Waltham, Massachusetts city directory 1957, Part 2

Author:
Publication date: 1957
Publisher: R.L. Polk
Number of Pages: 678

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WALTHAM HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Waltham Housing Authority, established in 1948, constructs, manages and maintains housing for families of low income, and elderly persons 65 years of age and older. The rentals are based on income

and family size, with veterans preferance for family size units. At the present time there are 302 units including Chesterbrook Gardens, 100 apartments; Prospect Terrace, 146 apartments; Dana Court, 32 apart- ments; Carey Court, for the elderly, 24 apartments. The Waltham Housing Authority chairman is Ball Bartlett. Charles A Lawless is the Executive Director, and his office is located at 5 Brookway Road, Wal- tham.

1843 - THE RAILROAD

The Fitchburg Division of the Boston & Maine Railroad Company was opened for operation as far as Waltham, November 10, 1843 and to travel, December 20, 1843.

BECOMES A CITY

Waltham had outgrown town government, and was incorporated a city on June 2, 1884. The last six decades have seen a rapid increase in the number of homes within its borders, not at all surprising in view of the advantages which Waltham offers both to those who commute to Boston and to those who work near their homes. There are excellent bus lines which connect with the Metropolitan Transit Authority system at several points.

POPULATION

Waltham's population in 1765 was 663; in 1865-6,896; in 1930- 39,247; in 1940, 40,020; in 1945, 43,579; in 1950, 47,187; in 1956, 50,115; with a potential population of approximately 520,000 residing in 29 com- munities that comprise the Waltham Shopping District. It is essentially an industrial city with a very definite shopping center serving many communities which latter form a complete circle about Waltham. Wal- tham is making a substantial growth as a residential city.

TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES

Waltham is situated in the fourth largest metropolitan district, which in itself insures an excellent local market for all kinds of products. It is connected with Boston by two railroad lines, the Massachusetts Central and the Fitchburg Division of the Boston & Maine Railroad, the latter offering excellent rail shipments to the Central, West, Far West and Northern and Canadian points. Motor truck lines add to the ease of quick shipping facilities. Together with the Watertown Branch, these three roads provide ample shipping facilities, with spur tracks available when needed. It is only a short haul by truck to tap the main line of the Boston & Albany Railroad at Newtonville providing quick rail transportation to points South and West. Inter-city bus service is provided by the Middlesex & Boston Street Railway Co.

1788 - 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 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 200 industries, service and warehousing firms. Of the 200, there are 186 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.

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 17,450 electric meters; 24,581 telephone stations, 10,290 water meters; 11,114 gas meters; postal receipts of $668,464.04 as of October 19, 1956.

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 $79,330,679.36, as of June 30, 1956. Waltham has a Savings Bank over 100 years old with deposits of $35,835,208.00, as of June 30, 1956. The Waltham Federal Savings & Loan Association was organized in 1880, Federalized March 1, 1937, and the present resources as of June 30, 1956, are $34,481,344.02. The Wal- tham Citizens National Bank was opened on September 5, 1946 and on June : 30, 1956 listed resources of $6,212,937.60. The Guaranty Trust Co, opened January 21, 1952 and on June 30, 1956 listed resources of $3,535,634.46. The Middlesex Family Co-operative Bank started opera; tions on January 25, 1954, and listed assets of $1,055;276.58. as of June, 30,- 1956.

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, 147 beds and 32 bassinets; the Middlesex County Sanatorium, 350 beds; the Metropoli- tan State Hospital for the care of mental cases, present capacity 2,054 beds; and the Walter E Fernald State School for the Feeble Minded, the oldest of its kind in this country, present capacity 2,021 beds. Mur- phy Army Hospital now has 150 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 88,224 miles. Disposi- tion of the sewage is made through the South Metropolitan system. The tax rate in Waltham is $58.40 (1956).

VALUATION

The valuation of the city as of January 1, 1956, was $87,710,950.00. In 1955 there were 21,089 cars registered. There are 8,684 residences and 13,448 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.

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 7,754 pupils are housed in 18 brick buildings, 340 teach- ers. The high school and 2 junior high schools have excellent gymna- siums. The 2 junior high schools and 8 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 848 and St. Mary's High School has an enrollment of 443. St. Charles Grammar and High School an enrollment of 552 and St. Peter's an enrollment of 417.

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 250 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.

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 1956-57 the four classes enrolled totaled 1,055. 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; and pre- sents a bi-annual Creative Art Festival during which the university

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is host to many outstanding personalties from the worlds of music, drama, literature and art, offering them an opportunity to present their latest works.

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 Biology, Chemistry, English and American Literature, History of Ideas, Music, Near Eastern and Judaic studies, Physics and Physics and Psychology.

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 14 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 seven and eight 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. Wilfred W Clark 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; in this Commonwealth in 1849 and in Waltham in 1889.

Recently a three-story brick structure with cloister connections to the main building on the basement, first and second floors, was con- structed. There are about thirty-five rooms including Community rooms, Library, Class-rooms, Study Hall and Recreation rooms, and accomo- dates 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 and Days of Re- collection for Men and 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.

XIII 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 7.20 acres on which is located a stately as well as attractive City Hall. Prospect Hill Park is a natural beauty spot of 265.89 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 10.50 acres and 15 active playgrounds of 65.13 acres and 5 on school sites, 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 or nearby communities. 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. It has a splendid record of achievements.

ADVANTAGES OF WALTHAM

Waltham has splendid roads, fine schools, congenial social condi- tions, a rated standard of citizenship, convenience to shipping points, nearness to a market. excellent transportation facilities, sanitation above average, abundant recreational and amusement facilities, the advantages of homes in the open spaces combined with urban con- veniences-these are the qualities that go to make a city desirable- and Waltham has them all.

The Waltham Chamber of Commerce, composed of over 700 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

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Exchange Club-Dr Jos Parisi, sec; meets at Giardina's Restaurant first and third Wednesday of month at 7:00 PM.

Lions Club-John Harris, sec; meets at Hovey Memorial Institute, 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. one during Tercentenary, August 12, 1930.

Last

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. 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 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

Pub Wel Commission

Garbage, conveyance through streets. Gas Meters and fixtures. Gasolene

Building Inspector City Council Pub Wel Commission.

Goats

Golf Courses (miniature)

Mayor

Hackney Carriages.

City Council

Hawkers and pedlers (see Sealer of Weights) Sealer

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Waltham, Massachusetts city directory 1957, Part 2

Author: Publication date: 1957 Publisher: R.L. Polk Number of Pages: 678

Author:
Publication date: 1957
Publisher: R.L. Polk
Number of Pages: 678