Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, Wakefield, Mass.

Items

• Corner of Main and Mechanic Streets (now Princess Street), circa 1860's
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1993
• Corner of Main and Green Streets, circa 1880
  "The horse with its driver approaches the Old Green House at the corner of what is now Main and Green Steets on the easterly side of Main Street, just north of the Greenwood Bridge. The house was built somewhere around 1754, and was one of two homes in the Green family's homestead. The driver and horse plodded along the road during the winter months. Unlike today, the streets were left unplowed and the horse and buggy cleared its own path through the snow." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Corner of Main and Centre Streets, 1930
  "The A.T. Sederquest Company sold 'electrical household appliances of every description' at its 418 Main Street store. According to reports, Sederquest and Russell's store (Russell Electric Shop) was on the site of the Charles Brown and Edward Mansfield stores. The photograph provides a look at Centre Street before the homes and shops along the street were torn down to make way for a parking lot, Union Street and the Wakefield Police Station." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Corner of Main and Albion Street in 1890
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1989
• Cornelius Sweetser
  "Born in South Reading in 1808, Cornelius Sweetser was the eldest son of Cornelius and Phoebe (Eaton) Sweetser. At the age of 20 he entered into the shoe business in Boston and later moved his trade to East Cambridge, Lowell, South Reading and finally to Billerica where he took up farming, in addition to shoe manufacturing. In 1846 he moved to Saco, Maine where he spent the remaining years of his life. As a resident of Saco he continued to manufacture shoes and boots and also opened a retail store. Eventually Mr. Sweetser became a very wealthy and influential member of the community of Saco and held several positions within the town. He also paid special attention to real estate investments and through sound judgement and foresight, he increased his considerable wealth. Mr. Sweetser died in 1881, leaving a widow but no children. In his will he made numerous bequests to the town of Wakefield. He provided $1000 to the Baptist Church as well as $1000 to the town of Wakefield for the repair and beautification of the burial lot of his parents and $10,000 for a public park. He bequeathed a sum of $10,000 in trust to the town with the directions to 'expend the income yearly in provding such lectures as will tend to improve and elevate the public mind and to impose a reasonable fee for admission to such lectures and pay over the proceeds of the same to such charitable organizations in Wakefield as the municipal officers of the town may designate to be distributed among the worthy poor of the town.' As a result, the Sweetser Lecture Series has provided a number of fascinating lectures for the community. The first lecture was held in 1886 and lectures were conducted each year until 1942. The lectures resumed in 1974. Several charitable organizations have benefited from the lectures throughout the years." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Company A, Richardson Light Guard, Main Street circa early 1900s
  "According to the 'History of the Richardson Light Guard,' the military company was formed after a discussion involving three workers at Thomas Emerson's Sons shoe manufacturing business in September 1851. The three, James F. Emerson, George O. Carpenter, and Joseph L.R. Eaton, agreed that the town of South Reading should have its own military company to keep the men occupied because they had 'no place to go except the taverns and stores.' After speaking to other young men of the town and calling a special meeting in the west school room of the Town House, a rally committee of five was appointed to canvas the town and encourage other men to join. A drill without firearms was held in Academy Hall on October 3rd and on October 7th, the company unanimously voted to be called the Richardson Light Guard in honor of company benefactor Dr. Solon O. Richardson who had donated $500 for company expenses. The Richardson Light Guard received its charter from the Adjutant General E.W. Stone on October 11, 1851 and was officially incorporated into the 7th Regiment of Light Infantry, 4th Brigade and 2nd Division, known by Company D. The Richardson Light Guard responded to calls for action in 1861, 1898 and again in 1917 as Company A of the Sixth Regiment." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Company A, April 7, 1917
  "Company A, Sixth Regiment, was mustered into service at 9:30 p.m. on April 6, 1917. Soon after they were mustered into service, a call came into Captain Edward J. Connelly to hold the company in readiness for departure the first thing in the morning. Although they were given less than 12 hours notice and no public announcement, a crowd of over 1,000 people gathered at the armory by 8 a.m. the next day. The armory was crowded with wives, sisters, mothers, and sweethearts of Company A soldiers. Hundreds of small American flags waved in the crowd. Bugler Cheever made the call at 8:13 a.m. and the trucks lined up along Main Street. Large trucks owned by H.F. Miller & Sons Piano Co., G.E. Moncrief, Henry A. Feindel, and the Morrison-Skinner Co., were used to transport the men and supplies, in addition to the company's own truck previously given by the town." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Clipper Cove, Pleasure Island, 1959
  "Among the first sights to see at Pleasure Island was Clipper Cove, a reproduction of a 150-year old New England fishing village, the place from which visitors reached two of the park's most popular attractions, the Wreck of the Hesperus and the Moby Dick ride. After entering Pleasure Island, visitors passed through the crescent-shaped entrance to Clipper Cove that was outlined with barnacle-crusted anchors. According to news reports, the same lamplights that once lined Boston streets framed the sidewalks of the fishing village. A lighthouse cast its beacon on the manmade inland sea that engineers created to accommodate the porpoises, sharks, sea turtles and the 75-foot animated Moby Dick. Authentic whale boats made in Maine took riders on their journey to find Moby Dick. Over 250 craftsmen transformed the 80-acre swampland into a family amusement center in a record time of four months, beginning in February 1959. Pleasure Island opened in June 1959 and closed in 1968. C.V. Wood, Jr., the former vice president and general manager of Disneyland, Inc. during its first year, spearheaded the team that researched, designed and developed Pleasure Island." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Cheney building and store, 1868
  "The C.H.R. Cheney sign boasted that it sold 'Jewelry and Fancy Goods,' while the adjacent stores sold the Boston Herald, tonic, and ginger beer, and housed J.A. Cutter's Hair Dressing Rooms. The building was located on the eastern side of Main Street. Statistics gathered from 1868 reveal that there were 37 stores in Wakefield to meet the needs of the town's 3200 citizens. Thirty-four of those stores included eight grocery/grain, etc. four dry and fancy goods three clothing, shoes and boots three apothecaries three provisions two fruit and confectionery two furniture two wood, coal and lumber two jewelry one wood and ice one bread one shoe findings one hard and tin ware and one periodicals. The annual business of these stores was reported to be $500,000." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Charles N. Winship
  "Charles N. Winship was born in Needham (now Wellesley) in 1863, the son of Francis and Catherine Winship. He left school at the age of 13 and by age 14 was employed at a knitting mill in Wellesley. That same year he began working at the Dudley Hosiery Mill in Newton Lower Falls where he rose to assistant foreman in charge of the knitting department. When a selling agent for the company started Allston Mills, he joined the company and was employed as a foreman until his partnership with Miss Elizabeth E. Boit. In 1888, the two formulated their manufacturing and merchandising policies and Mr. Winship purchased three second-hand knitting machines and five finishing machines. They set up shop in Cambridgeport as the Harvard Knitting Mills and later moved to Wakefield in 1889. The Harvard Knitting Mills became a very successful enterprise and in 1920, Mr. Winship realized his dream come true. He initiated a profit sharing program at the company for the benefit of the employees, although the plan was discontinued after several years as a result of changing economic conditions. By that time, the company had paid over $288,000 to its employees under the novel program. Under Mr. Winship's and Miss Boit's guidance, the Harvard Knitting Mills was the first mill to initiate a 48 hour work week in 1919, a 40 hour work week in 1933 and paid a $62,000 bonus to employees in 1918. In 1923 the copmany paid 1/10th the total tax levy for the town of Wakefield. Mr. Winship was active in the community serving as a member of the School Committee, the George Washington Bicentennial Committee, Chairman and founding member of the Wakefield Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Wakefield Board of Trade and the Public Safety and War Chest Committees during World War I. He was also a corporator and Vice President of the Wakefield Savings Bank Board, a Director and President of the Wakefield National Bank and was Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Elks Home Corporation. The mill building was later sold to Sylvania during World War II and later to Murray Printing, Revere Knitting Mills and Transitron, although the business continued in a diminished capacity. Mr. Winship died in March, 1946. He had several homes in Wakefield on Pleasant Street, Fairmount Avenue and Jordan Avenue, the latter of which is now Nazareth Academy." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Charles E. Walton, Selectmen's office, December 1913
  "Charles E. Walton was said to be one of Wakefield's most prominent citizens, active throughout his life in civic, church, fraternal and military organizations. He was a native of Wakefield (South Reading) and both his father and mother's families, the Waltons and the Eatons, were prominent in the town and the shoe making industry. Charles was elected to the Board of Auditors in 1892 and served as a member of the Board of Selectmen from 1894 to 1898. He was appointed Tax Collector in 1897, and was elected annually until his resignation in 1935. He became the treasurer of the Wakefield Co-operative Bank in 1907 and conducted both town and bank business in the Town Hall for more than 28 years. He remained as the bank's treasurer until 1941 when he became Vice President and Clerk, and worked at the bank every day until his death in 1945 at the age of 85. In addition to his town activities, Charles was a corporator of the Wakefield Savings Bank, beginning in 1897, and was the longest serving corporator at the time of his death. He was treasurer and clerk of the Lakeside Cemetery Corporation, chairman of the Public Safety Committee during World War I, a lieutenant in the Richardson Light Guard, a Spanish War veteran, and served as the military instructor for the Wakefield High School battalion from 1900 to 1902. He was a member of the Wakefield Rotary Club and had attended the weekly meeting the day before he died." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Centre Depot Station, Water Street, 1961
  "The Centre Depot on Water Street was once a bustling railroad station, servicing passengers on the South Reading Branch Railroad (later the Eastern and Boston and Maine Railroads) and the Newburyport Branch Railroad (later Boston and Maine) both of which originated at the Wakefield Junction station. According to the Wakefield Historical Society, a station was built on the site somewhere around 1875. By 1885, the station was servicing 10 outbound and 10 inbound trains each day and was equipped with a baggage room, as well as a passenger waiting room. Passenger service from South Reading to South Peabody was halted in 1926 and the Wakefield Junction to Wakefield Centre line was abandoned in 1935. Freight lines operated for many years along the rails. The Danversport area still received occasional shipments via the Newburyport Line from Wakefield as recently as the mid-1980s." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Center House, Water Street, east of the railroad crossing, Winter, 1931
  "In historical publications, the Center House was listed as the site of the John Poole homestead, and also as the home site of Capt. Thomas Greene (the old miller) built before 1700. The Center House was named for its proximity to the Center Depot, and it may have been referred to as the Wakefield Boarding House. Several Wakefieldians remember a store and a tavern located on the first floor with apartments located above. Still others remember that it was used at some time as a hotel for travelers on the Danvers and South Reading Branch of Salem Railroad which was abandoned in 1926." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Catherine Simpson
  "Catherine Simpson, a lifelong resident of Wakefield, was the daughter of Albert F. and Mary (Gahan) Simpson. A 1930 graduate of Wakefield High School, Miss Simpson was also a graduate of Bryant & Stratton Business School in 1931, completing a two year course in one year. An active member of the community, Miss Simpson was a member of the Board of Selectmen for 7 years, from 1952 until 1959, and was the first woman in over 20 years to be elected to the Board. She also served as Tax Collector from 1960 to 1971. She was the first woman to serve as President of the Middlesex County Selectmen's Association, and was the first woman in the state to head such a county organization. She continued to remain active in county and state Selectmen's Associations after becoming Tax Collector. Miss Simpson was a founding member and officer of the Wakefield's Citizens' Scholarship Foundation and was Vice-President of the Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of America. She was also a founding member of the Wakefield Business and Professional Women's Club and served as President in 1951. Her other activities included offices in the Col. James Hartshorne House Association, the Catholic Club, Director of the Wakefield Safety Council, Co-chairman of the March of Dimes and Chairman of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation. Miss Simpson died suddenly in February, 1971 at the age of 58." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Cartland house and icehouses, Lake Avenue, (undated)
  "This circa late-1800s photograph depicts a bygone era and a look at the area around Wakefield Common as it once was. The photo was taken on the lower Common, looking out at Lake Avenue, near Spaulding Street. According to Town records, Mrs. J.H. Cartland was listed as the owner of the two-family home at 3-5 Lake Avenue in 1876. The ice houses at the right of the photo were probably part of John G. Morrill's Ice Company which was located on Spaulding Street. Although J.H. Cartland was reported to have sold brushes from a location on Church Street, he was also an ice dealer, delivering ice to homes throughout Wakefield. In 1887, the property was owned by Will Wiley who, with his father, Albert Wiley, had operated a boat house on Spaulding Street, beginning in 1872. A new boat house was built on Lake Avenue in 1887, with a dance hall added in 1912. The boat house and the adjacent home were sold to Harold and Gertrude Hill in 1923. Mrs. Hill sold the property to the Town of Wakefield after Town Meeting voted to purchase the boat house/ballroom, garage, house, and 17,850 sq. feet of land for $55,000 in October, 1963. A committee was created to determine a use for the property in March, 1964, and voted to demolish all the structures. A Town Meeting vote in June, 1964, appropriated $9,500 to raze the buildings. Demolition took place in September, 1964. Several uses for the property, including a youth/senior center, were discussed over the years. Today the site is occupied by a playground created for the Town by the Wakefield Center Neighborhood Association." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Carriage house at the Beebe Farm, Main Street, circa 1890
  "The Beebe Homestead and Farm on the east shore of Lake Quannapowitt was designed by Samuel McIntire of Salem and built in 1810 as a gentleman's estate for a member of the Forrester family of Salem. Lucius and Sylenda Beebe purchased the estate in 1852. It was there that they raised eleven of their twelve children. The Beebe's farm was known for its abundant flower and vegetable gardens, fruit trees, herds of milk cows, fowl, and bee-hives. As noted in books and newspaper articles about Lucius Beebe, the carriage house was filled with 'horse rigs and sleighs, cutters (small sleighs that were drawn by a single horse), four-seaters, plows and pungs (low box sleighs).' It was also a Thanksgiving tradition to line the children up to mark their heights on the wall." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Car barns and power house, Water Street, corner of Valley and Melvin Streets, circa 1895
  "The Wakefield & Stoneham Street Railway Company received its charter in May 1892, with the first car running along the tracks from Wakefield Square to Farm Hill in Stoneham on August 14, 1892. The system was originally powered by electricity purchased by the Citizens' Gas Light Company, the predecessor of the Wakefield Municipal Light Department. After the street railway line expanded to Lynn in 1893, a car barn was built on Water Street, at the corner of Valley Street in July 1893. The first car along that route ran on April 18, 1893. The street railway flourished with the expansion of the system and mergers with other companies, leading to the eventual building of its own power plant on Water Street in 1894. The power plant included two 'powerful' engines of 200 and 100 horse power, providing enough power for three generators: one 150 kilowatt, and two 'D.62.' Another 200 horsepower engine and two M.P. 100 generators were added soon after to meet the demand. During the spring of 1895, another car barn was added, housing a total of 50 cars. The rapid growth of the street railway system ended as quickly as it began. Lines began to be discontinued in 1918 and by 1930, busses [sic] had taken over nearly all the routes. In 1930, the former car barns and power plant were occupied by the Oxidite Paint Manufacturing Company and by the Curley Brothers for storage purposes." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Camp Plunkett, Enfield rifle lecture, circa 1918
  "Camp Plunkett, now the site of Camp Curtis Guild, served as the United States Navy rifle range during World War I. Prior to that, the site was used as the rifle range for the Bay State Military Rifle Association. The sailors at Camp Plunkett received training on the 'new' Enfield rifles which were used extensively during World War I. Because the government could not keep up with the demand for the Springfield M1903, the M1914 Enfield .30-'06 caliber rifle was produced. The rifle weighed 9.5 pounds, with a barrel length of 26 inches and an overall length of 46.3 inches. By mid-1918, eight barracks had been erected to house the sailors and several acres of timber had been cleared to make room for a wall of 100 targets. The YMCA, one of the first civic or social welfare organizations to offer its services during World War I, had also set up its 'hut' at the Camp in 1918. At Camp Plunkett, as well as at other training camps, the huts acted as substitute homes, theatres, schools and churches for the men before they headed off to war. The huts were staffed by local volunteers who were the support of the Y's mission to attend to the needs of the sailors and soldiers away from home." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Camp Plunkett, circa 1917
  "Located at what is now Camp Curtis Guild, Camp Plunkett was originally owned by the Bay State Rifle Association. During World War I, the camp was leased to the United States Navy and used as a naval rifle range. Many sailors were invited to the homes of Wakefield residents, and townspeople offered them rides as part of the 'give 'em a lift club.' It was during this time that the wooden barracks and the mess hall were erected. At the end of World War I, Camp Plunkett was returned to the rifle association. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts purchased the camp in 1926 for a sum of $65,000 and renamed it Camp Curtis Guild in honor of former Governor Curtis Guild, Jr., 'in consideration of his public service and intimate connection with the military forces of the state and nation.' The camp was called into action during World War II by the First Service Command as a staging area for the Port of Boston. It was also used as a training area for the US Coast Guard. The camp is now home to the Massachusetts National Guard." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• C.W. Spear Dairy, Central Street, 1930s
  "Operated by Clifton W. Spear and his sons, the C.W. Spear Dairy at 37 Central Street delivered milk and other dairy products to Wakefield and 10 other communities from 1902 to 1970. The operation began with the production of raw cream, soon developing into the production and delivery of fresh milk to local homes. Spear's milk supply came from many local and New Hampshire farms, including the Beebe Farm at Lakeside, as well as the Alfalfa Farm in Topsfield and the W.P. Turner Farm in North Reading. During the 1930s, the Beebe Farm stretched from Main to Vernon to Lowell Streets and its 100 Ashire, Guernsey and Jersey cows produced 500 to 600 quarts of Grade A milk each day. The milk produced at the farm was 'higher in butter fat contents than state requirements.' The C.W. Spear Dairy was the first dairy north of Boston to pasteurize, and later homogenize, its milk. It was heralded as a leader in modernizing and introducing new equipment, including a milk cooler with glass-lined vats, modern bottle washer (where bottles were cleaned, filled and capped without human contact), and glass-lined vats for pasteurizing milk (automatically regulated by thermostat) in the 1930s. A 'modern extension' was added in 1931 to accommodate the pasteurization equipment and the product line was expanded to include cottage cheese, eggs, butter and chocolate syrup. By the 1950s, 15 trucks were on the road, delivering products seven-days-a-week. Sunday deliveries were discontinued in 1964. In 1960, the Spear family opened the Spear Dairy Bar at the corner of Montrose Avenue and Water Street. The C.W. Spear Dairy was sold in 1970 and the building was razed in 1977." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Burrage Yale
  "Burrage Yale was born in Meriden, Connecticut on March 27, 1781, the son of Amerton and Sarah (Meriman) Yale. Since his family was dependent upon the elder Mr. Yale for support, Burrage set off at an early age to care for himself and assist his father financially. He secured an ample supply of tinware and traveled through various towns and states to sell his goods. In 1800 his travels took him to Reading, now Wakefield, where he was the guest of the Boardman family of 18 Elm Street. Mr. Yale settled in the community in 1802 and began preparations for the manufacture of tinware. His business eventually blossomed until he became one of the largest tinware dealers in the state with over 100 peddlers. Mr. Yale held few public offices. He served as Town Moderator and Town Treasurer and was very accurate in his statements, accounts and in all the details of his business. He was appointed as the first Postmaster of South Reading on March 16, 1827 and served for nearly three years. His half brother Eli A. Yale assumed the position in January, 1830. Mr. Yale was very generous to the community and its residents and contributed a large sum for the purchase of the fire company engine which bore his name. He died in 1860 at the age of 79." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Brown Block, 378 Main Street, December, 1938
  "The Brown Block, located across from Avon Street at the site of the Wakefield Cooperative Bank, was one of the last buildings to be torn down as Wakefield moved into the 1940's. The Brown Block has also been referred to as the W.C. Jordan Block. Although the building was erected during the latter part of the 1800's, the site housed the Town's first post office in 1812. The post office was thought to have been located on or near the site of the Brown Block. The First National Stores were located there in 1938, and the building had housed several other business establishments throughout the years. The Wakefield Citizen & Banner was located there during the 1880's. The building was also the second home of the local telephone exchange which moved there in 1897, and leased the building for another five years. When it opened, the two-room office, complete with its magneto switchboard, accommodated 87 subscribers. The Brown Block was torn down in the early 1940s." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Boys soccer, 1967
  "In 1966, a boys soccer team was formed at WHS which played against Lynnfield, Belmont, Concord, Lexington, and Reading. In its inaugural season, the team posted a 4-7-1 record. The following year, 1967, under the guidance of first-year Coach Richard Kelley, the boys soccer team's record was 7-3-3 (4-3-3 league), placing the team as the second best in the league. Even in its infancy, the WHS soccer team was a force to be reckoned with. During the 1968-1969 school year, the team lost by only one goal in eight games, and by 1973, the team was a tournament contender. In 1979, the team had its first undefeated season (15-0-3) and Coach Kelley was named Coach of the Year. In 1981, the soccer team compiled a five-year record of 75-4-11. The team captured the Middlesex League championship ten times in just 13 years (1976 through 1989), and was the Division state champion in 1989 and 1997." -- Text from calendar.
• Boys' Loyalty Day Parade, Wakefield High School Cadets and Franklin School, May 1, 1924
  "As part of'Boys' Week,' Wakefield school boys were invited to participate in the Boys' Loyalty Day Parade which was held on a cloudy Thursday afternoon. According to reports, many parents, brothers and sisters were on the sidewalks and each group received considerable applause along the parade route. Nearly every boys' organization in town was represented in the parade which was described as 'the jolliest boys' parade and the largest of its kind ever held in Wakefield.' The Wakefield High School Cadets made their first appearance in their new R.O.T.C. uniforms of khaki with 'jaunty trench caps.' The boys of Franklin School were led by a boy dressed to represent Benjamin Franklin. The 1924 parade began at the high school (now the Galvin Junior High School) as did the 1994 school childrens' parade to kick off Wakefield's 350 celebration in 1994." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Boys' Loyalty Day Parade, Thursday, May 1, 1924
  "Over 1000 Wakefield boys participated in the 'Boys' Loyalty Day' parade which was held in conjunction with the first annual 'Boys' Week'. 'Boys' Week' activities included: Boys' Day in School - April 25th Boys' Day in Church - April 27th Boy's Day in Industry and Government - April 29th Boys' Day at Home - April 30th Boys' Loyalty Day - May 1st Boys' Day in Athletics - May 2nd Boys' Day Outdoors - May 3rd. The parade began at 2:30 p.m. by a 'blow on the fire alarm whistle' sounded by Major Joseph Yarushites of the high school cadets. The units formed at the high school (now the Galvin Jr. High School) and followed a winding route which included Main Street, Chestnut Street, North Ave., Yale Ave., Main Street, Park Street, Pleasant Street, Salem Street, Church Street, Common Street to Main Street where a reviewing stand was set up on the steps of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library. Judges for the parade included Selectmen Arthur E. Newcomb, Charles F. Young and Roland W. Butters. The parade was led by the Wakefield Police Department, the Everett High School Band, and the Wakefield High School Battalion. The boys' groups included the following: Wakefield Boy Scouts Franklin, Woodville, Lafayette, Warren, West Ward, St. Joseph's, Montrose, Greenwood, and Hamilton Schools newsboys Baptist Boys' Club Knights of King Arthur and the Y.M.C.A. The latter group was the only one to have a float. At the end of the parade, the boys were treated to ice cream by A.B. Weld, a Wakefield ice cream manufacturer." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Bourdon Block (formerly Kingman Block), March 1946
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1996
• Boston & Maine Railroad, 1939
  "The number of riders on the Boston & Maine Railroad began to decline during the 1920s, leading to the abandonment of one of the three lines which served the town in 1926. Traveling to Boston by car became a more attractive option for commuters, causing the B&M to rely on ads that focused on the convenience of the train. In 1939, there were four stations that served Wakefield: the Greenwood and Wakefield Upper stations on the main line from Boston to Portland, Wakefield Junction, and Wakefield Center, which served the Newburyport line. There were a 'fair number' of daily trains arriving at Wakefield Junction and only a few daily trains to Wakefield Center, with no Sunday service. The main line had 31 inbound and 34 outbound trains each day, with 'ample' Sunday service." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Boothby's entry, Elks' Carnival, Labor Day, 1920
  "The annual Labor Day Carnival, hosted by the Wakefield Lodge of Elks, was held on Monday, September 6th, 1920 at Wakefield Center Depot field on Water Street. The event was reported to be 'one of the biggest outdoor carnivals ever conducted in this vicinity.' The activities began at 10 a.m. and ended at 11 p.m., and included daylight fireworks with 'Japanese bombs,' lights and streamers band concerts by the Boston City Band and the fife and drum corps of Branch I.N.F. Star Vaudeville acts by the B.F. Keith circuit, midway attractions, sideshows, dodgers, 'walking Charlie,' and flying horses for the children. The evening fireworks display was staged by the Randolph Fireworks Company. Among the highlights of the day was the crowning of the carnival queen, Mildred O'Connell of Reading, a title she won by popular vote. Her prize was a 'purse of $50 in gold.' The crowning was preceded by a parade through Wakefield, Reading and Stoneham, which may have included this automobile entered by Mrs. Mabel S. Boothby who was entered into the decorated auto parade. Mrs. Boothby enjoyed decorating her car and entering it into parades, including the 1922 Fourth of July parade when her auto captured first place in the decorated auto section. In that parade, her car was 'a blaze of glory...a shining wonder of orange crepe paper.' Other highlights of the 1920 carnival included the drawing for the winners of a doll cart and a coaster cart, and the grand prize of a touring automobile. In 1920, a Ford touring automobile cost $575. A dual electric starting and lighting system cost an additional $75." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Bonney & Dutton's Old Corner Drug Store, circa 1907
  "The drug store was established in 1847, on Main Street opposite Avon Street, by Dr. Joseph D. Mansfield, a well-known practicing physician, and William H. Willis. In 1855, Dr. Mansfield purchased Mr. Willis' share of the business, changed the name to the 'Old Corner Drug Store,' and moved to the corner of Main and Albion Streets. The drug store was the second such business between Boston and Haverhill, the other being in Malden. In 1885, Josiah Bonney became a partner and eventually bought Dr. Mansfield's interest in the business. He remained sole owner of the store until 1906, when Riberot Dutton, a clerk in the store since 1896, became a partner. Mr. Dutton was also a registered pharmacist. Mr. Dutton retired from the business in October, 1940, and sold his interest to his two clerks. The wooden building which housed the 'Old Corner Drug Store' was razed in 1940 to make way for Lane's Drug Store." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Boat house and ice houses, Lake Quannapowitt, circa 1906
  "Ice harvesting on both Lake Quannapowitt and Crystal Lake was a large part of Wakefield's winter scene, starting in the mid-1800s and continuing until the 1940s. According to a lecture given by Town Historian Ruth Woodbury in 1957, there were some three dozen ice houses operating at one time: the 24-ice house Boston Ice Company on the northwest shore of Lake Quannapowitt the People's Ice Company on Hall Park the Whipple-Morrill on North Avenue, east of the Hartshorne House Morrill-Atwood on Spaulding Street Nichols Ice Company on the site of the Col. Connelly Park and three on Crystal Lake. The Morrill-Atwood Ice House, next to the Wiley Boathouse on Spaulding Street, began harvesting ice in the 1870s. Owner John G. Morrill built a storage facility around 1878 before joining forces with Boston hotel owner J. Reed Whipple in 1890. Together they purchased a portion of the Hartshorne Meadow (now Veterans Field) and erected ice houses to supply ice not only to Whipple's three hotels: the Parker House, Young's, and the Touraine, but to other large users in Boston. Whipple sold his shares in 1897 to Frank H. Atwood who was by then a partner in Morrill's ice house on Spaulding Street. Morrill-Atwood sold ice locally while Whipple-Morrill exported their ice to other locations. Atwood remained as the owner of both ice houses following John Morrill's death in 1904. In 1919, Atwood left the wholesale business and sold the Hartshorne Meadow ice-houses to the Porter-Milton Company. The buildings were destroyed by fire in September 1929, and the site was subsequently purchased by the Town. The Morrill-Atwood Ice house was sold to Albert S. Anderson in 1926. In April 1945, the Metropolitan Ice Company of Somerville purchased the property, never intending to harvest ice, but to continue the electric ice manufacturing business started in 1932 by Anderson. Just months after its purchase, Metropolitan Ice Company tore down two of the original buildings, and the final part of the original building was razed in 1960." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Bicyclists on the Common, 1890
  "These bicyclists with their high wheeled, hard tire bicycles wait on Wakefield Common to continue their ride. The bike was popular in the 1880's and 1890's, and was instrumental in the formation of bicycle clubs throughout the country. These well-known Wakefield gentlemen included (left to right) George L. Pratt, Charles E. Nott, George P. Aborn, J.E. Coombs, Joseph C. Clark, Elroy N. Heath, Frank H. Burrill, William E. Eaton, Edward A. Wilkins, former Selectman George O. Sheldon and Hugh R. Emerson. The photo also provides a look at the brick fire station on the Common (near the site of the bandstand) which was torn down in 1891, and the old town house on the south corner of Main and Salem Streets (located in the center of the picture)." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Bessey Livery Stable, corner of Main and Chestnut Streets, September 1923
  "Referred to as the old Bessey Stable, this wooden building at the corner of Main and Chestnut Streets was torn down by the Central Building Wrecking Company of Chelsea in late September 1923 to make way for the Wakefield Trust Company building. The stable was considered a landmark and its removal marked an important change to Main Street. The building housed the Willard Service Station at the time of its demise. William W. Bessey operated the stable for many years under the name of W.W. Bessey & Son. The property was purchased in August 1921 by Wakefield Theatre owner Charles W. Hodgson for the purpose of building a playhouse. The project was abandoned in 1923 and the property was purchased by the Wakefield Trust Company that same year. The second-hand lumber and all building material were sold 'cheap on the premises' or at the company's Chelsea yard. The company also listed firewood and 150 squares of Munson slate as part of the sale." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Bear Hill Golf Club, circa 1900
  "According to the history published for the Wakefield Tercentenary observance, residents in the newly established Park Section of Wakefield organized a country club soon after the area was developed by Stendman Hanks. Headquartered on Morrison Road, the Bear Hill Golf Club moved to its first home on Hopkins Street in 1900, where a club house was built and a nine-hole golf course laid out. The Club purchased additional land in 1913, and, to meet the needs of the increasing membership, erected a new club house in 1920 on the south side of Prospect Street. A new nine-hole golf course was laid out. Several additional purchases of adjacent land over the years resulted in the lengthening of the golf holes. The second club house was destroyed by fire in 1939, and members rebuilt the clubhouse on the same site, using the existing foundation." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Bayrd's Indian Trading Post, Main Street, circa 1985
  "Bayrd's Indian Trading Post on Main Street, opposite Lake Quannapowitt, was a Wakefield landmark from the time it was built in 1954 until it was razed on August 17, 1995. Designed, owned and occupied by E. Leonard (Lenny) Bayrd, a half Narragansett Native American also known as Chief Wamblesakee (Eagle Claw), the building was a home as well as a craftshop where Lenny and Ruth Bayrd made authentic Native American artifacts and costumes. When the Bayrds purchased the brush-filled property at the head of Lake Quannpowitt in the early 1950s, it was occupied by a teahouse. After Lenny retired from a 27-year career as a letter carrier in December 1954, the couple turned a hobby into a full-time career when they moved into the new house attached to the twin-teepee flanked shop. His 'elaborate beaded costumes and gaily-colored feather bonnets' were featured in a national magazine in 1954. For more than 35 years, the shop was frequented by other Native Americans, fellow members of the Order of Red Men, members of the Wahpatuck Tribe of Red Men's Band, and local residents. Bayrd also made the headdresses and costumes worn by the Wakefield high School Majorettes for many years as well as costumes and headdresses worn by by Saugus High School cheerleaders, Western movie stars, rodeo performers and Buffy Sainte-Marie, a well known singer and former Wakefield resident. Although as a Native American, Lenny was able to obtain eagle feathers from the Department of Fish and Game that he used in his headdresses and costumes, the eagle-feathered items could only be sold to other Native Americans or passed down to family members. In addition to the couple's handiwork that was known throughout the country and Europe, the shop contained displays of many artifacts that had been found in Wakefield. Among those artifacts were plummets found in Lake Quannpowitt once used to weigh down fishing nets, arrowheads and a grommet (a stone with two holes which was worn around the neck which identified the wearer as a messenger not to be harmed) found on Parker Road. Following Lenny Bayrd's death in 1990 and Ruth Bayrd's death in 1991 the property was sold to the Gingerbread Construction Company in 1995.' " -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Bay State Military Rifle Association, circa 1906
  "'Systematic instruction' in military rifle shooting was deemed essential by the government in 1875. As a result, the Massachusetts Volunteer Rifle Association was created and the first military rifle competition in the state was held in the South Framingham Campground. The Richardson Light Guard rifle team was organized in July 1878 and went on to take first place in the Regimental Matches from 1890 to 1907, as well as in many other significant matches. Company A's first permanent range was located in the rear of the Wakefield Rattan Company, with an established range of 200 yards. The local Militia was issued Model 45/70 Springfield breech loading rifles. State qualification requirements called for shooting at greater distance, and as a result, the local company moved to the Massachusetts Rifle Association range at Walnut Hill in Woburn. In 1891, the Selectmen vote to permit firing at the required 500 and 600-yard distances enabling the company to return to Wakefield. This was short-lived as the area became more densely populated. The Cox Woods, at the corner of Haverhill and Pine Streets (now Bay State Road), was selected by the company as the site of its new range and it was soon equipped with a shooting house and 200, 500 and 600-yard ranges. The Wakefield range became home to the Massachusetts State Rifle Team after it left Walnut Hill. The range so impressed the Inspector general of the Rifle Practice that a canvas of top military men was taken, and the Bay State Military Rifle Association was established. The association paid the town $200 each year for the remaining two years of the Town's lease and allowed the local rifle company to use its facilities. The facility was used as a rifle range for the US Navy during World War I. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts took over the range in 1925 and the name was changed to Camp Curtis Guild to honor Massachusetts Governor Curtis Guild, Jr. During World War II, extensive changes were made and the camp was used for military training and as a mobilization and overseas evacuation point." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Bath house, Lake Quannpowitt, 1940
  "During the 1930's and 1940's many varied public works and construction projects were completed by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) within the Town of Wakefield. These projects ranged from the typing of Town records in 1934, to the remodeling of the Lafayette School into municipal offices and veterans' office quarters in 1937, to the construction of eight newly accepted streets and several sidewalks in 1937. In 1939, Wakefield Selectmen voted to ask the Special Town Meeting to build a bath house on Spaulding Street at Lake Quannapowitt, as well as other recreation projects, using ther skills of WPA workers at an estimated cost of $2,000. Just one week later, the estimated cost rose to $5,500 a fact that created debate within the community. The WPA Supervisor was asked to submit other plans which were not so elaborate which would 'entail a smaller expenditure to the Town and yet produce a satisfactory bath house,' the Selectmen feeling that the proposed bath house could not be erected for that amount of money. New plans were submitted by the Wakefield Rotary Club's community service committee which reduced the proposed costs from $5,500 to between $3,500 and $3,000. The building would not be made of brick as in the previous plans and would not be heated for winter use. The bath house could accommodate 100 boys and 100 girls and would be a modern building with asphalt shingles. On March 23, 1939, Special Town Meeting voted to build the bath house at a cost of $5,261 by a close vote. The Spaulding Street bath house was completed in 1940 for a cost of $6,882.59. The bath house was removed in 1994 to the Forest Glade Cemetery." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Baseball, 1945
  "As one of the oldest, if not the oldest, sport at Wakefield High School, boys baseball was originally played on the Common. In 1900, the WHS baseball team won the state title by defeating Lawrence 18-8. Many of the members of the 1945 WHS baseball team, the first to be coached by Coach James Walsh, returned to the diamond the following year. While the 1945 team had five wins in 11 starts, the 1946 baseball team, captured the Middlesex League crown with a 14-3 record in its first year of play in the league. The team went on to play in the state competition at Fenway Park, beating Lawrence in the first game, and losing to Newton by a score of 4-2. During the season, pitcher Les DeMarco pitched two nine inning no-hitters. In 1954, the WHS baseball team made the record books when sophomore pitcher Ralph Lazzaro pitched a complete no-hitter in a game against Reading. The next day, the same feat was accomplished when Larry McShane pitched a no-hitter against Lexington." -- Text from calendar.
• Bank building, corner of Albion Street and Railroad Avenue, circa 1868
  "The South Reading Mechanic and Agricultural Institution and the National Bank of South Reading, were both located in the Bank Building at the corner of Albion Street and Railroad Avenue, now North Avenue. The hours of operation for both banks were 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. every weekday. The South Reading Mechanical and Agricultural Institution was incorporated in 1833 and was the first bank to open in the town. It opened witha capital of $10,000 and in 1885, the interest rate was '4 per centum interest per annum, paid on deposits, beginning on the first of each month.' It was established two years after the Reading M & A Institution, a banking institution described as a bank of discount and deposit. The Reading bank's customers were largely 'engaged in trade with the Southern States.' The National Bank of South Reading, was organized as a State bank, the South Reading Bank, on May 16, 1854 with a capital of $100,000. It was reorganized as a National Bank in 1865. In 1902, the National Bank of South Reading changed its name to the Wakefield National Bank, and in 1916, it became the Wakefield Trust Company. It shared quarters with the Wakefield Savings Bank on Main Street from 1902 to 1924 when the Trust Company moved into its stately building at the opposite corner of Main and Chestnut Streets." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Bandstand, circa 1895
  "The Bandstand on Wakefield's lower Common was built in 1885 in response to a national beautification movement to raise standards for architecture and public space in America. It was built as part of the $10,000 Cornelius Sweetser bequest which provided money for park purposes. The newly formed park commission purchased two lots of land between the lake and Main Street (owned by heirs of John White and Thomas Emerson) for $2,000 and $1,800 respectively, and work on the park began under the direction of Ernest W. Bowditch of Boston. A total of $13,830.23 was expended to complete the extensive work at the park, of which the bandstand was a part. Known as the 'Park Music Pavilion' and 'The Pagoda', the bandstand is said to resemble a pavilion in Brighton England, although its turned posts and ornamental frieze are also of the Queen Anne-style. The structure is made if wood and dressed fieldstone and its dome top was painted 'in the color of the heart's blood of the indulgent taxpayer.' The bandstand was recently restored by the Wakefield Center Neighborhood Association." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Arthur H. Saunders Gasoline Station, 40 Water Street, circa 1930s
  "The gasoline station at 40 Water Street was owned by Arthur H. Saunders from the late 1920's until 1938 when an 'out-of-town' man bought the station, and owned it for one year. During Saunders' ownership, John L. Neiss managed the station, and, in 1939, he became its owner. The station was called the Center Service Station for its proximity to the Center (railroad) Station. The Center Service Station sold a complete line of Gulf products and specialized in 'scientifically-designed Gulflex lubrication.' By 1939, a 'heated lubritorium' was added which enabled attendants to give quicker and better service. In addition to the service station, John Neiss also conducted a range oil business, utilizing two oil trucks. Fuel oil remained a part of the business until World War II. Mr. Neiss owned the station until 1955 when it was sold to the Hubbard family. Gulf Oil leased land from the Boston & Maine Railroad and eventually a new Gulf station was built where the Center House in the background, once used a a hotel for guests and associates of Cyrus Wakefield, once stood." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• April, 1904
  "The two gentlemen are unidentified, as is the location and nature of the business in which they were employed. It does provide an opportunity to see inside a shop or manufacturing company in the early years of the 20th century." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Amoskeag Steamer, circa 1930
  "The Fire Department's Amoskeag Steamer works on the Nichols Ice House fire in a photo believed to be taken in 1930. The ice house was located on Main Street, Lakeside, opposite the Walton estate." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• American Reed & Willow Company, North Avenue near Main Street, circa 1924
  "The American Reed & Willow Company building was originally the Jenkins-Phipps Company, manufacturers of reed, rattan and willow furniture, which erected the building in early 1914, after purchasing the 1.5 acre property in December, 1913. The corner lot, originally part of the Cyrus Wakefield estate, was an ideal location because the Salem branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad passed by the doors of the company. The factory was a three- story wooden building, 100' long x 50' wide, which was built by local contractors A.A. Butler and W.E. Knox. The entrance faced southward, toward Crystal Lake. Jenkins-Phipps Company began as the A.D. Jenkins & Company on Franklin Street somewhere around 1890. Six employees built chairs and other rattan articles at the location until a fire forced the company to relocate to the Taylor Building around 1901, eventually expanding its operations to encompass the entire top fourth floor. Augustus Jenkins learned his trade as a worker and foreman for the Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company of Gardner, a craft which brought him to Wakefield. His partnership with Irvin E. Phipps, a leading salesman for the Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company, began in 1903. In what was termed as 'one of the most important industrial transactions in Wakefield,' the chair factory and business was sold to Pierce & Foley of Boston and New Jersey in June, 1919. At the time of purchase, they built a brick four-story addition on the north end of the factory to double the floor space. A fire in April, 1920, occurred in the original factory building, although the company quickly rebuilt, eventually opening a finishing and upholstery department in Boston, leaving the Wakefield location for manufacturing purposes only. The company later became known as the American Reed & Fibre Furniture Company. Changes in furniture design and market led to the company's decline in the late 1930s. By 1942, the company was idle and the property purchased by William Hickey of the Thomas Hickey Coal and Oil Company and Diamond Tank & Welding Company, in 1943. The three-story wooden building at the front was torn down in 1946 and a new front added. The location has also housed the Diamond Instrument Company (which made seismographs to study earthquakes), the Ellis Allen Company (makers of rubber rollers), and was secretly used to make radar products for Raytheon Company during World War II." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• American Gasoline & Oil, Co., Wakefield Junction, 1931
  "Gasoline stations were evident on many street corners in business districts, including this one at 564 Main Street, at the junction of North Avenue, Main Street and Nahant Street. In 1930, American Gasoline & Oil Co. advertised gasoline prices at $.15 per gallon, at their Wakefield 'filling station.' In 1934, the advertised prices dropped to $.13 per gallon with tax, and $.12 1/2 per gallon for American Anti-Knock. Their 2,000,000 gallon waterfront storage plant and cargo purchases made it possible to market at those prices. They also referred to themselves as 'American Gasolene'. They took pride in the fact that their 'prompt and courteous attendants' took care of tires, put water in the radiators, and put 'real distilled water' in customer's batteries. Their price for a quart of American Paraffin Base Oil was $.20 for medium and heavy, and $.25 for extra-heavy. The company also operated three stations in other communities, including Salem Street in Reading, Main Street in Wilmington, and Revere Parkway in Everett." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Albion Street, circa 1931
  "At first glance, Albion Street in the early 1930's looks much the same as it does now. On further inspection, the differences become apparent. Both Albion Street and Foster Street were two-way streets, now both one-way. The Wakefield Daily Item building, built in 1912, had its entrance at the corner of Albion and Foster Streets. In 1933 and 1934, the company purchased the two parcels of property west of the original building, site of the Atherton grocery store and later the Champagne furniture store. The properties were razed and the addition to the building was completed in 1935. The Hibernian Building was purchased by Division 26 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in September, 1924, the upper levels used as the meeting hall and headquarters, and the ground floor rented to stores. In 1931, the stores included The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company and what may have been the Bellevue Shoppe which was located there in 1925. Next to Grace Hardware, what is now a store was once a garage." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Albion Street, 1930
  "This view of Albion Street may have been photographed from the Methodist Church which was located on Albion Street until the late 1930's. Although several homes were located along the lower portion of Albion Street, the area was a thriving business section, housing such enterprises as Reid's Market at 77 Albion Street, Spero Bros. Bedding at 11-13 Albion Street, Charles J. Martin (which advertised motorcycle repairs and skate sharpening), and J. Wallace Grace Co. at 14-18 Albion Street. The latter offered 'shoe skate outfits'." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Albion Street at Railroad Avenue, 1908
  "Now one of Wakefield's busiest intersections, the Albion Street and North Avenue (known as Railroad Avenue until 1910) area appears to be quite tranquil in 1908. The railroad crossing was operated by an attendant who opened and closed the gates when a Boston and Maine train was approaching or departing from the station. The attendant's station is at the left of the photo. Several businesses were located in this area, the most prominent being the Harvard Knitting Mills, which appears at left in the photograph. Owned and operated by Elizabeth E. Boit and Charles N. Winship of Winship, Boit & Company, Harvard Knitting Mills moved to Wakefield in 1889, and to the Lake Street and Albion Street location in 1897. The firm would eventually occupy more than eight acres of space after several additions were made during a 20 year period. St. Joseph's Church, in the center of the photograph, owned much of the land bounded by Albion, Gould, Murray and West Chestnut Streets. The first parcel of land was purchased for the church in 1851 and a church was built soon after. During a five year period, from 1868 to 1873, 22,000' of land along Albion, Murray and Gould Streets was secured. A new house of worship, which was built in 1870, was moved closer to the railroad tracks, a basement was added and the building was turned to face the main thoroughfare, Railroad Avenue. The church building was lengthened by 75' with the addition of a nave in 1889. The cornerstone was laid on September 8, 1889, and the dedication was held in 1890. Additional land purchases were made in 1891 and 1892. Tuttle Street, 'a fine roadway cut by the railroad corporation,' was created in the mid-1890's. The first home of the parish (to the right of the church in the photo) was moved to Murray Street where it became Lyceum Hall, and later, the church hall." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Albion Diner, circa 1940
  "The Albion Diner at 23 Albion Street opened for business in November, 1935. The diner replaced Clifford Mortimer's lunch cart, 'the Dog Cart' which was located where the WMGLD Albion Street office now stands. Built by George Murphy and Walter Baltzer, the diner was bought by Albert Thompson of Lowell and James Riley of Wakefield in August, 1936. The pair sold the diner to Wakefield resident Ray Orde just a few months later. The diner was reported to be a 'favorite eating place' of many Wakefield residents and enjoyed a 'steadily expanding business.' In 1942, it was noted that table service was available for those who preferred not to sit at the counter. At the same time, it was said that 'whether a patron orders a sandwich or a complete dinner, he is assured of courteous and satisfactory service by the several counter men employed at the Albion Diner.' Ray Orde owned the diner until 1964 when the Wakefield Trust Company purchased three parcels of land behind the bank, including the diner, to build a 26-car parking lot. A public auction failed to find a buyer for the building in April, 1964, and on June 25th, 1964, the landmark diner was demolished, along with homes at 6 and 8 Chestnut Street." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• 4th of July Parade 1953
  "Thousands of spectators watched the 4th of July Parade along the route that started at the West Side Social Club headquarters and ended at the Common. It was said to be the 'largest crowd ever.' In the center of the photo is a new 1953 Chevrolet which was awarded to a lucky winner after the fireworks. It was preceded by an old Chevy with a sign 'This Is Not It' which was said to have delighted the crowd. A panel of three judged the floats, and the top prize winner of $75 was the American Legion with its circus wagon, complete with two 'wild' animals, performers, clowns, balloons and circus music. Its theme was 'The American Way of Life.' Winning second prize of $50 was the Wakefield V.F.W. Post with its theme, 'Where is Your Son?' which was said to strike a 'poignant note to the heart' of those parents whose sons were fighting in the Korean War, were prisoners of war at the time, or who had lost their lives. Third and fourth place winners of $35 and $25 respectively, were the Red Men, with their depiction of an Indian Village 'World Need Smoke Peace Pipe,' and the Crystal Community Club, with its theme of how healthy play for children is one of the freedoms of living in the United States. Surrounding the Statue of Liberty were the members of the club's Little League team. The festivities began on July 3rd with a doll carriage parade at 7 p.m. followed by a block dance and concert featuring Colman's Orchestra from 8-11 p.m., a firefighter pole slide and hose race at 8:15, a bonfire and firefighting exhibition at 10:15, conculding with the aerial act and fireworks spray. On July 4th, the pet show, races, novelty events and free ice cream were held from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon. The WSSC and WBZ-TV program began at 11:30 a.m. and the parade was kicked off with a 21-48 gun salute by a 155MM Howitzer at 2 p.m. The afternoon activites included a yacht race, aerial acts, drill exhibitions by Most Precious Blood and Norman Prince Post VFW, flyovers by a USAF plane and civilian air patrol aircraft, and a fireworks display." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• 42nd annual exhibition and prize drill, June 11, 1927
  "Members of the Wakefield High School Battalion participated in an annual exhibition and prize drill held at Wakefield Common. The 1927 event started with a parade from the Wakefield High School to the 'Park' led by the Lowell High School Regimental Band. Four companies were accompanied by 'young lady sponsors' who carried balloons and shakers of the colors of their respective companies. A small group of St. Joseph's cadets were also in the parade. The first event was the battalion review, followed by the exhibition in mass physical drill by all cadets, the senior competitive drill, the company competitive drill and the junior competitive drill. The individual winners of each drill received medals, some of which included the Wakefield medal (won by Walter Doyle), the Richardson Medal (won by Leo Beane) and the Walton Medal (won by Lawrence Churchill). Company B, Captained by George McMasters, won the company competitive drill for their execution of several difficult maeuvers 'in fine style, and for their proficiency in the manual of arms.' Several of the officers were awarded commissions at the conclusion of the event. Following the drill competition, the girls, dressed in their company's colors, marched around the field and presented the boys with balloons and shakers." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• 40 Salem Street, circa 1875
  "The house at 40 Salem Street was occupied by the families of Ralph Woodward (pictured with his wife at right), and Henry Sweetser (at left, with his wife in the center of the photo.) At the left, in the hammock, are E.A. Sweetser, and Herbert H. Sweetser." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• 111 Albion Street, circa 1880s
  "During the 1880s, James F. Woodward owned the house at 111 Albion Street. At the time, his property included a dwelling house, a stable, a tool factory, and nine to sixteen acres of land. It was here that he conducted a business, James F. Woodward & Son, manufacturer of shoe tools and machinery. James learned the trade from his father and his grandfather, Thomas Woodward, the first manufacturer of awls and other shoemakers' tools in America. James Woodward was the father of Lieut. Col. Charles F. Woodward, a leading proponent and president of the Wakefield Stoneham Street Railway Company. Charles was active in his native town, serving as president of the Citizens' Gas Light Company of Reading, South Reading, and Stoneham, and as president of the Wakefield Board of Trade. Politically he served as the Town's representative in the Massachusetts Legislature from 1887 to 1889, as Tax Collector and a member of the Board of Assessors." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• [Walton Field, aerial photo]
  "Walton Field, behind the Galvin Middle School, was the Wakefield High School athletic field until the current high school on Farm Street was opened in 1974. Soon after the completion of the new high school on Main Street, (now the Middle School), the athletic field was dedicated in honor of the Walton family in May 1926, prior to the start of a Saturday afternoon baseball game against Melrose. Money for the field was donated by Arthur and Mary Walton in memory of their son, Winship, who passed away in 1908. Arthur Gould Walton and his wife, Mary E. Bartlett Walton, both graduates of WHS, offered $10,000 to construct an athletic field which eventually cost $30,000. Mrs. Walton passed away in 1925 before the field was completed. Arthur G. Walton was the founder of A.G. Walton & Co., a shoe manufacturing firm. He inherited extensive real estate holdings throughout Wakefield, including the Walton and Gould business blocks. Arthur Gould Walton passed away in August 1937. The field was improved in the 1930s as part of the WPA program." -- Text from calendar.
• [Main Street, 1900]
  "This solitary horse takes a drink from the horse trough on Main Street in 1900." -- Text from calendar.
• [Cyrus Wakefield mansion]
  "The Cyrus Wakefield Mansion was located on Main Street where the Wakefield Jr. High and Atwell Schools now stand. Cyrus Wakefield was instrumental in bringing the rattan industry to the town (then called South Reading) and generously donated the funds to build the former Town Hall located on the corner of Main and Water Streets. The town was renamed 'Wakefield' in 1868 in his honor." -- Text from calendar.
• [Band stand on Wakefield Common]
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1987
• Ye Barnard Inn, 8 Albion Street, circa 1925
  "Formerly the Albion Inn, the Ye Barnard Inn, was located across the street from the current Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department offices. The inn was acquired by Mr. Barnard around 1925. In 1930, Mr. Barnard commissioned the firm of W.M. Brooks Company of Boston to change the structure into a two-story building at a cost of $7,500. The alterations included an office in the front of the second floor and an apartment at the rear. A store was 'made available' in the front of the building which was extended nearer to the sidewalk as far as the inner curbing bordered by the small garden maintained by Mr. Barnard." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Wakefield Mothers' Club operetta, October 1930
  "The Wakefield Mothers' Club presented an operetta for children, Cinderella in Flowerland, or The Lost Lady's Slipper on Friday evening, October 24th and Saturday, October 25th at the Wakefield High School Auditorium. The operetta by Marion Loder featured Maria Costa as the Fairy, Pauline Erikson as Cinderella (Daisy) and Mary Lord and June Purcell as the Proud Sisters. Among the 63 cast members were Clara Giuliano, Priscilla Bourdon, Bertha Climo, Morris Stoddard, and Eleanor Davison. The operetta had four scenes: Princess Sunshine's invitation to the May Day ball Godmother Nature sends Daisy off to the ball the May Day ball and the shower and Princess of Sunbeam Castle. All tickets for the Friday performance cost 50 cents each, while Saturday's performance had a 25-cent ticket price for children. Bad weather was responsible for only half the seats being filled at both shows. According to Saturday's edition of the Wakefield Item, 'Catchy music, a variety of brilliant costumes and the strong appeal that child actors always make combined to make this first performance most pleasant.' The review also noted that the some [sic] of the 'little chorus flowers were as genuinely interested in the audience as it was in them.' " - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Wakefield Common, Old Home Week pageant, 1934
  "Generations of Wakefield residents have gathered on the Wakefield common for band concerts, welcome home celebrations, sailboat and motorboat races, July 4th celebrations, and town anniversary celebrations. Wakefield's upper and lower commons were significantly improved with the addition of the bandstand and the improvements made through the bequest of Cornelius Sweetser in the 1880s. Many also gathered on the shores of Wakefield Quannapowitt [sic] from 1872 to the mid-1900s to rent sailboats and canoes, and to dance at the Wiley Boathouse and later the Hill Boathouse in the center of the picture. In the photo, the gentlemen are setting up for the Old Home Week Pageant sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. In 1978, a Wakefield Item 'Looking Back' column focused on Lake Quannapowitt: 'Lake Quannapowitt, the town's recreational lake and one of the community's 20th century assets, has played an important role in local life for many, many years. At one time, the lake and its shores provided the core of summertime recreation and fun in an era that was slower paced and more serene.'" - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Wakefield
  "Wakefield has a rich history, peppered with an immense variety of facts and figures unique only to the community. Wakefield, as we know it today, was not always 'Wakefield', rather it has been known by four names: Lynn (or Linn) Village, Reading (or Redding), South Reading, and Wakefield. The present town government has evolved from a modified, democratic government, established in 1647 to the present day form of Board of Selectmen-Executive Secretary. The first Board of Selectmen was elected in 1647. Seven men were elected to the Board and for many years, according to the records, town meetings were limited to the daylight hours and a penalty was levied for non-attendance. Today, five Wakefield residents are elected to a staggered three year term on the Board of Selectmen and are assisted by a full-time professional administrator (the Executive Secretary) to carry out their directives. The Selectmen meet on a regular basis and are responsible for the major decisions affecting the town. Through the years, various municipal boards have been created to oversee the day-to-day operations of town departments. The Selectmen are responsible for public safety, general administration, recreation, and various special town committees and functions. The Executive Secretary for the town is appointed by the Board of Selectmen and as the Board's representative to all town departments acts as the liaison between the town and the state and federal governments. The Executive Secretary performs a variety of duties for the Selectmen and is responsible for such things as labor relations, personnel and data processing management, and the general responsibilities of complying with the policy decisions made by the Selectmen. Other directives are delegated to the town officials whose departments are responsible for various duties within the town. The Town Clerk prepares and supervises all elections, and records all vital statistics, registers voters, issues licenses, and oversees the annual census in conjunction with the Bo;Captions: 1. The atrium of the Cyrus Wakefield Town Hall which was erected in 1868 and later destroyed by fire. At left is a portrait of Mr. Wakefield, at right, a portrait of George Washington. -- 2. The 1901 Board of Selectmen - E.K. Bowser, Edward E. Lee, Richard Stout, Charles Walton, Capt. Tompson, and Col. Gihon. -- 3. The old Town Hall on the corner of Main and Water Street, 1930.
• Spanish War veterans, Richardson Light Guard, 1898
  "This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Spanish-American War which was declared on April 26, 1898. This action followed Spain's oppressive treatment of Cuba's struggle for independence since 1895. The declaration of war by the United States against the Kingdom of Spain was the direct result of the 'blowing up' of the battleship Main in Havana Harbor in March. President McKinley called for 200,000 volunteers and 1,000,000 stepped forward to enlist. At that time, the US Army numbered 25,000. The Sixth Regiment of the Volunteer Militia of Massachusetts, of which Wakefield's Richardson Light Guard was a part, was the first regiment to offer its services to then Governor Wolcott. The Company held a special meeting on April 28th at which time 69 men enlisted. An additional 15 men joined the following day. On May 5th, the night before their departure, the townspeople hosted a grand farewell reception at the Town Hall. At 7:30 the next morning, the fire alarm rang the assembly signal (12-12), and the townspeople gathered again to escort the soldiers to the train station. School was closed for the day. The soldiers traveled through Boston, Baltimore, Virginia, South Carolina (where they boarded the 'Commodore Perry" to the 'Yale'), and Cuba. Their final destination was Puerto Rico where they were the first whole U.S. regiment to land, and were one of the 'few fortunate regiments to get under fire.' They were ordered home on October 18th, 1898 and arrived in Boston Harbor aboard the 'Mississippi' on October 27th. They arrived in Wakefield at dusk and were greeted by a 'dense mass' of people from Richardson Avenue to Yale Avenue. 'Red fire lighted up the sky; and with the discharge of dynamite salutes, the ringing of bells, the blowing of horns, discharge of fire works, and the music of two brass bands it was a rare spectacle.' The soldiers were honored at a banquet hosted by the Town on November 9, 1898. The Richardson Light Guard Association of the Puerto Rican Campaign was organized on January 2, 1899, and, on orders of the War Department, were quartered in the armory until mustered out. The men were required to report for roll call each morning and evening, and rations were furnished by a Lynn caterer. On January 21, 1899, the company traveled to the South Armory in Boston where they were mustered out of the U.S. service. It is interesting to note that because of the segregation of the U.S. Army at the time, African-Americans served in Company L of the 6th Regiment, and were trained in Boston. Wakefield resident, 2nd Lieutenant George W. Braxton, served with this Company." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• School department
  "The Wakefield School Department has a history all its own. Responsible for the education of hundreds of thousands of school-age children over the years, the department's growth and development is indicative of the importance the town has placed on quality education. To adequately educate the growing number of students in Wakefield during the late 1800s and early 1900s, ten schools were erected, and by 1944, students enrolled in the Wakefield Public School System attended one of these schools: the West Ward School (1847) the Hamilton School (1883) the Lincoln School (1892) the Warren School (1897) the Greenwood School (1897) the Hurd School (1899) the Franklin School (1902) the Montrose School (1918) the Woodville SChool (1920) and the High School (the former Atwell School destroyed by fire in 1972 - built in 1923). A number of these schools have been expanded and remodeled since then. After 1944, the following schools were built: the Memorial Building (now the Junior High School), the new Atwell School, Doyle, Walton, Dolbeare, Yeuell and the Wakefield High School on Farm Street. Appropriations for the schools have changed from $2,700 in 1844 to $62,900 in 1910 to the 1986 appropriation of $12 million. The number of school personnel has also changed dramatically, from 107 teachers in 1944 to the present day number of 289. At the turn of the century, 1,896 students were enrolled in the Wakefield School system. Enrollment reached an all-time high in 1968, with 5,667 students and has dipped to 3,398 students for the 1986-1987 school year." -- Text from calendar.;Captions: 1. Wakefield High School, December 25, 1897 on the corner of Common and Lafayette Street. The building, formerly the Lafayette School, was remodeled in 1938 and became the Wakefield Town Hall in 1962. -- 2. The Old Academy Building which later became the High School. The Lincoln School now stands on the site. -- 3. The Warren School 1st grade, June 21, 1933.
• Rink fire, rear of 390 Main Street, July 21, 1900
  "A fire started in the varnish room of the Wakefield Reed Chair factory on Saturday, July 21st at 7:58 a.m. The building, owned by Emma Osgood, housed the factory, as well as the Wright & Dennis tennis factory which occupied the top floor of the building. Known as the 'Old Rink Building' it was once home to a roller skating rink from which it got its name, and was the seventh home of the Richardson Light Guard Armory, from 1877 to 1895. The Guard was ordered to remove all state property from the building when an inspection deemed the armory unfit for use in 1894. The fire was 'doomed from the start' and assistance came from three surrounding communities: Stoneham, Reading and Melrose. The fire destroyed the building, as well as Roger Howard's Carpenter Shop, a tenement occupied by Mrs. Abby Hawkes and family, two stables and a shed. Homes on Crescent Street were blistered and scorched and many families along Main Street and Crescent Street removed their furniture from their homes as a precautionary measure. The steeple of the First Universalist Church was destroyed, as was the roof. At the height of the fire, a southwest wind carried shingles 'high in the air.' The Saturday edition of the Wakefield Daily Item reported that 'some of the burning fire brands were carried to Lynnfield Center' where it was said they landed on the roof of a home. Although the building was assessed at $7,000, a total damage of all affected properties was estimated at $90,000." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Reading Infantry Company and the Richardson Light Guard
  "The first militia organized in Wakefield was a train-band known as the Reading Infantry Company, established in 1644, one year earlier than the Great and General Court order of 1645 which ordered all settlements to keep a military guard. This company remained active in various forms (infantry, cavalry and rifle companies) until 1840 when old militia laws were abolished and a new plan was adopted. During its nearly 200 year history, the Reading Infantry Company heeded the call and fought in several battles with several leaders, its first Captain being Richard Walker, its last Asaph Evans. In 1675 Reading troops marched against the Pequots in King Philips War in 1711 and 1745 they enlisted in armies which fought against the French and Indians in Nova Scotia and in 1774, 104 Reading men joined train-bands known then as the Minutemen. Of these 104, 86 officers and men fought under the command of Captain John Walton and their pastor Rev. Caleb Prentiss. These men went to Lexington on April 19, 1775 and were among the first troops to engage in battle when the British retreated from Concord. As the war continued, many men joined the army and navy and were at the battle of Bunker Hill, Ticonderoga, West Point, Long Island, among others. Captain James Bancroft of Reading was detailed to serve at Washington's headquarters in Cambridge and was with the 8th Massachusetts at Valley Forge. After the militia laws were abolished in 1840, volunteer systems sprang up throughout the Commonwealth and in 1849 a new military law was adopted by the State. Under the wise and vigorous administration of the leader of the militia, chosen in 1851, companies and regiments became more efficient. It was during this time that Wakefield's best known militia was formed. The Richardson Light Guard was officially established on October 11, 1851, one of only 14 new companies recognized by the office of the Adjutant-General. Three local youths, James F. Emerson, George O. Carpenter and Joseph L.R. Eaton, are credited with initiating a light infa
• Railroad Street/North Avenue, circa 1890s
  "This group at the upper train station is not yet identifiable, but look resplendent with the American flag across the front of their uniforms. The gathering took place in front of the Eaton grocery store/bank building and the Railroad market, at the street railway tracks, across from the upper train station. In the 'Hand-Book of Wakefield,' published in 1885, a section was devoted to the Societies and Clubs. 'The Societies and Clubs of Wakefield (and there are many of them) exemplify the fact that Wakefield is noted for the congeniality of her citizens. In these clubs and organizations are drawn together the various little groups, having similar desires in mental, social and physical culture.' Societies and clubs of the times included, Wakefield Amateur Rifle Association Wakefield Lecture Association Victory Colony, No.23, United Order of the Pilgrim Fathers Neptune Lodge, No.137, Independent Order of Good Templars Chairmakers Benefit Association the Equity Associates of Wakefield and the Wakefield Chautauqua." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Patrick J. McLaughlin, Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department's first gas supervisor
  "Patrick J. McLaughlin was the gas department's superintendent when the Town of Wakefield purchased the privately-owned Citizens' Gas Company in 1894. His association with Wakefield's gas service began before the town's purchase, and at a 1935 banquet in his honor, he reflected upon his first encounter with the department. He recollected finding the gas holder on North Avenue on the ground, and working from Friday until Monday to get it standing. From then on, the old gas holder stayed put until it was dismantled in the early 1940s. Mr. McLaughlin was instrumental in servicing the needs of Wakefield's gas customers for nearly 50 years." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Fish Run, Montrose, 1890
  "The notation on the back of the photograph identifies the scene as the 'South River Fish Runway, Montrose' and the bridge as the 'bridge on the old road, north of the present street.' The writer probably meant the Saugus River, which flowed from Lake Quannapowitt (formerly Reading Pond and the Great Pond) into the ocean. The early settlers relied on the alewives that came up the Saugus River to Reading Pond to spawn. This food supply was nearly 'destroyed' when a dam was built at the Saugus Iron Works in 1675. Although efforts to block the dam were unsuccessful, the alewives continued to make the trip up the Saugus River, becoming abundant again well into the late 1800s and early 1900s. A Fish Committee, which regulated fishing on both Lake Quannapowitt and Crystal Lake, was established by the Town in 1876 in conformance with the regulations set by the State Commission who held the lease for the lake. In 1855, the ninth annual report filed by the Fish Commitee noted that 'true to wonderful instinct with which nature endows them, the alewives made their usual pilgrimage from the ocean to the lake at the accustomed time, notwithstanding the hindrances and cruelties which were inflicted on them.' In 1889, the report noted that there was little of interest to report, although the mill owners constructed a sluiceway at Hone's Dam, causing an obstruction of the first run of the fish." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Dedication of the state armory, January 15, 1913
  "More than 500 military and civilian guests, resplendent in their military regalia and evening dress, attended the dedication ceremony and banquet held at the new state armory. The chief speaker was then-Governor Eugene N. Foss. The great drill hall was decorated with the 'Stars and Stripes' and a platform was placed at the west end to accommodate the head table. A second head table was arranged at the foot of the platform as were white columns which supported arches of red, white and blue poinsettias, each illuminated with an electric lamp. During the evening, the guests toured the inside of the 'architectural ornament to the town'. On the north (right) side of the building was the company living room, the walls of which were finished in deep red. On the south side was the captain's, lieutenant's and first sergeant's rooms and officers' baths, with the armorer's room near the drill shed entrance. The north side of the upstairs housed the locker and equipment room, witha reading room at the front, which opened out onto the balcony. A committee room was in the southeast corner, with the noncommissioned officers room and bath located on the south side. The basement housed the kitchen and mess room, complete with pool tables, a bowling alley, four 75 foot rifle ranges and a large, gravel-floored room used for pitching tents. In 1975, the Town of Wakefield bought the armory for $1.00 from the Massachusetts National Guard. The name was changed to the Americal Civic Center in honor of the Americal Division which fought in the Pacific Theatre of Operations during World War II, including units from Company E of Wakefield. After extensive renovations, the building was reopened in 1976 and was used for meetings and office space. The building closed in 1981 because of the costs to operate the building. A group of local citizens conducted a study of the future use of the building and determined that it could be maintained as a self-sustaining builing. In 1983, a nonprofit corporation was established and has since been respo
• Dedication of Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, Wakefield Common, June 17, 1902
  "Thousands of Wakefield residents and friends turned out for the dedication of the monument, made possible by a bequest of $10,000 in the will of Mrs. Harriet N. Flint. In her will, Mrs. Flint requested that the monument 'cost not less than $10,000 that it may be grand in itself, symmetrical in architecture, beautiful in design - a monument worthy of the true men to whom we dedicate it.' The town accepted the bequest in March 1898, and on March 4, 1901, the design of the Van Amringe Granite Company was accepted. The dedication exercises on June 17, 1902, featured Colonel E.J. Gihon as Chief Marshal. A parade, featuring veterans, military and civil organizations, was also held to commemorate the event." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Company A, Sixth Regiment Armory (Richardson Light Guard), Main & Water Street, circa 1895
  "The Richardson Light Guard has a long and colorful history in Wakefield. Chartered in 1851, Company A, Sixth Regiment M.V.M. took as its local name 'the Richardson Light Guard' in honor of Dr. Solon O. Richardson. Historical references note that he had been 'zealously interested in the formation of the company and practically helpful in its membership.' The Richardson Light Guard was without a permanent home until 1894, when an armory was built by the Town just south of the corner of Main and Water Streets. Prior to that the company occupied quarters in several places, with the Town of Wakefield paying rent with a portion reimbursed by the state. On May 1, 1894, Town Meeting voted to appropriate $12,000 to build an armory. Soon after, a lot of land near the Town Hall and next to the Cutler Bros. grocery and grain stores was purchased. The building, complete with an attached drill shed, was dedicated on February 15, 1895. This armory was short-lived, however its demise the result of a fire which occurred on July 6, 1991 after a lightning bolt struck wires at the street corner, setting fire to Cutler Bros.' The flames spread quickly to the armory, but were kept from destroying the Town Hall and the Henry F. Miller & Sons Piano factory by the diligent efforts of firefighters. Total damage was set at $60,000. The armory fire did not 'burst out in real earnest' until the Cutler building was 'practically' flat. This allowed Company A members to rescue guns, live ammunition, uniforms, trophies, pictures and furnishings. When the fire spread to the upper story of the building, more than 2500 rounds of ammunition (all blank cartridges) exploded with the sounds of battle. After the fire, the company used the old Town Hall auditorium as a drill hall until a new armory was put into service aftr its dedication in January, 1913. The old armory is now the site of the Hodgdon Building. " -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• Classen Bros., Inc., 1930
  "John and Horace Dodge started in the automotive industry by supplying engines and transmissions to R.E. Olds, later selling engines, transmissions, and axles to Henry Ford for his automobiles. By 1913 Ford started producing these parts and adapting them to their own machines, leading to the Dodge Brothers producing their own automobile that was high in quality and durability at an affordable price. In 1928, Walter P. Chrysler bought the company after the brothers' deaths. The 1930 Dodge DD Six Business Coupe, advertised by Classen Bros. Inc. of Greenwood, had a factory price of $835. Power was supplied from a 6-cylinder 189.8 cubic-inch engine that provided just over 60 horsepower. Classen Bros., Inc. was located at 827 Main Street in Greenwood, later renumbered as 1099 Main Street. The dealership, which also sold Plymouths as well as Goodyear tires and tubes, was established in 1921." - Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Donofrio.
• Building of Veteran's Field, circa 1934
  "Town Meeting voted to purchase land at North Avenue and Church Street following a huge fire on September 26, 1929, which destroyed most of the Porter-Milton Ice House. The fire, reported to have 'illuminated the whole town,' attracted hundreds of onlookers, many of whom had already made up their minds to buy the land for the Town to build a 'playground, bathing beach, bath house, and recreation park.' The loss of the icehouse was reported to exceed $50,000. A special Town Meeting was called for October 14th to purchase the land for the asking price of $15,000. The property extended from the corner of North Avenue and Church Street, up North Avenue to the 'old brook south of the Wakefield Ice Company and eastward up Church Street to the old Cemetery.' It also included a triangular lot of land (84' x 90' x 100') separate from the icehouse, across the west side of North Avenue, north of the gas plant. Included in the sale was the Lafayette House (now the Hartshorne House), the 'yellow house on Church Street on the lake side.' Approximately 100 voters attended the meeting and all but two voted to purchase the land. One opponent argued that the land was valued at $6,000 and the Town should take it by eminent domain. Funding came from the Town Treasury free cash (formerly known as surplus) which had a balance of $35,000. Within weeks, the stock market crashed, and soon after, the State Tax Commissioner said cities and towns would receive $5 million less the next year. Faced with dwindling funds, the Town's Park Commission needed help clearing the fire ruins, offering townspeople wood which was not totally consumed by fire. In 1934, initial plans called for a skating/hockey rink, ball field, tennis court and a general playground, with the work to be performed by the Civil Works Administration (CWA) which later became the ERA, a program designed to 'give relief to needy people through direct work or work relief.' These work projects were later shifted to the Works Projects Administration (WPA). The North Avenue - Church Street project was one of 92 completed projects carried out in Wakefield by the Federal government through 1935." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• 65th Annual Banquet, Company A, October 16, 1916
  "The 65th Annual Banquet of the Richardson Light Guard Company A was held in the armory on Wednesday night, October 18th. Dinner started at 7:45 p.m. and was followed by remarks from the guest speaker, Adjutant General Gardner Pearson. Pearson spoke at length about the need for compulsory service, adding that all young men between the ages of 18 and 21 shold have some military training. The format for the evening was altered considerably from previous years, with the elimination of the speeches and toasts. At the conclusion of the formal remarks, the hall was cleared and the grand march began, the military section led by Captain and Mrs. Connelly, and the fine members led by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Walton. It was followed by a flashlight photograph of the more than 300 people in attendance taken from the balcony. The Military Ball began at 9:30 p.m. For those who did not wish to dance, whist and other games were played in the smaller rooms in the armory." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
• [Walton field stadium proposal]
  "In 1945, an ambitious project was proposed for Walton Field which would create a new football stadium with seating for 25,000, new baseball grounds with a grandstand (moving the diamond to the northwest corner of the field), track, tennis courts, and a club house under the stands. The plan was made by Architect 'Johnnie' Rogers, a 'star' semi-pro baseball pitcher for the Wakefield Town Team. His plans called for a 'living memorial' to the men and women who were being discharged from the armed forces. The 'well-studied' plans called for two rustic, fieldstone entrance gates on the east side of the field and a new road along the south side of the high school, connecting Main Street and North Avenue. The stadium would be built of reinforced concrete with an outside surface of California stucco-effect. The plans also called for the future addition of stands which would be boxed in with shatter-proof glass, and a boiler room underneath which would supply heat through long coils. A field house, 'sanitary and well-lighted' would be located on the westerly side of the field. Although boosters of the plan said that the project would pay for itself in 'leaps and bounds,' the $250,000 project never got off the ground." -- Text from calendar.
• [Aerial photo of Wakefield business district, 1930s]
  Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1995
• Pleasure Island, 1961
  Pauline Sheehan (35) holding son Keith (5 1/2 mos.) Pleasure Island Amusement Park, Wakefield, MA, July 2, 1961
• Inscriptions from the most ancient burial ground in South Reading, 1644-1834
  Typed by a government project.
• History of the Richardson Light Guard of Wakefield, Mass., covering the third quarter-century period, 1901-1926 :published under the direction and authority of the General Committee on the occasion of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the company, October 12, 1926
  317 pages : illustrated
• The Hartshorne House of ancient Redding in the Massachusetts Bay Colony
  On cover: The Hartshorne House of ancient Redding in Massachusetts Bay Colony
• Geology of Wakefield, Massachusetts
  View title in the Internet Archive
• A completed century, 1826-1926 : the story of Heywood-Wakefield Company
  111 pages : illustrated
• The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library : an historical sketch
  39, [1] pages including frontispiece (mounted portrait), 2 mounted plates
• Wakefield Massachusetts in the World War, 1917-1920
  First compiler was Emma Florence Eaton who worked on the project from 1919-1921. The work was resumed in 1935 under a W.P.A. project, sponsored by the Town Fathers and Project Supervisor J. Theodore Whitney. (from the introduction)
• The military record of Reading men in the War of Independence
  View title in the Internet Archive
• History of the Richardson Light Guard, of Wakefield, Mass., 1851-1901
  Preface signed: William E. Eaton; Pub. under the direction and authority of the General Committee on the occasion of the semicentennial celebration of the company, October 11, 1901.
• History of the First Baptist Church in Wakefield, Mass., 1800-1900
  vii, 9-131, 2 pages : frontispiece
• The five meeting houses and early parsonages of the first parish of Old Reading, now Wakefield, Massachusetts, 1644-1937
  View title in the Internet Archive
• Commemorative address, by Samuel K. Hamilton, delivered at the celebration by the first parish in Wakefield, Massachusetts of the completion of payment covering the cost of the fifth meeting-house of the Congregational Church, Friday evening, February twenty-first, nineteen hundred & nineteen
  65 pages, frontispiece (portrait) : illustrations
• Wakefield memorial : comprising an historical, genealogical and biographical register of the name and family of Wakefield
  xi pages, 2 leaves, 352 pages, 4 leaves including illustrations, portraits, maps, facsimiles, coat of arms
• Lucius Beebe of Wakefield and Sylenda Morris Beebe, his wife, their forbears and descendants
  xvii, 238 pages : frontispiece, plates, portraits, facsimiles, coat of arms
• Proceedings of the 250th anniversary of the ancient town of Redding, once including the territory now comprising the towns of Reading, Wakefield, and North Reading : with historical chapters
  398 pages, [2] leaves of plates : illustrated
• Inaugural exercises in Wakefield, Mass. : including the historical address and poem delivered on the occasion of the assumption of its new name, by the town formerly known as South Reading, on Saturday, July 4th, 1868
  Half title: Proceedings at the inauguration of the town of Wakefield, July 4th, 1868.
• Reading's "Old Burial Ground" now in Wakefield, Massachusetts, 1688
  View title in the Internet Archive
• Vital records of Wakefield, Massachusetts, to the year 1850
  Alphabetical indexes to the manuscript records of the town, supplemented by information from church registers, cemetary inscriptions and other sources.
• Tabloid history of the town of Wakefield
  View title in the Internet Archive
• Malden, Maplewood, Wakefield, Reading, Stoneham, Medford and West Medford : their representative business men and points of interest
  127 pages : illustrated
• Wakefield, Massachusetts tercentenary : a history, 1644-1944
  Cover-title: Wakefield, Massachusetts tercentenary; a history, 1644-1944. History of Wakefield (Middlesex county) Massachusetts,compiled by William E. Eaton and History committee. Published under the direction and authority of the Tercentenary committee of the town of Wakefield, Massachusetts.
• Hand-book of Wakefield, Mass. : a strangers' guide and residents' manual
  vi, 116 p. : illustrated
• The Oracle
  81 volumes, illustrated (some color)
• The Debater
  18 volumes : illustrated (some color)