Wakefield town officials [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photos courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 2 pictures :
- – "The first Reading Board of Selectmen was created in 1647, consisting of seven men who were assigned the task of overseeing the settlement and creating the modified, democratic government of the 1600s. The first Reading Board consisted of: Robert Dunton (1647, 1649); Francis Smith (1647, 1649); William Cowdrey (1647 to 1680, excluding 1659 and 1661); Thomas Marshall (1647-1652 and 1654); Henry Felch (1647-1648 and 1651); William Martin (1647-1848 and 1651); Richard Walker (1647-1650 and 1653). It was these first Selectmen who were charged with running the Town Meeting, a meeting which, if not attended by all the men, would punish and fine all those who did not attend. Meetings were held in the early morning, unlike those of today, which are held at night. In 1812, the town of Reading was officially divided and the area now known as Wakefield took the name of South Reading. The first Board of Selectmen for the town of South Reading included: James Gould (1812); Benjamin Badger (1812, 1814); and John Gould (1812-1820). It was during this time that the differences between the First parish (Wakefield) and the Second and Third Parishes could no longer be resolved and a division was approved after 168 years of unity. In 1868 the town of South Reading, whose citizens were contemplating changing their name, decided to honor one of its most influential and active citizens, Cyrus Wakefield, by changing its name to the town of Wakefield. The change was made on July 4th, 1868 and overseeing the change were Selectmen James Oliver, James P. Mansfield, and Richard Britton. Throughout its history as Reading, South Reading and Wakefield, the town has been ably served by hundreds of men and women who have been selected or elected to the Board of Selectmen. Among its ranks have been several generations of Cowdreys, Eatons, Hartshornes, Flints, Parkers and Emersons and individuals like Lucius Beebe. The position of Town Clerk is the oldest of town-elected offices. The first Town Clerk was William Cowdrey who was elected in 1644 and remained in office until 1687. John Gould served as the first South Reading Town Clerk and Benjamin F. Packard was the first Town Clerk for Wakefield." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – Captions: 1. The 1902 Board of Selectmen: (left to right) John Maloney; Col. E.J. Gihon; George M. Tompson; E.K. Bowser, Esq.; Thomas O'COnnell; Charles E. Walton, Clerk; and Albert Flint, Town Treasurer. -- 2. The 1949 Board of Selectmen and associated town officers: (standing, left to right) Harry Marshall, John Preston, Harry Denning, Police Chief John Gates, and Charles Cox. (seated, left to right) Burt Whitcomb, William Lindsay, Raymond Dower, Philip Flanders, and William Dill.
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:31Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:31Z
- – 1989.
- – 1989.
- – 2004
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1989 ; June.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
Wakefield Common, July 4, 1887 [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photo courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 1 picture :
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:33Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:33Z
- – 1990.
- – 1990.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1990 ; Back Cover.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Wakefield Common (Wakefield, Mass.)
Three modes of transportation in Wakefield [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photo courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 1 picture :
- – "The horse and buggy, the automobile and the electric street railway were prominent at the time this undated photograph was taken. The Wakefield&Stoneham Street Railway Company was organized in 1889, and chartered in May, 1892. The first tracks were laid in the summer of 1892, from the post office to the junction of Main and Elm Streets in Stoneham, a distance of about two miles. The first car made its run on August 14, 1892. Shortly thereafter, the Stoneham line was extended to Central Square in Stoneham, where connections were made with the Lynn and Boston Road to Melrose and Woburn. Tracks were later added to provide electric rail service from Wakefield center to Melrose, Wakefield Park on the West Side of town, Montrose, Lynn via Saugus, and Reading center. Electric rail service was slowly discontinued from 1919 to the early 1930's, when the trolley lines gave way to bus service." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:33Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:33Z
- – 1991.
- – 1991.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1991 ; November.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield
Wakefield Municipal Light Department [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Collins photo courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society. Gas house photo courtesy of the Payro family and Louis Picardi.
- – 2 pictures :
- – "Before the Wakefield Municipal Light Department, the Citizens' Gas Light Company of Reading, Wakefield and Stoneham, a private company, supplied gas and eventually electricity to the residents from its generating station on North Avenue. Established in 1860, with a capital of $93,000, its gas house and works were located in Wakefield with pipes leading into Reading and Stoneham. In 1868 it was manufacturing 4,000,000 cubic feet of illuminating gas which sold for approximately $20,000. It was 1882 when Edison discovered electricity in his Pearl Street generating station in New York City and within a few years towns like Wakefield were illuminating their downtown areas with incandescent and arc lamps. The Citizens' Gas Light Company continued to provide services to the community until 1894. In 1891, the General Court made it possible for all towns to operate their own municipal light plants, a move many Wakefield residents approved. In 1893, the citizens voted to purchase the plant, land and manufacturing equipment with a bond of $180,000. On August 4, 1894, the town officially assumed operation of the plant with all customers owning a part of the department. To govern the newly formed municipal light plant, a Board of Commissioners was established to oversee the operation. Silas W. Flint, an active member of the community, was selected as one of the first three members of the Board, serving as Chairman during the first year. The first Manager of the MLD was Charles S. Spaulding who served as Manager from 1894 to 1899 and again from 1919 to 1921. He was followed by Charles E. White (1899-1907), Albert B. Morton (1907-1912), Sidney L. Cole (1912-1918), C.W. Whiting (1921-1922), Samuel H. Brooks (1922-1942), James M. Whitehead (1942-1951), Michael Collins (1951-1976), and William Wallace (1976-present). Michael Collins served as Manager of the MLD from 1951-1976, the longest period of time of any MLD Manager. Active in the Department only after his appointment as Manager, he nonetheless served the town well for 25 years. During his tenure, he was the first president of the Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA), Secretary and Treasurer of the Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts (MEAM), and Director, Vice President and President of the American Public Power Association (APPA). He was an Honorary Member of the American Public Power Association and was included in the Congressional Record as Manager of 'one of the outstanding examples of a successful municipal public utility.' Mr. Collins' record of community service is itself impressive, having been chosen by the School Committee and Selectmen to fill a vacant seat on the School Committee in 1949 and was subsequently elected for two terms. He served as Secretary to the Committee, was a member of the High School Planning Committee, and was a member of several community groups. Shortly after retiring to Kennebunk, Maine, Mr. Collins continued his involvement with the electric industry, running for and winning election to the position of Trustee of the Kennebunk Light and Power Company. He passed away in 1980 at the age of 66." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – Captions: 1. Wakefield Municipal Light Department Manager Michael Collins served the MLD from 1951 to 1976. -- 2. The MLD Gas House on North Avenue in 1909.
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:38Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:38Z
- – 1989.
- – 1989.
- – 2004
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department (Wakefield, Mass.)
- – Citizens' Gas Light Company (Wakefield, Mass.)
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1989 ; July.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield.
Reading Infantry Company and the Richardson Light Guard [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photos courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 3 pictures :
- – "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 infantry company in the town and within days 26 men had enrolled as active members. The group was formed not for love of militarism, but a desire for peace. The first members canvassed the town for additional members and when chartered, 65 men were enrolled. A name for the infantry was needed and a committee selected the name of Dr. Solon O. Richardson, a longtime friend and benefactor of the town. Richardson graciously allowed his name to be used and contributed $500 for the infantry's well-being, a practice he continued until his death in 1873. Dr. Richardson first practiced medicine with his father Nathan until the latter's death in 1837. The stress of the practice being too much for him, Dr. Solon Richardson stopped practicing medicine and continued manufacturing 'Sherry Wine Bitters' a remedy first introduced by his father in 1808. It is the success of the 'Sherry Wine Bitters' which allowed Dr. Richardson the financial security to assist the Richardson Light Guard throughout the years, often paying the fees for parades, target practice and collations after such events. The Richardson Light Guard continued to thrive and acquire new members as time went on. Their first call-to-action was received after President Lincoln's proclamation on April 15, 1861 calling for 75,000 militiamen 'to maintain the honor, the integrity and the existence of our National Government.' The Richardson Light Guard was told to report to Boston for service at the front. Only two hours later, 87 men had assembled and were sent off to Boston for their orders before they marched to the front. The men fought in several battles in the ensuing months, including the Battle of Bull Run. The Richardson Light Guard was called upon several times to help the nation during the Civil War until it ended in 1865. From 1865 until the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Richardson Light Guard performed routine duties and drills were held regularly. On May 5th, 1898, the Richardson Light Guard reported for duty and subsequently saw action in Puerto Rico. The men returned to Wakefield in 1898 and were officially released from duty on January 21, 1899. On March 22, 1917, rumors of the United States entry into the war in Europe were circulating throughout the town. Knowing that the National Guard would be called into service, company commanders issued a call for volunteers and eventually 86 men and 2 officers were ready for action. The call for troops came on March 30th and Congress declared war against Germany on April 6, 1917. In June the company was called to Camp Darling in South Framingham. Several members of the company fought battles in France and England during World War I. Wakefield soldiers returned home on October 13, 1919. The Richardson Light Guard was again called to action during World War II." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:39Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:39Z
- – 1989.
- – 1989.
- – 2004
- – Richardson, Solon O.
- – Massachusetts Infantry. Richardson Light Guard.
- – Massachusetts Infantry. Reading Infantry Company.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1989 ; May.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
Map of Wakefield 1889 [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – 1 picture :
- – "A map of Wakefield, produced in 1889, shows the streets of Wakefield, some of which have changed names during the past century. North Avenue was once Railroad Avenue, and Princess Street was Mechanic Street. In 1880, the population of Wakefield was 5,547. In 1890, the population jumped to 6,982 and by 1900, the census numbered 9,260. The total value of real estate in 1889 was $3,823,400 ($1,390,825 land and $2,432,575 buildings). The value of real estate and machinery of corporations was $731,050. The Town Report of 1889 noted that there were a total of 2,693 taxpayers in Wakefield: 1,489 of whom paid taxes on property, and 1,204 of whom only paid a poll-tax. Poll taxes of $2 were paid by a total of 1,945 Wakefield residents in 1889." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:24Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:24Z
- – 2000.
- – 2000.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 2000 ; Inside back cover.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) Maps.
Looking up to Albion Street, February 1, 1898 [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photo courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 1 picture :
- – "Wakefield residents and business people tried to get back to business following a January 31 - February 1st snow storm which dropped 14.3 inches of snow on the town. It had the distinction of being listed as one of the 'Great Storms of the Past', according to records from 1888 to 1935. In 1898, the street car companies plowed their tracks, and the Town plowed only the sidewalks. The streets were not plowed until the early 1920s. The street railway in Wakefield began operations in 1892 as the Wakefield and Stoneham Street Railway, from Wakefield Square to Farm Hill, Stoneham. The system expanded rapidly with lines to Melrose, Lynn, and Reading, eventually allowing travel by street railway to Lowell, Lawrence and Peabody. Its demise began in late 1918 when conditions deteriorated to the point where the lines were deemed unsafe. The original line was discontinued in 1929 and buses played a prominent role in transporting people to neighboring communities and beyond." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:27Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:27Z
- – 2000.
- – 2000.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 2000 ; February.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield.
Wakefield&Stoneham Street Railway, circa 1893 [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photo courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 1 picture :
- – "Crews on the Wakefield and Stoneham Street Railway were responsible for removing the snow from the tracks to keep them clear while the Town cleared the sidewalks. The 'rolling stock' of the Wakefield and Stoneham Street Railway Company was said to be of the latest and best equipment. The cars were heated by electricity during the winter months, a fact that the riding public was said to 'fully appreciate.' Chartered in May 1892, the street railway attracted several 'strong capitalists' in its early years. By the summer of 1892, tracks were laid from the Post Office (at the corner of Albion Street) along Albion Street to the junction of Main and Elm Streets in Stoneham. The first car traveled the route on Auguust 14, 1892. The route was soon extended to Stoneham's Central Square. In November, tracks were laid from downtown Wakefield to the Melrose line, extending to Franklin Street in that city by the spring. Both the Stoneham and Melrose extensions resulted in connections with the Lynn and Boston Railway. In the fall of 1893, tracks were laid from the Town Hall, at the corner of Water Street, through Saugus to Lynn." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:27Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:27Z
- – 2005.
- – 2005.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 2005 ; January.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield
Education in Wakefield [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photos courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 2 pictures :
- – "The early settlers of Reading were men and women of modest means, concerned primarily with the building of modest domiciles for themselves, meeting houses, and sanctuaries where they could worship in peace. The first meeting hosue, built before 1647, no doubt exhausted their resources and left them with little from which to build their school. In 1680 the town was criticized by the General Court for definciency of a grammar school, causing the townspeople to make arrangements for one of their own to educate the children. The first schoolmaster was Master John Brown, Esq., one of the best educated and influential settlers. In 1693, 50 years after the town's incorporation, the town ordered that there should be a 'free' school kept in the town and appropriated four pounds for its support. The first teacher of the free school was Nicholas Lynde from Charlestown, a graduate of Harvard College in 1690. Students were taught by one teacher who traveled to different sections of the town. This teacher was responsible for teaching students in those sections for three to four months each year, a term determined by the Selectmen. In 1708, a committee was selected to help the town officials superintend the schools. This committee, not the first formal school committee, consisted of Capt. John Brown, Lieut. Hananiah and Ens. Nathaniel Parker. From 1721 to 1778, each separate parish was responsible for the care and support of the schools under the watch of the parish assessors who served as an unofficial school committee. The second schoool house was built in what is now Reading in 1708 and in 1799 Wakefield built three new school houses, one for the center district, one for the west and one for the south. The center district school was located at the northerly end of the Common and measured 28' x 24' and could seat, uncomfortably, about 100 pupils. In compliance with a law passed by the Legislature, the grammar school was established in 1791 and would be distinct from the English school. (These latter schools were schools in which the ancient languages were taught). At he same time, in 1792, the town chose regular school committees, a practice continued today. The first school committee was comprised of: Dr. John Hart (1792-94, 1796, 1801), Capt. David Smith (1792, 1794-96, 1798), William Gould (1792), Deacon Henry Putnam (1792-93, 1799), Dr. Martin Herrick (1792), Esq. James Bancroft (1792-93, 1796, 1801), Jonathan Poole, Jr. (1792), and Lt. Joseph Bancroft (1792), 1794, 1807). The first school-dame, Hannah Bragg, was hired by the town in 1792. In 1829 the South Reading Academy was incorporated and was intended as an introductory school to the Theological Seminary in Newton, although others could attend. The school played a major role in the community, causing many students to attain to higher levels of schooling, and promoting the need for a Town High School which was established in 1845. The South Reading Academy was discontinued in 1847. The first principal of South Reading High School was James F. Blackinton, a graduate of Attleborough Academy and Brown University. He served as principal from 1845 to 1848. In 1860 after several principals, the town adopted a new three year course of study for the high school, dividing the students into three classes. In 1863, 12 students sucessfully completed the prescribed course of study, constituting the 'First Class' to graduate from the High School and receive diplomas. In April, 1873, the town voted that the school committee authorize the appointment of a superintendent of schools due to the rapid growth of the town and the increase in the number of schools. The town felt that the supervision of the schools would be better handled by one person who could devote his attention to them, rather than have the schools supervised by a group of people of varied occupations who could only devote a small amount of time to the schools. On July 16, 1873, the school committee appointed Jonathan Kimball of Chelsea as the first Superintendent of Schools in Wakefield. He had previously served as Superintendent of Schools in Salem." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – Captions: 1. James F. Blackinton, first High School Master (principal). -- 2. Wakefield High School's first football team (1893).
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:27Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:27Z
- – 1989.
- – 1989.
- – 2004
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1989 ; September.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield.
John J. Round [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photos courtesy of the Wakefield Daily Item and the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 2 pictures :
- – "John J. Round was one of Wakefield's foremost benefactors and leading citizens and was primarily responsible for the Crystal Lake area as we know it today. Born in East Boston on September 30, 1872, Mr. Round moved to Wakefield in 1878 and was a resident of 627 Main Street for many years until moving to 7 Francis Avenue. Mr. Round is best known for his generous donations of land to preserve the beauty of the community. He was also active in local affairs, serving as a member and former Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Chairman of the Building Committee for the Atwell Junior High School, Trustee of the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library, President of the Wakefield Club, President of the Wakefield Improvement Association, and a director of the Wakefield Trust Company. He was also active on many boards and committees through the years. He presented several gifts to the community over the years including thousands of trees which he donated to beautify the town and protect the watershed around Crystal Lake. 10,000 trees were donated for the west shore of Crystal Lake on land which he bought and deeded to the town, 3,000 trees for the Mapleway Playground on abandoned land which he also bought and gave to the town, trees around Main Street and the Junction station on land which he eventually bought and gave to the town, pine trees at the foot of Crystal Lake, trees to replace those lost in Greenwood during the hurricane of 1938, and two large elms which were lost when the present Junior High School was built. Mr. Round also donated several additional acres of land around Crystal Lake which prevented encroachment of residential property and preserved the natural beauty of the lake. He was responsible for the wide width of Main Street south of Water Street after having convinced the town to move a retaining wall in front of the armory (now the Americal Civic Center) back nearly 20 feet. He also built the retaining wall which graces the front of the park which bears his name. In 1953, the community immortalized Mr. Round by dedicating the former Harts Hill Reservation in his name. Mr. Round passed away in April, 1958." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:29Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:29Z
- – 1990.
- – 1990.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1990 ; September.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
Greenwood Station [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photo courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 1 picture :
- – "Greenwood Station was one of six stations in the Town at the height of railroad usage. Built after the first train came through the Town in the mid 1840s, the Greenwood Station was located near the rear of Greenwood's first business block and in front of Mr. Locke's Greenwood Grove, a popular attraction for Boston residents who summered in the area. After the Greenwood Station was abandoned by the Boston and Maine Railroad, the Atlantic Refining Company announced plans to build a modern two-bay filling station in October 1958. Those plans were short-lived as the Selectmen granted permission to Cabot, Cabot and Forbes to move the 24-foot wide, 52-foot long, and 30-foot high building in early 1959. The Greenwood Station was moved to Pleasure Island where it was restored and painted and 'perched proudly' on a hill overlooking Goldpan Gulch. The station was destroyed by a spectacular fire that also destroyed Pleasure Island's Diamond Lil Saloon on April 1, 1971." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:23Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:23Z
- – 2005.
- – 2005.
- – 2004
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 2005 ; August.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield
- – Massachusetts Wakefield.
Cyrus Wakefield [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photos courtesy of the Payro family, Louis Picardi, and the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 2 pictures :
- – "Although not born on South Reading soil, Cyrus Wakefield has become the unofficial 'father' of the town which eventually bore his name. Born in Roxbury, New Hampshire on February 14, 1811, he was descended from prominent families of the First Parish in Old Reading. His great-grandfather, Thomas Wakefield, was the son of Thomas Wakefield who came to Reading in 1730. An eager young man, Cyrus Wakefield gained his knowledge from the common school in Roxbury, New Hampshire, which was held three months each year. At the age of 15, he traveled to Boston and worked as a clerk in a grocery store for three years. He worked as a clerk for several other Boston stores and took advantage of the opportunities around him. He attended evening school, lectures, and private study and at the age of 23 he established the firm of Foster and Wakefield on Commercial Street in Boston. Two years later, in 1836, he formed a partnership with his brother, Wakefield and Company, which lasted until 1844. It was at this time that he recognized the potential in rattan, generally discarded as refuse. The rattan was accidentally purchased and sold at a profit to a few chair makers who, by hand, made the outside of the cane into seating chairs. The business grew rapidly and led to the dissolution of the grocery business and the continuation of his rattan business in a Boston office. Mr. Wakefield soon found that without machinery, the cost for preparing the rattan was too great. Utilizing a brother-in-law in China, he sent a sample of the cane most in demand and soon his Canton Split Rattan was known throughout the world. The supply soon became sporadic, yet the demand increased and in 1856 he resolved to begin the manufacture of cane in the United States using the whole of the rattan - the cane, the pith, and the shavings. He secured two hand machines and later moved to South Reading in 1856. Eventually water replaced hand power and later steam was added as the business increased. The business soon outgrew building after building until at its height, the rattan factory covered an area of ten acres of flooring and employed over 1000 men and women. In 1851, Cyrus Wakefield purchased his homestead in South Reading (at the present site of the Atwell School) and in 1861 erected a magnificent home in place of the mansion that once stood there. He subsequently purchased all the available real estate and land in the surrounding area, often draining and filling the land for suitable building. In 1867 when the townspeople were considering the erection of a monument to the memory of the soldiers who died in the War of the Rebellion, Mr. Wakefield gave the town a cash contribution of $30,000 and a building lot for a soldiers memorial hall. In accepting the offer, the townspeople decided to honor Mr. Wakefield by changing its name to 'Wakefield.' The subsequent building was the old Town Hall (located at the corner of Main and Water Streets) which was officially dedicated on February 22, 1871. Throughout his 22 years as a resident of the town, Cyrus Wakefield was instrumental in the development of Wakefield, specifically in the prosperity of his business and in education. He was not a town officer, but he was actively involved in the community. He was involved in the incorporation of the Wakefield Savings Bank, the Wakefield Real Estate and Building Association, the Quannapowitt Water Company, the National Bank of South Reading, the Citizens' Gas Light Company, the South Reading Ice Company and the Boston&Maine Foundry Company. Cyrus Wakefield died suddenly on October 26, 1873 at the age of 62. Having no children, he left his holdings to his nephew Cyrus Wakefield, 2nd who continued the selfless dedication to the town and her people." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – Captions: 1. Cyrus Wakefield in a portrait painted in 1873 by Thomas H. Badger. -- 2. The Wakefield Town Hall donated by Cyrus Wakefield as it looked in 1929.
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:23Z
- – 2008-06-24T18:36:23Z
- – 1989.
- – 1989.
- – 2004
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1989 ; February.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
Franklin School, circa 1922 [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photo courtesy of the Wakefield Item Company.
- – 1 picture :
- – "The Franklin School, as it stands, was built in 1902 on Nahant Street. Plans for a new Junction school house began in 1900 when an article was introduced at the May 21st Town Meeting. A committee of five townspeople (School Committee member G.H.S. Driver, Thomas E. Dwyer, Augustus D. Jenkins, Thomas Hickey, and F.O. Clark) was selected to review whether an eight-room school house should be built. They were to make their report without exceeding $100 to procure the plans. In November, 1900, the committee reported back that 'it was inexpedient to make any additions to the present building (then on Franklin Street) as plumbing and heating of the old and new building would not only be expensive, but would make the building unsatisfactory.' The May, 1901, Town Meeting voted to purchase, or take by eminent domain, land on the northwest corner of Nahant and Traverse Streets for that purpose, and to erect an eight-room brick school house, according to the plans drawn by Harland A. Perkins. Some disagreed with the location, based on the costs of removing ledge on the Traverse Street side ($2 per square yard to cut away) and the filling of the bog in the rear (48 cents a square yard to fill). The land was taken in 1901, with construction starting immediately at a cost of $30,000. A sum of $1,000 was appropriated by Town Meeting to furnish the school, which later bought only 42 desks and chairs for five rooms, for a total of 210 seats. When school opened on September 8, 1902, approximately 240 students were on hand. A sixth classroom was quickly assembled with furnishings from other schools and districts. The building was enlarged in 1926 which doubled its room capacity." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2008-01-30T22:00:13Z
- – 2008-01-30T22:00:13Z
- – 1999.
- – 1999.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1999 ; September.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield
- – multiple URL identifiers
Joseph C. Payro [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photos courtesy of Louis Picardi and the Payro family.
- – 3 pictures :
- – "Wakefield's history has been captured by many individuals over the years, one of whom was Joseph C. Payro of 17 Curtis Street. Mr. Payro was well informed on the history of Wakefield and sought to capture the town's history through the paintbrush and the camera lens. Although not a native of Wakefield, he was a resident for over 70 years. He grew to love the community and became a student of its past. As a member of the Wakefield Historical Society, he created oil paintings of old buildings and landmarks, many of which are no longer standing, to preserve for future generations. He painted his pictures with photograph-like attention, paying close attention to detail. Mr. Payro was employed as a reed worker for the Heywood-Wakefield Company and took many photographs of the company products which now serve as a historical reference source. Following Mr. Payro's death in 1953 his family donated several of his paintings to the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library's permanent art collection. Mr. Payro's family and family friend Louis Picardi have been generous contributors of photographs for this calendar." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2008-01-30T22:00:17Z
- – 2008-01-30T22:00:17Z
- – 1990.
- – 1990.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1990 ; December.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – multiple URL identifiers
Greenwood Union Church [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photos courtesy of Wakefield Daily Item and Earl Bears.
- – 2 pictures :
- – "The Greenwood Union Church has undergone many changes and additions since its first foundation was built in 1884. This church was actually established in 1873 as the 'First Congregational Society of Greenwood', an organization without a denomination. Several members of the 'village' had been meeting since 1856 in the upstairs of the Greenwood School building. The School Department needed the room and in 1883 the congregation purchased a lot near the Joseph Eaton estate on Oak Street. The foundation was laid in 1884 and the first floor was completed in 1885. The upper floor of the structure was completed in 1895 and the dedication took place shortly thereafter. In 1903 the church was formed with the financial affairs and the property being the responsibility of the First Congregational Society while the Greenwood Union Church was responsible for religious services. The church was established after a survey was taken among the congregation as to the demonination preferred. A one-story addition was built in 1907 after the church membership had expanded and an extensive remodeling and expansion was undertaken in 1920. At that time, the building was expanded closer to Oak Street. In 1935, the congregation voted to unite the First Congregational Society and the church into one organization - known today as the Greenwood Union Church. Further expansion was necessary, and in 1946 the congregation voted to purchase additional land on the East side of the church. In 1952 the church purchased the adjacent Willard Eaton property and built the Parish House in 1953. The church further expanded in 1956 after the purchase of the corner lot and the dedication of the new addition was held in 1961." -- Text from calendar.
- – Captions: 1. The First Congregational Society of Greenwood, which later became the Greenwood Union Church, in 1899. -- 2. The Greenwood Union Church, prominently located in the Greenwood section.
- – 2008-01-30T22:00:18Z
- – 2008-01-30T22:00:18Z
- – 1988.
- – 1988.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1988 ; May.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) Church history Pictorial works.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield
- – multiple URL identifiers
Wakefield rattan workers, circa 1906 [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photo courtesy of Frank Ripa and Frank Longo.
- – 1 picture :
- – "This postcard depicts workers leaving the 11-plus acre factory of the Wakefield Rattan Company, also known as the Heywood Brothers and Wakefield Company, and later , the Heywood-Wakefield Company. After the 1881 fire, the factory was quickly rebuilt, this time using brick instead of wood. In 1894, there were five main four-story brick buildings, as well as boiler, bleach, dye, office and pump houses; a paint shop and a supply room; three frame storehouses; iron and frame storehouses; lumber sheds; two yarn houses; a frame cold air dry house; coal shed; a barn; and a shed, bringing the total number of factory buildings on the grounds to more than 30. By 1906, the company had grown to over 1,000 workers and was responsible for the influx of workers who eventually settled in Wakefield. The business began to slow down before and after the depression, leading to the dismantling and moving of the company to Gardner in the early 1930s. The buildings were rented to smaller industries, eventually returning the area to an active industrial center. The 11-acre property was sold to Rapid Furniture Company owner Abram B. Fox in May, 1945. A major fire destroyed seven large buildings and damaged several more in 1972 in what was then the Robie Industrial Park." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2008-01-30T22:00:19Z
- – 2008-01-30T22:00:19Z
- – 1999.
- – 1999.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1999 ; Front cover.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield.
- – multiple URL identifiers
Girls basketball [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – 1 picture :
- – "In 1919, a new sport was introduced at Wakefield High School which enabled girls to 'indulge in the history of competitive athletics.' Through the efforts of the Athletic Association, arrangements were made with the YMCA so that the girls 'might use the gymnasium on Thursday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. for basketball practice.' Forty girls took advantage of this opportunity under the direction of Miss Hester Sharkey. Two teams were organized from each of the three upperclasses, and interclass games were played. No games were played out of town. By the 1950s, annual games with Woburn, Stoneham, Wilmington, and Our Lady of Nazareth Academy were added to the schedule. The number of players increased over the years, with 70 girls participating in 1952, and 130 in 1954. The 1960-1961 school year marked the beginning of interscholastic competition for the WHS girls basketball team. Early schedules included varsity competition against North Andover, Malden, Marblehead, Beverly, North Reading, Saugus, Melrose, and Stoneham. The WHS girls' basketball team has had its share of success over the years, especially during the late 1970s, and throughout the 1980s and 1990s. The team captured the Middlesex League championship several times between 1979 and 1988, and was crowned Division II state champions in both 1988 and again in 1997. Both championship games were played against Monument Mountain." -- Text from calendar.
- – 2007-12-20T21:41:48Z
- – 2007-12-20T21:41:48Z
- – 2002.
- – 2002.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 2002 ; March.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield
- – Massachusetts Wakefield.
- – multiple URL identifiers
Welcome home parade, October 13, 1919 [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photo courtesy of the Wakefield Historical Society.
- – 1 picture :
- – "Under the direction of Adjt. G.H.S. Driver, the Grand Army Veterans marched in a welcome home parade for returning veterans of the World War. An estimated 10-15,000 people 'paid loyal and heartfelt thanks to the sturdy lads who served from the town.' The Monday afternoon parade featured over 500 veterans among the ranks of 4,000 men, women and children who stepped off promptly at 2 p.m. The parade route traveled from the armory on Main Street to Chestnut Street to North Avenue, to Yale Ave to Main at the Rockery, up Park Street to Pleasant Street to Salem Street to the bandstand. The school children joined the parade on Yale Avenue at Main Street. It was the biggest and best parade Wakefield ever saw and was said to far surpass any other welcome home processions in larger cities. Following the parade and ceremony, a banquet for veterans and invited guests was held at the armory. Following the banquet, the Princess Theatre provided entertainment for veterans only who were treated to six vaudeville acts and Charlie Chaplin and Fatty Arbuckle moving pictures. A ball for veterans and ladies was held the following evening." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2007-12-20T21:41:48Z
- – 2007-12-20T21:41:48Z
- – 2003.
- – 2003.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 2003 ; October
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History World War, 1914-1918 Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield
- – multiple URL identifiers
Catherine Simpson [picture]/ Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photo courtesy of the Wakefield Daily Item.
- – 1 picture :
- – "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.
- – 2007-12-20T21:41:49Z
- – 2007-12-20T21:41:49Z
- – 1990.
- – 1990.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1990 ; August.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – multiple URL identifiers
Greenwood Union Church, July 31, 1921 [picture] / Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department.
description- – Photo courtesy of the Wakefield Item Company.
- – 1 picture :
- – "The early beginnings of the Greenwood Union Church can be traced through historical records to the mid-1850's when the Sunday School was organized under the leadership of Henry Degan. The founders met in the unoccupied room of the Greenwood School house (also referred to as the old Hose House). After the First Congregational Society of Greenwood was organized in 1873, the members immediately began planning for a building of their own. When the school department needed their meeting room, they set out to find land, subsequently purchasing a lot of land from the Joseph Eaton estate on Oak Street. The foundation was laid in November, 1884, and the street floor of the building was in use by 1885. The upper floors were not completed until 1895, with a dedication held on February 27, 1895. The Greenwood Union Church was organized on November 19, 1903. In 1907, a one-story addition provided classrooms and a two-story addition provided a 'parlor' for the Ladies' Aid society. Extensive remodeling and another addition, which extended the building 22' closer to Oak Street, began in 1920. The front of the sanctuary became the side and the new front was back to the hill. The dedication was held on April 16, 1922. In 1944, a Parish House Fund was established which resulted in the purchase of the neighboring Willard Eaton property in 1952. In January, 1956, the church secured the corner lot at Oak and Main Street for further expansion, and the cornerstone of the new building was laid on September 25, 1960. The dedication took place in March, 1961." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio.
- – 2007-12-20T21:41:49Z
- – 2007-12-20T21:41:49Z
- – 1997.
- – 1997.
- – Wakefield Municipal Gas&Light Department calendar 1997 ; July.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) Church history Pictorial works.
- – Wakefield (Mass.) History Pictorial works.
- – Massachusetts Wakefield
- – multiple URL identifiers
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