Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Wakefield, Mass.

Items

• Wakefield YMCA Leaders Corp., undated
  "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."
• Montrose railroad bridge, 1890
  "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."
• Main Street rebuilding, August 1949
  "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."
• July 4th Celebration, Wakefield Common, 1887
  "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."
• Main and Albion Streets, circa 1919
  "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."
• Bear Hill Golf Club, Hopkins Street, circa 1912
  "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."
• West Side of Wakefield, circa 1909
  "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."
• Wakefield Post Office, Corner of Richardson Avenue and Main Street, circa early 1900s
  "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."
• St. Joseph's Church, Albion Street, circa 1909
  "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."
• Cutting Ice on Lake Quannapowitt, circa 1910
  "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."
• Wakefield Common circa 1910
  "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."
• Fire at the First Baptist Church at 8 Lafayette Street, Wakefield, Mass.
  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.
• Fire aftermath at the First Baptist Church at 8 Lafayette Street, Wakefield, Mass.
  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.
• Fire at the First Baptist Church at 8 Lafayette Street, Wakefield, Mass.
  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.
• The Adria Smith Trio
  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.
• The Bengerstobal Trio
  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.
• Lucius Beebe
  "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.
• Woodville School, 1930
  "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
• Woodville Chapel, Farm Street, circa 1912
  "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.
• Winship Mansion, Jordan Avenue, circa 1922
  "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.
• William J. Lee and Ruth Woodbury
  "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.
• Wilkins Shoe Store, circa 1912
  "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.
• Wiley's Boathouse, 1905
  "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.
• Welcome home parade, October 13, 1919
  "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.
• Welcome Home Day, October 13, 1919
  "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.
• Water Street, looking toward Main Street, circa 1901
  "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.
• Water Street, 1915
  "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.
• Water filtration plant - Broadway, 1927
  "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.
• Water festival, Wednesday, August 14, 1935
  "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.
• Warren School, circa 1930's
  "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.
• Walton-Winship estate, North Avenue & Chestnut Street, 1914
  "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.
• Walsh's Diner, winter, 1936
  "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.
• Wakefield's Volunteer Hose Company, 1894
  "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.
• Wakefield's history and industry
  "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.
• Wakefield's electric light plant, North Avenue, circa 1893, circa 1895-1900
  "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.
• Wakefield, circa 1931
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1993
• Wakefield, circa 1929
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1995
• Wakefield, 1894
  "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.
• Wakefield Upper Common, circa 1890
  "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.
• Wakefield Trust Company, 1924
  "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.
• Wakefield town officials
  "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.
• Wakefield Town Hall, Main Street at Water Street, 1893
  "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.
• Wakefield Town Hall, 1927
  "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.
• Wakefield Theatre Building, circa late 1930s
  "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.
• Wakefield Theatre Block circa late 1940s
  "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.
• Wakefield Theatre
  "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.'
• Wakefield Square, circa 1940s
  "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.
• Wakefield Square in 1903
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1989
• Wakefield Square as it looked in 1904
  "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.
• Wakefield Savings Bank, Main and Chestnut Street, 1923
  "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.
• Wakefield Rockery, circa 1910
  "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.
• Wakefield Redskins, 1961
  "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.
• Wakefield rattan workers, circa 1906
  "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.
• Wakefield Post Office
  "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.
• Wakefield Municipal Light Plant, September 9, 1905
  "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.
• Wakefield Municipal Light Plant, 1919
  "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.
• Wakefield Municipal Light Department
  "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.
• Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department, Railroad Street/North Avenue, 1909
  "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.
• Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department, North Avenue, 1940
  "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.
• Wakefield Mothers' Club
  "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.
• Wakefield Mansion, Main Street, circa 1880s
  "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.
• Wakefield mansion, 1893
  "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.
• Wakefield Light Plant, circa 1893
  "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.
• Wakefield in 1882
  "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.
• Wakefield Historical Society
  "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.
• Wakefield Highway Department apparatus, Main Street, 1915
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1990
• Wakefield High School, Main Street, circa 1923
  "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
• Wakefield High School, football squad, 1927
  "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.
• Wakefield High School, December 25, 1897
  "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.
• Wakefield High School, 1961 hockey team
  "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.
• Wakefield High School students, Main Street near the Rockery, June 4, 1923
  "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.
• Wakefield High School students, 1900
  "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.
• Wakefield High School staff, 1898
  "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.
• Wakefield High School Drum Corps, 1900
  "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.
• Wakefield High School co-eds, Church Street, May 28, 1894
  "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.
• Wakefield High School Cadets, spring, 1886
  "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.
• Wakefield High School boys basketball, 1929-1930
  "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.
• Wakefield High School baseball club, 1900
  "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.
• Wakefield fire stations
  "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.
• Wakefield Fire Department, 1915
  "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.
• Wakefield filtration plant, Broadway, 1930
  "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.
• Wakefield Engine 3, 1938 Seagrave fire apparatus, Chief Frederick D. Graham, October 13, 1938
  "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.
• Wakefield Daily Item, circa 1950
  "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.
• Wakefield Council #104, Knights of Columbus, 1923
  "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.
• Wakefield Common, July 4, 1887
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1990
• Wakefield Common, circa 1900
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1989
• Wakefield Common, circa 1900
  "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.
• Wakefield Common, circa 1893
  "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.
• Wakefield Common and Lake Quannapowitt, circa mid-1940s
  "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.
• Wakefield center, 1890
  "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.
• Wakefield & Stoneham Street Railway, circa 1907
  "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.
• Wakefield & Stoneham Street Railway, circa 1893
  "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.
• Volunteer Hose 2, Chestnut Street at Tuttle Street, May 18, 1894
  "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.
• View from Cowdrey's Hill, circa 1876
  "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.
• Vestry, Fourth Meeting House, First Parish Congregational Church, before 1909
  "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.
• Upper Depot, circa early 1900s
  "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.
• Universalist Church May Festival, 1910 or 1911
  "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.
• Tredinnicks - a Wakefield legacy
  "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.
• Train #26, May 7, 1903
  "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.
• Traders' Block, Wakefield Square, 1930
  "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.