USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Wilmington, Massachusetts : its growth and progress, 1730 to 1930 > Part 2
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Timothy Walker, LL.D., was a noted jurist, who later settled at Cincinnati, Ohio, and his brother, Sears Cook Walker, was equally well known as a mathematician and astronomer. Their half-brother, Prof. F. Otis Kendall, was dean of the University of Pennsylvania.
Perhaps the best known name of that period was that of Asa G. Sheldon, Wilmington farmer, who became a contractor and builder of renown. "Sheldon's Bridge," across the Boston & Maine tracks, on Lowell Street, just across the Reading town line, was a piece of his handiwork originally, as likewise were a number of highway bridges across the Boston & Maine. Among his other feats were the cutting down of Pemberton Hill, Boston, and the filling in of Dock Square with the soil, and transplanting one of the great elms on Boston Common. Tradition has him striding into the icy water of the Ipswich River to lay one of the great stones in the piers of Jenkins' Bridge, in Woburn Street. He was almost crippled with rheumatism, but the rheumatism left him.
The Middlesex Canal, opened in 1803 for traffic, was one of the
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WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1730 TO 1930
history-making undertakings of our whole countryside. It is credited with having been the first artificial waterway for commercial pur- poses in the New World. Wilmington folk also may proudly re- member that the first steam train in this part of the country was operated in 1835 over the Boston & Lowell Railroad. History, ro- mance, pathos, humor and local color cluster around both of these institutions and might be expanded into a separate volume.
That the Baldwin Apple originated within the territory now Wil- mington also is a source of jealous pride, for other towns have had the temerity to claim to be the home of the Baldwin Apple.
In 1886 there were only a few subscribers who were connected on the same wire and received their telephone service from the Woburn Telephone Exchange. As the number of telephone subscribers grew the first office in Wilmington was located at the corner of Main and Church Streets in what was known then as Hudson's store. The Wilmington operator of that period was a clerk in the store and divided his time between giving telephone service and selling mer- chandise in the store.
In 1900, when the number of subscribers had increased to 100, it was necessary to move the exchange to larger quarters. Service was then furnished by the Buck Brothers of North Wilmington, from 1900 to 1915 when it was again necessary to transfer the exchange to still larger quarters.
In 1915 the exchange was transferred to its present location on Church Street, at which time it required the combined efforts of two day operators and one night operator. As the number of subscribers continually increased it was found necessary in 1929 to add an ell to the present office, in which the picture is taken. The Wilming- ton exchange has four operating positions of the self-restoring jack type. It requires six operators to handle the daily traffic of about 4000 calls per day from more than 650 subscribers. There are also more than 19 outgoing trunk lines to various exchanges such as ; Boston, Lowell, Reading, Woburn and Crystal.
Mr. Eli T. Kinsman, the present Agent, now has a very modern telephone exchange and a group of operators who take pride in giv- ing very satisfactory service and in transacting other telephone business efficiently.
PEARSON TAVERN
Typical of Colonial farmhouse construction, this dwelling, the home of six generations of the family through the distaff side, was built early in the eighteenth century.
For many years previous to 1850 it was maintained as a tavern by Aaron Pearson, Jr., the son of Major Aaron Pearson who com-
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WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1730 TO 1930
Jewish Synagogue 1917 North Wilmington Catholic Church 1888
Boutwell House 1725
Congregational Church Organized 1733
Methodist Church 1883
Community Church 1929 Silver Lake
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HISTORICAL SKETCH, GROWTH AND PROGRESS
manded Massachusetts troops during the 1812 War with England.
Located on the highway between Salem and Lowell and called Salem Street for that reason, many travelers found it a convenient overnight resting place.
It is an interesting fact that the front of the house on the second floor now comprising three rooms was formerly but one. This room was heated by two fireplaces whose flues extend into the old-time chimneys. What was formerly the kitchen with its huge fireplace and brick oven is the present dining room, the old well house now being the kitchen. Great timbers hollowed to receive hogsheads of ale formerly extended along one side of the cellar.
The eight by eight timbers of its frame and its eighteen inch floor boards, though worn by the tread of many feet still serve the passing years, and it is to be hoped will serve many more.
THE BALDWIN APPLE
One noteworthy and beneficent contribution made by Wilmington to the country is the Baldwin apple.
The original tree was on the farm of William Butters in the south part of the town. Tradition has it that it was first discovered by Mr. Butters, who was attracted to it by the sound of woodpeckers hammering upon it, thus being known at first as the Pecker apple, and later as the Butters apple.
In 1793, Samuel Thompson of Woburn while surveying on the farm for the Middlesex Canal, sampled the apples and later took home scions, giving some to his brother Abijah and to Col. Baldwin, a neighbor.
Because of Col. Baldwin's extensive culture of the apple and his generosity in sharing scions and fruit with his friends, it came to be known by his name. In 1895 the Rumford Historical Association of Woburn, erected a monument in its honor, near the site of the old tree on the Butters Farm.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
A church must be organized before a town could be "set off." (In the early days of Massachusetts.) In Wilmington at least, the desire for a separate town sprang from the desire for suitable and adequate provision for public worship. The first words preserved in the earliest records of our town are these: "The Word of God among us, and it passed in the affirmative." The first religious service with- in our town was held in a schoolhouse, and the first town meeting as well. Religion, Education and Civic responsibilities were all held to be solemn obligations for every man to undertake. So it is that the same men who headed the petition for a separate town were
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HISTORICAL SKETCH, GROWTH AND PROGRESS
deacons of the church, Samuel Eames and John Harnden. The first public building to be erected in the town was the church, 1732. It was erected a few rods farther north than the present structure, was two stories, 20 feet high, 36 feet wide, and 46 feet long, and built of oak, "the plank to be full inch and a half thick." There was no paint on that first structure. The church was organized with 17 male members Oct. 24, 1733 and later that same year 22 women members were added.
Rev. James Varney was the first minister and was chosen after a day of solemn fasting and prayer, which day was set apart by order of the town in the following vote: "Voted that the Reverend Mr. Browne of Reading and the Reverend Mr. Phillips of Andover, be treated with and entreated by the Committee in the Town's behalf, to carry on the solemn exercises of a Fast in this town for the Divine favor to this people in the great, mighty and important affair of the choice and settlement of a Gospel minister." 'The day of prayer was to be held in behalf of the town's choice of a man who should give instruction in the Christian religion to old and young, lead in the services of public prayer and praise, visit the sick and the afflicted, and bury the dead.
The second minister of this church, Rev. Isaac Morrill, was ordained and "settled over" the church at the age of 23 in 1789. He continued for 52 years till his death. He was Chaplain in the French and Indian Wars and in the Revolutionary War, and was greatly loved and honored by all who knew him.
These two splendid men were the first of the line of seventeen ministers who have served this church in nearly 200 years. It has had a long history of faithful and honorable service.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1880
The M. E. Church began in an humble way exactly 50 years ago when a few faithful souls met in their several homes for wor- ship. Soon services were held in the hall, in the Ames block situated in what is now the business centre of the town, Rev. E. H. McKenney being the first minister. This was in 1881, but the church was not incorporated until January 29th, 1883, and a chapel was built on the corner lot of Church Street and Thurston Avenue during the pastorate of Rev. Putnam Webber 1883-6. This chapel now forms the auditorium in the present group of buildings. Rev. L. W. Adams was minister 1886-8 and the horse sheds were built behind the church at this time. Rev. W. A. Thurston followed and remained till 1891. He was responsible for the building of a parsonage on Thurs- ton Avenue, and Camp Meetings were held close by. Rev. Adolphus
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. WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1730 TO 1930
' Linfield, now a professor of evangelism in Boston University, added a small school room to the original chapel and much public notice was given to this, the photograph of Mr. Linfield being shown in the daily papers as he was working as a carpenter in the alterations. It was during the ministry of Howard G. Hageman that extensive ad- ditions were made, Mr. Fred. H. Roberts generously hearing the cost amounting to $16,000. Mr. Roberts also gave the organ. still in use, in memory of his first wife (Althera A., 1908). During the present ministry, repairs and alterations and renovations have been done to the amount of $6,000.
The old parsonage was sold some years ago, and the present parsonage is the property of Mrs. Alice Roberts who permits its use as a parsonage; the church is much indebted to Mrs. Roberts in many ways. There have been several thriving societies among the young people, the first one was organized during the ministry of Rev. W. A. Thurston and during the ministries of both Mr. Hage- man and Rev. George H. Phillips the young people were very active and most prominent in the district. The present young people's society is keeping up the good work and were fortunate enough to win the banner of merit at the last meeting of the East Middlesex Circuit. During the ministry of the Rev. Howard G. Hageman and Rev. George H. Phillips, the banner was won quite often by the Wilmington young people.
The present church membership is 217, and the Sunday school has an enrollment of 382 in all departments with 22 officers and teachers. The first Sunday School Superintendent was Mr. Richard L. Folkins, who faithfully carried on for many years. Mr. Frank Kidder was also Superintendent for some three years. Mr. Walter G. Frazee was for 27 years Superintendent and also held several other important offices during this time. The church had grown considerably and Mr. Frazee saw the church and school on a firm basis. Mrs. Arthur Hamilton also filled the office of Superintendent and is now superintendent of the Home Department, a department equal to any in the conference and a monument to the earnest labor of Mrs. Hamilton. The present Superintendent is Mr. W. Henderson who has held the office for several years and has given exceptionally faithful service to his work. These people, and others deserve the highest praise for their labors.
No doubt it will be of interest to close with a few names of those who were connected with the early beginning of Methodism in town. Mr. and Mrs. Irving Morse, Mr. and Mrs. George T. Eames, Mr. Wentworth, Mrs. Henry Buck, Miss Addie F. Carter, Mr. Wallace C'arter. Mr. Frank Perkins.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH, GROWTH AND PROGRESS
HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN WILMINGTON
The Catholics who settled in the early days in Wilmington were obliged to go to Lawrence, Wakefield, or Woburn, to attend church. Later a Catholic Church was built in Andover and in the late 70's a church was built in Ballardvale, and the Wilmington people at- tended this church for a number of years.
About the year 1880, a Sunday School was organized at the house of Bernard McEnroe who was then living on the Squire Eames place near the North Wilmington depot, as there were a great many children who could not attend the church at Ballardvale, and were consequently deprived of the teachings of their religion. This was continued for nearly four years, or until Thomas McMahon hav- ing purchased the residence, formerly owned and occupied by Joseph Bond, of Deacon James Skilton, to which he moved on Sep- tember 8, 1884. The school was then transferred to his house. The pastor, Rev. Maurice J. Murphy, O. S. A. of Andover, visited the school, and as the numbers had increased very much, decided to have Mass on Thursday morning of each week for the children and aged persons. Mr. McMahon generously offered accommodations for that purpose and a small room over the entrance to the front hall was selected by Fr. Murphy as a chapel in which an altar was built, and on October 10, 1884 the first Mass was celebrated.
This was continued, until the Church was built, with three addi- tional Masses in the Town Hall on September 18, December 25, 1887, and on Easter Sunday 1888. The first Mass in the Hall was offered by Rev. J. J. Ryan, O. S. A. who had succeeded Fr. Murphy as Pastor. The large number who attended on that occasion was a great surprise to Fr. Ryan and a committee in speaking with him in regard to having Mass regularly, were requested to take a census of the Catholic population, with which request they complied; the report being considered favorable, and a desirable lot for the purpose having been tendered free of expense by Michael Carlin, one of the early Catholics in town, Fr. Ryan decided to begin the erection of a church and the ground was broken to lay the foundation in the month of October 1887.
The church was completed and on Sunday, October 28, 1888, it was dedicated to the worship of God by the most Reverend Arch- bishop Williams of Boston, assisted by Rev. P. A. Stanton, D. D. O. S. A. of Philadelphia.
From 1888 until 1919 the church was a mission of the Augustinian Priests in Andover. In 1919, His Eminence Win. Cardinal O'Con- nell made Wilmington a separate parish and appointed our first resident pastor, Rev. Richard A. Boland. A short while later, North
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WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1730 TO 1930
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Public Library Once the Centre School 1800
High School 1916
Catholic Club like the Adam's Pump Factory
Town Hall Once a Baptist Church, 1850-1865, then a High School Grange Hall
Masonic Apartments Once a Cranberry House
Branch of Reading Co-operative Bank 1928
An Ancient Hop-House Opposite Alden Eames'
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HISTORICAL SKETCH, GROWTH AND PROGRESS
Woburn was added to the parish and an additional priest was re- quired to assist in the duties of the parish.
In 1919 Masses were provided at Silver Lake for the summer residents and has been continued up to this time. At the present time in addition to Fr. Boland, there are two curates, Rev. Wm. Farrell and the Rev. Wm. O'Brien.
Since Fr. Boland took charge of the parish, it has greatly in- creased in numbers and he found it necessary to make a large addition to the church which was completed in 1925.
Fr. Boland, shortly after locating in Wilmington, purchased the old Thomas Bond Estate located on Middlesex Avenue as the parochial residence for the future use of the parish.
Masses are offered each Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30 A. M. and Sunday School is held after the 8:30 Mass.
CONGREGATION AHAVAS ACHIM DEAHRON
Built August 15, 1917.
It was in the year 1917, a few months before the Jewish New Year, when Messrs. Harry Modelevsky, Jacob Cheifitz, Josuah Cohen, Harry Solow, Morris Modelevsky, Joseph Minsky, Hyman Minsky and Jacob Winer met on a field to decide what should be done about a place of worship.
A motion was made and carried that the above members should pay five dollars each. This was done, and forty dollars were now in their possession. A chairman, Mr. Josuah Cohen, a vice-chairman, Mr. Harry Modelevsky, and later a secretary, Mr. Cheifitz and a treasurer, Mr. Minsky were chosen.
They now needed land for building. The two chairmen went to Mr. Adeleman, who was the owner of a tract of land, and secured a suitable plot. Besides donating this Mr. Adeleman gave a hundred dollars. Then, with a hundred and forty dollars lumber was bought and they started on a very hard task, building a synagogue. How hard they struggled, for carpenters, masons and what-not, all had to be chosen from this little group of men.
Finally four walls and a roof were built. The New Year came, and the people came to the synagogue. How it rained that day! The roof, not having been laid by experts, leaked, and the rain came down in torrents, but they stayed and worshipped.
A Torah was needed, and with the help of a club organized by the women and children, a Torah was bought for a hundred and fifty dollars.
This is how these faithful and hard-working members struggled.
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WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1730 TO 1930
Now they are the proud possessors of two Torahs and many Bibles. The membership is now sixteen and all are striving for the suc- cess of the synagogue.
SCHOOLS
One can hardly do justice to such a large and interesting sub- ject as our public schools in the short space allotted to it. The schools of Wilmington seem to be older than the town itself. When the town was incorporated, Samuel Dummer, the sheriff of Middle- sex County and a resident of Wilmington, was authorized by the General Court to call the first town meeting in "the schoolhouse" on October 20, 1730. The Rev. Daniel P. Noyes, in his historical ad- dress, says, "The site of 'the schoolhouse' I have endeavored to dis- cover, but have got not further than this, that it was probably in the western or southwestern part of the town. The oldest site that I hear of is the northwest corner which the road that passes Mr. Lor- enzo Butters' House makes with the road parallel with the Lowell Railroad."
The first mention of schools in the town records is dated May 1, 1815, when the town "voted to accept the report of the committee in regard to the South Schoolhouse, viz: that the Schoolhouse to ac- commodate the district, ought to stand between the Widow Nutt Butters and the canal on the south side of the road about twenty rods from the bridge."
There have been at least four schools in the south part of the town. One was built in 1874 and was destroyed by fire in 1894, when the present one was built.
The first school in the north end of the town stood at Brown's Crossing. A later school stood near the site of the present one, but faced the east. This was sold and moved away. In 1868, the pres- ent North School was built.
There were four school districts in Wilmington in colonial days -- one in each of the four quarters of the town. The present east school is very old. One building served the west part for over a hundred years and was replaced by the existing school in 1875.
There was no school in Wilmington centre until after 1800. 'Then the building now used by the library was built. What is now called the Center School was built in 1888. At first it contained every grade, including the High School. The present High School was built in 1914.
Of the other existing schoolhouses of the town, in addition to those already spoken of, the Whitefield School was built in 1906, the Walker School was built in 1896, the present South School was built in 1899, and the West School was built in 1875.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH, GROWTH AND PROGRESS
In colonial times, each school had a separate committee and was supported by the taxes or subscriptions of the residents of the district.
Early in the 1800's, the school superintendency committee was established in the town and the town each year made an appropriation of money which was divided among the districts. One committee- man in each district was personally responsible for the school. He was called the "prudential committee."
The control of the town over the schools increased until in 1869 the school districts were abolished by state law.
Wilmington has never given up the policy of small, local schools and at the present time the public school pupils, numbering over 1050, are scattered in ten different buildings. At various times in the past, the old district schools have been closed for lack of pupils, but the increase in school population has brought them back into use again. Of recent years, this increase of school population has been at the rate of 10% per year, and the ratio of pupils to the popula- tion of the town is as large as any place in Massachusetts.
THE WILMINGTON POLICE DEPT.
In the early days of the town the duties of our guardians of the law must have been simple as compared with the complex prob- lems presented today. The town constable, an office as old as town government itself, saw to it that the laws were obeyed. Back in 1829 the town "paid to John Gowing for his services as Constable $3.50." With growth the more arduous duties justified a greater income and in 1872 Mr. Samuel B. Nichols received $20 as his recompense for serving in this office. Furthermore, in the same year Wilmington had its first police officer, Mr. A. Porter Pearson, who was to assist the constable.
In 1881 and for several years thereafter, Mr. Edward M. Nichols served as constable, as had his father before him. Mr. Nichols is now our oldest citizen who has served in that office. Mr. John H. Simpson, who served in 1878, is our oldest former special police officer.
The oldest member of our present police department in years of service is Mr. Christian Neilson, who has been a special police officer since 1908. He was followed in 1909 by Mr. Albert D. Butters. In 1912 our present chief of the department, Mr. Walter A. Hill succeeded Mr. William E. Swain after his years of faithful service.
Many disagreeable, difficult and hazardous tasks have confronted our police during the last fifteen years. During this period our town has grown very rapidly. It has often been the resort of an undesir- able element who felt that here they could do as they chose. Our
WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1730 TO 1930
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ARTMENT
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Water Department Power House Steam Roller Police Department
Reservoir
Highway Department Telephone Exchange with its four boards Fire Department
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HISTORICAL SKETCH, GROWTH AND PROGRESS
police have gradually brought about a great improvement. Their work is now made more efficient with police headquarters, a police car, traffic lights, civil service regulations and three men on full time duty.
The roster of the department is as follows:
Chief-Walter A. Hill.
Regular Officers-Albert D. Butters, Harry Lock.
Special Officers-Alexander Brabant, Elmer W. Eaton, Walter F. Ellsworth, Frederick A. Field, Donald W. Foster, Burton Froton, Albert A. Hayward, Francis S. Hoban, Frederick Johnson, Edward S. Lewis, Lloyd S. Lewis, Vinal E. Lewis, George H. Lord, Chris- tian Neilson, George F. Newcomb, John Palace, Harry G. Pierson, Albert C. Winbled.
THE WILMINGTON FIRE DEPT.
As the result of a very bad fire that occurred in the Spring of 1903 in what is now known as Wilmington Square, the Citizens of the Town of Wilmington held what may be described as an in- dignation meeting because of the lack of a fire department in the com- munity. Subsequently the inhabitants were notified of a Town Meet- ing to be held July 13, 1903. At this meeting the Town voted with 40 on the affirmative and 1 negative: "That the Town purchase two Howe Combination Engines 'No. 38;' sixteen hundred feet of 2-inch rubber-lined hose; two combination hose and ladder wagons; hand chemicals and necessary appliances, and erect buildings for housing the same." A later motion appropriated the sum of $2,500 for the purchase of the aforementioned articles.
Thus commenced the Wilmington Fire Department.
Engine and Hose No. 1; also Engine House No. 1, are shown in the accompanying photograph.
The first officers were Charles B. Osborn, Chief Engineer, and Caleb S. Harriman, Assistant Chief Engineer, who later was Chief Engineer for a number of years.
The history of the department is rather amusing when compared with present day fire-fighting engineering; nevertheless those who in the past have served the Town as its fire fighters deserve considerable credit for the excellent results obtained and the service rendered to the taxpayers.
The number of fires has increased each year. The number of fires this year (1930) has already exceeded the number of fires in any previous year. Approximately twenty-five has been the minimum number while the number during 1930 may aggregate two hundred or over.
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WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1730 TO 1930
Once during the quarter century of its organization, on Sunday morning, September 11, 1927, the Citizens of the Town awoke and were informed that two of their best firemen and fellow citizens were killed while fighting a fire-
Russell G. Pratt Wilber A. Sheldon
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
The present department under the able and efficient direction of Chief E. L. Day, who has held this position for the past twelve years, is considered by underwriters bureaus as one of the best equipped and organized departments for a town of its size. Accompanying photographs, showing the present fire house, equipment and person- nel, best display the progress since the organization of the department.
The members meet monthly for business and social purposes, and organized drills and lectures are held. The present members are holders of the American Red Cross First Aid Certificates. Each member is equipped with regulation boots, coats, and hats which are kept in assigned places on the apparatus.
The present equipment is entirely motorized and consists of :
1-Reo Combination-carrying hose, chemicals, ladders and brush fire equipment.
1-American-La France-500 G. P. M. Pump Combination.
1-Ford Model T-Howe 150 G. P. M. Pump Combination.
1-Ford Model A-Barton 150 G. P. M. Portable Pump and 1,500 11/2" Hose Body.
The present quarters, although not entirely satisfactory for the housing of the apparatus and permanent men, must suffice until the financial standing of the Town will permit its citizens to provide suitable quarters.
The personnel consists of two permanent firemen who are on duty at all hours, and 17 volunteers who receive no pay other than that paid for time actually spent fighting fires.
ROLL OF THE WILMINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT
E. L. Day-Chief of Department.
WV. W. Rice-Assistant Chief of Department.
C. T. Horton-Captain.
C. H. Black-Clerk
J. Cotton
L. Carter
V. Darling
E. Downing
E. Eaton
B. Frotton
WV. Hale, Jr.
F. Musc
N. Perry
N. Rice
R. Porter K. Schlittler
R. Woods
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F. Field
J. Gracie
HISTORICAL SKETCH, GROWTH AND PROGRESS
LIST OF NAMED PLACES
List of places marked for this celebration. The places where italics appear have all been photographed and copies can be obtained at nominal cost.
1. Site of First Meeting House, 1732, Middlesex Avenue.
2. Site of Boud Bakery, 1798-1864, Middlesex Avenue.
2. Bond House prior to 1759.
3. Old Pound and First Town Hall, Glen Road.
4 .- Old Powder House Hill, 1814, Glen Road.
4. Old Powder House Site.
5. Pump Factory on Adams Street, now the Catholic Club, Mid- dlesex Avenue.
6 .- Morrill House, early in 1700, home of Cadwalader Morrill. Middlesex Avenue.
7 .- Site of old Mill, 1702, Grist mill on West Side and saw mill on east side, Middlesex Avenue.
8. Levi Reynolds House, 1716, owned at one time by actress- Annie Carter, Middlesex Avenue.
9. Middlesex Canal House, 1803-1835, Shawsheen Avenue.
10. Walker House, 1785, home of Timothy and Joseph Cooke Walker, Shawsheen Avenue.
11. Old Hop House, near Wild Pigeon Hill, Shawsheen Avenue.
12. Big Hemlock, Aldrich Road.
13 .- Site of Jaquith Garrison House, before 1730, corner of Ald- rich Road and Forrest Street.
14. Boutavell House, 1725 (original, now shed) 1675; main part 1725; ancestors of Governor Boutwell lived here; Bout- well Street.
15 .- Site of First South School, probably also first preaching and first town meeting, Butters Row.
16. John Perry House, probably built before 1700 by John Tidd.
16. Perry's Blacksmith Shop, at Perry's Corner, Woburn Street ; was Asa Sheldon's, then John Perry's.
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WILMINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, 1730 TO 1930
17. Gowing-Swain House, 1750 (or earlier), early used as cob- bler's shop, Lowell Street.
18. Asa G. Sheldon House, Woburn Street. '
19. Lemuel Eames House, prior to 1724, Woburn Street.
20 .- Site of East School, Colonel J. Parker Gould taught in the present building.
21 .- Jenkins Bridge, built by Asa Sheldon, Woburn Street.
22. Gowing House, 1720, home of Daniel Gowing during Revo- lutionary War, Park Street.
23. Harnden Tavern, 1770, also residence of Samuel Dummer, Woburn Street.
24. Old Pearson Tavern, 1730, Salem Street.
25. Tweed-Manning House, early 1700, Ballardvale Street.
26. Ford-Blanchard House, 1720, residence of Cadwalader Ford, Salem Street.
27. Squire Samuel Eames House, 1730, Middlesex Avenue.
28 .- Bear Oak Stump, where last bear seen in Wilmington was shot, Wildwood Street.
29. Buck House, claimed built in 1635 by William Buck who came over on the ship "Increase." Wildwood Street.
30 .- Memorial Park, dedicated 1930, Main Street.
31. Rich Carter House, 1720, Main Street.
32 .- Harnden Massacre, Mrs. Harnden and three children killed by Indians in 1707, Woburn Street.
22 places where italics have been used have been photographed.
Photographs are available through Miss Mildred Holt.
-indicates markers with post. No. 6 has one also.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH, GROWTH AND PROGRESS
SALUTATION
Wilmington today is a good town in which to live. We have a herit- age, a community with which we need not look with envy on any other locality. We also have tangible benefits; the best town water in the State; a climate that offers cool, refreshing nights even during summer's most severe heat ; good roads and bridle-trails; a diversity of scenery that it is a wonder to find within so short a distance of a great metropolitan area; schools that are a watchword with the state educational authorities ; four railroad stations on main lines affording frequent service to the great cities on the North and South. We have a citizenry that holds fast to the great deeds and principles of the founders, without backwardness or indifference about the ad- vantages of modern progress. Four churches of widely different denominations offer all men the great privilege for which the Fore- fathers prayed, but which they could not always boast-"freedom to worship God." Our Public Library is a monument to the spirit of liberal education that has always prevailed in the town. We govern ourselves by the old-fashioned town meeting system. Yet we have a budget commission, whose advice the voters generally heed, and we keep step with modern welfare requirements.
True, in recent years we have made an effort to be "genteel" by sacrificing some of the delightfully quaint old names, such as "Neck Road, New Road, Sandy Pond, the Lowell Depot," and affecting the style of naming in use in the large cities. Why should we ape their mistakes instead of profiting by them? Likewise we have consented to the marring of a priceless old-time village centre by ruthless scrap- ping of real landmarks and the building of garish additions to pure colonial types. We invite the stranger to come and settle in our midst and share our heritage. Should we not keep the outward symbols of that heritage from being despoiled ?
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Cast of 200th Anniversary Play entitled,-"What Ann Brought Home." 1930.
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For Reference 2.7 Not to be taken from this room
8 481 1
WILMINGTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY 3 2136 00090 8719
For Reference Not to be taken from this room
MANY
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