USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > The story of Worcester, Massachusetts (1934) > Part 9
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John Boynton, of Templeton, founded Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1865. He set aside the sum of $100,000 for the endow-
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ment of the school; Hon. Stephen Salisbury, Sr., and Hon. Stephen Salisbury, Jr., were liberal contributors. This school was opened in 1868 and was one of the first of its kind in the country. It is recognized as one of the leading scientific schools. There are several large and well equipped buildings, and fifty-five acres of land. The electrical engineering building alone cost $250,000. It was the first school in the country to establish workshops as an adjunct to the training of the engineer.
In 1904 the Assumption College was founded by the Augustinian Fathers of the Assumption, whose mother house is in Paris. The first building was a frame house in Greendale, but the institution grew so rapidly that it became necessary to erect additions in 1907, and again in 1912, 1921, and 1926. In 1917 it received a charter from the Massachusetts Legislature. I'ts original purpose was to prepare boys for the priesthood.
By an Act of the State Legislature in 1871 the State Normal School, as it was originally called, was opened September 15, 1874. The establishment in 1921 of a four-year course leading to the degree of Bachelor of Education was an important event and a great step for- ward in the improvement of the professional
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preparation of teachers. The first principal, E. Harlow Russell, was a pioneer in the investi- gation of the child as a problem of instruction . and did much to advance the study and knowl- edge of child life. Some years ago the authori- ties of Massachusetts considered the plant of the old Normal School inadequate for its needs, and land was purchased at the corner of Chandler and May Streets for the site of the present State Teachers' College. On April 30, 1932 the newly created State Teachers' College was dedicated.
In 1834, under the auspices of the Baptist denomination, Worcester Academy was founded and incorporated under the name The Worcester County Manual Labor School. It was situated on a farm on the easterly side of Main Street and extended back to the railroad. Many of the students worked on the farm to pay for their education. In 1860 the buildings and land were sold and for ten years the school occupied the old Antiquarian Hall on Summer Street. In 1870 it moved into the building which was formerly the Dale Hospital, now known as Davis Hall. In 1886, Dr. Daniel W. Abercrombie became principal of the Academy and under his guidance many new buildings were added to care for the increasing number
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of students and to give the institution all the advantages of a modern preparatory school. Gaskill field, costing $70,000, is one of the best athletic fields in New England. In 1932 Mr. Harry Warner of New York erected the beautiful Lewis J. Warner Memorial in mem- ory of his son, Lewis J. Warner.
In 1900 a group of parents made possible the opening of the Bancroft School named in honor of George Bancroft, historian and Secre- tary of the Navy, who was born in Worcester. It provides education for children of all grammar grades and for girls of high school grade. In 1917 a boarding department was opened to provide for girls outside of Worces- ter who wished to share the privileges of the school, and "Gray Gables" was built to house these girls. The high standard of the school and the creditable records of its graduates in higher institutions of learning have resulted in its endorsement by the leading colleges.
In addition to the public schools and the private schools already mentioned, we have in the city a growing system of parochial schools under the jurisdiction of the various parishes in which they are located. They are taught by members of various orders of religious who are well trained in the teaching profession.
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The oldest parochial schools in Worcester are in St. John's parish. The parish school for girls opened in 1872 with an attendance of 300. The Christian Brothers opened the Boys' School on Temple Street with 240 pupils. Today there is a total enrollment of 7,878 in all of the parochial schools. Under the present head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, Bishop Thomas M. O'Leary, the establishment of a larger program of school construction was begun, and there are now sixteen parochial schools. The parishes of St. John's, Ascension, St. Anne's, and St. Peter's maintain high schools.
For many years there has been a general interest in industrial education among Worces- ter's educators and manufacturers. In 1908 the City Council authorized an industrial school for boys and within four years there were 400 day pupils and nearly 800 men in the evening classes. The aim of the school is to give a thorough training along trade lines.
In 1910 a sub-committee of the trustees of the Boys' Trade School was chosen to investi- gate and report a plan for a trade school for girls. After careful investigation, the trustees voted, in March 1911, that steps should be taken at once to insure the opening of a trade
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school for girls. In six months from that date, the large brick building at 2 State Street known as the Wetherell Estate had been leased, the house put in condition, a director engaged, equipment purchased and installed and on September 20, 1911, the Girls' Trade School was opened. At the end of the third year the building on State Street was over- crowded. In 1917 an appropriation of $65,000 was made toward the purchase of a site for a new building. Shortly after the land near the corner of Chatham and High Streets had been purchased, Mr. David H. Fanning, a public- spirited citizen, presented to the city the sum of $100,000 toward the erection of a new edifice to be known as the David Hale Fanning Trade School for Girls. The new building, the cost of which was $355,000, was dedicated December 20, 1921.
Schools, colleges, museums, and libraries offer rich opportunities for cultural development. The Worcester Free Public Library comprises an invaluable collection of books, pamphlets, maps and pictures. The Worcester Free Public Library, in spite of crowded quarters, holds an honored place among American public libraries. There are 50,000 active borrowers and thou- sands more use the reference, magazine and
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newspaper rooms. There are 1,250,000 books in circulation annually. During the depression thousands of our citizens have turned to it for self-education. As an educational institution it is second in value to the public school system.
Worcester is a cultural center. The ad- vantages offered to Worcester citizens are continually increasing. Public questions are discussed by the members of the Economic Club, Worcester Foreign Policy Association, and the People's Forum. Concerts sponsored by the Art Museum, the Civic Music Associa- tion, and many other musical societies delight thousands. The flower exhibitions held in the hall of the Worcester Horticultural Society attract thousands. There are many literary societies of which the Shakespeare Club is the oldest. The Fine Arts Course held at Clark University is known far beyond the bounds of Worcester. And for those who aspire to still higher opportunities the Aldrich Astronomical Society, named in honor of the late Fred D. Aldrich, noted astronomer, reveals the infinite to enrich the mind and nourish the spirit.
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APPENDIX BIOGRAPHIES
T. O THE unforgotten man all world progress is due. It is to the men of creative power that the advance of civilization must be credited. Washington, Lincoln, Wilson, Edison, and similar men are the levers that move civilization forward. Our great debt is to the leaders in every field of activity; in science, art, education, religion, and government. Only a few men in each generation push the trend of life a notch upward. The following are the unforgotten men of Worcester.
DANIEL GOOKIN : Soldier, colonizer, and author. In 1674 wrote "Historical Collections of the Indians in New England, of the several nations, customs, manners, religions, and government before the English planted there." In 1677 wrote an account of suffer- ings of the Christian Indians during 1675-76-77. An eighteen-volume history of New England which . he left in manuscript form. Born in Ireland, 1612; went to Virginia, 1621. Became converted to belief of Massachusetts Bay Colony and left Virginia for Boston, May 1664. Member of first and second commission to attempt settlement at Lake Quin- sigamond. Attained rank of Major-General during forty years service for Massachusetts Bay Colony. Died, March 19, 1687.
TIMOTHY BIGELOW: Delegate to Provincial Congress at its first and second sessions. Born in Worcester, Mass., August 12, 1739. One of most daring patriots of the American Revolution. Trained his
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minute men on Worcester Common, marched them to Cambridge when call came from Lexington; there he was advanced to rank of Major and given command of a division of Arnold's army in expedi- tion against Quebec. At Quebec captured by British, exchanged and returned to Massachusetts. Later promoted to rank of Lieut .- Colonel of 15th Massachusetts troop of the Continental line and joined General Gates' army. After the war, physi- cally disabled, given command of national arsenal at Springfield, Mass. Ill health compelled him to return home. Imprisoned for debt, February 15, 1790. Died a month later at age of fifty-one.
STEPHEN SALISBURY, I: A member of the patriot party and served on important town committees during the Revolution. Born in Boston, Mass., September 25, 1746 and came to Worcester in 1767 for the purpose of establishing a store. He located his store at Lincoln Square and his farm was to the north of the store.
STEPHEN SALISBURY, II: One of the most important financial figures of Massachusetts in his day. Leading merchant and capitalist of Worcester. Was one of the prime movers in establishing Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Born in Worcester, Mass., March 8, 1798. Graduated from Harvard in 1817 and studied law. Died, 1884.
STEPHEN SALISBURY, III: Conspicuously active and useful in many educational, charitable, and his- torical institutions. One of the most liberal sup- porters of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, giving at one time $300,000 and leaving another large bequest when he died. Gave Institute Park to the city in 1887. In 1896 gave land for the Art Museum and was the chief donor of the building. In 1900 built the Bancroft Tower, and since his death Bancroft Hill has been given to the city by the trustees of the Art Museum in accordance with
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his wishes. Born in Worcester, March 31, 1835. Educated in private schools, Worcester High School, and Harvard College. Traveled extensively in Europe studying in leading European institutions. ISAIAH THOMAS: Issued first copy of Massachusetts Spy. Established a paper mill in Worcester, 1783. Con- trolled sixteen presses, seven of which were in Worcester. Printed the first folio Bible in America and became largest publisher in the country. Founder of the American Antiquarian Society which was organized November 19, 1812, and was its first president, which office he held until his death. . Born, January 19, 1749, in Boston, Mass. Died, April 4, 1831.
ICHABOD WASHBURN: Philanthropist, inventor and founder of Washburn and Moen Manufacuring Company, now consolidated with American Steel and Wire Company now a constituent company of United States Steel Corporation-the largest con- cern of its kind in- the world. At age of sixteen walked from his birthplace in Kingston, Mass., to Worcester where he secured work in a forge. Had little money but even then he contributed to various worthy objects. Made first woolen condenser and long-roll spring-jack ever made in Worcester county and one of the first in country. His fortune was given by his will to the city of Worcester. Gave a large machine shop to Worcester Polytechnic Insti- tute when it was founded in 1868. The Memorial Hospital stands as a fitting memorial to him. Died, December 30, 1868.
LEVI LINCOLN, SR .: Acting-Governor of Massachusetts in 1808. Born in Hingham, Mass., 1749. Grad- uated from Harvard, 1772. Began law practice in Worcester, 1775. Married Miss Waldo of Boston in 1781. Made Judge of Probate; delegate to Con- stitutional Convention of Massachusetts. Served in Congress, 1800. Attorney-General of United States
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until 1805. State Councillor of Massachusetts, 1806. Lieut .- Governor, 1807-1808. Died, 1820.
LEVI LINCOLN, JR .: Served nine terms as Governor of Massachusetts, 1825-1834,first Mayor of Worcester. Served thirty-six years in public life. Vice-president of the American Antiquarian Society. Member of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Entertained Clay, Webster, J. Q. Adams, and Edward Everett at Lincoln Street home. Outstanding citizen of Worcester for a generation. Died, 1868.
JOHN DAVIS: Governor of Massachusetts, 1834. Born January 13, 1783 in Northborough, Mass. Grad- uated from Yale in 1812. Admitted to Worcester County Bar, 1815. Whig representative to Congress, 1824. Resigned, January 1835, as Governor to serve in United States Senate. Again Governor of Massachusetts, 1841. Elected to United States Senate upon death of Isaac C. Bates. Served until 1853. Twenty-five years public service. Died, April 1854, at Lincoln Street home, Worcester, Mass. DR. JOHN GREEN: Striking figure, six feet tall, slight and stooping; eyes keen and observing. Born i Worcester, April 19, 1784. Received honorary degrees in medicine from Harvard and Brown Universities in 1827. Books and book collecting his hobby. Endowed Worcester Free Public Library with his private collection of over 7000 volumes when it was established, December 23, 1859. Later supplemented this by nearly 5000 volumes. Died 1865 and in his will left City of Worcester $30,000 as an endowment for a department created by him in that institution.
GEORGE BANCROFT: Son of noted Aaron Bancroft, clergyman, who served his parish in Worcester for over fifty years. George was born, October 3, 1800, in Worcester. Graduated from Harvard University at seventeen years. Traveled five years and studied abroad on a scholarship from Harvard.
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Founded famous Round Hill School for Boys at Northampton. In 1834 announced "I have formed a design of writing a History of the United States from the discovery of the American Continent to the present time." Thus began one of the most important works of his life which ranks him as one of the leading American historians. Collector of Port of Boston, 1838-1841; Secretary of Navy, 1845. While holding this office he founded Naval Academy at Annapolis. Minister to England, 1846- 49. Minister to Russia, 1867-74. Honorary degrees conferred upon him by many European and Ameri- can universities. Died in Washington, January 17, 1891. Buried in Rural Cemetery, Worcester, Mass. REV. JAMES FITTON : Erected a building on Packachoag Hill for purpose of educating young men, 1840. This was the nucleus for Holy Cross College. Of Welsh and English extraction. Was born in Boston, 1803, and attended public schools of that city. Ordained to Priesthood, 1827. Died while pastor of Church of Most Holy Redeemer in Boston, September 15, 1881.
ABBY KELLY FOSTER: Founder of the Anti-slavery Bugle. One of the first women lecturers. One of the organizers of Webster Anti-slavery Society. One of the first women admitted to membership in American Anti-slavery Society. Born of Irish- Quaker parents in Pelham, Mass., January 15, 1811. Married Stephen S. Foster, 1845, an ardent abolitionist. Prior to 1850, she began to interest herself in equal suffrage. Later she refused to pay taxes because she was not allowed to vote. Died, 1888 -- seven years after her husband.
JONAS G. CLARK: Founder of Clark University. Philan- thropist, successful business man. Born in Hub- bardston, Mass., February 1, 1815. Built and endowed with $2,000,000 the university which bears his name, 1887. He was privileged to see its
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development for research and post-graduate courses in higher education before his death in Worcester, May 23, 1900.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON BULLOCK : Native of Royalston. Became Governor of Massachusetts, November 7, 1865. Admitted to Bar, 1841. Served in Massa- chusetts House of Representative, 1845-1848. State Senate, 1849. Mayor of Worcester, 1859. Again elected to House of Representatives, 1861. Made Speaker the following January. Editor of Whig newspaper of Worcester, National Aegis, 1842. Died, January 17, 1882.
ELI THAYER: Teacher and Principal of Worcester Academy, 1845-1849. Then founded a girls' school. Inventor of hydraulic elevator. Born in Mendon, Mass., June 11, 1819. Came to Worcester to prepare for college. Graduated from Brown University. In due time, a member of School Committee, an Alder- man, member of House of Representatives, member of Congress, delegate from Oregon to National Republican Convention, 1860. Established Emi- grant Aid Society in New England, 1854. Furthered the friendly invasion of West Virginia with Free State Settlers. He founded the town of Ceredo, spending $118,000 in its development. Died in Worcester, April 15, 1899. Funeral services con- ducted in Oread Castle.
MAJ .- GEN. CHARLES DEVENS : Major of Third Battalion of Rifles at outbreak of Revolution. Later com- mander of 15th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteers. Led first Federal troops in the Rich- mond Campaign against that city, April 13, 1865. Born in Charlestown, Mass., April 4, 1820. Received LL.B. at Harvard, 1840. Admitted to Bar, 1844. Moved to Worcester, 1854. City Solicitor, 1856. Appointed by Governor to Bench of Superior Court of Massachusetts, 1866. Attorney-General in Cabinet of President Hayes. Received LL.D.
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from Harvard, 1877. Appointed to Bench of Supreme Court of State. Became a distinguished orator. Died, January 7, 1891.
RUSSELL L. HAWES: Inventor of first practical envelope folding machine in 1857. Later established a factory of his own on Grafton Street which grew into the United States Envelope Co. His inventive genius produced a machine for printing wall-paper and one for making paper bags. Born, 1823, in Leominster. Graduated from Harvard Medical School, 1845, and began practice in Worcester, but the envelope industry interested him. His death occurred in Nice, France, 1867.
GEORGE CROMPTON: Son of inventor of cotton loom. Elder Crompton sold right to manufacture loom. Later, son who was born in England, March 23, 1829, but came to United States at an early age, improved father's loom to manufacture fancy cashmeres by power. Formed partnership with Merrill E. Furbush for manufacture of looms. Later dissolved partnership. At time of his death in Worcester, December 29, 1886, he was sole owner, of Crompton Loom Works and the largest employer of labor and the possessor of one of the largest properties in the city.
GEORGE FRISBIE HOAR: Grandson of Roger Sherman, who was the only American whose name was signed to all four of the great State Papers: The Association of 1774, The Articles of Confederation, The Declaration of Independence, and the Consti- tution of the United States. Born in Concord, Mass., August 29, 1826. Graduate of Harvard University. Began practice of law in Worcester and for many years was head of Bar in . Worcester county. Served in Massachusetts House of Representatives, 1852. Elected to State Senate, 1857. City Solicitor of Worcester, 1860-1877.
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United States Senator, 1877. Served until his death in 1904.
GRANVILLE STANLEY HALL: First President of Clark University. Author of "Adolescence" and con- tributed many articles to scientific journals. Greatest American psychologist. Born, Ashfield, Mass., 1846. Graduated from Williams College, 1867. Studied one year at Union Theological Seminary; two years study of philosophy in Germany; returned to Seminary and graduated, 1871. Professor of philosophy at Antioch College, 1872. Resigned to accept instructorship at Harvard, 1876. After one year, went to Europe and passed three years in scientific study. Went to Johns Hopkins in 1881 and remained until 1889, when he went to Clark University. Died, 1924.
ALICE MORSE EARLE: Authoress; pioneer of study of social and domestic life in colonial New England. First works published in Youth's Companion, Atlantic Monthly and Scribner's. Loveliest book generally conceded to be "Old Time Gardens." Born in Worcester, April 27, 1851. Died, February 16, 1911.
JAMES LOGAN: Mayor of Worcester, 1907. His term of office one of the most constructive in city's history. Born in Scotland, May 6, 1853. Three years later, came to United States, went to work at ten years of age. Entered business college. Started in business partnership with George H. Lowe, of Boston, 1882. Logan, Swift, and Brigham Envelope Co. organ- ized, 1884. New factory built on Grove Street, 1889. This company became part of the United States Envelope Co., 1898. James Logan, first Vice-president and General Manager. Very suc- cessful business man. Received honorary degree from Dartmouth College, 1904. Died in Worcester, November 30, 1929.
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