USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Waltham > Waltham, Massachusetts city directory 1955 > Part 2
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1738 - THE FIRST MILL
Paper manufacturing was the chief business of the town in the early days. Here, in 1788, John Boies, taking advantage of the waterpower privileges on the Charles, built a paper mill. This was soon followed by similar mills at the western and eastern boundaries of the town. In 1812 the Waltham Cotton and Wool Factory Company started operations at the present site of the large mills of the Waltham Bleachery and Dye Works, Inc. on River Street. In 1813 came the Boston Manufacturing Company, famed the world over as the first complete cotton mill to in- clude both spinning and weaving by power under one roof. The Wal- tham Bleachery and Dye Works, Inc., was established in 1820 as the first bleachery and dye works in the world. Buildings are now occupied by Raytheon Manufacturing Company.
1854 - WATCHES
Waltham is often familiarly called the "Watch City" because for years the making of fine watches was its principal industry. The Wal- tham Watch Company, one of the largest manufacturers of watches in the world, made fine watches by machinery as early as 1854.
DIVERSITY OF INDUSTRIES
There are 182 industries, service and warehousing firms. Of the 182, there are 175 industries engaged in the manufacture of watches. clocks, knit goods, precision machinery, furniture, enamelware, jewel bearings, plumbing supplies, paper tubes, dairy and poultry food, pest exterminators, mica products, electrical switches, batteries, salesbooks, loose leaf account systems, grinding wheels, rivets, builders' finish, gauges, rayon metering pumps, and radar and electronics, along with hundreds of other products.
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AGRICULTURE
Although Waltham has long been known throughout the world as the home of high grade industries engaged in the manufacture of quality products, it has always maintained its position as an important agricul- tural center. Here are located the headquarters of the Middlesex County Farm Bureau. In the beautiful section of the city known as Cedar Hill is located the Waltham Field Station, a branch of the University of Massachusetts. Experiments are in progress in vegetable gardening, fruit growing and ornamental horticulture. Civic pride is strong among the residents of Waltham and at the Field Station our citizens receive help and free information regarding the maintenance of their lawns and shrubbery and the general upkeep of the home grounds.
METERS-POST OFFICE RECEIPTS
Statistics of interest show 16,011 electric meters; 20,864 telephone stations, 9,804 water meters; 11,137 gas meters; postal receipts of $736,213.98 as of January 1, 1954.
2300 STORE EMPLOYEES-487 STORES
Waltham stores are well stocked and well managed and carry a complete range of merchandise at prices as favorable as any in the large centers. Approximately 2,300 persons are employed in Waltham's ap- proximate 487 retail outlets on a full-time basis. An extra 1,009 are employed on a part-time basis.
BANKING FACILITIES
The Newton-Waltham Bank & Trust Co, a fine and progressive commercial bank, has resources of $56,670,992.38, as of June 30, 1954. Waltham has a Savings Bank over 100 years old with deposits of $22,044,438.00, as of June 30, 1954. The Waltham Federal Savings & Loan Association was organized in 1880, Federalized March 1, 1937, and the present assets as of June 30, 1954, are $27,464,494.19. The Waltham Citizens National Bank was opened on September 5, 1946 and on June 30, 1954 listed resources of $5,519,416.84. The Guaranty Trust Co, opened January 21, 1952 and has as of June 30, 1954 resources of $3,118,761.89. The Middlesex Family Co-operative Bank started operations on January 25, 1954, and listed resources of $318,187.67 as of June 30, 1954.
24 CHURCHES
There are twenty-four church congregations, also numerous philan- thropic societies, including the Waltham Community Fund, Inc., embrac- ing 8 relief, social service, philanthropic and character-building agencies.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES
Nearly every leading fraternal society has at least one branch in the city, while some have more than one. The stranger in the city will find here to welcome him those affiliated with his own organization.
THEATRES
Two theatres present entertainment of a high grade. The Embassy Theatre has a seating capacity of 2,093.
5,257 HOSPITAL BEDS
There are 4 hospitals, the Waltham Hospital, 203 beds; the Middle- sex County Sanatorium, 370 beds; the Metropolitan State Hospital for the care of mental cases, present capacity being 2,184 beds; and the Walter E. Fernald State School for the Feeble Minded, the oldest of its kind in this country, present capacity 2,250 beds. Murphy Army Hos- pital, 250 beds.
PUBLIC SERVICES
Waltham's water supply is from the Metropolitan District Com- mission. Practically all of the residential and business districts are connected with the sewer of which there are now 81.23 miles. Disposi- tion of the sewage is made through the South Metropolitan system. The tax rate in Waltham was in 1954, $51.50.
VALUATION
The valuation of the city as of January 1, 1954, was $74,896,300. In 1953 there were 19,007 cars registered. There are 8,241 residences and 12,755 families.
TWO UNIQUE INSTITUTIONS
The Hamblin L. Hovey Memorial Institute is a brick structure of attractive design, located at 545 Main Street. A main auditorium seats 1,112. A small lecture hall, served by a kitchen, accommodates approxi- mately 100. Endowed its purpose is to "provide recreation, amusement, instruction and baths" without charge to the men of Waltham. Lectures. and educational extension courses have been provided.
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The Jonas Willis Parmenter Rest Home, directly opposite the In- stitute, provides room and board and medical attendance if needed without charge for stated periods of convalescence to women residents of Waltham upon recommendation of physician.
The above mentioned buildings are models of their type, very well furnished and ably managed. Both are unique institutions doing a splendid work.
WALTHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
Gift of Francis Buttrick is a structure of beauty. Close by is the Waltham Post Office another public building of attractive design.
EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES
Waltham is the center of an area of educational institutions many of which are world-known. Within an area of less than 20 miles are the following prominent educational institutions:
Academy of the Assumption, Academy of Notre Dame, Andover Newton Theological School, Babson Institute, Boston College, Boston University, Cambridge School, Inc., Dana Hall, Emmanuel College, Forsyth School for Dental Hygienists, Harvard University, Jackson College, Lasell Junior College, Leslie School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts School of Art, Milton Academy, New Eng- land Conservatory of Music, Newton Junior College, Northeastern Uni- versity, Perkins Institute & Mass. School for the Blind, Portia Law School, Radcliffe College, Regis College, Sargent School, Simmons Col- lege, Suffolk Law School, Tufts College, Wellesley College, Weston Col- lege, Wheelock School.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Waltham's 7,163 pupils are housed in 16 brick buildings, 269 teach- ers. The high school and 2 junior high schools have excellent gymna- siums. The 2 junior high schools and 6 elementary buildings have adequate assembly halls which are extensively used by the public. Kin- dergarten, opportunity classes, 6 trades, vocal and instrumental music, art, college preparation, business and clerical training are among the educational opportunities.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS
In addition to its public schools, Waltham has five parochial schools, 2 of which provide High School courses. St. Joseph's Grammar School has an enrollment of 915 and St. Mary's High School has an enrollment of 430. St. Charles Grammar and High School an enrollment of 549 and St. Peter's an enrollment of 368.
BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
Brandeis University, one of the nation's youngest institutions of higher learning, was launched in the fall of 1948 with impressive inaugural ceremonies held in the presence of the presidents and of- ficial representatives of more than 200 American and foreign colleges and universities. The University campus includes 197 acres beauti- fully located on hills overlooking the Charles River and sections of Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, Newton and Waltham. Brandeis is named after the late Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis of the United States Supreme Court. The chairman of the Board of Trustees is Mr. Abraham Feinberg, prominent New York industrialist. Dr. Abram L. Sachar, nationally known author and historian, serves as the first Presi- dent of the University. Undergraduate enrollment, September, 1954, 925.
Brandeis admitted its pioneer freshman class of 100 students in the fall of 1948. Each succeeding class has been increased in size and in the academic year 1952-53 the four classes enrolled totaled 750. The University's College of Liberal Arts & Sciences will be stabilized at a normal figure of 800-1,000. The first undergraduate class graduated in 1952.
The University has announced a master plan for the development of its facilities which provide for the construction of 50 new build- ings during a ten year period at a total cost estimated at $22,715,000. Construction on the first buildings has already been accomplished.
Brandeis University places great emphasis upon high academic standards and limits its enrollment so as to retain the advantages inherent in a small student body. Dr. Sachar summarizes the Univer- sity's objectives as follows: "Our intention is to maintain a small institution in which the student-faculty ratio shall be kept at a level where the capacities of each boy and girl may be fully developed." Brandeis participates in inter-collegiate athletic competition; offers Adult Education courses for residents of surrounding communities and presents the usual array of intellectual and cultural events to be found in any academic institution.
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The graduate school in Arts and Sciences opened in September, 1953, leads to the master's degree and doctor's degree in the areas of one of the physical sciences, comparative literature, Near Eastern stud- ies, music, psychology, political science and social relations. Graduate enrollment Sept. 1954, 70.
CHAPEL HILL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
The Chapel Hill School, formerly The Waltham School for Girls, located on Lexington Street, one mile north of City Hall was founded in 1860 by Benjamin Worcester and was co-educational. In 1912 it became the Waltham School for Girls. The property is owned and controlled by the New Church Institute of Education. The estate embraces approxi- mately ten acres of rolling land with sloping hillsides bordered by a clear running stream and made picturesque by beautiful old shade trees. Chapel Hill School embraces studies in grades below the eighth as well as full High School courses. It is a day and boarding school which acts as a home school for young people from the lowest grades through preparation for college. Mrs Robert C. Rounds is principal.
NOTRE DAME TRAINING SCHOOL
One of the very attractive educational institutions of Waltham is the estate of eleven acres forming the grounds of the Notre Dame Train- ing School, and also the Provincial House of the Eastern Province of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. The buildings of stucco are of plain but stately architecture, well set off by most attractive grounds. This institution is operated under the direction of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur which organization started its work in the United States in 1840 and in this Commonwealth in 1849 and in Waltham in 1889.
Recently another building has been constructed. This is a three- story brick structure with cloister connections to the main building on the basement, first and second floors. There are about thirty-five rooms including Community rooms, Library, Class-rooms, Study Hall and Recreation rooms. This building will accommodate about one hundred novices.
SACRED HEART RETREAT HOUSE
Situated at 554 Lexington Street on 37 acres of land is the Sacred Heart Retreat House which holds week-end Retreats for Men, and Days of Recollection for Women.
The Retreat House is conducted by the Stigmatine Fathers who have converted what has been their Juniorate, a training school for future Stigmatine Priests and Brothers, since 1922, into a secluded haven for spiritual thought and guidance. The buildings are nestled in a background of beautiful lawns, shrubbery and trees.
The Sacred Heart Retreat House, founded in 1953, is the first of its kind in this community. Its purpose is to provide spiritual advancement for each individual who may wish to take advantage of its offerings.
GREEN ACRES DAY SCHOOL, INC.
Green Acres Day School, Inc., is located on the old Clark Farm at 399 Lexington Street, Waltham. This farm comprises 30 acres of meadows, woods, and streams. Enrollment is for children between the ages of 2} to 5 years of age and the school provides pre-school and kindergarten training. The enrollment is approximately 100 children covering an area comprising Waltham, Watertown, Belmont, Lexing- ton, and Newton. There are morning, afternoon and all day sessions and transportation is provided.
WALTHAM CHAPTER, AMERICAN RED CROSS
Is now located in its permanent Chapter House at 22 Appleton Street. The new house provides 11 rooms in which all chapter activi- ties can be centered with well equipped offices and spaces for all the different phases of local Red Cross work. There is a good-sized meeting room for working volunteers and for several of the outstanding services of the chapter including blood service, armed forces, community service and disaster relief work. The new Chapter House has been made pos- sible by the contributions of those who appreciate the work of the Red Cross and have supported it for many years. Miss Stella M. Mazur, Executive Director, will have her office in the new Chapter House, and the various activities will radiate from Miss Mazur's office.
THE WALTHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Is Waltham's largest and outstanding civic and commercial or- ganization. Its membership embraces over 500 of the business and civic leaders of the Community. Incorporated in 1917, it has been a dominant factor in the remarkable growth of this city, thus giving a prestige to those enrolled in its membership.
14 RECREATION
With parks, playgrounds and other facilities for outdoor recreation, Waltham is bountifully supplied. In the very heart of the city there is an unusually fine Common of 7.39 acres on which is located a stately as well as attractive City Hall. Prospect Hill Park is a natural beauty spot of 224.91 acres, such as can seldom be found within walking dis- tance of a busy city. It is the highest elevation within the city limits and a vista of over 40 miles is obtained from its vantage points. It is provided with good roads, enticing pathways and camping sites. The State Girl Scouts have spacious grounds at Cedar Hill, left for the pur- pose by Miss Cornelia Warren. The grounds embrace acres with many interesting features and with an area for camp sites, on which Scout Troops from various cities of the Commonwealth locate their camp houses. There is also the High School Athletic Field of 9.94 acres and 21 active playgrounds of 64.81 acres competently supervised with an efficient corps of instructors. The Charles River, with facilities for boating and canoeing in the summer, and ice sports in the winter, has long been famed as a pleasure stream in New England.
MOTOR ROUTES
For the motor enthusiast, Waltham is an ideal center. Many main thoroughfares converge at Waltham Common, giving a choice of routes to the Berkshire Hills, Cape Cod, or the White Mountains. U. S. Route 20 passes through Waltham to Boston, 9 miles east. Route 128 by- passes the city at its westerly boundary with Weston.
LABOR SUPPLY
Waltham has both skilled and unskilled labor. Much of this popu- lation is native New England stock with a permanent residence in the city. Fire hazard and insurance rates are low, land values and rents are reasonable.
INDUSTRIAL SITES
Industrial sites are not too plentiful. A few are still available. The Waltham Chamber of Commerce has for over a score of years maintained an active, alert and able Industrial Development Bureau.
ADVANTAGES OF WALTHAM
Waltham has splended roads, fine schools, congenial social condi- tions. It has a splendid record of achievement, a rated standard of citizenship, convenience to shipping points, nearness to a market, ex- cellent transportation facilities, sanitation above average, abundant recreational and amusement facilities, the advantages of homes in the open spaces combined with urban conveniences-these are the qualities that go to make a city desirable-and Waltham has them all.
The Waltham Chamber of Commerce, composed of over 500 business and civic leaders of the city, welcomes inquiries and will be glad to make a complete and intelligent survey of the situation for acceptable pros- pective industry or business.
Waltham will continue to register a very definite increase in popula- tion, development of its Retail Shopping District and during the next five years will make a decided gain in the number of new residences. With a very favorable cost of living figure and a proximity to Boston, the Waltham district is proving very attractive to many industrial and business houses in addition to home seekers.
WALTHAM IS THE PLACE
WHERE all the operations of cotton cloth were first performed under one roof.
WHERE the first bleachery and dye works in the world was started in 1820.
WHERE chalk crayons were invented and first made.
WHERE kerosene oil was first refined and made available for house- hold usage.
WHERE watches were first successfully manufactured in the United States.
WHERE the first single Board of Government for cities in Massa- chusetts was adopted.
SERVICE CLUBS
Rotary Club-Manson M Dillaway, sec; meets at Unitarian Church, Wednesday 12:15 PM
Kiwanis Club-Harold Bowers, sec; meets at Hovey Memorial Insti- tute, Thursday 12:15 PM
Exchange Club-Laurence Smith, pres; meets at Log Cabin Restau- rant first and third Wednesday of month at 7:00 PM
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Lions Club-Paul Licht, sec; meets at Unity Hall, second and fourth Wednesday of month at 6:30 PM
Zonta Club-Miss Laura Jean Rood, sec; meets at miscellaneous places, first and third Monday of month. No set time.
POPULATION OF WALTHAM
1800
903
1890
18707
1810
1004
1895
20876
1820
1677
1900
23481
1840
2504
1905
26239
1850
4464
1910
27834
1860
6397
1915
30047
1865
6896
1920
30915
1870
9065
1925
34926
1875
9967
1940
40020
1880
11712
1945
43579
1885
14609
1950
47187
HISTORICAL DATA
1835-Francis F Field, a dentist living on River Street, inaugurated school crayons (chalk). Zenas Parmenter secured control of this high- ly promising industry, and a small factory was erected at the corner of Lexington and Pond Streets. Later moved to Felton Street.
1855-Luther and William Atwood produced in a small factory east of Prospect Street Bridge a "clear, sweet-smelling oil" from a petroleum pitch secured from Canadian sources. This discovery led eventually to the first refining in America of Kerosene oil for domestic use.
1860's-Several prosperous shoe factories existed in Waltham during Civil War Days. One concern produced 5,000 pair of "brogans" a month.
1885-Waltham Business Men's Association organized. First of series of splendid and colorful carnivals on the Charles River. Last one during Tercentenary, August 12, 1930.
1894-"Orient" bicycles made by Waltham Manufacturing Company. 1896-American Waltham Manufacturing Company makes "Comet" bicycles.
1911-Aviation Exhibition at Metz Field, 30,000 attend. The first aviation meet of any importance in New England.
1912-Plan D commission form of government considered. Adopted by voters, 1917.
1913-Celebration, 175th Anniversary of township, (1738). 100th Anniversary of Boston Manufacturing Company. Grade Crossings! Boston & Maine Railroad Company reports "no funds" for the project.
1914-Board of Trade joins Chamber of Commerce of the United States.
1915-Three city departments consolidated: Engineering, Water, Sewer. Cornerstone placed at St. Charles Church. Public Library build- ing, Main Street, dedicated. First established, 1865.
1916-New England Mica Company established on Woerd Avenue. Clarence D Howe, Alice Worcester nuptials. (Mr Howe later served as Minister of Defense for Canada). Reorganization of Board of Trade. Chamber of Commerce established. Late Shirley H Eldridge first presi- dent. Voting machines used here for first time.
1917-Trolley car fares advance to 7 cents. Waltham Home Guard organized. Petitions out for Plan D (commission) form of government.
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PERMITS AND LICENSES CITY OF WALTHAM
Permits and Licenses
By Whom Issued
Alcohol Methyl or denatured
Pub Wel Commission
Amusements Public ..
Mayor
Apertures under sidewalk.
City Council
Auctioneers
City Council
Awnings
Public Works Street Div
Bakeries
Pub Wel Commission
Band Concerts on Sunday.
Mayor
Bandstand on Common, use of.
Building Inspector
Bay windows &c overhanging public way
City Council
Billboards approved by.
City Council
Billboards licensed by.
State Dept Pub Works
Billiard Tables and bowling alleys.
City Council
Blasting Permits and transportation of explosives.
Chief Fire Dept
Boarding House for infants, application for approv- ed by.
Pub Wel Commission
Boats, power
City Council
Bonfires and permits to burn rubbish.
Chief Fire Dept
Building Permits of all kinds.
Building Inspector
Burial Permits.
Pub Wel Commission
Chiropodists, registration of.
City Clerk
Circulars and handbills, advertising.
Director Pub Works
Coasting on certain streets.
Director Pub Works
Concerts on Sunday.
Mayor
Cows
Pub Wel Commission
Dance Halls (supervision Recreation Dept)
Mayor
Dances (must be in licensed halls) .
Chief of Police
Day Nursery
Pub Wel Commission
Dogs .
City Clerk
Employment Office.
City Council
Explosives, storage or transportation of.
City Council
Firearms, sale of.
City Council
Firecrackers &c, sale of.
Chief Fire Dept
Fishing Certificates.
City Clerk
Garage and Gasolene.
City Council
Garbage, conveyance through streets.
Pub Wel Commission
Gas Meters and fixtures
Building Inspector
Gasolene
City Council
Goats
Pub Wel Commission
Golf Courses (miniature)
Mayor
Hackney Carriages. City Council
Hawkers and pedlers (see Sealer of Weights) Sealer
Heating Permits.
Plumbing Inspector
Henfowl, roosters, duck (Health Regulation)
Pub Wel Commission
Hunting Certificates.
City Clerk
Ice Cream, confectionery, soda water and fruit, sale of on Sunday.
City Council License Commission
Innholders
Intelligence Office. Jobbing Wagon
City Council City Council
Junk Collector
City Council
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Permits and Licenses
Junk Dealer.
Liquor Licenses.
Lodging Houses Lunch Cart.
Lying-in Hospital, certificates by
Manicuring and massage.
Marriage License. .
Milk, license to sell by producers.
Milk, license to sell by retailers.
Motor Vehicles, sale of second hand.
Moving House through streets.
Numbers to buildings to be given by.
City Engineer Milk Inspector
Oleomargarine, registration of sellers of.
Optometry, registry of.
City Clerk Dir of Public Works
Parades, after approval by Chief of Police Pawnbrokers
City Council
Physicians, registration of.
Picnic Groves.
City Clerk City Council
Plumbing Permits.
Plumbing Inspector
Poles, private telephone wires, etc.
Pool Tables.
Posting bills, placards, show cards &c.
Revolver or pistol, license to sell.
Revolver or pistol, permit to carry
Sales of goods, ware, or merchandise on sidewalks or in streets, recorded or licensed by.
a By minors. b Soldiers and sailors, injured &c.
State Dir of Standards
State Dir of Standards
Dir Public Works
Sidewalks, obstruction of
Sidewalks, opening in.
Dir Public Works
Dir Public Works
Building Inspector
Signs, permit to obstruct sidewalk while hanging .. Dir Public Works Skating Rink.
Spur Tracks R R.
Stables
Street or sidewalk speaking.
Streets, obstruction of.
Streets, opening for drains, gas &c.
Sunday Work necessary
Chief of Police
Pub Wel Commission
Tag Days, for charity only
Theatrical Exhibitions
Undertakers
Vendor, transient.
Victuallers, common
Vinegar, inspector of. by.
Wires. electric. over public ways.
Wires, electrical, installation of. Wood, hay and straw, sale of, on streets or public grounds
By Whom Issued
City Council License Commission City Council License Commission Pub Wel Commission Pub Wel Commission City Clerk Pub Wel Commission Milk Inspector City Council Director Pub Works
Pub Wel Commission Mayor Pub Wel Commission Director of Standards License Commission Inspector of Milk City Council Inspector of Wires
Director Public Works
City Council Mayor or Chief of Police
Sealer of Wts and Meas Supt of Schools
c Manufactured by self or employer. d Obstruction of street by team or stand. Secondhand articles, dealers in.
City Council Dir Public Works
Signs, advertising devices, clocks, marquees &c. . Signs, permit to attach to building, &c ..
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