the tempera- ture falls in the quiet winter nights and the sheet of crystal creeps downward, selective forces draw together and fuse into the mass one substance, water; and push aside the Impurities, tha organic matter, the salte, the bacterla, Into the black depths below." Dr. C. E. Winslow, Associate Professor of Biology, College of the City of New York.
"There Is hardly a thing on the public market to-day that Is consumed In the households of this state that Is less liable to convey Infection and is less dangerous to the community at large than the ice that you sell." Dr. Eugene H. Porter, Health Commiseloner of New York State. From address before the Natural Ice Association of America.
"A more extensive use of natural ice as a drinking water would ald In the reduction of typhoid fever and make a more useful and easily attainable supply of safe drinking water within the reach . of "every one." John C. Sparks, B. Sc., F. C. S., Water Expert of New York City.
"The buelness of supplying Ice has become a public service, because Ice has become a necessity of modern civilization. It saves bables' lives; It keepe our food fresh; it protects our health; and is a source of comfort to all of us In one way or another throughout the year. **. Ice purifies Itself in freezing .- Cold Ice Is a warm bleselng " Dr. M. J. Rosenau, Professor of Preventive Medicina and Hygiene, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
We shall be pleased to open accounte with responalble persona. Drivara are required to collect cash from customers not having accounta In our office and they are alao required to alve FULL WEIGHT,
A cubic Inch of Ice weighs .033 pounde. A cubic foot of Ice welghs 37 pounds. 9 pounds of ice melted makes 1 gallon of PURE WATER.
OUR BUSINESS IS TO SERVE-TRY US.
FRESH. POND ICE COMPANY
Telephonee :
Cambridge 444 Somerville $30
Both phones ars connected with the main office at 321 WASHINGTON ST., SOMERVILLE
SOMERVILLE AS A CITY OF HOMES
CHAPTER VI. .
Throughout all the land over which float the stars and stripes, towns and cities have names of interest other than offi- cial ones, and while Somerville is the legal name of our own place, it is also known as the "city of homes." In the best sense it is a city of homes, a place of peaceful shelter, for the children and their parents.
When compared with surrounding cities and towns, nature has done much for Somerville. On one side the Mystic river flows swiftly along to the sea ; on the north and west are Tufts College and Harvard University; to the south and east the golden dome of the State House above Boston's historic com- mon and the heights of Bunker Hill are silent reminders of early days of the struggle for freedom. In the midst of these surroundings, Somerville rests on her seven hills of historic beauty. The hills are veined with streets lined with fine resi- dences which are the homes of a splendid citizenship-loyal, self-supporting, progressive, and in the valleys between are the many manufacturing and business interests, contributing to the financial vigor of the city's life.
As a town, set apart from Charlestown, Somerville at first was not unlike a prosperous farming district, but after its in- corporation as a city its growth was wonderfully rapid, and the demand for homes kept builders and contractors busy for many years. In the construction of some sections the builders adopted artistic architectural designs, and the result has been that many homes have good views, plenty of air and sunshine, and comfortable interiors.
Besides the natural beauty of the city as a place of residence, it has many other attractions which invite the attention of refined and cultured people, chief of which are the schools, which are among the finest in the country. It also is the banner "no- license" city of the commonwealth, which makes it a most desirable place for young people. With the educational, social, and religious privileges in Somerville, it is in reality an ideal "city of homes."
LIEUT .- GOVERNOR'S HOME, HIGHLAND AVENUE
A PEARL STREET HOME
4
A WALNUT STREET HOME
TWO-FAMILY HOUSE, BROADWAY
OUR CITIZENSHIP CHAPTER VII.
Progressive-Enthusiastic-Loyal
The citizenship of any locality, the dominating personality of its leaders and representatives, exerts a marked influence, and indicates to those contemplating a change of residence or business where to enjoy the freedom and privilege to which every good man is entitled.
In the National Congress at Washington a Somerville man has been found as a leading spirit ; she has given to the state its present lieutenant-governor, its state treasurer, and several leaders in its legislative branches; the great county of Middlesex has had for many years her noted journalist and financier as its treasurer; and her citizens have been re- peatedly called to positions of honor, when unquestioned in- tegrity, splendid ability, and thorough fitness have been neces- sary to the greatest success.
Ours is a magnificent citizenship, in which is combined all the good qualities of head and heart. Somerville citizens first of all are loyal to Somerville's interests, working steadily for her advancement and giving generously of thought, time, and money for her best good. In the scientific world of to-day Somerville's sons stand in the front rank; in the educational line she has graduated from her schools many who have at- tained leadership; in the business world she is represented by many masters of industry; in the whole land there are to be found no more loyal patriots.
This city of homes has always an open door and a cordial - welcome for all who seek its residential and business advan- tages with a purpose to aid in the upbuilding of its institu- tions, the advancement of its people, and the success of its citizenship.
We introduce to you in this book, by portraits and sketches, some of the progressive men of Somerville whose influence can be counted upon to hold the city in the com- manding position she now occupies.
124
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
HON. ROBERT LUCE Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts
"The man who devotes his energies to the affairs of state is a public servant ; if his chief aims are selfish, he is a politician; if he seeks the greatest good for the greatest number, he is a statesman."
Robert Luce, Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts, is a statesman in the broadest sense; he has served the state long and well, and has added to the dignity and renown of the Commonwealth. His name is the synonym for honor,
125
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
integrity, and ability in public affairs throughout Massachu- setts. He has been a potent factor in the making of recent Massachusetts history. He is the son of Enos Thompson and Phoebe (Learned) Luce, and was born December 2, 1862, in Auburn, Me. His father, who is now judge of the district court at Waltham, was then lieutenant-colonel of the Twenty- third Maine Regiment in front of Washington.
On his father's side, Robert Luce is descended from Edward Doty, who came over in the Mayflower. The family resided in Auburn until 1869, then in Lewiston, where they remained until 1874, when they became residents of Somer- ville. Robert entered the Somerville High School, from which he was graduated in 1877, being the youngest member of his class. Entering Harvard College in 1878, he devoted a large part of his time to the study of history, political economy, and English. At graduation he received honorable mention in all three studies. He was one of the founders of the first Harvard daily paper and it was doubtless his connec- tion with the college paper that turned him toward journalism as a profession. He received the degree of A. B. in 1882, and the next year his A. M. He has been associated with several Boston daily papers and periodicals. In 1888 he started the Press Clipping Bureau, which has since been his chief concern. In 1908 he passed the bar examination and engaged in the practice of the law. He is the author of several successful books, including "Writing for the Press," the fifth edition of which has recently been published; "Electric Railways," "Go- ing Abroad," of which five editions have been published. An important contribution to political science is his article on "Elections," written for the new Encyclopedia Americana.
Lecturing and public speaking have been an important phase of his career, and he is one of the best known and at the same time most eloquent and learned speakers in Massachu- setts. He was elected nine times to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and during his terms of office he served on the more important committees. He was active in much legislation for the public welfare aimed against selfish interests eager to exploit the weakness of humanity, and was recognized as one of the ablest debaters and best-informed men on subjects of legislation. He was elected Lieutenant-Governor in 1911. In 1885 Mr. Luce married Miss Mabelle Clifton Farnham, daughter of Hiram L. and Elizabeth A. Farnham of Somerville.
HON. CHARLES A. BURNS Mayor of Somerville
127
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
CHARLES A. BURNS, the present mayor of Somerville, was born in Wilton, N. H., in 1863, the son of the late Hon. Charles H. and Sarah N. Burns, and a nephew of the late Mayor Mark F. Burns.
Mr. Burns received his education in the public schools of Wilton, at St. Paul's school, Concord, and at Chauncy Hall school, Boston, being graduated from the last-named school in 1881. He first entered the cotton manufacturing business, leav- ing it in 1890 to engage in the soapstone business. He is pro- prietor of the Union Soapstone Company, 14 Marshall street, Boston.
He resided in Wilton until 1894, when he moved to Somer- ville, and made his home at 27 Thurston street, where he and his family still live. He became actively interested in politics in 1905, in which year he was elected to the board of aldermen from ward 5, and served four years, three years as ward alderman and one year as alderman-at-large, and was vice-president of the board in 1908 and president in 1909. In 1910 he was elected mayor, after winning the Republican nomination in a lively con- test. He is now serving his second term as mayor, having been re-elected in 1911. His administration has been marked by progress and achievement. Perhaps its most notable material works are those now being undertaken, namely, the new public library and the enlargement of the high school.
Mr. Burns has been identified long with the Winter Hill Congregational church, having served as a member and chair- man of its executive committee, and is now clerk of the church. He is a member of the Central Club, of which he has been a director ; is a trustee of the Somerville Institution for Savings ; a director of the Wilton Railroad, and belongs to various civic organizations. He is a Mason, being a past master of Clinton lodge of Wilton, and belongs to numerous other fraternal societies.
HON. WALTER S. GLIDDEN
139
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
HON. WALTER S. GLIDDEN is a citizen of whom Somerville is justly proud, whose interest in the civic, social, and business welfare is most marked, and one of whom it can truthfully be said, "He is a true friend and a just man." Mr. Glidden was born in Pittston, now Randolph, Me., April 30, 1856, and came to Somerville from Charlestown when it began to develop into a city form of life, and has materially aided in its expansion socially and financially. Called upon to represent the larger district, of which Somerville is an important part, he served as a member of the governor's council in 1908, 1909, 1910 and 1911 with such force and ability as to win him enthusiastic ap- proval of his fellow citizens in his public career, which promises to lead on to national affairs. Mr. Glidden has been generous with his influence, his voice, and his financial strength in secur- ing political preferment for many citizens, who have held offices of honor and responsibility, as well as in everything that is beneficial to the best interest of his adopted city.
Mr. Glidden is vice-president of the Charlestown Five Cents Savings Bank, and a member of the investment committee; on the executive committee of the Beacon Trust Company ; presi- dent of the Contractors' Mutual Liability Insurance Company ; director of the Massachusetts Fire and Marine Insurance Com- pany ; on the investment committee of the Winter Hill Co- operative Bank, and vice-president of the Mutual Protective Fire Insurance Company. He is president of the Winchester Home for Aged Women, Sands, Furber Company, L. A. John- son Company, J. H. Whiton Company, and Hinckley Rendering Company. He is a director in the New England Dressed Meat and Wool Company, and is a trustee of the Somerville hospital, Somerville Home for the Aged, Hunt's Home for Orphan Chil- dren, and Somerville Home Building Association. He is a member of Boston Chamber of Commerce, Boston Fruit and Produce Exchange, Algonquin Club, Boston Art Club, and Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.
Mr. Glidden is a member of Faith and Soley lodges, A. F. and A. M .; Signet Royal Arch Chapter of Charlestown; Coeur de Lion commandery, Knights Templar; is a thirty-second degree Mason; member of Olive Branch lodge, I. O. O. F., Charlestown ; the Central Club of Somerville, and a member of Somerville lodge of Elks. Mr. Glidden has a beautiful home, 380 Broadway, at the top of Winter Hill, where he resides with his daughter,
J. FRANK MIXER
131
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
J. FRANK MIXER, one of Somerville's prominent and re- spected citizens, was born in Rindge, N. H., April 15, 1859. His business, social, and political activities have been directed in the interest of city and friends. He is president of Mixer Brothers Company in the business of leasing private telegraph and tele- phone lines. Mr. Mixer was a member of the board of alder- men in 1906, 1907, and 1908. He is a member of Common- wealth lodge, I. O. O. F .; Trimount encampment, and Shaw- mut Canton, all of Boston; Patriarchs Militant, and is national treasurer, with the rank of brigadier-general ; he is also a mem- ber of Soley lodge, A. F. and A. M .; Aleppo temple, Mystic Shrine, and a thirty-second degree Mason. Mr. Mixer is a member of the Central Club, of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery, the Clarendon Club, the Somerville Board of Trade, and the Somerville lodge of Elks, of which he is a trustee. He is also the president of the Somerville Baseball Club.
HENRY H. FOLSOM is a lawyer, with offices at 209 Washington street, Boston. He was born in Ports- mouth, N. H., August 28, 1871, and in 1877 his father moved to Somerville, re- maining here until 1882, during which time the son was a pupil in the Forster school. His father moved to. Dover, N. H., in 1882, where Mr. Folsom gradu- ated from the high school. He attended Dartmouth Col- lege, graduating in 1892, after which he was principal of the Hopkinton high school, subsequently accepting a call as principal of the Gardner (Mass.) high school, where he re- mained three years. In 1898 he married Mary R. Hardy, of Dover, N. H., and returned to Somerville to reside. He is a member of several Masonic bodies, the Central Club, and other associations. Mr. Folsom has been a member of the school committee since 1906, and is now chairman of the board.
132
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
FRANK W. KAAN, city so- licitor of Somerville since 1897, was born in Medford September 11, 1861, but has lived the greater part of his life in Somerville. He at- tended the public schools of this city, and graduated from Harvard College in 1883. He then taught for one year in a boys' school in Buffalo, N. Y., and for one year was sub- master in the Waltham high school. He graduated from the Harvard law school in 1888, receiving the degrees of A. M. and LL. B. He was clerk of the overseers of the poor in this city from 1888 to 1892, a member of the common coun- cil in 1893 and 1894, being president the latter year, and was a representative in the general court in 1895 and 1896. Mr. Kaan is a member of the Central Club, treasurer of the Somer- ville Playgrounds Association, a director in the Somerville Trust Company, a member of the Exchange Club and the Twentieth Century Club, both of Boston, and secretary and one of the directors of the Home for Aged Women on Revere street in Boston. He is a past master of John Abbot lodge, A. F. and A. M., and was for several years one of the state lecturers. and is a past senior warden and a permanent member of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. He is engaged in the general practice of law at 50 State street, Boston, in partnership with Robert Luce, of this city.
133
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
GEORGE S. LOVEJOY, of 167 Highland avenue, was born in Boston, Mass., April 1, 1860, and is one of Somerville's most genial and popular citizens. His business ability is proven by his management of the General Storage De- partment of the Quincy Mar- ket Cold Storage and Ware- house Company, of Boston, and in his social life he is known as a royal good fellow.
Mr. Lovejoy is a member of John Abbot lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Somerville Royal Arch Chapter; . Orient council, Royal and Select Masters; Boston commandery, Knights Templar ; Aleppo Temple, Mystic Shrine; Eastern Star lodge, I. O. O. F .; Somerville lodge of Elks (charter member), A. O. U. W .; and the Central Club, being president of the latter organization in 1908, 1909, and 1910.
Mr. Lovejoy is active in the civic life of Somerville, being a director of the Winter Hill Co-operative bank, vice-president of the Somerville Institution for Savings, served in the board of aldermen, 1904 and 1905. In 1912 elected as a delegate from the 8th Congressional District to the National Republican Convention at Chicago to elect a nominee for President of the United States, and is ever ready to work for the advance- ment of her best interests.
134
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
ZEBEDEE E. CLIFF has added to the city's income over $1,000,000 annually through his enterprising ef- forts as a builder, having erected most of the handsome residences on Powder House boulevard and Powder House terrace, and in ward 7 he has built more than 100 houses. Mr. Cliff settled in West Somerville in the spring of 1890, and at that time and for four years later he was employed in Boston, where he built a number of dwellings. He has been in the building business on his own account since 1894, and from that time on he has built in Somerville houses architecturally beautiful, con- veniently arranged, and substantial. Mr. Cliff was born in Fredericton, N. B., September 23, 1864, the son of William Cliff, who was a lumber operator. He was educated in the public schools of his native city, and when eighteen years old came to Boston and learned the trade of carpenter. He has served as a representative in the Legislature for the past four years. He was president of the West Somerville Board of Trade in 1902 and 1903, an alderman in 1905 and 1906, and a member of the Board of Health in 1907, 1908, and 1909. He is a member of the Master Builders' Association of Boston, John Abbot lodge, A. F. and A. M .; Coeur de Lion Com- mandery, Knights Templar; Caleb Rand lodge, I. O. O. F., and the ward 7 Republican committee. He resides in a
beautiful house at 29 Powder House terrace. Ma1 1914-15-16-17
135
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
LEON M. CONWELL is the editor of the Somerville Journal, and for the past three years has been a member of the House of Representatives from the Twenty-sixth Middlesex dis- trict. During these years he has been a member of the ways and means com- mittee, and has had oppor- tunity to serve effectively his city and state in many ways. Mr. Conwell was born in Somerville in 1870. For many years he lived in Philadelphia, where his father, Rev. Russell H. Conwell, D. D., is pastor of the Bap- tist Temple and president of Temple University. He gradu- ated from Princeton University in 1892, and for twelve years he was employed as reporter and in various editorial capacities with the Philadelphia Record and Philadelphia Press. He came to Somerville in 1904 as editor of the Somerville Jour- nal. In 1907 and 1908 he was a member of the school com- mittee from ward 6. Mr. Conwell is a member of the Central Club, and was secretary for four years. He is president of the College Club of Somerville and of the Princeton Alumni Association of New England. He is an active member of the Perkins Street Baptist church, and is past president of the Somerville Baptist Social Union. He is a member of the Board of Trade, of the Somerville Y. M. C. A., of the Fourth of July Association, of the Middlesex Club, and of the Sub- urban and Massachusetts Press Associations. His residence is 17 Monmouth street. !
136
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
DANIEL M. FRYE, who was born in Berwick, Me., No- vember 6, 1855, is known and respected throughout Somerville, and especially so by the members of the New England Order of Protec- tion, having served eighteen years as supreme secretary of the order. As a resident of Somerville Mr. Frye has been a public-spirited citizen. He served as a member of the board of aldermen dur- ing 1891, 1893, and 1894, and as vice-president for one year. He is secretary of the Beneficiary Societies' Union of Massachusetts ; president of the Sons of Maine Club of Somerville, 1908-1909 ; president of the Somerville Golf Club for three years, and is a member of Springvale lodge, No. 190, A. F. and A. M., Springvale, Me. Mr. Frye is a member of Winter Hill lodge, K. of P., and has been chairman of the fraternal correspondence committee of the Grand Lodge of the Knights of Pythias for a number of years. For ten consecutive years he was a member of the Somerville Republican City Committee, and is a member of the Somerville Board of Trade.
EDWIN. L. PRIDE is one of Somerville's efficient and ac- tive men, who, by his ability as an accountant, has become widely known among sub- stantial business corporations and individuals. His interest in Somerville affairs, its re- ligious and social life, has been for good, winning for him the good will of a large circle of acquaintances. Mr. Pride was born in Beverly, Mass, January 3, 1866, and came to Somerville in 1896. He is a member of Soley
137
SOMERVILLE BOARD OF TRADE.
lodge, A. F. & A. M .; De Molay commandery, Knights Templar; and is a 32d degree Mason; also a member of the Boston Chamber of Commerce; Somerville Board of Trade ; and an active member of the Boston Athletic Association. His office is at the corner of Broad and Central streets, Boston, and his home at 9 Browning road, Somerville.
HON. LEONARD B. CHAND- LER, the twelfth mayor of Somerville, was born in Prince- ton, Mass., August 29, 1851, and was educated in the schools of his native town. At the age of nineteen years he came to Charlestown, and en- tered the milk business, in which he has since been continuously engaged. He has resided at 45 Jaques street, Winter Hill dis- trict, since 1872. He was a member of the Common Coun- cil in 1893 and 1894, the Board of Aldermen in 1895 and 1896, the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1897, 1898, and 1899, and the Massachusetts Senate in 1902 and 1903. He served Somerville as its mayor in 1904 and 1905, and will be known in the years to come, in connection with municipal work, for his great interest and efforts in securing the planting, along many of our streets, of 2,000 shade trees. Ex-Mayor Chandler is a member of John Abbot lodge, A. F. & A. M .; Somerville Royal Arch chapter; Orient council; Coeur de Lion com- mandery ; is a past grand and member of Paul Revere lodge, Winter Hill encampment, and Erminie Rebekah lodge of the I. O. O. F. ; past leader of Harmony council ; Home Circle ; A. O. U. W .; New England Order of Protection; Somerville lodge of Elks; Somerville Board of Trade and the Ward Four Republican Club.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.