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Explore the history behind the artwork on public display.
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Aerial photograph of the library building and front plaza.
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Photograph of the main street entrance.
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Photograph of the Red Room's left side, facing the interior of the library building.
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Photograph of the Red Room's right side, facing the front of the library building.
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Photograph of the Gold Room / Living Room's right side, facing the fireplace and original external wall of the library building.
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Photograph of the Gold Room / Living Room's left side, facing the front of the library building.
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Photograph of the Gold Room / Living Room entrance view, facing left.
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Photograph of the Gold Room / Living Room entrance view.
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Photograph of the romance/mystery paperback alcove, off the main lobby.
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Photograph of the main lobby, facing the romance / mystery paperback alcove.
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Photograph of a New Fiction bookshelf in the main lobby.
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Photograph of the main lobby, facing the Gold Room/Living Room door.
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Photograph of the main lobby, facing the Gold Room/Living Room door.
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Photograph of the main lobby, facing the Red Room door.
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Photograph of the main lobby, facing the Red Room door.
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Photograph of the main lobby, facing the front door.
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Mirrored scan of the bookplate.
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Mirrored scan of the bookplate.
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Mirrored scan of the bookplate.
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Mirrored scan of the bookplate.
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This photo was taken by Cheyne Aerial Surveys of Methuen in 1948. According to the photo caption that appeared in the Boston Herald, "Take a good, long look at this suburban community, its main thoroughfare running from top left to right center of the picture, its athletic field at the bottom right, and two churches in the upper left corner. It's Wakefield from the air."
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This photograph is identified as having been taken by C.F. Richardson at Prospect and Elm Streets. In "Wakefield As It Is", a promotional booklet published by Chester W. Eaton's Real Estate Agency in 1880, the Boston Globe noted on May 2, 1880, "Eaton's real estate exchange reports an active demand for houses in the beautiful town of Wakefield., which is full of charming locations and various attractions. This agency, which is located at Wakefield, has houses and estates of every description ranging in price from $1,000 to $12,000 and building lots at reasonable figures. No suburban town is more popular for residential purposes than Wakefield, and its growth is sure and steady."
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G.W. Eaton, Grocers was located at 394 Main Street from 1889 to 1917. Owned by George W. Eaton, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, the store sold a variety of items some of which were featured on advertisements on display at the store, including Quaker Oats; Bon Ami, a cleaner developed in 1886 by the J.T. Robertson Soap Company; products baked by the New York Pie Bakery, located in Massachusetts; chocolate and cocoa from the well-known chocolatier Walter Baker & Company of Dorchester; and smoking materials from J. G. Dill's Tobacco Company of Richmond, Virginia, a company which received four patents for chewing and smoking tobacco in 1878. The picture may have been taken in February 1896, as indicated by the 29 days on the calendar on the wall . It is interesting to note that the next leap year did not occur in 1900, rather it occurred in 1904. A leap year is every four years, but not every 100 years. Since 1752 in the United States, years exactly divisible by 100 are only leap years when they are also exactly divisible by 400. For example, 1800 and 1900 were not leap years, but 1700 and 2000 were. When Eaton retired in 1917 after 28 years in the grocery business, he disposed of his goods and closed the store, not selling the business to anyone else.
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(Seated left to right) Captain Arthur Moncrieff, Captain Francis Bowman, Major Richard Dolbeare, Captain Roy Surrette and Captain Charles Carr. (Standing, left to right) 1st Lieut. Philip Pasqualino, 2nd Lieut. Winsor Finney, 1st Lieut. Frank DeFazio, 2nd Lieut. Myron Wing, Adj. A. Anderson, Battalion instructor Sergeant Ernest Monroe, 1st Lieut. Francis Walsh, 2nd Lieut. Abbott Fiendel, 1st Lieut. Cecil Ward, 2nd Lieutenant Robert Batten, and 1st Lieut. Samuel Levine.
The Wakefield High School Battalion was created in October 1885, when the "boys of Wakefield High School" formed a military company and entered into the Second Massachusetts Regiment with cadets from Reading and Andover. During the 1920-21 school year, the Battalion was said to have "advanced farther" than in other years under the instruction of Sergeant Monroe of the United States Army. The battalion's four companies met for drill three periods each week, with an officers' school held every Tuesday afternoon to instruct the officers and non-commissioned officers. For several years, the companies which made up the Wakefield Battalion held spring prize drills in the Town Hall and later on the park (common). Due to crowded conditions at the High School and overcrowding of the program, military drills were abolished in 1931. The program was resumed with the entrance of the United States in World War II and was required of all boys in the junior and senior classes, as military training was valuable to the young men entering the service.
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Referred to as the Frederick Ballard Eaton House on Main Street near Sweetser Street, this home was reported to be occupied by Frederick's widow Eliza in Lilley Eaton's Genealogical History of Reading Mass., published in 1874. Frederick was born in Reading (now Wakefield) in May 1792, one of five children born to Samuel Eaton III and Sarah (Evans) Eaton. He married Eliza Vinton in 1815 and the two were parents of five children: Sarah, Henry, Mary, Hiram and Joseph. Sarah married George Reed Morrison, a Deacon in the First Parish Congregational Church and one of the first corporators of the Wakefield Savings Bank. Frederick died in 1858. It is not known when the house was built. The Frederick Ballard Eaton House is believed to be the house occupied by William Stimpson in 1812. According to Lilley Eaton's book, Stimson "was a bricklayer by trade, a peaceable, industrious, and honest man. He afterwards purchased and occupied the farm at the 'head of the pond', now or lately known as the 'Stimpson Farm'," probably the historic house now at 22 Prospect Street. Frederick Ballard Eaton built another house, the Greek Revival style home to the south of the original house, now 196 Main Street, for his son Hiram. A map of 1856 shows two Eaton houses at the corner of Main and Sweetser Streets.
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One of the oldest commercial buildings in downtown Wakefield, the Kingman Block, was built around 1860 during the tenure of Samuel Kingman, a tailor who later became Postmaster. Now known as the Bourdon Building, the building housed the Post Office until 1901 when it moved to the corner of Main Street and Richardson Avenue. During the late 1800s, Kingman's Hall was on one of the upper floors and was used for social parties and assemblies. The third floor was once the armory of the Richardson Light Guard, as well as the A.O.H. Hall and the Red Men's Hall. After the Post Office vacated the building, the bottom floor of the building was altered over the years to accommodate many businesses, including Wilhelmina's Smart Shop, O'Connor's Men's Shop, and Wm. M. Deadman's Market which was on the Albion Street side of the building. Kenwood's Lunch was the occupant of the first floor when this picture was taken on September 21, 1923 just before the razing of the Bessey Livery Stables pictured on the right. Kenwood Lunch advertised that it was an American restaurant with American food and management and encouraged readers to "come and enjoy a real good meal. We solicit your patronage and guarantee satisfaction." The Willard Service Station, the taxi office of Richard Barrett, and the Victor Shoe Shine Parlor, to the right of the Kingman Building were also razed in November 1923 in preparation for the Wakefield Trust Company building.
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Company A, Sixth Regiment of the Richardson Light Guard, was mustered into service on April 6, 1917. Less than 12 hours later, Company A was on its way to Fort Revere in Hull. On August 25th, the company was allowed to return home for a day before being sent to war. A farewell parade was held on Sunday which started at the Armory (now the Americal Civic Center) and ended at the Upper Train Station. According to Wakefield Massachusetts in the World War 1917- 1920, a book started by Emma Florence Eaton (who worked on the project from 1919-1921), and completed in 1935 under a W.P.A. project, more than 900 Wakefield men and women were enrolled in the various branches of the service. A total of 41 gave their lives to the cause, 97 were "gassed" or wounded, 27 received "decorations for valor," and 37 were cited for gallantry in action when the war ended in 1919. Pictured after the company passed through the town during the 1917 farewell parade, thousands of local residents returned to their homes or walked or rode to the train station for the final good-bye. It is interesting to note that the sign in the foreground reminds drivers to "keep to the right. Please observe the law." It is also important to not only note the dress on what was probably a hot August day, but to also note the cars, one of which has the steering wheel on the right.
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The annual Fourth of July celebration, sponsored by the West Side Social Club, featured children's activities and contests, a three-division parade which began at Moulton Playground and ended at the Common, a band concert, and fireworks. The parade, the largest in the events history, stepped off at 2 p.m. on a route that traveled along Albion, Gould, Walnut and Chestnut Streets, North Avenue, Main and Church Streets. Several of the children's activities, including the fishing derby, home run hitting contest, pet "show", and a boys-only bicycle, tricycle and cart parade were held the night before, beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by a band concert, variety show featuring three vaudeville acts and a "sample" fireworks display. The remaining children's events, including the children's races and doll carriage parade were held on the morning of July 4th, some of which were featured on WBZ-TV's live broadcast from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Bob Emery's Big Brother show. The parade floats which "appeared in the line of march" in the afternoon "assembled for a trip before the cameras on Church Street in front of the bandstand and several marching groups also were shown at 11 o'clock." Brian Goss, on the bicycle was the second-place winner in the bicycle parade, which won him a "crest lite." He and his mother, Ruth, are pictured with what may be the other winners who were reported to have been interviewed by Bob Emery on his show.
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According to the photo caption on the back of the photo, "PIRATE HIDEOUT - Shipfitters set the rigging on a pair of pirate boats moored to the wharf on the shore of Pleasure Island's currently calm inland sea." The photo was taken just weeks before the June 22nd public opening of the park. The designers and construction crews were able to turn swampland into the Disney of the East in less than one year, starting earth-moving operations in the Fall of 1958, working through a New England winter and above average rainfall amounts during the 1959 spring and summer. This photo shows portions of the park's main themed areas, Clipper Cove, on the left, and the Western section called Goldpan Gulch, above right. Clipper Cove was designed to represent a New England seaport from the mid-1800s. It incorporated the Pirate Cove and Moby Dick attractions as well as the Wreck of the Hesperus dark ride. The Western section featured the narrow-gauge steam train "Old Smokey" and the Goldpan Gulch Station, the Diamond Lil Saloon, Quannapowitt Publishers Print Shop, the Chisholm Trail dark ride, and an 1800s and Contemporary Hotel exhibit by Hotel Corporation of America. At the top of Clipper Cove (left to right) is the Hotel Exhibit, the dark ride, Print Shop, and Saloon. Facing Clipper Cove at the rear of the Hotel Exhibit was the Sheriff's Office and Jail. Across from this complex was the popular Tilt House, often referred to as the Slanty Shanty. On the left beyond the launch platform for the Pirate Cove attraction was Cap'n Snow's Chowder House, which was still under construction. Several other attractions also opened in the park's first season, some survived for the entire 11 seasons while others were either added or removed, including the park's shops and dining facilities. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of Pleasure Island's 11th and final season. Wakefield hosted the second of three theme parks built across America after Disneyland and although long gone, Edgewater Office Park maintains much of the past landscape and water features enjoyed by the millions of former guests, young and old.
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This building, occupied by the Wakefield Clothing Company in 1923, once numbered as 390 Main Street, was located across from Avon Street. While most prominent buildings in downtown Wakefield were often referred to by either the name of their builders or occupants, this building is not as identifiable. It could have been called the Daland Building in the late 1800s, as it was owned and occupied at the time by the Everett G. Daland Dry Goods Store. The store measured 75' x 20' and provided a "large and fine assortment of dry goods, children's clothing, men's furnishings, hats and various small wares too numerous to mention." It is reported that Everett George Daland, a Wakefield native, opened the dry goods store in 1878 at the age of 18. He opened the store for 23 years and went on to work as a traveling salesman for Simon, Hatch and Whitten Company of Boston, a wholesale men's furnishings company for the next 30 years. The building itself is similar to, and often mistaken for, the Butler block which is located on Main Street across from Albion Street.
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Although there were several houses owned and occupied by members of the Emerson family, this is probably the home of Thomas Emerson, founder of Thomas Emerson & Sons at the corner of Main and Lawrence Streets. According to the Historic Homes and Places and Genealogical and Personal Memoirs Relating to the Families of Middlesex County, Massachusetts published in 1906, Emerson was born in 1785 and died in 1871. He and his wife Elizabeth Hartshorn, said to be the sister of Col. James Hartshorn, were the parents of five children: Thomas, Augusta, Sarah, Maria and James. James, the youngest, is the only child listed as being born in the home in 1830. Thomas Emerson was credited with instituting a system of paying wages in cash instead of "barter at the store," once a practice of shoe manufacturers. A Selectman, member of the School Committee, Representative to the General Court and a State Senator, the elder Thomas was one of the "most prominent citizens and business men active in political affairs" with a "charming personality and sterling character," traits carried on by his two sons, Thomas and James, both of whom are credited with growing the business in "volume and prosperity" and continuing his community and civic service. After their father's retirement in 1854, his two sons renamed the company Thomas Emerson's Sons. The younger Thomas was one of the founders of the Wakefield Horticultural and Agricultural Society, and although he was an integral part of Thomas Emerson's Sons, he also served as President of the Mechanic and Agricultural Institution, a bank, for 24 years, and as a trustee of the Wakefield Savings Bank and director of the National Bank, along with many other organizations. James Emerson followed his father's civic sense of duty as Town Treasurer for 28 years. He is credited as being a "leading spirit in the organization" of the Richard [i.e. Richardson] Light Guard, serving as Commander of the company, was the second President of the Wakefield Savings Bank, and was an organizer and charter member of the Wakefield Home for Aged Women (the Boit Home.) He played a "prominent role" in bringing water, electricity and gas to the town, and in acquiring land bordering Lake Quannapowitt for use as a public park. He died in the family home in 1906.
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The building at 29 Water Street, former home to L.B. Evans Son Co. Shoe Manufacturers, was built as a three-story, 60' by 40' building in 1894. Founded in 1841 by Lucius Bolles Evans in a building at the at the rear of a dwelling house at 9 Salem Street, the shoe manufacturing shop moved to 8 Salem Street in 1884. In 1894, Lucius' son, Harvey B. Evans built the new shoemaking factory on the site formerly occupied by the Episcopal Church, employing 80 people.The company was incorporated as the L.B. Evans' Son Company in 1905 by Harvey Evans' sons following his death. A 40' addition and a fourth story were added somewhere around 1904, with many other additions made over the years, bringing the total square footage to 117,000 sq. ft when the final addition was completed in the late 1960s. Once recognized as the oldest shoe manufacturing concern in the United States and the oldest industry in Wakefield, the company and its building were purchased by a Fitchburg Company in 1979 and the company began to be phased out in 1980, eventually closing around 1987. The company was best known for its slippers and casual shoes in its later years. Although it appeared that the Burche Manufacturing Company was located in the L.B. Evans building, the angle of this photograph made it appear that the company's sign was on the building, according to a press statement on the back of the photograph.
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Frederick Tudor, a prominent Boston merchant referred to as the "Ice King of New England" in the early 19th century began harvesting ice from ponds and lakes across Massachusetts beginning in 1805. He harvested ice from both Lake Quannapowitt and Crystal Lake, as well as several other area lakes and ponds, that were shipped to areas as far south as Charleston and New Orleans, and as far as the West Indies. Ice harvesting in Wakefield increased with the creation of the Quannapowitt Railroad Company in 1849 to transport ice from storage to the main railroad and to points beyond. By 1855, 27,000 tons of ice were harvested from both Lake Quannapowitt and Crystal Lake for an estimated value of $13,500, employing 20 men, making the town the fourth largest source of commercial ice in Middlesex County. In its heyday, there were more than three dozen ice houses operating at one time: the 24-ice house Boston Ice Company, the People's Ice Company, the Whipple-Morrill Company, Morrill-Atwood Company, and the Nichols Ice Company, all on Lake Quannapowitt; and three on Crystal Lake: the Philpott houses near the "Greenwood Bridge", a "set of houses" on [sic] at the corner of Crystal Lake Park near the Town nursery, and another on the east shore near the Junction railroad station. The picture shows the workers getting the cut ice into the ice house. According to Alonzo Colson's accounts published in the Wakefield Daily Item in 1947 and 1948, the connecting links between the ice houses and the "ice fields" were called runs, which were two 100-foot platforms of heavy boards, each five feet apart, five feet wide and two feet above the water. The ice cakes would float between them and long chains would go down into the water to pick up the cakes that workers had "poled" along and put on the chains, which were two "flat-faced" link chains five feet apart and seven to eight inches long. A hardwood cross bar connected the two chains which picked up the ice cake from the "submerged big wheels upon which it rolled." The ice was then slid onto iron tracks to the desired storage level.
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Boothby's Specialty Shop began as Boothby's Beehive when Asa and Mabel Boothby purchased The Emerson, a dry goods store owned by Bernice Emerson across the street in the Traders' Block, in 1907. Daily operations were handled by Mabel while Asa worked as a salesman, and later as sales manager, for Wadsworth-Howland Co. The store moved across the street into the Butler Block, then numbered 432-434 Main Street, in 1919 in a store previously occupied by Butler's variety store and, with the addition of more merchandise, became a women's specialty store. The couple purchased the building from the estate of Aaron Butler in 1923 and remodeled it in 1936 by adding a 75' one-story addition in the rear, removing the yarn shop on the second floor and adding four kitchenette apartments. Both Asa and Mabel Boothby were active in the community; he as a Selectman, Chairman of the Salvage Committee during World War II, and as an officer of several professional, civic and religious organizations; and she as Noble Grand of Goodwill Rebekah Lodge, No.22, I.O.O.F, and as an officer of other civic and religious organizations. The business was sold to W.T. Grant Company Manager Leslie Gaquin in 1944, who also purchased in the building in 1946.
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The stately First Baptist Church was destroyed by a seven-alarm fire on October 23, 2018. The church is described in the 250th anniversary publication of 1894, after addressing a fire that destroyed its second house of worship in 1871, as follows: "The people had already felt the need of more ample accommodations, and, with strong hope and courage, secured a lot of land on the corner of Main and Lafayette Streets, where the foundations of worship were laid. This structure, which is no exception to the unwritten law that calls for attractive public buildings in the town, was dedicated (on) Dec. 11, 1872. Built of wood, it belongs to the Romanesque order, with minaret and lofty spire, one hundred and eighty feet from the base. the spacious auditorium was designed for one thousand people".
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Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 2021
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The other half of the Greenwood gathering appearing elsewhere in this calendar features a glimpse at some of the local businesses that exhibited their wares at the circa 1930 gathering in Greenwood. H.S. Sorensen, a local jeweler, is in the center, and on the right is the display of the J. Wallace Grace Hardware Company, a hardware and plumbing store that was located at 14 Albion Street and started in business in the mid-1800s. The store may have been associated with the International Oil Burner display, at right, which touted the new type oil burner that, according to industry publications, "took the place of wood or coal and automatically and silently changes cheap oil into one of the quickest and hottest fires known." It was said to burn 96% air and 4% "cheap oil" and fit in the fire box of any range, stove or furnace. George Archibald is also in this part of the picture, wearing a sweater, knickers and striped socks, standing alone with his left hand touching his face.
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This photograph was taken from the steeple of the Baptist Church, looking southeast. The view shows several prominent buildings and structures, most notably the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Wakefield, at the right, the factory building once referred to as the "Old Rink Building" and former home to the Richardson Light Guard armory, the Lincoln School, and the Heywood-Wakefield Company, formerly the Wakefield Rattan Company, and later the Robie Industrial Park. The photograph was taken before the 1951 police station was built, now part of the Public Safety Building. The 1900 fire station is not pictured but is to the right of the top of the church steeple. Note the homes with barns and the absence of automobiles in the driveways and on the roadways.
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Wakefield's Veteran Firemen's Association appears to have been among the most active of the veteran firemen's organizations in the Commonwealth in the late 1890s. Comprised of "old-time firemen," the members of the association took part in numerous balls, parades, and competitions organized by the New England States Veterans Firemen's League in the 1880s and 1890s. The Veteran Firemen's Association was organized in January 1889 with 45 charter members. Early officers included President W.A. Cutter, Vice President E.H. Walton, Secretary George Weston, Treasurer E.E. Whiton, and Foreman Alexander Flanders. The April 1889 Town Meeting approved the use and custody of the Yale Engine No. 1 to the group, later selling it to them for $1 in November 1891, with the condition that the hand tub be kept in good condition for use at all fires, and "subject to duty whenever required by the Fire Engineers of Wakefield." The engine could not be sold without the consent of the Town and would revert back to the Town when the company disbanded. During one outing in Boston in September 1892, the Wakefield group was among more than 3,000 uniformed members representing 25 companies and 23 engines, some of which were hailed as the "best in the nation." The competitions included engine tests with Wakefield's Yale Engine coming in third with a horizontal stream of 205', 2.75". The Yale, named after noted citizen and benefactor Burrage Yale, was destroyed in a fire at the Central Fire Station in 1899. the association participated in the Town's 250th anniversary celebration in 1894, which may be the occasion for the photograph. Note the Yale name on the belt buckles.
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The Greenwood Branch of the Beebe Town Library opened in October 1904 at the "new" Greenwood School building. According to the 1904 Town Report, the library started as a twice-weekly delivery "by an attendant" to Greenwood residents. By February 1905, 876 books had been circulated and 60 "application" cards had been requested. The Greenwood Branch Library was open on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., and in January 1906 its hours were expanded to include Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. The library branch was so popular that the Saturday hours were increased to 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and a room in the school was eventually dedicated to library operations on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturday, a schedule that remained in place for decades. During the early 1930s, improvements were made to the Greenwood Branch Library under the direction of Librarian Clara Wilson. The 1933 Town Report describes the library rooms as "inviting and homelike and are taking on a real place in community life. Decorations suitable to the various seasons are arranged and there is always some scene in the glass case of interest to both children and grown-ups." In 1962, the library rooms were needed for classrooms, and the branch library was moved to smaller space within the school. The branch closed in September with its books stored in the basement until its new home was finished in "conjunction" with the Greenwood Fire Station. The Greenwood Branch Library officially opened in its new home in the station on May 5, 1963.
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The building of a new brick schoolhouse in Wakefield North Ward was approved at Town Meeting in early 1898 to address crowded conditions in the existing schoolhouse which had required "96 scholars" to attend the Lincoln School. The North Ward was considered to be the area between Main and Salem Streets, west of the Newburyport Branch of the B&M Railroad, and the building was the third new school to open in as many years. After debate, the meeting voted to build a four-room two-story school building at a cost of $12,000 on a 13,000 foot lot at the intersection of Cordis Street and a private way which ran north of Cordis Street, rather than move and repair the existing school building. It was also voted at a subsequent meeting to name the school in memory of Dr. Francis P. Hurd, 'cultivated, refined, and philanthropic citizen' who had bequeathed $2,500 to the Beebe Library. The first and second floors were identical, with a vestibule, corridor, coat rooms and a lavatory, teachers' room, and two classrooms, each measuring 28 ft x 32 feet. In the 1901-1902 school year, the faculty included Principal Eleanor F. Emerson, a graduate of Salem Normal School; Jennie Carter, Millbury High School, grades 1 and 2; Isabel G. Flint, Salem Normal School, grades 3 and 4; and Eva Howlett, Salem Normal School, grades 5 and 6. According to the 1901 and 1902 Town Reports, 44 students were enrolled in grades 1 and 2 in all of 1901, and 50 students enrolled during the first five months of 1902.
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Before the start of the 1962 season, Pleasure Island's managing director, Walter Smith, cleared the land between Baby Animal Land and Indian Village and transformed it into an athletic event complex. According to a press release issued on July 19th, 1962, "Inspired by the President's Physical Fitness Campaign for Youth, Pleasure Island has implemented a Junior Olympics program which is the first kind in the country." The program was run by Peter Rommell of Boston University's athletic staff, and children could "not only watch shows and enjoy rides at the park, but also take part in a painless physical education program." There was no charge for participation in the fitness competition, which was held in the Olympic Stadium "set off by flags of 64 nations." According to a park press release, a member of the "carefully-selected" staff which oversaw the program was Northeastern University student Richard Kelley of Wakefield, who went on to be a long time physical education teacher in Wakefield. Pleasure Island hosted the Junior Olympics during the 1962 and 1963 seasons, with 7,850 children participating in the first season. Boys and girls from 6 to 18 scored points in several different events, including "chin-ups, push-ups, sit-ups, squat thrusts, high jumps, standing broad jumps, deep knee bends, and a 50-yard dash." The high scorers from each day were invited back at the end of the season for the semi-finals and finals. The winners of the final competitions held on September 2nd, 1962, Paul Sweeney, 13, and Leslie Stevenson, 10, traveled to Washington, D.C. with Pleasure Island's Director to meet President John F. Kennedy in January 1963. At the end of the 1963 season, winners Beth McBride, 14, and Charles Pantos, 16, each received a gold medal and a $50 US Savings Bond. The Olympic fields were located on what is now parking lots between buildings 101 and 201 in Edgewater Office Park.
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Wakefield's Crystal Lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen (A.O.U.W.) participated in the float division of the July 4th parade in 1922. According to regional news reports, the organization's float entry was "depictive of the order" which is credited with being the first fraternal group that introduced fraternal Insurance to its members, a benefit that was only available to "businessmen and manufacturers." Founded in Pennsylvania in 1868 by John Jordan Upchurch, the A.O.U.W. was established as an organization that would be responsive to the needs of its members while uniting labor and management. Originally intended to serve men in the mechanical trades, the A.O.U.W. opened its membership to other occupations just two years later. The parade was part of a $5,000 celebration organized under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce. More than 50,000 people were reported to have attended the event which began with a Gallo's Band concert and bonfire at midnight the night before at the Greenwood ballfield, and continued through the day with the "street" parade at 10 a.m., a baseball game, sporting events, and another concert by Gallo's Band. The $1,000 fireworks display, and the flying exhibition on parachute drop were postponed due to weather, with the fireworks slated for the next "first pleasant evening." In addition to the floats, the parade, led by Col. Edward J, Gihon, included a military division, 20 fraternal organizations, an industrial division, veterans of three wars, decorated cars and "horribles."
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The Lucius Beebe Steamer No. 1, often referred to as the Silsby Steamer, was Wakefield's first steam and horse-drawn engine. Built by the Silsby Manufacturing Company of New York and purchased by the Town at a cost of $3400 in 1882, the steamer was a replacement for the Yale hand pump engine. The Town had its first look at the Lucius Beebe steamer and its 400 gallon-per-minute capabilities at an exhibition at Carter's Pond on the corner of Main and Crescent Streets that year. The steamer and its hose and supply wagons were first stationed at the fire station on the lower Common, and later moved to a newly built firehouse on Crescent Street in 1894. The horses were housed at the nearby Hathaway Stables. To keep the horses active, they were loaned to various Town departments, including the Highway Department which use the steamer to water its gravel roads during the summer. The Silsby Steamer was replaced by the Amoskeag Steamer in 1908 and placed in reserve service. The steamer was taken out of reserves and given to the Water Department for use at the Broadway pumping station in 1928 "for standby in the event of failure of electric power." In the early 1940s, the steamer remained at the Broadway station "ready to be used to quench fires and for auxiliary water supply." Wakefield was in a severe two-year drought in 1940 and 1941 which caused Crystal Lake to be 81" below the high watermark in 1941. The Silsby steamer was rebuilt and used to pump water from Crystal Lake into the filter. The drought created an expansive shoreline as the picture shows. Note the Junction train station which can be seen in the background.
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Historical references indicate that the Old Smith House was built by the Reverend Samuel Haugh prior to 1662 and stood at Main and Water Streets. Haugh is believed to have "come over" to this country from England with his father after Atherton Haugh in 1634. As the second minister of Reading, now Wakefield, he began preaching in Reading in 1648 and was ordained in 1650. He died in 1662 and left all the houses, land and "quick stock" that he was in possession of within the Town of Reading to his daughters Elizabeth, Sarah and Mary. In addition to the Reading possessions he also owned land and houses in Boston, Cambridge, and Braintree. Elizabeth lived in the house with her husband Capt. John Herbert, a mariner and sea captain who went on to serve as Town Clerk and as a Selectman several times. The house was later occupied by her daughter Mary and husband, Deacon Thomas Nichols. The house was sold by Thomas Nichols to Capt. David Smith. Smith's son Noah lived in the house until his death in 1859. Noah was also a Selectman as well as a justice of the peace, representative and an officer of the calvary [i.e. cavalry]. The house was moved to 15 Lincoln Street in 1868 to make room for the Cyrus Wakefield Town Hall and remained standing until the 1950s. Smith Street was originally the alley that ran behind the Smith house, according to the August 21, 1921 edition of the Wakefield Daily Item, and it later became the street between the Town Hall and the Miller Piano factory. The article also claimed that Smith Street was probably the shortest street in Massachusetts, at just 100 yards in length, and without a single house.
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This undated landscape picture, believed to have been taken around 1930, belongs to Ola Florence Dow Archibald Hatch of Greenwood, the social correspondent for the Wakefield Daily Item and a member of a large family with many local ties. Ola was one of five children of George and Clara Dow, born in 1892; Charlotte (Da)y, born in 1895; Clarence "Click", born 1897; Everett, born in 1900; and Ida (Glidden), born in 1901. Clara was also the social correspondent for the Wakefield Daily Item, a position Ola took over when her mother retired. The photo is two pictures put together; the other is featured on the back inside cover of this calendar. Ola's husband Samuel Archibald worked in the Town Clerk's office and is the tall man standing at the left with his hands in his pockets, while their son George is the sixth boy to the right of the man in the striped suit. Sadly, George died in 1931 of meningitis, and Samuel in 1933 of tuberculosis. Ola married Milan Hatch, a widower who had three sons and a daughter, in 1934. Their daughter, Judy, was born in 1935. Milan also served the Town as a blackout warden during World War II. In addition to the Dow, Hatch, Day and Glidden families, other Wakefield family members included the Forlizzi and Pelletier families. The photo was taken in Greenwood at what may have been the Greenwood ballfield/park off Pitman Avenue, behind the Pitman estate, or the Grove which was located near Forest Street. The Greenwood ballfield was the site of many community events in the 1920s and 1930s, including a midnight bonfire on July 3rd, 1922, which kicked off a massive $50,000 July 4th celebration.
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According to US Census reports, Rev. Robert Woodward Cushman, D.D., a highly respected preacher and teacher throughout the Northeast, lived at the Vernon Street home in 1865 that had once been occupied by Thomas Emerson in 1765, and shoemaker John Sweetser in 1795 and 1812. The Baptist "clergyman" lived in the home with his wife Eliza and their daughter Ella, a teacher. Records indicate that the real estate was valued at $4,000 while his personal wealth was $1,000 indicating that he was a man of wealth. Born in Maine in 1800, Dr. Cushman was orphaned early in life, and at 14, According to US Census reports, Rev. Robert Woodward Cushman, D.D., a highly respected he began working as a cabinetmaker apprentice, watchmaker and jeweler. At the age of 16, "the influence of religious truth awakened him to a new life" and he went "from house to house, exhorting the people to repent." He went on to study under several notable preachers and graduated from Columbian College, now George Washington University. He was ordained as pastor of Poughkeepsie, NY's Baptist Church in 1826, and supplemented his meager $400 per year salary through teaching. His love for teaching and his great religious convictions continued onto Philadelphia where he founded the Cushman's Collegiate Institution for Young Ladies, while continuing his religious studies, and to Boston in 1841 as pastor of a newly founded Bowdoin Square Church. He returned to Washington D.C. where he served as pastor of the E Street Church and founded the French and English Protestant Seminary, a school of "high order" and said to be among "the best in the nation." He was twice nominated as Chaplain for Congress but declined. He returned to Boston in 1853 to establish the Mount Vernon Ladies School at 6 Allston Street. It has been said that, "As a writer, his style is chaste, elegant and terse, and as a speaker he is eloquent and convincing. He has, therefore, been called upon to give sermons and addresses on public occasions, almost without number, - several of which have been published." He published 22 works in 77 publications and was revered and widely read throughout the world.
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Thomas Emerson's Sons, manufacturers of gentleman's dress shoes, was located at the corner of Main Street and Yale Avenue. Born in 1785, founder Thomas Emerson was said to be "obliged from very early years to work at the bench" and is reported to have started his shoemaking in earnest in 1805. According to Lilley Eaton's Genealogical History of the Town of Reading, he formed a partnership with Ebenezer Nelson in 1810 for the manufacture of shoes, which "continued with a fair measure of success" until Nelson felt the calling to become a preacher and the business was amicably dissolved. Emerson was joined by his sons, Thomas, Jr. as a partner in 1837, and James Emerson in 1851 when the company became Thomas Emerson & Sons. The name was changed to Thomas Emerson's Sons, with the retirement of the founder in 1854. Originally located near Lawrence Street, the company moved to Albion Street and then to Yale Avenue/Main Street in 1863, the site formerly occupied by Burrage Yale's tin factory. The addition of the labor-saving McKay sewer required the expansion of the business and the enlargement of the factory. The Thomas Emerson's Sons factory closed in 1902, and the building was razed to make way for the YMCA. In Eaton's book, published in 1874, three years after Emerson's death, he was credited with inaugurating a system of cash payments to "workmen" in place of the customary barter system. "By the frequent introduction of improved machinery and methods, he was able to furnish profitable occupation to large numbers of people."
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The house at the corner of Salem and Pleasant Street is reported to have been built around 1820 by Elias Boardman, around the time of his marriage to Huldah Green, daughter of Reuben Green, a "respectful farmer" who lived on Greenwood Street. According to information submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission for the National Register of Historic Places, Elias was an architect, carpenter and builder who had worked on homes in the Beacon Hill section of Boston. Incorporated the open "high-style" typical of that area into his own home, unlike the simpler style found locally. As a result, it was considered to be extravagant and was dubbed open "Boardman's Folly." The submission also notes that "at one time, before indoor plumbing, the house had two owners, each of whom had title to 1/2 the house, 1/2 the yard, 1/2 the well, and 1/2 the back house." The Greek revival-style ell in the back was thought to have been built in the mid-19th century. The street was laid out in 1839 and the road from "Elias Boardman to E.S. Upham" was named Pleasant Street in 1847. The Boardman family was said to have owned the home for more than a century. Elias' grandson Arthur Boardman served as Town Treasurer in the 1920s and 1930s.
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Wakefield Park on the lower common has welcomed generations of Wakefield residents and others who spent many summer afternoons on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. Catherine Kennedy Fitzgerald and her family were among those who enjoyed such an afternoon sometime around the late 1920s. Catherine and her husband, John F. Fitzgerald, were both born in Ireland and emigrated to the United States separately in the early 1900s. The couple and their five children: Eileen (Black), Rose (Day), John, Edward, and Bernard Fitzgerald, moved to Wakefield in 1924 where they lived on Broadway and later Emerson Street. The family has established deep roots within Wakefield, with several generations still residing in the community.
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50-year employees of the Heywood-Wakefield Company in 1928. Front row, from left: Andrew Anderson, Mary McCann, John Foley, Henry DeRoche. Back row, from left: Napoleon Munier, James Coleman, Patrick Maloney, Patrick Finneran, Cornelius O'Leary.
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A cabinet made by the Heywood-Wakefield Company at its Wakefield, Massachusetts factory around the turn of the 20th century.
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An early Heywood-Wakefield wicker furniture showroom - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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A furniture showroom at the Heywood-Wakefield Company - Wakefield, Masssachusetts, in the early 20th century.
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An early wicker chair made by the Heywood-Wakefield Company.
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A truck loaded with 250 chairs from the Wakefield rattan factory, driven by Paul DiDonato, Dec. 4, 1917.
Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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An early wicker chair made by the Heywood-Wakefield Company, located in Wakefield , Massachusetts. From the early 20th century factory showroom.
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Note that the identifications inscribed under the two Cyrus Wakefield photos are reversed. The first Cyrus Wakefield, the man who founded the Wakefield Rattan Company around 1855 and who lent his name to the town in 1868, is actually on the right. The man on the left is his nephew, Cyrus Wakefield II, who took over the company in 1873 following his uncle's death. The business eventually became the Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company.
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The Wakefield Factory, around 1866.
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Earliest known depiction of The Wakefield Factory, around 1856.
Founded by Cyrus Wakefield in what was then South Reading, Massachusetts, the business would eventually become the Heywood-Wakefield Company, one of the foremost furniture maufacturers in the country. South Reading changed its name to "Wakefield" in 1868, after Cyrus donated money and land for a new Town Hall.
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An 1870 photo shows the rattan machine shop from east.
Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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An 1865 view of WAKEFIELD'S RATTAN MANUFACTORY.
Founded by Cyrus Wakefield in what was then South Reading, Massachusetts, the business would eventually become the Heywood-Wakefield Company. South Reading changed its name to Wakefield in 1868, after Cyrus donated money and land for a new Town Hall.
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An undated illustration of the "Wakefield Clipper Ship Hoogly discharging a cargo of rattans at Constitution Warf, Boston.
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A load of rugs upon a horse-drawn truck outside the rattan factory in 1894. The driver is identified as Andy Dulong.
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Workers at the Heywood-Wakefield rattan furniture factories in Wakefield, Massachusetts - 1897.
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An 1880 exterior of the rattan wood and machine shop.
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A view of the rattan factories from 1926.
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A 1905 view from the east side of the Wakefield rattan factories, when Water St. ran through the factory yard. Land in foreground was once cow pasture and is now Nasella Park. The top of the Lincoln School can be seen in background, right.
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts. The old Wakefield Cinema is on the right. Crystal Lake is visible in the background.
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Looking past the old Town Hall (left) down Main Streeet. The Wakefield Cinema is on the right, where the marquee advertises a double feature of "Brigitte Bardot in La Parisienne" and "The Bachelor Party" Cataldo's Drug Store is to the right of the movie theater. The Esso gas station is on the far right corner. Beyond the Esso station is Walker's Oldsmobile dealership.
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Just the front entryway remains of the old Town Hall, at the corner of Main and water streets in Wakefield, Massachusetts. The Pick-It Liquor Mart and Steven's Automotive Accessories are seen on Water Street in the background. Hart's Hill is off in the distance.
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Back end of the demolition site, at the corner of Smith and Lincoln streets. The Miller Piano Factory is in the background, on the present day site of the Bank of America.
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The old theater block, on Main Street, across from the demolition site. From left, the Wakefield Cinema, Cataldo's Drug Store, W.T. Grant, Co, and Thom McAn shoe store. Playing at the Wakefield Cinema as a double feature of "La Parisienne" starring Brigitte Bardot and "The Bachelor Party"
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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The historic old Town Hall, Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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The historic old Town Hall, Wakefield, Massachusetts, prior to demolition.
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The historic old Town Hall, Wakefield, Massachusetts, prior to demolition.
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The historic old Town Hall, Wakefield, Massachusetts, prior to demolition.
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Twenty-fifth reunion of the Class of 1930, Wakefield High School - Wakefield, Massachusetts, held June 25, 1955 at the University Club in Boston. Notes on the photo identify Dr. Elizabeth Upham, who went on to be a teacher and administrator at WHS; and John A. Volpe - who would go on to serve as Governor of Massachusetts, Secretary of Transportation under President Richard Nixon, and later U.S. Ambassador to Italy. Volpe was a Wakefield native and was attending the reunion with his wife, the former Jennie Benedetto, who was a member of the Class of 1930.
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John A. Volpe with George H.W. Bush, who served as both President and Vice President of the United States.
Volpe, a native of Wakefield, Massachusetts, was born on December 8, 1908 in the Water Street home of his Italian immigrant parents. Volpe, a Republican, was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1960, 1964 and 1966.
In 1968 he accepted the position of Secretary of Transportation in the administration of President Richard Nixon. In 1972, he became the first Italian-American to hold the position of US Ambassador to Italy. He served until 1977.
John A. Volpe died in 1994 and is buried in Forest Glade Cemetery in his hometown of Wakefield. The John A. Volpe Library at Wakefield High School is named in his honor, and a plaque marks the house of his birth on Water Street.
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John A. Volpe, President Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger.
Volpe, a native of Wakefield, Massachusetts, was born on December 8, 1908 in the Water Street home of his Italian immigrant parents. Volpe, a Republican, was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1960, 1964 and 1966.
In 1968 he accepted the position of Secretary of Transportation in the administration of President Richard Nixon. In 1972, he became the first Italian-American to hold the position of US Ambassador to Italy. He served until 1977.
John A. Volpe died in 1994 and is buried in Forest Glade Cemetery in his hometown of Wakefield. The John A. Volpe Library at Wakefield High School is named in his honor, and a plaque marks the house of his birth on Water Street.
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John A. Volpe with Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, and John F. Kennedy.
Volpe, a native of Wakefield, Massachusetts, was born on December 8, 1908 in the Water Street home of his Italian immigrant parents. Volpe, a Republican, was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1960, 1964 and 1966.
In 1968 he accepted the position of Secretary of Transportation in the administration of President Richard Nixon. In 1972, he became the first Italian-American to hold the position of US Ambassador to Italy. He served until 1977.
John A. Volpe died in 1994 and is buried in Forest Glade Cemetery in his hometown of Wakefield. The John A. Volpe Library at Wakefield High School is named in his honor, and a plaque marks the house of his birth on Water Street.
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President Dwight D. Eisenhower and John A. Volpe.
Volpe, a native of Wakefield, Massachusetts, was born on December 8, 1908 in the Water Street home of his Italian immigrant parents. Volpe, a Republican, was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1960, 1964 and 1966.
In 1968 he accepted the position of Secretary of Transportation in the administration of President Richard Nixon. In 1972, he became the first Italian-American to hold the position of US Ambassador to Italy. He served until 1977.
John A. Volpe died in 1994 and is buried in Forest Glade Cemetery in his hometown of Wakefield. The John A. Volpe Library at Wakefield High School is named in his honor, and a plaque marks the house of his birth on Water Street.
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Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson, President John F. Kennedy and John A. Volpe.
Volpe, a native of Wakefield, Massachusetts, was born on December 8, 1908 in the Water Street home of his Italian immigrant parents. Volpe, a Republican, was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1960, 1964 and 1966.
In 1968 he accepted the position of Secretary of Transportation in the administration of President Richard Nixon. In 1972, he became the first Italian-American to hold the position of US Ambassador to Italy. He served until 1977.
John A. Volpe died in 1994 and is buried in Forest Glade Cemetery in his hometown of Wakefield. The John A. Volpe Library at Wakefield High School is named in his honor, and a plaque marks the house of his birth on Water Street.
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John A. Volpe with First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
Volpe, a native of Wakefield, Massachusetts, was born on December 8, 1908 in the Water Street home of his Italian immigrant parents. A Republican, Volpe was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1960, 1964 and 1966.
In 1968 he accepted the position of Secretary of Transportation in the administration of President Richard Nixon. In 1972, he became the first Italian-American to hold the position of US Ambassador to Italy. He served until 1977.
John A. Volpe died in 1994 and is buried in Forest Glade Cemetery in his hometown of Wakefield. The John A. Volpe Library at Wakefield High School is named in his honor, and a plaque marks the house of his birth on Water Street.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. This undated photo was probably taken around 1930.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. From a 1924 Architecture magazine photo. Finished in 1922, the building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram & Ferguson Architects, Boston. The area shown is now the front lobby of a building that has been twice expanded and renovated.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. From a 1924 Architecture magazine photo. Finished in 1922, the building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram & Ferguson Architects, Boston.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
Photo originally appeared in a 1924 issue of Architecture magazine. Completed in 1922, the building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram & Ferguson Architects, Boston.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. From a 1924 Architecture magazine photo. Finished in 1922, the building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram & Ferguson Architects, Boston.
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The lobby and front desk at the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. This undated photo was probably taken around 1930.
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The lobby and front desk at the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. This undated photo was probably taken around 1930.
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The lobby and front desk at the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. This undated photo was probably taken around 1930.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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A trowel used by Lucia Beebe at the 1922 cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Wakefield Massachusetts. Damien Hurlburt found the trowel while cleaning out the basement of his 26 Daniel Rd. home. The inscription on the trowel reads, “USED BY LUCIA BEEBE LAYING CORNERSTONE OF LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY WAKEFIELD MASS. MARCH 17, 1922. Lucia Beebe was the niece of Lucius Beebe (for whom the library is named) and the sister of Lucius Morris Beebe, who was famous for his high style, society journalism and interest in railroading.
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A trowel used by Lucia Beebe at the 1922 cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Wakefield Massachusetts. Damien Hurlburt found the trowel while cleaning out the basement of his 26 Daniel Rd. home. The inscription on the trowel reads, “USED BY LUCIA BEEBE LAYING CORNERSTONE OF LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY WAKEFIELD MASS. MARCH 17, 1922. Lucia Beebe was the niece of Lucius Beebe (for whom the library is named) and the sister of Lucius Morris Beebe, who was famous for his high style, society journalism and interest in railroading.
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345 Main Street - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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This bell, cast by Paul Revere's company, sat in Beebe Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts - for many years.
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A painting by local artist Hope Dillaway depicted a number of prominent early citizens of Wakefield, Massachusetts, along with some of the town's historic buildings. The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library building is in the lower center. The man with the white beard above the building is Lucius Beebe.
In the upper right, is Wakefield's Old Town Hall, along with a portrait of Cyrus Wakefield, for whom the town was named. For hundreds more photos from Wakefield's past, visit our Profile and click on the link to our web site.
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A colorized postcard view of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, Massachusetts, probably from the mid-20th century.
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The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, Massachusetts during construction, circa 1922.
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Laying the cornerstone for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, Massachusetts (1922). At right, is Harris M. Dolbeare, chairman of the Building Committee. For hundreds more photos from Wakefield's past, visit our Profile and click on the link to our web site.
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The laying of the cornerstone for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, Massachusetts, on March 17, 1922. Standing on the right in the fur coat is Lucia Beebe, granddaughter of Lucius Beebe.
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A present day view of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Photograph of front plaza on Main Street.
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Seating on the second floor of the library.
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A photograph of the train table on the lower level of the library, in the children's area.
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A seating area on the lower level of the library, in the children's area.
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Photograph of the main lobby of the library in 2016.
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Photograph of the Gold Room in 2016.
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Photograph of the reference area in 2016.
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Photograph of the reference area of the library in 2016.
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Photograph of Blake Gallery and Reference Desk in 2016.
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Photograph of the bee skep fence at Avon Street entrance.
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Emergency exit on the Avon Street side of the building.
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Photograph of the Avon Street entrance to the library, which is handicap accessible.
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Photograph highlighting the detail in the plaza flagpole base.
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Photograph highlighting the detail in the plaza flagpole base.
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A photograph of the entry to the Gold Room in 2016, including minuteman plaster medallion.
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A view of the iron railing in the main lobby.
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Photograph of the sarcophagus on the lower level of the library, in the children's area.
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A photograph of the front of the building in October 2015.
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Wakefield, Massachusetts. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. 1998 renovation. Architects: Childs, Bertram, Tseckares, Inc. (CBT). Photo by Jacoby Photography, Boston, MA.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. This undated photo was probably taken around 1930.
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The lobby and front desk at the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. This undated photo was probably taken around 1930.
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The lobby and front desk at the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. This undated photo was probably taken around 1930.
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The lobby and front desk at the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. This undated photo was probably taken around 1930.
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A trowel used by Lucia Beebe at the 1922 cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Wakefield Massachusetts. Damien Hurlburt found the trowel while cleaning out the basement of his 26 Daniel Rd. home. The inscription on the trowel reads, “USED BY LUCIA BEEBE LAYING CORNERSTONE OF LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY WAKEFIELD MASS. MARCH 17, 1922. Lucia Beebe was the niece of Lucius Beebe (for whom the library is named) and the sister of Lucius Morris Beebe, who was famous for his high style, society journalism and interest in railroading.
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A trowel used by Lucia Beebe at the 1922 cornerstone-laying ceremony for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Wakefield Massachusetts. Damien Hurlburt found the trowel while cleaning out the basement of his 26 Daniel Rd. home. The inscription on the trowel reads, “USED BY LUCIA BEEBE LAYING CORNERSTONE OF LUCIUS BEEBE MEMORIAL LIBRARY WAKEFIELD MASS. MARCH 17, 1922. Lucia Beebe was the niece of Lucius Beebe (for whom the library is named) and the sister of Lucius Morris Beebe, who was famous for his high style, society journalism and interest in railroading.
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts
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Wakefield, Massachusetts.
From an early 20th century picture postcard.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. From a 1924 "Architecture" magazine photo. Finished in 1922, the building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram & Ferguson Architects, Boston.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. From a 1924 "Architecture" magazine photo. Finished in 1922, the building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram & Ferguson Architects, Boston.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. From a 1924 "Architecture" magazine photo. Finished in 1922, the building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram & Ferguson Architects, Boston. The area shown is now the front lobby of a building that has been twice expanded and renovated.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. From a 1924 "Architecture" magazine photo. Finished in 1922, the building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram & Ferguson Architects, Boston.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts. From a 1924 "Architecture" magazine photo. Finished in 1922, the building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram & Ferguson Architects, Boston.
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345 Main Street - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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This bell, cast by Paul Revere's company, sat in Beebe Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts - for many years.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
Photo originally appeared in a 1924 issue of "Architecture" magazine. Completed in 1922, the building was designed by Ralph Adams Cram of Cram & Ferguson Architects, Boston.
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Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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A present day view of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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Wakefield, Massachusetts.
April 23, 2008.
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Laying the cornerstone for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, Massachusetts (1922). At right, is Harris M. Dolbeare, chairman of the Building Committee. For hundreds more photos from Wakefield's past, visit our Profile and click on the link to our web site.
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The laying of the cornerstone for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, Massachusetts, on March 17, 1922. Standing on the right in the fur coat is Lucia Beebe, granddaughter of Lucius Beebe.
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The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, Massachusetts during construction, circa 1922.
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A painting by local artist Hope Dillaway depicted a number of prominent early citizens of Wakefield, Massachusetts, along with some of the town's historic buildings. The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library building is in the lower center. The man with the white beard above the building is Lucius Beebe.
In the upper right, is Wakefield's Old Town Hall, along with a portrait of Cyrus Wakefield, for whom the town was named. For hundreds more photos from Wakefield's past, visit our Profile and click on the link to our web site.
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A colorized postcard view of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield, Massachusetts, probably from the mid-20th century.
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345 Main Street - Wakefield Massachusetts.
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Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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345 Main Street - Wakefield, Massachusetts.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos.Top left: from across Main Street (note that Main Street was a dirt road). Top right & bottom left: winter on the Beebe Estate. Bottom right: the Beebe Home from Main Street.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. Top left: the front porch and main entrance of the Beebe mansion. Top right: looking down the driveway (left) toward Main Street and Lake Quannapowitt. Bottom left appears to be Mr. & Mrs. Junius Beebe.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. Top center: a carriage in front of the Beebe Estate, Wakefield, Massachusetts. Top right: Harriett (Mrs. Junius) Beebe.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. Top right: on the Beebe Estate, with lake Quannapowitt in the background.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. Top right: Junius Beebe? Bottom center: Girl (Lucia Beebe?) perched on stone wall featuring "behive" design.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. Top center: Junius Beebe? Bottom right: Beebe mansion, side view.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. Bottom left: Junius and Harriett Beebe, with child - possibly their son Lucius Morris Beebe. Bottom center: A young Lucius Morris Beebe (born 1902) with big sister Lucia (born 1892)?
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. Bottom center: a horse & carriage parked in fron of the Beebe mansion.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos.Bottom left photo appears to be Junius Beebe and his wife Eleanor Harriet Beebe.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. The woman in white is possibly Eleanor Harriet (Mrs. Junius) Beebe. Top left: standing on the Beebe Estate with Beebe's Cove (Lake Quannapowitt) in the background.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. Top center: probably Junius Beebe, owner of the Beebe estate circa 1900. Bottom center: likely his daughter, Lucia, born in 1892. Top right: Note the "beehive" stone design formation. The Beebe family crest was a beehive, and is a recurring motif throughout the family's property and artifacts.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. Top left photo appears to be Eleanor Harriet Beebe and Junius Beebe. The bottom right photo is the Hurd School, at the corner of Pleasant and Cordis streets. The school is on property that would have abutted the Beebe Farm. The Hurd was built in 1899, placing it in the time period that Junius and Eleanor Beebe owned and lived on the Farm and in the same timeframe as the rest of the photos in the Beebe album.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. Top left, playing in the snow in front of the Beebe house. Top right and bottom left: a view of the Beebe home from a southeast vantage point. Lake Quannapowitt is in the background. Bottom right: Junius Beebe (?) with child.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. The woman in the top right photo taken in the upstairs hall of the Beebe mansion, is believed to be Eleanor Harriet Beebe, wife of Junius Beebe, likely in the early years of the 20th century.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. The lower right photo is believed to be of Junius Beebe and his infant son, Lucius Morris Beebe, the famous author and bon vivant, dating the photo to 1902-1903. The top right photo also appears to be of Junius, who owned the property around the turn of the 20th century. Junius was the son of the first Lucius Beebe, for whom the public Library in Wakefield is named. The girl in the top left photo is possibly Junius's daughter, Lucia Beebe, born in 1892, making her ten years older than her toddler brother, Lucius Morris Beebe.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1880-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. The man standing in the top right photo is believed to be an elderly Lucius Beebe, for whom the public library in Wakefield, Massachusetts is named. Lucius Beebe died in 1884, so the original photo was likely a dry plate image. This type of technology was typically available at the time only to the wealthy, which would have included the Beebe family. In any case, in the background beyond the trees on the estate, Lake Quannapowitt is visible.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1880-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos. The man standing in the top right photo is believed to be an elderly Lucius Beebe, for whom the public library in Wakefield, Massachusetts is named. Lucius Beebe died in 1884, so the original photo was likely a dry plate image. This type of technology was typically available at the time only to the wealthy, which would have included the Beebe family. In any case, in the background beyond the trees on the estate, Lake Quannapowitt is visible.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1900. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos.
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The Beebe Farm in Wakefield Massachusetts, circa 1890-1910. Once owned by Lucius Beebe and the Beebe Family, the property at 142 Main Street is presently owned by Richard A. Martino, who was kind enough to provide these photos.
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"This street railway car traveled to Lynn through the snowy streets of Wakefield during this storm in 1915. The storm may have occurred in December, as the winter of 1915-1916 is recorded as the ninth "snowiest" season in the season city city of Boston, with 76.2 inches of snow. Wakefield was an important street railway center soon after the Wakefield and Stoneham Street Railway Company was established in 1889. The first tracks ran from Wakefield center to Stoneham, connecting Wakefield with the Lynn & Boston road to Melrose and Woburn. In 1893, tracks were laid from Wakefield Town Hall via Water Street through Saugus to the Lynn city line, establishing a direct connection with the city of Lynn." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"This is one of the many photos taken during the 50th wedding anniversary celebration for Dr. Allston Gray Bouvé and Delia Carter Bouvé. The photo session itself is also featured in this calendar. The photographer captured this image using what was probably a field camera, complete with a partial hood." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Methodist Episcopal Church of Wakefield was organized on June 4, 1865 with a membership of 26. According to the Proceedings of the 250th Anniversary of the Ancient Town of Redding, services were held in the Universalist house of worship for the first four years until the congregation purchased Albion Hall at the corner of Albion and Foster Streets. After "several years of prosperity," a lot of land was purchased further west on Albion Street in 1873. Designed by T.B. Samuels of Boston, the Swiss timber constructed building "adapted to the 14th century Gothic outline" was completed and dedicated in February 1874 at an expense of more than $25,000 with a mortgage of half that amount remaining on the property. A parsonage was established in 1883 at 42 Chestnut Street. Through the "earnest efforts" of Rev. Gilbert Osgood and the "friendly offerings of the membership and other societies," the debt was lifted and a grand jubilee was held on April 9, 1886, complete with a mortgage burning ceremony which also featured "biscuits and griddlecakes provided by the Horford Baking Powder Company at no expense to the church." To say they were excellent would be expressing it mildly, according to the Wakefield Citizen & Banner. The 130' spire was struck by lightning three times: 1916, 1917 and 1926. The church's chimney fell victim to the Hurricane of 1938, causing it to crash to the roof, leaving extensive structural damage. The building was razed on October 11, 1938. Services were held in the Universalist Church for a year until a fire caused them to move to the Lafayette Building (now the Town Hall), the Grand Army building on Foster Street, and eventually to the current location on Vernon Street in 1955. Rev. Benjamin G. Seaboyer, appointed pastor in 1918, served in that capacity at the time of the photo and for a total of 15 years, making his the longest ministerial appointment." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Erected in the mid-1870s, the Greenwood Boston & Maine train station was originally planned for a location closer to Forrest Street. There was a contentious debate in 1873, according to the December 20, 1873 Citizen & Banner: "The report of 'leave to withdraw' given the petitioners for a change of location of the Greenwood depot, by our Road Commissioners, we presume will be generally satisfactory. We only hope that now the point is decided the Railroad authorities will begin the erection of a new depot at once. We believe that room enough is obtainable on either side of the track for the depot and trust that no personal preferences will be urged against the common good." The station was eventually located in front of Mr. Locke's Grove, also called Greenwood Grove. According to "A History of Greenwood", written by high school senior Betty Jones in 1939, the area included a "picnic grove with the dancehall, cook house, monkey cage, band stand and an observatory." By 1939, all the buildings had been torn down or burned and the land was owned by Mr. Fell. The station was again the subject of debate when the Atlantic Refinery Company put in an offer to buy the station from Boston & Maine to build a "modern, two-bay filling station" in the late 1950s. That never materialized and the station was moved on January 29, 1959 to the soon-to-be opened Pleasure Island. The station was destroyed by fire in April 1971." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Spanish War Veterans' Hiker Monument was dedicated on Columbus Day, Tuesday, October 12, 1926 as part of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Richardson Light Guard. The day consisted of a morning target shoot at Camp Curtis Guild, a military parade said to be "one of the finest military parades ever held in Greater Boston," the dedication of the monument, an evening parade on the park by a battalion of the 182nd Regt with companies of infantry from Wakefield and other communities, luncheons in halls and church vestries for visiting organizations, a reunion of the 6th Mass. Regt Spanish War veterans, and a banquet at the state armory attended by 400 people. The dedication took place after the parade with the marching organizations on three sides of the Rockery, the Spanish War veterans having the "post of honor at the front and at least 2,000 persons within sight and hearing of the exercises." Col. Edward J. Gihon, former commander of the Richardson Light Guard during the Spanish War, presided over the "impressive exercises." The unveiling of the statue was performed by two Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, Joseph Scott of Cambridge and Anthony Carson of Boston. The Hiker stands on a rock that bears a plaque with the names of the 29 citizens who risked their lives during the war, with the inscription: "This monument erected by the town of Wakefield to commemorate the valor and patriotism of the men of this town who served in the war with Spain, Philippine insurrection, and China relief expedition 1898-1902; dedicated October 12, 1926 under the auspices of Corporal Charles F. Parker, Camp No. 39, United Spanish War Veterans Department of Massachusetts." The foot soldiers of the Spanish American War trekked over rough terrain, earning them the name "hikers." The Hiker monument was created by Boston sculptor Theodora Alice Ruggles Kitson, a well-known sculptor of war memorial statues, whose original statue was unveiled in Minnesota in 1906. There are approximately 50 replicas of the statue at war memorials throughout the country, including Arlington National Cemetery." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Wakefield High School Class of 1917 held its 47th year reunion on Saturday, September 23, 1944 at the Lord Wakefield with 54 (39 classmates and their spouses) in attendance. The evening included a business meeting, reception, dinner, music and entertainment by Mr. & Mrs. Charles Nute and James Morse, members of the Nute Trio. During the business meeting, the class members voted to make a donation to the Heart Fund in memory of a classmate, and another donation to purchase a tree on the Floral Way. Class President G. Leonard Black and his wife, Bertha Hanright Black, of Sarasota, FL and Anne George Cox of Altadena, CA received prizes for traveling the greatest distance. Reunion attendees included: Lillian Anderson Cannery, Mildred Anderson Prince, Leonard Bayrd, Carl Belmore, Class President G. Leonard Black, Bertha Hanright Black, Treasurer Raymond Boardman, Warren Branch, Charles Burke, Gregory Clines, Ada Dadley Ahman, Mary Donegan Creedon, Margaret Douglass McAuliffe, Dr. John Drugan, Esther Dulong Malonson, F. Olive Eager, Ruth Flannigan Cranston, Alice Flannigan Gray, Joseph Fober, Anne George Cox, Dr. Paul Gove, Gladys Grant Barwise, Mary Lally O'Rourke, Dorothy Learned Glidden, Gertrude McFadden Wensell, William MacDonald, Marguerite Mullen Meskell, Mary Murray, Marion Oliver Smith, Clayton Sanford, Helen Powell Sanford, Bella Rattray, Effie Rattray, Vice President William Rattery, Agnes Regan, W. Irving Scott, Margaret Stewart Davison, Nellie Wanamaker Wells, and Helen Webster Fitz." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The home built by Cyrus Wakefield was razed on October 17, 1921 to make way for the new high school on Main Street. An October 18, 1921 Wakefield Daily Item editorial reflected on the once-stately home: "Much has been written and said about the old Wakefield Mansion, and its destruction by building wreckers brings a tinge of sadness to old-time Wakefield people who knew the attractive estate at its best, and who perhaps shared in some of the activities in which the senior Cyrus Wakefield took such an active part of, 70 years ago. In its day, people came here from miles around to see the beautifully kept flowerbeds, the attractive grounds and the imposing mansion. The stately halls of the mansion witnessed many gay and festive occasions when dignitaries from far and wide, and beyond the seas were entertained by Mr. Wakefield. Even up to the time when the Red Cross temporarily occupied the house during the World War, it seemed a great pity to use some of the rooms, for they were in an excellent state of preservation. The 'magic mirror' in the front hall where both young and old were fascinated by its myriad reflection and the numberless nooks and corners about the spacious rooms formed attractive features until the last." In closing, the editorial noted, "...and now the house that long since became historic gives way to a new high school building where children of generations yet to come will know about the mansion only by reading local history or by hearing what their elders may tell them in the line of reminiscences." The 10-acre estate stood on land which now houses the Galvin Middle School." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"In an advertisement and listing in the 1970 edition of the Hotel and Motel Red Book, published by the American Hotel Association Directory Corporation, the Colonial Statler Hilton Inn was listed as a Colonial Hilton in with "180 rooms and suites with a year-round, glass-domed swimming pool, spacious foyer and ballroom to accommodate 500, a health club, gymnasium, coffee shop and cocktail lounge." Rates per night were $16 to $17 for a single, $21 to $22 for a double. Original plans for the Colonial Inn called for the hotel to be built in Lynnfield, adjacent to the Colonial Country Club and its "18-hole golf course, restaurant with ten separate dining rooms, dancing and nightly entertainment." After Lynnfield Town Meeting rejected the plan, grounds for the new "s-curved hotel" was broken in Wakefield in March 1965 and the hotel open to the public on Monday, December 6, 1965. Owner George Page held a "series of dazzling champagne parties" the weekend before for the press, politicians, "businesspeople, and other dignitaries." The ribbon to officially open the hotel was cut by page and Wakefield native Governor John Volpe during the festivities on Sunday. One of the most "interesting" features of the hotel was the "year 'round swimming pool enclosed with a big bubble-top of acrylic" which the hotel boasted would be open in the summer. As a Statler Hilton Hotel, the Colonial was equipped with a Totel, a message and call system that alerted each room that a call was received while the guest was out. In addition to the Colonial Inn, Page, also a Wakefield native, owned the Olde Coach Motor Lodge and restaurant in Nashua, NH, and the Colonial Country Club. He was the president of Seabury, Inc. on Cape Cod and operated the Unicorn Golf Club." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Dr. Allston Gray Bouvé and Delia Carter Bouvé posed for a photograph in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary. The celebration took place at their home at 16 Summit Avenue with their son Alan Bouvé (watching at right), and daughter-in-law Millie Bouvé (on the porch), along with son and daughter-in-law Henry and Edith Bouvé, daughter and son-in-law Stella and Riberot Dutton, and granddaughters Olive and Dorothy Bouvé and Kathryn Dutton. Grandson Howard, a student at Harvard Medical School, could not attend as he was serving in US Army Medical Reserve Corps during World War I. He served from December 17, 1917 to December 11, 1918 and went on to become a "well-known" Boston surgeon. The couple married on June 4, 1868 in Mount Pleasant Church, Roxbury with Reverend C.J. Bowen officiating. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary in 1932 at their son Henry's 39 Fairmount Avenue home. Allston Gray Bouvé, D.M.D. was born in 1845 and was a graduate of Harvard Medical School, Class of 1877. He was a clinical instructor as well as an instructor of Operative Dentistry at Harvard's Dental School and a practicing dentist on Tremont Street in Boston for more than 40 years before his retirement in 1918. Dr. Bouvé was a Civil War veteran and was the next to last surviving member of the H.M. Warren Post, G. A. R., Wakefield when he died in 1936 at the age of 90. Delia Carter Baker Bouvé was born in Boston in 1847 and was a descendent of John Baker who served in the Continental Army in the siege of Boston. She was a member of the Faneuil Hall Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was active in the T.T.O. Club of Wakefield. She preceded Dr. Bouvé in death in 1932." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The annual Memorial Day exercises were held on Memorial Day, Tuesday, May 30th on the Upper Common, now the Veterans' Memorial Common. A procession formed at 2 p.m. on Walton Field near the armory, now the Americal Civic Center, and ended at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. According to news reports, the annual tribute attracted far fewer attendees than in previous years due to the Town's tercentenary celebration and dedication of the World War II monument and American Legion's honor roll plaque two days before, on May 28th. The line of march was led by a platoon of police led by Chief John Gates and Motorcycle Officer Morton Griffin, Chief Marshall William Wenzel, chief of staff Ernest Johnson, Col. Edward Connolly, Col. J. Theodore Whitney, World War I veterans, past commanders of the American Legion Cpl. Nelson Post, Board of Selectmen, Red Men's Band of the Wampatuck Tribe (whose three trumpeters played Taps at the ceremony), State Guard unit of the Sixth Company 23rd Infantry, Red Cross truck, Gold Star Mothers and members of Daddie's Club, WHS band, Spanish American War Veterans, Sons of Union Veterans, VFW Post 2106 and Cpl. Nelson Post members and auxiliary, service men on leave or discharge, Middlesex County Cadets, Sea Scouts and Cub Scouts. Federal Court Judge and former Congressman Arthur D. Healey was the speaker. As was customary, flower petals were scattered at the base of the monument by high school "girls" Marjorie Holmes, Ruth White, Jean Geary, Louise Ormsby, Ruth Wells, Mary DeFelice, Jean Hochberg, Ramona Zwicker, Patricia Nardone, Jean Barrett, Betty White and Patricia Millett, all of whom were "in the charge of" Mrs. Grace Martin. From 1868 to 1970 the holiday was held on May 30th. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act changed the holiday to the last Monday of May to increase the number of three-day weekends for federal employees." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"This picture shows not only how Main Street looked in 1908, but also provides a look at some of the buildings from the early 1900s, all of which are now gone. The site on which the second building was erected is thought to be the location of the Town's first post office in 1812. The Wakefield Citizen & Banner was located there during the 1880's and early 1900s, and the building later housed the First National Store in the 1930s." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Dedicated on Saturday afternoon, April 14th, 1923, the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library was referred to in the Wakefield Daily Item as a new building "of which the citizens of Wakefield are justly proud and which for many generations to come they will use profitably and enjoy." Library patrons entered the building through a low vestibule into a larger "delivery room" where the delivery desk was located. Behind the desk was "a large opening showing the several tiers of stacks for the books and inviting the visitor to enter and browse around." The stockroom was designed "in such a manner that the stacks may be extended at a future day should the present capacity prove to be in adequate." On either side of the stockroom were working rooms for the staff, while the second floor held the "lounging room for the staff, complete with kitchenette facilities" and the Trustees room. The ceiling was "richly coffered, while in the center was a skylight to give greater light." To the immediate left and right of the vestibule entrance were two small rooms, one used as a conversation room and the other as a newspaper room. The staircase to the left led to the children's reading room while the small stairs to the right lead to the main reading room with its fireplace and bookcases around the entire room. Above the entrance to the reading room was a medallion of the Crusades. There were 14 smaller medallions in the reading room that were designed and created by Summerville sculptor Bernadette Chippolini, each carefully researched and selected as "the 14 most representative men of letters known to history." The delivery room medallions were the largest, each 42" in diameter. The card catalog was at the bottom of the stairs, complete with a poster indicating how to find a book. The building was expanded with an addition in 1969 and a more extensive addition and renovation was undertaken in the 1990s, concluding with a rededication in March 1998." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The first meeting house of the Baptist Society of the First Parish was built in 1800 on Salem Street "near the resident of the late Sylvanus Clark, No. 37 Salem Street." according to the History of the First Baptist Church in Wakefield, Mass., 1800-1900, the newly founded organization had requested to meet in the "schoolhouse near the meeting house" but the request was denied. An additional request to build their church on common ground was also denied, leading to the purchase of the site on Salem Street and the building of a 38' x 34' "edifice with galleries." In 1820, the meeting house was moved from Salem Street to its new home at the corner of Main and Crescent streets and subsequently enlarge by a 16' addition, a porch and a belfry. The building was destroyed by a fire in December 1835. Just one year later, a new building erected on the same site was dedicated. The building measured 68' x 48' with a conference room in the basement. in 1853, the building was enlarged by 16' and the structure raised, "making provision for a commodious vestry" and a conference room in the basement. The congregation grew and the church space became inadequate. In 1871, a decision was made to build a new church on land across the common. Before work could begin at the new site, an "incendiary fire" destroyed the building on June 21, 1871. Ground was broken for the church's new home six days later, on June 27th. The third home of the Baptist Church was destroyed by fire on October 23, 2018." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Board of Fire Engineers formed a hose company in Greenwood in September 1886 at the request of local residents, "with but little expense to the town, as apparatus was in storage and members served without pay." The 13 men of Greenwood Hose Company No. 3 were led by foreman Joseph Gilman and were equipped with one two-wheeled hose carriage with 1000' of leather hose housed in a private shed on Oak Street near Francis Avenue. The equipment was owned by the Greenwood Library Association. In 1892, the Town approved the first Greenwood station, a 20' x 30' two-story building erected by Isaac Heath on Oak Street at Francis Avenue. The Town went on to accept Greenwood Hose Company No. 3 as a part of the Wakefield Fire Department in April 1900. In 1902, the Town voted to sell its Greenwood fire station and convert the former Greenwood School building, also on Oak Street near Main Street, into a new station at a cost of $746.75. The old station and land were sold for private use. Wakefield's first permanent firefighter, James Goodhue, was hired in 1903 to work at the Greenwood station to tend the horse purchased by the Greenwood Library Association for the horse-drawn hose wagon. In 1924, the department's 1912 Webb pumping engine was moved from the Central Station to the Greenwood station. The station's name was changed from Hose No. 3 to Engine 2. The 1902 Greenwood Hose House was razed in September 1962 and a new wood- joisted masonry building was erected in its place for occupancy by the Fire Department and the Greenwood branch of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in 1963. During its construction, firefighters, equipment and the alarm system were housed in a small building and a section of the garage on the property of Classen Bros. Inc., a local Dodge car dealership located at 827 Main Street in Greenwood, later renumbered as 1099 Main Street." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Pictured on a snowy January day in front of the Riberot Dutton home at 7 Avon Street are members of the Dutton, Boothby, McMaster and Smith families. The neighborhood children: Helene Smith (front), George McMaster, Kathryn Dutton, Robert Dutton and David (Dib) Dutton (middle row), and Bradford Boothby (back) may have been playing in the snow that fell during a mid-January storm in 1923. At the time, Bradford Boothby, son of paint dealer and merchant Asa and Mabel Boothby, lived at 19 Chestnut Street, while George McMaster lived at 36 Yale Avenue with his parents, news dealer Lauren McMaster and Helen McMaster. Little background information, including an address, can be found for Helene Smith. Robert and Dib lived at 33 Avon Street with their parents, Dr. Richard Dutton and Ethel Dutton, and their grandparents, Dr. Charles Dutton and Mary Dutton. Robert went on to become Dr. Robert Dutton, a longtime and beloved Wakefield physician who practiced at the family home at 33 Avon Street, where his grandfather and father both practiced. Dib also became a physician, specializing in anesthesiology and general practice for many years in West Ossipee, New Hampshire. Kathryn Dutton, daughter of Riberot and Estella (Bouv
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"In November 2010, Town Meeting voted to fund a feasibility study for a new Galvin Middle School, and the groundbreaking for the new school was held on April 24, 2013. The school opened in September 2014, with a re-dedication held in the Veterans Memorial Auditorium on November 15, 2014. The building's gymnasium, music classrooms and site work were completed in 2015. The Galvin Middle School was completed under the direction of the Permanent Building Committee, which was comprised of the following members: John Encarnacao, Chair; Joseph Bertrand, Secretary; Lisa Butler; Chip Tarbell; James Lapery; Philip Crosscup; Thomas MacKay; Chris Callanan; and Michael Giannattasio."
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Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 2018
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"The Captain Asaph Evens House was located on the north side of Salem Street, near the intersection of Pleasant Street. Local history indicates that the house was built before 1795, probably by Joseph Gould, and that the house is two buildings joined together. The house was owned by Lemuel Sweetser prior to Evans. The son of Paul and Mary (Hart) Sweetser, he was married to Hannah Eaton, the daughter of Lilley and Sarah Eaton. A shoe manufacturer, Lemuel was a 'colonel of cavalry, school committee, justice of the peace, and representative,' who was described as an 'original thinker, well-posted; an effective public speaker; a man of firmness, courage, and probity. In some particulars he was remarkable and peculiar.' Captain Asaph Evans was born in 1805 and married Lucinda Skinner, daughter of wheelwright Thomas Skinner, in 1828. The couple had eight children, all of whom were born between 1831 and 1850. Asaph served as a Captain in the first militia organized in Wakefield, the Reading Infantry Company, which was established in 1644, one year earlier than the Great and General Court order of 1645 that ordered all settlements to keep a military guard. This company disbanded in 1840 when old militia laws were abolished, and a new plan was adopted. Evans served as the company's last captain. Asaph Evans is listed in the 1860 United States census as a laborer. He died in 1881, and his heirs lived in the home for several more years. The house at 19-21 Salem Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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"Located on the west side of Main Street, south of Albion Street, Richard Britton - Boots, Shoes and Rubbers was established on November 22, 1875. Britton, who bought the retail business from Nathaniel Clark, was referred to as the leader in the retail boot and shoe business, according to the Handbook of Wakefield, published 1895. Britton was active in the community, serving as a Selectman in 1868, 1869, 1872 and 1873; as South Reading's 11th District Representative to the General Court in 1872 and 1873; and as one of three to complete the Town's history upon the unexpected death of its author Lilley Eaton, in 1872. He was a member of several committees including the five-member committee charged by an April 1871 Town Meeting vote to consider building a new high school to replace the South Reading Academy, now the Lincoln School. The committee of five included Britton, Cyrus Wakefield, Lucius Beebe, Oliver Perkins and George Packard. Town Meeting voted in May 1871 on their recommendation to purchase the old Prentiss property at the northwest corner of Lafayette and Common Streets to build the high school, now the Town Hall. The 1890 List of Taxable Polls and Estates published by the Town shows that Britton owned a home on Yale Avenue and had a reported income of $500. Fred I. Wilkins, proprietor of the Britton Shoe Store became owner of the establishment in the early 1900s. When Main Street was renumbered, the store's address changed to 443 Main Street. The building was later purchased by Charles J. Klapes of the Colonial Spa in 1920."
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"This is a rare glimpse of the Kingman Block, now the Bourdon Block, at the corner of Main and Albion Streets, and of the Ye Barnard Inn on Albion Street. The photograph was taken on October 31, 1923 during the razing of Bessey Livery Stables in preparation for the Wakefield Trust Company building. Willard Service Station, at the left, was also razed in November. Several businesses were also forced to re-locate, including Clifford Mortimer and his lunch cart, the taxi office of Richard Barrett, and the Victor Shoe Shine Parlor. The two large elm trees in the photograph were also taken down. The Kingman Block was built in 1860 by Davis and Bryant during the tenure of postmaster Samuel Kingman, the town's sixth postmaster who was appointed in 1853. When the town changed its name from South Reading in 1868, he was reappointed as Wakefield's first postmaster. He retired from the position in 1873, and has been credited with the first free mail delivery in the community. The Kingman block remained in the Kingman family until it was bought by the Middlesex Traders, a local citizen-based realty investment organization, in June 1895. The post office remained at the Kingman Block until 1901 when it moved to the corner of Main Street an Richardson Avenue. Ye Barnard Inn was also the Albion Inn before it was purchased by Jacob Barnard, co-owner of the Quannapowitt Bowling Alley, in the early 1920s. In 1930, W.M. Brooks Company of Boston altered the structure into a two-story building at a coast of $7,500. The alterations included an office in the front of the second floor and an apartment at the rear. The post office, the former location of the WMGLD office on Albion Street, was built in April 1924 and is not pictured.
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"Located on the west side of Main Street, across from the Greenwood School, the Greenwood Seminary was established around 1855 under Universalist 'influence' by Rev. Windsor B. Wait, who served as principal, his wife Hannah, who served as 'preceptress.' The Greenwood Seminary was referred to in local news accounts as a private school that was ' a fine large structure for its time, and a popular and approved educational institution.' Pupils came form various parts of Massachusetts and other states, and its fame was said to be 'widespread.' The couple had conducted a school in Lexington before taking charge of the Greenwood Seminary. The Greenwood Seminary seemed to be ahead of its time, with furnaces that provided hot and cold water to every story and 'bathing rooms' as part of the accommodations, things that were 'more than luxuries in that period.' Although some historical references indicate that the school was attended by female students, other records show that both female and male students were admitted. The male department had a 'large play room in the basement for wet weather recreation and a reading room on the first floor' while the girls' department had parlors on the first floor and a recreation room on the third floor. Among those who attended the school were Joseph Grundy, who later became the manager of the Fred I. Wilkins shoe store, and Frank Converse of Malden, son of Elisha S. Converse, a well-known manufacturer and the first Mayor of Malden. Tragically, Frank was killed in 1863 while working as a cashier at First Malden Bank where his father was president. It was said to be the first armed robbery of a bank in the United States. After the seminary closed, Dr. Albert A. Day of Boston came to Greenwood and opened a home for inebriates from 1872 to 1874. After it was abandoned as a home for inebriates, the seminary building remained vacant until it was destroyed by fire in 1880."
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"Best known as the Smith & Anthony Stove Company, the original foundry building on the west side of the Boston & Maine Railroad tracks was erected in 1854 by Abner Blanchard, Charles Tarbell, William Stewart and J.F. Dane, under the name of Blanchard, Tarbell & Co. The company prospered and demand for their products was such that it became necessary to increase the capital in 1856. A stock company was formed under the name of Boston & Maine Foundry Company and investors included the founders, as well as Cyrus Wakefield, Sewall Mack and others. The company was profitable until a fire in 1866. Although the new buildings were quickly erected, and 'the foundry and its connections were the most complete in New England,' the company failed and was bought by the Franklin Foundry Company in 1871. In April 1879, the foundry was purchased by the Smith & Anthony Stove Company. William Smith served as president, and E.W. Anthony was treasurer. The company's line of stoves, furnaces and ranges, made under the name and trademark of Hub, 'were known everywhere, and excelled by none.' The company also built a brass foundry and finishing shop to accommodate its growing plumbing and water closet business. The company is said to have made the country's first enameled bathtub. Smith & Anthony Stove Company, which once had a payroll of $3,000 per week, went out of business in 1917. George Gibby of East Boston purchased the Smith & Anthony interests in April 1917 and operated the plant for several years before moving the equipment to East Boston, while maintaining ownership of the building. The building was later occupied by A.C. Purrington for the manufacture of pipes and fittings, and by John F. Swinnerton, Inc. which made pipes, valves, fittings and boilers. Swinnerton's company left in 1937, and the building was torn down in August 1938. In June 1938, the separate Smith & Anthony brass foundry building on the east side of Foundry Street was purchased by the Diamond Tank and Welding Company, which specialized in the manufacture of oil tanks. The company was owned by William A. Hickey of Hickey Coal and Oil Company and sold the tanks to the fuel oil jobbers and other engaged in tank installation."
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"The picture provides a look at Wakefield's past, including homes and stores which were razed during the 1920s through the 1950s. To the left of the photo is the Italianate-style building which housed the Citizen & Banner, and in the center of the photo is the 1895 Richardson Light Guard Armory that was affected by the Cutler Bros. fire in 1911. At the right in the photo stands the house of Edward Mansfield that was torn down to build the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, and further down the street is the old Bessey stable that was razed to make way for the Wakefield Trust Company. The third floor of the Taylor Building and the top of the 1871 Wakefield Town Hall are also visible on the upper left."
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"The advertisement and accompanying photo appeared in the Wakefield Souvenir of the Quarter-Millennial Celebration of the Settlement of Ancient Reading in 1894, and shows the 1834 Town House more than 20 years after it was moved from the Lower Common to the corner of Main and Salem Streets in 1873, and a third story was added. The building was occupied by Stillman J. Putney, a manufacturer of heels, rands and top piercings for footwear. In a synopsis of the business, it was noted that the 'cheapness of footwear' in the 1890s was the result of the manufacturing being divided into specialties. Putney manufactured heels in his factory which was 'fitted up with machinery of the most improved type, driven by an 8-horse power engine.'"
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"Driver Henry Russell, Chief Fred Graham and Tillerman Harry Parker (on the rear tiller) displayed Ladder 1 near the old fire station shortly after its arrival in Wakefield. The Town purchased its first aerial truck in 1928 and put it into service in December. Touted as the area's first aerial, the double-bank 75-foot truck was purchased from the Seagrave Company at a cost of $15,500. According to the 1928 Town Report, 'this machine is of the latest type having several new features which serve to increase the efficiency of same.' It was equipped with a 'water gun having a 3-inch hose,' a 75-foot, two-section wooden ladder with a spring-assist raising mechanism, and 304 feet of ground wooden ladders. The truck had an 80-gallon water tank with 200 feet of 3/4 inch booster hose, and a 75 gallon-per minute pump, as well as a life net, stretcher and an oxygen tank for 'resuscitation work.' The 1928 Seagrave replaced a 1914 Peerless city service type ladder truck that was subsequently sold by the Seagrave Company to Pascoag, Rhode Island for a cost of $1,600. Ladder 1 was taken out of service on June 15, 1954 after it was involved in a collision with Engine 5 at the corner of Pleasant and Lawrence Streets. Both pieces of apparatus were responding to n alarm from box 423 for a fire at 35 Lawrence Street, and both were declared losses. American LaFrance loaned Wakefield a 1932 Mack 85-foot aerial ladder truck that had been previously owned by the Bangor, Main Fire Department. A new American LaFrance 85-foot ladder truck was put into service in May 1955."
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"Lifelong Wakefield resident Louis Pasquale opened Vernon Market at 161 Vernon Street on November 22, 1946. A veteran of the US Navy, Pasquale served in the South Pacific aboard the battleship USS Indiana, and made plans to realize his dream to open his own 'modern' market soon after his discharge. Before joining the Navy, he had gained experience working at Henry's Market in Waltham. Vernon Market was a 'complete' food store with shelves stocked with 'the best brands of meats, groceries, and canned goods.' The store offered delivery and was self-service, with the exception of the meat counter. Customers could also order their groceries over the phone by calling Crystal 0276-R. On its 5th anniversary, local news reports noted that families in the 'four sections of town and Lynnfield' patronized the store in the building that featured the 'latest in lighting and self-service counters.' The Vernon Market continued to operate as a neighborhood store until October 31, 1970 when the Pasquales signed a five-year lease with the Richdale Group. In July 1975, Louis and Nancy Pasquale were given approval to alter the building from a two-family to a four-family dwelling. The space occupied by the store was converted into two three-room apartments."
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"Charles John Klapes, a native of Theologos, a suburb of Sparta, Greece, opened the Colonial Spa on Saturday, August 28, 1920. Charles left his home in Greece in 1906 and was ready to start his new business in 1920. According to his son Alexander in a tribute to his father upon his passing, Charles looked at the property in the middle of winter to see it in its 'least attractive state.' He l;liked what he saw and brought his young wife Aphrodite to Wakefield where they eventually raised their children: John, Michael, Mary, Alexander, Constantine (Charles), and Benjamin. According to the ads which appeared in the Wakefield Daily Item on the two days prior to the opening in 1920, the ice cream parlor and soda fountain includes a 'spacious area in the rear half of the store for the ice cream, tables,' and 'eight tables for the ladies.' The 'Spa' as it was called in the newspaper reports, also carried a large line of candies, tobacco, cigars and cigarettes. The opening was very successful, and 'the new fittings and attractive window displays, with orchestral music in the evening, brought many visits and good patronage.' The Colonial Spa continued solely as an ice cream parlor until the 1930s when a luncheonette was added. In addition to the luncheonette, the Colonial Spa evolved over the years to include a book section, an extensive candy section and a giftware section. The luncheonette closed in 1983. The Colonial Spa remained a family owned business until its closing in December 2000 following the death of Alex Klapes."
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"The Great New England Hurricane of 1938 is reported to be one of the deadliest and most destructive tropical cyclones to impact New England. The storm, estimated to have made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane on Long Island on September 21st, moved quickly through New England with the eye of the storm passing over western Massachusetts. The Blue Hill Observatory registered sustained winds of 121 mph and a peak gust of 186 mph, the strongest hurricane-related surface wind ever recorded in the United States. Most were caught unaware of the severity of the storm, due to the unusual speed of the storm and the lack of sophisticated monitoring equipment. In addition to the tens of thousands of homes that were destroyed or damaged by the storm, more than 20,000 electrical poles were toppled and an estimated two billion trees were downed in New York and New England, affecting over 35% of New England's total forest area. In Wakefield, hundreds of trees were uprooted in all areas of the Town, shingles and entire roofs were blown off buildings and homes, including the roof of the Nichols Ice House at the head of Lake Quannapowitt. Windows were blown out at several homes and buildings, including the Central Garage and Taylor Hardware Store, and chimneys were destroyed, including the newly-repaired chimney at the Methodist Church on Albion Street. The damage was so great that the church building was later condemned."
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"Richardson Light Guard, Company A, 6th Regiment departed Wakefield for Fort Devens, and eventually to the battlefields of France, on Sunday morning, August 26, 1917. The Company had been notified in mid-August that their Regiment was among those which would be 'broken up' and combined with other to make 'war strength units.' To boost the morale of the soldiers, Capt. Edward Connolly received permission on August 23rd to take the company to Wakefield for a farewell visit before the 'dreaded changes occurred.' The Public Safety Committee hastily arranged a celebration and sendoff, which were held on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The company arrived in Wakefield at 4:52 p.m. on Saturday, and its soldiers were back at the State Armory for their sendoff parade at 10:30 a.m. the following day. A 'touching' farewell was given by Father Florence J. Halloran of St. Joseph Church before the short parade to the Upper Station. Lieutenant Colonel John J. McMahon, Captain Connolly's predecessor as Commander of Company A, was the Chief Marshall of the parade. He was joined by Captain S.H. Brooks; Lieutenants Jeremiah Creedon and Edward E. Hickey, both formerly of Company A; Lieutenants F. Manning Hartshorne, Edward O. Proctor, Paul H. Taylor and E. Hazen Walton, all of whom were from Wakefield and had received officers' commissions at Plattsburg. The line of march also included the State Guard Company, led by Lieutenant John H. Downing; the Grand Army Veterans, led by Commander J. Warren Poland; the Spanish War veterans, led by Commander Francis H. Marion; Police Chief James J. Pollard and his 'platoon' of police; and Lurvey's Lynn Cadet Band."
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"'Teenage idol' Ricky Nelson was just 22 years old when he made his first New England appearance at Pleasure Island when it opened its fourth season on Friday, June 22, 1962. According to regional news reports, an estimated 10,000 parents and children attended the park's opening day festivities which included two shows by Nelson, at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the outdoor Showbowl. Nelson also performed two shows on Saturday and Sunday. Because of Pleasure Island's popular Showbowl, Nelson was the first celebrity to stay at the Lord Wakefield Hotel which opened for business six months earlier on December 15, 1961. Local newspapers reported that the star's stay at the hotel was a 'fairly well-kept secret,' with Police Chief Merritt Wenzel and 'his men keeping a close watch over the hotel during the weekend to prevent any teenage uprising.' In addition to Ricky Nelson, the Showbowl attracted national and international performers. Pleasure Island's second season, in 1960, opened with the Three Stooges who brought in nearly 20,000 guests during its first week. The park opened with Chuck Connors in 1961, with 57,000 guests during his six-day appearance. Pleasure Island hosted many local personalities such as Rex Trailer, Major Mudd and Wakefield's own Gene Jones with Community Audition shows, as well as national stars including Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, Dave Brubeck, Gene Krupa, The Four Freshmen, Troy Donahue, Robert Horton, Jimmy Dean, Don Ameche, Joe Ross, Fred Gwynne, Clayton Moore, Lassie, Frank Gorsham, Cesar Romero, Michael Landon, Jerry Mathers, Johnny Crawford, Fess Parker, Dion, and many more. Beyond the Showbowl was the former Greenwood Station, which was dedicated on July 6, 1885 and relocated, restored and renamed the Goldpan Gulch Station for the park's narrow-gauge Pleasure Island and Western Railroad which was owned and operated by Edaville Railroad.
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"Members of Wakefield high School, Class of 1930 attended their 25th anniversary reunion at the University Club in Boston. Among the class members at the head table was Dr. Elizabeth V. Upham (sixth from left), who later became a teacher, administrator and Dean of Girls at Wakefield High School. According to the Debater, the high school yearbook, Elizabeth was an assistant artists on the yearbook staff, a traffic officer, a library assistant, and the Corresponding Secretary of the Inter Nos Club, which was in its second year of existence in 1930. Although the yearbook noted that "Lib" planned to attend an art school or Jackson College, she went on to graduate from Tufts University in 1934 and received her Master's Degree in Education two years later. She started teaching at Wakefield High School in 1936, in a career that spanned more than 40 years. As Dean of Girls, Dr. Upham was the class adviser for the Inter Nos Club for several decades, as well as countless other activities. She went on to become a major benefactor of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, leaving a substantial portion of her estate in a trust 'to be used for the purchase of books and materials, particularly in history, literature, and the social sciences.' Among others at the reunion, at the table directly in front of Dr. Upham, were John and Giovaninna (Benedetto) Volpe. Jennie, as she was called, was a graduate of the Class of 1930. Both John and Jennie were raised in Wakefield, with John leaving home at an early age and graduating from Malden High School in the mid-1920s. Following her graduation, Jennie was a registered nurse at Winchester Hospital and at Bellevue Hospital in New York. The couple married in 1934. At the time of Jennie's class reunion, John was the Massachusetts Commissioner of Public Works. He went on to serve as the first administrator of the Federal Highway Administration in 1956 and as Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 1961 to 1963 and again from 1965 to 1969. He served as the US Secretary of Transportation from 1969 to 1973 and was appointed US Ambassador to Italy where he served from 1973 to 1977. Among the other class members who may have been at the reunion were Winnifred Ashenden, Sigmund Szydlowski and Constance Doyle."
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"The H.M. Warren Post No. 12, G.A.R. participated in the 250th anniversary celebration of the settlement and incorporation of the Ancient Town of Redding on Monday, May 28th, a day proclaimed as Settlers Day. Approximately 40 members of the Post were on board the float that held four cannons, one at each corner. The barge was 'appropriately decorated with flags and bunting, in charge of Quartermaster A.D. Merritt.' The Commander was Stephen W. Lufkin and Walter Hunt was the bugler. According to the back of the photograph, the identifications are as follows: '(front row, left to right) Maj. John M. Cate, W.J. Bridges, (unidentified), S.W. Phillips, N. Cowdrey, (next two unidentified), W.J. Mansfield, G.K. Walton, Oliver Walton, G.H.S. Driver, W.O. Giles. (Second row, left to right) John Day, (unidentified), D.P. Rolfe, John Day, (next two unidentified), S.W. Lufkin, Dion Malone, in front with the rifle. Mr. Brownell, standing at right of cannon." The name of John Day is listed twice in the identifications."
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"The South Reading Academy, located on Academy Hill where the Lincoln School was later built, was built around 1828-29 'under the auspices of the Baptist denomination.' The 2-1/2 story wood frame structure was three bays wide with a front-facing gable roof. Its main facade had an entrance centered in a recess that was framed by pilasters and an entablature. The front gable was fully pedimented, with a decorative shingle pattern at its center. According to the Genealogical History of the Town of Reading, Mass., the academy, established in 1829, was intended as an Introductory School to the Theological Seminary at Newton, 'although it was open to others.' The land and buildings were reported to be obtained by private subscriptions of the people of South Reading. While the school flourished for many years, the theological students were 'withheld' and the corporations was without funds, leading to the school being closed and the building returned to its original owners. The building and land were sold to Assistant Principal William Heath and Burrage Yale, who sold them to the Town in 1847 to be used by the newly created high school. The town stopped using it as a school in 1871 when the new high school on Lafayette Street was built. In 1891, it was moved to its present location at 7 Foster Street where it has served as home to a chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Methodist church congregation, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, among others. It was severely damaged by fire in the 1970s, but was restored to be used as a commercial building. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989."
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"In 1916, the townspeople purchased a lot at the corner of Main and Avon Streets for $16,000. That same year, Junius Beebe, son of Lucius Beebe, donated $60,000 toward the construction of a new library building to be built in memory of his parents, Lucius and Sylenda. Construction on the building was delayed by World War I, and several modifications and land purchases were made before work began and the cornerstone was laid on March 17, 1922. Because building costs rose after the war, Junius Beebe and his family increased their donation to $200,000. The cornerstone was laid in a ceremony at 3 p.m. on a cold and raw Friday afternoon 'in the presence of several hundred people.' School children were dismissed early and church bells were rung throughout the Town as a reminder of the important event. During the ceremony, Building Committee member Harris M. Dolbeare outlined the contents of the copper box which was placed beneath the cornerstone: photographs of Lucius Beebe and Junius Beebe, copies of newspaper articles about the Beebe family, copies of the Boston newspapers and the Wakefield Item, circulars and printed materials regarding the campaign to raise money for the site, photographs of public buildings in Wakefield, and a statement written by committee member Dr. Richard Dutton and read to students the day before the event. Speakers included Committee members Dolbeare and Dutton, and Winfield S. Ripley, Jr., Chairman of the Library Trustees. Lucia Beebe, daughter of Junius Beebe and granddaughter of Lucius Beebe, smoothed over the cement that workers placed on the cornerstone using a silver dowel [i.e. trowel] provided by the contractor, James E. Nelson Company. The engraved dowel [i.e. trowel] was found in a basement on Daniel Road and donated to the library in 2009. The building was dedicated on April 15, 1923."
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"An antique 20-ton locomotive traveled on the back of a truck through downtown Wakefield just two weeks after the Greenwood railroad station made the same trek to Pleasure Island. The Davenport 2--6-0 narrow gauge engine was hauled by flatcar from the bayous of Louisiana and arrived at the B&M siding on the Junction railroad tracks near Broadway in mid-February. The engine was reported to be from the last of the narrow-gauge roads and had been used to haul sugar cane from the fields at Reserve, the largest sugarcane refinery in the United States in the early 20th century. It was believed that the engines was built around 1900. The locomotive was among several Canadian and American locomotives that were part of Pleasure Island's Engine City exhibit, which included the 216-ton 'old No. 3713'. That engine had been brought out of retirement from Fitchburg. According to local news reports, approximately 4,500' of spur track was laid from the B&M's old Newburyport branch to the Pleasure Island site especially for the locomotives to travel over the rails. Pleasure Island, which opened to the public on June 22, 1959 lasted for 11 seasons, closing on Labor Day weekend 1969. Nelson Blount, who owned Edaville Railroad, moved his Engine City exhibit from Pleasure Island to North Walpole, NH in December 1961. From there, the collection went to Bellows Falls, VT which became Steamtown USA. Some of this collection, which started at Pleasure Island, can still be seen at Steamtown national historic site in Scranton, PA."
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"McMasters Store was owned by Lauren L. McMaster, whose occupation was listed as newsdealer and stationer in the 1918 street and telephone directory.. He and his wife, Helen, lived at 36 Yale Avenue. According to an ad in the same directory, the store was a subscription agency which did developing, printing and enlarging, in addition to selling newspapers, periodicals, stationery, souvenir postcards and Dennison's goods. The ad also listed the availability of electric lamps, Columbia Grafonolas and records. Lauren McMaster was born in Wakefield on July 4, 1881, and died on October 10, 1943, as the result of an automobile accident. Following his graduation from Brown University in 1904, he was employed in the wholesale dry goods business and lived in Chelsea until the loss of his home in the great conflagration of 1908. He returned to Wakefield and became associated with the leading news and periodical store, becoming the owner in 1915 where he remained until 1933. He became the manager of the local office of the Western Union Telegraph Company until April 1943, when he became associated with the Malden and Melrose Gas Light Company. McMaster was active in the community, serving on the Board of Selectmen as Chairman in 1921, as an organizer and first president of the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce, and for many years was active in the Rotary Club where he served as President in 1926-1927, and with the Baptist Church and Y.M.C.A. He was active in the Masons and served as Master of the Golden Rule Lodge in 1929, and as District Deputy Grand Master of the Melrose 7th District in 1931 and 1932."
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"The new Town Hall was built on the former Noah Smith lot, at the corner of Main and Water Streets. The land and $30,000 were donated by Cyrus Wakefield in 1868 to build a soldiers' monument or memorial hall to honor South reading citizens who answered the call to arms during the Civil War. Because of his generosity, the Town of South Reading voted in 1868 to change its name to Wakefield. Governor Alexander H. Bullock approved the name change on June 30. A day of celebration was held on the anniversary of American Independence, July 4. The new Town House, referred to as Wakefield Hall, was dedicated on Washington's birthday, Wednesday, February 22, 1871. When completed, it is reported that Cyrus Wakefield had quadrupled his original donation. The dedication was held at 2 p.m. with speeches by Cyrus Wakefield and a host of other notable citizens. After the key to the hall was presented, the ceremony ended and a banquet was held in the upper hall for the 400 guests in attendance. Toasts were given to the President of the United States, Dea. Francis Smith, the State (sic) of Massachusetts, the Merchants of Boston, the Clergy, 'Our Manufacturing Industries,' Dr. Solon Richardson (who gave a gift of $1,000 for the furnishings), the Public Schools, the Farmers of New England, and the State Printer. According to the Wakefield Inaugural and Dedicatory Exercises, in his response to the toast to the farmers, Dr. George B. Loring of Salem 'touched upon the Woman Suffrage question, and as for 'woman's rights', he said, 'I go for them.' Cyrus Wakefield died suddenly, at the age of 62, on October 26, 1873, two and-a-half years after the Town Hall was dedicated."
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"Construction on the addition to the high school started soon after Town Meeting voted to acquire the land south of the school. The school was dedicated on February 22, 1955."
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"The Park Music Pavilion, referred to as the Pagoda, now the Bandstand, was built in 1885 as part of a $10,000 bequest from Cornelius Sweetser which provided money for park purposes. The bandstand 'of unique and elaborate design' is said to have resembled a pavilion in Brighton, England, and had hanging lanterns to illuminate the area. The structure, made of wood and dressed fieldstone, replaced a bandstand that was 'a square, wood platform, breast-high, the under part latticed in,' and could easily be transported from one part of the Common to another. It stood in the middle of the 'bigger end of the Common, near the big flagpole.' Just prior to its demise, the old bandstand stood on the upper Common, opposite Lafayette and Crescent Streets."
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The old Swain house was 'situated on the easterly side' of Lot End Road, now Vernon Street, just north of Lowell Street. Although some reports indicate it was built in 1720, it was most likely built around 1752 as the homestead of Dr. Thomas and Hannah Swain on land first granted to Jeremiah Swain in 1652. Thomas, born in 1705 and died in 1759, was the fourth generation to live on the land. He was the son of Dr. Benjamin Swain (1669-1749), grandson of Major Jeremiah Swain (1643-1710), and great grandson of one of the Town's early settlers, Jeremiah Swain (1615-1658). After Dr. Thomas Swain, the home was occupied by three more generations: his son Dr. Oliver Swain, who was followed by Deacon Oliver Swain and Thomas Swain. All seven generations are buried in the Town's Old Burying Ground. By 1865, the home was owned by Dr. David Batchelder. The Old Swain House, later called the Batchelder House, was destroyed by fire on December 15, 1899."
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"Although it is unclear to local historians when the cannons were placed on the upper Common, now the Veterans' Memorial Common, generations of Wakefield residents have admired, and often climbed on top of the artillery that is on the Common today. The cannon pictured may be the Civil War-era cannon that graced the Common for many years until it was removed for restoration many years ago. The cannon reportedly was never returned to the Common. The two cannons presently on the Common are 1876 Breech-Loading Howitzers which were last refurbished by the Town in 1994."
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Fountain Company No. 3, a volunteer company which was not part of the Fire Department, was organized on August 23, 1875. The hand tub used by the company was built by Increase S. Hill sometime around 1835, and was purchased by Aaron Butler from Salem in 1873. The tub was painted red with a small portrait of the Yale Engine House Fire of 1859 on the side. First housed in a stable in rear of Main Street, opposite Albion Street, the hand tub was moved to Crescent Street, between Water and Lincoln Streets, in 1885. The small building was behind the Henry F. Miller & Sons Piano Company factory, which can be seen in the picture. Fountain No. 3 disbanded around 1888 and was replaced by Volunteer Hose No. 2. Fountain No. 3 hand tub was sold to Reading for $125. The new company used the building to house the Rumsey hand-drawn hose carriage the members had purchased at a cost of $275. It is reported that the building was later moved to Water Street, across from L.B. Evans, where it became home to a cigar store. Fountain No. 3 volunteers included (left to right) William M. Hanley, Benjamin C. Flockton, W.J. Dennett, William E. Parker, Charles H.T. Brown, S.E. Ryder, William L. Block, Albert D. Cate, J,.C. Gould, H.A. Simonds, William E. Cade, Charles Whiting, Irvin E. Phipps, Charles H. Pope, Arthur Skinner and James P. Goodhue."
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"Geneva Joy (Lord) Heath lived at 617 Main Street with her husband, Elroy N. Heath. The couple married on September 29, 1886 and moved into the home soon after. Although there is little information about Geneva other than working as a clerk in the Town Clerk's office in the 1920s, there is a wealth of information about her husband. A native of Springfield, Elroy moved to Wakefield around 1879 and worked in Boston where, according to the 1883 publication Commerce, Manufactures & Resources of Boston, Mass., he was a 'Manufacturer of Heath's Improved Indexes and Letter Files.' He held several patents for his inventions, including two for letter holders and filing systems, which created 'a convenient combined index book and table, by means of which any name or subject may be found with the utmost rapidity.' A bicycle enthusiast and a member of Wakefield's bicycle clubs in the early 1900s, Elroy had two other patents, one which improved the propelling mechanism for bicycles 'and the like', and another which created an improvement for carrying packages and drawings for 'velocipede' riders. According to the patent application, 'My improved package-carrier resembles a hammock, and I have devised hammock-suspending devices by which it may be readily swung from the handle-bar or some other suitable part of the machine.' A velocipede was any of the several early bicycles with pedals on the front wheel. He moved his business from Boston to Room 5 in the Wakefield Block in 1884, and his patented files, indexes and advertising calendars were reported to have a widespread reputation. In addition to his business and hobby, Elroy was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and was active in the Town as chairman and secretary of the Wakefield Municipal Light Board and as a member of the Finance Committee. The picture of Geneva was most likely taken at the couple's summer home, Idyll Farm in Springfield. Elroy died in 1909, and the farm was sold in 1911."
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"The lakeshore on Main Street was not part of the town's common land before 1885; rather, the southeast corner of Lake Quannapowitt and Main Street was dotted with buildings, such as John Aborn's Shoe Shop, which was said to be between the lakeshore and Main Street, Mrs. Courtney's hand-laundry, several houses, and Wright's Boathouse. The structures were eventually moved as a result of the bequest of Cornelius Sweetser to create public parklands, and the 1882 act of the legislature to allow cities and towns to lay out public parks within their limits. The boathouse, built by Albert J. Wright around 1886, remained on the lakeshore until 1893 when it was moved to a location behind his 228 (now 202) Main Street home. Its removal may have also been prompted by the extension of the street railway line along lakeside, which opened on May 26, 1894. Born in 1838 and educated in Boston, Albert J. Wright 'shipped before the mast' aboard the clipper ship Radiant in the mid-1850s where he sailed to San Francisco, making the passage in 135 days. In his travels he learned the tinsmith's trade in Michigan, and returned to Boston in 1858. He read law in the office of the City Solicitor, attended Harvard Law School, and was admitted to the Bat in 1861 to practice in all the courts of the Commonwealth by Chief Justice Shaw of the Supreme Court. He received a commission in 1863 as paymaster in the United States Navy, and after the Civil War he entered the printing business where he and his partner, under the name of the W@right & Potter Printing Company, became the authorized state printers. He was active in many organization, including the Loyal Legion of the United States of America, the Grand Army of the Republic, the Kearsarge Association if Naval Veterans, the Bostonian Society and the Harvard Law School Association, the Boston Yacht Club, of which he was a charter member, and the Eastern Yacht Club of Marblehead, among others. He also served as a member of the General Committee of the 250th anniversary celebration of the Town in 1894, serving as a member of two subcommittees: Procession and Out-Door Music, and Reception and Entertainment of Guests."
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Organized on October 8, 1909 in Grand Army Hall, the Wahpatuck Tribe 54, Improved Order of Red Men was a popular and welcome sight at parades and celebrations during the 1930s, 40s and 50s, including the annual 4th of July parade. According to the History of Wakefield (Middlesex County) Massachusetts, compiled by William E. Eaton and History Committee in 1944 to celebrate the Town's 300th anniversary, the Wahpatuck Tribe 54 was the largest such chapter in the Commonwealth. The Wahpatuck Tribe 54, Improved Order of Red Men Band was known throughout the East Coast, participating in parades and competitions throughout the region. The original Wahpatuck Tribe 54, Improved Order of Red Men Band split up in the 1950s, according to newspaper reports. Its original drum was discovered in the basement of the Americal Civic Center in 1994 and has since been donated to the Wakefield Historical Society. The Tribe had its headquarters at 33 West Water Street. Descended from the Sons of Liberty, the Improved Order of Red Men is a patriotic fraternity chartered by Congress which had trace its origins back to 1765. According to the national organization, the non-profit-organization is devoted to inspiring a greater love for the United States of America and the principles of American Liberty. After the War of 1812 the name was changed to the Society of Red Men and in 1834 to the Improved Order of Red Men."
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"In the days and weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Wakefield residents rallied together to help by volunteering at the American Red Cross headquarters at the Lincoln School, becoming air raid wardens and joining the medical defense unit as part of the Wakefield Committee on Public Safety, and/or collecting scrap metal, rubber and paper through the Wakefield Salvage Committee. In addition to the Wakefield Municipal Light Department-sponsored (now Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department) school for air raid wardens, hundreds of local residents were trained in civil defense and what to do in case of a 'red alert.' As the men were registering for the draft at the Lafayette Building (now the Town Hall) or enlisting in a branch of the armed forces, local women were trained in first aid, canteen work and motor transport. One such civil defense drill was conducted by the Fire Auxiliary Department on a rainy Sunday in June on Main Street, across from Oak Street, in Greenwood under the watchful eyes of Fire Chief Fred Graham (left) and Firefighter Arthur Goodrich (center). In addition to the local efforts, more than 1,600 Massachusetts women, including approximately 70 from Wakefield, joined and trained with the Massachusetts Defense Corporation under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Committee on Public Safety. The Wakefield Company of the military organization was trained for duty to serve as volunteers in the local Civil Defense agency as air raid wardens, drivers, communications personnel, canteen workers, medics, chemical detection personnel and as emergency fire fighters."
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"According to documented history, Wakefield has always had common lands since the first division of land among the early settlers. A special committee was selected in 1727 to lay out the 'ways and watering places' through the Common, and a vote was taken in 1742 that required that land remain unfenced and that parish land 'never be disposed of for any other use whatsoever, without the consent of every freeholder in the parish.' The trees on the 'upper' Common, now the Veterans' Memorial Common, at the right, were planted in the mid-1800s by a 'band of public spirited residents.' who viewed the opportunity as a 'general neighborhood celebration.' Both the upper and lower Commons were unkempt and uncared for, with water coursing through the center, forming a pool of water referred to as Ken's Pond, named after a blacksmith who had a shop on the west side of the Common. In 1859, the Common was drained and graded and, in 1860, the townspeople accepted a committee report and authorized the fencing of the public Common at an estimated cost of $700. The final cost to erect a fence at the Common was $636.75. On May 1, 1871, the Town voted to purchase land between the 'old Common' and Lake Quannapowitt to extend the Common, and authorized the Town Treasurer to 'hire a sum, not to exceed $19,600 for a 10-year term.' In 1883, the townspeople accepted a $10,000 gift from the will of Cornelius Sweetser which was to be 'used and expended in furnishing and beautifying a public park.' At the left of the picture stood the Third Meeting House of the First Parish, the Town House (both not shown), the brick Yale engine House, and a blacksmith shop on the lower Common."
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"The success of the street railway system led to double-tracking of the rails from downtown Wakefield to Melrose in 1901, and on Albion Street in 1902. According to news reports, the double-tracking on Albion Street was 'a difficult proposition, for many elm trees that had stood for decades had to be removed. As in the case of Main Street it was evident that a busy thoroughfare was no place for the thrifty growth of shade tress.' It went on to state that paved streets, concrete sidewalks, trolley wires, street railway feed lines, telephone wires, etc. were 'not conducive to the growth of such trees. One after another of these old trees have gone down and have yielded to the march of progress.' The Wakefield & Stoneham Street Railway Company was formed in 1889 and received its charter in May 1892. The two-mile route from the Post Office on Main Street at the corner of Albion Street (former Kingman Block) to Farm Hill in Stoneham began operations on August 14, 1892. The system experienced rapid growth, and eventually became a four-direction electric street railway system which enabled riders to travel to Lowell, Lawrence and Haverhill to the north; Malden, Chelsea and Boston to the south; Lynn, Salem, Beverly and Gloucester to the east; and Woburn, Winchester and Medford to the west. The original Wakefield and Stoneham Street Railway Company and other similar companies eventually merged until all became a part of the Boston & Northern Street Railway System, the Bay State Company, and eventually the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway Company. The line was discontinued on July 6, 1929."
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"Leeds Ice Cream Company was located on the northwest corner of Vernon and Lowell Streets beginning in the early 1930s, soon after the road was widened with the 'permission' of the County Commissioners, and the Town's first traffic signal was installed at the intersection in 1928. The ice cream stand was built on property once occupied by John Sweetser and later by Dr. Robert Cushman. Leeds Ice Cream Company later became Kydd's Ice Cream, stand, a popular stop for many in the 1950s and 1960s. The site is now a gas station."
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"This aerial view of Wakefield, taken sometime around 1936, provides a look at Main Street in the downtown area. Main Street runs horizontally through the center of the photo, and shows several buildings that are no longer standing, including Wakefield High School (later called the Atwell Building) at the bottom right, the old Wakefield Town Hall near the center of the photo, the Miller Piano Factory behind the Town Hall, the Wakefield Building with its top floor, the buildings which housed the Wakefield Rattan Company (later the Robie Industrial Park) on Water Street near the top right of the photo, the stores and homes that stood on Main Street before they were razed during the 1940s, and the Methodist Episcopal Church on Albion Street that was torn down in 1938. The photo also shows the L.B. Evans' Son Co. Shoe factory on Water Street, the railroad that at one time traveled to Peabody and Newburyport, and the lot of land that would eventually house the Post Office next to the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library."
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"Daniel Goss operated a heating and plumbing business at the corner of Main and Mechanic Streets, now Princess Street, until 1885. Goss, along with Oscar Noble of Wakefield applied for a patent on January 22, 1880 for an invention to improve heating stoves, 'utilizing the heat to the greatest possible extent, thereby economizing fuel' which was granted as #225,484 on March 16, 1880. Among those in his employ was George H. Taylor, who joined him in the business just days before the patent was granted. Taylor became a partner with Goss three years later, under the firm name of Daniel Goss & Co. A year later, this partnership was dissolved when Goss moved from the town. Taylor remained in business at the corner of Main and Mechanic Streets, 'doing a large and successful business for himself.' The building was the site of a fire on March 5th, 1907 that was classified as one of the town's major blazes. Soon after, he purchased the Wakefield Block at the corner of Main and Lincoln Streets and the store remained in business until June 1962. In addition to being a business owner, Taylor was a high ranking member of the Richardson Light Guard and was elected as a Major in the 'historically famous' 6th Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry. It was under his command that the Richardson Light Guard held the Number 1 position in the Massachusetts militia and its rifle team was the 'pride of the State' during the 1890s."
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"Planning for a new high school began in earnest in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with several sites and plans considered by the building committee, including the former Town Farm site on Farm Street, filling in a section of Hartshorne's cove on Lake Quannapowitt and building the school on Veterans' Field and Halls Park, and building an addition on land to the south of the existing high school on Main Street. The latter plan was approved by Town Meeting."
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In the early 1950s, the late Wiliam S. Hawkes, publisher of Childlife Magazine, envisioned creating a family recreation center to be named Childlife World, similar to the Mother Goose parks throughout the country, such as StoryLand in North Conway, NH. On July 16, 1955 the amusement park industry would never be the same! Disneyland opened, and investors followed the trend leader. Childlife World became Pleasure Island when Hawkes and Marco Engineering of Los Angeles collaborated with Cabot, Cabot and Forbes to break out 168 acres of wetland from CC&F's Industrial Park along the edge of the new Route 128. Billed as Boston's answer to Disneyland, Pleasure Island opened on June 22, 1959 and was the second of three innovative theme parks built across America to mimic Disneyland. H.P. Hood & Sons (now Hood LLC) was the first company to sign a lease for what was officially an 'outdoor entertainment and merchandising center.' As a lessee, Hood signed a five-year contract with the first year's and fifth year's rent paid in advance, which helped underwrite the cost of the park's construction. H.P. Hood & Sons invested $500,000 in a second mortgage to Pleasure Island, Inc. plus $10,000 per year for its five-year lease. The Hood's 4.5-acre farm included a large red barn and silo, and a farm tractor that would draw a wagon-train down through the farm over a winding road. The trip took guests by sheep, cows, calves and a duck pond, as well as a cow barn, a maple sugar house where syrup was boiled and blacksmith's shop. H.P. Hood & Sons also sponsored the Gay Nineties Ice Cream Parlor and snack stands at the farm, lighthouse, juice bar at Goldpan Gulch, and pushcarts. Pleasure Island went bankrupt after its first season, only to become one of the top grossing parks behind Disneyland in the early 1960s. Hood left after season one and a new petting zoo opened in its place in 1960. In 1961, a giant three-story high 'Bozo the Clown' slide was attached to the silo. The park closed in 1969. A portion of Edgewater Office Park Building 500's parking garage and Colonial Point's parking lot are on the site of the former Hood Farm. Hood LLC's corporate office is located in Lynnfield MA, just one mile from its Pleasure Island Farm.
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Thought to be a Greenwood Sunday School outing, this gathering of children and adults enjoyed a day at Tasker's Grove, which was located at the west end of Linden Avenue, near Crystal Lake. The group included Rufus Kendrick, the large man with the moustache at the right in the photograph. A resident of Greenwood, Kendrick was the founder of the Wakefield Home Fire Protection Association, 'an independent volunteer association for extinguishing fires, working entirely with small apparatus, appliances generally ignored by fire departments, such as buckets, cans, Johnson hand force pumps, garden hoses attached to house faucets, or any appliance which could readily be made use of.' Hundreds of galvanized pails, milk cans, and Johnson pumps were located throughout the town; the first 'getting a stream of water' on a fire was rewarded with $1.00, and the first one to 'give the first still alarm' was rewarded with 25-cents. Kendrick also served as a fire warden and was well informed about trees and flowers, taking great interest in gypsy moths. As a member of the short-lived Wakefield Improvement Society, he planted a row of 52 trees, from 'Mr. Lee's store on Main Street north to the railroad bridge', which he called Soldier's Row in memory of those who served in the Rebellion.
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Owned by Ebenezer Sumner Hopkins, the 'old Hopkins place' was featured in the C. F. Richardson stereoscopic view around 1880. A photographer, Richardson was active in photographic circles, both locally and nationally, serving as president of the Boston Photographic Association in 1881, and as a correspondent for The Philadelphia Photographer, 'an illustrated monthly journal devoted to photography.' In addition to stereoscopic pictures of local churches and landmarks, Richardson also photographed private residents. The 1890 List of Taxable Polls and Estates for the Town of Wakefield lists Ebenezer Hopkins' property as a dwelling house, another house and an 'old home' on Hopkins Street, a shed, stable, two carriages, 15 cows and three horses, and nearly 40 acres of land on and west of Hopkins Street, Brook Street and Prospect Street, listed as orchard, meadow, tillage and pasture. The value of this personal property was listed as $900 and his real estate was valued at $7,000 which required him to pay a tax of $128.40. He was one of 84 Wakefield residents who had a Johnson hand force pump on his property which required him to sign a pledge that he would use it to fight any fire within one-quarter mile. Hopkins was born in South Reading (now Wakefield) in 1816 and died in Derry, NH in 1907. He lived most of his 91 years in Wakefield where he worked as a farmer. He and his wife, Mary Louisa Parker, had seven children. Their sons, Herbert and Joseph, were listed as farmers on the property, in the 1917-1918 street listing.
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The lot of land at the north corner of Main and Crescent Streets was once the location of the Second Baptist Meeting House. Built in 1836 and dedicated on January 20, 1837, the church was destroyed by fire on June 21, 1871. A new church was built on the other side of the Rockery, at the corner of Lafayette and Common Streets in 1873. The site was referred to as the Carter lot after the home of James H. Carter at 8 Park Street, which can be seen in the back center of the photograph. The home was later occupied by Samuel T. Parker. The Crystal Apartments were built soon after the photograph was taken, in 1924, by John S. Griffiths of 15 Chestnut Street. The apartment-house, said at the time to be the largest to be built in Wakefield, contained 21 suites.
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The meat, poultry, pork and fish counter of the First National Store at 447 Main Street was well stocked with what seems to be every cut of meat, type of fish, and fresh fowl that was available at a retail market. Due to the re-numbering of Main Street, the original First National was located to the right of the present-day Colonial Spa when facing the building. A past edition to this historical calendar featured a look at the store's produce section, which began art the far right of this photograph. Meat manager Carl H. Brown and store manager Lloyd F. Curtis moved Store #37 to a new, more 'commodious' location across Main Street on February 1, 1940. Its new location at 456 Main Street (now 404 Main Street) was in the new brick building which replaced the Walton Block. Parking was available in the rear of the building and customer could enter from Mechanic (Princess) or Lincoln Streets as well as from Main Street. The new 'self-service' store was 52' x 120' with wide aisles. The meat and product sections were located to the left of the store, with the dairy at the right and the groceries in the center aisles. The basement contained storage areas and groceries, refrigerated areas for produce and fruits, and all refrigeration. It is interesting to note that the First National Store opened its new 'super-market' on the same day in 1940 as the A&P market at the corner of Main and Centre Streets.
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These Franklin School students were the first to occupy the new school at the corner of Nahant and Traverse Streets. Planning for the new school started two years earlier, in 1900, when Town Meeting voted to study whether an addition to the existing school building on Franklin Street would be enough to address the overcrowded conditions. For the School Committee Report for the year ending January 31, 1900, the committee stated, 'The residents in the Franklin Street district are also asking for better accommodations, and their request is reasonable. They have been patient and long suffering. At the present time, all children above the fourth grade are obliged to attend either the Hamilton or Lincoln schools; the present building is entirely inadequate to the needs of the district.' In April 1901, Town Meeting voted to build a new eight-room school building, and that $30,000 dollars would be raised and appropriated to purchase the land and erect the building. When the new school opened on September 9, 1902, 240 student were in attendance, 30 more than anticipated, with more expected in the following days. According to the School Committee Report for the year ending January 31, 1904, 'For the relief of the new Franklin building, which can be repaired and put into commission again.' The old Franklin School, near the corner of Franklin and Nahant Streets, was eventually demolished.
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The east side of Main Street looking south was blanketed with significant snow in the early 1900s. The photograph shows the shops, houses and commercial buildings, most of which are no longer standing, as well as a street railway car that stopped to pick up passengers near Richardson Avenue. Buildings pictured just beyond the street car in the distance (and moving up Main Street) are the old Richardson Light Guard Armory that was destroyed by fire in 1911, the Hodkins Building, the old Cutler Bros. Grocery & Grain destroyed by fire in 1911, the old Town Hall razed in 1958, the Taylor Building with its fourth floor and Mansard roof intact, the Walton Building razed in the late 1930s, and many houses and small stores.
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"This stereograph was taken from 'the hill south of Prospect Street and east of Fairmount Avenue, looking east.' It appears to have been taken before the building of several icehouse on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt, specifically the icehouse owned by Boston hotel owner J. Reed Whipple and John G. Morrill on the Col. James Hartshorne's meadow in the 1890s. Note the style of house along the lakeshore, as well as the third meetinghouse of the First Parish Congregational Church which was razed in 1890."
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"The Atwell wing of the Galvin Middle School was built following the devastating fire that destroyed the original Willard B. Atwell Building in December 1971. The original Atwell Building was built as the high school in 1923, later becoming the junior high school for grades seven, eight and nine when the 'new' Main Street high school was built in 1955, and eventually returning to its use as part of the high school when the junior high school, now Wakefield Memorial High School, was built in 1960. Following the 1971 fire, high school students in grades nine through 12 attended double sessions on Main Street until the existing high school on Farm Street opened in September 1974, the same time the 'new' Atwell Building opened for grade six students. Junior high school students returned to Main Street that same year, and in 1991, the junior high school was named to honor General John Rogers Galvin. Grade five students began attending classes in the Atwell Building in 1988 to alleviate overcrowding in the elementary schools.
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"There were more than 20 varieties of palm trees, most over 20-feet tall, banana trees and rare species of plants in the garden area of the American Mutual building. Soil and humus were brought in from Florida and the rock gardens were constructed of Florida coral rock formations. An electronically-controlled rain and temperature system simulated tropical conditions at all times. The light court and gardens were designed by the building architect and the garden was created and planted by Mulford and Bert Foster of Orlando, Florida. Mulford was the consulting tropical botanist for the Arnold Arboretum and the Smithsonian Institute."
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"Taken as a stereograph by photographer C.F. Richardson, this picture shows Main Street looking north. In the left of the pictures is the 3rd meetinghouse of the First Parish Congregational Church which was razed in 1890. To the right of the church in the picture is the parish house and the 1834 Town House which stood on the Common until it was moved to the corner of Main and Salem Streets by J.M. Cate in 1873. The Yale Engine house is to the right of the old Town House. The bandstand had not yet been built. Along Main Street, from the center of the picture, is the brick Benjamin Wiley house, the Universalist Church, Day's bake house owned by Hosea L. Day, the Italianate style building which later houses the Citizen and Banner, a market, and Edward Mansfield's grocery store. The pictures also shows Main Street as it looked before the Rockery (1885) and the horse trough were built."
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"The Class of 1928 presented H.V. Esmond's witty farce, "Eliza Comes to Stay" on November 22 and 23. According to reports, both performances were 'well attended by appreciative audiences.' Lead roles were played by Milledge Crouse, the Honorable Sandy Verrall Lucia Buckle, Eliza; Jeannette Learoyd, Lady Elizabeth Pennybroke; Harold Decker, Alexander Stoop-Verrall; Fred Garvin, Herbert; Sandborn Caldwell, Montague Jordan; and Nita Tucker, Vera Lawrence. Other parts were played by Beatrice Seldon, Mrs. Allaway; Viola Hovey, Madeline Marmon; Lester Simpson, Ronnie Trezise; Rita Neagle, Bertha Bates; Helen Salipante, Peg des Jardins; Bessie McLellan, Maggie; Dorothy Ricker, Ethel; Carolyn Woodman, Jenny; Harry Iram and William Bradford, Porters; Staff members included Lawrence Gardiner, business manager; Walter Sherman, stage manager; Rowland Whittet, property manager; Kathryn Dutton, wardrobe mistress; and Hope McCloskey and James Cotter, publicity. Miss Hicks was the coach. Between acts, Emery Marshall sang a solo, Ellen, Madeline and Winifred Ashenden dances, and Boit Brannen played a violin solo. The High School Orchestra, directed by C. Albert Jones, played several 'pleasing numbers.'"
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"Herrick Buick at 472 Main Street was incorporated in 1945 when Fred Herrick, Sr. of Melrose purchase the Wakefield Buick Company and the building in which it was located. Herrick had previously served as Manager of the company for 10 years and had been associated with Buick for more than 28 years. When he purchased the company he became the 'appointed Buick dealer' for Wakefield, Stoneham and Reading. Herrick Buick expanded its services throughout the years, becoming the 'largest volume dealer' in its district. The Buick-built Opel Kadett line was added in 1966. In addition to the showroom for new and used car sales and service on Main Street, Herrick Buick also purchased the Avon Supply Building in 1968 at the corner of Avon Street and North Avenue as an additional showroom. The company also owned a separate automobile and truck body repair shop on Broadway for its expanded service department. Herrick Buick closed on January 31, 1974."
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"The Franklin School was built in 1902 on Nahant Street to replace the wooden schoolhouse at the intersection of Nahant and Franklin Streets. The eight-room brick school, designed by Harland A. Perkins, was built at the northwest corner of Nahant and Traverse Streets on land that the Town purchased along with a portion of an adjoining lot that they 'deemed necessary' for the project. The cost to build the school and purchase the land was $30,000, which the Town voted to pay in sums of $1,500 per year for 20 years. Construction began in 1901 and the school as ready for the first day of school on September 8, 1902. The Town originally appropriated $1,000 to furnish the school, which provided 42 desks and chairs for each of they five rooms they intended to use on opening day, for a total of 210 seats. When approximately 240 students arrived at the school, Superintendent Thompson when 'hustling about the town hunting up surplus seats and desks in other school houses, borrowed more where he could get them and set men to work furnishing a sixth room.' Miss McCormick, a resident of Boston and a teacher at the Greenwood School was telegraphed at her home to take charge of the extra room at the new school. She was able to do so, as the Greenwood School as not yet completed by opening day. The Superintendent and his workers stayed on the job until dark and resumed their work at 5 a.m. to ensure that the sixth classroom was ready for the second day of school. The buildings was enlarged in 1926 which doubled its room capacity."
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"Less than 24-hours before sending the 'boys' of Richardson Light Guard Company A, 6th Regiment to fight in World War I, thousands of residents greeted the Company at the Center Station late in the afternoon on Saturday, August 25th when they arrived by train from Ayer via Boston. A reception was held late that evening in the armory, from 7:30 to 8:30, with dancing from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Crowds lined Main Street the following morning, August 26th 'well before 10 a.m.' to support the Company as they marched to the Upper Station from the armory. After a short parade down Main Street to the Common and up Chestnut Street, the company 'stood at ease in the drive in the rear of the Upper Station while wives, parents, sisters, brothers, sweethearts and friends bid tearful farewell to the boys in khaki who volunteered to go out and 'do their bit' for the cause of Democracy and to guard the safety and honor of their country. There were more wet eyes than dry eyes in the great crowd that pushed forward at the end of the march for the last leave-taking.' Family members and townspeople bought flags from local merchants which they waved as the train departed the Upper Station on North Avenue."
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"The Boston-based American Mutual Life Insurance Company opened its 'ultra-modern' home office on July 14, 1958. Formerly located at 142 Berkley [i.e. Berkeley] Street in Boston, the company began negotiating with the Town in 1954 to construct its $2 million home office along a 40-acre tract of land on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. The building, designed by Chester Lindsay Churchill of Boston and New York, was 'strikingly modern in every detail.' Special features, touted by the company in its employee pamphlet, included an employee center, complete with a cafeteria and full kitchen facilities on the lake side of the first floor of the building to provide lunch and 'coffee breaks' for more than 800 people. Other areas included a store, a chapel with a 'massive colored-glass window' from France, an employee lounge overlooking the lake that was furnished with 'modernistic and comfortable furnishings,' an electronic data processing unit off the main lobby, a personnel clinic with a full-time nurse, banking facilities provided by the Wakefield Trust Company where employees could cash their checks, an engineering research center which allowed loss prevention to develop controls, and a complete audio system that broadcast messages to all areas of the building and played music at various times throughout the day. The employees were also able to have routine physicals and check-ups at the clinic. The most impressive features of the building were the glassed-in tropical gardens - two on the first floor that extended up through the first and second floors, and a third on the third floor."
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"Wakefield Park, known as the Common, was the site of sporting, social and musical events on Settlers' Day, May 28th, the second of three consecutive days set aside to celebrate the Town's 250th anniversary. According to the Proceedings of the 250th Anniversary of the Ancient Town of Redding, 'dynamite salutes and the ringing of bells announced to sleepers that Settlers' Day was on...Tents and booths arose as if by magic in the park and vacant lots in the center of town. Fakirs, refreshment vendors and souvenir[sic] were seen and heard on every hand.' The day included a parade and visits to historic sites, as well as a concert on the bandstand at 1:30 p.m. that featured the Salem Cadet Band. The games began at 2 p.m. and included a one-mile race, 100-yard dash, boys' and men's bicycle races, tug-of-war between Wakefield and Veterans' teams, three-mile race, pole vault, three-standing jumps, a boys' doughnut race, running high jump, a dory race, and an event called running hop, step and jump. Most winners received silver cups or other silver articles. Cash prizes of $1 and $2 were awarded to the winners of the doughnut race and the boys' 100-yard dash. The winning team of the tug-of-war contest, the Veterans', won a $20 cash prize. A baseball game was held at 4 p.m., with a rowing regatta at 5 p.m. The Salem Cadet Band gave another 'fine orchestral performance from the Pagoda' beginning at 7 p.m., followed by pyrotechnics at 8:15 p.m. 'Before the delighted eyes of great crowds of witnesses flashed out a dazzling display of every kind, including colored lights, mines, rockets, Roman candles, bombs, shooting stars, and fiery serpents.' The schedule of events included a curfew at 9:30 p.m."
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"The 53' 20-ton, two-masted Newfoundland Swordfish schooner 'George and Freeman' moved from Portland, Maine to its permanent berth at Clipper Cove in Pleasure Island on May 5, 1959. The 80-year -old vessel had sailed with the Grand Banks fishing fleet before the turn of the century and was wrecked off the coast of Cuba. The schooner traveled the final leg of its journey along Route 128 which was a two-lane highway with a grass median strip in the Wakefield-Lynnfield area. The highway was eventually widened to accommodate the increasing number of cars and trucks. In addition to serving as a prop at Pleasure Island for 11 seasons, the 'George and Freeman' appeared in the movie 'Charlie' starring Cliff Robertson and Claire Bloom which was filmed at Pleasure Island during the off-season in 1967. Clipper Cove was a reproduction of a 150-year old New England fishing village, the place from which visitors embarked on two of the parks most popular attractions, the Wreck of the Hesperus and the Moby Dick rides. After entering Pleasure Island, visitors passed through the crescent shaped entrance to Clipper Cove that was outlined with barnacle-crusted anchors. The schooners 'ribs' can still be seen when the water is shallow in the area which was once Pleasure Island's Clipper Cove inner harbor."
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"The Wakefield High School Baseball team held its first practice of the spring season on the park (Common) on April 6, 1916 under the direction of 'new' coach Bob Lane. According to the Wakefield Daily Item, the team made a 'fine showing' during the fall season, but 'with a coach, should make a better on and win the Middlesex League cup.' Team members included captain Eugene Sullivan, Thomas Dignan, Caswell Heustis, Frank Reid, John Kalaher, Warren Branch, Arthur McLeod, George Lane, Christie Barrett, and Maurice Donovan. The team also listed a Law and Clemons, without a first name."
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"The Triplet Souvenir of Wakefield, Reading, and Stoneham, Mass. published in the early 1900s, identifies the greenhouse owned by R.L. Pitman as follows: 'The leading and largest business interest in Wakefield and vicinity representing the florist's line is the Brookside Greenhouses, located in the beautiful suburb of Wakefield called Greenwood. These were built in 1884 and Mr. R.L. Pitman has been the proprietor since the year 1894. The ground covered by the Greenhouses proper embraces about 9,000 square feet, while considerable uncovered acreage is utilized in the business'. Richard Pitman operated the greenhouse on land on the family's estate which was located at 840 Main Street. Richard maintained the greenhouse until his death in 1925. The estate, which was left to a distant relative, fell into disrepair. It was razed in 1945 and the land on which Brookside Greenhouses was located was developed into a 20-house subdivision by Ralph Morel of the Morel Building Trust of Greenwood."
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"Thomas Emerson first started his shoe manufacturing business at Lakeside, just north of Lawrence Street. He moved his operations to Albion Street, east of North Avenue, in 1859. He moved the Thomas Emerson & Sons shoe manufacturing company to Burrage Yale's tin shop at the corner of Yale Avenue and Main Street in 1863. The building was torn down in 1902, and in 1908, the Wakefield Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) broke ground on the land to build its new building. The cornerstone was laid on September 16, 19098 and the building was opened on April 7, 1909. The ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone was 'unusually interesting' with music provided by the Boston & Maine YMCA band and speeches by the YMCA's state secretary Edward W. Hearne and the Honorable James Logan, Mayor of the City of Worcester. After the YMCA Auxiliary presented a donation of $1,000, a copper box was placed beneath the cornerstone. The copper box, which was sealed with solder, included historical sketches of the YMCA and YMCA Auxiliary, a list of contributors, three views of Wakefield, the names of town officials, the names of school committee members and teachers, copies of the April 12, 1906, May 17, 1907, and September 15, 1908 Wakefield Daily Item, a copy of the September 15, 1908 Citizens' Banner, portraits of President Lee and Secretary Conlon, portraits of Hattie Butterfield (first president), Sarah Evans Howard (treasurer), and Adelaide Coburn (first secretary), the program of the festivities, and the names of the members of the YMCA board. Separate openings were held on April 7 and 8, 1909 for the Auxiliary, contributors, high school students and the general public."
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"Wakefield Steam Laundry, established around 1885 by Cox & Cheever, was located on Lincoln Street in the Taylor Building, the former Wakefield Building. Charles H. Cox became the sole owner and later sold the business to Clinton L. Newell. Ernest G. Willard, in the left of the picture with his staff and a 1920-era Ford Model T delivery wagon, bought the business from Newell in August 1909. The laundry, which became known as Wakefield Laundry, occupied a large part of the building for many years, eventually leasing the entire first floor, (with the exception of Taylor Hardware in the front of the building), as well as most of the rear basement and a one-story addition on the north side of the building. Willard was well-known for his attention to detail regarding the business and its equipment, including its fleet of vehicles. A large part of his business involved delivery to Wakefield residents and more than 4,000 customers in 13 area cities and towns. In its early years, the company utilized horse-drawn delivery wagons, later adding a fleet of 'motor trucks' which were meticulously maintained. In 1931, Wakefield Laundry added two light delivery trucks, bringing the number of trucks to seven in keeping with his 'desire to have the neatest-looking laundry delivery service in New England.' During the summer months, Wakefield Laundry continued its services to its vacationing customers by parcel post."
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"This picture of downtown Wakefield was taken on the corner of Chestnut Street looking south on Main Street. The buildings at the left side of the photo were razed in the late 1930s. Taking a look down Main Street, one can see L.L. McMaster newsdealer and stationer, DeCecca Food Shoppe, Boothby's, Smith's Drug Store, Curley Bros. Coal, Young Sign Studio, and other well-known businesses. The top floor of the Wakefield Block, which was removed, is still intact, and the Wakefield Town Hall, dedicated in 1872, is still standing. The cars in front of McMaster's are parallel parked, while others are straight."
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"This photo, part of a stereograph, was taken along the shore of Lake Quannapowitt, looking south toward what appears to be Beebe's Cove. The fence at the left could have been part of the Beebe Estate and its farm, which consisted of flower gardens, melon patches, and substantial corn fields. The family also maintained a herd of approximately 100 milk cows and a number of stable horses. The third home of the First Parish Congregational Church can be seen in the background. Built in 1768, the church building faced west when built, but was turned to face south in 1859. The church building was considered to be too small and in need to repair; in 1887, the church members took the necessary steps to erect a new church on the same site. Farewell services were held on May 24, 1890 and the building was razed soon after."
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Erected in 1881 at a cost of $5,000, the Emmanuel Episcopal Church was located on Water Street near the Center Depot, on the site that later became the L.B. Evans' Son shoe factory. Ground was broken in March 1881, with the first service held in August 1881. The chapel was enlarged in the early 1890s and remodeled into a 'homelike and attractive place of worship'. The interior was 'thoroughly renovated and refurbished' the following year, at an expense of more than $4,000. The new altar was a gift of Mrs. Daniel G. Walton. In the 1890s, the church was considered to be 'one of the prettiest and most convenient churches of its size in this vicinity'. The church was moved to the corner of Main and Bryant Streets through the generosity of Lidia Wright Pearson in 1900."
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"Attendance at movie theaters hit an all-time low in 1951 as people stayed home to watch television. At the urging of theater owners across the country, the movie industry embarked on a public relations campaign to bring people back into the theaters. Using the 50th anniversary of motion pictures as its theme, 240 actors, writers, directors and casting directors were divided into small groups and set out from Hollywood to 28 major cities and their surrounding cities and towns on a tour called Movietime USA. One group arrived in Boston and traveled throughout Greater Boston in a '15-car convoy of new DeSotos. The team, comprised of director Alfred Hitchcock; actors Dorothy Lamour, 18-year-old Debra Paget, Margaret Sheridan and Tom Breen; writer Welles Root; and MGM casting director Billy Grady arrived at Wakefield High School on Main Street. From there, 'the stars formed behind the high school band and drove to the Library where a crowd of 2,500 people were gathered to see their favorite screen personalities'. Greeting them on the steps of the library were Selectman Paul Lazzaro, (who presented Lamour with a bouquet of fall flowers), Herbert K. Noble and Raymond Dower; Town Clerk Charles F. Young; and Helen Carlson of the library staff. Hitchcock presented Miss Carlson and the library with a signed copy of the book, The Thirty-Nine Steps, from which his 1935 hit movie was made. Mistress of ceremonies Lamour introduced the team at the start of the 15-minute ceremony, noting that Wakefield's stop was the best and largest of the tour. Many in the crowd were high school students who were dismissed for an hour to see the celebrities. Newspaper reports noted that the 'high schoolers nearly prevented the departure of Miss Paget as hundreds of boys and girls closed about her car seeking a closer look'".
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"When Pleasure Island opened in June 1959, the main venue for entertainment was the Pepsi-sponsored Diamond Lil' Saloon. When new owners took over the park in 1960 and Pepsi opted out of its sponsorship, the entertainment venue switched to a new amphitheater known as the 'Show Bowl'. The venue attracted national stars, including Chuck Connors who played Lucas McCain in the Rifleman series from 1958 to 1963. According to the August 21, 1961 Billboard Amusement Business Magazine, more than 57,000 patrons paid more than $114,000 to see Connors in his six-day stand at the Show Bowl. Pleasure Island, it said, 'had the biggest week in its history because of good weather and Rifleman Chuck Connors...This broke all existing records for the park and topped the previous record held by the Three Stooges last year.' Television western-themed shows and Pleasure Island were sharing their heydays during this time period. Other cowboy stars, such as Wagon Train's Robert Horten, and Bonanza's Michael Landon performed at the Show Bowl, as did Boston's own Rex Trailer who was a familiar entertainer at Pleasure Island throughout the park's 11 seasons. In addition to playing the Rifleman, the 6'5" Connors, whose real name was Kevin Joseph Aloysius Connors, played basketball for the Boston Celtics and minor league baseball before landing an acting career. Pleasure Island closed forever on Labor Day weekend 1969. At Pleasure Island, children and 'children-at-heart' entered into a world that traditional amusement parks could not provide, where character actors continually put on a show and the entire park was a stage!"
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"This photo, taken from the top of Melvin Street, shows the wooden buildings of the rattan factory established by Cyrus Wakefield. Wakefield, for whom the town was named in 1868, brought his growing enterprise to South Reading in 1855 on land he purchased on Water Street. The site consisted of two mill ponds, one on each side of the road, and a few buildings used for manufacturing purposes. Nearly all the buildings, including the Stout Building pictured to the right of the smokestack, named for prominent citizen and large shareholder Richard S. Stout, were destroyed in the great fire of 1881. The company rebuilt and was said to be 'the largest business of its kind in the world."
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"The Morrill-Atwood Ice Company on Spaulding Street was one of the many ice houses in Wakefield which operated from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Owner John Merrill built an ice storage facility in 1878 on Spaulding Street and later joined forces with J. Reed Whipple, a Boston hotel owner, in 1890. They purchased a portion of Hartshorne's Meadow, now Veterans Field, and started supplying ice to Whipple's hotels and to other large users in Boston. Whipple sold his shares to Frank H. Atwood, a partner in Morrill's Spaulding Street ice house, in 1897. Whipple-Morrill exported its ice while Morrill-Atwood sold its ice locally. Atwood remained as the owner of both ice houses following Morrill's death in 1904. He left the wholesale ice business when he sold the Hartshorne Meadow ice houses to the Porter Milton Ice Company in 1919, and eventually sold the Morrill-Atwood company to Albert S. Anderson in 1926. Anderson started an electric ice manufacturing business in 1932 after several bad ice-harvesting years. He sold his business to the Metropolitan Ice Company of Somerville in 1945. Metropolitan eventually razed all the buildings, except one which was leased to Salvatore and Antonio Palumbo, who later purchased the property and operated their wholesale fruit and produce business there until the 1990s. The last remnants of the structure were demolished in 1988."
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"The Town voted at the 1947 Town Meeting to purchase '22,404 square feet of land north of the Central Fire Station at Mechanic (now Princess) and Crescent Streets to Centre Street, and westerly toward Wakefield square and Main Street to the A&P Super Market parking lot and southerly to Mechanic Street' on which to build its new Police headquarters. The Concrete Construction Company of Chelsea was selected as the general contractor and ground was broken on January 17, 1950. Plans also included an 80' street in front of the new building, between Centre and Mechanic Streets, which the Selectmen named Commercial Street just before the department moved into the new, modern facility on November 13, 1950. The department was previously housed in the old Town Hall on Main Street. The Wakefield Police Department and the Chief's secretary, Mrs. Dorothy (McGrail) Hagan, posed for an official photo in front of the new building. Pictured (front row, left to right): Sergeant Walter E. Peterson, Lieutenant George B. DeRoche, Chief John G. Gates, Mrs. Hagan, Sergeant John M. Wenzel, and Motorcycle Officer John E. Martin. (Second row, left to right) Special Officer Morton V. Griffin, Patrolmen Winslow R. Smith, George F. Sheridan, Daniel J. Sullivan, Henry F. Galvin, and James T. McKeon. (Third row, left to right) Patrolmen Thomas Hennessy, Maximilian J. Ramocki, John T. Curran, Raymond J. Beane, and Peter A. Quinn. (Back row, left to right) Patrolmen John L. Clark, Harold J. Maloney, William F. Hovey, John F. Mahoney, and F. Charles Huppprich, Jr."
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"The Wakefield Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars purchased a barn at 6 Eaton Street, once home for 'Farmer' Allen and later to Nathaniel Cutler, owner of Cutler Bros. grocery and grain store. Known as the Cutler Barn, the structure was moved to 357 North Avenue by the VFW where it became its headquarters. Prior to the move, the barn had been relocated to the Lincoln School yard. On July 15, beginning at 4:30 a.m., the structure was placed on a 22-wheel truck, a process that took two hours. The move began at 6:30 a.m. along a route that took it up Main Street to Albion Street to North Avenue, passing by Mike's Bob Shop, at the left of the photo, and Bradley Real Estate, at the right. After a short delay due to traffic on North Avenue, the 'procession' moved to Chestnut Street where overhead wires were removed and tree limbs were removed from a large tree opposite 128 North Avenue to let the structure pass. At 9:35 a.m., the building arrived at its destination, a lot once occupied by Crescent Wet Wash Laundry which had been destroyed by fore a few years earlier. The structure was remodeled into the new home of the Wakefield Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars."
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The railroad marker in front of the Cooper Street Bridge in Greenwood indicated to travelers on the Boston & Maine Railroad that they could travel 60 miles to South Berwick, Maine and 107 miles to Portland, Maine along the Portland (West) Main Line which connected Boston with Lowell and points north. In the early 1900s, the rails carried more than 30 passenger trains in each direction every day. The Cooper Street Bridge in the background was built in 1903 by Joseph Ross, one of Boston's leading builders of wharves and bridges, including the bridge over the Merrimack River in Newburyport. The Town voted to appropriate $3,800 in 1902 to build the bridge to provide safe passage over the busy Boston & Maine right-of-way, primarily for students traveling to the newly enlarged Greenwood School on Main Street. It was one of two proposals voted on by the Town, the other being a spandrel-braced steel arch design with an option to be a six-foot wide pedestrian-only structure. The bridge is an early example of reinforced concrete arch construction 'notable for its substantial size, asymmetrical profile and the use of an unusual type of deformed rod for reinforcement'. It measures 100' long with a span length of 60' and is thicker at the west end by six inches. It was recently reported to be one of only two concrete arch bridges of its age spanning more than 50' still in use in Massachusetts."
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"Charles F. Gilman operated a retail pharmacy at 92 Railroad Street (now North Avenue) opposite the Upper Depot. According to Wakefield, Its Representative Business Men and Points of Interest, Gilman, a native of Maine, started the business in 1891 as successor to H.M. and L.W. Cross. His store was on one floor and measured 35' x 20'. He carried a complete stock of drugs, medicines and chemicals, 'besides toilet articles, cigars and choice confectionery.' The 1894 pubhlication also noted that prescriptions were compounded 'at short notice in a most skillful and painstaking manner' at a price that was uniformly moderate. In addition to pharmaceuticals and other items, Charles F. Gilman also sold bicycles. IN 1896, he also had one of four pay telephone stations in Wakefield where nonsubscribers could use the telephone at a cost of 15 cents per five minute conversation with any other subscriber on the Boston or Suburban Exchanges. The three other pay stations were located at E.A. Wheeler, Car Station in Greenwood; S.E. Ryder, Druggist on Main Street; and at the Town Hall. In 1918, records indicate that Gilman sold photo supplies."
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"The National Conference on Street and Highway Safety published a Manual on Street Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings in 1930 which mandated that concrete street markings be painted white or black. In 1932, the Wakefield DPW's street marking crew, including Leo Gerrior, at right, was responsible for painting center lines, parking spaces, crosswalks, and restricted areas with two coats of paint. Gerrior, of Spring Avenue, a member of the DPW's Highway Department, was chiefly responsible for painting the traffic lines in the business district and 'much-traveled intersections' using the hand-operated equipment. On September 13, 1939, Leo Gerrior died after being struck by a car at the corner of Main and Bryant Streets while helping to prepare the street for tarring and sanding later in the day. Gerrior lived in Wakefield for 17 years and was employed by the DPW for 10 years. Before joining the DPW, he was employed in the machine department at the Heywood-Wakefield Company, and with CF Keyes of Albion Street as a painter. He left his wife and five children. His sixth child, a daughter, was born in February 1940."
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"This photo is from a series of photos taken by Bourdon Studios as part of a Pleasure Island pre-opening publicity campaign in the town's 'business district'. Note the street light, along with the stores that lined Main Street: Nagle's Drugs, Carol Ann's Card & Gift Shoppe, A&P, Santoro's Original Delicatessen, Adrian's Fabrics, and Crystal Fruit Exchange. According to a photo caption which accompanied the photo in the Wakefield Item, the six p[passenger carriage was pulled by a horse owned by Marshall Winkler of Cordis Street, who was also the driver for the publicity campaign. The carriage, which was owned by Pleasure Island, had been restored to be used at the park. The park opened its gates for the first time less than a month later on Saturday afternoon, June 20th. Approximately 4,500 guests and members of the press, radio and television got a special preview of the park at the invitation-only opening day. A special benefit premiere was held the following day, with all proceeds going to the Boys Club of Boston. Pleasure Island was open to the public at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 22, 1959. This year marks the 55th anniversary of its opening. By the sixth season, 50 years ago, it was under its third set of owners, Boston ventures, which operated the park for five seasons. They sold Pleasure Island to Fairbanks Amusements in 1969, closing that same year on Labor Day, after an 11-season run."
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"An engine engaged in shifting empty p[passenger cars on the Salem Branch crashed head-on into an outbound Georgetown line freight engine just below the signal tower at the Junction Station on August 2, 1917. A fireman on the freight train was killed in the accident which occurred shortly after 10:30 p.m. According to news reports, the Salem Branch engine had just passed the crossover to the main line and the freight train was traveling at a 'good rate of speed' when the 'mammoth' engines crashed. The collision sent the freight engine hurtling from the tracks, sending it sideways, and pitching it onto its side beside the inward bound track. It was reported to be 'smashed in half' and 'knocked at right angles'. The box car and the coal cars were also damaged with iron from one of the engines imbedded in the Georgetown box freight cars. The passenger cars on the shifting (Salem Branch) engine remained on the tracks, although the forward car next to the engine was destroyed. The Salem crew jumped to safety before the impact. An Otis Street youth, Harold Anderson, walking home from a dance in Melrose, was among the first rescuers on the scene. Work continued into the next day, with railroad officials moving the debris so other trains could pass through the busy station. The rails below the signal tower where the engines collides were 'twisted like paper' and new iron was laid in the morning. Scores of local residents remained at the scene throughout the day."
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"The Col. James Hartshorne House on Church Street is situated on land first owned by William Hooper, who in 1644 and 1650 bought two parcels of land on which he built his homestead. According to historical records, Hooper sold his land to Mary Hodgman in 1664. A wealthy widow at the age of 24, Mary married Thomas Hodgman and bought Hooper's land and home with her own name on the deed. Sometime between 1664 and 1680, the Hodgmans either moved the original Hooper house across the road or built a new one. They sold the house and land in 1725 to the Widow Patterson who occupied the house for 13 years, until her death in 1738. Her son sold the homestead in two parcels, the first, with a 'small house' to Jonathan Cowdrey in 1757, and the second, across the road to Samuel Poole in 1758. It was Cowdrey who is believed to have added to the house during his 34 years of ownership, as did the next owner, D. John Hart. Dr. Hart, a Revolutionary War surgeon, owned the house from 1792-1802 and used it as an investment, eventually turning it into an inn, called the Lafayette House. The Blue Lodge of Masons also met in a second-floor room during his ownership. Shoemaker Col. James Hartshorne purchased the house in 1803 and lived there until he died in 1870. His second wife, Mary, lived there until 1884. In 1890, J. Reed Whipple and John G. Morrill, bought the house and turned it into a tenement for Morrill-Atwood Ice Company workers. The Town of Wakefield voted at a Special Town Meeting on October 14, 1929 to purchase the home and meadow for $14,999 following a devastating fire that destroyed the ice houses in September. The Town also voted to restore the home as part of Wakefield's participation in the Tercentennial Celebration of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1930. The Col. James Hartshorne House Association was formed in July 1930, and incorporated in 1936 for the purpose of preserving and maintaining the house."
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"The Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department's Mark A. Delory facility at 480 North Avenue opened in June 2013 with a rededication and open house held on September 29th. The facility is named in memory of Mark A. Delory, a member of the Gas Division who lost his life on June 24, 2006. The former garage at the site was named in his memory in 2007. The facility is on the same site as the Citizens' Gas & Light Company which the citizens of Wakefield voted to purchase at Town Meeting in 1893. The Town of Wakefield assumed operation of the plant on August 4, 1894. In 1943, the light department physically expanded its operations with the purchase of 9-11 Albion Street office for its business office which had previously been located in the Town Hall and the Wakefield Savings Bank (now The Savings Bank). In 1951, the Town received permission from Town Meeting to erect a new building for a garage on its North Avenue site to replace the original structure. That building was razed in 2012 to make way for the new building. The business office moved from Albion Street in June 2013. The Mark A. Delory facility now houses all WMGLD operations."
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The original Wiley's Boathouse was located at the end of Spaulding Street in 1872, facing west in Hartshorne's cove. In 1887, Will Wiley built another boathouse at the end of Lake Avenue right on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. This single-story boathouse was used by casual boating enthusiasts as well as members of the Quannapowitt Yacht Club who had their own pier at the Spaulding Street boathouse."
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"The Hodgdon Building, located on the east side of Main Street just south of Water Street, was built at the same time as the new Wakefield High School (former Atwell Building) and the time of the extensive enlargement of Barry's Garage at the corner of Main and Armory Streets. To accommodate the new growth in the immediate area, Main Street was significantly widened during that time period."
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"Wakefield High School's Atwell Building on Main Street was gutted by a multi-million dollar fire which was first noticed by a passing call firefighter at 8:23 p.m. on Sunday, December 12, 1971. Flames were discovered on the first floor of the building in a north wall partition opposite the office of Superintendent of Schools, Dr. George MacArthur. It was believed the fire started in a classroom on the second floor above the accounting section of the school system's central office which adjoined the Superintendent's office. It traveled westerly through the floor partitions, over the area of the boys' lockers and into the auditorium through the ventilating ducts. Firefighters from 19 communities fought the fire throughout the night and into the early morning hours. The flames spread throughout the building, following air ducts and hollow passages until firefighters opened several ventilation holes in the roof to stop the lateral movement of the fire. The fire broke through the roof after midnight. Thousands of local residents came to the scene after being alerted to the fire by a news bulletin on a Boston TV station. Many students joined teachers, coaches and school officials in retrieving musical instruments and uniforms, sports equipment, audio-visual equipment and business machines which were in the back of the building. When the fire was finally out 20 hours later, 30 firefighters had been overcome by the acrid smoke and two more had been injured. The building was condemned the next day by the Building Inspector and a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety. A professional company from Arlington was hired to remove anything that was salvageable. Wakefield High School students attended double sessions in the high school's adjacent Memorial Building from 7 a.m. to 12 noon, and 12 noon to 5 p.m. This led to a 'modified' open study concept since no classrooms were available to be used as study rooms. Lockers were shared by two students and underclassmen were limited in their participation in varsity sports. The 1923 high school building was razed and the site where the school stood is now the Galvin Middle School parking lot."
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"The Abraham Sweetser house, at left, was the first home of Cyrus Wakefield. The house was built in the early 1800s by Sweetser himself, probably on land owned by his father, Paul Sweetser, a man who the Providence Rhode Island Journal said was 'the first to engage in the business of bringing ladies fine shoes from Boston to Providence.' The elder Sweetser was a 'considerable orchardist; he raised abundantly the best apples that were raised in the town. He owned a part of 'Walk Hill', a ridge of land then extending from-the-river, by the late Leonard Wiley's, southerly on Main Street, and easterly on Nahant Street, and all along its base, where, owned by Mr. Sweetser, was a continuous row of apple trees, which bore choice fruit, among which was a plentiful supply of the old 'Ben' apple.' The house was typical of the large, well-built dwellings of the period, with wide stairways, a large fireplace and brick ovens. Abraham was a shoemaker as were many of his neighbors, many of whom ran 'one-man shoe factories' in their homes. The house was razed in 1922 to make way for an addition to the garage. The Joseph Hughes garage was built around 1909 by Hughes who owned a small repair shop on Center Street. The garage, which measured 42' x 75' was determined to be inadequate when David Barry purchased it in 1919. It was Barry who razed the house and was responsible for building the tapestry-brick structure in 1922. Several more additions were added beginning in 1925. In later years it was home to W.T. Walker Oldsmobile, Sylvania's Semiconductor Division, and Verizon. The structure was recently razed to make way for CVS."
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"The Leonard Wiley House, at the corner of Water and Crescent Streets was built somewhere around 1765. According to Lilley Eaton's Genealogical History of the Town of Reading, Mass. the farm land was originally owned by early settler Benjamin Poole, Esq. and later by his nephew, Jonathan Poole. Jonathan Poole's son-in-law Nathaniel Wiley inherited the farm and later passed it on to his son, Leonard. Leonard Wiley was born in 1791, one of eight children of Nathaniel and Sally (Poole) Wiley. He died in 1872. The farm was occupied by his heirs until the house was moved to 35 Bartley Street to make room for the Crescent House."
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"The Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 26, was organized on August 1, 1868 as the Hibernian Aid Society with a membership of 33. Timothy Hurley was the first president. The organization became affiliated with the A.O.H., the oldest and largest Irish Catholic organization in the United States, on March 4, 1876. The Hibernians were among the many fraternal and civic organizations that participated in the 250th anniversary procession on Monday, May 28, 1894. The 85 members marched in the 1st Division of the procession which started on Main Street near the Wakefield residence, (now the corner of Main and Armory Street) up to Sweetser, Pleasant, Park, Main, Yale Avenue, Railroad (now North Avenue), West Chestnut, Park Avenue, Dell Avenue, Converse, Gould, Albion, Railroad, Chestnut to Main, where they passed in review before the Governor and other guests opposite the Town Hall on Main Street, at the corner of Water Street. Locally, the Hibernians were instrumental in the early growth of St. Joseph's Church. The members bought the buildings at the corner of Albion and Foster Streets in 1924, renovated it, and officially dedicated it on September 10th. It was said to be one of the largest and most successful fraternal gatherings ever held in Wakefield."
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"Believed to be the wedding party of Wakefield residents James Walter Dulong and Sylvia Anne Amiro, this photo may have been take by Wakefield historian, painter and photographer Joseph Payro. Payro was known for experimenting with different papers and developing techniques when printing his photos. The back of this photo contains the notation: 'Monox Bromide 15 ticks by the kitchen clock, 24" from the big lamp'. An additional notation indicates that the paper was 'four years old before being printed.' Although the Wakefield Town report of 1917 noted the marriage of James and Sylvia, there is no mention of them in the 1917 list of residents."
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"The 25-member company, formerly Fountain Engine 3, was reorganized as Volunteer Hose 2 on September 4, 1888. Shortly after reorganization, the members purchased a Rumsey four-wheel hand-drawn hose carriage by subscription at a cost of $275. The volunteer company, which for many years was an 'efficient, independent company', became a part of the Wakefield Dire Department following a Town Meeting vote in March 1892. Volunteer Hose 2 participated in many parades, including the dedication of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in June 1902. The processions consisted of four divisions: the GAR post of Wakefield and vicinity; military; Wakefield High School cadets; and the fire department led by Chief William E. Cade which consisted of the Steamer Hose Company; the Hook & Ladder Company; Volunteer Hose 2; the Carter Hose Company and the Greenwood Hose Company. The parade route started on Richardson Avenue (across from the former Town Hall), and traveled along Main Street to Chestnut, Railroad (now North Avenue), Yale, Main, Crescent, Eaton, Pleasant, Salem, Main to Sweetser, where the divisions counter matched [i.e. marched?] to Salem Street. The participants were reviewed by Governor Crane as they passed by the pagoda (bandstand)."
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"Wakefield High School pupils. teachers, staff and administrators walked through the downtown from their former school on Lafayette Street (now Town Hall) to their new school on Main Street, on Jun 4, 1923. The parade was led by the Superintendent of Schools Willard B. Atwell, Principal Charles J. Peterson, Sgt. Ernest Munroe, and Miss Irene Laughton of the office staff, followed by the high school battalion drum corps. The senior class was next in line, followed by the junior, sophomore and freshman classes who walked four-by-four to the school. The parade route was lined with students from the elementary schools, with the exception of the Greenwood and Montrose Schools. When they arrived at the new high school, the pupils wen to the rooms assigned to them and then assembled in the auditorium where Principal Peterson explained the rules and regulations and read the new orders students were to follow. Following recess and lunch, the students were dismissed for the day, with 'lessons' beginning the following day. The 'new' high school was located on Main Street where the Cyrus Wakefield estate once stood and was built at a cost of $450,000. The original high school building was destroyed by fire in December 1971. The site is now the Galvin Middle School parking lot."
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"Once the site of the Town's fist church and meeting house, the land at the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets was also home to another landmark, Bessey Stable, until the structure was razed to make way for the Wakefield Trust Company. building. The property was purchased in August 1921 by Charles W. Hodgdon, the owner and manager of the Wakefield Theatre, with the intention of building a new playhouse. After the project was abandoned, the land was purchased by the Wakefield Trust Company. When the stable was torn down, local reports noted, 'The old stable has been a landmark for many years and marks another of the important changes of Main Street where an old wooden building ill be replaced by a modern structure.'"
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"The Unitarian Universalist Church, the oldest existing religious building in Wakefield, had its beginnings on April 29, 1813, when seven South Reading men met at the Elm Street home of Col. Amos Boardman, a prominent local businessman and Revolutionary War Veteran. Joining him as founding members of the Universal Society in South Reading were Joseph Eaton, a grocer; John Rayner, a baker and Keeper of the Pound; Charles Emerson, and inventor and manufacturer Benjamin Goldthwait, a cobbler; Joshua Burnham, a clergyman; and Thomas Melborn, who is only referred to as being married to Joshua Burnham's sister. Meetings were held at members' homes or at the schoolhouse until they accumulated enough members and resources to build a Universalist Church. In 1839, the Universalist Society purchased a lot of land from John Rayner's widow, Mary, on the County Road, now Main Street, at the spot where the road divided. The Greek Revival-style building with its triangular pediment and four classical columns was dedicated on November 21, 1839. The original building was moved back 50 feet in 1859 and was raised, with the front portion of the church and steeple added. The style of the building remained unchanged into the 20th Century, with some interior and exterior alterations brought on by several fires in adjacent buildings. Major alterations occurred in 2008 when the church spire was removed due to serious structural issues throughout the steeple. The organization, founded as the Universalist Society and later as the First Universalist Society of Wakefield, became the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Wakefield when the two denominations merged in 1961. The church will celebrate its bicentennial year with festivities and a capital campaign to repair the steeple."
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The First National Store at 432 Main Street was one of eight markets that served the Town in 1934, the others being Reid's Market, 77 Albion Street; Railroad Market, across from the upper railroad station; City Hall Market, 6 Water Street; Sperbers Market, 14 Water Street (which advertised that it sold full-strength beer and wine); Quality Grocers, 87-89 Albion Street; McCarthy's Market, 412 Main Street, Wakefield Fish Market, 3 Mechanic Street; and Orde's Fish Market, 109A Albion Street. First National, known by its acronym Finast and 'The First National', was incorporated as the Ginter Company in 1917. It changed its name to First National Stores, Inc. in 1925 when it was consolidated with the John T. Connor Company and O'Keeffe's, Inc. Finast was a retail supermarket brand that existed in the northeastern United States until being absorbed by Edwards and its Dutch parent Royal Ahold in the mid-1990s. Finast was originally based in Somerville, prior to its change to the Edwards name. The base was then moved to Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
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"The Main Street store, E.E. Gray Company, was one of 25 branch stores of the E.E. Gray Importers, Wholesale and Provision Dealers of Boston located throughout Greater Boston and Massachusetts. The company also had three Boston stores, on Hanover, Blackstone and Union Streets. The company was established by Elmer E. Gray in 1885 at the age of 23. Within four years, he had built up a large trade and reputation as a commission merchant in butter, cheese, eggs, and live and dressed poultry, and supplied goods to dealers, restaurants, hotel[s] and families. He received his supplies directly from the producers and was able to sell them at the lowest market prices. According to Illustrated Boston, the Metropolis of New England, 'this representative and progressive house was established by Mr. Gray, who has built up a large trade and through his extensive connections controls a large business. Consignments of choice creamery and dairy butter, cheese and fresh eggs are received daily, and also live and dressed poultry. Promptitude and quick sales form the policy upon which the business is conducted and the stock is always choice and fresh. The premises are of ample dimensions for the requirements of the business and a force of clerks are kept constantly employed. Liberal advances are made on consignments and in all matters pertaining to this special line of trade Mr. Gray is prepared to transact business in a manner satisfactory to all concerned.' By 1915, his stores were selling kitchen items, including galvanized iron watering or sprinkling pot[s], children's aluminum mugs, window and door screens, and gardening supplies. In 1927, company officers organized a new corporation to acquire the necessary funds to extend and enlarge the business of the E.E. Gray Company. The company filed for bankruptcy in December 1930."
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"C.H. Curtis, 'caterer and dealer in plain and fancy crackers, ice cream, bread, confectionery, canned goods, etc.' operated his bakery at 430 Main Street. The business was established in 1888 and was regarded in the Representative Business Men of Wakefield 1894 publication as 'one of the most reliable enterprises of the kind in Wakefield, and those who have made a practice of dealing with this establishment speak of the even excellence of the goods offered, and the uniform courtesy extended to every customer.' The bakery consisted of a 50' x 10' building and a 35' x 20' bakehouse, and employed five skilled assistants. According to the publication, Mr. Curtis operated a large wholesale and retail business, specializing in 'weddings, parties, balls, and church fairs.'"
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"Now known as Veterans' Memorial Common, Wakefield's Upper Common was once the original public land created by the Town's early settlers in 1741. The Soldiers and Sailors Civil War Monument, at the right of the photo, was erected in 1902 as a gift from Harriett Flint. At its dedication on June 17, 1902, it was described as, 'The monument, aside from its own beauty, makes a striking picture with its background of rich green foliage and the blue waters of the lake beyond. It stands in the center of a triangle of lofty elms. Immediately in front, a bed of brilliant hued flowers gives a touch of color to the scene'"
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"The upper Common, pictured shortly after the dedication of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument which occurred in 1902. Before the Town received a bequest from Cornelius Sweetser of $10,000 which stipulated that the money be used to improve a public park, the common as we know it was a bit run down, with debris from a nearby tin shop littering the area and a ditch running through the upper Common. The Town agreed to match the donation in 1883 and the common was transformed by the park commissioners. The end result was the draining and regrading of the Upper Common and the addition of new fences. In 1990, the Common District, referred to as the land between Lake Quannapowitt, Main Street, Common Street, Church Street, and Lake Avenue, was added to the National Register of Historic places. The Upper Common was officially named as the Veterans' Memorial Common in 2011."
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"Wakefield's upper and lower Commons are visible in the circa 1905 panoramic photo. It is interesting to note that the road forks, with the left side leading to Salem Street and the right side leading to Pearl Street."
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"The Henry F. Miller Piano Factory was one of three imposing buildings in the downtown area that were built in the 1870s. The building, located behind the Town Hall at Water and Main Streets, was the factory for the company's Boston, Philadelphia and Cincinnati showrooms. The company was established in Boston by Henry F. Miller in 1863. A musician, Miller was described as an inventive genius with great skills as a 'mechanician'. He was joined in the business by his five sons who moved the factory into the stately building in 1884. The company continued under the direction of Henry F. Miller, Jr. and his brothers after his father's death in 1884, and Henry F. Miller & Sons continued to produce high quality pianos made by master craftsmen until a decline in demand caused the company to discontinue its own piano line in the late 1920s. The company became a part of the Continental Piano Company. The Miller Piano Factory building was sold to William T. Curley, Sr. in 1930 and houses various businesses over the next 30 years, including a furniture store, several shoe manufacturers, and an antique store. The building was razed in 1960 to make way for the Surety Bank and Trust Company building."
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"The Wakefield National Bank, later the Wakefield Trust Company, purchased the Hannah S. Brown land at the northwest corner of Main and Chestnut Streets in the early 1900s, and erected the building in 1902. The bank, incorporated as the South reading Mechanical and Agricultural Institution in 1833, shared the building with the Wakefield Savings Bank, now The Savings Bank, from 1902 to 1924, when the Trust Company moved into its new building across Chestnut Street. the building on the corner of Avon Street was known as the Flanery Building, and later as the Odd Fellows Building. Erected in the late 1890s, a fire gutted the interior of the building in January 1997. The building was renovated and restored by The Savings Bank, which now occupies the building. The Mansfield, estate, now the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, is pictured at the right."
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"The Wakefield Fire Department replaced its 1894 Abbot-Downing hose wagon with a 1906 American LaFrance combination chemical and hose wagon it purchased at a cost of $1,450. The horse-drawn wagon carried two 30-gallon chemical tanks and 1,900 feet of hose. During the eight years it was in service, the American LaFrance responded to several major fires, including the great Chelsea fire which destroyed nearly a quarter of the city in 1908, and the February 1909 fire that destroyed the First Parish Congregational Church. Other major fires included the 1907 fire at George Taylor's store at Main and Princess Streets, and the Cutler Brothers Grocery and Grain Store fire in 1911 at the corner of Main and Water Streets that destroyed several other businesses and buildings in the area. The Fire Department started adding motorized equipment in 1908 when it converted a second-hand touring car into a hose wagon, effectively ending its use of hand-drawn equipment. Additional motorized pieces of equipment were added, and by 1912, the American LaFrance combination chemical and hose wagon was reassigned to the Greenwood station. A Peerless chemical and hose wagon replaced the 1906 apparatus in 1914. The department's horses were no longer needed and were given to the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department and the Department of Public Works."
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"Wakefield dedicated its new high school 140 years ago, on the site of the former Parson Prentice House - the third parsonage in the First Parish - on October 10, 1872. The new school replaced the South Reading Academy, which was located on the site of the Lincoln School. The school was built just one year after the commodious Town Hall at the corner of Main and Water Streets (1871), and four years after the Town changed its name from South Reading to Wakefield (1868). A six-room addition was added in 1900, and the building remained in use as the high school until 1923 when a new school opened on Main Street. Renamed the Lafayette School, the building housed the Town's eighth grade until 1936. In 1937, the building was remodeled as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, and its distinctive Italianate features were removed, with the wood replaced by brick. The Lafayette Building was used for municipal and veterans' purposes until a fire at the 1871 Town Hall in December 1950 rendered that building inhabitable [i.e.uninhabitable]. In April 1951, Town Meeting voted to move Town equipment and records to the Lafayette Building. In subsequent years, Town Meeting voters voted against repairing or restoring the vacant Main Street Town Hall, and voted to move all Town offices to Lafayette Street. The old Town Hall was razed in October 1958. The Lafayette Building, now the William J. Lee Memorial Town Hall, has undergone renovations since the 1950s, including a major accessibility renovation in 1998."
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"In 1952, Town Meeting unanimously voted to purchase, or take by right of eminent domain, five parcels of land and their structures to enable the Town to build a new senior high school on Main Street, adjacent to the high school. The cost of the five parcels was reported to be $67,500. The owners were listed as Mildred Hawkes, Marjorie Cook, John Marshall, Jennie Willey, and Edna Brown. One house was later moved to the corner of Park Avenue and Prospect Street. The 1952 meeting lasted over three hours, with several votes taken during the evening. One article that was soundly defeated was to put an addition on the existing building to the west. Another defeated article included the building of a senior high school at the site of the Town Farm, (the current location of Wakefield High School). The 940 voters also voted to establish a 6-3-3 (elementary-junior high school- high school) school system. Initial plans also included the junior high school moving into the former high school building, later named the Willard B. Atwell School. The total to build a new school, with the purchase of the land, was said to be $2,130,500. The new high school opened in 1955 and is now the Galvin Middle School, with the exception of the Atwell wing of the school."
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"The Princess Theatre on Mechanic Street, now Princess Street, opened in 1912 in a building previously used for storage, and, at one time, had housed the Thomas E. Stapleton mattress factory. The theatre was owned and managed by Charles W. Hodgdon, who was also the manager-owner of the Wakefield Theatre on Main Street. The Princess Theatre underwent a major renovation in 1938, with the addition of a 'modernistic' main entrance (the previous entrance became the exit), a spacious circular-shaped lobby (with a 'light, airy dome slightly over 20' high'), lounging smoking and reception rooms for men and women (the men's and ladies' rooms were similar although the ladies' room was furnished more 'luxuriously'), wider seats, built-in aisle lights with dimmers in every second row of seats (which ended the ushers' need for flashlights), a spacious room for ushers, a ticket booth, an 'attractive' candy counter, an electrically-cooled drinking fountain at the foot of the balcony stairs, and wider, larger balcony staircases to make the accent [i.e. ascent] easier for older patrons. The theater was closed during World War II for lack of employees, but reopened in 1945. The Princess Theatre continued to operate until the 1950s. The building was later used for storage by Parke Snows, and was sold to C. Harry Olson, as part of a three-property deal, for nearly $50,000 in 1958. The building was occupied by various businesses, including the Nearly New Thrift Shop, until 1971 when it was razed."
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"Flatlock Operators at Harvard Knitting Mills used Flatlock machines which created a 'very strong, soft almost flat seam no thicker than the fabric itself'. The seam, patented on March 31, 1908 and introduced to the trade in 1913, was made in one 'operation' at a very high speed. The company touted its 'Harvard Mills (hand-finished) Underwear' with it's 'flat-lock single thickness seam' in national advertisements, with a disclaimer at the bottom stating that if a dealer didn't carry 'Harvard Mills', they undoubtedly carried the company's Merode brand, in the same attractive styles and p[rice. Established by Charles N. Winship and Elizabeth E. Boit in Cambridgeport, MA as Winship-Boit Company in 1888, the company moved to Wakefield's Taylor Building in 1889. Due to the success of their Merode hand-finished knit underwear, the company bought land at Albion and Foundry Streets in 1897, and a three-story building, with basement, was built on the land. The company continued to grow rapidly, with six major additions from 1901 to 1921. The popularity of knit undergarments started to decline in the late 1920s, and by the mid 1930s, parts of the buildings were rented out to other companies. Parts of the complex were sold, and in 1955, the main mill was sold."
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"The downtown area of Wakefield was transformed in the late 1930s and early 1940s, with the razing of houses and brick buildings. The Gould Block, on the northern corner of Main and Centre Streets, was razed in the late 1930s and, like most of the older buildings, replaced with a one or two story 'modern' building that housed a variety of new and established businesses. The Cheney Block on the southern corner of Main and Centre Streets was home to Wakefield's first jewelry store, Cheney's, which also served as a periodical and newsstand. Mr. McMasters, who was well known for his newsstand, eventually bought the business. After the buildings within the block were razed, new one-story structures were built to house Nagle's Drug Store, Friend's Bakery, the Atlantic and Pacific store, and Russell's Electric. Boothby's (at the far right) remained intact while buildings on either side were razed and rebuilt."
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"Local residents gathered along Main Street to watch the Little League parade, which traveled from the Common to the Little League Field behind the former St. Florence Chapel on Del Carmine Street, off Water Street. It is interesting to note that the former Walton Block in the center of the photograph was occupied by the Post Office during the expansion of its current building at the corner of Main Street and Yale Avenue which began in 1970. After weather-related delays, the addition was completed and the Post Office moved from its temporary location in the First National Supermarket in late 1971."
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"The Town of Wakefield was among the most active communities that worked with the CWA (Civil Works Administration, which was established in 1933 by the New Deal during the Great Depression to create manual labor jobs for millions of unemployed during the winter, until it ended in March 1934); and the WPA (Works Progress Administration, the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency which employed millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads). As a result, several road and sewer projects were undertaken throughout the Town, including the relaying of water mains which employed 393 men, and the 'dressing up of the Town' at all the entrances into the community, with new curbing. Additional projects included adding cement sidewalks and widening streets. These may have been local contractors, public works employees, or WPA works involved in the operation that used the tractor engine and hoist to operate the dragline."
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"An arsonist set a number of devastating fires in the early 1970s, including the 10.5 acre Robie Industrial Park fire on Saturday, February 5, 1972. The Water Street complex was once home to Cyrus Wakefield's Rattan Company, and later, the Heywood-Wakefield Company. The site is now occupied by Shaw's supermarket. Firefighters first encountered heavy smoke in the basement of the Continental Chemical Company, and within minutes, flames fully engulfed the four-story structure. A catwalk which connected the building to another helped spread the fire, as did an underground tunnel between two of the buildings. Five of the seven buildings were completely destroyed. The evening blaze was reported to be the worst 'disaster' in the Town's history, with more than 500 firefighters from 40 communities first reported to be battling the wind-driven flames which quickly spread from building to building. Reports also said that aid came from 'as far as Brockton, Concord (New Hampshire), and Worcester'. Because of high winds and freezing temperatures, the water used to fight the fire turned to ice which coated the streets, hoses, couplings, hydrants and the firefighters. The fire continued to smolder the next day, and crews from the Department of Public Works scraped ice from the pavement in the complex, as well as Water and New Salem Streets. They worked with fire and police to thaw the couplings and hydrants and removed the frozen hoses to the Greenwood Fire Station. Initial reports indicated that approximately 1,000 people would be unemployed because of the fire, and losses would total $15 million. These figures were quickly downgraded to approximately 150 to 150 unemployed and the loss set at $2.5 million."
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"Lake Quannapowitt, the center of recreational activities in Wakefield, drew scores of local youth to its shores during the winter months for skating and pick-up hockey games. Although winter 1969 was cold, the ice remained unsafe well into January, with Safety Officer Max Ramocki issuing a caution to residents of unsafe conditions. Despite several below-freezing days, the Lake was partially open in early 1969. This unusual pattern led to much speculation, and it was determined that the first theories - that vegetation controlling chemicals were responsible, and that the American Mutual building at the head of the Lake caused air currents - were not the case; rather, the winds that accompanied the cold temperatures caused the water to remain in motion. At the time, it was common for alerts to be issued by the Town about skating conditions and for parents to call the Police of Fire Department to see if the Lake was safe. The Department of Public Works was also called in many times to plow sections of the Lake near the boat ramp at Veterans' Field, for skaters."
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"The Wakefield Real Estate and Building Association was listed as the owner of several properties in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The company owned the land between Chestnut and Murray Streets which was purchased for $15,000 by the Boston & Maine Railroad in 1888 to build a new station. The B&M started building its commodious structure in 1990; it was completed, and opened in 1890. In the background is North Avenue, formerly Railroad Avenue. It is interested to note the horse and buggies in front of the businesses and the Bank Building, near the center of the photo."
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"Bickford's Saw Mill was located on Vernon Street at the Lynnfield line."
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"Town Meeting voted in 1952 to build a new high school on Main Street next to the high school built in 1923. Wakefield Memorial High School opened in 1955 and was named to honor all those killed on the battlefield since the Civil War. The former high school, the Willard B. Atwell School, housed grades seven, eight and nine until the junior high school on Farm Street opened in December 1960 for grades seven and eight. The Willard B. Atwell building, which became part of the high school, was destroyed by fire in December 1971. Double sessions were held at Wakefield High School until a new high school was built on Farm Street in 1974. Wakefield Memorial High School was moved to Farm Street, and the junior high school, now the Galvin Middle School, moved to Main Street."
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"Ira Atkinson owned Atkinson's grocery and grain store located in the 1890s at 470 Main Street. According to an advertisement in the publication Representative Business Men of Wakefield, published in the late 1890s, Ira Atkinson opened the store in 1874. It also noted that the store was one of the 'oldest and most complete of its kind in Wakefield', and that Atkinson had three assistants. Atkinson dealt in 'groceries of all kinds, flour and grain, choice teas, coffees, spices, etc.', and was 'in a position to supply these commodities in any desired quantity and bottom prices to both large and small buyers.' The store occupied a space of 100' x 25' with a storeroom that enabled Atkinson to carry a large and complete stock of the items mentioned, 'together with others of minor importance.' The ad also boasted that Atkinson guaranteed everything he sold and 'always paid once hundred cents on the dollar'. Among the items sold was Butterine a name for margarine that was most often made from animal fat such as pork lard or beef tallow. When first introduced in England in 1869, it was called butterine until the late 1880s. The use of the word 'butterine' continued longer in America. Note the wooden barrels and scales throughout the store, as well as the grinder."
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"The Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department has operated from the North Avenue (formerly Railroad Avenue) plant, overlooking Lake Quannapowitt, since the town purchased the Citizens Gas and Light Company for $180,000 in 1894. The purchase included the land and buildings, as well as the equipment. The buildings also included a house for the Superintendent, as well as the barn. The site has undergone physical changes over the years, including repairs and additions to the building, the addition - and later the dismantling - of a gas holder, and the complete replacement of the original buildings on the site in 1951. The WMGLD expects to consolidate all operations at the North Avenue site in the next few years."
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"It is reported that the first Young Men's Christian Association in the United States was founded in 1851 by a group of evangelicals from several Boston churches who modeled it on the original YMCA established in London in 1844. This new organization offered a safe gathering place, opportunities for socializing, bible study classes and prayer meetings to young men who flocked to the cities during the industrial revolution. During the late 1870s and early 1880s, the Y's first physical education instructor, Robert J. Roberts, created the first fitness movement in American through his new exercise program for 'bodybuilding', a phrase he coined. Classes utilized exercise drills, wooden dumbbells, 'Indian Clubs', and heavy medicine balls, eventually leading to the introduction of basketball in at [sic] the Y's Springfield College in 1891, volleyball at the Holyoke YMCA in 1895, and racquetball in 1950. Roberts went on to start the Leaders Corps in 1884 to select and train physical education instructors. The YMCA's famous inverted red triangle symbolized the unity of 'body, mind, spirit.' The letters, YMCA across the logo, were added after 1917. The Wakefield YMCA was established on February 12, 1902. After the Emerson Shoe factory ceased operations in the early 1900s, the organization purchased the site at the corner of Main Street and Yale Avenue. The cornerstone was laid on September 16, 1908 and the building opened on April 7, 1909."
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"Charles Perkins sits atop the railroad bridge built to accommodate the South Reading Branch Railroad. The bridge was reported to have been built around 1854, although the charter for the railroad was granted to a group of 'promoters' in 1848. The group received permission to build a line from South Reading (Wakefield) to South Danvers (Peabody). The line started at the Wakefield Junction station on the Boston and Maine line, crossing over to the Centre [i.e. Center] Station on Water Street, and through the woods to what is now Salem Street, and into Lynnfield. The line opened in 1850 and provided a new, more direct and competitive route into Boston for those South Danvers passengers who rode the Eastern Railroad into East Boston and took a ferry into Boston. Eastern subsequently bought the line the following year, with the B&M taking it over in 1884. In 1869, eight daily passenger trains passed over the bridge. There were seven daily trains in 1893 and nine in 1919. Passenger service ended in 1926. A short portion of the railroad right of way near Montrose became part of Route 128."
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"What was to be a state-funded rebuilding of Main Street from the Rockery to Greenwood, and the removal of the streetcar rails in 1949, led to the laying of a new drainage system down the middle of Main Street. Crews discovered an old natural drainage system covered with capstone when a specialized trench digger began taking out the old rails. The Commonwealth stepped in and ordered that new 18" and 20" reinforced concrete pipes replace the existing drain in the downtown area. The street was to be open in both directions during the rebuilding, with work limited to the center of the wide street. The extensive work led to traffic being rerouted and one-way traffic from Albion Street southward. Temperatures during the rebuilding project soared into the 90s with no rain. As a result, the town's water levels were low. When the time came to 'puddle' the ditch, the water pumped from the old fire cistern below the ground at Main and Avon Street was not enough, leading the town to think creatively by running 2,500' of hose from the Lake, beginning at the the cement platform at the foot of Spaulding Street, across from the Common to the ditch on Main Street."
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"The country's first Independence Day celebration took place on July 4, 1777, and by the early 1800s, the traditions of parades, picnics, and fireworks were established as the way to celebrate. The Town of Wakefield has celebrated with activities centered on the Common or more than a century. Wakefield's early celebrations were generally scattered throughout the neighborhoods until the 1880s when townspeople could gather on the newly developed Common for part of the day to listen to band concerts on the 'pagoda', which was erected in 1885, play games and cast their rowboats and canoes off one of the many docks that lined the shores. The Common was beautified by funds bequeathed to the town by Cornelius Sweetser in 1883. Improvements included the bandstand/pagoda, grading, new gravel, concrete walks, and malls, new fences, drainage, and the addition of the rockery. Within three years of this photo, the third meetinghouse of the First Parish Congregational Church, in the center of the photo, was razed, in 1890, and rebuilt."
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"The Perkins block at the south corner of Main and Albion Streets was once owned by Capt. John Perkins of Lynnfield Centre. At the time of the Civil War, the southern portion of the building was removed to the corner of North Avenue and Avon Street, making room for the building at the left of the picture which once houses the Crystal Spa, Wilkinson Shoe and later, the Colonial Spa. Beasley's Variety Store, a kitchen furnishing and general variety store, was once of several businesses located in the building. Owner George Beasley of Reading relocated his store to North Avenue before 1940, making way for the First National market and grocery store, one of the first 'chain' stores in the area. Bonney & Dutton's 'Old Corner Drug Store' was first established in 1847 by Dr. Joseph D. Mansfield, a well-known practicing physician, and William H. Willis, on Main Street, opposite Avon Street. Dr. Mansfield purchased Willis' share of the business in 1855 and moved to Main and Albion Streets. At the time, the drug store was reported to be only the second such business between Boston and Haverhill, the other being in Malden. Josiah S. Bonney became a partner in 1885, and bought out Dr. Mansfield in 1892. He was the sole proprietor until pharmacist Riberot Dutton became a partner in 1906. He owned the store until his retirement in 1940. The upper floors were occupied by many businesses, including the photography studio of Charles F. Richardson whose work graces many old postcards and photos still in circulation. Others included photographer A.C. Saunders, the dental offices of Dr. Charles Magoon, and the Wakefield Bulletin. The Perkins Building was razed in late 1940."
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"The Bear Hill Golf Club was established in 1900, with the clubhouse built on Bear Hill, near the Reading line. Work on the clubhouse started in January 1901. It was designed by architects Hartwell, Richardson & Driver, who was an 'enthusiastic' club member, and built by Feindel & Brockbank. The club held a 'formal informal' dedication of the clubhouse in mid-April 1901, complete with a scratch tournament and a chafing dish supper. Club membership was limited to 100. The 1901 clubhouse on Hopkins Street was built with ample room for its 100 members and friends. The building measured 15' wide with an 8' ell, and 46' long, with a piazza (porch) that measured 10'6" wide and ran the entire length of the building. The 'open rustic' 7' x 4' deep fireplace was a unique feature of the building, as was the eyebrow window on the roof. By 1913, the club was said to be among the most active in town, with 125 members and a long waiting list. The men, it was noted, had the 2132-yard golf course to themselves, but many of the ladies took part in the tennis matches on the club's two courts. Everyone enjoyed 'the luncheon and regular Saturday evening supper at which the attendance was seldom less than 100.' To better accommodate its members, the club voted to move the club and purchase an additional lot of land, at the present site, in 1913."
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"This photograph was probably taken somewhere in the vicinity of Fairmount Avenue in the early 1900s. Although it is interesting to note the various architectural styles of the houses, it is even more interesting to note the buildings which grace the skyline, all of which are no longer standing. At the upper right of the picture stands St. Joseph's Church on Albion Street. In the center of the skyline is the spire of the Methodist Episcopal Church on Albion Street, east of the railroad tracks. Dedicated in 1874, the Methodist Church was built of Swiss timber construction adapted to 14th Century Gothic outline. The 130' spire was struck by lightning three times; in 1916, 1917 and 1926. The church's chimney crashed through the roof during the Hurricane of 1928, doing enough damage to weaken the structure of the building. The church building was condemned and razed on October 11, 1938. Just to the left of the Methodist Church in the picture was the Town Hall at the corner of Main and Water Streets. Built with funding from Cyrus Wakefield, and dedicated in 1871, the Town Hall served the community until a fire in the building in December 1950 left it unoccupied. The building was razed in October 1958. In the upper left is a billowing smoke stack at the Heywood Brothers & Wakefield Company rattan factory on Water Street. Founded by Cyrus Wakefield, the rattan factory relocated to South Reading (Wakefield) in 1855 on the Mill Rover. The Wakefield Rattan Company prospered over the years, eventually ceasing operations as the Heywood-Wakefield Company in 1930. A major fire destroyed all but three of the original buildings in 1972."
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"Built on land once occupied by the Solon Richardson mansion, the Richardson Building was home to Wakefield's Post Office from 1902 until 1924. As was the custom during the 1800s and early 1900s, the Richardson house was moved from its site facing Main Street to another locations at the corner of Richardson Avenue and Foster Street when the family's extensive land holdings were developed in the early 1900s. Erected in 1901, and occupied in early 1902, the building was home to several stores and businesses in addition to the post office. In announcing the building, Solon Richardson said the the building would be made of brick with a frontage of 138' on Main Street and 130' in the rear. It was originally designed to accommodate seven stores on the first floor, and 17 offices on the second floor. The building was constructed so that another two or three floors could be added in the future. The 1,100' post office was located in the corner storefront at Main Street and Richardson Avenue. With the introduction of rural free delivery of the mail during the late 1890s, the post office was busy, with mail carriers added frequently. A schedule published in the newspaper in 1901 indicated when areas could expect their mail delivery and the hours of the post office; on most days the post office was open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with Sunday hours. In addition to handling the mail, longtime Postmaster Stanley Dearborn and his staff were directed by Postmaster General Hitchcock in 1911 to establish a postal savings bank in the Wakefield Office. According to written accounts, the chief purpose of the postal savings bank was to 'keep money earner by foreigners in the country and in circulation'. It was also noted that the 'foreigners had little confidence in the banks, but repose great trust in anything directed by the government and cities and towns.' The post office outgrew the building and moved to a new facility, now the WMGLD business office, in 1924."
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"The stately St. Joseph's Church was erected in several stages, beginning with the purchase of land on Albion Street in 1852 and concluding with the dedication of the church in 1890. According to a souvenir booklet published in 1890, Father Thomas H. Shahan of Malden purchased land on Albion Street in 1851 and built a church 100' from the railroad tracks, facing Albion Street. As the Catholic population grew, especially with the development of the rattan industry, South Reading was a mission of several parishes, including those located in Malden, Woburn, and Stoneham. It was in 1868, as a parish of Stoneham, that a lot of 30,000' of land on Albion Street was purchased, and a chapel, transept and the first nave section built at the corner of Albion and Murray Streets in 1870. In 1873, the church became a parochial dignity and 19,000' of land at the junction of Albion and Gould Streets was purchased from the Beebe family. Another lot was purchased on Murray Street in 1876 and the old church, which was built in 1851, was moved, becoming the Lyceum Hall, later used for many years as the church hall. The new church was moved further down Albion Street and turned to face the railroad. A rectory (at the left in the picture) was built at the corner of Murray and Albion Streets sometime around 1885. Between 1888 and when the church was dedicated on November 9, 1890, a basement was added to the new church, the nave was completed, lengthening the church by 75', the cruciform was built and crowned with a spire, and the cornerstone was laid in September 1889. Additional land was purchased in 1891 and 1892. The church was destroyed by fire on March 24, 1977. The present St, Joseph's Church was dedicated on June 27, 1890."
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"Taken on Cowdrey Hill on Prospect Street, this circa 1910 photo captures the ice cutting operations probably conducted by the Peoples Ice Company, which had six ice houses at Hall's Park at the upper left, opposite the WMGLD plant on North Avenue, and the Whipple & Morrill ice houses (later Porter-Milton) at the right in the photo, built on Hartshorne's Meadow. According to former historian Ruth Woodbury in a presentation to the Historical Society in the 1950s, more than $100,000 worth of ice was shipped out of town annually. Built in 1890 through a partnership between ice dealer John G. Morrill and Boston hotel owner J. Reed Whipple, the Whipple & Morrill ice-houses shipped much of its ice to Whipple's hotels: the Parker House, Young's and the Touraine. The photo also shows the WMGLD barn. In the foreground are houses along Prospect Street. Note the structures in the rear of the houses, which were probably outhouses."
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"Referred to as the 'Central Park' in the Descriptive Sketch of Wakefield, published in 1894, the Common was described as follows: 'The Central Park is most appropriately named, for it begins in the very heart of the town and extends along the eastern shore of Lake Quannapowitt for almost a mile. Of this beautiful sheet of water Mr. Sylvester Baxter has written 'Wakefield's lake, cherished and beautiful, plays an unusually important part in the life of the place. There is bathing in its waters, boating, canoeing and sailing on its surface in the summer; skating and ice-boating in the winter, besides band concerts, promenading and driving on its shores. The view up the lake deserves to rank among the notable park scenes in the country. There is a vista of something over a mile of sparkling blue water to the northward, where white-sailed yachts skim like swallows over the surface, and rowboats, and canoes glide gracefully about."
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Videos show views of the First Baptist Church located at 8 Lafayette Street on the west side of the Upper Common at the corner of Common Street. Built around 1872, the high style Italianate building has a clapboard exterior and there is a large two story addition at the rear. On the evening of Tuesday, October 23, 2018, lightning struck the steeple during a storm and ignited a fire which soon engulfed the building. Despite the efforts of fire departments from many neighboring communities, the building was largely destroyed and declared a total loss.
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Photos show views of the First Baptist Church located at 8 Lafayette Street on the west side of the Upper Common at the corner of Common Street. Built around 1872, the high style Italianate building has a clapboard exterior and there is a large two story addition at the rear. On the evening of Tuesday, October 23, 2018, lightning struck the steeple during a storm and ignited a fire which soon engulfed the building. Despite the efforts of fire departments from many neighboring communities, the building was largely destroyed and declared a total loss.
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Photos show views of the First Baptist Church located at 8 Lafayette Street on the west side of the Upper Common at the corner of Common Street. Built around 1872, the high style Italianate building has a clapboard exterior and there is a large two story addition at the rear. On the evening of Tuesday, October 23, 2018, lightning struck the steeple during a storm and ignited a fire which soon engulfed the building. Despite the efforts of fire departments from many neighboring communities, the building was largely destroyed and declared a total loss.
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Plaza Jazz is an annual program that runs throughout the summer months. Each week, on Thursdays from 6-8 pm, various musicians play a concert on the Main St. Plaza at the front of the library. Upwards of 70 people attend each event, every Thursday.
The band in this photo is The Adria Smith Trio.
Adria Smith has been playing professional jazz piano on the North Shore for 16 years since her Berklee days. The Adria Smith Trio, with Zach Bridges on bass, and Tony Bender on drums plays jazz standards from funky to original compositions.
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Plaza Jazz is an annual program that runs throughout the summer months. Each week, on Thursdays from 6-8 pm, various musicians play a concert on the Main St. Plaza at the front of the library. Upwards of 70 people attend each event, every Thursday.
The band in this photo is The Bengerstobal Trio.
The Bengerstobal String Trio, which plays world music, is composed of Bengisu Gokce on violin and vocals, Gerson Eguiguren on viola and vocals, and Cristobal Cruz Garcia on cello and vocals.
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"Lucius Beebe,immortalized in Wakefield history by the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, was active in the town, both politically and personally, for the 32 years he resided in the community. Born in Hebron, Connecticut on March 2, 1810, Lucius Beebe set off at the age of 15 to seek his fortune in his uncle's flannel factory. The factory soon folded and he later went to work as an apprentice at the Yantic Factory in Norwich, Connecticut. At the age of 18, he took charge of one of the departments, a position he held until he and his four brothers opened a store in New Orleans, shipping goods from the New England area for sale at the store. Business was brisk in all sorts of commodities and, after a short time, the brothers opened an office in Boston for the sale of cotton and for the purchase of merchandise for the New Orleans store. He eventually setlled in Cambridge in 1844 and later moved to Melrose in 1851. In 1852 he settled in South Reading on the eastern shores of Lake Quannapowitt at the estate on Main Street known as the Beebe Farm. It was there that he and his wife Sylenda settled to raise their growing family of 12 children, nine of which survived to reach adulthood. At this time, he was a highly respected businessman in Boston, New York, and New Orleans. He immediately settled into his adoptive town, working in various organizations and holding several offices in the town. He was a Trustee for the public library from the time of its formation in 1856. In 1868 the library was renamed Beebe Town Library of Wakefield in his honor, as he was a major contributor, both in terms of financial contributions and his influence in its support. He was a member of the School Board, serving as its Chairman for several of those years. He was a Selectman and served as Trustee of the Wakefield Savings Bank, President of the National Bank of South Reading, President of the Real Estate and Building Association and served as a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Beebe was Chairman of the Hamilton School Building Committee and was a Co; Captions: 1. The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in 1929. -- 2. Lucius Beebe was one of several influential Wakefield citizens on the Board of Directors of the South Reading Bank. (Standing left to right) Cyrus Wakefield and George O. Carpenter. (Seated, left to right) Samuel Gardner, Lucius Beebe, Thomas Emerson, Lilley Eaton, and Edward Mansfield.
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"The new Woodville School building opened its doors on September 8, 1920 on an extension of the 'old' lot, immediately to the rear of the former school building. The school was built in the center of the grounds which were reported to be between two to three acres. Its first principal was George E. Hayes of Marlboro, a graduate of Bridgewater Normal School. He also took 'special courses' at Boston University. The exterior of the building was made of red brick and granite trim, with three entrances. The porches were equipped with wrought-iron gates that were closed when school was not in session. The building was 'thoroughly modern' in every aspect, with electricity throughout, and more light in the school than in any other building in town. There were six classrooms to hold approximately 250 students in seven grades. One of the most attractive features and 'valuable provisions' of the building was the assembly hall to the right of the main entrance that was intended to host community/neighborhood activities. It had a spacious stage, portable footlights, connections for a stereopticon, and a trap door in the ceiling for a moving picture machine. The first floor contained the assembly hall, kitchen suite, principal's office, three classrooms, and lavatories the second floor held three classrooms, a library for reference and reading, a storeroom for books and supplies, an 'attractive' teachers' room, and an emergency room. A section of the roof was lower than the general roof to allow for the creation of an 'open air' classroom for children whose 'health indicated the need for this type of classroom.' The basement housed the modern furnace room, coal bins, lavatories for boys and girls, and separate playrooms for boys and girls, accessible from the outside, independent of the entrances to the buildings. After the passage of Proposition 2 1/2, the Woodville School was closed in the early 1980s, later opening as an alternative high school. The Woodville was rebuilt and opened as an elementary school in
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"The Woodville Chapel on Farm Street was dedicated on February 16, 1896 under the auspices of the Massachusetts Baptist Sunday School Association. The 24' x 30' building had a seating capacity of 'little more' than 125 people. During the dedication ceremonies, the chapel was completely filled with an 'interested' congregation, many of whom were from out of town. The two-hour afternoon ceremony included singing by a Wakefield male quartet, the presentation of keys to Stephen Moore, President of the Massachusetts Baptist Society Sunday School Association, and remarks from invited local officials. A 'social' service was held later that evening, with singing and a 'brief address'. The Woodville chapel closed in 1939 and is now a private home." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Winship Mansion, also known as the Winship estate, was home to Charles Newell Winship, who along with Elizabeth E. Boit formed a partnership under the firm name of Winship, Boit & Company. In 1888, the two established the Harvard Knitting Mills in Cambridgeport, relocating to Wakefield's Taylor Block in 1889, and later to Albion Street. A native of Needham, Charles Winship lived on Pleasant Street before building the spacious home on Jordan Avenue in the early 1900s. The estate overlooked much of the town, particularly the Harvard Knitting Mills. In 1922, he purchased 12 acres of surrounding land which he developed. The development, comprised of Newell Road, Walter Avenue and Fox Road, was known at the time as Winship Manor. After his death in 1946, his family sold the 9.1 acre estate to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in early 1947. The estate was used as a convent which housed more than 40 Sisters of Nazareth. An academy was later built on the convent grounds. The convent and its grounds were sold in 1978 to a developer who built single family residences." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Wakefield is fortunate to have another 'Mr. Wakefield,' a man who has played an active role in the town throughout the 20th century. William J. Lee, one of Wakefield's most prominent citizens has earned a reputation as both a successful lawyer and a friend to the community. A resident of Wakefield since the age of three, Attorney Lee attended the Warren and Hamilton Schools and graduated from Wakefield High School in 1919. He earned his baccalaureate degree from Fordham University and graduated from Boston University School of Law in 1930. After graduation he was admitted to the Massachusetts and Federal bars. In 1942, Mr. Lee graduated from the Naval Training School in Dartmouth and was commissioned a Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve. He subsequently served aboard the USS Lexington in the Pacific Theatre of Operations. After returning to civilian life and Wakefield, Attorney Lee became actively involved in the community, serving as a member of the School Committee and later as Chairman. He was also a Trustee of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Town Moderator and Town Counsel. His involvement was not limited to elected office - he was one of the original founders of the Citizens' Scholarship Foundation in Wakefield and served as an active member of the Wakefield Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Chamber of Commerce, the West Side Social Club, St. Joseph's Church, the Wakefield Trust Company, the Wakefield Saving Bank and the First District Eastern Middlesex Bar Association. Throughout the years he was honored by numerous organizations for his unselfish contributions to Wakefield. William J. Lee passed away on October 24, 1988. Prior to her death in 1985 at the age of 82, many townspeople, young and old alike, were fortunate to hear the history of Reading, South Reading and Wakefield from Ruth Woodbury, Wakefield's Honorary Town Historian. A descendant of five of the town's first settlers, Miss Woodbury was well known for her knowledge of Wakefield history. She was a frequent lecturer and guest speaker at various schools, clubs and organizational meetings over the years and was an active member of the Wakefield Historical Society, holding several offices in the organization. In addition to her involvement in the Historical Society, she was a member of the Wakefield Planning Board for 29 years, the Wakefield Garden Club and the Hartshorne House Association. She was a member of numerous town committees including the Hall Park Commitee, a salary study commitee under the School Committee, the Elementary School Building Committee and the School Building Needs Survey Committee. To honor her years of service to the community, the Board of Selectmen appointed Miss Woodbury the Honorary Town Historian in 1976 during the nation's bicentennial celebration. The 1974 Annual Report was also dedicated to Miss Woodbury in recognition of her outstanding talent and service to the town." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Owned by Fred I. Wilkins, Wilkins Shoe Store was located at 443 Main Street at the site of the homestead of Samuel Wiley, and one of three parts of the Quannpowitt House later moved to the corner of Avon Street and North Avenue. Prior to Wilkins, the building had been owned by Greeley Merrill and Richard Britton. Wilkins was proprietor of the Britton Shoe Store before he became owner of the establishment in the early 1900s. A sign on the right side of the building notes 'Established in 1875.' Newspaper advertisements of 1910 proclaimed '40 years - Home of Good Shoes.' The building was later purchased by Charles J. Klapes of the Colonial Spa. Fred I. Wilkins placed the fund-raising clock for the Melrose Hospital Association during its $100,000 inter-city fundraising campaign in 1912 to build a new 75-bed hospital at the corner of Lebanon and Porter Streets in that city. A vigorous nine-day fundraising campaign that began on March 23, 1912 raised over $126,243. The hospital moved into its new home in May 1913. Wakefield's efforts to build its own hospital began with the creation of the Wakefield Hospital Association in 1929. Lloyd Thayer and Junius Beebe purchased a 12-acre tract of land on Hopkins Street from Bear Hill Associates with the intention of working with Reading (which had a $150,000 grant to build a hospital) to erect two 30-unit hospital buildings on the site, half in Reading, half in Wakefield. After several public meetings, definite plans for the hospital never materialized." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Wiley's Boathouse was built at the end of Spaulding Street in 1872, facing west in Hartshorne's cove. Many years later, in 1887, Will Wiley built another boathouse at the end of Lake Avenue right on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. This single-story boathouse was used by casual boating enthusiasts as well as members of the Quannapowitt Yacht Club who had their own pier at the Spaulding Street boathouse. In 1912, Will Wiley added a second story dance hall. Although it is reported that Will died during the construction of the second story, his widow took over the business and turned it into one of the area's most popular dancing spots. Wiley's Boathouse became Hill's Boathouse, when Gertrude and Harold Hill bought it in 1923. Throughout the years, Hill's remained among the most popular dance halls. The property was purchased by the Town of Wakefield after a Town Meeting vote in October 1963. The boathouse was razed in August 1964." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Under the direction of Adjt. G.H.S. Driver, the Grand Army Veterans marched in a welcome home parade for returning veterans of the World War. An estimated 10-15,000 people 'paid loyal and heartfelt thanks to the sturdy lads who served from the town.' The Monday afternoon parade featured over 500 veterans among the ranks of 4,000 men, women and children who stepped off promptly at 2 p.m. The parade route traveled from the armory on Main Street to Chestnut Street to North Avenue, to Yale Ave to Main at the Rockery, up Park Street to Pleasant Street to Salem Street to the bandstand. The school children joined the parade on Yale Avenue at Main Street. It was the biggest and best parade Wakefield ever saw and was said to far surpass any other welcome home processions in larger cities. Following the parade and ceremony, a banquet for veterans and invited guests was held at the armory. Following the banquet, the Princess Theatre provided entertainment for veterans only who were treated to six vaudeville acts and Charlie Chaplin and Fatty Arbuckle moving pictures. A ball for veterans and ladies was held the following evening." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Veterans of the Grand Army celebrated with more than 10,000 townspeople as they paid tribute to the soldiers of World War I during the Welcome Home Day festivities. The town was resplendent in its decorations with all public buildings 'bright with the national colors in streamers and festoons.' A parade to honor the WWI veterans was held with more than 4000 men, women and children joining in the line of march. The marching units were comprised of veterans, the semi-military, war-work, fraternal organizations and school children. Uniformed organizations were in full regalia. The Grand Army veterans were considered to be the 'most impressive feature of the parade, aside from the service men themselves.' Under the leadership of Adjt. G.H.S. Driver, many of these veterans 'marched sturdily over the route...other members who were unable to march rode in automobiles.' A ceremony was held on the Common, followed by a banquet at the armory." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"This picture, taken sometime around 1901, shows the L.B. Evans Son shoe factory (at left), Ira Atkinson's grocery store, the Cutler Bros.' grocery and grain store (at the center of the picture) and the Miller Piano Factory (at right). The street railway tracks are also visible. L.B. Evans Son shoe-making business moved from Salem Street to Water Street in 1894, requiring the relocation of the Episcopal Church building. In its place, Harvey B. Evans built a three-story building near the Center Depot which employed approximately 100 men and women. There were many additions and renovations made to the building over the years, the last one being in 1968. Business eventually slowed in the 1890s , leading to its closing in 1987. The Henry F. Miller & Sons Piano Company moved to Wakefield from Washington Street in Boston in 1884 into a building behind the old Town Hall. The factory building was built by Cyrus Wakefield in the early 1870s. The company manufactured its pianos in Wakefield from 1884 to 1932 the pianos were sold in 'warerooms' in Boston, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. The impressive brick building was razed in 1960 to make way for the Surety Bank and Trust Company. Ira Atkinson's Grocery Store was located at 470 Main Street in 1894, according to the Business History of Wakefield. It was founded in 1874 and supplied 'groceries of all kinds, flour and grain, choice teas, coffee and spices, etc.' The Cutler Bros.' grocery and grain store was established by Nathaniel and David Cutler in the Wakefield Block on Main Street in 1876. It was called 'one of the finest and best equipped modern grocery stores in this part of Massachusetts.' Business was so good that the brothers purchased a lot of land on the southwest corner of Main and Water Street in 1891 where they built a three-story building with a floor area of 28,000 sq. ft. The building was destroyed by fire in 1911." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"This view of Water Street from Cyrus Street looking west toward Wakefield Square shows the construction of the building at the corner of Columbia Road. According to the 1913 Town Report, Wakefield was growing rapidly with new construction throughout the Town. As a result, Town Meeting voted to create the position of Building Inspector on May 5, 1913. The Building Inspector reported two building permits issued from July 16 to December 1, 1914. The number of permits issued in 1915 increased to 53 by year's end. To accommodate the new construction and the increasing number of customers, the gas and light department was also busy, installing a gas main along Water Street to Farm Street, as well as the side streets. The street railway also traveled along Water Street from the car barns and power house at the intersection of Valley and Melvin Streets. The WMGLD was also working with the street railway to make the pole lines safer and more stable. This resulted in all utilities sharing the poles." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"In March and April, 1927, Town Meeting voted to build a water filtration plant at Crystal Lake. The project began on July 5th, 1927 with A.P. Rounds of Stoneham winning the contract with his low bid of $104,406. In all, 11 contractors submitted bids, the highest being $191,321. The project was so significant that tours were conducted throughout the first week, during the day, night and on the weekend when it was completed in February, 1928. The gates were open on February 9th, 1928, marking the completion of the project. The two filtered water basins had a capacity of 404,972 gallons. Water from Crystal Lake was taken in through pipes to a 10" main, to the low-lift pumping apparatus, then pumped from the station to the aerators. The two aerators were 5' high, 44' long and 28' wide, with 70, 2" pipes with brass nozzles, each of which contained 27 small holes through which water poured in a thin mist. Newspaper reports indicated that contact with the air 'tends to purify the water and relieve it of any unpleasant vegetable odor, which people in some sections of town believed they experienced in years gone by, especially during the warm summer months.' The water was pumped from the lake to the aerators and filters by the two low-lift pumps, and to the mains by the two high-lift pumps. Each of the station's pumps was capable of pumping 2.5 million gallons of water every 24-hours, or around 1,750 gallons every minute. The filter beds had a foundation of 7" of course [sic] ground stone, 2" of screened gravel, and topped with 3" of pure white, specially selected beach sand. Engineers from Weston & Sampson found the 3,500 tons of sand in 40' of water off Plum Island and Ipswich. The sand was transported from off Plum Island to Boston in barges, where it traveled by rail and truck to the station. The short stretch of beach directly in front of the station was eliminated and replaced with a seawall, the materials for which were taken from pavements on Water Street, near the Heywood Wakefield plant and in Greenwood near the Greenwood School. A 646,000 gallon standpipe was erected on Harts Hill, linked to the station by a 16" main which in turn joined a 12" main at the corner of Main and Green Streets. A second 550,000-gallon standpipe with a 12" cement-lined main linked the station to Stoneham. Both had the same water levels, rising and falling at the same speed and frequency." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Wakefield Chamber of Commerce and several other local organizations sponsored a Water Carnival on Lake Quannpowitt which attracted 20,000 to 30,000 spectators. Crowds lined the shores of the lake and many others sat comfortably in cars along Main Street to watch the events which began with swimming races at 1:30 p.m. and ended with fireworks and the singing of 'Auld Lang Syne' at 10:30 p.m. The weather was ideal for a day at the Lake, although the sailboat races were postponed due to a lack of a 'sufficient' breeze. The day's schedule also included a diving exhibition, a canoe tilting contest, exhibitions by the Riverview Canoe Club and the Sea Scouts, a twilight regatta, a war canoe race (with six five-man canoes), a concert by St. Joseph's Band and the grand community chorus, the selection of a carnival queen, an illuminated diving exhibition by the Boston Swimming Club, a float parade, and an aerial fireworks display which was set off from a diving raft in the lake. The Veterans of Foreign Wars also sponsored a Carnival Ball at the ballroom. Among the highlights of the carnival was the entrance of the Wakefield Red Men who marched in full uniform down Main Street to the common, paddled their canoes down the lake, and performed a war dance near their teepee which was erected on the shore." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Warren School was built in 1895, one of six schools built in Wakefield between 1883 and 1902 to accommodate the increasing number of new residents and their children. Previously, the school children attended one of four district schools which were approved by the school committee in 1844: the West Ward School (on Prospect Street), the North Ward School (on Cordis Street), the East Ward School (on Salem Street near Lowell Street) and the South Ward School (in Greenwood, south of the Meriam Street bridge). The Hamilton School (now the site of a parking lot on Albion Street at Lake Street) was built in 1883, followed soon after by the Lincoln School (1892), Warren (1895), Greenwood (1896), Hurd (1899), and Franklin (1902). Three other schools were built within the next two decades: Montrose (1918), Woodville (1920) and St. Joseph's (1924). The Warren School was named in honor of Horace M. Warren, a resident who served with the Richardson Light Guard (and later with the 20th Regiment) in the Civil War. He was wounded in the Battle of Ball's Bluff and went on to serve in the siege of Port Hudson, later succumbing to injuries sustained in a battle outside Pittsburgh. On the day of his funeral, local stores were closed, school was suspended and flags were flown at half-staff. In 1867, the GAR post was named in his honor. His dedication to his country was remembered nearly 30 years later when Town Meeting members rejected the School Committee's recommended name for the school (Highland) and voted instead to name the new school as the H.M. Warren School." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The French-roof house, once owned by the Honorable Daniel G. Walton and the Honorable Thomas Winship, was offered for sale in October 1914. Arthur G. Walton, who had purchased the interest of the Winship and Walton heirs, planned to keep the land to build a one-story, seven-business brick block on the site. He entered into an agreement with contractor/real estate agent William Prescott to sell only the house, which was to be removed by the new owners. The Selectmen intervened and decided it was impractical to move the house to any of the three sites selected by the potential owners on North Avenue and West Water Street, 26 Chestnut Street, or 70 Elm Street. The eventual buyer, Selectman Nathaniel Cutler, and his son Fred moved the house in sections to the fomer site of the North Avenue ball field. The site for the new stores was excavated by contractor Charles Doyle who removed the soil to fill in low land owned by Arthur Walton on Gould Street. The building plans included a store on the corner, four stores on North Avenue, and two on Chestnut Street. The new building was helping make North Avenue 'quite the business thoroughfare' and was in keeping with the growth of the town." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"Walsh's Diner was located at the corner of Main and West Water Streets, on what is now the parking lot of Eastern Bank. It opened in the Fall of 1936, and remained in operation until June, 1950 when a larger diner was built on the back of the site, facing Main Street. Walsh's Dinner [i.e. Diner] was sold by Joseph Walsh to the Gillis family who moved the diner to Newburyport, where it became Gillis' Diner. It remained open until it was destroyed by fire in the mid-1960's. Wakefield residents frequented the diner 'for a bite that's right, day or night'." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Volunteer Hose Company participated in the 250th Anniversary Parade as part of the Third Division. They were joined in the division by the Eighth Regiment Band of Salem Marshal Levi Flanders and staff the Steamer Lucius Beebe, No. 1 and hose wagon Washington Hook and Ladder (with apparatus), Carter Hose Company, Melrose, Drum, Fife and Bugle Corps, Greenwood Hose Company Wakefield Veteran Firemen's Association and the old Yale engine, as well as Chief Engineers from several surrounding communities. The parade participants posed for this picture 'a day or two later.' Among the members of the Volunteer Hose Company were: (front row, left to right) Billy Hamilton, Fred Simonds and Elmo Hines. (second row, left to right) Harry Simonds, Charles Pope, Frank Cade, Al Cate, Ben Flockton, Bob Boyd, Billy Hanley, and Andy Parker. (third row, left to right) Van Wagner, Charles Hanscam, Ernest Heywood, Byron Foster, Lee Tupper, Frank Godfrey, Alstead Brownwell, and Bob Singer. (fourth row, left to right) Toby Porter, John Brewer, Arthur Abbott, Charles Parker, Crozier Latimer and Arthur LaMonte. Six-year-old Fred Simonds had the honor of riding on the hose carriage during the parade." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Since the mid-1800s, Wakefield has been a residential suburb within commuting distance to Boston. In 1845 when the Boston & Maine railroad completed its Boston to Wilmington line, the community and its appeal grew by leaps and bounds. Because of its proximity to Boston, Wakefield has attracted a mix of industry and new citizens throughout the past century. One of Wakefield's major contributions came from the rattan and reed industry founded by Cyrus Wakefield. As a young boy, Mr. Wakefield found he could turn the useless rattan thrown overboard by stevedores into useful products for everyday use. He began making furniture, mats, floor coverings, baling cloth and baskets from the rattan. As the interest in his products grew, Mr. Wakefield purchased homes and land in the center of South Reading and later bought a mill site on the Mill River. The railroad itself brought a number of industries to the town. Ice houses were opened on the banks of Lake Quannapowitt and ice from the lake was shipped to Boston on the trains. Foundries were opened along the railroad line and the shoe industry, an important part of Wakefield's rich history, played an enormous role in the community's population growth. Other larger industries included a knitting mill and a piano factory. When these industries closed shop, other companies moved into town. The buildings vacated when the rattan industry stopped production were quickly occupied by other industries. New industries also cropped up in the mid 1990s when Rte. 128, now known as Technology Highway, was created. Today, corporate headquarters for major industries are located throughout the town, and scores of commuters travel in and out of the community each day. Wakefield has become a vital asset in the Commonwealth's economy." -- Text from calendar.;Captions: 1. The bandstand in Wakefield Park, better known as the Common. -- 2. The Wakefield Rockery.
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"The citizens of Wakefield voted in 1893 to purchase the land, buildings and equipment of the Citizen's Gas and Light Company. The company was the predecessor of the Wakefield Municipal Light Department." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1993
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Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1995
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"This view of the town of Wakefield was taken from Curve Street in 1894. Among the landmarks and buildings which can be seen are the Col. James Hartshorne House on Church Street, First Baptist Church, Unitarian Universalist Church, Lincoln School, the Wakefield Rattan Company chimney, the Wakefield Town Hall, and the Methodist Church (which was then located on Albion Street.)" -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Wakefield has always had 'common lands' since the first division of land among the early settlers. A special committee was selected to lay out the 'ways and watering places' through the Common in 1727, and a vote was taken in 1741 that required that land remain unfenced and that parish land 'never be disposed of for any other use whatsoever, without the consent of every freeholder in the parish.' The Town made a large purchase of land between the 'old Common' and Lake Quannapowitt in 1871, and, in 1883, the towsnpeople accepted a $10,000 gift from the will of Cornelius Sweetser which was to be 'used and expended in furnishing and beautifying a public park.' A Board of Park Commissioners was selected in 1884, and under their supervision, two lots of land were purchased, the park was graded, new concrete sidewalks were added, a mall was laid out, and a new music pavilion 'of unique and elaborate design' was constructed. In the background of the picture (from left) stands the Third Meeting House of the First Parish (razed in 1890), icehouses and private homes, the Park Music Pavilion (referred to as the Pagoda, now the Bandstand, built in 1885), and the Church Street Fire Engine House that was in use on the lower Common until 1891." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"When the Wakefield Trust Company building at the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets was dedicated in December 1924, it was heralded as having all the modern conveniences, including vaults and electric protective systems. More than 5,000 people marveled at the 'architectural beauty' of the rooms and offices as they toured the bank building during the Saturday afternoon and evening open house. Cigars were in abundance for the men while more than 1,000 rosebuds were given to the women. Organized as a State Bank in 1854, the bank became the National Bank of South Reading in 1865, and the Wakefield National Bank in 1902, the same year that the bank built a building on the opposite corner with the Wakefield Savings Bank, (now The Savings Bank). The bank became the Wakefield Trust Company in 1916." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"The first Reading Board of Selectmen was created in 1647, consisting of seven men who were assigned the task of overseeing the settlement and creating the modified, democratic government of the 1600s. The first Reading Board consisted of: Robert Dunton (1647, 1649) Francis Smith (1647, 1649) William Cowdrey (1647 to 1680, excluding 1659 and 1661) Thomas Marshall (1647-1652 and 1654) Henry Felch (1647-1648 and 1651) William Martin (1647-1848 and 1651) Richard Walker (1647-1650 and 1653). It was these first Selectmen who were charged with running the Town Meeting, a meeting which, if not attended by all the men, would punish and fine all those who did not attend. Meetings were held in the early morning, unlike those of today, which are held at night. In 1812, the town of Reading was officially divided and the area now known as Wakefield took the name of South Reading. The first Board of Selectmen for the town of South Reading included: James Gould (1812) Benjamin Badger (1812, 1814) and John Gould (1812-1820). It was during this time that the differences between the First parish (Wakefield) and the Second and Third Parishes could no longer be resolved and a division was approved after 168 years of unity. In 1868 the town of South Reading, whose citizens were contemplating changing their name, decided to honor one of its most influential and active citizens, Cyrus Wakefield, by changing its name to the town of Wakefield. The change was made on July 4th, 1868 and overseeing the change were Selectmen James Oliver, James P. Mansfield, and Richard Britton. Throughout its history as Reading, South Reading and Wakefield, the town has been ably served by hundreds of men and women who have been selected or elected to the Board of Selectmen. Among its ranks have been several generations of Cowdreys, Eatons, Hartshornes, Flints, Parkers and Emersons and individuals like Lucius Beebe. The position of Town Clerk is the oldest of town-elected offices. The first Town Clerk was William Cowdrey who was elected in 1644 an;Captions: 1. The 1902 Board of Selectmen: (left to right) John Maloney Col. E.J. Gihon George M. Tompson E.K. Bowser, Esq. Thomas O'COnnell Charles E. Walton, Clerk and Albert Flint, Town Treasurer. -- 2. The 1949 Board of Selectmen and associated town officers: (standing, left to right) Harry Marshall, John Preston, Harry Denning, Police Chief John Gates, and Charles Cox. (seated, left to right) Burt Whitcomb, William Lindsay, Raymond Dower, Philip Flanders, and William Dill.
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"Cyrus Wakefield, for whom the Town is named, generously donated land and money to build a Town Hall and a fitting monument to South Reading soldiers. Because of his generosity and his service to the community, the Town changed its name from South Reading to Wakefield on July 4th, 1868. The Town Hall was completed and deeded to the Town on February 22, 1871. It was described in 1885 as 'ranking first in beauty, as well as in seating and stage accommodations. The seating capacity is 1164 divided as follows: floor 704, and galleries, 460. Memorial Hall, situated in the northeast corner of the same building, on the first floor, is handsomely and appropriately furnished. This hall contains marble tablets, encased in a black walnut finish, on which are inscribed the names of those honored soldiers of Wakefield who died victims of the Great Rebellion.' As pictured in 1893, the Town Hall was adorned with flags and buntings on the 25th anniversary of the changing of the Town's name, as were most public buildings. The Town Hall was demolished in 1958 after a fire occurred in December, 1950." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"In 1867, Cyrus Wakefield presented a donation of $30,000 and a building lot to the town to build a soldiers memorial hall. As a result, the Wakefield Town Hall was built at the corner of Main and Water Streets and was officially dedicated on February 22, 1871. The Town Hall was destroyed by fire and was subsequently razed in 1958." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"During the 1930's, there were a number of movies for Wakefield residents to see, and two theaters from which to choose - the Wakefield Theatre at the corner of Main and West Water Streets, and the Princess Theatre on Princess Street. The Wakefield Theatre Building was built in 1915 and was originally referred to as the Appleton Building after the builder, H.A. Appleton. In 1916, the Wakefield Theatre opened its doors for business and boasted of having the first cushioned seats in town. Charles W. Hodgdon, owner of the Princess Theatre, was also owner of the Wakefield Theatre. The marquee on the front of the building was added, with lights, in March 1930. Several new movies were introduced each week, and matinees for children were available until 5 p.m. Children under 12 who arrived before 1:30 p.m. paid a $.10 admission fee. Matinee prices were $.25 for adults and $.15 for children evening prices were $.35 for adults and $.25 for children accompanied by their parents. Continuous performances ran from 1:30 to 10:30 p.m. In addition to the theatre, the building was occupied by A.C. Verge Real Estate and Insurance, W.T. Grant, Thom McCann, Cataldo's Pharmacy, and Schreider's Apparel Shop (on the corner, at left). The second floor offices were occupied by several organizations and businesses over the years, including the American Legion, Spanish War Veterans and, in the 1940s, the John Hancock Life Insurance Company. The building was plagued by several fires throughout the years, including one on March 25, 1971, which gutted the second floor offices." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The 1915 Appleton Building (named for the builder H.A. Appleton of Boston) housed the Wakefield Theatre, W.T. Grant Co. department store, Cataldos Pharmacy and Thom McAn shoe store. W.T. Grant moved into the building in August 1929 in a storefront previously occupied by three stores. A number of offices, business establishments, the Appleton Hall, and the social rooms of the American Legion and the Spanish War Veterans were located on the second floor. The Wakefield Theatre opened for business in January 1916 in the building owned by Samual Singer. Within 14 months, Princess Theatre owner Charles W. Hodgdon leased the Wakefield Theatre and remained as the owner for decades. The Wakefield Theatre Block had many fires throughout the years, the last one destroying the building in 1972. The Town Hall, at the right of the photo, was razed in October 1958." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"For over 50 years, the Wakefield Theatre provided hours and hours of entertainment to Wakefield area residents and their family members, long before VCRs were ever imagined. Nestled in the Appleton Building (named for the builder H.A. Appleton of Boston) at the corner of Main and West Water Streets, the Wakefield Theatre was the principal feature when the block was built in 1915 and became the second movie house in the town. The building itself was owned by Samuel Singer of Boston and Brookline, one of the town's largest real estate holders. Throughout the years, the Wakefield Theatre Block, as it became known, was the home to many businesses and stores: W.T. Grant, Schreider's Apparel Shop, Crystal Market, Princess Beauty Shop, Thom McAns, Cataldo Pharmacy, Diskay Department Store, the offices of James J. Curley, Nute's Dry Goods Store, the Shoe Horn and was the headquarters of the Corp. Harry Nelson American Legion Post. Several others came and went over the years. The Wakefield Theatre was the only enterprise to stay in business from the time it was built in 1915 until the building was razed in 1972. The theatre did, however, change to the Wakefield Cinema when it was sold in 1967 by longtime owner Charles W. Hodgdon. Hodgdon was Wakefield's 'movie man', having owned both the Wakefield and Princess Theatres. The Wakefield Cinema was officially closed in August 1972 and 'The Concert for Bangladesh' had the honor of being the last film to be played at the theatre." -- Text from calendar.;Captions: 1. 1931 movie goers were treated to a Silvia Sidney and Robert Cogan movie, while the bottom marquee heralds an upcoming Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. movie. -- 2. In 1940 the trolley tracks were gone and the cars were a little sportier, but the Wakefield Theatre still remained. -- 3. This pre-1930 photo of the Wakefield Theatre shows the building without the marquee. -- 4. Today the Appleton Building is long gone but the Wakefield Theatre has been memorialized in the name 'The Olde Theatre Block.'
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"Downtown Wakefield is illuminated for the Christmas holidays in this photo taken sometime in the early 1940s. The one-story building at the left of the photo was built in 1939, and the building on the same block, near the center of the photo, was built soon after. This latter building housed Smith's Drug Store and the Cubby Hole (Stationery). Further down the street another one-story building was built around the same time at the site of the old Walton (Odd Fellows) Building." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1989
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"Wakefield Square as it looked in 1904, complete with an electric street railway. The picture was taken facing South from Chestnut Street." -- Text from calendar.
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"The bank building on the northwest corner of Main and Chestnut Streets was built in 1902 by both the Wakefield Savings Bank and the Wakefield National Bank. The site was formerly the John Raynor homestead which was built in 1775 and eventually torn down to make way for a new home for Daniel Norcross. The house was destroyed by fire in 1857, and eventually the land was occupied by Mrs. Hannah S. Brown. The First National Bank bought the land in 1900. Both banks occupied the building until 1924. The Wakefield National Bank, incorporated as the South Reading Mechanical and Agricultural Institution in 1833, was organized as a state bank, the South Reading Bank, in 1854. It was reorganized as the National Bank of South Reading in 1865 and changed its name to the Wakefield National Bank in 1902 and to the Wakefield Trust Company in 1916. The bank moved to the adjacent corner of Main and Chestnut Streets in 1924 when a new building was completed under the direction of President Junius Beebe. The Wakefield Savings Bank, now The Savings Bank, received its charter from the Commonwealth on May 26, 1869. Cyrus Wakefield was elected as the bank's first president and its offices were shared with the Wakefield Real Estate & Building Association in the Brown Building. The bank later moved to the Wakefield Block (the Taylor Building) and the Flannery Block (the Odd Fellows Building) until the new building was erecetd in 1902. In 1924 when the Wakefield Trust Company moved across Chestnut Street, the Wakefield Savings Bank acquired the whole building and shared its space with the Wakefield Municipal Light Department. The building underwent extensive renovations in 1939." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"As part of the $10,000 bequest from Cornelius Sweetser and an additional $10,000 raised by townspeople, a parks beautification program was instituted which resulted in the Bandstand, the Common as we know it, and the Rockery. A parks commission was also elected by Town Meeting in 1883 to oversee the project. Now one of Wakefield's most notable landmarks, the Rockery was originally the subject of much ridicule when it was first proposed in 1883 and erected in 1884. The original idea for the grotto-like structure came from Park Commissioner Captain James H. Carter, a neighbor of the site. It was his idea to pile the large rocks into a pyramid, surrounded by ivy, shrubbery and a fountain which cascaded into the basin below. A stately elm tree stood on the Rockery in front of the basin. In 1909, the Historical Society and private subscribers erected a tablet at the front of the Rockery, facing the downtown area. This tablet was moved in 1926 when the Rockery was redesigned to accommodate the Hiker Monument and the three stairs which lead to the Spanish War monument. The tablet is now behind the Rockery, facing the upper Common." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Local resident John Roberto established the Wakefield Redskins semi-professional football team in 1961 as part of the New England Football Conference which included teams from Quincy, Haverhill, Lynn and Framingham. A contest to name the club was held in July 1961 with several entrants submitting the winning name. Prizes included a season pass to the five home games and a gift certificate to Steve's Deli. Although the team was initially denied the use of Walton Field, General Manager Roberto eventually received approval to rent the field for home games. During its first year, the team was coached by Saugus High School Athletic Director, John 'Tex' Scarborough of Lynn. The games attracted crowds of up to 1,100 fans, with an admission price of $1 for adults and 50 cents for children. Team expenses included the rental of lights for the field, payment for the officials, cost of footballs, and a stipend for opposing teams. In 1962, Wakefield High School teacher, Dom DiGiammarino, coached the Redskins. The opening game against Whitman was 'Kids Pony Night,' It was reported that 2,500 children attended the game with 1,000 paying adults. Although attendance during the season was estimated to be 2,200 per game, gate receipts indicated there were many fence-hoppers among them. The Wakefield Redskins ended the 1962 season with a 3-3-0 conference record. Although 20 players reported for practice at Nasella field in the summer of 1963 and a Redskins Boosters Club was in place, the team was disbanded. Wakefield's other semi-professional sports team is the Merchants, established in 1962 as part of the Carling Intercity League by Field Manager Les DeMarco and General Manager Larry McShane." -- Text from calendar.
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"This postcard depicts workers leaving the 11-plus acre factory of the Wakefield Rattan Company, also known as the Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company, and later , the Heywood-Wakefield Company. After the 1881 fire, the factory was quickly rebuilt, this time using brick instead of wood. In 1894, there were five main four-story brick buildings, as well as boiler, bleach, dye, office and pump houses a paint shop and a supply room three frame storehouses iron and frame storehouses lumber sheds two yarn houses a frame cold air dry house coal shed a barn and a shed, bringing the total number of factory buildings on the grounds to more than 30. By 1906, the company had grown to over 1,000 workers and was responsible for the influx of workers who eventually settled in Wakefield. The business began to slow down before and after the depression, leading to the dismantling and moving of the company to Gardner in the early 1930s. The buildings were rented to smaller industries, eventually returning the area to an active industrial center. The 11-acre property was sold to Rapid Furniture Company owner Abram B. Fox in May, 1945. A major fire destroyed seven large buildings and damaged several more in 1972 in what was then the Robie Industrial Park." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Wakefield Post Office has been a central part of the community for nearly 200 years, operating in a number of locations until its permanent home was dedicated in 1937. The first mail was brought to Wakefield by private individuals who traveled to the Charlestown Toll House and returned to South Reading where they left the mail in a central location for distribution. The first home of the Wakefield Post Office was established in 1812 on Main Street with John Rayner serving as the first Postmaster. The building, which was on the opposite corner of the present Post Office, sufficed until 1854 when the Postmaster Samuel Kingman built a new post office on the corner of Main and Albion Streets (now known as the Bourdon Block). During his term as Postmaster, Kingman was responsible for the first mail delivery - each Sunday he would stand outside various churches and hand the mail to the recipients. As the town grew, so too, did the needs of her residents. The Post Office was moved to the brick building at the corner of Main and Richardson Streets, then to the building where the Wakefield Municipal Light Department is located, and finally to the current building at Main Street and Yale Avenue. During that time rural free delivery was introduced in 1900 while parcel post was introduced in 1912 with two mail deliveries made daily. The current headquarters at the corner of Main Street and Yale Avenue was the former site of the John W. White Estate (the Burrage Yale Mansion). The building was officially dedicated on January 27, 1937 with a reception sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce." -- Text from calendar.;Captions: 1. The John E. White Estate (Burrage Yale Mansion) in 1934. It is interesting to note that this was also the home of Burrage Yale, the first Postmaster recognized in Washington, D.C. It was Yale who built the original portion of the house. -- 2. The Wakefield Post Office in October, 1936 prior to its official opening. -- 3. The Wakefield Post Office today.
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"The citizens of the Town of Wakefield established the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department in 1894. In 1905, the Wakefield Municipal Light Plant had 206 electric consumers, an increase of 16 over the previous year, and 834 gas consumers, a gain of 116 consumers. According to the Annual Report for the year ending January 31, 1906 sales of gas and electricity increased more during the year than any other year, and because of the increased demand, a decision was made to provide electric current during the day. Since the department was unable to generate a constant supply of current, a contract was signed with Malden Electric Company to install lines to the plant on North Avenue. From there, the extra 'juice' was distributed over the regular lines to the consumer." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"The Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department sold gas and electrical appliances for many years. In 1918, there were 2538 gas customers and 1,235 electric customers. The following year, there were 100 additional gas customers (2638) and 159 additional electric customers (1394). By 1919, the WMGLD had an office at the Town Hall in addition to its North Avenue plant." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"Before the Wakefield Municipal Light Department, the Citizens' Gas Light Company of Reading, Wakefield and Stoneham, a private company, supplied gas and eventually electricity to the residents from its generating station on North Avenue. Established in 1860, with a capital of $93,000, its gas house and works were located in Wakefield with pipes leading into Reading and Stoneham. In 1868 it was manufacturing 4,000,000 cubic feet of illuminating gas which sold for approximately $20,000. It was 1882 when Edison discovered electricity in his Pearl Street generating station in New York City and within a few years towns like Wakefield were illuminating their downtown areas with incandescent and arc lamps. The Citizens' Gas Light Company continued to provide services to the community until 1894. In 1891, the General Court made it possible for all towns to operate their own municipal light plants, a move many Wakefield residents approved. In 1893, the citizens voted to purchase the plant, land and manufacturing equipment with a bond of $180,000. On August 4, 1894, the town officially assumed operation of the plant with all customers owning a part of the department. To govern the newly formed municipal light plant, a Board of Commissioners was established to oversee the operation. Silas W. Flint, an active member of the community, was selected as one of the first three members of the Board, serving as Chairman during the first year. The first Manager of the MLD was Charles S. Spaulding who served as Manager from 1894 to 1899 and again from 1919 to 1921. He was followed by Charles E. White (1899-1907), Albert B. Morton (1907-1912), Sidney L. Cole (1912-1918), C.W. Whiting (1921-1922), Samuel H. Brooks (1922-1942), James M. Whitehead (1942-1951), Michael Collins (1951-1976), and William Wallace (1976-present). Michael Collins served as Manager of the MLD from 1951-1976, the longest period of time of any MLD Manager. Active in the Department only after his appointment as Manager, he nonetheless served the town well for 25;Captions: 1. Wakefield Municipal Light Department Manager Michael Collins served the MLD from 1951 to 1976. -- 2. The MLD Gas House on North Avenue in 1909.
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"The Town of Wakefield purchased the holdings of the Citizens Gas and Light Company, including the land, buildings and equipment, on Railroad Street, now North Avenue, in 1894. In 1908, 14 years after taking over the company's operations, the light plant was losing money by generating electric current on 'old and worn machinery' in inadequate facilities. Although the 'gas-producing branch' was in good financial shape, it was in need of a new tank since the existing holder's capacity was far too small. The Light Board asked Town Meeting for $72,000 to 'rebuild and rehabilitate' the plant, putting it in first class condition. Voters decided to elect a nine-member committee to research the matter, including whether electric current could be produced by a neighboring city or town at a less expensive cost per kilowatt-hour. The next year, 1909, was a year of reconstruction, reorganization and repair as a result of the Town meeting directive. New switchboards, generators ad transformers were added to the electric side, a new gas holder, with a capacity of 100,000 cubic feet, was added to the gas department, as was a new retort house. The department also entered intoa two-year agreement to purchase its day current from the Town of Reading. The Light Plant office was moved offsite, to the 'old court room' at the Town Hall, in 1909, because of the increasing business at the plant. The gas holder was dismantled in 1943, and a new plant was erected at the site in 1951." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"The Town of Wakefield's municipal gas and light plant has operated from this location on Railroad Avenue (now North Avenue) since the community purchased the land, plant and manufacturing operations from the Citizens' Gas and Light Company in 1894. Gas was manufactured and stored in a gas holder at the facility until December 11, 1926 when the community began receiving gas from the Malden and Melrose Gas Light Company. This decision was reached by Town Meeting after 21 months of study and a series of close votes. During World War II, a Wakefield Salvage Committee was created after Governor Saltonstall asked each motorist to turn in old license plates and each community to begin collecting scrap metal, paper and rubber to supplement the raw materials needed for defense. Through a town drive in 1942, Wakefield residents collected 50 tons of scrap metal at the DPW yard. The following year, the MGLD dismantled the huge gray gasometer which had not been in use since 1926, and turned in more than 78 tons of metal for war salvage. Town Meeting voted in the early 1950's to erect a new building at the North Avenue site to replace the original structures. This involved the removal of all buildings. More than 40 tons of buried iron and steel were also removed when the buildings were dismantled. The following year, 1952, natural gas replaced manufactured gas, and in 1993, the Wakefield MGLD began fueling some of its converted vehicles with compressed natural gas at the North Avenue station." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Wakefield Mothers' Club was established in 1915 when a group of Wakefield mothers met at the home of Mrs. Carl Snow and voted to organize a mothers club for the purpose of 'awakening a deeper sense of responsibility and to help their children develop mentally, morally and physically to their fullest extent.' Since resources for women were limited in 1915, the original 10 members also felt the need to awaken a deeper sense of themselves as women and bring about conditions to make new friendships. Mrs. Snow and Mrs. Edwin Bonney served as the first presidents of the club. The members met every Wednesday afternoon and paid an annual dues of 25 cents. One of the first projects the club achieved was a kindergarten at the YMCA. Through the years membership increased and the club members began to become involved in several projects. Numerous contributions were made to the war effort and the club lent their services and talents to many organizations including knitting and sewing afghans for Children's Hospital, sewing petticoats for the children of Morgan Memorial in 1919, making baskets for the Town Farm and performing many services for the elderly. In 1923, The Wakefield Mothers' Club successfully sponsored a Town Meeting article which imposed a 9 p.m. curfew for children under 16 years of age. The townspeople also voted to impose a fine on the parents after three offenses. In the early 1940s the members began holding their meetings during the evening hours and the club broadened its scope by adding different types of programs and topics to its agenda. The club members have continued their commitment to the children and the elderly throughout the years, establishing a $100 grant in 1955 to a 'deserving Wakefield girl for further education at a recognized school or college.' A permanent scholarship through the Citizens' Scholarship Foundation was established in 1981. For several years the club members have distributed holiday fruit baskets to selected Wakefield seniors and have sponsored a Valentine tea for the residents of local nursing homes. Today the club meets on the fourth Monday of each month between September and May and maintains a colorful agenda. New members are always welcome. The group holds lectures on diverse topics, craft activities, community service meetings, as well as other varied and enjoyable activities. The Wakefield Mothers' Club continues to provide a service to the community by distributing holiday baskets and visiting the elderly. The Club also donated the 'Welcome to Wakefield' sign at the Wakefield Common in 1984 and provided funds for the swingset at the Spaulding Street playground. In 1988 the Club started a holiday door decoration contest for the community." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Cyrus Wakefield, the man for whom the town was named in 1868, built the imposing house, known as the Wakefield Mansion, in 1863. The mansion was built next to the first house Cyrus and Eliza purchased in South Reading in 1851 'lying a short distance from the business center of town,' where the Americal Civic Center now stands. He later erected a 'splendid residence' with a barn in the rear, a gazebo, orchards, canals, greenhouses, and a summerhouse, which can be seen in the picture. For over 50 years, the Wakefield Mansion and estate was known as a 'showplace of the suburbs.' After Cyrus Wakefield's death in 1873, his widow remained in the house until her death in 1877. Since the couple had no children, the estate was left to their newphew Cyrus Wakefield II, who left the estate to his three children upon his death in 1888. In 1913, after 'protracted discussion and much acrimonious dispute' in town meetings, the town voted to buy the mansion and its property for the future home of the high school from George Wakefield for $25,000. The mansion fell into disrepair and was razed by the City Building Wrecking Company of Charlestown in the early 1920s, with some of the materials used in the new high school. The high school was built on what is now the Galvin Middle School parking lot. The new school opened on June 4, 1923." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"The mansion of the late Cyrus Wakefield, at the site of the present Junior High and Atwell Schools, was decorated on July 1, 1893, to mark the 25th anniversary of the town's name change from South Reading to Wakefield." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Town of Wakefield assumed operation of the Citizens' Gas and Light Company on August 4, 1894. At that time, there were 84 electric and 169 gas customers, 42 miles of electric wires and 600 poles in the town, but no street lights. The town was able to purchase the private company, its plant, land and manufacturing equipment after a vote at Town Meeting in 1893. This vote was the result of a law enacted by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1891 which allowed cities and towns to operate their own municipal light plants. At the time of the vote in 1893, a $180,000 bond issue was approved for the purchase and a Municipal Light Board, made up of three members, was established. State approval came soon after. In the early days of operation, the Wakefield Municipal Light Department did not operate electric current during the daylight hours. Only in the event of an emergency would the MLD start its generator during the day." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Wakefield in 1882 - Wakefield has grown tremendously during the past century as shown by this artist's rendering. Enormous changes have taken place - the Wakefield Junior High School athletic field was once the Wakefield estate pond a train ran through the town from the city of Salem and Pleasant Street ended at the intersection of Salem Street." -- Text from calendar.
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"On January 17, 1890, 26 individuals encouraged their fellow residents to join with them in forming an historical society to 'not only rescue from oblivion what we may of ancient records, documents, portraits, implements, relics, and the tradition of the elders, but also to gather to ourselves such lessons of import as the past may teach the present.' Among those who sought to form such an organization were Franklin Poole, Edward Mansfield, Charles A. Perkins, James F. Emerson, Chester W. Eaton, Rev. W.H. Williams, Edwin Sweetser, Everett G. Daland, Harry Foster, Will Everett Eaton, John Rayner, Edwin Sawyer, Frances E. Carlton, Fred W. Young, Thomas J. Skinner, Samuel K. Hamilton, Henry H. Savage, George E. Ricker, A.S. Atherton, Edwin C. Miller, W.D. Deadman, A.A. Mansfield, C.F. Hartshorne, Charles A. Magoon, William F. Young, and Aaron Foster. After several meetings, the Wakefield Historical Society was formally organized on February 20, 1890 with 35 members. The first officers of the Society were Chester W. Eaton, President Edward Mansfield and Theodore Balch, Vice Presidents Fred W. Young, Recording Secretary Charles F. Mansfield, Treasurer and Charles A. Perkins, Curator. During the early years and throughout the Society's 100 year history, members have collected various mementos, photographs, books, portraits, relics, and writings for the museum. The Society museum has had several homes over the years including the old Wakefield Town Hall, the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, and its present home in the Americal Civic Center. The museum is open by appointment only and contains a unique collection of Wakefield's history. Today the Wakefield Historical Society membership is as dedicated to the purpose of preserving the past as were the original 35 members. The Society meets five times annually at the Americal Civic Center and boasts a membership of over 100." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1990
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"Wakefield High School's Main Street facility was dedicated on Sunday, June 3, 1923 with an 'informal' ceremony at 2 p.m. and an open house and tour of the building from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Nearly 500 people were in attendance. Dr. Payson Smith, the State Commissioner of Education, the principle speaker, was joined on the 'broad stage' of the auditorium by Chairman of the Building Committee John J. Round, Superintendent of Schools Willard B. Atwell, Principal Charles J. Peterson, School Committee Chairman J. Lowe McMahon, building architect Frank I. Cooper, C.H. Cunningham (head of the construction company which built the school building), and two former teachers, Melvin Hill and Mary E. Wentworth. The two teachers were present at the previous high school dedication (the Lafayette Building - now the Town Hall) in 1872. To build the new high school, the Town of Wakefield voted to buy the Cyrus Wakefield estate on Main Street (built in 1851) in 1913. Plans were drawn up in 1916 and in 1919, the Town voted a bond issue of $450,000. The Building Committee began their work in 1921, and after 81 meetings, their work was complete. The architect noted at the dedication that the school exceeded the standards set by the National Education Association which required 50% of the floor area of the school to be devoted to the purposes of education. The dedication of the new high school occurred just a few weeks after the dedication of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. The school was officially opened the next day, June 4th. The day started with students and teachers parading down Main Street from the Lafayette Building to the new school. Grammar school students (with the exception of Montrose and Greenwood) were dismissed for the occasion and lined the east side of Main Street, from the Rockery to the school. Later referred to as the Atwell Building of Wakefield Memorial High School, the building remained in use until it was destroyed by fire on December 12, 1971. The high school was built on what is now the parking lot for th
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"After a disappointing 1926 season, which, according to the Wakefield Town Report was not particularly successful because of the choice of plays, Coach Homer Shellenberger put the following team on the field, (front row, from left to right) G. Buckle, M. Ball, G. Churchill, C. Wilkinson, E. Marshall, C. Melanson, S. Szydlowski, D. Winkler and F. Minardi. (Middle row, left to right) Coach Homer Shellenberger, D. Dutton, R. Hayes, B. Colpitts, W. Walsh, H. Galvin, E. Messer, Manager L. Gardner. (Back row, left to right) J. Climo, W. Allyn, F. Newman, T. Duggan, D. Snowden, and A. Hovey. Coach Shellenberger was inducted posthumously into the first Wakefield High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991. He also was coach of the baseball team. " -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Now known as the William J. Lee Memorial Town Hall, the Lafayette Building was built in the early 1870's after townspeople agreed that a new high school was needed to replace the existing one on Crescent Street. The site selected, on the northwest corner of Lafayette and Common Streets, was the former site of the Parson Prentice house, built in 1740, the third parsonage in the First Parish. A 'fine, commodious high school edifice' was built and dedicated on October 10, 1872 'with becoming dignity and general approval. The building was conceded to be the best in the state.' In 1913, the Town of Wakefield voted to buy the estate of Cyrus Wakefield on Main Street for the new high school which was dedicated in 1921 and opened in 1923. All eighth grade students, with the exception of the Greenwood School, were transferred to the Lafayette School in 1923. The school was closed in 1931 and the remaining students were moved to the new high school where they attended the afternoon session. The building was remodeled in the late 1930's to house town officials and veteran's organizations. The Lafayette Building became the official Town Hall in 1962." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Although mention of a hockey team at Wakefield High School can be traced to 1913, it was not fully recognized as a sport until the 1937-38 school year. Hockey at WHS got off to a slow start, eventually being dropped in 1919. A group of Greenwood boys were interested in starting a team, and in 1930 recruited Mr. Heavens to be the faculty manager. Edmund Dagnino, former WHS star and player in the Boston Hockey Club, was recruited as coach. In its early years, the hockey team practiced and played games on Lake Quannapowitt, limiting the number of games which could be played each year. In 1940, WHS joined the Eastern Massachusetts Hockey League and remained in that league until joining the Middlesex League. Longtime coach Charles Kirk won his first Middlesex League championship in 1961, and reclaimed it in 1964. The WHS hockey team has captured the Middlesex League crown several times, including in 1980 with a 16-0 record, and most recently in 1989 when the team record stood at 19-0-1 (overall 20-2-1)." -- Text from calendar.
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"Wakefield High School pupils, teachers, staff and administrators moved from their former school on Lafayette Street (now Town Hall) to their new home on Main Street next to the state Armory on June 4, 1923. The move, which took the form of a parade, was led by Superintendent of School Willard B. Atwell, Principal Charles J. Peterson, Sgt. Ernest Munroe, and Miss Irene Laughton of the office staff. The drum corps of the high school battalion followed the staff in the line of march. All high school classes marched in order, beginning with the senior class led by Class President Roger Seabury, who later became the WMGLD Electric Superintendent. The seniors were followed in line of march by juniors, sophomores, freshmen and their teachers. The street was lined with students from the Greenwood and Montrose grammar schools, as well as many automobiles and their owners. When they arrived at the new high school, the pupils went to the rooms assigned to them and then assembled in the auditorium where Principal Peterson explained the rules and regulations and read the new orders students were to follow. Following recess and lunch, the students were dismissed for the day, with 'lessons' beginning the following day. The 'new' high school was located on Main Street where the Cyrus Wakefield estate once stood. The original high school building was destroyed by fire in December 1973. The site is now the Galvin Middle School parking lot." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Class of 1900, was said (at the time) to have been the class with the greatest number of graduates from Wakefield High School. Of the 39 graduates, 21 successfully completed the Classical Course, and 18 completed the English Course. The graduation exercises were held on Thursday evening, June 28th at the Town Hall. The class motto was Pas a Pas (Step by Step), the class song was music from 'Martha', and a disputation 'Resolved that the Navy of the United States Should be Increased' was led by Owen Long Burdett (affirmative) and William Barron Rogers (negative). The salutatory and essay 'Is Higher Education of Advantage to Women?' was presented by Mary Gertrude Hickey, with the essays and valedictory, 'The Golden Age' presented by Anna Carter Mansfield. In the 1900 Town Report, School Superintendent U.G. Wheeler said: 'The high school occupies a more advanced position then ever before. The graduate of the school to-day (sic) has a better education than the college graduate of less than 100 years ago, and in our town it stands, as it should, at the head of our school system the goal of which the pupils of the lower grades are working and the number belonging to the high school shows that a good proportion of them attain their object and avail themselves of its privileges.'" -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The town's annual report for the year ending January 31, 1899 noted that there were 50 teachers and more than 1,500 students throughout the school system. Of that total, seven teachers, including the principal and 196 students were at the high school. According to the report, the staff included Principal Charles H. Howe, First Assistant Helen W. Poor, and teachers Jennette S. Wendell, Emilie E. Emerson, Jessie D. Pierson, Clara A. Barnes, and Mabel P. Wall. The eighth person in the picture may be janitor George Russell. The report also indicated that there were 20 graduates nine who studied the English course of study and 11 who studied the Classical course of study. It was estimated that the high school enrollment would increase to 225 students the following year." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"Members of the Wakefield High School Drum Corps were most likely a part of the Wakefield High School Cadets. Due to the large number of young men who participated in this battalion, two Companies were formed: Company A and Company B. Officers are the young men in the front, differentiated by their uniforms (covered buttons) and swords. The Wakefield High School Cadets had its beginnings in 1885 when the group entered the Second Massachusetts School Regiment, forming a battalion with the Reading and Andover Cadets. Among its activities were annual prize drills, exhibition drills and officers' parties where 'many out-of-town officers and cadets enjoyed their hospitality.' They also escorted the Grand Army Post each May, and on the day of a big baseball game, the Drum Corps escorted the opposing team from the street railway to the Common, where the games were played. Crowded conditions at the high school in 1931 meant the end of the Cadets, although it was reinstituted during World War II, and required of all young men in the junior and senior classes." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Among the highlights of the three-day 250th anniversary celebration was the Settler's Day celebration on Monday, May 28, 1894. The day's activities included a procession that included four divisions of marchers, bands, and floats. A float containing 'young ladies of Wakefield High School' was part of the procession's second division. Dressed in white, the ladies represented the 13 original colonies and the 44 states that were in the union at the time. Also on the float was Miss Grace Carlton as the Goddess of Liberty, along with Miss Mitchell, Peace Miss Nellie Temple, Plenty Miss Grace S. White, Education and Miss Black, Justice. It was also reported that the four seasons were represented, as was Columbia." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The first military drills were introduced in October, 1885, when the 'boys of Wakefield High School' formed a military company and entered into the Second Massachusetts Regiment. Together with the cadets from Reading and Andover, the group formed a battalion. Local military men served as drillmasters and in later years, officers of the United States regular Army acted as instructors. For several years, the companies which made up the Wakefield Battalion held spring prize drills in the Town Hall and later on the park (common). Military drills were abolished in 1931, due to the crowded conditions at the high school and the overcrowding of the program. With the entrance of the United States in World War II, military training was thought to be of value to the young men entering the service. The program was resumed and required of all boys in the junior and senior classes.' -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Basketball was first introduced to Wakefield High School in the early 1920's. The 1929-1930 basketball team was referred to as the 'most successful one since basketball was introduced to the school. With only three veterans returning to the quintet, the first team players fought a stiff schedule to obtain the enviable record of winning 13 of 16 games, one loss being the undefeated alumni team of 1927.' The team played against Newton, Everett, Lexington, Winchester, Stoneham, Reading, Melrose and Belmont. Coached by Homer Shellenberger, first-team players were Berg and Robinson, forwards Richardson, center Climo and Gersinovitch, guards. A second team, nicknamed the 'Blunderbusses' by the first- team, included Dinan and Davis, forwards Seavey, center and Atwell and Fairbanks, guards. At the end of the regular season, Wakefield and Stoneham tied for the honor of Middlesex Champions, requiring a post-season game to determine the winner. Wakefield won after a 'hard fought game in which it showed its superiority in every department of basketball.' This was the second consecutive year the team won the league title. Coach Shellenberger also coached several other sports at Wakefield High School, including baseball and hockey. He was one of the first inductees into the WHS Hall of Fame in 1991. Throughout the years, the WHS boys' basketball team has won several league and division titles. In 1997, the team captured the state Division II title, in a 74-66 win over St. Bernard's of Fitchburg." -- Text from calendar.
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"Baseball was a popular sport in Wakefield at the turn of the century, thanks to the efforts of the 1900 Wakefield High School Baseball Club. The team shared the Suburban League championship with Melrose and had quite a record, defeating more than 20 strong teams from the Boston area. During their season, the boys were accompanied by the WHS drum corps as they traveled through the square on the electric cars. Visiting teams were often met by the drum corps and escorted from the electric car in the square to the park. Today's baseball players and fans alike will note the striking difference in equipment and uniforms. Players wore shoes with metal cleats, a wire catcher's mask, quilted uniforms with laces and small hand gloves." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Town of Wakefield is fortunate to have two fire stations to service the needs of the community, one in close proximity to Wakefield Square, the other in the Greenwood section of town. The central station was located near the Wakefield Common on Church Street until the official opening of a new station in 1891 at the corner of Crescent and Mechanic Streets. T he station house was formerly the Academy Hill Center School (circa 1853) which was moved from its location a few hundred yards away on the current site of the Lincoln School House. Bricks from the Church Street station were used for the foundation and the total cost of renovating and moving the former school building was $6000. The station house was in operation until the Hathaway Fire of October 23, 1899. A new station was built shortly thereafter in 1900 by Roger Howard of Wakefield at a cost of $14,554. The station was officially opened on December 22, 1900. As the town grew, so did the Fire Department. In 1902 the original Greenwood Fire Station was built, recycled from the former Greenwood School. The original structure was built in 1847 and was located on the East side of Main Street, just south of Meriam Street. The building was later moved to Oak Street in 1858 at a cost of $450. The schoolhouse was converted in 1902 to Greenwood Engine 2 Station and remained in operation until it was torn down in 1962. The existing Greenwood Fire Station was opened on Monday, May 6, 1962 and also housed the Greenwood Branch of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library." -- Text from calendar.;Captions: 1. The Greenwood Station today. -- 2. The Central Fire Station today. The addition on the right was built in 1975. -- 3. The Central Fire Station in 1894 during the 250th anniversary celebration of the town. At the time, the station housed the Silsby Steamer 'Lucius Beebe No. 1', supply and hose wagons for the steamer and Abbott Downing Ladder Truck. -- 4. The Greenwood Fire Station in 1931 was the former Greenwood School. It was converted to the Greenwood Engine 2 Station in 1902 and was in operation until 1962.
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"1914 Peerless Chemical and Hose Wagon (Greenwood Hose 3) 1914 Peerless Squad Wagon 1914 Peerless Ladder Truck. In September, 1914, three new pieces of motor-driven fire apparatus were delivered to Wakefield from the Peerless Motor Company of New England at a cost of $6,445.16. With extra equipment and painting, the total cost was $7,392.69. The 1914 Peerless city-service ladder truck was the first apparatus to arrive in Wakefield on Sunday, September 12. Thirty minutes after its arrival, it responded to Box 112 for a fire which heavily damaged a dwelling on Forest Road. The new ladder truck was placed in service on Monday, September 14, as Ladder 1, the Town's first motor-driven ladder truck. The three ton truck had a four cylinder gasoline engine and carried nine ladders with lengths from 15 feet to 65 feet in a single bank. The new ladder truck replaced the horse drawn 1892 Abbot-Downing ladder truck which was discarded. On Friday, September 18, a 1914 Peerless chemical and hose wagon was placed in service as Greenwood Hose Co. 3, replacing the horse-drawn 1906 American LaFrance combination wagon, formerly of the Steamer Hose Co., which was placed in reserve at the Greenwood Fire Station. The four cylinder gasoline engine wagon carried 1000 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose and was the first motor-driven apparatus in Greenwood. On Tuesday, September 22, a 1914 Peerless squad wagon arrived and was immediately placed into service. The six cylinder gasoline engine wagon had a long bench seat in the rear for personnel to ride and was designed to tow the 1907 Amoskeag steamer when needed. With the 1912 Webb pumping engine, all apparatus at the Crescent Street headquarters was motorized. Only Montrose Hose Co. 4 remained horse-drawn. As a result of the arrival of the motor-driven apparatus, the entire team of six horses (one pair from Greenwood and two pairs from the central fire station) were transferred to the MLD and the highway department." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"On March 28, 1927, a special committee was appointed by Town Moderator Theodore Eaton to study the feasibility of a filtration plant at Crystal Lake to eliminate bacteria and organic matter (algae) from the water. A report was presented to the Town on April 23, 1927, after four weeks of consultation of records, conferences with recognized authorities and investigation of various information which concluded that odors, objectionable taste (of chlorine) and suspended matter could be eliminated though the use of a slow-sand filtration plant. The report recommended that such a plant be constructed and maintained by the Water and Sewerage Board, as well as a storage basin for filtered water (with a capacity of 250,000 gallons), all at a proposed cost of $145,000. To provide this additional capacity, the report also recommended the construction of a new standpipe or storage reservoir (with a capacity of 500,000 gallons) at Harts Hill or at a similar elevation as the engineers deemed suitable. This recommended method was also favored by the Board's engineering firm, Weston and Sampson. The contract for the filtration plant was awarded in July, 1927, to A.P. Rounds of Stoneham. The filtration system was in use by February, 1928." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Purchased from the Seagrave Fire Apparatus Co. of Ohio at a cost of $9,500, this sedan-style pumping engine was first shipped by railroad to New Orleans to the International Fire Chief's convention. After the convention, where it received considerable attention from Fire Chiefs from around the world, the engine arrived in Cambridge on October 7th. Before it was put into service on October 27, 1938, a four-hour Underwriters pump test was conducted at the Wakefield Water Department pumping station at Crystal Lake. This 750 GPM pumping engine had a 100 gallon water tank." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"During the late 1800's Wakefield residents were able to get their news from a wide variety of newspapers. Prior to the founding of the Wakefield Daily Item on May 7, 1894 by Fred W. Young, Wakefield residents read the South Reading Department of the Middlesex Journal (1854), Wakefield Banner (1868) later known as the Wakefield Citizen (1872), the Wakefield Advocate (1872), the Wakefield Citizen and Banner (1874), the Bulletin (1881), and the Record (1886). After the establishment of the Wakefield Daily Item, the Citizen and Banner launched two more newspapers, The Wakefield Evening News in September, 1894, which remained in operation for one month, and the Wakefield Daily Banner in 1899. In March, 1900, Mr. Young sold the Wakefield Daily Item to Alstead W. Brownell, a printer in the Wakefield Block (now the Taylor Building). A few days later, in April, Mr. Brownell sold the newspaper and the printing business to Citizen and Banner reporter Harris M. Dolbeare who started his career in 1888 while still in high school. Shortly after acquiring the Wakefield Daily Item and Item Press, he also purchased the Daily Banner in 1900 and Wakefield Citizen and banner (a weekly publication) in June, 1911. One year later, in 1912, the Wakefield Daily Item and Item Press moved from the Taylor Building to its new home at the corner of Albion and Foster Street, making it one of the first small-town daily newspapers in New England to build its own newspaper plant. An addition was built in 1935 on the site of the former Atherton grocery/Champagne furniture store. The Wakefield Daily Item and Item Press were incorporated under Massachusetts laws under the name of Wakefield Item Company on January 1, 1923." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Wakefield Council #104, Knights of Columbus, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1994. It was on September 16, 1894 that John William Smith, along with William H. Butler, met with Wakefield men who they felt would be interested in starting a local K of C Council. The organization was founded 12 years earlier on the guiding ideals of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The meeting was held in the Connell & Curley Block building on Main Street in a room used by the St. Joseph's Christian Total Abstinence Society. One week later, 20 men passed a K of C examination and Council #104 was established the next Sunday. On September 30 and October 7, 1894, the first and second degrees were conducted in ceremonies which took place in the Odd Fellows Building in the Walton Building on Main Street. John W. Smith was elected as the first Grand Knight. During the past century, the Council has held its meeting in the Traders Building, Walton Building, Richardson Building, and in the Odd Fellows Hall in the Walton Block which was torn down to make room for the First National Supermarket in 1941. The Council moved to the Hibernian Hall on Foster Street and in 1945, the membership purchased the Council's first permanent home at 15 Foster Street. The current headquarters at 570 North Avenue was dedicated on April 27, 1963." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1990
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Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1989
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"Beginning in 1871, the Town began to repurchase some land it had previously sold between Church Street and Lake Quannapowitt. Improvements were made each year through enlargements and beautification of the area, assisted by the will of Cornelius Sweetser, who bequeathed $10,000 to 'extend in furnishing and beautifying a public park.' Land gradually came into the hands of the town through transfers and sales. By the turn of the 20th century, the land was being used as a park where Wakefield High School baseball teams played their games. The Wiley Boathouse (seen at right in the photo) offered rowboats, sailboats and canoes to Wakefield residents for many years. A dance hall was added in 1912 to the second floor of the boathouse where the big name bands played." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Wakefield Common as it appeared near the end of the 19th Century. The icehouse is at the left of the picture. In the 'Handbook of Wakefield - a strangers' guide and residents' manual' written by Will E. Eaton and published in 1885, the 'park' was described as follows: 'If there is any one thing of which Wakefield may justly feel proud, it is her fine Park. The special features, aside from the artistic manner in which it is laid out, the careful manner in which it is tended, and its very central location, are its noble trees and the scenery afforded by the adjoining lake and distant views of forest and hills. Seats are conveniently located under the shade trees, and serve as enjoyable resting places for thousands during the year.'" -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The lower common, near the bandstand, has always attracted scores of people who enjoy the shores of Lake Quannpowitt. While still a source of pleasure for recreational and leisurely pursuits, the common at one time was the site of High School baseball games, and attracted spectators to water carnivals and speedboat races. In this circa 1947 photo, note the trees, the benches and the docks." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Wakefield as a community began in 1639 when a small group of Lynn (also known as Linn) residents petitioned the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony for an inland plantation at the 'head of their bounds.' Permission was granted a short time later and in 1644 Lynn (Linn) Village was incorporated as the Town of Reading (Redding). Twenty-nine men and their families moved themselves and their belongings over the terrain and settled in Wakefield. These pioneers adopted a modified democratic government in 1647. The land holdings increased when the General Court gave the settlers 2 square miles of land in 1651. (Today, this additional land encompasses most of North Reading). As the number of settlers increased, political differences between the community's segments also grew during the next century. These differences did not inhibit the community from unanimously adopting the colonists' cause during the Revolutionary War and accepting the Declaration of Independence which they pledged to 'adhere to its sentiments, and stand by it to the last with their lives and their fortunes.' The long-standing political differences centered around a conflict between the Democratic Republicans (Wakefield - the First Parish) and the Federalists (North Reading - the Second Parish and the present day Reading - the Third Parish). On a mutual vote, the Second and Third Parishes voted to send a Federalist representative to the General Court, leaving Wakefield without representation. The differences could no longer be resolved and in 1812, the citizens of Wakefield split from the town of Reading and obtained a charter. Wakefield was now known as South Reading. South Reading continued to grow and in 1868 the town of South Reading changed its name to 'Wakefield' in honor of Cyrus Wakefield, the man who is credited with changing the course of Wakefield's history. It was Mr. Wakefield who brought the rattan industry, and its enormous profits, into the community. As a gift to the community, Mr. Wakefield donated the money;Caption: This photograph was taken from the top balcony of the old Town Hall and shows a northerly view of the downtown area. Prominent buildings include (from left) the Ira Wiley House (now the Olde Theatre Block) the Perkins Block on the South corner of Albion Street the Kingman Block on the north corner of Albion Street the Emerson Shoe Factory (now the Y.M.C.A.) the Baptist Chrch (erected in 1871) the Lafayette School (the old high school, erected in 1872) the old Congregational Church (at the end of Main St.) and the Universalist Church to the right.
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"Wakefield was a bustling center of transportation in the late 1800's and early 1900's because of the Wakefield & Stoneham Street Railway Company. What began as a two-mile route from the Wakefield Post Office (on Albion Street) to the junction of Main and Elm Streets in Stoneham, eventually became a four-direction electric street railway system which residents could ride to Lowell, Lawrence and Haverhill to the north Malden, Chelsea and Boston to the south Lynn, Salem, Beverly and Gloucester to the east and Woburn, Winchester and Medford to the west. Planning for Wakefield's street railway system was started by Col. Charles F. Woodward. The street railway company was formed in 1889, before anyone realized the need for such a system. He was instrumental in securing a charter for the company in May, 1892, and before long, 'strong capitalists' became interested in the project. In the summer of 1892, tracks were laid along Albion Street to Elm Street, Stoneham and the first car was run over this line on August 14, 1892. Tracks were laid from the center of Wakefield, down Main Street to the Melrose line, and in the fall of 1893, tracks were laid from Wakefield Town Hall (at the corner of Main and Water Streets) through Saugus to the Lynn line. This route was opened in April, 1894. After much opposition, the Wakefield & Stoneham Street Railway Company extnded its line from Wakefield center, via Main and Lowell Streets, to Reading Center, in May, 1894. All these routes were extended within these communities. The railway met with such success that double tracks were added in the early 1900's. By 1918, however, the automobile was responsible for the demise of the street railway. The Reading route was discontinued in 1918, with the Lynn line following in 1920, and Stoneham by 1929. All street railway routes were out of operation by May, 1931. " -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Crews on the Wakefield and Stoneham Street Railway were responsible for removing the snow from the tracks to keep them clear while the Town cleared the sidewalks. The 'rolling stock' of the Wakefield and Stoneham Street Railway Company was said to be of the latest and best equipment. The cars were heated by electricity during the winter months, a fact that the riding public was said to 'fully appreciate.' Chartered in May 1892, the street railway attracted several 'strong capitalists' in its early years. By the summer of 1892, tracks were laid from the Post Office (at the corner of Albion Street) along Albion Street to the junction of Main and Elm Streets in Stoneham. The first car traveled the route on Auguust 14, 1892. The route was soon extended to Stoneham's Central Square. In November, tracks were laid from downtown Wakefield to the Melrose line, extending to Franklin Street in that city by the spring. Both the Stoneham and Melrose extensions resulted in connections with the Lynn and Boston Railway. In the fall of 1893, tracks were laid from the Town Hall, at the corner of Water Street, through Saugus to Lynn." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Volunteer Hose 2, under Captain A.D. Cate and Lieutenant B.C. Flockton, was among the many fire companies that participated in the Third Division of the 250th Anniversary parade. Led by the Eighth Regiment Band of Salem, the fire company division included Chief Engineer Levi Flanders and two assistants, one steamer with 12 men, a hook and ladder with 15 men, two hose companies with 10 men each, one chemical company with six men, and the volunteer hose company of Greenwood. The Reading and North Reading Fire Departments, along with Chief Engineers from five surrounding towns, also participated. The 25-member company, formerly Fountain Engine 3, reorganized as Volunteer Hose 2 on September 4, 1888. Shortly after reorganization, the members purchased a Rumsey four-wheeled hand-drawn hose carriage by subscription at a cost of $275. The volunteer company, which for many years was an 'efficient, independent company,' became a part of the Wakefield Fire Department following a Town Meeting vote in March 1892." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"This picture was taken from Cowdrey's Hill, probably from Fairmount Avenue. Cowdrey's Hill, in the Prospect Street area, was named for the area in which William Cowdrey, one of the Town's first inhabitants, settled. The picture shows the rear of the Atwell and Emerson houses. According to the 1886 street listing, John B. Atwell lived at 1 Prospect Street where his property included a dwelling house, two shops and two to three acres of land. James Emerson lived on Prospect Street, west of Cedar Street. His property included two cows, a dwelling house valued at $1000, a barn, and eight acres of land on Prospect Street, with an additional one-acre of land on West Cedar Street, a three-acre meadow on Elm Street and 12 acres of woodland on Nahant Street. Emerson, the second son of shoe manufacturer Thomas Emerson, was active in town affairs, serving as town treasurer for 25 years, president of the Wakefield Savings Bank, director of the National Bank of South Reading and was active in organizing the Richardson Light Guard." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"The fourth meeting house of the First Parish Congregational Church was dedicated in 1892, and was known as one of the finest north of Boston. The style was a simple harmonious development of Byzantine-Romanesque form and color. The church was in the form of an L with the main body of the church extended north and south, while the Sunday School rooms, library, class rooms and ladies' parlor were located in the west wing. The main room of the church measured 71' x 91' with pews that could seat 750 people and a gallery in the south that could accommodate an additional 100 to 150 people. The Sunday School room measured 40' x 60' and could be added to the main room by sliding the sashes, further increasing the seating capacity by 400. This may have been the area referred to as the Vestry in the photograph. The church building was destroyed by fire in February 1909. The fifth meeting house of the First Parish Congregational Church was dedicated in February 1912." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"The Wakefield Board of Trade successfully circulated a petition in 1888 that requested that the Boston and Maine Railroad build a new depot on the west side of the tracks to replace the 'decrepit' wooden depot on the east side of the tracks. As early as 1886, the Citizen and Banner called for a new station 'for the safety of the patrons on the road and to do away with the present unsatisfactory and uncomfortable minutes spent in waiting on the "other side of the track" in the warm, cold, or damp and disagreeable weather.' In addition, the newspaper noted that it had become the adopted principle of the B&M management to locate depots on the west side of the track in suburban towns and cities, citing that Melrose was moving its station to the west as well. In August 1888, B&M Railroad Company agreed to the petition. The company also agreed to purchase an 82,140 square foot vacant lot of land between Chestnut and Murray Streets from the Wakefield Real Estate and Building Association, at a cost not to exceed 19 cents a square foot. B&M also agreed to buy a strip of land from St. Joseph's Church, not to exceed 25 cents a square foot, and to build a street 50 feet wide from Albion to Chestnut Streets. In return for erecting a 'commodious' station of brick and stone, the Town was required to buy a 13,720 square foot strip of land on the east side of the old station for a price equal to the average price the B&M paid for its land. The Town agreed to those terms in October 1888. Built of 'first-quality' dark red-face brick laid in English Venetian red mortar at a cost of $12,000, the station was 73 feet in length by 27 feet in width with two ornamental chimneys and a 9 feet wide veranda surrounding the station. The interior included a waiting room 25 feet by 50 feet, with a 12 feet by 14 feet ticket office in the center and four entrances, two on each side, with a monogrammed B&M inserted into the transom over each entrance. The windows were filled with the finest German glass. The depot was set back 12 to 14 feet from the tracks to allow sufficient room to increase the number of tracks from two to four at some time in the future. The station opened on Sunday, July 27th, 1890 with the ticket office opening on Monday at 3:00 p.m. The old depot remained in use as a baggage and freight storage facility until it was sold to Enos Wiley who moved it to his farm on Water Street." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"During the early 1900s, the Ladies' Society of the Universalist Church held a May Festival at the Town Hall for boys and girls, complete with costumes and 'original and fancy dances' arranged by Miss Rose Byrne of Roxbury. The 1910 May Festival featured 175 children who participated in such skits as 'The Police and the Nursemaid,' the 'Old Fashioned Garden,' 'Mistress Mary,' 'Jack-in-the-Pulpit' and the 'Gardener.' The 1911 May Festival featured 150 children and an unusually large audience. The entertainment included eight fancy dances and May Day specialties, including a May pole as well as 'Morning, Noon and Night,' 'Witches,' 'Violets Dance Poem,' 'French Maids and Bell Boys,' 'Indian Novelette,' 'Good Night and Living Flag.' Several well-known Wakefield residents participated in the May Festival when they were children, including Laurence Young and former Town Historian Ruth Woodbury." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"Frank A. and Mary Louise Tredinnick may well be remembered as two of Wakefield's most active and community-minded citizens. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tredinnick were actively involved in nearly every aspect of the town and its organizations for over 50 years. Frank A. Tredinnick, the son of John and Barbara (Smith) Tredinnick, was a native and lifelong resident of Wakefield. Mr. Tredinnick served as Wakefield's Building Inspector for 15 years until his retirement in 1965. He was elected to the Board of Assessors in 1952 and served as Chairman and Secretary for several years. He was Executive Secretary of the Wakefield Industrial Development Commission and was active in many community organizations including the Hurd School PTA. His active involvement in Wakefield led him to become active in several state and regional committees including membership in the New England Building Officials' Conference, Massachusetts Building Commissioners and Inspectors Association and the Massachusetts Assessors Association. He was President of the Middlesex County Assessors' Association as well as a member of the Executive Board. Mr. Tredinnick served as an assessor and compliance inspector for the Veterans' Administration. A veteran of World War I, Mr. Tredinnick served with the Combat Engineers and received a Purple Heart. He passed away in 1967 at the age of 71. Mary Louise Tredinnick was born in Lynn in 1892, the daughter of William and Mary Emma Hutchinson. Her family moved to Wakefield in 1914. She served as a member of the Wakefield School Committee for 18 years, from 1936 to 1954 and was the first woman to serve as Chairman. As a member of the committee, she was primarily responsible for the Wakefield High School (now the Jr. High School) building as well as the Dolbeare and Walton School. She was a member and President of several organziations including the Kosmos Club, the Wakefield Garden Club, Arts and Crafts Society, Visiting Nurse Association, the Monday Club, the Wakefield Mothers' Club, the Hurd School PTA, the Mary Franham Bliss Society and the First Parish Federation of Women's Clubs (the predecessor of the Women's Guild). Mrs. Tredinnick was the chairman of the Women's Division of the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital Development Program in 1961 and spearheaded the house-to-house campaign for pledges and contributions for a major building project. She was an active member of the Cancer Control Committee, the Speakers' Bureau of the United War Effort during World War II, the New England Genealogical Society and was an officer and member of the Col. James Hartshorne House Association. Mrs. Tredinnick was a member of the Court of Honor for the Massachusetts Mother of the Year in 1946 and was honored as the West Side Social Club's Citizen of the Year in 1958. A gifted writer and an avid student of music, poetry and dramatics, Mrs. Tredinnick was the author of the Tercentenary Hymn of the First Parish in 1944. She was a weekly contributor of poems to the Boston Herald and authored a book of poems as well as an essay 'The Only Book' to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the printing of the Bible. The essay was reprinted widely throughout the country and in college textbooks. Mrs. Tredinnick passed away in April 1964." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Train travel to and from Boston was a necessary method of transportation in the mid-1800's and early 1900's. In 1840, the Boston and Maine Railroad built a service from Boston to Wilmington which began operating the following year. Eventually, Wakefield was on the main line from Boston to Portland, with 31 inbound and 34 outbound trips running daily. At one time, Wakefield served as an important railroad junction with three active stations and two flag stations. The present train station was built in 1890. The old depot was moved to the junction on North Avenue and was used as a freight office." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"In December, 1929, William T. Curley, Sr., owner of the Traders' Block, leased a portion of the building to the J.J. Newberry Company of New York for a period of 21 years, beginning in March, 1930. Formerly occupied by the Adams Company dry goods store and Kelsey Drug Store until January, 1930, the Traders' Block was remodeled and extended a distance of 50 feet in the rear, westward toward Foster Street. This was the second time in 10 years that the building was remodeled, the first time to benefit the Adams Company and adjacent Boothby's Specialty Shop. The site of the Traders' Block was occupied by a house which was moved back to make room for the block when it was erected in 1897 by the Middlesex Traders, a local realty investment organization of citizens of that day. The house was torn down with the 1930 remodeling for J.J. Newberry. A narrow building next to the block, now site of the Colonial Spa, was formerly owned by the Street Railway System office and Britton's Shoe Store, the Town's leading shoe store of that period. The Newberry Company operated '5/10/25 stores' which were described as a combination of the style of the W.T. Grant Company chain of dry goods store, and the Woolworth Five-and-Ten-Cent stores simply by the 'character of the goods carried.'" -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"In 1916, a 'new' sport, track athletics, was introduced at Wakefield High School. The team slowly lost momentum, and after many years of inactivity, the indoor track team was reintroduced to WHS in 1961, competing in the Essex County League. By 1962 the team had a 7-0 record, and by 1964 had captured three league titles. The team joined the Middlesex League during the 1964-1965 school year, the first year under Coach James Duff. They won the league title that year with a 6-0-1 record. In 1966-1967, the indoor track team won the Class B State Championship. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, competition was so fierce in the league that WHS lost the league championship to Lexington by one point, in 1969. Coach Duff was also named coach of the outdoor track team during the 1964-1965 school year. In 1979, Coach Martin Callahan started a girls track team which competed in the North Shore League. They moved to the Middlesex League in 1980, taking the league crown in their first year of competition." -- Text from calendar.
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"Walter Walsh, proprietor of Town Taxi which was located at the corner of Main and Mechanic (Princess) Streets, found that he didn't have enough gasoline coupons to keep all his motor-driven taxis on the road all the time. Faced with the possibility that gasoline for taxicabs would be cut-off altogether during World War II, Walsh purchased a 'smart stepping horse' and an old-time depot carriage to carry his customers. The horse-drawn carriage was used to supplement his fleet of automobiles, but it was reported that many Wakefield patrons passed up the opportunity to ride in the cars when offered a choice. The carriage was an enclosed four-wheeler, allowing the two passengers to remain dry in the event of inclement weather." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Wakefield Town Hall, dedicated on February 22, 1871, was the result of a community's desire to honor its citizens who answered the call to arms during the Civil War. Four years earlier, in 1867, a Soldiers Monument Association was formed to build a suitable monument or hall for that purpose. In January, 1868, the association reported to Town Meeting that Cyrus Wakefield had offered to donate a parcel of land, known as the Noah Smith lot, on Main Street at Water Street for the new Town Hall which would house an appropriate soldiers' memorial. In addition, he also pledged a sum of $30,000 or more, to build the structure which would also have a lecture hall for town meetings, and a room for the town's library. Solon Richardson also pledged $1,000 for furnishings. As a result of Cyrus Wakefield's generosity, the Town of South Reading became the Town of Wakefield in 1868. The Town Hall remained a vital part of Wakefield until a fire occurred on December 13, 1950. Some offices located in the structure were moved to the present day Town Hall, then the Lafayette Building, where they were to be temporarily located. Committees, Town Meeting voters, and Town officials discussed the renovation, as well as the razing of the structure which was still intact. Town Meeting accepted the recommendation to raze the Town Hall in March, 1958. At the same time, the Parking Committee recommended the site for use as a parking lot. The stately Town Hall was razed on October 20, 1958." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Town Farm, also referred to at different times as the Town Almshouse, Town Infirmary, and Town Home, was located on Farm Street where Wakefield High School now stands. Shortly after Farm Street was accepted as a street in 1853, the Town Infirmary was built at a cost of $3766. In 1861, an out building was erected to house the 'insane inmates' at a cost of $174. During that same year, 224 'tramps' received care. By 1888, those numbers had increased to 1094 and a 'lock-up' in the Town Hall was used to house the tramps in 1889. According to reports, the Town Farm cared for more than 2,300 tramps in 1898. As a result, the 'Poor Department' built a tramp house in the rear of the Wakefield Block (Taylor Building), where they were given a night's lodging and breakfast for which they were required to saw a certain amount of wood before leaving in the morning. The Town Farm was enlarged several times over the years. A major fire on March 6, 1902 destroyed one of the new additions, with the main building saved by the fire department. At the start of World War I in 1917, the Board of Selectmen offered several acres of land at the Town Farm as its contribution to the nationwide movement to utilize all available ground for agricultural purposes. Over 100 local residents applied to use the land for farming. During the early 1920s, the Town Farm became a working farm, with a 'pig business, dairy business, poultry business, slaughterhouse and farm' on the 50-acre site, 12 acres of which were cultivated. The Town also entered into the garbage collection business to feed the pigs. In 1933, Town Meeting voted to discontinue the farm business, instead opting to 'provide adequate and proper care of the needy...and pay more attention to the infirmary.' This meant selling the livestock and farm equipment, but not the hay and manure which would be used for the garden. Town meeting also voted to get out of the garbage collection business, and against selling or leasing the easterly side of Farm and Nahant Street, excluding 'the premises retained for public welfare purposes.' An ERA project enlarged the dining room in 1935, and in 1940, the Town Report noted that 'here are gathered dependents not otherwise provided for. The purpose and effort of the Board and those in charge is to make it as real a home as possible.' At that time, there were 12 permanent residents and 12 residents who lived there during a portion of the year. The Town Home was closed somewhere around 1950. A special Town Meeting voted to maintain ownership of the land in 1955. In 1956, control of the home was transferred to the School Department and test borings were made to make a high school athletic field. In December 1960, the land housed the new Wakefield Junior High School, now Wakefield High School." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The horse and buggy, the automobile and the electric street railway were prominent at the time this undated photograph was taken. The Wakefield & Stoneham Street Railway Company was organized in 1889, and chartered in May, 1892. The first tracks were laid in the summer of 1892, from the post office to the junction of Main and Elm Streets in Stoneham, a distance of about two miles. The first car made its run on August 14, 1892. Shortly thereafter, the Stoneham line was extended to Central Square in Stoneham, where connections were made with the Lynn and Boston Road to Melrose and Woburn. Tracks were later added to provide electric rail service from Wakefield center to Melrose, Wakefield Park on the West Side of town, Montrose, Lynn via Saugus, and Reading center. Electric rail service was slowly discontinued from 1919 to the early 1930's, when the trolley lines gave way to bus service." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The period from 1850 to 1900 was an important time in the history of the town. South Reading became Wakefield, the town purchased the gas and electric works to form the Municipal Light Deparment, and the rattan and shoe industries were at their peak, bringing hundreds of new residents into the community. It was during this time of community growth that the Honorable Thomas Winship began his close association with Wakefield. A native of South Reading, (born in 1826), Winship attended local schools and worked as a clerk in the grocery store of Gardner and Hartshorn. He later worked as a bookkeeper in the Boston wholesale grocery store of Richardson & Hartshorn. In 1855 he became associateed with the Blackstone Bank in Boston where he gained his enormous financial knowledge as a paying teller. Upon the death of Lilley Eaton, Mr. Winship was appointed cashier of the National Bank of South Reading and treasurer of the South Reading Mechanical and Agricultural Institution. Considered an authority in finance and business transactions, he was sought after by the townspeople for their financial dealings. Because of this, he was named Treasurer of several organizations including the Citizens' Gas Light Company. He served as a member of the School Committee, a Trustee of the Beebe Town Library for over 20 years, and represented the town in the Legislature in 1876 and 1877 and the Senate in 1881 and 1882. Mr. Winship was an original Corporator of the Wakefield Savings Bank, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees. He was also one of the original stockholders of the Wakefield Water Company. Thomas Winship was also instrumental in changing the town's name to Wakefield and in the dedication of the Town Hall. He was a staunch friend and member of the Richardson Light Guard and an active member of the Masonic fraternity. Because of his involvement in the state Republican party, Winship was known throughout the Commonwealth for being a gentleman of broad intelligence, excellent judgement and sparkling wit. Born in Boston on; Caption: Wakefield Square in 1865 was mainly a residential area.
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"Decorated for the Town's 250th anniversary celebration, the Thomas Emerson's Sons Shoe Manufacturers was located where the Wakefield and Reading YMCA building now stands. Manufacturers of gentleman's dress shoes, the company had its offices on Summer Street in Boston, with its factory in Wakefield. The '1894 Business History of Wakefield' reported that the company was founded in 1805 by Thomas Emerson, and was the oldest shoe manufacturing establishment in the United States. Thomas Emerson was joined by his sons, Thomas 'the second,' as a partner in 1837, and James Emerson in 1851, at which time the name was changed to 'Thomas Emerson & Son.' Another name change, to Thomas Emerson's Sons, came into effect with the retirement of the founder in 1854. The addition of 'labor-saving machinery' necessitated the expansion of the business and its move from Albion Street to the Yale Avenue/Main Street site in 1863. The Thomas Emerson's Sons factory closed in 1902. The factory building was razed to make way for the YMCA." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Pictured in the office of the shoe manufactory of Thomas Emerson's Sons at the corner of Main Street and Yale Avenue are (from left) Harry Foster, James Emerson, Miss Carrie Wallace, E. Eugene Emerson and an unidentified gentleman in the derby hat. The company was established by Thomas Emerson in 1805, and was recognized as the oldest and 'one of the most honorable houses in the trade.' By the early 1890s, Thomas' son Thomas, Jr. was 'full of years' and was no longer running the company. He was succeeded by his brother James, who joined the company in 1851, and his own son, Edward Eugene, who joined the company in 1866. Both men were active in the community, with James serving as town treasurer for 25 years and commander of the Richardson Light Guard, and Eugene serving as a bank director and an active member and clerk of the Congregational Church of the First Parish. Thomas Emerson's Sons was a leader of 'fine footwear' and 'practically established the styles' of the day. They were the first shoe manufacturer to successfully operate a McKay 'sewer' stitching machine and were instrumental in introducing many new varieties of leather." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"Thomas Emerson was one of Wakefield's most respected citizens. Born in Reading (now Wakefield) on October 2, 1785, he was descended from a Puritan ancestry. Due to his family's limited means, he was not well educated, yet he rose above this obstacle and eventually became one of the most prominent members of the community. In 1810 he formed a successful partnership with Ebenezer Nelson for the manufacture of shoes. The partnership lasted a short time and eventually Mr. Emerson as sole owner increased the business until it was one of the most successful in the community. The factory was located on the present site of the Wakefield YMCA and produced men's shoes. Mr. Emerson was the first manufacturer in the town to inaugurate a system of cash payments to his workers in place of the previous barter system. He frequently purchased new machinery and introduced new methods for the profit of his workers. Mr. Emerson was kind and sympathetic to the poor and was a contributor to many philanthropic and missionary enterprises. In 1825 he sold his farm and surrounding buildings to the town for the sum of $3,275 to establish the Town Almshouse. He was instrumental in the formation of the South Reading Mechanical & Agricultural Institution in 1833 which was located at the corner of North Avenue and Albion Street and served as both Vice President and President. In 1844 he was elected President of the South Reading Bank, a position he held until his death. He was very well liked and was appointed to nearly every town office by his fellow citizens. He was also chosen to represent South Reading in the Legislature for eight years and served as Senator for two years. Mr. Emerson was an active member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Emerson died on November 29, 1871." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"During the first half of the last century, Lake Quannapowitt hosted regattas, motorboat and sailboat races, and other events both in the water and along the shore. The Lake was equipped with a wharf that served as a platform for the judges, members of the press and event/race committee members. In addition to launching boats during races and special events, the wharf was where boats were launched on warm summer days. According to published reports looking back at the era, 'sailboats, canoes, and row boats lined the water along the wharf...Wakefiedl residents enjoyed the serenity of boating and the cooling breezes of the lake.' The Wiley Boathouse is at the right, before the second story dance hall was added in 1912." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"The history of the First Parish Congregational Church is woven into the history of the Town of Wakefield. The first house of worship was erected by the citizens of Reading on the westerly side of Main Street near Albion Street. In 1689, a more 'attractive and commodious meeting house' was erected near the present church. This structure sufficed until a third more spacious edifice was built in 1768. This third structure faced west when built and had a tall spire which was blown down in the 'great gale' of 1815. The interior of the structure was completely remodeled in 1838 and again in 1859 when the structure was considered to be 'too small and inconvenient for the growing needs of society.' The building was turned around to face the south the old steeple was taken down and a new and graceful spire erected 'commodious' apartments were provided and furnished for evening meetings, Sunday school, ladies' parlor and kitchen and the interior was greatly changed and modernized. As time went on, the sanctuary was considered too small and its accommodations too limited. A look into remodeling revealed 'conditions of weakness and decay from turret to foundation.' It became evident that extensive and costly repairs would be necessary to make the church suitable, safe and modern. On December 29, 1887, the church members took preliminary steps to erect a new church upon the site of the old one, the entire cost of which was to be defrayed by voluntary subscriptions. It was necessary to obtain additional land which was subsequently secured from the old burial-yard and the open land lying northerly of Church Street by unanimous vote of the town of Wakefield. At the same time, the parish released to the town its rights to adjoining land and received permission from county and municipal officials to widen Church Street in front of the church. Impressive farewell services were held in the sanctuary on May 24, 1890 and the third structure was demolished soon after. The cornerstone for the fourth structure was laid "The history of the First Parish Congregational Church is woven into the history of the Town of Wakefield. The first house of worship was erected by the citizens of Reading on the westerly side of Main Street near Albion Street. In 1689, a more 'attractive and commodious meeting house' was erected near the present church. This structure sufficed until a third more spacious edifice was built in 1768. This third structure faced west when built and had a tall spire which was blown down in the 'great gale' of 1815. The interior of the structure was completely remodeled in 1838 and again in 1859 when the structure was considered to be 'too small and inconvenient for the growing needs of society.' The building was turned around to face the south; the old steeple was taken down and a new and graceful spire erected; 'commodious' apartments were provided and furnished for evening meetings, Sunday school, ladies' parlor and kitchen; and the interior was greatly changed and modernized. As time went on, the sanctuary was considered too small and its accommodations too limited. A look into remodeling revealed 'conditions of weakness and decay from turret to foundation.' It became evident that extensive and costly repairs would be necessary to make the church suitable, safe and modern. On December 29, 1887, the church members took preliminary steps to erect a new church upon the site of the old one, the entire cost of which was to be defrayed by voluntary subscriptions. It was necessary to obtain additional land which was subsequently secured from the old burial-yard and the open land lying northerly of Church Street by unanimous vote of the town of Wakefield. At the same time, the parish released to the town its rights to adjoining land and received permission from county and municipal officials to widen Church Street in front of the church. Impressive farewell services were held in the sanctuary on May 24, 1890 and the third structure was demolished soon after. The cornerstone for the fourth structure was laid October 11, 1890 at the southesterly corner of the tower." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Printed weekly in the newspaper, the Motorist's Corner featured local garages, gas (filling) stations and automobile dealers that offered specials such as American Gasolene & Oil Company's lubrication and top painting combination job advertised at $1.00. The column also included motor car tips for owners, such as why and how to clean the cooling system, how radiator ornaments change the appearance of the car, how to detect if gas has entered the crankcase, how washing dust off a car is sometimes better than wiping it off with a dry cloth, and why the best tires should be on the rear wheels. Hokie's Garage, a longtime fixture in Wakefield, is still in business as the Woodville Service on Water Street. Established in Montrose around 1926 by Maurice 'Hokie' Lenfest, the business moved to the community garages at the corner of Lincoln and Mechanic (Princess) Streets in 1928. The business moved to the rear of 85 Albion Street in 1931, and, in 1936, Lenfest bought the Kirk Brothers' grain store at 62 North Avenue at the corner of North Avenue and Armory Street. Hokie closed his business in 1956 and became associate with his son Paul at Woodville Service." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"Lake Quannapowitt and all its beauty has been the source of recreation for several generations of Wakefield residents. The bandstand was the scene of many concerts and the lake and her shore provided endless hours of swimming, sunbathing and boating. In 1872, Albert S. Wiley captured the spirit of the lake and established a boat house at the end of Spaulding Street. His son Will soon joined him and together they built a larger, more modern boat house, complete with a large wharf. This building stood facing West in Hartshorne's Cove, but was later turned to the North and used for several years as the Bath House. In 1887, Will Wiley erected the new boat house which stood at the end of Lake Avenue, directly on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. For several years after, Wakefield residents enjoyed the serenity of the lake with numerous sail boats, row boats and canoes lining the wharf. A dance hall was added in 1912 where several big name bands performed. After the death of Will Wiley, his widow sub-let the ballroom to local promoters, namely Kimball's and Cubberley's, and the hall soon became the recreational facility for servicemen stationed at Camp Curtis Guild during World War I. The boat house and dance hall were sold to Harold and Gertrude Hill in 1923. The Hills opened the dance hall to flower shows, exhibitions, and special events sponsored by local organizations. The Hills owned the boat house until 1963 when it was purchased by the Town. The property became a Town-owned beach and later a playground for children. Recently the Wakefield Center Neighborhood Association built a new playground for the children which was dedicated in 1987." -- Text from calendar.;Captions: 1. Wiley's Boat House was originally located at the end of Spaulding Street. In this photo, taken in 1890, the boat house and its long wharf faces West near Hartshorne's Cove. The building was later turned North and used as the bath house. -- 2. The second 'more modern' Wiley's Boat House was built in the late 1880s at the end of Lake Avenue. A dance hall was added on the second floor in 1912 and the building was purchased by the Hill family in 1923. -- 3. The site of the Wiley Boat House and its successor the Hill Boat House, is now the home of a Town-owned beach and playground. The Bath House can be seen at right.
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"Local resident Ernie Payro, son of Joseph Payro, took this photo of the 'Big Freight' with its 100 cars, in July 1930. It was taken during a time when Boston and Maine Railroad was celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the railroad and during the same month that the legendary 'Flying Yankee' first took to the rails on its express runs from Boston to Portland, Maine. According to reports, the largest of the Boston and Maine freight trains was a huge 4000 class, weighing 337 tons, with a rate of 3400 horsepower. It was said to carry 18,000 gallons of water and 24 tons of coal." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"In April 1894, the armory in the Rink Building at 390 Main Street, was deemed unfit for use by state building inspectors, and Company A, also known as the Richardson Light Guard, was ordered to remove all state property from the building. On May 1, 1894, Town Meeting voted to appropriate $12,000 to build a new Armory. Shortly thereafter, a lot of land was purchased next to the Cutler Bros. grocery and grain store at the corner of Main and Water Streets, just south of Town Hall. To help furnish the building, the company held an event on December 19, 1894 that 'cleared' $100. The new armory was designed, built, painted and decorated by members of Company A. The new armory was dedicated on February 15, 1895 in a ceremony that was called 'a notable event' with 'many distinguished military guests' present. The evening included a banquet at 4:30 p.m., followed by a concert and grand ball attended by 100 couples. Just 16 years later, Company A was without a home again when fire partially destroyed the armory after lightning struck wires at the corner of Water and Main Streets on July 6, 1911, igniting the Cutler Bros. store and, eventually, the armory. The building was later rebuilt, with the former drill hall becoming the new home of Robert Godfrey and Jacob Barnard's Quannapowitt Bowling Alley, and the front of the building remodeled into storefronts. The company's final armory, now the Americal Civic Center, was dedicated in January 1913, and was built across the street from its former home, on the north corner of the Cyrus Wakefield estate." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"With its cornerstone laid in place on September 8, 1889, St. Joseph's Church was dedicated on November 9, 1890. This center altar, one of three, was resplendent in white and gold and was created under the watchful eye of Father J. E. Millerick, according to written reports. Its beauty and 'striking features of its beautiful interior' remained unchanged until a fire on March 24, 1977 destroyed the church building. Crews from 16 communities battled the wind-swept fire which began during the mid-morning hours. Newspaper accounts of the day reported that the fire probably began behind the altar. A new church was dedicated on June 27, 1980 at the same location at the corners of Albion, Tuttle and Murray Streets." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Italian-American Citizens' Club hosted a testimonial dinner for past president Felix Pasqualino in honor of his appointment as Postmaster of Wakefield. The banquet was attended by members and associate members at the club's headquarters above Paine's Clothing store (now Brother's Restaurant.) Head table guests included Selectman V. Richard Fazio, club president Virgil F. Cambareri, Rev. Theodore DeLuca, J. Henry Morgan and David T. Barry. The banquet committee included Salvatore Lazzaro, Sr., Fernando Proira, Salvatore LoFaro, Santo Savo, and Rocco Giaquinta. Mr. Pasqualino's appointment was announced by Congressman William Connery on January 15, 1934 and his confirmation was finalized by the United States Senate on February 10. According to the Italian News of Boston, Mr. Pasqualino was the youngest person in charge of a First Class Post Office in New England." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Taylor's Hardware advertised Blackout Curtains in preparation for the first town-wide test blackout on Sunday, March 15th, 1942 between 10 p.m. and 10:20 p.m. The test was conducted by the Wakefield Committee on Public Safety to comply with the Air Raid and Blackout Regulations of Executive Order 3, issued by Governor Leverett Saltonstall on January 8th. These orders were issued following the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The orders required occupants of 'premises or parts of premises, public or private' to extinguish all lights or darken the premises so that no light was visible from the outside. All private signs, storefronts and other public lighting displays were to be extinguished at 10 p.m., and owners or tenants of factories, churches, municipal buildings, stores and office buildings were to provide watches during the blackout. This work was to be done without compensation, as it was the 'duty of defense.' Dog owners were advised to keep their animals inside or restrained during the blackout so they would not become nervous and attack the numerous air-raid wardens who were on patrol. Several similar tests were administered during the year. The blackout regulations were lifted in 1944." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"Although a bath house was located on Spaulding Street for many years, swimmers flocked to other parts of Lake Quannapowitt to beat the summer heat. The head of the lake was a popular spot, with swimmers flocking to the area often referred to as Boulevard Beach. Other popular swimming areas included the area of Beacon Street where the Girl Scouts conducted their swimming classes. Swimming in Lake Quannapowitt was once such a popular pastime that the bath house had extended hours during heat waves. In the late 1940s, the Town Planning Board called attention to the 'conditions' at the head of the lake, referring the matter to the Metropolitan District Commission. It was the Board's intention to eventually build an additional bath house for swimmers. Eventually, the Town established another supervised swimming area at Col. Connelly Park." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
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"The block on Albion Street known as the Stringer Block was occupied by the John T. Stringer Funeral Parlor, a firm which was established in 1911. In September, 1930, Stringer opened and formally dedicated a new funeral home. An open house was held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the public was invited to 'inspect the establishment and complete line of modern equipment' which made it 'one of the most up-to-date and fully equipped funeral homes of its kind.' The announcement of the grand opening also boasted of the installation of the 'latest' type of oil burner. Mr. Stringer's office was centrally located and the chapel, which accommodated 85 people 'seated', was at the rear of the building. The chapel addition had been 'stuccoed' in harmony with the finish of the funeral home. The chapel itself was determined to be a 'most welcome innovation...extremely useful when restricted space, inconvenient location or other sicknesses in the family' made it impractical to conduct the funeral from a private home. Mr. Stringer was also an insurance salesman and was very active in the Town of Wakefield. He was a member of the Expansion Board and served as the President of the Business Men for five years, among other endeavors." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The rattan industry was established by Cyrus Wakefield sometime in the 1830s or 1840s. In 1855, Cyrus Wakefield, a resident of the Town of South Reading, brought his growing enterprise to South Reading. He purchased property on Water Street, 'a short distance east of the Center Depot,' which consisted of two mill ponds, one on each side of the road, and a few small buildings which had been used for various manufacturing purposes. The Stout Building, a cane a rattan shop, was named after Richard S. Stout, one of Wakefield's foremost citizens and a large stockholder in the company. He was the superintendent of this department, a position which was later held by his son, George H. Stout. The building was destroyed in the great fire of 1881, which destroyed all original buildings, with the exception of a large, long wooden building near the Vernon Street side of the property. Damage was estimated to be $190,000 and the company went on to rebuild, eventially becoming the largest rattan business in the nation." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"When viewed through a stereoscope or special glasses, two superimposed stereoscopic pictures create a two [i.e three] dimensional effect. The third home of the First Parish Congregational Church was built in 1768, facing west at the site of its current home adjacent to the lower common. It was turned to face south in 1859 with its interior enlarged and modernized. By the 1880s, the church was said to be in need of extensive repairs. A farewell service was held in May 1890 and the building was razed soon after." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The steamer, Minnie Maria, was built by Augustus Taylor, who 'had Mr. Moody do the actual work on the steamer,' according to the diary of Capt. James F. Emerson. The steamer was launched on Lake Quannapowitt on June 10, 1871. In 1874, a 30' canal was started through Reading Meadow to take Reading residents aboard, but was later abandoned. The steamer was drawn out of the lake on November 26, 1874, and, on May 24, 1876, the steamer was drawn to Spy Pond in Arlington by ten horses. The Minnie Maria was destroyed by fire in February 1878. In the photograph, the Minnie Maria was opposite 'the Carpenter's house - to the left of the steamer was Mrs. Courtney's laundry,' according to an entry in the diary." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Called an 'architectural ornament' to the town, the State Armory was built of brick and limestone, with artificial stone and granite trimmings in colonial design. It was built to be different in appearance from other armories in Massachusetts and was planned to be less severe in outward appearance. The armory was dedicated on January 15, 1913. According to printed reports, 'The entire building fronts 77 feet, four inches on Main Street, and is 148 feet deep.' The drill shed at 109 feet long was a full 20 feet longer and 17 feet wider than its predecessor that was destroyed by fire in 1910. It was also noted that 'four handsome columns add to the imposing character of the front of the headhouse, and the approach is by a fine granolithic walk.' Inside the main public entrance, a bronze tablet was placed bearing the date the armory was built, along with the names of the governor, adjutant governor, members of the armory commission and advisory member, Capt. McMahon. The armory was built on the north corner of the Cyrus Wakefield estate, seen at the left of the picture, before Armory Street was graded later that year. In 1922, the knoll and driveway in front of the armory and new high school was cut away, Main Street was widened, anbd the curve on the street was eliminated. In 1923, the retaining wall in front of the armory was moved forward to align the armory lot and wall with the high school lot. This enabled the town to lay a straight sidewalk." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Wakefield's Town Hall (pictured decorated for a Masonic party) was located at the corner of Main Street and Water Street. The gift of the land and money for the building was presented to the Town in 1868 by Cyrus and Eliza A. Wakefield. The deed for the land and building read 'a building designed for a Town House and for municipal purposes but also with the desire and intent that such portions thereof as are adapted thereto, shall be, from time to time, devoted to use for patriotic, charitable, scientific, military, literary, aesthetic, educational, moral and religious purposes, and for meetings, lectures and addresses promotive thereof - as a free and unrestricted gift to the town.' Two portraits were hung at the left and right of the stage one of George Washington and one of Cyrus Wakefield. The Washington portrait was presented in 1872 as a gift to express the townspeople's gratitude to Cyrus Wakefield for his generosity. The portrait, painted by South Reading native Thomas Badger, was a copy of an original painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1796 which was said to have been in the Carlton House in London. After raising the necessary funds, the townspeople also commissioned a portrait of Cyrus Wakefield which was completed in 1783 by Thomas H. Badger, son of Thomas. The paintings were restored and repaired in 1929. A fire in the Town Hall occurred on December 13, 1950. The building was razed on October 20, 1958." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"St. Joseph's Parochial School was built under the guidance of Father Florence J. Halloran. In addition to overseeing the building of the school, he was responsible for a mission chapel built in Lynnfield in 1922 the Chapel of the Most Blessed Sacrament (1928) and the Santissima Maria del Carmine Society chapel on Water Street, a mission of St. Joseph's Church. A new parish was formed in 1947, named in memory of Father Florence Halloran who passed away on March 26, 1947. St. Joseph's School opened on September 9th, 1925 with 92 students in the first and second grades. The school was staffed by two teachers and a music teacher, all Sisters in the Order of St. Joseph. A grade was added each year. The building had 11 classrooms, six which were occupied when the school year began in 1929. The building was described as 'architecturally beautiful...the structure is of waterstruck brick with trimmings of cast stone at the entrance and at the pinnacles.'" -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"Prior to July 1851, South Reading Catholics were accustomed to traveling to Lynn to attend Mass, and sick calls were attended from St. Mary's Church in Boston. The first Catholic Mass in South Reading was heard at the Junction home of Malachy Kenney with 'between 200 and 300' people in attendance, most coming from surrounding communities. The following day, using $600 collected at the Mass for the purpose of securing a church lot, Rev. Thomas H. Shahan purchased a 150' x 80' piece of land on Albion Street. While work on the church was in progress, Mass was celebrated once a month, usually in a private home, although it was officiated twice in the town hall. The first church stood 100' from the railroad tracks and faced Albion Street. With the increase in the number of Catholics, additional land was purchased for a new church building which was dedicated on November 9, 1890. Constructed of wood, with a tall spire surmounted by a gilded cross, the church could seat about 1200 people, including the space in the two galleries of the main body and in the easterly gallery where the organ was located. There were three altars, the central one resplendent with white and gold memorial windows (the gift of individuals and societies) stained glass windows massive pillars and ornate decorations of fresco work. St. Joseph's Church was destroyed by a general alarm fire in March, 1977. A new church building was dedicated with a Mass on June 27, 1980." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"St. Joseph's Church celebrated its 100th anniversary with a week-long celebration which began on Tuesday, October 5th, 1954 with a 'monster whist party' at the church hall, and ended on October 12th with a high votive Mass on Wakefield Common in the morning and a banquet and dance at the State Armory in the evening. Over 1,000 people attended the Mass, and 585 attended the banquet. The Auxiliary Bishop of the Boston Archdiocese, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Eric F. MacKenzie presided at the Mass, with Pastor and celebrant, Reverend Frederick Deasy. The procession onto the Common was led by the 4th degree Knights of Columbus, and the 100-member Nazareth Academy Girls' Choir performed that duty. The banquet and dance, under the direction of the committee led by Walter Slocumb, was held at the State Armory (now the Civic Center). Guests received a souvenir booklet which included information about the parish, including photographs, and a list of the names of the 22 men who became priests, and the 33 women who joined a religious order. The guests were entertained by Joseph McDonald who sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and 'Little Things Mean a Lot.' Following dinner, dancing music was provided upstairs by Jack Hennessy's eight-piece orchestra, and color movies of parish events played in the downstairs room." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"During the early days, when Wakefield was still called South Reading, Catholics in this 1500-resident community did not have a church of their own. When they wanted to congregate for worship, they travelled to Lynn. Some years later, several members of the Catholic community approached a priest from Salem who agreed to say Mass in Wakefield. The first Mass was attended by only a few Wakefield families, with over 200 people attending from the surrounding towns. The money received from this Mass was enough to buy a 150' by 80' parcel of land on Albion Street. A chapel was built on this land in 1852 and was dedicated as the Church of St. Mary's on August 18, 1854. The town of Wakefield grew tremendously over the next two decades and necessitated additional space for worship. In 1870, plans were drawn to build a church to seat 800 people and the original church was moved to Murray Street and became known as Lyceum Hall, and later as St. Joseph's Hall. In November, 1871 the new church opened with a front entrance on Albion Street. The Church of St. Mary's, which was previously considered a mission, became a full parish and was renamed St. Joseph's Church in 1873. A rectory was later built on the corner of Gould and Albion Streets. Every family in the parish was required to rent pew space for a period of three months. The church became too small and additional land was purchased. Over a period of 16 years, the church was moved closer to the railroad tracks, the nave was extended, the spire was erected, the entrance was changed to Tuttle Street, and a basement was added. The new church, officially dedicated in November 1890, cost $30,000 and had a seating capacity of 1200. The church was the victim of two fires. The first occurred on September 20, 1963 with substantial water damage, while the second completely gutted the church on March 24, 1977. Parishioners attended Mass at the Wakefield Jr. High School until the church was rebuilt and dedicated on June 27, 1980. Today the church is in the same locati;Captions: 1. The church prior to the 1977 fire. -- 2. St. Joseph's Church in 1860. The front entrance was located on Albion Street -- 3. St. Joseph's Church boasts a modern, elliptical shape.
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"An estimated crowd of 20,000 people attended the first outboard motor race ever held on Lake Quannapowitt. The race was also the first of its kind to be held on inland waters in this region and attracted 45 entrants who participated in one of six events each event included a first heat, second heat and the finals. The Class E race determined the 'fastest boat.' The race was conducted by the Expansion Board as a sporting event for Wakefieldians and 'to bring visitors to the town, put the town on the map and stamp Wakefield as up to date.' While scores of people lined the shores of the lake, the balcony of Harold J. Hill's Wakefield Boat House was reserved for guests, with the wharf open only to the committee, officials and the press. According to published reports, 'the Common itself and the boathouse never saw such extensive smoking among women folk. Girls and women of all ages could be seen contentedly puffing away at their cigarettes." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
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"The Spanish War veterans marched in the Welcome Home Day parade 'in force, the men who followed the Civil War veterans as their country's defenders...they marched together for the last time, these heroic men whom the entire town delighted to honor, a khaki host that made a picture that will remain in the memories of those who beheld them for many a day. The line of march was lined with a tremendous crowd on foot and in automobiles and these applauded heartily as the heroes passed by.' The parade was held to honor the returning veterans of World War I. The Richardson Light Guard was called to action when the United States declared War on Spain on April 26, 1898. The 6th Regiment, of which Company A of the Richardson Light Guard was a member, was the first regiment to offer its services as a volunteer regiment. The men left town on May 6, 1898 under Captain Edward J. Gihon and were mustered into United States service on May 12, 1898 as Company A, 6th Massachusetts Volunteers. The men traveled to Virginia and South Carolina and boarded the Yale to the battlefront in Cuba, Guantanamo and finally Puerto Rico. They were the first United States Regiment to land there. The Regiment returned to Wakefield later that year. The veterans formed the Corp. Charles F. Parker Camp 39, United States Spanish War Veterans organization in 1909 with principles of freedom, patriotism and humanity. On October 12, 1926, the Spanish War Veterans' Hiker Monument was dedicated at the Rockery in honor of the men who served in the war." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.