Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Wakefield, Mass.

Items

• Track, 1966-1967
  "In 1916, a 'new' sport, track athletics, was introduced at Wakefield High School. The team slowly lost momentum, and after many years of inactivity, the indoor track team was reintroduced to WHS in 1961, competing in the Essex County League. By 1962 the team had a 7-0 record, and by 1964 had captured three league titles. The team joined the Middlesex League during the 1964-1965 school year, the first year under Coach James Duff. They won the league title that year with a 6-0-1 record. In 1966-1967, the indoor track team won the Class B State Championship. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, competition was so fierce in the league that WHS lost the league championship to Lexington by one point, in 1969. Coach Duff was also named coach of the outdoor track team during the 1964-1965 school year. In 1979, Coach Martin Callahan started a girls track team which competed in the North Shore League. They moved to the Middlesex League in 1980, taking the league crown in their first year of competition." -- Text from calendar.
• Town taxi, summer, 1943
  "Walter Walsh, proprietor of Town Taxi which was located at the corner of Main and Mechanic (Princess) Streets, found that he didn't have enough gasoline coupons to keep all his motor-driven taxis on the road all the time. Faced with the possibility that gasoline for taxicabs would be cut-off altogether during World War II, Walsh purchased a 'smart stepping horse' and an old-time depot carriage to carry his customers. The horse-drawn carriage was used to supplement his fleet of automobiles, but it was reported that many Wakefield patrons passed up the opportunity to ride in the cars when offered a choice. The carriage was an enclosed four-wheeler, allowing the two passengers to remain dry in the event of inclement weather." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Town Hall, circa 1947
  "The Wakefield Town Hall, dedicated on February 22, 1871, was the result of a community's desire to honor its citizens who answered the call to arms during the Civil War. Four years earlier, in 1867, a Soldiers Monument Association was formed to build a suitable monument or hall for that purpose. In January, 1868, the association reported to Town Meeting that Cyrus Wakefield had offered to donate a parcel of land, known as the Noah Smith lot, on Main Street at Water Street for the new Town Hall which would house an appropriate soldiers' memorial. In addition, he also pledged a sum of $30,000 or more, to build the structure which would also have a lecture hall for town meetings, and a room for the town's library. Solon Richardson also pledged $1,000 for furnishings. As a result of Cyrus Wakefield's generosity, the Town of South Reading became the Town of Wakefield in 1868. The Town Hall remained a vital part of Wakefield until a fire occurred on December 13, 1950. Some offices located in the structure were moved to the present day Town Hall, then the Lafayette Building, where they were to be temporarily located. Committees, Town Meeting voters, and Town officials discussed the renovation, as well as the razing of the structure which was still intact. Town Meeting accepted the recommendation to raze the Town Hall in March, 1958. At the same time, the Parking Committee recommended the site for use as a parking lot. The stately Town Hall was razed on October 20, 1958." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Town Farm, Farm Street, 1930
  "The Town Farm, also referred to at different times as the Town Almshouse, Town Infirmary, and Town Home, was located on Farm Street where Wakefield High School now stands. Shortly after Farm Street was accepted as a street in 1853, the Town Infirmary was built at a cost of $3766. In 1861, an out building was erected to house the 'insane inmates' at a cost of $174. During that same year, 224 'tramps' received care. By 1888, those numbers had increased to 1094 and a 'lock-up' in the Town Hall was used to house the tramps in 1889. According to reports, the Town Farm cared for more than 2,300 tramps in 1898. As a result, the 'Poor Department' built a tramp house in the rear of the Wakefield Block (Taylor Building), where they were given a night's lodging and breakfast for which they were required to saw a certain amount of wood before leaving in the morning. The Town Farm was enlarged several times over the years. A major fire on March 6, 1902 destroyed one of the new additions, with the main building saved by the fire department. At the start of World War I in 1917, the Board of Selectmen offered several acres of land at the Town Farm as its contribution to the nationwide movement to utilize all available ground for agricultural purposes. Over 100 local residents applied to use the land for farming. During the early 1920s, the Town Farm became a working farm, with a 'pig business, dairy business, poultry business, slaughterhouse and farm' on the 50-acre site, 12 acres of which were cultivated. The Town also entered into the garbage collection business to feed the pigs. In 1933, Town Meeting voted to discontinue the farm business, instead opting to 'provide adequate and proper care of the needy...and pay more attention to the infirmary.' This meant selling the livestock and farm equipment, but not the hay and manure which would be used for the garden. Town meeting also voted to get out of the garbage collection business, and against selling or leasing the easterly side of Farm and Nahant Street, excluding 'the premises retained for public welfare purposes.' An ERA project enlarged the dining room in 1935, and in 1940, the Town Report noted that 'here are gathered dependents not otherwise provided for. The purpose and effort of the Board and those in charge is to make it as real a home as possible.' At that time, there were 12 permanent residents and 12 residents who lived there during a portion of the year. The Town Home was closed somewhere around 1950. A special Town Meeting voted to maintain ownership of the land in 1955. In 1956, control of the home was transferred to the School Department and test borings were made to make a high school athletic field. In December 1960, the land housed the new Wakefield Junior High School, now Wakefield High School." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Three modes of transportation in Wakefield
  "The horse and buggy, the automobile and the electric street railway were prominent at the time this undated photograph was taken. The Wakefield & Stoneham Street Railway Company was organized in 1889, and chartered in May, 1892. The first tracks were laid in the summer of 1892, from the post office to the junction of Main and Elm Streets in Stoneham, a distance of about two miles. The first car made its run on August 14, 1892. Shortly thereafter, the Stoneham line was extended to Central Square in Stoneham, where connections were made with the Lynn and Boston Road to Melrose and Woburn. Tracks were later added to provide electric rail service from Wakefield center to Melrose, Wakefield Park on the West Side of town, Montrose, Lynn via Saugus, and Reading center. Electric rail service was slowly discontinued from 1919 to the early 1930's, when the trolley lines gave way to bus service." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Thomas Winship and Joshua Whittemore (1850 to 1900)
  "The period from 1850 to 1900 was an important time in the history of the town. South Reading became Wakefield, the town purchased the gas and electric works to form the Municipal Light Deparment, and the rattan and shoe industries were at their peak, bringing hundreds of new residents into the community. It was during this time of community growth that the Honorable Thomas Winship began his close association with Wakefield. A native of South Reading, (born in 1826), Winship attended local schools and worked as a clerk in the grocery store of Gardner and Hartshorn. He later worked as a bookkeeper in the Boston wholesale grocery store of Richardson & Hartshorn. In 1855 he became associateed with the Blackstone Bank in Boston where he gained his enormous financial knowledge as a paying teller. Upon the death of Lilley Eaton, Mr. Winship was appointed cashier of the National Bank of South Reading and treasurer of the South Reading Mechanical and Agricultural Institution. Considered an authority in finance and business transactions, he was sought after by the townspeople for their financial dealings. Because of this, he was named Treasurer of several organizations including the Citizens' Gas Light Company. He served as a member of the School Committee, a Trustee of the Beebe Town Library for over 20 years, and represented the town in the Legislature in 1876 and 1877 and the Senate in 1881 and 1882. Mr. Winship was an original Corporator of the Wakefield Savings Bank, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees. He was also one of the original stockholders of the Wakefield Water Company. Thomas Winship was also instrumental in changing the town's name to Wakefield and in the dedication of the Town Hall. He was a staunch friend and member of the Richardson Light Guard and an active member of the Masonic fraternity. Because of his involvement in the state Republican party, Winship was known throughout the Commonwealth for being a gentleman of broad intelligence, excellent judgement and sparkling wit. Born in Boston on; Caption: Wakefield Square in 1865 was mainly a residential area.
• Thomas Emerson's Sons Shoe Manufacturers, corner of Yale Avenue and Main Street, May, 1894
  "Decorated for the Town's 250th anniversary celebration, the Thomas Emerson's Sons Shoe Manufacturers was located where the Wakefield and Reading YMCA building now stands. Manufacturers of gentleman's dress shoes, the company had its offices on Summer Street in Boston, with its factory in Wakefield. The '1894 Business History of Wakefield' reported that the company was founded in 1805 by Thomas Emerson, and was the oldest shoe manufacturing establishment in the United States. Thomas Emerson was joined by his sons, Thomas 'the second,' as a partner in 1837, and James Emerson in 1851, at which time the name was changed to 'Thomas Emerson & Son.' Another name change, to Thomas Emerson's Sons, came into effect with the retirement of the founder in 1854. The addition of 'labor-saving machinery' necessitated the expansion of the business and its move from Albion Street to the Yale Avenue/Main Street site in 1863. The Thomas Emerson's Sons factory closed in 1902. The factory building was razed to make way for the YMCA." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Thomas Emerson's Sons Shoe Manufactory Office, circa 1890
  "Pictured in the office of the shoe manufactory of Thomas Emerson's Sons at the corner of Main Street and Yale Avenue are (from left) Harry Foster, James Emerson, Miss Carrie Wallace, E. Eugene Emerson and an unidentified gentleman in the derby hat. The company was established by Thomas Emerson in 1805, and was recognized as the oldest and 'one of the most honorable houses in the trade.' By the early 1890s, Thomas' son Thomas, Jr. was 'full of years' and was no longer running the company. He was succeeded by his brother James, who joined the company in 1851, and his own son, Edward Eugene, who joined the company in 1866. Both men were active in the community, with James serving as town treasurer for 25 years and commander of the Richardson Light Guard, and Eugene serving as a bank director and an active member and clerk of the Congregational Church of the First Parish. Thomas Emerson's Sons was a leader of 'fine footwear' and 'practically established the styles' of the day. They were the first shoe manufacturer to successfully operate a McKay 'sewer' stitching machine and were instrumental in introducing many new varieties of leather." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Thomas Emerson
  "Thomas Emerson was one of Wakefield's most respected citizens. Born in Reading (now Wakefield) on October 2, 1785, he was descended from a Puritan ancestry. Due to his family's limited means, he was not well educated, yet he rose above this obstacle and eventually became one of the most prominent members of the community. In 1810 he formed a successful partnership with Ebenezer Nelson for the manufacture of shoes. The partnership lasted a short time and eventually Mr. Emerson as sole owner increased the business until it was one of the most successful in the community. The factory was located on the present site of the Wakefield YMCA and produced men's shoes. Mr. Emerson was the first manufacturer in the town to inaugurate a system of cash payments to his workers in place of the previous barter system. He frequently purchased new machinery and introduced new methods for the profit of his workers. Mr. Emerson was kind and sympathetic to the poor and was a contributor to many philanthropic and missionary enterprises. In 1825 he sold his farm and surrounding buildings to the town for the sum of $3,275 to establish the Town Almshouse. He was instrumental in the formation of the South Reading Mechanical & Agricultural Institution in 1833 which was located at the corner of North Avenue and Albion Street and served as both Vice President and President. In 1844 he was elected President of the South Reading Bank, a position he held until his death. He was very well liked and was appointed to nearly every town office by his fellow citizens. He was also chosen to represent South Reading in the Legislature for eight years and served as Senator for two years. Mr. Emerson was an active member of the Congregational Church. Mr. Emerson died on November 29, 1871." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• The wharf at Lake Quannapowitt, 1905
  "During the first half of the last century, Lake Quannapowitt hosted regattas, motorboat and sailboat races, and other events both in the water and along the shore. The Lake was equipped with a wharf that served as a platform for the judges, members of the press and event/race committee members. In addition to launching boats during races and special events, the wharf was where boats were launched on warm summer days. According to published reports looking back at the era, 'sailboats, canoes, and row boats lined the water along the wharf...Wakefiedl residents enjoyed the serenity of boating and the cooling breezes of the lake.' The Wiley Boathouse is at the right, before the second story dance hall was added in 1912." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• The third home of the First Parish Congregational Church, circa 1890
  "The history of the First Parish Congregational Church is woven into the history of the Town of Wakefield. The first house of worship was erected by the citizens of Reading on the westerly side of Main Street near Albion Street. In 1689, a more 'attractive and commodious meeting house' was erected near the present church. This structure sufficed until a third more spacious edifice was built in 1768. This third structure faced west when built and had a tall spire which was blown down in the 'great gale' of 1815. The interior of the structure was completely remodeled in 1838 and again in 1859 when the structure was considered to be 'too small and inconvenient for the growing needs of society.' The building was turned around to face the south the old steeple was taken down and a new and graceful spire erected 'commodious' apartments were provided and furnished for evening meetings, Sunday school, ladies' parlor and kitchen and the interior was greatly changed and modernized. As time went on, the sanctuary was considered too small and its accommodations too limited. A look into remodeling revealed 'conditions of weakness and decay from turret to foundation.' It became evident that extensive and costly repairs would be necessary to make the church suitable, safe and modern. On December 29, 1887, the church members took preliminary steps to erect a new church upon the site of the old one, the entire cost of which was to be defrayed by voluntary subscriptions. It was necessary to obtain additional land which was subsequently secured from the old burial-yard and the open land lying northerly of Church Street by unanimous vote of the town of Wakefield. At the same time, the parish released to the town its rights to adjoining land and received permission from county and municipal officials to widen Church Street in front of the church. Impressive farewell services were held in the sanctuary on May 24, 1890 and the third structure was demolished soon after. The cornerstone for the fourth structure was laid "The history of the First Parish Congregational Church is woven into the history of the Town of Wakefield. The first house of worship was erected by the citizens of Reading on the westerly side of Main Street near Albion Street. In 1689, a more 'attractive and commodious meeting house' was erected near the present church. This structure sufficed until a third more spacious edifice was built in 1768. This third structure faced west when built and had a tall spire which was blown down in the 'great gale' of 1815. The interior of the structure was completely remodeled in 1838 and again in 1859 when the structure was considered to be 'too small and inconvenient for the growing needs of society.' The building was turned around to face the south; the old steeple was taken down and a new and graceful spire erected; 'commodious' apartments were provided and furnished for evening meetings, Sunday school, ladies' parlor and kitchen; and the interior was greatly changed and modernized. As time went on, the sanctuary was considered too small and its accommodations too limited. A look into remodeling revealed 'conditions of weakness and decay from turret to foundation.' It became evident that extensive and costly repairs would be necessary to make the church suitable, safe and modern. On December 29, 1887, the church members took preliminary steps to erect a new church upon the site of the old one, the entire cost of which was to be defrayed by voluntary subscriptions. It was necessary to obtain additional land which was subsequently secured from the old burial-yard and the open land lying northerly of Church Street by unanimous vote of the town of Wakefield. At the same time, the parish released to the town its rights to adjoining land and received permission from county and municipal officials to widen Church Street in front of the church. Impressive farewell services were held in the sanctuary on May 24, 1890 and the third structure was demolished soon after. The cornerstone for the fourth structure was laid October 11, 1890 at the southesterly corner of the tower." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• The Motorist's Corner, 1935
  "Printed weekly in the newspaper, the Motorist's Corner featured local garages, gas (filling) stations and automobile dealers that offered specials such as American Gasolene & Oil Company's lubrication and top painting combination job advertised at $1.00. The column also included motor car tips for owners, such as why and how to clean the cooling system, how radiator ornaments change the appearance of the car, how to detect if gas has entered the crankcase, how washing dust off a car is sometimes better than wiping it off with a dry cloth, and why the best tires should be on the rear wheels. Hokie's Garage, a longtime fixture in Wakefield, is still in business as the Woodville Service on Water Street. Established in Montrose around 1926 by Maurice 'Hokie' Lenfest, the business moved to the community garages at the corner of Lincoln and Mechanic (Princess) Streets in 1928. The business moved to the rear of 85 Albion Street in 1931, and, in 1936, Lenfest bought the Kirk Brothers' grain store at 62 North Avenue at the corner of North Avenue and Armory Street. Hokie closed his business in 1956 and became associate with his son Paul at Woodville Service." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• The boat house
  "Lake Quannapowitt and all its beauty has been the source of recreation for several generations of Wakefield residents. The bandstand was the scene of many concerts and the lake and her shore provided endless hours of swimming, sunbathing and boating. In 1872, Albert S. Wiley captured the spirit of the lake and established a boat house at the end of Spaulding Street. His son Will soon joined him and together they built a larger, more modern boat house, complete with a large wharf. This building stood facing West in Hartshorne's Cove, but was later turned to the North and used for several years as the Bath House. In 1887, Will Wiley erected the new boat house which stood at the end of Lake Avenue, directly on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. For several years after, Wakefield residents enjoyed the serenity of the lake with numerous sail boats, row boats and canoes lining the wharf. A dance hall was added in 1912 where several big name bands performed. After the death of Will Wiley, his widow sub-let the ballroom to local promoters, namely Kimball's and Cubberley's, and the hall soon became the recreational facility for servicemen stationed at Camp Curtis Guild during World War I. The boat house and dance hall were sold to Harold and Gertrude Hill in 1923. The Hills opened the dance hall to flower shows, exhibitions, and special events sponsored by local organizations. The Hills owned the boat house until 1963 when it was purchased by the Town. The property became a Town-owned beach and later a playground for children. Recently the Wakefield Center Neighborhood Association built a new playground for the children which was dedicated in 1987." -- Text from calendar.;Captions: 1. Wiley's Boat House was originally located at the end of Spaulding Street. In this photo, taken in 1890, the boat house and its long wharf faces West near Hartshorne's Cove. The building was later turned North and used as the bath house. -- 2. The second 'more modern' Wiley's Boat House was built in the late 1880s at the end of Lake Avenue. A dance hall was added on the second floor in 1912 and the building was purchased by the Hill family in 1923. -- 3. The site of the Wiley Boat House and its successor the Hill Boat House, is now the home of a Town-owned beach and playground. The Bath House can be seen at right.
• The Big Freight, 1930
  "Local resident Ernie Payro, son of Joseph Payro, took this photo of the 'Big Freight' with its 100 cars, in July 1930. It was taken during a time when Boston and Maine Railroad was celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the railroad and during the same month that the legendary 'Flying Yankee' first took to the rails on its express runs from Boston to Portland, Maine. According to reports, the largest of the Boston and Maine freight trains was a huge 4000 class, weighing 337 tons, with a rate of 3400 horsepower. It was said to carry 18,000 gallons of water and 24 tons of coal." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• The Armory, A Company, 6th Regiment, near the corner of Main and Water Streets, 1906
  "In April 1894, the armory in the Rink Building at 390 Main Street, was deemed unfit for use by state building inspectors, and Company A, also known as the Richardson Light Guard, was ordered to remove all state property from the building. On May 1, 1894, Town Meeting voted to appropriate $12,000 to build a new Armory. Shortly thereafter, a lot of land was purchased next to the Cutler Bros. grocery and grain store at the corner of Main and Water Streets, just south of Town Hall. To help furnish the building, the company held an event on December 19, 1894 that 'cleared' $100. The new armory was designed, built, painted and decorated by members of Company A. The new armory was dedicated on February 15, 1895 in a ceremony that was called 'a notable event' with 'many distinguished military guests' present. The evening included a banquet at 4:30 p.m., followed by a concert and grand ball attended by 100 couples. Just 16 years later, Company A was without a home again when fire partially destroyed the armory after lightning struck wires at the corner of Water and Main Streets on July 6, 1911, igniting the Cutler Bros. store and, eventually, the armory. The building was later rebuilt, with the former drill hall becoming the new home of Robert Godfrey and Jacob Barnard's Quannapowitt Bowling Alley, and the front of the building remodeled into storefronts. The company's final armory, now the Americal Civic Center, was dedicated in January 1913, and was built across the street from its former home, on the north corner of the Cyrus Wakefield estate." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• The altar at St. Joseph's Church, circa early 1900s
  "With its cornerstone laid in place on September 8, 1889, St. Joseph's Church was dedicated on November 9, 1890. This center altar, one of three, was resplendent in white and gold and was created under the watchful eye of Father J. E. Millerick, according to written reports. Its beauty and 'striking features of its beautiful interior' remained unchanged until a fire on March 24, 1977 destroyed the church building. Crews from 16 communities battled the wind-swept fire which began during the mid-morning hours. Newspaper accounts of the day reported that the fire probably began behind the altar. A new church was dedicated on June 27, 1980 at the same location at the corners of Albion, Tuttle and Murray Streets." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Testimonial dinner for Felix Pasqualino, February 21, 1934
  "The Italian-American Citizens' Club hosted a testimonial dinner for past president Felix Pasqualino in honor of his appointment as Postmaster of Wakefield. The banquet was attended by members and associate members at the club's headquarters above Paine's Clothing store (now Brother's Restaurant.) Head table guests included Selectman V. Richard Fazio, club president Virgil F. Cambareri, Rev. Theodore DeLuca, J. Henry Morgan and David T. Barry. The banquet committee included Salvatore Lazzaro, Sr., Fernando Proira, Salvatore LoFaro, Santo Savo, and Rocco Giaquinta. Mr. Pasqualino's appointment was announced by Congressman William Connery on January 15, 1934 and his confirmation was finalized by the United States Senate on February 10. According to the Italian News of Boston, Mr. Pasqualino was the youngest person in charge of a First Class Post Office in New England." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Taylor's Hardware, 1942
  "Taylor's Hardware advertised Blackout Curtains in preparation for the first town-wide test blackout on Sunday, March 15th, 1942 between 10 p.m. and 10:20 p.m. The test was conducted by the Wakefield Committee on Public Safety to comply with the Air Raid and Blackout Regulations of Executive Order 3, issued by Governor Leverett Saltonstall on January 8th. These orders were issued following the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The orders required occupants of 'premises or parts of premises, public or private' to extinguish all lights or darken the premises so that no light was visible from the outside. All private signs, storefronts and other public lighting displays were to be extinguished at 10 p.m., and owners or tenants of factories, churches, municipal buildings, stores and office buildings were to provide watches during the blackout. This work was to be done without compensation, as it was the 'duty of defense.' Dog owners were advised to keep their animals inside or restrained during the blackout so they would not become nervous and attack the numerous air-raid wardens who were on patrol. Several similar tests were administered during the year. The blackout regulations were lifted in 1944." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Swimming at Lake Quannapowitt, 1948
  "Although a bath house was located on Spaulding Street for many years, swimmers flocked to other parts of Lake Quannapowitt to beat the summer heat. The head of the lake was a popular spot, with swimmers flocking to the area often referred to as Boulevard Beach. Other popular swimming areas included the area of Beacon Street where the Girl Scouts conducted their swimming classes. Swimming in Lake Quannapowitt was once such a popular pastime that the bath house had extended hours during heat waves. In the late 1940s, the Town Planning Board called attention to the 'conditions' at the head of the lake, referring the matter to the Metropolitan District Commission. It was the Board's intention to eventually build an additional bath house for swimmers. Eventually, the Town established another supervised swimming area at Col. Connelly Park." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Stringer Block, 29 Albion Street, 1937
  "The block on Albion Street known as the Stringer Block was occupied by the John T. Stringer Funeral Parlor, a firm which was established in 1911. In September, 1930, Stringer opened and formally dedicated a new funeral home. An open house was held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the public was invited to 'inspect the establishment and complete line of modern equipment' which made it 'one of the most up-to-date and fully equipped funeral homes of its kind.' The announcement of the grand opening also boasted of the installation of the 'latest' type of oil burner. Mr. Stringer's office was centrally located and the chapel, which accommodated 85 people 'seated', was at the rear of the building. The chapel addition had been 'stuccoed' in harmony with the finish of the funeral home. The chapel itself was determined to be a 'most welcome innovation...extremely useful when restricted space, inconvenient location or other sicknesses in the family' made it impractical to conduct the funeral from a private home. Mr. Stringer was also an insurance salesman and was very active in the Town of Wakefield. He was a member of the Expansion Board and served as the President of the Business Men for five years, among other endeavors." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Stout Building - Wakefield Rattan Company, circa 1866
  "The rattan industry was established by Cyrus Wakefield sometime in the 1830s or 1840s. In 1855, Cyrus Wakefield, a resident of the Town of South Reading, brought his growing enterprise to South Reading. He purchased property on Water Street, 'a short distance east of the Center Depot,' which consisted of two mill ponds, one on each side of the road, and a few small buildings which had been used for various manufacturing purposes. The Stout Building, a cane a rattan shop, was named after Richard S. Stout, one of Wakefield's foremost citizens and a large stockholder in the company. He was the superintendent of this department, a position which was later held by his son, George H. Stout. The building was destroyed in the great fire of 1881, which destroyed all original buildings, with the exception of a large, long wooden building near the Vernon Street side of the property. Damage was estimated to be $190,000 and the company went on to rebuild, eventially becoming the largest rattan business in the nation." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Stereograph of the First Parish Congregational Church circa 1880s
  "When viewed through a stereoscope or special glasses, two superimposed stereoscopic pictures create a two [i.e three] dimensional effect. The third home of the First Parish Congregational Church was built in 1768, facing west at the site of its current home adjacent to the lower common. It was turned to face south in 1859 with its interior enlarged and modernized. By the 1880s, the church was said to be in need of extensive repairs. A farewell service was held in May 1890 and the building was razed soon after." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Steamer Minnie Maria, circa 1873
  "The steamer, Minnie Maria, was built by Augustus Taylor, who 'had Mr. Moody do the actual work on the steamer,' according to the diary of Capt. James F. Emerson. The steamer was launched on Lake Quannapowitt on June 10, 1871. In 1874, a 30' canal was started through Reading Meadow to take Reading residents aboard, but was later abandoned. The steamer was drawn out of the lake on November 26, 1874, and, on May 24, 1876, the steamer was drawn to Spy Pond in Arlington by ten horses. The Minnie Maria was destroyed by fire in February 1878. In the photograph, the Minnie Maria was opposite 'the Carpenter's house - to the left of the steamer was Mrs. Courtney's laundry,' according to an entry in the diary." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• State Armory, Main Street, circa 1912
  "Called an 'architectural ornament' to the town, the State Armory was built of brick and limestone, with artificial stone and granite trimmings in colonial design. It was built to be different in appearance from other armories in Massachusetts and was planned to be less severe in outward appearance. The armory was dedicated on January 15, 1913. According to printed reports, 'The entire building fronts 77 feet, four inches on Main Street, and is 148 feet deep.' The drill shed at 109 feet long was a full 20 feet longer and 17 feet wider than its predecessor that was destroyed by fire in 1910. It was also noted that 'four handsome columns add to the imposing character of the front of the headhouse, and the approach is by a fine granolithic walk.' Inside the main public entrance, a bronze tablet was placed bearing the date the armory was built, along with the names of the governor, adjutant governor, members of the armory commission and advisory member, Capt. McMahon. The armory was built on the north corner of the Cyrus Wakefield estate, seen at the left of the picture, before Armory Street was graded later that year. In 1922, the knoll and driveway in front of the armory and new high school was cut away, Main Street was widened, anbd the curve on the street was eliminated. In 1923, the retaining wall in front of the armory was moved forward to align the armory lot and wall with the high school lot. This enabled the town to lay a straight sidewalk." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Stage of the Wakefield Town Hall, circa 1900
  "Wakefield's Town Hall (pictured decorated for a Masonic party) was located at the corner of Main Street and Water Street. The gift of the land and money for the building was presented to the Town in 1868 by Cyrus and Eliza A. Wakefield. The deed for the land and building read 'a building designed for a Town House and for municipal purposes but also with the desire and intent that such portions thereof as are adapted thereto, shall be, from time to time, devoted to use for patriotic, charitable, scientific, military, literary, aesthetic, educational, moral and religious purposes, and for meetings, lectures and addresses promotive thereof - as a free and unrestricted gift to the town.' Two portraits were hung at the left and right of the stage one of George Washington and one of Cyrus Wakefield. The Washington portrait was presented in 1872 as a gift to express the townspeople's gratitude to Cyrus Wakefield for his generosity. The portrait, painted by South Reading native Thomas Badger, was a copy of an original painted by Gilbert Stuart in 1796 which was said to have been in the Carlton House in London. After raising the necessary funds, the townspeople also commissioned a portrait of Cyrus Wakefield which was completed in 1783 by Thomas H. Badger, son of Thomas. The paintings were restored and repaired in 1929. A fire in the Town Hall occurred on December 13, 1950. The building was razed on October 20, 1958." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• St. Joseph's Parochial School, circa 1930
  "St. Joseph's Parochial School was built under the guidance of Father Florence J. Halloran. In addition to overseeing the building of the school, he was responsible for a mission chapel built in Lynnfield in 1922 the Chapel of the Most Blessed Sacrament (1928) and the Santissima Maria del Carmine Society chapel on Water Street, a mission of St. Joseph's Church. A new parish was formed in 1947, named in memory of Father Florence Halloran who passed away on March 26, 1947. St. Joseph's School opened on September 9th, 1925 with 92 students in the first and second grades. The school was staffed by two teachers and a music teacher, all Sisters in the Order of St. Joseph. A grade was added each year. The building had 11 classrooms, six which were occupied when the school year began in 1929. The building was described as 'architecturally beautiful...the structure is of waterstruck brick with trimmings of cast stone at the entrance and at the pinnacles.'" -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• St. Joseph's Church, 1899
  "Prior to July 1851, South Reading Catholics were accustomed to traveling to Lynn to attend Mass, and sick calls were attended from St. Mary's Church in Boston. The first Catholic Mass in South Reading was heard at the Junction home of Malachy Kenney with 'between 200 and 300' people in attendance, most coming from surrounding communities. The following day, using $600 collected at the Mass for the purpose of securing a church lot, Rev. Thomas H. Shahan purchased a 150' x 80' piece of land on Albion Street. While work on the church was in progress, Mass was celebrated once a month, usually in a private home, although it was officiated twice in the town hall. The first church stood 100' from the railroad tracks and faced Albion Street. With the increase in the number of Catholics, additional land was purchased for a new church building which was dedicated on November 9, 1890. Constructed of wood, with a tall spire surmounted by a gilded cross, the church could seat about 1200 people, including the space in the two galleries of the main body and in the easterly gallery where the organ was located. There were three altars, the central one resplendent with white and gold memorial windows (the gift of individuals and societies) stained glass windows massive pillars and ornate decorations of fresco work. St. Joseph's Church was destroyed by a general alarm fire in March, 1977. A new church building was dedicated with a Mass on June 27, 1980." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• St. Joseph's Church 100th anniversary banquet, October 12, 1954
  "St. Joseph's Church celebrated its 100th anniversary with a week-long celebration which began on Tuesday, October 5th, 1954 with a 'monster whist party' at the church hall, and ended on October 12th with a high votive Mass on Wakefield Common in the morning and a banquet and dance at the State Armory in the evening. Over 1,000 people attended the Mass, and 585 attended the banquet. The Auxiliary Bishop of the Boston Archdiocese, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Eric F. MacKenzie presided at the Mass, with Pastor and celebrant, Reverend Frederick Deasy. The procession onto the Common was led by the 4th degree Knights of Columbus, and the 100-member Nazareth Academy Girls' Choir performed that duty. The banquet and dance, under the direction of the committee led by Walter Slocumb, was held at the State Armory (now the Civic Center). Guests received a souvenir booklet which included information about the parish, including photographs, and a list of the names of the 22 men who became priests, and the 33 women who joined a religious order. The guests were entertained by Joseph McDonald who sang 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and 'Little Things Mean a Lot.' Following dinner, dancing music was provided upstairs by Jack Hennessy's eight-piece orchestra, and color movies of parish events played in the downstairs room." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• St. Joseph's Church
  "During the early days, when Wakefield was still called South Reading, Catholics in this 1500-resident community did not have a church of their own. When they wanted to congregate for worship, they travelled to Lynn. Some years later, several members of the Catholic community approached a priest from Salem who agreed to say Mass in Wakefield. The first Mass was attended by only a few Wakefield families, with over 200 people attending from the surrounding towns. The money received from this Mass was enough to buy a 150' by 80' parcel of land on Albion Street. A chapel was built on this land in 1852 and was dedicated as the Church of St. Mary's on August 18, 1854. The town of Wakefield grew tremendously over the next two decades and necessitated additional space for worship. In 1870, plans were drawn to build a church to seat 800 people and the original church was moved to Murray Street and became known as Lyceum Hall, and later as St. Joseph's Hall. In November, 1871 the new church opened with a front entrance on Albion Street. The Church of St. Mary's, which was previously considered a mission, became a full parish and was renamed St. Joseph's Church in 1873. A rectory was later built on the corner of Gould and Albion Streets. Every family in the parish was required to rent pew space for a period of three months. The church became too small and additional land was purchased. Over a period of 16 years, the church was moved closer to the railroad tracks, the nave was extended, the spire was erected, the entrance was changed to Tuttle Street, and a basement was added. The new church, officially dedicated in November 1890, cost $30,000 and had a seating capacity of 1200. The church was the victim of two fires. The first occurred on September 20, 1963 with substantial water damage, while the second completely gutted the church on March 24, 1977. Parishioners attended Mass at the Wakefield Jr. High School until the church was rebuilt and dedicated on June 27, 1980. Today the church is in the same locati;Captions: 1. The church prior to the 1977 fire. -- 2. St. Joseph's Church in 1860. The front entrance was located on Albion Street -- 3. St. Joseph's Church boasts a modern, elliptical shape.
• Speedboat regatta, Lake Quannapowitt, summer, 1929
  "An estimated crowd of 20,000 people attended the first outboard motor race ever held on Lake Quannapowitt. The race was also the first of its kind to be held on inland waters in this region and attracted 45 entrants who participated in one of six events each event included a first heat, second heat and the finals. The Class E race determined the 'fastest boat.' The race was conducted by the Expansion Board as a sporting event for Wakefieldians and 'to bring visitors to the town, put the town on the map and stamp Wakefield as up to date.' While scores of people lined the shores of the lake, the balcony of Harold J. Hill's Wakefield Boat House was reserved for guests, with the wharf open only to the committee, officials and the press. According to published reports, 'the Common itself and the boathouse never saw such extensive smoking among women folk. Girls and women of all ages could be seen contentedly puffing away at their cigarettes." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Spanish War Veterans Welcome Home Day, October 13, 1919
  "The Spanish War veterans marched in the Welcome Home Day parade 'in force, the men who followed the Civil War veterans as their country's defenders...they marched together for the last time, these heroic men whom the entire town delighted to honor, a khaki host that made a picture that will remain in the memories of those who beheld them for many a day. The line of march was lined with a tremendous crowd on foot and in automobiles and these applauded heartily as the heroes passed by.' The parade was held to honor the returning veterans of World War I. The Richardson Light Guard was called to action when the United States declared War on Spain on April 26, 1898. The 6th Regiment, of which Company A of the Richardson Light Guard was a member, was the first regiment to offer its services as a volunteer regiment. The men left town on May 6, 1898 under Captain Edward J. Gihon and were mustered into United States service on May 12, 1898 as Company A, 6th Massachusetts Volunteers. The men traveled to Virginia and South Carolina and boarded the Yale to the battlefront in Cuba, Guantanamo and finally Puerto Rico. They were the first United States Regiment to land there. The Regiment returned to Wakefield later that year. The veterans formed the Corp. Charles F. Parker Camp 39, United States Spanish War Veterans organization in 1909 with principles of freedom, patriotism and humanity. On October 12, 1926, the Spanish War Veterans' Hiker Monument was dedicated at the Rockery in honor of the men who served in the war." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• South Main Street, circa 1930
  "The Atwell High School, built in the early 1920's, was the site of the former Cyrus Wakefield estate. At the rear of the school was a tennis court, football field and baseball diamond. The Wakefield Theatre was opened in 1916 in the Appleton Building by Charles W. Hodgdon, owner of the Premier Theatre (later the Princess Theatre) on Mechanic (Princess) Street. The theatre closed in 1972. L.B. Evans' Son Co. Shoe Manufacturer building was built in 1893 with additions in 1903, 1911 and 1920. The building and the company were sold in 1979. The Elizabeth E. Boit Home for Women was established in 1894 and is located at 5 Bennett Street (far left, near the center of the photo.) Additional information about the Boit Home is provided elsewhere. The Henry F. Miller Piano Company moved to Wakefield in 1884 to a six-story building behind the former Town Hall at the corner of Water and Smith Streets. The company manufactured pianos at the site until 1929 and relocated back to Boston in 1932. Wakefield Town Hall was built during the late 1860's after Cyrus Wakefield presented the town with a donation of $30,000 and a building lot in 1867 for the purpose of erecting a soldiers memorial hall. The town hall was dedicated on February 22, 1871. The building was destroyed by fire and was subsequently razed in 1958." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• South end of Lake Quannapowitt, August 1948
  "This photo was probably taken when a Tydol dirigible, formerly used by the US Navy, flew over the area in August 1948. The blimp was east of Wakefield when the pilot changed his course to the northwest to fly over the north ward and the head of the lake, along its shoreline and over the common where it circled back and left the area. The blimp was in the area for three weeks and was operated by the Tide Water Associated Oil Company to advertise 'Flying A Gasoline' with its slogan 'A Whale of a Deal.' The 254' blimp featured a 200' animated whale on one side that was made up of 4,500 light bulbs. The whale 'swam' in an ocean of 2,000 light bulbs, flapped its tail and spouted water. There were a total of 11,500 lights attached to both sides of the blimp. During the day, the blimp's advertisement featured painted signs that measured 37' high by 178' long. Prominently featured in the forefront of the photo is Hills Boathouse, which was razed in 1964 part of the former Morrill-Atwood Ice Company (then the Metropolitan Ice Company), razed in 1960 and the bathhouse, built in 1940 and moved to the Forest Glade Cemetery in 1994." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Sons of Italy, Water Street, July 4, 1922
  "Members of the Sons of Italy, Lodge 359, were among the representatives of fraternal groups that participated in the annual Fourth of July Parade sponsored by a special committee of the Chamber of Commerce. The two mile parade began at 10 a.m. and was held despite threatening skies that later postponed the highly anticipated $1,000 fireworks display. The parade divisions included military, fraternal, industrial, automobile, and horribles. Musical accompaniment was provided by Gallo's Band, Teel's Band, Waltham Watch Company Band, Chapman's Band, St. Joseph's Band, and the Wakefield Fife and Drum Corps. In addition to the Sons of Italy, fraternal organizations included the Holy Mary del Carmine Society, The Moose, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, Hibernians, Eagles, and the Elks, all of whom wore 'special effects.' The Italian societies turned out in large numbers, wearing regalia and carrying banners. The money for the 1922 parade was raised by popular subscription. Because there were showers in the early morning, the parade committee was able to collect $1,000 in insurance, even though the parade went on as planned. The Executive Committee of the 4th of July parade committee of 1922 voted in May 1930 to give the surplus money to the Tercentenary committee and 4th of July parade committee of 1930." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Settlers' Day procession
  "As part of the 250th Anniversary of the 'Settlement and Incorporation of the old Town of Redding', a procession through several streets began on Main Street and traveled up Sweetser Street to Pleasant, Park, Main, Yale Avenue, Railroad (North Avenue), Chestnut, Park Avenue, Dell Avenue, Converse, Gould, Albion, Railroad, Chestnut to Main Street where the procession passed in review before Governor Frederic T. Greenhalge. The procession included dignitaries from throughout Massachusetts, followed by four divisions of marchers, barges and wagons. Among the participants were more than 1,000 school children, occupying 30 barges, and local tradesmen and businesspeople. The extensive list of participants does not mention the group pictured. A letter to the editor in the Wakefield Daily Item a few days later mentions the lack of recognition for the Town's Indian heritage. Just 15 years later, Wakefield's Wahpatuck Tribe 54, Improved Order of Red Men received its charter and eventually became the largest tribe of Red Men in the state. The name originated from Chief Wahpatuck, Sachem of the Massachusetts Indians, who was killed in 1669 while on a raid against the Mohawks. With a membership of over 250 in 1944, the Red Men had what members referred to as their wigwam at 33 West Water street." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Santoro's Cafe, 1935
  "Santoro's Cafe (as spelled by the establishment) at 502-504 Main Street in 'lower' Wakefield Square, opened in mid-1934 as a 'clean and orderly establishment,' a place where a man could bring his wife, sweetheart, or sister. In January, 1935, proprietor Michael Santoro took over the adjoining store, made it a 'neat, clean and attractive' annex with 12 cozy booths, one of which was big enough to accommodate 10 to 15 people. This annex was reserved solely for ladies, and was decorated in a tropical theme with soft colored lights, palm trees, beautiful wall paintings, a smooth dance floor and a melodious three piece orchestra. The caf??, which opened just one year after the repeal of Prohibition, advertised that all drinks were properly mixed by an expert bartender and all liquor regulations were observed." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Rosson's Quannapowitt Grove, circa 1910
  "Located at the northern end of Lake Quannapowitt, Rosson's Quannapowitt Picnic Grove and Boat Livery may have been a stop along the Wakefield and Stoneham Street Railway system's Lakeside Route. Moxie, first sold as a soft drink in 1884, was prominently featured on the front of the building. Moxie outsold Coca-Cola until the 1920s. In 1910, the Town was taking action to buy most of the land at the north end of the Lake, from Rosson's Grove to the Boston Ice House, and to use funding from the Metropolitan Park Service parks program. In October 1910, Town representatives and the Park Service 'tramped through the marshes at Rosson's Grove' to contemplate the validity of making a road connecting North Avenue and Main Street." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Rosson's Quannapowitt Grove, circa 1899
  "According to Town of Wakefield Polls and Estate Tax records of the 1890s, Rosson's Boat Livery was located at 19 Lowell Street at the head of the Lake. Although the 20-acre lakefront property was referred to as the Charles P. Rosson estate, the taxes were assessed to Emma Rosson. In 1895, the Rosson property included a dwelling house, 20 acres of land, 25 horses, cows and swine, barns and a shed. By 1899, the property list also included a boathouse and a shop. The boathouse and picnic grove hosted many community events including fireworks and a dance on July 3rd, 1900 to celebrate Independence Day. Canoes and rowboats were also 'at the disposal of the patrons.' An advertisement of the same time noted that C.P. Rosson's Quannapowitt Grove was open to the public for pleasure and picnic parties with boats and canoes for rent or sale. Also referred to as Rosson's Quannapowitt Picnic Grove, the property was near the Reading Citizens Ice House owned by E.E. Nichols and Son of Reading, an ice company that sold ice only to Reading residents. The icehouse was reported to be located where Col. Connelly Park now stands." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Richardson Light Guard, Richardson home, Main and Richardson Avenue, 1877
  "The Richardson Light Guard marched to the home of the late Dr. Solon Richardson in full dress, which may have been prior to the 'mammoth military pageant' in Boston to honor President Rutherford B. Hayes on June 26, 1877. The Richardson home at the corner of Main and Richardson Avenue was built in 1817 and immediately occupied by Dr. Nathan Richardson and his family, including his son Solon, who was instrumental in the founding of the Richardson Light Guard. The house faced Main Street and had extensive land between Main Street and North Avenue. The land was divided during the late 1890s and the house was moved to the corner of Foster Street and Richardson Avenue. Following the death of Solon Richardson, Jr., the house was sold and was purchased by the jeweler, H.S. Sorenson. It was also home to the Colonial Inn. The Richardson Building, a commercial building, was erected on the original site of the house on Main Street in 1901." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Removing the street railway tracks, July 1949
  "According to published reports, the town was to receive more than $42,000 in Chapter 90 funds from the state's Highway Department to rebuild and resurface Main Street, from the Common south to the Greenwood School. To enable the work to be done at one time, the town 'put up' an additional $10,000 for the work, and the state agreed to give the 1949 and 1950 Chapter 90 fund allotments at one time. The project was estimated to cost $52,000. Work on the section from the Common to Water Street was done by S. Rotondi & Sons. The company used a 60-ton digger to rip up the old trolley car rails that were buried under the old macadam. After being ripped out of the old paving, the rails were piled on the side of the center excavation and removed by S. Casper & Sons, the 'junk dealers' who were awarded the $12 per ton bid. The works also included putting in granite capstones to cover a center drain that ran down the middle of Main Street, and the removal of two fire cisterns in front of the library and Lane's Drug Store. The cisterns were used to hold water for fighting fires before the town had its own water system. The broken macadam, gravel and old paving blocks were used to fill in the old skating rink at Hall's Park." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Reception parade for Company A, August 25, 1917
  "Thousands of Wakefield residents, business owners and their employees turned out for the welcome parade for the boys of the Richardson Light Guard Company A who returned home from training in Ayer on Saturday, August 25, 1917. Less than 24 hours later, the soldiers were on their way back to Ayer where they would soon be off to war. After their arrival at the Center Station on Water Street was heralded by the 'old Military call on the fire alarm,' Company A disembarked from the train on the factory field side and formed in line with the Special Committee on Public Safety. Led by the committee president Charles E. Walton and a platoon of police under the Chief Pollard as escort, the parade was greeted by cheering crowds as they marched up Water Street to the square, up Main Street to Avon Street, where they turned and proceeded to the Armory. They disbanded only to return to the State Armory for an informal reception for the soldiers and their 'lady friends' later that evening. The following day, 'long before 10 a.m.,' crowds again began to gather in Wakefield square for the 10:30 a.m. sendoff parade which left from the Armory and proceeded to the Common, down Chestnut Street and to the Upper Station where the 'wives, parents, sisters, brothers, sweethearts and friends bid tearful farewell to the boys in khaki.' The expenses associated with bringing Company A to Wakefield and entertaining them was borne by the members of the Fine Members Association of the Richardson Light Guard, an association comprised of civilians who each paid annual membership dues of $3. The association decided to fund the reception rather than hold its annual banquet." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Rattan factory
  "The rattan industry, brought to South Reading by Cyrus Wakefield, was more than just a manufacturing operation. It is the reason Wakefield is what it is today. Founded by Mr. Wakefield in 1856, the Wakefield Rattan Company was at one time the largest employer and taxpayer in the town and was the reason why so many workers moved to South Reading. The employees of the plant were required to work a 55 hour week during the company's most productive period. This, however, was changed in 1917 to a 50 hour week, or 9 hours per day. The Wakefield Rattan Company factory was located on 11 acres on the north side of Water Street and earned a reputation for its rattan furniture, railroad car seats, trolley car and bus seats, baby carriages, cocoa mats and matting. The Wakefield Rattan Company was absorbed by the Heywood Brothers of Gardner in 1897 and subsequently became known as the Heywood-Wakefield Company. The industry remained strong until 1931 when changes in the economy and furniture styles resulted in the dismantling of the Wakefield plant and consolidation of the operation into the Gardner plant. What could have been dealt a fatal blow to the town was averted when the Heywood-Wakefield Company had the foresight to rent portions of the buildings to small companies and industries. The result was a thriving industrial establishment with several smaller and diversified industries, many of whom flourished during World War II. The industrial complex was the victim of fire, once as the Heywood-Wakefield Company in 1881, the other as the Robie Industrial Park in 1972. The industrial park now houses several businesses and is relatively small compared to the once thriving hub of the town." -- Text from calendar.
• Quannapowitt Yacht Club, Linda Road, circa 1948
  "The first mention of a Quannapowitt Yacht Club appeared in a news article in April 1895, which stated that a group of men gathered at the home of Will H. Wiley to organize the club, elect officers, and adopt a constitution. Its purpose 'shall be the promotion of rowing, canoeing, and sailing and the encouragement of sociability among its members.' Anticipating great interest in the club, membership was offered at a fee of $2.00 and was limited to 100 people. Little mention is made of the yacht club from the early 1900s to 1912 when another reorganization meeting was held, again at Mr. Wiley's home. With a fee of $5.00 and no annual dues for the first year, the Quannapowitt Yacht Club revised the former yacht club constitution and bylaws on May 17, 1912. The club had three classes of boats with a cup awarded in each class after a seven-race series. Interest in sailing on Lake Quannapowitt fluctuated during the next two decades, with renewed interest in 1931, and again in 1936. On April 26, 1936, a reorganization meeting was held at Hill's Boathouse and a charter was written, modeled after the Boston Yacht Club charter. The club's red, white and blue triangular shaped pennant was adopted in 1938. In 1940, a new charter was written and the Quannapowitt Yacht Club was incorporated. Although plans for a permanent home for the club were initiated in 1942, it wasn't until spring 1947 that club members towed their floats from Hill's Boathouse to a site 'near the old Boston Ice Houses,' on property owned by club member Wendell Vidito. The club subsequently purchased the 9000 sq. ft. property on Linda Road for the sum of $1100 and a 12' x 20' club house was built near the beach. It was built so that it could be moved or added to in future years. On Memorial Day, 1948, after the members dug the foundation by hand, the clubhouse was moved to a concrete foundation on a hill. Additional land was purchased in 1953, and in 1961 the present clubhouse was built, with a porch added in 1971." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'On
• Purrington Power Sprayer, circa 1900
  "The Purrington Power Sprayer was built in Wakefield by E.I. Purrington, Machinist, in his shop on Centre Street (near Main Street.) The sprayer was used for pest control and tree spraying, as well as for the spraying of gypsy moths. The machine was horse-drawn, with the driver seated at the top. The machine was used not only in Wakefield, but in area communities by individuals who were hired to spray. In addition to the Power Sprayer, Mr. Purrington's newspaper advertisement showed he was a 'jack-of-all-trades': 'automobiles, gas engines and machinery, bought, sold and repaired, pattern and model making, machine work of all kinds in wood or metal.' He also built many homes in Wakefield." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Pumping station at Crystal Lake, 1905
  "For more than three decades, there was substantial discussion and debate regarding domestic water supply to the town of Wakefield. In 1872, a group of concerned citizens petitioned the legislature to charter the Quannapowitt Water Company to give the provate company the right to take water from Quannapowitt and Crystal Lakes with the tributary waters which flow into them. The bill was hastened by the fact that the cities of Lynn and Boston had made preliminary examinations of the lakes for the purpose of adding them to their own water supplies. The town of Stoneham challenged the bill, and it was later amended to include the neighboring town. After several years of inactivity, Wakefield residents authorized a contract in 1882 with the company for 60 hydrants at $50 each per year, for a total of ten years. The same arrangement was made with Stoneham in 1883. In April 1883, a contract was signed with a Springfield company to build the water works and lay pipes in the two towns. Work progressed quickly, and the company began supplying water to the town from Crystal Lake on December 1, 1883. The works consisted of a pumping station with two large pumps capable of pumping three million gallons in 24 hours, a boiler house, pipe factory, coal shed, stable, superintendent's house and a large iron standpipe (with a capacity of 563,000 gallons) which was built on the highest point in Stoneham. In 1883, the company changed its name to Wakefield Water Company and on December 2, 1903, the town aquired the company and all its rights, pipes, hydrants, plant and equipment through an act of the legislature." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Proctor family, circa 1899
  "The Proctor family moved to the Town of Wakefield from Maine when Edward Everett Proctor took a job with the newly created Municipal Light Department. The family took up residence on the western part of Chestnut Street. Among family members pictured in the buggy: (back row) Edith Proctor (who later married Henry Miller of the Henry F. Miller & Sons Piano Company), Hattie Proctor and Grace Otis Proctor. (Front row): Arthur Proctor, Edward Otis Proctor (who later served as Assistant Attorney General under Massachusetts Governor Paul Dever) and Edward Everett Proctor." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Princess Theatre, circa 1944
  "The Princess Theatre opened for business on Mechanic Street (later Princess Street) on October 5, 1912 under the ownership of Charles W. Hodgdon. The building was previously used for storage and once housed a mattress factory owned by Thomas E. Staples. Using equipment he purchased from the owners of the former Premier Theatre, Hodgdon began operations and by 1914, the Princess theatre was showing moving pictures as well as presenting 'drama.' During that time, state law required five minutes of music or vaudeville for every 20 minutes of film to avoid a harmful effect on the eyes from the flicker of the film (so-called for the jerky film sequences). It is reported that W.C. Field [i.e. Fields] and Fred Allen appeared at the Princess on their way to stardom. Hodgdon leased the Wakefield Theatre in 1916, keeping it open throughout the year while closing the Princess Theatre during the summer. Since theatres could not have commercial showings on Sunday, several local organizations, civic groups and other associations were given special permits to sponsor one Sunday movie each year. On March 14, 1930, Wakefield residents voted 1225-1173 to allow commercial showings on Sunday, with each program to be approved weekly by the Board of Selectmen. A blanket approval was granted on February 6, 1934. In 1938, the Princess Theatre underwent a complete remodeling and modernization, making it one of the most beautiful and finest theaters in the area. The Theatre reopened in October, 1938, with 'Letter of Introduction' starring Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. The Princess Theatre was closed for a short time during World War II due to 'lack of employees' only to reopen six weeks after the end of the war. At the time, a two-feature move cost $.35 per ticket. The Princess Theatre was air conditioned in 1946 and Cinemascope was added in 1955. The Theatre was razed in June 1971 to make way for the Princess Plaza, a three-story professional office building." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Princess Theatre, 1914
  "More than 150 people were turned away from the 8 p.m. showing of 'The Last Days of Pompeii' the 'longest and best-ever' film presented at the Princess Theatre. All but the first two rows of seats on the floor of the 1000 seat theatre were taken during the afternoon showing. Many in the audience had never been in the theatre, and most had never seen anything but the 'ordinary run of motion pictures.' According to an article in the next day's paper, the audience had 'their eyes opened to the real greatness of the photo-play industry. Especially thrilling were the scenes showing the chariot races, the lion's den and, capping the climax of all, the realistic eruption of Vesuvius and the mad flight of the inhabitants.' The performance of Boston's Tremont Temple soloist Mme. Wilhelmina Wright Calvert was said to be 'superfluous'." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Postman on Main Street, 1931
  "Before the town's first post office opened in 1812 on Main Street, private citizens returning from the Charlestown Toll House delivered mail to a central location. In 1854, Postman Samuel Kingman built a new post office at the corner of Main and Albion Streets. It was Kingman who introduced mail delivery to the community when he stood outside various churches on Sunday to deliver mail to the intended recipients. Rural free delivery was introduced to the United States in the 1890s as an experiment to deliver mail to farmers and others living outside urban areas, and parcel post became law in 1912 with service beginning in January 1913. The mail truck in the picture encouraged savings while the Postman made his rounds. In 1910, an Act of Congress established a postal savings system in post offices designed to encourage savings, especially for immigrants who were accustomed to saving at post offices in their native countries, and to furnish more convenient depositories for working people, since many post offices were open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., six days a week. By 1929, $153 million was on deposit, reaching $1.2 billion during the 1930s. Savings jumped again during World War II, peaking in 1947 at almost $3.4 billion." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Post Office, Albion Street, April 1, 1924
  "After more than 20 years in the Richardson Building on Main Street, the Post Office moved to a new home at 9 Albion Street, between the Kingman and Caldwell Buildings, in 1924. When the Post Office opened for business on April 1, 1924, customers had to walk around the temporary shelter at the front of the building while construction workers finished the second floor. The Wakefield Item noted that the two-story brick structure 'presents a business-like compact and neat appearance from the outside with a revolving, four-sided door in the center. It is flanked on either side by mullioned windows.' The new building provided 2,000 square feet of working space, while the old quarters had 1,100 square feet of space. The lobby measured 26' x 13.5' with parcel post and general delivery windows to the right 'almost in front of the door'. An emergency general delivery and stamp window was located around the corner, open only in 'times of rush, such as Christmas. The call boxes of more approved types than the ones in the old building' were located to the left. Behind the window partitions were the rooms used by the carriers to sort the mail. At the rear of the building was the loading room and the platform, the entrance for which was from Chestnut Street. It was noted that the entrance would be available when the 'bank building is completed.' The carrier could wheel his routing cart beyond the swinging doors to the platform. The basement, 'known in the postal parlance as the swing room,' contained the carriers' lockers and equipment, as well as lavatories and a washroom, which were not quite fully installed in time for the opening. The Post Office occupied the building until January, 1937. The Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department bought the building in 1943." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Post Office, Albion and Main Streets, 1894
  "The Post Office was among the many public and private buildings and homes which were decorated for the Town's 250th anniversary celebration in 1894. The building was draped in the national colors, with a large portrait of George Washington at the center of the building's facade with the words 'Welcome' placed above the entrance. The 'stately building' was built in 1860 by Davis and Bryant under the guidance of postmaster Samuel Kingman. A tailor by trade, Kingman was a member of the Board of Selectmen and was the town's representative to the Massachusetts Legislature. Although a member of the democratic party, the town's minority party, his election in 1850 was attributed to to a coalition of the 'Free Soil Party' with the anti-slavery element of the democratic party. He was also a lieutenant in the Richardson Light Guard and a commander of a military company, the Washington Rifle Grays. He was appointed as South Reading's sixth postmaster in 1853 and, when the town changed its name in 1868, he was reappointed as Wakefield's first postmaster. He retired from the position in 1873, and has been credited for the first free mail delivery in the community. The Kingman block remained in the Kingman family until it was bought by the Middlesex Traders, a local citizen-based realty investment organization, in June 1895. The building housed the post office until 1901 when it moved to the corner of Main Street and Richardson Avenue. It has also been home to the Richardson Light Guard, the Ancient Order of Hibernian Hall and the Red Men's Hall." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Police department
  "The 1935 Wakefield Police Department had 13 regular officers patrolling the streets of Wakefield under Chief James J. Pollard. The force included the chief, two sergeants and ten patrolmen. To effectively protect the citizens of Wakefield, their annual operating budget for that year was $35,000. Today, over 50 years later, there are 12 commanding officers and 35 patrolmen on the Wakefield Police Department. John G. Gates and George B. DeRoche were the first Sergeants appointed to the Wakefield Police Department. Sgt. DeRoche was then promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, making him the first Wakefield police officer to attain the rank. Today, the 12 commanding officers include 1 Chief, 4 Lieutenants, and 7 Sergeants." -- Text from calendar.;Captions: 1. The 1940 Wakefield Police Department - (front row, left to right) James F. Hartnett, John A. Peterson, Sgt. Merritt Wenzel, Lieut. George B. DeRoche, Chief John G. Gates, Sgt. Walter E. Peterson, James A. McFadden, Joseph A. Preston, Eugene McDonnell. (second row, left to right) Joseph Fazio, Eugene Hathaway, John J. Mahoney, Peter Quinn, Harold Maloney, Morton B. Griffin, Winslow Smith, William Jack, Charles Sullivan. (third row, left to right) John E. Martin, Raymond J. Beane, Edwin M. Rowe, George Sheridan, Ernest J. McWhinnie. -- 2. Wakefield's first ambulance. -- 3. Wakefield Police officers Edwin Poland, left, and Jim McFadden.
• Pleasure Island,circa 1959
  "Pleasure Island, 'New England's biggest family amusement center" opened on June 22, 1959. The 80-acre site was located off Route 128, adjacent to what is now Audubon Road (formerly Pleasure Island Road). Formerly swampland, the area was converted into a 'dramatic and colorful entertainment park' in a record four months. In addition to the dredging, pile driving and installation of utilities, engineers created an inland sea four feet deep which accommodated a variety of sea creatures. This included the famous fiberglass and steel Moby Dick which was created by a special effects studio in Hollywood. Attractions also included the Strange House, Pirates Cove, Wreck of the Hesperus, The Chisholm Trail, the Old Smokey Line (with a restored Greenwood B&M Station), panning for gold at Goldpan Gulch, and the Diamond Lil gay-nineties show at the saloon. The park also included an 'authentic' 150-year-old New England whaling village and a western frontier town. According to published reports, several sites were initially reviewed, but the Wakefield Industrial Park was selected because of the amount of acreage under water, its proximity to Routes 1 and 128 and other major highways, and its potential to attract industry to the area. The opening weekend featured a press-only party attended by 5,000 invited guests on Saturday, and a charity benefit which attracted another 2,000 people on Sunday. More than 13,000 people were turned away during the weekend after radio and TV announcements erroneously reported the general public opening. Pleasure Island employed 400 people when it opened. The park closed in 1969." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Pleasure Island, 1959
  "This year marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of Pleasure Island. In this picture, a pirate boat heads toward Pirate's Cove, complete with its tree house, fort and pirate, as the Pleasure Island and Western Railroad train makes its way to the old Greenwood train station. The train was operated and run by Edaville Railroad. Pleasure Island was billed as Boston's equivalent of Disneyland. Bill Hawkes, president of ChildLife Magazine, and executives at Cabot, Cabot & Forbes, oversaw the project. Hawkes met with C.V. Wood, the first general manager and Vice President of Disneyland, and was said to have agreed to collaborate with Hawkes to build a Disneyland of the East. The company hired many former Disney employees to work on the project. In October, 1958, Pleasure Island, Inc. announced its plans to build a $4 million family amusement center in Wakefield. Pleasure Island opened on June 22, 1959." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Pleasure Island
  "Dubbed by its owners in the late 1950s as the 'Disneyland of the East Coast', Pleasure Island was a fantasyland for children of all ages. Although it was in operation for less than a decade, thousands of local youngsters and their parents passed through the gates to ride on 'Old Smokey', the Pleasure Island and Western Raildroad and spend the day watching the shows and riding the amusements - over and over again! For the price of admission ($2.25 plus tax for 'grown-ups' and $1.75 plus tax for children under 12), everyone could take rides on the Wreck of the Hesperus, Continental Carousel, Moby Dick Hunt, the Skyscraper Slide, the antique cars in the Horseless Carriage Land, Pirate Cove Adventure, and see the shows throughout the day at the Show Bowl, Magic Land, the Chisholm Trail, and Indian Village. Children could also pet the animals at Baby Animal Land, Monkey Island, and even take a burro ride through 'the Old West.' There was something for everyone at Pleasure Island - food pavilions, shopping areas for souvenirs, and big name entertainment at the Show Bowl. Many youngsters had the opportunity to see Ricky Nelson, the Lone Ranger, Rin Tin Tin and Lassie, to name only a few. Today the site where Pleasure Island once stood is now home to several office complexes. The area is dotted with an apartment complex and several industrial and commercial buildings." -- Text from calendar.
• Pitman estate, 840 Main Street, Greenwood, 1923
  "Known for many years as 'Brookside,' the Pitman Estate was located at 840 Main Street in Greenwood across from Cooper Street. The house was owned by Lawrence J. Pitman who was for many years associated with his father, Ezekiel Pitman, in the merchant tailoring business in Boston's Dock Square. Although a critical illness forced Lawrence to retire from active business at the age of 35, he recovered and lived to the age of 89. Mrs. Pitman was the former Euphronia J. Whittemore, a resident of Greenwood sicne the age of 14. 'Brookside' was said to have one of the largest and finest private residences with some of the most attractive grounds in Wakefield. His son, Richard, operated the Brookside Greenhouses in Greenwood until he died in 1925. After Lawrence's death in November 1925 at Woodland Rest, a private hospital on Linden Avenue, the estate was left to a distant relative and was said to be in a state of disrepair when it was razed in 1945. The land was developed into a 20-house subdivision by Ralph Morel of the Morel Building Trust of Greenwood." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Pine Street, 1910
  "Although there was a Pine Street off Cedar Hill (Fairmount) Avenue in 1875, this Pine Street may have been in the village of Greenwood, off Pitman Avenue. According to the Wakefield Street List of 1910, many Pine Street property owners were listed as residents of other communities, including Charlestown and Boston, and several homes were listed as having New Hampshire owners. The majority of Greenwood Village was deeply wooded, with many streets, or lanes, the width of an oxen cart. Like other sections of Wakefield, the population of Greenwood rose significantly after 1845 when the railroad began operating through town. Verbal history records note that there were 20 families in Greenwood in 1862 in 1895, there were said to be 601. Maps of the period show roads without names." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Perkins Block, October 9, 1940
  "Located in the Perkins Block at the south corner of Main and Albion Streets, Bonney & Dutton's Old Corner Drug Store was owned by Riberot Dutton until 1940 when it was purchased by clerks Albert LeBlanc and George H. Logan. At the same time, plans were made to demolish the 3 1/2 story wooden building to construct a modern one-story business block by the building's new owners: Crystal Realty Corp. Part of the property which faced Main Street was not affected when the remainder of the building was razed because that part of the building had been completely altered and rebuilt with fireproof materials as a single store by the First National Stores. The upper stories were not used for commercial purposes for many years, the last occupant being the photographic studio of A.C. Saunders on the third floor. The second floor was used used for storage and laboratory purposes by Bonney & Dutton. During construction, Bonney & Dutton's drug store was open for business at 14-18 Albion Street, the former site of the Spero Bros. furniture store. The Charlie Chin Hand Laundry occupied a one-story ell in the back of the Drug Store, but relocated at 20 Albion Street before the building was razed. When the building was completed, the drug store occupied the former laundry space. The building later housed the Ames Rexall Drug Store until that store was destroyed by fire in March, 1974. Plans for the modern office building now at the corner of Main and Albion Streets were started in July, 1974." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Peaceful Main Street
  "Appropriately titled 'Peaceful Main Street,' this photograph shows downtown Wakefield as it looked in 1898. The photo was probably taken from the top floors of the Perkins building at the south corner of Albion and Main Streets." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Park estate, corner of Bennett and Main Streets, 1893
  "Built somewhere between 1875 and 1888, this home operated as a boarding house in 1893. The house was purchased in the fall of 1895 by a committee of five who represented the Wakefield Home for Aged Women, and organization that received its charter in April 1894. The first annual meeting of the Wakefield Home for Aged Women was held in Union Hall in the spring of 1895. The meeting was attended by a large number of members of the corporation who heard from the officers that in one year, their treasury had grown to $6,108.92. Action was also taken regarding an offer made by Dr. Charles Jordan on a lot of land on Converse Street, 'as a suitable location for the Home.' Although the generosity of the offer was noted as 'highly appreciated,' the members thought it best not to accept it. Later that year, the Town of Wakefield accepted Dr. Jordan's offer for the lot of land on January 18, 1896, and built the Warren SChool in 1897. A special meeting of the corporation was held on September 5, 1895. A vote was taken to open the home within months, and a committee was selected 'with full power to buy or hire an estate.' The committee included Mrs. Joseph Morton, Miss E.E. Boit, Mrs. T.J. Skinner, Mrs. E.A. Carlisle, and Mrs. Maria H. Murdock. On February 1, 1896, all four applicants had been approved by the managers, and the first residents moved into the Wakefield Home for Aged Women on February 8, 1896. A dedication ceremony was held on February 17, 1896" -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Panorama of Wakefield, 1949
  "This panorama of downtown Wakefield was taken from the Harts Hill fire tower in 1949. The steel tower, perched 40' above the summit of Harts Hill was erected in the spring of 1913. Wakefield's ownership of the Harts Hill area, said to be named for Dr. John Hart, occurred in 1901 when the Town of Wakefield voted to take title of the 23 acres, with the stipulation that it be 'forever kept open as a public park and reservation.' The Town also voted to purchase the Flint estate at a cost of $5000 with the Metropolitan Commission offering an additional $5000. Eight 'public-minded' citizens purchased and gave to the Town eight properties and one acre not included in the Town's original purchase. In 1924, Park Commissioners voted to keep the playground at Harts Hill." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Opening of Route 128, August 1951
  "During the 1920s and 1930s, Route 128 consisted of a series of streets which formed a circumferential route from Hull to Gloucester. Wakefield's Route 128 ran along Albion Street, North Avenue, Water Street, Vernon Street, New Salem Street, and Salem Street where it connected to Lynnfield. The idea for a 'circumferential highway' that would connect radial routes around Boston came from Massachusetts Department of Public Works Commissioner William F. Callahan in 1934. Because of the Depression, he could do little more than create a patchwork of existing roadways. A change in administration in 1939 left the project uncompleted in Danvers, until Callahan was reappointed as a DPW Commissioner in 1949. The project was re-christened as the Yankee Division Highway. The Federal Highway Act of 1944 paid for half the cost of the new MA 128, while state and local governments paid the rest. In its original design, the highway was to have four 12-foot lanes (two in each direction) separated by a 24-foot wide grassy median. In 1951, Massachusetts DPW completed a 22.5 mile stretch of MA 128 from Wellesley (MA 9) to Lynnfield (US Route 1 and MA 129). The new section connected the Lynnfield to Danvers section which was built in the late 1930s. The route was extended to the north from Danvers to Gloucester in 1953, and to the south from Wellesley to Dedham in 1955. The highway extended to the Braintree-split, connecting it to the Southeast Expressway in 1958, and to the Rockport rotary in 1959. By the time it was completed, the Yankee Division Highway was said to have cost $63 million in construction and right-of-way expenses. The job was awarded in seven sections. Callahan traced the roadways through farms, fields and wetlands to avoid the center of town. The official opening of the highway featured ribbon-cutting ceremonies in Waltham, Burlington, Woburn and at the Main Street overpass in Wakefield with Governor Paul A. Dever, Highway Commissioner Callahan, and Traffic Engineer Edgar Copell. A dinner for 800 state officials, members of the legislature, contactors [sic], town and city officials, and others was held at the Suntaug Inn, Lynnfield." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Open and covered delivery wagons, Cutler Brothers, Main and Lincoln Streets, 1885
  "In the autumn of 1875, Nathaniel Everett Cutler and his brother, David C. Cutler, leased a portion of the lower floor of the Wakefield Building for their 'modern' grocery and grain business. Cutler Brothers opened for business in April, 1876, and subsequently earned a reputation for being 'the finest and best equipped modern grocery store in this part of Massachusetts.' Among the products sold at Cutler Brothers were hay, grain, seeds, paint, oils, crockery, hardware and fertilizer. By 1891, business was so extensive that additional space was required. Nathaniel Cutler, the sole owner of the business at the time, purchased a lot of land on the southeast corner of Main and Water Streets. He erected a three story building with a floor area of 28,000 sq. ft., into which he moved his grocery and grain business. Cutler Brothers Grain Mill & Elevator was destroyed by fire after being struck by lightning on July 6, 1911." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Old Home Week, Wednesday, August 15, 1934
  "Wakefield's first Old Home Week was sponsored by the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce during the week of August 12, 1934. Activities included special church services, a flag raising ceremony, exhibits by the Historical Society and the Arts and Crafts Society, a products and mercantile show, sporting events, a water carnival on Lake Quannapowitt, band concerts and an historical pageant. As a Wakefield holiday, factories and stores were asked by the Chamber of Commerce to close at 12 noon on Wednesday. All factories which closed at noon blew their whistles for two minutes to indicate the opening of Wakefield Holiday at Walton Field. Between 5,000 and 7,000 people attended the day's events which included 45 exhibit booths staffed by local merchants and manufacturers, and a host of field events. More than 600 children and adults participated in athletic events which included an adult horse shoe competition, track and field championships (50 yard dash, 220 yard dash, 360 yard dash, shot put, running broad jump), hose coupling contest, push ball contest, the 'official welcome home of P.R. Osperity', baseball (Wakefield A.A. vs. Twilight League), Drum Corps Prize Competition, Indian Corn Dance, and the presentation of cash awards which ranged from $15 to ten $1 awards." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Officer Joe Preston, Corner of Main and Mechanic (Princess) Streets, 1926
  "Patrolman Joseph Preston was a member of the permanent force of the Wakefield Police Department for 37 years. Although he was first appointed as a permanent officer by the Board of Selectmen on June 12, 1913, Patrolman Preston had been a member of the force for many years prior to that. He had the distinction of being Wakefield's first motorcycle officer in 1914, driving a Harley Davidson motorcycle rented from Albion Street dealer Charles Martin. Joe Preston was one of 12 children. In 1921, his brother James, also a member of the Wakefield Police Department, was the first Wakefield officer killed in the line of duty. His brother, John Preston, served as Town Counsel and was one of the town officials who attended Joe's retirement party at the Town Lyne House in November 1943. In a letter to Joe upon his retirement, the Selectmen noted: 'No black marks are on your record in all the years of your service, and your fairness and impartiality towards all whom you came in contact with speaks for itself.'" - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Office force, carriers and sub, Wakefield Post Office, 1892
  "The first 'regular' post office in Wakefield was established in 1812 in a small building on Main Street. John Rayner served as the town's first Postmaster. In 1852, or soon after his appointment, Postmaster Samuel Kingman built a new home for the post office at the corner of Main and Albion Street, now known as Bourdon's Block. According to Wakefield history, Postmaster Kingman also initiated the first 'free delivery' of mail in town. Each Sunday morning he went to the post office and took some mail to various sections of town. There he waited for the churchgoers and presented them with the mail he carried in his hat. The post office was later moved to the corner of Main and Richardson Streets, to the building at 9 Albion Street (now home of the Wakefield Municipal Light Department), and to its present home at the corner of Main Street and Yale Avenue." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Odd Fellows Building, Main and Avon Streets, 1923
  "This three-story structure was built at the corner of Avon and Main Streets in 1895 for John Flanley, a prominent furniture dealer and real estate owner. The building, 'one of the largest and best blocks in town,' was built in the Italian Renaissance style and was originally trapezoidal in shape to fit on the lot. The Souhegan Lodge No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows purchased the building on February 9, 1918 from Flanley's family, with a dedication held on June 25, 1918. At the time, the land and building were assessed at $20,000. From the date of purchase until the dedication, the Odd Fellows made extensive changes and improvements to the third floor to 'make the hall and anterooms suitable for fraternal purposes.' The second floor remained in use as office space, while the first floor was occupied by stores. The Odd Fellow's purchase of the building was the culmination of several years of plans 'extending over a period of years to acquire larger and more modern quarters.' Ten years earlier, the organization bought the 'old John Henry Eaton estate on Albion Street, next to the former Atherton grocery', but later decided it was unsuited to their uses. The lodge was instituted in 1844, with objectives of good fellowship and benefits to members and their families. The Odd Fellows building suffered extensive damage in a January 24, 1997 fire. It was subsequently purchased, rebuilt and restored by The Savings Bank." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• North corner of Main & Center Street, 1894
  "The building which housed the J.W. Poland Co. dry goods store (in the corner) and Quannapowitt Club (on the second floor) was decorated for the Town's 250th anniversary celebration. Known as the Gould Block, the building 'appeared in tasteful and brilliant array, under direction of the occupants.' In addition to a parade, other anniversary events included a concert by the Salem Cadet Band at the 'pagoda,' games and sporting events at the common, 'historical, literary and memorial exercises' attended by ticket holders at the Town Hall, a fireworks display near the southerly shores of Lake Quannapowitt, and the exhibition of historic articles and relics at the Guild Hall in the Wakefield Block." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• North Avenue, 1898
  "Taken in 1898, this photograph of Railroad Avenue (now North Avenue) depicts what much of the area across from the railroad station looked like until the 1940's. Pictured, from left to right, the old Walton homestead, George L. Teague's store, the Gilman Drug Store (subsequently Nat Eaton's Drug Store), and the Thorndike Market. The stores were decorated for the departure of the Co. A, 6th Regiment which left Wakefield for the Spanish American War. The flag was raised in May, 1898. It was reported that before the flag was raised, a dummy of Spanish General Weyler was 'pulled to the peak and blasted to pieces with shotguns and revolvers using live ammunition.'" -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Municipal Light Department
  "The Wakefield Municipal Light Department, as it is known today, was formed as a result of a vote of Wakefield citizens at the Annual Town Meeting on August 1, 1894. Because of their dissatisfaction with the Citizens' Gas & Light Company of Reading, South Reading and Stoneham, the citizens voted to purchase the plant, land and all the manufacturing equipment of the firm at a cost of $180,000. At the time of its founding, 18 people were employed by the MLD and the three member Board required to oversee the operation was established. The MLD's progress continued throughout the next three decades and in 1923, an influx of 446 customers brought the total number of electric meters in town to 2,800, compared to the 10,000 meters in use today. Prior to the 1950s, electric current was only generated during the evening hours and the only appliances used in homes throughout the town were irons and fans. Streetlights were extinguished each night at 1 a.m. due primarily to the cost of generating electricity. The MLD, at the time, paid 1.9 cents per kilowatt hour, it was delivered at a cost of 5.6 cents and sold to the customer at 12 cents. But progress soon came to town and Wakefield became the first suburban community in New England to leave its lights on throughout the night. In the mid-1960s there were 8,533 electric meters in use. The cost of generating the electricity was considerably lower than the pre-1950 prices: the electricity cost the MLD 1.23 cents, it was delivered at a cost of 2.1 cents, and sold to the customer at 2.3 cents with a low step residential rate of 1.4 cents (net). Today, 54 men and women are employed by the MLD." -- Text from calendar.;Captions: 1. Christmas lights adorn downtown Wakefield in 1940. -- 2. The Wakefield MLD crew, 1920.
• Montrose Station, 1915
  "Located on Salem Street between Walton Street and Wiley Street (now Montrose Avenue), the Montrose Station served patrons of the Salem Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad, first built as the South Reading Branch Railroad. Maps indicate that the tracks ran behind the rattan factory and Newhall Court where it crossed Montrose Avenue near the Salem Street end. The station was located in the area across from what is now Audubon Road. In 1848, a group of investors received a charter to build a railroad from South Reading (now Wakefield) to South Danvers (now Peabody). From there, the South Reading Branch had obtained rights to use two miles of track owned by the Essex Railroad to reach Salem. This South Reading to Salem route officially opened in mid-1850, taking business away from the larger Eastern Railroad which offered service from Salem through Lynn to East Boston, requiring passengers to take a ferry into Boston. The South Reading Branch enabled passengers to disembark at the Centre or Junction Stations in South Reading to take the Boston and Maine Railroad directly into Boston. Intense rivalry between Eastern and B&M led to Eastern's purchase of the majority of the South Reading Branch Railroad stock in 1851. The legislature subsequently required Eastern Railroad to buy all the stock and run a certain number of trains each day for many years, mostly at a financial loss. The competition between Eastern and B&M resulted in each line constructing branch lines to raid each other's markets, eventually leading to Eastern's bankruptcy in 1875 and B&M's lease of the entire Eastern system by the mid-1880s. The railroad from Wakefield Junction to Peabody made little sense because it paralleled the Newburyport line, which also traveled through Wakefield, and riders preferred cars and street railways to the train. The Lynnfield Community Bus Line also traveled through Montrose, as it continued to do until the 1970s. By 1925, only 60 passengers rode the trains daily, leading to the B&M's petition to abandon the line. Permission to abandon the line was granted by the Interstate Commerce Commission in November 1925. The last train arrived in Salem at 6:38 p.m. on Saturday, January 2, 1926. The tracks were removed in 1927." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Montrose Chapel, Salem Street, circa 1895
  "The Montrose Chapel was located on the south side of Salem Street near the intersection of Lowell Street. Local history reports that the extreme easterly portion of Wakefield realized the importance of having religious services within its own area. As a result, meetings of a 'religious nature' were held in the schoolhouse and were conducted by various laymen from nearby churches. A 'union Sunday School' was started in 1873, gaining the attention of the YMCA who supported the school, as did other laymen from town churches. A 'society of ladies' was formed in 1877 with the building of a chapel in mind. A chapel society was created in 1881, and four years later, $1400 had been raised for this purpose. A lot of land was deeded to the society by Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stowell, with the stipulation that it be used as a place of worship for Evangelical Christians. The debt-free chapel was dedicated on April 28, 1886, thanks to a number of outside donations. he chapel held Sunday school and services which were conducted by members of different denominations. The Montrose Chapel also housed the Montrose Branch of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library from 1946 to 1981. It is now a private residence." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Miller Piano Company
  "Wakefield was home to several thriving industries during the mid to late 1800s, one of which was the manufacturing plant for the Henry F. Miller Piano Company of Boston. The building which housed the Miller Piano Company was built in the early 1870s, the same time the Taylor Building at the corner of Lincoln and Main Streets and the former Town Hall (razed in 1958) were built. The piano company moved into the building at Water and Smith Streets in 1884 and manufactured pianos for its Boston showroom until 1929. Because of the decline in piano use after World War I, the company was forced to discontinue the piano line and later produced a high quality line of furniture. The building was purchased by William T. Curley, Sr. in 1930 and remained in the family for several years. After the Miller Piano Company moved from Wakefield, the building housed several businesses including an antique shop, furniture stores, several shoe manufacturing concerns and was eventually used for storage. The building was razed in June 1960 to make way for the Surety Bank and Trust Company. The site is now occupied by the local branch of BayBank Middlesex." -- Text from calendar.;Captions: 1. The company ceased manufacturing pianos for the Boston showroom in 1929. The building was still standing in 1940, but housed several ither businesses until it was razed to make way for the Surety Bank and Trust Company. -- 2. Today, the land is occupied by BayBank Middlesex.
• Mike's Bob Shop, 1935
  "The 'bob' was a blunt haircut for women that was level with the bottom of the ears all around the head. The bob, made popular in the 1920s, was a dramatic change from the long feminine hairstyles usually worn by women during the Gibson-girl era of the early 1900s. The haircut was so popular that hairdressers found it necessary to embrace the style after losing customers to barbers. According to the Washington Post, bobbed hair started a new industry, referred to as the beauty industry. The number of 'hairdressing shops' in the United States increased from 5,000 in 1920 to more than 21,000 established shops and several thousand more 'transient' shops in 1924. After they became more skilled and comfortable with the bob, hairdressers introduced more sophisticated cuts, including the waved and shingled styles popular in the 1930s. Mike's Bob Shop claimed to be among the first in the area to introduce the 'new styles in hair-dressing.' Bobbing led to other hairdressing adornments, including the invention of the bobbie pin." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Middlesex Cycle Club, circa 1890
  "Cycling was a popular sport in the late 1800's, as seen by this photograph taken at 617 Main Street. It appears that most of the members of the Middlesex Cycle Club rode three-wheel cycles and tandems (a bicycle built for two). Through the 1890's, bicycles sold for an average of $100 to $125, causing many people throughout the country to save their money to buy one. This prompted one desperate hat maker to try to persuade Congress to pass a law requiring every bicycle owner to buy at least two felt hats a year. The bicyle provided a form of recreation that men and women could enjoy together." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Methodist Church, Albion Street, 1927
  "The landscape of Albion Street was quite different when the Methodist Episcopal Church occupied a site on the street, east of the railroad tracks. Organized on June 4, 1865 with a membership of 26, the congregation held services in the vestry of the Universalist Church on Main Street until the Albion Hall (at the corner of Albion and Foster Streets) was purchased in 1870. After three years of continued growth, a new site was purchased further west on Albion Street in 1873. The building was completed and dedicated in February of the following year at an expense of $25,000. According to published accounts, the church edifice occupied a 'prominent and central' position on Albion Street. From one corner rose a 'graceful spire 130 feet. A vestry provides room for the Sunday school and social meetings. It is the home of a prosperous and growing religious body, recognized in the community as earnest and aggressive in the support of moral and religious movements.' Other reports indicate that the vestry and kitchen were 'below stairs' and the building itself was of Swiss timber construction adapted to 14th Century Gothic outline. The steeple was struck by lightning three times: 1916, 1917 and again in 1926. During the Hurricane of September 21, 1938, the church's newly rebuilt chimney crashed through the roof's east corner and fell inside, damaging part of the auditorium and balcony. The estimated $3000 damage did enough harm to structurally weaken the building, resulting in the building being condemned and subsequently torn down by the Mystic Building Wrecking Co. on October 11, 1938. The church conducted an auction of bricks from the church chimney to finance the campaign for funds to rebuild the church." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Meriam Street, early 1900's
  "This house on Meriam Street in Greenwood was the home of John Kidney Ferris, left, his second wife Sara (Duchess) Ferris, standing next to him, and his daughter Eleanor Hutchinson Ferris, third from right. Eleanor later married into the Greene family. A larger dwelling which was built by a Capt. Newcomb occupied the site until it was destroyed by fire. The house was later rebuilt by Mr. Ferris." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Members of Post 12, Grand Army of the Republic, 250th Anniversary Parade, Settlers' Day, Monday, May 28, 1894
  "Wakefield residents were awakened on Settlers' Day by dynamite salutes and the ringing of bells. Soon after, the streets of Wakefield were filled with carriages, bicycles, horsemen and a moving 'throng' of men, women and children in gala costumes, all of whom waited for the parade, the first event of the day. The line of march for the grand procession was taken up near the Wakefield residence on Main Street (site of the Atwell School and Junior High School complex). The Governor of Massachusetts, Frederic T. Greenhalge, attended the celebration and participated in the procession as it traveled along the parade route: Main Street to Sweetser, Pleasant, Park, Main, Yale Avenue, Railroad, West Chestnut, Park Avenue, Dell Avenue, Converse, Gould, Albion, Railroad, Chestnut to Main Street. The parade participants, many of whom either rode in a carriage or on a float, passed in review before the Governor and other invited guests opposite the Town Hall on Main Street. Parade participants included civic and fraternal organizations, school groups (including 25 barges containing 1200 school children), volunteer hose companies and fire departments, and merchants. Municipal and state officials, invited guests and military groups preceded the five divisions. Forty members of the H.M. Warren Post 12, under the direction of Commander Stephen W. Lufkin, rode on horseback with bugler Walter Hunt. The remaining participants rode on the float with Quartermaster A.D. Merritt. The float contained a cannon at each corner and was appropriately decorated with flags and bunting." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Map of Wakefield, 1889
  "A map of Wakefield, produced in 1889, shows the streets of Wakefield, some of which have changed names during the past century. North Avenue was once Railroad Avenue, and Princess Street was Mechanic Street. In 1880, the population of Wakefield was 5,547. In 1890, the population jumped to 6,982 and by 1900, the census numbered 9,260. The total value of real estate in 1889 was $3,823,400 ($1,390,825 land and $2,432,575 buildings). The value of real estate and machinery of corporations was $731,050. The Town Report of 1889 noted that there were a total of 2,693 taxpayers in Wakefield: 1,489 of whom paid taxes on property, and 1,204 of whom only paid a poll-tax. Poll taxes of $2 were paid by a total of 1,945 Wakefield residents in 1889." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Map of Wakefield, 1875
  "The 1875 map of Wakefield features large estates, streets and landmarks, as well as railroads and town boundaries. Several of the streets have been renamed since 1875, including Brown Street (now Spring), Wiley Street (now Montrose Avenue), and Railroad Street (now North Avenue). There was a Pine Street off Cedar Hill Avenue (now Fairmount Avenue), a Spring Street off Water Street, and a Charles Street off Chestnut Street. The map also features the Newburyport and South Reading Railroad lines and their stations." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Major James H. Keough & Captain George W. Chesley
  "Two Wakefield men attained international prominence during their lifetimes as two of the most famous rifle shots in the world. Major James H. Keough and Captain George W. Chesley both won countless trophies and achieved world records for their proficiency with rifles. Major James H. Keough was born in Southbridge in 1864 and later moved to Wakefield. In 1888 he joined the Richardson Light Guard, Wakeield's military company and served through the Spanish-American War as a quartermaster and musician. He was later commissioned as a captain and was recalled to active duty in World War I. During this time he served as an instructor in rifle practice at Camp Perry. His achievements in rifle shooting span a period of over 40 years. Some of his most distinguished accomplishments include high man of the US team which won the international rifle match in England in 1903 high man of the US team which won a similar match in 1912 in Canada member, captain and coach of the Massachusetts state rifle team from the mid 1890s to 1912 holder of many world records including two at a New Jersey rifle range in 1908 and 1910 which gave the national championship to the Sixth Massachusetts Infantry of which Old Company A of Wakefield was a member a world record of 499 out of a possible 500 at 600 yards in England in 1910 in a match among American, English and Australian teams. At the age of 74 he made a perfect score at 200 yards enabling his team to win a Spanish War Veteran's championship of New England. Major Keough won hundreds of trophies over the years, several of which were donated to the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. He also donated $2500 to the library for the purchase of books and magazines pertaining to rifles and rifle shooting. He was the owner and operator of the Crescent House prior to his death in 1946. Born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1873, George W. Chesley and his family moved to Wakefield in 1874. Captain Chesley joined the Richardson Light Guard and served during the Spanish-American War and World War I. During the World War he was captain in the ordnance department and an instructor in rifle camps throughout the country. He was highly regarded by his comrades in the Richardson Light Guard for his disposition as well as his rifle skills. He won numerous trophies in state, New England and national tournaments as a member of the Massachusetts Militia and the Connecticut National Guard. He, along with Major Keough, had the distinction of winning more trophies and breaking more records than any other men who served in the Massachusetts Militia. Captain Chesley's countless achievements include breaking the world's record at 1200 yards; making 45 of 50 bullseyes in 1909; making 25 consecutive bullseyes at 1000 yards in the New England shoot in 1909; scoring 224 of a possible 225 at 800 yards in 1913 as a member of the Winchester Arms Company of Connecticut; and a consistent winner in the New England Military Rifle Association tournament in which the best shots in New England competed, winning more than a half dozen of the individual matches each year. He passed away in 1923 at his 637 Main Street home." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Maj. Suell Winn home, Elm Street
  "The Suell Winn House, at the corner of Elm and Winn Streets, was built around 1813 on the site of the homesteads of Capt. Richard Walker and Ebenezer Damon. Walker, one of Reading's first settlers, was the soldier and surveyor of the original settlers and the captain of the first training band. Born in 1610, Walker was allotted 200 acres by a 1638 grant by the General Court and was one of 32 settlers listed in the land map of 1647. Damon was reported to have built his home before 1775. The extensive land holdings of Samuel Winn were divided by the railroad in 1844. Winn was killed while crossing the railroad tracks near his home following a Town Meeting where he voiced his opinion about the need for a safeguard at the crossing. The home was later owned by Town Historian, Edwin Purrington, and his family." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Main Street, Wakefield, spring, 1934
  "The new 1934 automobiles which were featured in the General Motors Exhibit in Boston paraded through downtown Wakefield as part of the promotional activities prior to the show. To encourage the sale of the new car models, exhibits were held in large cities throughout the country including New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Detroit, and Chicago. The Boston exhibit was held at the Boston Garden from June 4th through June 11th. According to newspaper reports, General Motors planned to produce a record 100,000 'units' in 1934, up from the 38,000 automobiles produced the previous year. The exhibit which traveled through Wakefield must have attracted considerable attention, as evidenced by the students who watched from the windows of Wakefield High School, at left." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Main Street, Wakefield in 1887
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1990
• Main Street, Wakefield
  Photo courtesy of the Payro family and Louis Picardi.;"Lucius Beebe, author of 'Boston and the Boston Legend' and 'High Iron', a book about railroads, penned an article for the 1939 issue of 'House and Garden'. In this article, he spoke fondly about the history of the Beebe farm and the Town of Wakefield. He described Wakefield as 'twelve miles north of the Boston Stone on the western division of the Boston and Maine Railroad. (In 1840,) it was a rural community with its squire on the hill, its horse trough in the public square, its Main Street, Railroad Street and Mechanics Street, its common surrounded by various approved Protestant churches, its bandstand where the Richardson Light Guard's band achieved approximate harmony two evenings a week in the summer and its Lake Quannapowitt dotted with modest pleasure craft.'" -- The same area is now the Rockery. -- Text from calendar.
• Main Street looking south, circa early 1900s
  "This street scene on Main Street was photographed near Chestnut Street. The buildings, at right, include a fish market, the Kingman Block, and the Perkins Block. The Perkins Block housed the Old Corner Drug Store, which was established in 1845 by Dr. Joseph Mansfield and William Willis. Josiah Bonney became a partner with Dr. Mansfield in 1885, eventually becoming the sole owner, and the store was known as Bonney's Drug Store, with its slogan, as noted on the sign, "The Best is as Good as Any." Riberot Dutton, a former clerk, joined him as an owner in 1906, and the name was changed to Bonney & Dutton." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Main Street looking north, circa 1916
  "The east side of Main Street near the Rockery has housed many businesses and residences since the mid-1800s, as well as the Universalist Church, now the Unitarian-Universalist Church. In 1858, this section of Main Street included the Eben Wiley house (pictured at the left of the church), Henry Knowles Dry Goods Store (with the Town's first dentist, Dr. Cogswell, occupying an office on the second floor), a grocery/dry goods store that later burnt down when the Old Yale Pumper was at a muster, and Edward Mansfield's dry goods store. In 1916, the area looked much the same as it did in 1858, although the Universalist Church had been moved back, the four massive pillars removed, and a steeple and a front portion added. A new chain store, Gavin Bros. Store, opened its fifth store at what was 390 Main Street in 1916, and offered prompt delivery by auto truck. Gavin Bros. ads boasted that all stores were stocked from large orders bought at the lowest wholesale prices. On Wednesday, August 2, 1916, over 500 people traveled by electric street railroad to attend the 7th annual Merchants and Business Men's Association's outing at Salem Willows. Activities included field sports for men, a baseball game which pitted firemen vs. traders, bowling matches, band concerts, dancing, theatre and roller-skating. The streetcars returned at 6 p.m. The majority of Wakefield's downtown merchants, including McMaster, Thayer, Verge, Boothby, Taylor, Hodgdon, Dolbeare, Curley and Bowser were instrumental in planning the outing. The newspaper was not published that day." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Main Street Junction, Main Street & North Avenue, 1940
  "Located at 591 Main Street in the Junction area of Wakefield, the Curley Brothers fuel and grain company started operations in a building near the Wakefield Junction Railway Station, subsequently moving to enlarged quarters when increased patronage and sales necessitated a change. The company became incorporated in January, 1939 as Curley Grain and Fuel Company. The business was owned by William T. Curley, Sr. owner of several significant parcels of real estate in the area, inlcuding the Miller Piano building, Traders Block, Curley Block (Main and Mechanic Streets), Eastern Mass. Street Railway Company car barns on Water Street, Hathaway Stables, as well as several residential properties. Curley Brothers Grain and Fuel Company manufactured Crystal poultry, rabbit, dairy and horse feed, and Crystal dog food, as well as ground corn, wheat, oats and barley. The company also handled building supplies, shingles, roofing paper and paints in addition to 'Williams Oil-O-Matic' America's leading oil burner. To round out their diverse product line, Curley's also sold New England coke, Blue coal, cement, flour, and fuel oils. The building had several fires throughout the years including one in 1947 which destroyed the coal sheds, and another in 1957 which affected the grain elevator. The last fire occurred in 1969 when a general alarm blaze began in a sub shop which was located in the center of the two-story section of the wooden building." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Main Street at Lawrence Street, circa 1890
  "This photograph looks south toward downtown, capturing a piece of the lower Common and Lake Quannapowitt. The unpaved road leads toward Salem Street. Pictured on the Common is the bandstand, erected in 1885 and the brick firehouse that was moved from the Common in 1891." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Main Street and Rockery, circa 1909
  "Proposed in 1883 and built in 1884, the Rockery was erected as part of the $10,000 bequest from Cornelius Sweetser and through private donations. A Parks Commission was created by the Town to oversee the project which included the laying out of the common and the building of the bandstand. The grotto-like structure, with its pyramid of rocks surrounded by ivy, shrubbery and a fountain, was proposed by Parks Commissioner James H. Carter. An attempt to remove the Rockery failed in 1898. The tablet at the front of the Rockery was donated by 'one hundred of the townspeople' in 1909. The watering trough was erected in 1892 and was removed in 1921. The YMCA, at left, was built in 1908 at the site of the former home of Burrage Yale and the Thomas Emerson & Sons Shoe Manufacturers." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Main Street (east side) looking toward Water Street, 1940
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1996
• Main and Avon Streets, circa 1921
  "In 1916, 1,200 Wakefield residents contributed a total of $12,000 to buy the land to build a new public library. Soon after, Junius Beebe donated an additional $60,000 to build the library in memory of his father, Lucius Beebe. According to the 1917 Town Report, the Library Building Committee and Mr. Beebe decided to postpone the project due to the unsettled conditions in the business world and the high cost of building materials. The money was put into the Wakefield Trust Company. Other members of the Beebe family made generous donations to the fund by the time the building was erected, it was said that the fund had risen to more than $200,000. Progress was made in 1919 when Town Meeting voted to accept the deeds of Edward Mansfield and the Cushing family, both of which were already in the name of building committee treasurer Arthur Evans, and Mrs. Hickok. John White deeded an additional tract of land at 361 Main Street, at the north of the lot, to the Town in 1921. His lot was later used for the Post Office. The project was delayed again, until 1921 when the building committee selected its architects, Cram & Ferguson, and work began. It appears that the committee wanted to save on demolition costs the sign on the building read: 'This building is being torn down by New Eng. Contracting Company, building wreckers. All materials offered for sale on the premises.' The cornerstone for the new building was laid on March 17, 1922. The new library was dedicated on April 15, 1923." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Mail and communications room, American Mutual Life Insurance Company, 1958
  "The opening of the new Route 128 in 1951 led to the development and relocation of businesses along the highway, including the Boston-based American Mutual Life Insurance Company. Formerly located at 142 Berkley Street in Boston, the company began negotiating with the Town in 1954 to construct its $2 million home office along the shores of Lake Quannapowitt. The company opened its new building in October 1958 with more than 1,000 employees. The home office served four regional offices which were located in Los Angeles, California White Plains, New York New York, New York and Upper Darby, New York along with 90 branch offices scattered throughout the country. In 1958, the Mail and Communications Room was staffed by (from left) Communications Supervisor Eileen Tillman, Mailroom Supervisor Phil Sheehan, unknown gentleman, John Neiss, Sterling Chapman, Jack Callahan, John Frazier, and Paul Sheridan." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, January 1934
  "After more than 50 years at the Wakefield Town Hall at the corner of Main and Water Streets, the library moved to a new home in April, 1923. The town's first official library was established in 1856 at the old Town House on the Common. Soon after the Town Hall was built, the library was moved and renamed the 'Beebe Public Library' after a $500 donation from Library Board Chairman Lucius Beebe. In 1916, $12,000 was raised by local residents, many of whom were children, to purchase the land at Avon and Main Streets. Junius Beebe subsequently donated the funds to build a new library in his parent's memory. Construction on the library was delayed until the end of World War I. An addition to the original building was completed in September, 1969." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Lowell Street Station, 1929
  "At one time, Wakefield had six railroad stations, servicing the three branches of the Boston & Maine Railroad: the Main line, the Salem branch, and the Danvers-Newburyport branch. The Lowell Street station accommodated the latter branch. The extension of the Boston and Maine Railroad from Wilmington to Boston in 1845, placed the Town of Wakefield on the main line, eventually leading to an increase in population and status as an important railroad center. The later construction of the Danvers-Newburyport Railroad and the South Reading Branch (the Salem Branch) through Wakefield brought residents closer to other parts of the state and New England. In 1894, the three branches of the railroad attracted over 1,500 riders to and from Boston each day. Forty trains passed through Wakefield daily. Usage dropped off in the early 1920's, and in 1924, there were 20 incoming and outgoing trips daily. This lead [sic] to an announcement in December, 1924 that the Boston & Maine would abandon 76 miles of 'unprofitable tracks, 30 of which were in Massachusetts.' Service from Wakefield Center station (Water Street) to Newburyport and beyond was targeted. The railroad company blamed the 'unprofitable mileage' on the fact that 'the system is a combination of many small roads constructed years ago' and 'the rapid development of the motor bus and motor truck and the extensive program of highway construction and improvement.' Service continued, and in September, 1925, the railroad company made another announcement that the Danvers-Newburyport line would be curtailed to one trip each way through Wakefield. At the time, the line had an operating loss of $106,000 annually. Opposition from other communities mounted and an agreement was made that two trips on the Danvers-Newburyport branch would be kept, leaving Newburyport at 6 a.m. and 7:02 a.m. (reaching Wakefield at 7:14 and 8:21 a.m.) and leaving Boston at 4:49 p.m. and 5:28 p.m. The only stops between Wakefield Center and Newburyport were in Georgetown and Topsfield. Several stations were closed along the way, including the Lowell Street and Lynnfield stations. B & M Transportation Company provided busses [sic] from Lynnfield to the Lowell Street station to Center Station to the present upper station. The passenger stations were retained for shelter purposes only." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Looking up to Albion Street, February 1, 1898
  "Wakefield residents and business people tried to get back to business following a January 31 - February 1st snow storm which dropped 14.3 inches of snow on the town. It had the distinction of being listed as one of the 'Great Storms of the Past', according to records from 1888 to 1935. In 1898, the street car companies plowed their tracks, and the Town plowed only the sidewalks. The streets were not plowed until the early 1920s. The street railway in Wakefield began operations in 1892 as the Wakefield and Stoneham Street Railway, from Wakefield Square to Farm Hill, Stoneham. The system expanded rapidly with lines to Melrose, Lynn, and Reading, eventually allowing travel by street railway to Lowell, Lawrence and Peabody. Its demise began in late 1918 when conditions deteriorated to the point where the lines were deemed unsafe. The original line was discontinued in 1929 and buses played a prominent role in transporting people to neighboring communities and beyond." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Lincoln School, circa 1896
  "These students appear to be in the first grade. The Lincoln School, now the site of congregate housing, was built in 1892." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Lincoln School circa 1910
  "The Lincoln School on Crescent Street was built in 1892 and was one of four schools built from 1883 to 1902. The Town Report of the year ending January 31, 1893, stated that 'according to Section 46 of Chapter 43 of the Constitution of the State, every town not divided into school districts shall provide and maintain a sufficient number of school houses, properly finished and conveniently located for the accommodation of all children therein entitled to attend the public schools.' Section 4 of Chapter 46 added that 'every child must be in school for at least 20 weeks of the year, from the time he is 8 until he reaches the age of 14.' When the Lincoln School opened at the beginning of the 1892-1893 school year, several changes were made to the 'Centre' schools: the Centre First Grammar School was transferrred from the third story of the high school building (it was determined that the third floor was not a suitable place for young children), and the Hamilton First Grammar School students moved from the Hamilton School to the new school (to relieve crowded conditions). The school was built on Academy Hill, with the two schoolhouses on the site moved to the west side of the lot. Town Meeting appropriated $50,000 in March 1891 and ground was broken in April. An additional $8,000 was approved in March 1892 for furnishings and to grade, fence, and improve the grounds and sidewalks. A vote was also taken at the meeting to name it the Lincoln School. When it opened, the school had 10 school rooms, two 'good' recitation rooms, a teachers' room and several minor rooms. It was noted that the building 'though plain, presents an imposing appearance, being well-proportioned and finely situated. It will be a credit to the town and to the architects, Messrs. Wait and Cutter.'" - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Lilley Eaton home, corner of Main and Salem Streets, circa 1912
  "Erected by Lilley Eaton in 1804, this house at the corner of Main and Salem Streets was said to be by far 'the most imposing dwelling in the village and occupied a position which was then accounted the centre of population and business for the South Parish.' A shoe manufacturer until his early 30's, Lilley Eaton opened a country store in his home which he operated until his death in 1822. For three of those years, from 1809 to 1812, it was operated by T & A Evans. In 1813, Lilley Eaton opened the first temperance grocery ever kept in the town. As a 'pillar of the Baptist Church and Society' he furnished for many years, free of charge, a room in his house for the society to use for their religious, social and conference meetings. An unfinished hall on the third floor was used on Sabbath evenings and was known in the family as the Meeting Chamber. The house was also known as the 'Pilgrims' Hotel' because it was a 'general resort' of traveling clergymen, and other brethren and sisters of faith. His son, Hon. Lilley Eaton, was born in 1802. He went on to be instrumental in the town, serving as Selectman for 25 years, a member of the school board for nearly as long, Town Clerk for 20 years, Representative for seven years, Senator for two years, Justice of the Peace for 38 years, and a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1853. He was instrumental in establishing the Mechanic and Agricultural Institution. The house was torn down in 1913. " -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Library
  "In 1856, the residents of South Reading voted at the annual town meeting to establish the town's first official library. With an annual budget of $300 for both the purchase of books and the librarian's salary, the library's first 'home' was in the old Town House at the head of the Common. During the first six months in operation, 4135 books were borrowed by the town's 3000 residents. Then in 1868, the library was moved to the newly erected Town Hall at the corner of Water and Main Streets. After a generous donation of $500 from Library Board Chairman Lucius Beebe, the library was renamed the 'Beebe Public Library.' By 1909, the library was lending over 50,000 books per year. As a result, in 1916, over 1200 residents, many of whom were school children, raised $12,000 to buy a parcel of land at the corner of Avon and Main Streets to erect a new library. During the Christmas holidays that same year, Junius Beebe donated the funds necessary to erect a new library in his parents' memory. Construction on the library was delayed until the end of World War I and on March 17, 1922, the cornerstone for the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library was laid in place. The library was officially opened on April 16, 1923 and during the first year of operation the library lent nearly 115,000 books. In 1964, the library had again outgrown its quarters. The Board of Trustees requested and received an appropriation from the town's funds to finance the construction of an addition to the original building. On September 14, 1969, the addition was opened to the public. T oday the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library is an educational, cultural, and recreational resource for Wakefield residents of all ages. Residents may use over 80,000 books, records, and cassettes in the library's collection and have access to 400,000 more items through the computerized North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE). During 1985, over 180,000 items were lent to community residents. In addition to traditional library services, the library offers story hours, s;Captions: 1. The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library in its early stages. -- 2. Laying the cornerstone of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library on March 17, 1922. -- 3. Library's Youth Room.