USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Waltham > Waltham, Massachusetts city directory 1962 > Part 2
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At the present time there are 362 units including: Chesterbrook Gardens, 100 apartments; Prospect Terrace, 146 apartments; Dana Court, 32 apartments; Carey Court and Beaver Brook Apartments for the elderly, 84 apartments. The Authority is in the planning stages for approximately 50 additional units for the elderly.
Pending establishment of a Redevelopment Agency, the Authority under the State Law, also acts as a Redevelopment Agency and has started one survey under Urban Renewal provisions of the Federal Housing Law.
The Waltham Housing Authority Chairman is Ball Bartlett; Charles A. Law- less is the executive director, and his office is located at 5 Brookway road, Waltham.
1843-The Railroad
The Fitchburg Division of the Boston & Maine Railroad Company was opened 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 Tran- sit 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 1955, 50,115; in 1960, 55,413; with a potential population of approximately 520,000 residing in 29 communities 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. Waltham is making a substantial growth as a residential city.
Transportation Facilities
Waltham is situated in the fourthlargest metropolitan district, which in it- self 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 ship- ments 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 Water- town 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.
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INTRODUCTION
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 include 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 Manufactur- ing Company.
Motor Routes
For the motor enthusiast, Waltham is an ideal center. Many main thorough- fares 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. The Massachusetts Turnpike eastern terminus is located 1.7 miles south of the Route 128-20 junction in Waltham.
Labor Supply
Waltham has both skilled and unskilled labor. Much of this population is native New England stock with a permanent residence in the city or nearby communities. Fire hazard and insurance rates are low.
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 conditions, a rated standard of citizenship, convenience to shipping points, nearness to a market, excellent transportation facilities, sanitation above average, abundant recrea- tional 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 600 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 prospective industry or business.
Waltham will continue to register a very definite increase in population, 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 seek- ers.
Waltham Is The Place
WHERE all the operations of cotton cloth were first performed by one com - pany.
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 household usage.
WHERE watches were first successfully manufactured in the United States. WHERE the first single Board of Government for cities in Massachusetts was adopted.
Service Clubs
Rotary Club-Manson M. Dillaway, sec; meets at Unitarian Church, Wednes- day 12:15 P. M.
Kiwanis Club-Harold Bowers, sec; meets at Boys' Club, Thursday 12:15 P. M.
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INTRODUCTION
Exchange Club-Dr. Jos. Parisi, sec; meets at Simpson House, Newton, first and third Wednesday of month at 7:00 P. M.
Lions Club -- Franklin B Fogelson, sec; meets at Colonial Restaurant, second and fourth Wednesday of month at 6:30 P. M.
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. 18,707
1810. .
1,004
1895
20,876
1820.
1,677
1900
23,481
1840
2,504
1905
.26,239
1850 .
4,464
1910
27,834
1860
6,397
1915
30,047
1865.
6,896
1920
30,915
1870.
9,065
1925. .
. 34,926
1940.
.40,020
1880
11,712
1945.
.43,579
1885
14,609
1950. .47,187
1955
50,115
1960
55,413
Public Services
Waltham's water supply is from the Metropolitan District Commission. Practically all of the residential and business districts are connected with the sewer of which there are now 103.77 miles. Disposition of the sewage is made through the South Metropolitan system. The tax rate in Waltham is $53.40 (1959).
Valuation
The valuation of the city as of January 1, 1961, was $125,152,200. On January 1, 1961 there were 27, 000 cars registered. There are 9,723 residences and 14,484 families.
I. B. E. W. Headquarters Building
The former Hamblin L. Hovey Memorial Institute, a brick structure of attrac- tive design, is located at 545 Main Street. The building is now owned by the Inter- national Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and houses the offices of Local 1505 which services the employees of the Raytheon Manufacturing Company. In addi- tion to these offices, the main auditorium seats 1,112. A small lecture hall, served by a kitchen, accomodates approximately 75 people.
An Unique Institution
The Jonas Willis Parmenter Rest Home Inc., a charitable institution, pro- vides room and board without charge as a temporary Rest Home for women of Waltham who need such care.
The recently constructed Parmenter Apartments are rented at cost and provide unique three-room apartments for single women residents of Waltham.
Waltham Public Library
The Library building, the gift of Francis Buttrick, is a structure of beauty located close by the attractive Waltham Post Office building on Main Street. In addition to other lecture rooms, it houses the Sears Memorial Gallery which offers a meeting place for concerts by talented artists.
U. S. Army, Corps of Engineers, New England Division
The former Murphy Army Hospital on a 93 acre plot of highly elevated land is now occupied by the Corps of Engineers, U. S. Army, New England Division. Those stationed there are engaged in civil and military construction. Brigadier General Alden K. Sibley is the Division Engineer.
1875
9,967
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INTRODUCTION
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 prom- inent educational institutions:
Academy of the Assumption, Academy of Notre Dame, Andover Newton Theo- logical 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 Colege, Leslie School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts School of Art, Milton Academy, New England Conservatory of Music, Newton Junior College, North- eastern University, Perkins Institute & Massachusetts School for the Blind, Portia Law School, Radcliffe College, Regis College, Sargent School, Simmons College, Suffolk Law School, Tufts College, Wellesley College, Weston College, Wheelock School, Massachusetts School of Optometry, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.
Public Schools
Waltham's 9,370 pupils are housed in 19 brick buildings, 393 teachers, The high school and 3 junior high schools have excellent gymnasiums. The 3 junior high schools and 10 elementary buildings have adequate assembly halls which are extensively used by the public. Kindergarten, 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 enroll- ment of 819 and St. Mary's High School has an enrollment of 253 boys and 209 girls. St. Charles Grammar and High School an enrollment of 572 and St. Peter's an enrollment of 434.
Brandeis University
Brandeis University, one of the nation's youngest institutions of higher learn- ing, was launched in the fall of 1948 with impressive inaugural ceremonies held in the presence of the presidents and official representatives of more than 200 American and foreign colleges and universities. The University campus includes 250 acres beautifully 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 President 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 1959-1960 the four classes entolled totaled 1,226. 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 buildings 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 entollment so as to retain the advantages inherent in a small student body. It became an accredited college in December, 1953. Dr. Sachar summarizes the University's objectives as follows: "Our intention is to main- tain 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 competion; and presents a bi-annual Creative Art Festival during which the university 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, American Civilization, Music, Near Eastern and Judaic studies, Physics and Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology. Present enrollment is 241.
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INTRODUCTION
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 approximately 21 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 pre- paration for college. Wilfred W. Clark is principal.
Norte 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 Training 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 constructed. There are about thirty-five rooms including Community rooms, Library, Class-rooms. Study Hall and Recreation rooms and accomodates 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 con- verted 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 in- dividual 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 Lex- ington Street, Waltham. This farm comprises 30 acres of meadows, woods and streams. Enrollment is for children between the ages of 22 to 6 years of age and the school provides pre-school and kindergarten training. The enrollment is approximately 170 children covering an area comprising Waltham, Watertown, Belmont, Lexington, and Newton. There are morning and afternoon sessions and transportation is provided. The school also operates a summer day camp for 250 boys and girls, ages 3 to 10. The program includes nature, campcraft, wood- working, arts and crafts, sports, music, dramatics and archery. Swimming is taught by qualified instructors in three swimming pools.
Waltham Chapter, American Red Cross
The Chapter House is located at 22 Appleton Street. The house provided 11 rooms in which all chapter activities are 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. Miss Stella M. Mazur is Executive Director.
The Waltham Chamber of Commerce
It is Waltahm's largest and outstanding civic and commercial organization. Its membership embraces over 600 of the business and civic leaders of the Com- munity. Incorporated in 1917, it has been a dominant factor inthe remarkable growth of this city, thus giving a prestige to those enrolled in its membership.
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INTRODUCTION
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 Com- mon 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 distance 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 and includes a ski slope with rope tow. Ski instructions are offered by the Prospectors Ski Club when the ski area is operating. The State Girl Scouts have spacious grounds at Cedar Hill, left for the purpose 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 play- grounds 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. The Metropolitan District Commission main- tains a public outdoor swimming pool staffed by qualified life guards who also instruct classes in swimming. A modern bath house has been erected adjacent to the pool. During the winter months the pool is covered and frozen for use as a public ice skating facility. One of the largest and most modern roller skating rinks in the east is located in Waltham. Regional and national roller skating contests have brought champions to the Waltham Rollerway to compete for honors. Waltham claims some of the largest and most modern bowling alleys in New England. The facilities are available for league play and public bowling.
Cabot Reservation Community Program of Boston Young Men's Christian Association
The Boston Y. M. C. A. sponsors a year round recreation program at the Cabot Reservation, 725 Lexington Street, Waltham, for people of all ages in the Waltham area. Located on a lovely wooded 85 acre site are four day camp build- ings, an outdoor swimming pool and bath houses, and the home of Program Direc - tor George W. O'Brien Jr. The acreage includes picnic grounds, two ball fields and other recreation facilities available to boy scouts, girl scouts, church groups, industrial and social clubs and others for outings and group activities. Camp Cabot, a summer camp program, includes four day camp periods for boys and girls from 6 to 13 years old. The Cabot Club is a family membership program allowing privileges of the ares and use of the pool from 5 to 9 daily and 1:30 to 6 P. M. on week-ends.
Historical Data
1835-Francis F. Field, a dentist living on River Street, inaugurated school crayons (chalk). Zenas Parmenter secured control of this highly 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 Pros - pect 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 Ter- centenary, 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 attended. 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 & Main Railroad Company reports "no funds" for the project.
1914-Board of Trade joins Chamber of Commerce of the United States. 1915 -- Three city departments consolidates: Engineering, Water and Sewer. Cornerstone placed at St. Charles Church. Public Library building, Main Street, dedicated. First established, 1865.
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1916-New England Mica Company established on Woerd Avenue. Clarence D. Howe, Alice Worcester nuptials. (Mr. Howe later served as Minister of De- fense for Canada). Reorganization of Board of Trade. Chamber of Commerce established. Late Shirley H. Eldridge first president. Voting machines used here for first time.
1917-Trolley car fares advance 7 cents. Waltham Home Guard organized. Petitions out for Plan D (commission) form of goverment. Waltham Chamber of Commerce Incorporated.
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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 Mayor
Band Concerts on Sunday
Bandstand on Common, use of
.Building Inspector
Bay windows and overhanging public way.
City Council 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 .
Boats, power
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 .
Dance Halls (supervision Recreation Dept) Dances (must be in licensed halls).
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, sale of.
Chief Fire Dept
Fishing Certificates .
City Clerk
Garage and Gasoline .
City Council
Garbage, conveyance through streets. Gas Meters and fixtures
Building Inspector
Gasoline
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, rooster, 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
City Council
Jobbing Wagon Junk Collector
City Council
Junk Dealer. Liquor Licenses
License Commission City Council
Lunch Cart
License Commission
Lying-in Hospital, certificates by
Manicuring and massage
Pub Wel Commission Pub Wel Commission City Clerk
Marriage License .
Milk, license to sell by producers
Pub Wel Commission Milk Inspector
Milk, license to sell by retailers
Motor Vehicles, sale of second hand . City Council
Moving House through streets
Director Pub Works
Numbers to buildings to be given by City Engineer
Oleomargarine, registration of sellers of . Milk Inspector
Optometry, registry of . City Clerk
SHANJD NOMMM
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Innholders . Intelligence Office
City Council
City Council
Lodging Houses
Pub Wel Commission
Pub Wel Commission Mayor
Chief of Police
. Pub Wel Commission City Council
Billboards approved by
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INTRODUCTION
Parades, after approval by Chief of Police Pawnbrokers . .
Dir of Public Works
City Council
Physicians, registration of . City Clerk
Picnic Groves City Council
Plumbing Permits
Plumbing Inspector
Poles, private telephone wires, etc.
City Council
Pool Tables .
Posting bills, placards, show cards
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