m THE CITY OF WALTHAM, MASSACHUSETTS. ITS ADVANTAGES TO MANUFACTURERS AND AS A PLACE OF RESIDENCE. OTHER MUNICIPAL ATTRACTIONS, WITH SKETCHES OF THE PRESENT INDUSTRIES. EPHRAIM L. BARRY. I LLUSTRATED. WALTHAM VALTHA 1887. ^ ^BilSHED BY THE WALTHAM BOARD OF TRADE, •<{K X <r Part I.— Historical. Among a large portion of the older residents of the City of Wal- tham it is a matter of deep regret that an elaborate and comprehensive account of the history of the town and city is still unpublished. True, we have in Nelson's "Waltham, Past and Present,"'' published by Moses King in 1882, and in Drake's "History of Middlesex County," in the article on Waltham by Alexander Starbuck, (1880,) very inter- esting and carefully prepared sketches ; but the field of general history is comparatively untrodden, and therein the historian will find much to reward his labors. Possibly at some future time this work may be carried out to the satisfaction of all, as it is devoutly hoped it will be, especially as the scope of this little volume is not so much to unfold the secrets of the past, as to place before the world something about Waltham, its industries and manifold attractions to manufacturers and residents, as they exist to-day. Therefore, many items of historic interest must be omitted from the present sketch, the aim being merely to present succinctly a few of the leading events in the progress of the town and city. The territory in and about Waltham seems to have early attracted attention on account of its productiveness and the readiness with which it could be converted into productive farms for the support of the first settlers ; and it is largely on this account that Charlestown and Water- town, our neighbors on the east, were selected as their future dwelling places by Gov. Winthrop, Henry Bright, Sir Richard Saltonstall and others of the "Governor and Company of the Massachusetts Bay in 4 THE CITY OF WAI.TIIAM. New England," (they having previously investigated the territory where the City of Salem is now situated,) which corporation obtained a charter from the English crown in about 1628-9, and for nearly a cen- tury following, the latter town covered a large territory, embracing the present towns of Belmont and Weston, the city of Waltham and por- tions of Lincoln and Concord. Naturally, the population of the entire territory at that early date did not equal the number of inhabitants now contained in the smallest of the towns just mentioned ; but as years ir^^Ct^/J' ^T^ /^ i^tf^^O'^. ASCENSION cm RCH, MOODY STREET. passed away the peojjle increased in number, and, owing to the frequent troubles with the Indians, it l^ecame necessary for them to dwell in groups, in order to better protect themselves from their aggressive neighbors. Thus, near the close of the seventeenth century. Water- town became divided into three precincts : the East, or substantially what is now known as Watertown and Belmont ; the Middle, or Wal- tham, and the West, known since 1812-3, when that town was incor- HISTORICAL. porated, as Weston, and the territory still further west. These divisions for mutual protection have been justly termed the "entering wedge" for the further division into several corporate towns of the FIRST KAITIST CHUKCH, MOODY STREET. 6 THE CITY OF WALTHAM. territory, the limits of which, in comparison with the more permanent boundary monuments of to-day, were rather vague. Later, ecclesiastical differences exerted their influence, for, there being but one church in the town, and that located in the extreme easterly portion, it was but natural that the farmers of the West and Middle Precincts should desire some more convenient place of worship, especially as it was their duty under the laws of the colony to attend Divine service every Sabbath. The feeling of dissatisfaction became intense, when, after much discussion and dispute, it was decided to build a second church further to the westward and near what is now the business centre of Watertown, still another new church having been built a few years earlier (about 1697) for the people of the West Precinct. But even these steps did not satisfy the people, and there- fore there was continued agitation, until in 17 15 the town voted to erect another church for the West Precinct, (Waltham, Weston having previously been incorporated,) and at about the same time the eastern, or old, congregation petitioned the General Court for separation and incorporation as an independent town. It was not until 1720, however, that the question was settled; in that year the inhabitants petitioned the General Court to establish the boundary lines between the two precincts, and the Court in granting the petition and establishing the bounds, also decreed that the west, or new, meeting house should be removed into what is now Waltham or a new one be built there ; and the town subsequently voted in compliance vvith this action. The e.stablishment of this church naturally settled the ditiferences of an ecclesiastical nature which had for so long existed, but Providence had evidently ordered other than a peaceful union of the two sections, for in a few years still further dissentions arose over the attempt of the the West Precinct to establish a school of its own, and in 1729 this culminated in a refusal by the town to accept a site and money that had been offered by the citizens as a gift towards opening such a school. A year later the grievances of the two precincts were again carried before the General Court, this time the incorporation of a new town being asked, the difficulty of satisfactorily adjusting the dispute over educational matters being the especial reason given in the prayer HISTORICAL. 7 of the petitioners. In succeeding years still further attempts of a like nature were made and principally for like reasons, so that in 1737 a final and successful attempt was made, a petition being presented to the General Court on December 14 of that year, which was granted, and on the last day of the month the act incorporating the new town of Waltham was passed to be engrossed, it receiving the signature of "His excellency the Governor, John J. Belcher," January 4, ST. MARV'S CHURCH AND PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE, SCHOOL STREET. 1737-8, <'and in the record the name Waltham of the new town is printed for the first time on this date." Thus were the diflferences between these people placed at rest, and Waltham was born as the 145th town in the commonwealth. The reasons which prompted the selection of the name "Wal- tham," for the new town are not difinitely known, but authorities ap- pear to agree that it was so designated after "Waltham Abbey," also 8 THE CITY OF WALTHAM. known as "Waltham Holy Cross," in England, the mother countryv from whence it is supposed that a number of the early inhabitants may have come. The area of the new town was about 8,891 acres, the population being a little less than 550. On January 18, 1737-8, the first town meeting was held for the choice of officers to serve until the annual or "anniversary"' meeting in March, Deacon Thomas Livermore served as moderator of that meeting, and the following officers were elected: Selectmen — Deacon William Brown, Deacon Thomas Livermore, Mr. Daniel Benjamin, Mr. Joseph Pierce, Lieutenant Thomas Bigelow. Town Clerk and Treasurer — Samuel Livermore. Constable — Mr. Joseph Hastings. Assessors — George Livermore, John Cutting, John Chadwick. Sealer of Leather — Mr. Joseph Stratton. Fence Viewers — John Ball, Jr , Joseph Hagar. Surveyors of Highways — John Ball ye 3d, John \'iels. Tytheing Men — Isaac Pierce, Theophilus Mansfield. Hog Reeves — Joseph Harrington, Elnathan Whitney. At the subsequent annual meeting, Thomas Hammond, John Smith, John Bemis, Ensign Thomas Harrington and Deacon Jonathan Sanderson were chosen as selectmen for the ensuing year ; and on May 9, Daniel Benjamin was chosen as the first representative, but he declined the honor, and Lieutenant Thomas Bigelow was chosen in his place, and since that first election Waltham has sent many represent- ative men to the General Court, some of whom won national reknowa and are accorded an honorable place in the history of the nation. One of the early acts of the new town was to secure the services of a competent schoolmaster, to Mr. Timothy Harrington falling the honor of being Waltham's first school teacher, at a salary of £20, old tenure, per quarter. Likewise an early record is found of generous ap- propriation for the care and maintenance of the highways, and it is still a matter of pride to the present citizens of Waltham that during the years intervening since the incorporation of the town, both these HISTORICAL. 9 departments of the public service have been generously attended to and great care manifested in their development. During the early portion of its existence the pathway of the town was much the same as that of many other Massachusetts communities. For a term of some seventy-five years after its incorporation the resi- dents were almost entirely engaged in agricultural pursuits, performing CONGKEGATIONAl. CHURCH, MAIN STREET. lo THE CUT OF WALTHAM. faithfully and well their duty to their families and the community. During the war between England and PVance, the Revolutionary war and (he war of 1812, the town bore an honorable part and furnished a a comparatively large number of men, the early records giving abund- ant testimony to this eftect, in the way of appropriations for the ser- vices of the men and equipments furnished, while additional evidence to the same end is found in the very frequent occurence of military titles, which at that early day were likely to be the result of actual service rather than to be derived from the modern custom of adhering to a title borne by the commander of a civic or torchlight procession. Being no exception to the general rule applying to New Eng- land agricultural communities. Waltham increased rather slowly in population and wealth, the losses attendant upon the several wars serving as a partial check even upon the natural increase. The records show that in 1764 there were 94 houses and 107 families, the total pop- ulation 663, and (he number of stores, 14. No very decided increase "was made until after the commencement of operations by the Boston Manufacturing Company in 1812, which gave a decided impetus to the town ; while in more recent years the establishment of the American Waltham Watch Company's works in 1853-8, and their subsequent wonderful development, have very materially increased both the pop- ulation and wealth, so that from a population of about 1000 in 1810, and 6,896 in 1865, Waltham is a city today, containing, according to the state census compiled in 1885, 14,609 souls, or fully 15,500 at the •commencement of 1887. A more comprehensive account of these two ^reat corporations, in connection with the growth of the city, will be found in another part of this volume, the attention of the reader being especially directed to the unusual degree of interest which they have manifested in the welfare of the people about tliem and in their employ. Since the introduction of manufacturing industries, some seventy- five years ago, the characterestics of the inhabitants and their pursuits have, therefore, undergone a very decided change. A large portion of the territory is still successfully devoted to agriculture, and there is a number of excellent farms, upon which a large amount of produce of HISTORICAL. II the various kinds is raised for the local and Boston markets ; but, with- out in any degree belittleing this still important branch of the city's production, the mechanical pursuits by far predominate, and yet there are missed many of the features of population, etc., usually existing in manufacturing communities, Waltham possessing in this respect an in- METHODIST CHURCH, CORN'KR OF MAIN AND MOODY STREETS. THH CITV OF WALTIIAM. dividuality of its own, which places it on a difterent plane from the average city of its class. Having noted the principal causes which led to the incorporation of Waltham, and reserving for latter pages an outline of the earlier industries, let us pass over the years of agricultural quietude, — which may be presumed to have been passed, aside from the excitement in- cident to the several wars, in Arcadian simi licity and a rather severe struggle for existence, — to the commencement of the second quarter of CHRIST (EriSCOl'AI.) rillKCII, CKNTKAI. STREKT. the present century, when the mechanical pursuits had become fairly introduced, and the character of the town was undergoing a change. A few years previous to this time, tlie Uoston Manufacturing Company had extended its operations to the site of the present Bleachery and Dye Works, and in 1820 the "Newton Chymical Company," as its charter reads, commenced operations on lands since annexed to Wal- tham, whose works grew to be the largest of the kind in the country, sulphuric acid being the principal product, and thus Waltham was rapidly becoming a business centre. HISTORICAL. 13 At this time an interesting event occurred, for on Dec. 24, 1826, some three score or more gentlemen met and organized the Rumford Institute, for the purpose of "mutual instruction in the arts and sciences," the name being selected in honor of Count Rumford, whose scientific researches were then attracting such wide spread attention, the institute being, probably, the first society of its kind in the country. Since its organization, and subsequent incorporation in March, 1858, it has furnished the leading course of lectures and enter- tainments, which in its earlier years were generally of a scientific or NEW (SWEDI NB0R(,IAN) CHURCH, LEXINGTON STREET. practical character. During its second year the Boston Manufacturing Company erected for the institute the Rumford Building, for so long used as a Town Hall, and now doing duty as an embryo City Hall, in which rooms were fitted up for the use of the society. A few years later, the same company presented the nucleus of a library, and for years the Rumford Institute Circulating Library was a feature of the town. Many eminent men have lectured before the institute, and it is mentioned by several writers of note as a remarkable institution and 14 THE CITY OF WAl.THAM. worthy of emulation. For many years the library of the institute was kept in apartments at the west end of Rumford building, but in 1865 the institute made a generous offer to give its books to the town, which was accepted, and thus was formed the foundation of the Waltham Pub- lic Library. (Included in the library of the Kumford Inslitue was the Waltham Social Library, established in 1798.) /<'Z. yp^./A)'^, UNITARIAN CHURCH, CORNER OK CIU^KCH AND !-CH(10I, STREETS. n.T.SAnother prominent feature of Waltham's history was the formation^ in 1857, of the Waltham Agricultural Library Association, for the pur- pose of discussing agricultural topics and forming a library, which has become one of the best known institutions of the town. In later years the name of this society was changed to the Waltham Farmers* Club, by which title it is known at the present time. During the first HISTORICAL. 15 year of its existence a remarkably successful agricultural and mechan- ical exhibition was held, and others equally successful have since taken, place, although of late years the doings of the club have been confined to a series of meetings each winter at the residences of members, at which agricultural and other topics of more general interest have been discussed, the club having been the instigator of a number of import- UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, MAIN STREET. ant public improvements. It is belived that this club is the orignator of the many Farmers' Clubs which have sprung up in various parts of the country. In 1873 the town accepted the offer of the club to add its books- to the public library, which thus received another valuable acquisition. At the opening of the public library in 1865, rooms were secured in the second story of the Waltham National Bank Building, where it re- mained until January, 1880, when it was removed to the pleasant apart- »6 THE CITY OF WALTHAM. ments in Welch's Block; at the corner of Moody and Charles streets. The town, and its successor, the city, has made generous appropria- tions for the support of the library, so that it now contains more than 12,000 volumes, many of which have been selected with a view to the ■wishes of the citizens, and their instruction in the pursuits in which they are engaged, especial pains having been taken in the latter regard. There are many yearnings for a separate, more ajipropriate and elaborate library building, and it is generally conceded that when the lease of the present quarters expires in 1890, the city will build for it- self, provided that in the meantime some public spirited citizen does not relieve the people of this duty by presenting a building to be de- voted to library purposes. In 1849, the inhabitants were agitated by an attempt to have that portion of the town lying south of Charles River annexed to Newton, but the project failed, on the contrary, some 500 acres of Newton territory becoming a part of Waltham, comprising what is now the "South Side," one of the pleasantest parts of the city. There have since been rumors of "secession" by this portion of the city, but it is universally conceded that all probabilities of such a kind were placed at rest by the adoption of a city charter. Even during later years, from 1825 to i860, the growth of Waltliam, like that of many other portions of the United States, continued to be slow, compared with the far more rapid growth, principally from immi- gration, in recent years. The manufacturing companies had not the extensive markets of to-day, hence for some time their effect on the pop- ulation was slight ; but their progress was healthy, other and smaller judustries were introduced, so that now, while the Boston M inufactur- ing Company and the American Waltham Watch Company, with a combined force of nearly 5,000 employes, are by far the largest, there are numerous other industries, furnishing employment for many more, the introduction and growth of the latter establishments being most rapid since the close of the civil war. There are few events in the history of the town during this period which are prominent above the ordinary and perhaps trivial incidents of every day life, which contribute so much to the history of a people or a town. Thus the people of HISTORICAL. 17 Waltham floated along with the popular current, until the opening of the civil war, which very naturally proved a source of excitement and and stimulation. The record of the town of Waltham during the war of the Rebel- lion is an enviable one and reflects great credit upon the patriotism and devotion of her citizens. Over 700 of her sons performed valiant ser- t. m^^x^-Mj^i^ HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING, CHURCH STREET. vice on the battlefields, serving in fourteen regiments, in addition to duty in the navy, the cavalry and the artillery, the tablets of the granite shaft on the common commemcJrating the valor of the many who gave up their lives in that long struggle for national unity. In addition to i8 THE CITY OF WALTHAM. furnishing so many active participants in the war, in comparison with the population, the women of Waltham also showed a degree of patriot- ism equal to that of their l^rothers, and much good was accomplished by their sacrificing service, at home and upon the battlefield, through the Soldiers' Aid Society and the Sanitary Commission. The services rendered by these devoted men and women is held in the highest esti- mation, and it would indeed be fitting that a lasting record and memo- rial of their deeds and work should be made. Manv Waltham soldiers NORTH GR.A.M.MAR SCHOOL HUILDINC, SCHOOL STREET. were rewarded for their gallantry by well-earned promotions in the commands in which they served, Major-General N. P. Banks, than whom no one is held in higher esteem by the citizens of Waltham to- day, holding the highest rank in the army, while the late Commodore C. H. B. Caldwell held a similar position in relation to the navy. During the years immediately following the close of the war, Wal- tham made vigorous strides in growth, and the impetus which her industries had received was then very clearly manifest. New fields for HISTORICAL. 19 commerce had been opened, new industries had been and were being introduced, with the effect of stimulating a very active growth in the population and wealth. Even the financial crises or "panics" of the last two decades were felt with less severity than in almost any other town in the country, and in all respects the growth of the municipaUty has been continual, lasting and in the right direction. SOUTH GRAMMAR SCHOOL BUILDING, HIGH STREET. The population increased to such an extent that in 1S72 the neces- sity for a better water supply was imperatively felt, and therefore a system of public water works was introduced, the town having the re- markably good fortune to secure a pure and abundant supply at the site chosen for the pumping station on the banks of Charles River, at a point a few rods west of Mt. Feake Cemetery, while for the reservoir an equally good choice of site was made on an adjacent hill, from whence 1 20 THE CITY OF WALTHAM. the water could be supplied by gravity to all parts of the town likely to use it for many years. The town continued in this happy state of peaceful activity until 1882, when the first mutterings of an approaching disturbance of public opinion were felt, in the shape of suggestions that the form of govern- ment should be changed to the more dignified one of a city. The principal arguments advanced in behalf of the necessity for such a step were that, while it could not be justly claimed that town affairs had been mismanaged, matters of public improvement were permitted to languish ; the conduct of affairs was vested in the hands of too small a number of persons, and, perhaps as important a reason as any, the town meetings (in which nearly all New England people still have faith as the model and truly democratic method of transacting public business) had be- come cumbersome, unwieldy and possibly a trifle unruly. This move- ment met with the same fate that has attended similar agitations in other communities : it was born, languished, but was ultimately suc- cessful ; for although the more conservative citizens were suspicious of the evils that might accompany the change, many such doubters were won over by the novel form of charter proposed, (of which further mention is made,) and hence on June 2, 1884, Gov. Robinson afl^xed his signature to the act which incorporated Waltham as the twenty- second city in the commonwealth. The first election under the charter was held December 2, 1884, when Hon. B. B. Johnson was elected Mayor, Mr. H. N. Fisher subsequently being chosen president of the Board of Aldermen; Mr. L. N. Hall, City Clerk; Mr. J. C. Thorp, City Treasurer, and Mr. E. A. Harrington, City Auditor. Thus far there can certainly be no serious regrets that Waltham has introduced a mayor and aldermen to take charge of affairs. There has been no extravagance ; ta.\ation has not increased, a greatly feared event, and progress has been continual and steady. There is also am- ple justification for the belief that this progress will be further continued ; the city has almost every advantage of modern civilivation ; her people are of an excellent, intelligent class ; her financial standing is of the best, and her citizens take such pride in their surroundings that Wal- tham seems destined to have a very bright future. HISTORICAL. 21 The Waltham Bank, organized in 1835, afterwards became the Waltham National Bank. It has a capital of $150,000, i.s in a flourish- ing condition and is the only national bank in the city. The Waltham Savings Bank is also the only similar institution and has deposits ag- gregating nearly $1,500,000. The Waltham Co-operative Saving Fund and Loan Association, now known as the Waltham Co-operative Bank, was organized in September, 1880, and is one of the oldest similar corporations in the state. It has assisted many of the working people to build homes of their own, and is held in such esteem that the demand for its shares is greater than the supply. Waltham's first newspaper was The Hive, published by Mr. S. B. Emmons, about 1830-35. Next came the Waltham Sentinel, founded by Mr. Josiah Hastings in 1856, and continued by him until his death in 1876, when it was purchased by Mr. George Phinney and consoli- dated with the Waltham Free Press, first published by the latter ia 1863, and still continued by Messrs. Somers & Starbuck. In 1876 the Waltham Record was published by Mr. E. L. Barry and was continued by him until 1885, when it became the property of Pratt Bros., of Marlboro, by whom it is now conducted. The publication of the Wal~ iham Daily Tribune was commenced by Messrs. Eaton & Reed, in 1882, and it is now published by T. B. Eaton, Esq. The Waltham Daily Times is the youngest newspaper in the city, and was founded by Messrs. Rice & Drake in 1886. These papers, with the exception of the Tribune, are advocates of the Republican party, and all unite in giving a faithful epitome of the local news. The Waltham Board of Trade was organized in 1885. Its mem- bership embraces a large number of the merchants and manufacturers,, and its objects are to look carefully after the general interests and wel- fare of the city, suggest and so far as possible carry out improvements, induce the location of new industries, and other work of a similar kind. Its accomplishments thus far have included no very large undertaking,, but among its membership are many active minds, its influence is in the right direction, and it is probable that greater accomplishments are before the board. It should be stated, however, that the Board was instrumental in securing the introduction of the electric light upon the 22 THE CITY OF WALTHAM. streets and in the stores, while it also exerted its influence in bringing about the purchase of the land adjoinini; the common as a location for a future city hall. Grove Hill is the oldest cemetery, and for many years its proper name was lost in the familiar appellation, the "old burying ground." This cemetery was established in 1703 for the use of Rev. Samuel Angler's society, and It is located on lower Main street, extending southward to Grove street. Mount Feake Cemetery, established in 1858, was so called from the fact that that name was given to its prin- cipal prominence by Governor Winthrop during his earliest explorations of Charles River. This cemetery is situated in the south-westerly part of the city and has an extensive frontage on the river. The location is one of great natural beauty, and much attention has been given to properly caring for the grounds, until they are in excellent condition. The cemetery first used by St. Mary's Society is the present Church- street Cemetery. Its use is nearly discontiimed, a large tract of land having been purchased several years ago on the South Side in the south- easterly part of the city for such purposes. This cemetery has also been greatly improved : it is well laid out, and is known as Calvary Cemetery. The city is provided with four hotels, the IVospect House, the Central House, the Sanderson House, on the North Side, and the South Side Hotel. There are besides numerous restaurants and boarding- houses, exclusive of those controlled by the larger corporations. All of these are very well equipped. The attractiveness of the local scen- ery and of the neighborhood Is .such that frequently a number of "sum- mer boarders" seek the hospitality of the hotels. HISTORICAL. 23 AN OUTLINE OF CHURCH HISTORY. The church which the earHest residents of what is now Waltliam attended was formed soon after the settlement of Watertown by Gov. Winthrop and his people. It was situated a little to the east of Mt. Auburn Cemetery and is thought to have been the '^second church of Massachusetts Bay." It remained the only church in the district un- til about 1696, when a second church was built nearer the center of Watertown, the first church in Waltham being- erected in 1720, in com- pliance, as already noted, with an order of the (General Court, an old church in Newton being purchased for £80 and removed to a site about two rods east of the present entrance to the estate of A. T. Lyman, Esq. Rev. Warham Williams was ordained pastor of this church in 1723, a position which he held until his death in 1751, when he was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Cushing, of Shrewsbury. This church was used until 1767, when it was abandoned and a new one erected on the triangular lot to the west of the entrance to the Lyman estate. The Rev. Mr. Cushing died in 1809, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Ripley in the same year. Until six years after his settlement there was no church bell in town, and the church was not heated in cold weather until 1822. During the war of 1812, some of the society, who did not like Mr. Ripley's anti-war sermons, seceded and engaged Rev. Elisha Williams to preach for them in a school building then sit- uated east of the old burying ground, (Grove Hill Cemetery) and after- wards in the hall of the Kimball tavern. In the following year a reconcilation was effected and the societies were reunited, and in Jan- uary, 1 81 5, the membership of the church was reported at 160. In 1820 trouble again arose in the society and the Second Religious So- ciety was formed, and it held its services in the building on Elm street next south of Music Hall, formerly used as a school house, and the com- munion was administered by Rev. Jonanthan Homer of Newton. It was decided to build another church and Rev. Sewall Harding was called to ths pastorate, in pursuance to the wish of the majority of the 24 TIIK CUV or-- WALTMAM. signers to the agreement to build, he having preached to the society in the school house. In 1821 he was ordained and at the same time a new edifice on Church street, on the lot now occupied by the Catholic cem- etery, was dedicated. In 1825 Mr. Harding was dismissed by a vote of the society, but the majority of the meirjbers remained true to him and for a time held services in Deacon Pearson's house on Main street, and afterwards in a hall at the corner of .Main and Newton streets, where they remained until a church was erected at the corner of Main ^^ttytj ^rtf C» J9»)^^. HEARD STREKT SCHOOL lU'ILDING. and Heard streets, which was dedicated in 1826. This society after- wards took the name of the Trinitairan Congregational .Society, and, after its church had been twice enlarged and outgrown, its present fine edifice was erected in 1870-71, the farewell sermon in the old church being delivered by Rev. Mr. Harding on August 14, 1870. This clergyman remained with the society until 1S37, and was succeeded by Rev. John Whiting in 1858. During the pastorale of the latter the HISTORICAL. 25 society became divided, but was afterwards reunited. Rev. R. B. Thurston officiated as pastor from 1858 to 1864, and Rev. E. E. Strong from 1865 to 1878. After Mr. Strong resigned, the pulpit was supplied by several clergymen, until the settlement of the present pastor. Rev. B. M. Fullerton. After the dismissal of Mr. Harding, the Second Religious Society secured the Rev. Bernard Whitman, Unitarian, as its pastor, and he officiated in the edifice on Church street until it was struck by lightning in 1829. The society then worshiped in Rumford Hall and in 1830 PROSPECT STREET SCHOOL BUILDING. dedicated its new church on the common. Rev. Mr. Whitman died in 1834, and was succeeded by Rev. Warren Burton, who was released in April, 1837, the church being sold to the Methodists the same year. The Second Religious Society worshipped for a time in Rumford Hall. having no settled pastor, and no record is said to appear of its dissolu- tion. In 1839, the First Society accepted Mr. Ripley's resignation, and 26 THE Cl'n' OF WALTHAM. in the following year the affairs of the society were closed up, the society having previously made ineffectual attempts to unite with the Second Society. In 1839 the Independent Congregational Society was formed, Mr. Ripley became its pastor and he continued to preach, with other clergy- men, until Rev. George Simmons was installed in 1841, Mr. Ripley becoming associate pastor. The church of this society is now known as the First Parish, to which its name was changed by act of the legis- lature in 1866, the church being thoroughly repaired and the chapel built in 1867. Rev. Dr. Thomas Hill became pastor of the society in 1843, which position he retained until i860. Rev. James C. Parsons then officiated until 1864, he being succeeded in 1865 by Rev. S. B. Flagg, who remained until 1869. Rev. Clay McCauley became its pastor in that year, he resigning in 1872, to be followed the next year by Rev. E. C. Guild, who retired later, to be succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. Edward J. Young. In November, 1848, the first services connected with the formation of the Protestant Episcopal, or Christ, church, were held in Rumford Hall. The parish was organized the following year, and the present church built on Central street, the chapel having been added to its rear a few years ago. Rev. Thomas F. Fales became its pastor November I, 1849, ^ position which he has since held. He has become thor- oughly identified with the church, and the town as well, and is endeared to all by his many good qualities and unaffected mode of life and his earnest devotion to the church and its work. It was mainly through his efforts that Ascension church, the first church to be erected on the South Side, was organized in 1882, he having labored a.ssiduously for the attainment of that object, the citizens of the town having generously responded to his appeals for aid. Rev. H. S. Nash was pastor of Ascension church for about a year, when he was succeeded by Rev. C. P. Mills, the latter resigning toward the close of 1886, Rev. Mr. Harris, being his successor. It is said in Nelson's history that the first Methodist preaching in VValtham of which a record is found, was at the house of Abraham Bemis ia 1794, by Bishop Ashbury. Four years later a rough structure HISTORICAL. 27 ■was erected in Weston, and there are persons still residing in Waltham who can remember those who walked thither to attend the services of their chosen faith. Later, in 1834, the schoolhouse of Mr. Ropes on Church street, now the dwelling first north of the High school, was used by this denomination, and afterward they worshipped in Masonic Hall on Main street. In 1837 plans were about completed for the •erection of a church on Church street, but they were dropped and the •church of the Second Religious Society on the common was purchased and the Rev. George Pickering became its pastor. In 1858 the town purchased the land surrounding the church for a common and the church was removed to the present location at the corner of Moody and Main streets. The old church was destroyed by fire on May 27th, i860. The church was immediately rebuilt, the corner stone being laid August 21, i860. Rev. Mr. Pickering alternated as pastor with Rev. O. R. Howard of Watertown until 1839, ^"^ the succeeding pas- tors have been: Rev. E. A. Lyon from 1839 to '840; Rev. Horace 'G. Barrus from 1840 to 1842; Rev. B. K. Pierce from 1842 to 1844; Rev. David Kilburn from 1844 to 1845; I^^v. John Paulson from 1845 to 1846; Rev. Moses P. Webster from 1846 to 1848 ; Rev. Jacob San- born from 1848 to 1850: Rev. George W. Bates from 1850 to 1852; Rev. N. J. Merrill from 1852 to 1853 : Rev. Luman Boyden from 1853 to 1855 ; Rev. Justin S. Bowers from 1855 to 1856; Rev. T. W. Lewis from 1856 to 1858; Rev. E. A. Manning from 1858 to 1861 ; Rev, Samuel Kelley from 1861 to 1863; Rev. D. K. Merrill from 1863 to 1865 : Rev. Cryus L. Eastman from 1865 to 1868; Rev. D. E. Chapin from 1868 to 1870: Rev. L. J. Hall from 1870 to 1872; Rev. Jesse Wagner from 1872 to 1875 ! Kev. W. A. Braman from 1875 to 1876; Rev. W. W. Colburn, Rev. G. W. Mansfield, Rev. I. H. Packard, Rev. G. F. Eaton ; Rev. J. M. Avann being the present pastor. The First Baptist Church was organized November 4, 1852, with twenty -four members. The vestry of the present church was first used January i, 1856, and the edifice was dedicated in February of the same year. Its first pastor was Rev. M. L. Bickford, who was followed by Revs. E. B. Eddy, A. M. Bacon, W. H. Shedd, W. C. Barrows, F. D. Bland, and the present pastor. Rev. J. V. Stratton. The society 28 THE (-•IT^• OF WALTHAM. has been very prosperous and it has now a large membership, with a large Sabbath school. About thirty-five years ago, Rev. Luther Strain became pastor of the first Catholic church in Waltham, from which has grown the pros- perous St. Mary's Parish, one of the very largest in this vicinity. After two years Rev. Patrick Flood succeeded to the pastorate, under whom the church was remodeled, enlarged and finely decorated. Rev. Tim- othy Brosnahan was appointed pastor in 1S76, and under his guidance the parish has still further increased, a parochical residence been built and arrangements completed for the early opening of parochial schools. HACON STREKT SfHOOl. ilOCSE. Rev. J.J. Murphy was appointed assistant pastor in 1873. His suc- cessors have been Rev. J. S. McCone and Rev. Fr. Lally, Rev. T. J. Mahoney and Rev. Fr. Daly being the present assistants. The Universalist Society held its first meeting in 1836 in the room over the bank. In 1839, '" connection with members of the First Church, an edifice was erected at the corner of Main and Summer streets, the building being removed, after the society had worshipped HISTORICAL. 29 a number of years, to Main street, where it is now known as Exchange Hall. This society disbanded in 1859, its pastors having been Revs. Thomas Whittemore and Sylvanus Cobb. In 1865, a new society was formed under Rev. Benton Smith and services were held in Rumford Hall. Rev. Phoebe Hanaford and others followed as pastors. In 1883, at nearly the close of the pastorate of Rev. M. R. Leonard, the present handsome edifice on Main street was dedicated. Rev. Mr. Leonard, during whose pastorate the society was materially strengthened, re- signed in 1884, and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. L. P. Blackford. The Waltham Corporation of the New Jerusalem Church first wor- shipped in i860 in its chapel on Lexington street, which was also used for school purposes, the present school building being erected in 1864. The original chapel was destroyed by fire in 1869, and was rebuilt on a larger scale in 1870. It is a handsome stone structure, and although its interior is plain, it is nevertheless very attractive. Rev. Benjamin Worcester is pastor of the society and his father, the late Rev. Thomas Worcester, also occasionally preached. The New Church School is still continued. It has an excellent reputation as an educational insti- tution. BAiNU Sl'AND ON THK COMMON. Part II.— Municipal. How often it happens that people living in a community where great attractiveness of natural scenery and location are combined with the more practical advantages of excellent schools, churches, railroads, and the other conveniences of modern civilization, fail to properly real- ize how delightfully they are situated and the numerous advantages they enjoy. Thus residents of Waltham find themselves not unfrequenlly listening with feelings of surprise to the words of the visitor in praise of the beauties and advantages of their city, beauties which more than one extensive traveller has pronounced unsurpassed even in the more widely famed lands of the Old World, and advantages arising from a wisely governed community, whose people, of more than ordinary intelligence, are alive to the progress and development of the age, and a location which affords almost every conceivable variety of life. It is confidently believed that these opinions are not an overestimation of the truth ; but to impart through the practical medium of the printing press an ade- quate iaea of them is by no means easy, yet it is hoped that, aided by the kindly desire of the reader to know more about the city, the task may be so well performed that the object in view will be accomplished. LOCATION AND TERRITORY. The map of Massachusetts shows that Waltham is situated about ten miles from Boston, in a westerly direction, in the centre of one of the most charming sections of eastern Massachusetts, where the ad- vantages of both rural and urban life are most happily blended. In point of location, Waltham is on the same plane with its neighbor, New- 32 THE CITY OK VVALTHAM. ton, the "Garden City" of New England ; with Behiionl, Arlington, and the other towns noted as the pleasantest communities in the grace- ful circle of towns and cities forming the suburbs of Boston. The city proper, the "village," if that term is applicable to a city, is located within a radius of three-quarters of a mile of the common, (in a few years, it is probable, to be known by the more dignified cognomen, "City Hall Park,") which in turn is very nearly at the geographical centre of the city. Charles River flows through the city from west to east, a few rods south of the common, dividing it in twain, and giving an opportu- nity for the appellations, "North Side" and "South Side," which are applied to the respective portions of the territory. The former is by far the larger portion and the older, as well, the South Side having been developed almost in its entirety within the past thirty-five years. The business portion of the North Side is built upon what in olden time was designated as "Waltham Great Plains," a title giving an ex- cellent idea of the territory, and which might answer very well for the South Side. The principal street is named "Main," it extending across the city east and west, through the centre, the street next in importance being "Moody," (named after the first superintendent of the Boston Manufacturing Company,) running from the former, across the river, to the Newton boundary. The city is not laid out with that rigid adherence to the "checkerboard-plan" of straight streets and perfect squares, so characteristic of many of the western cities, but there is sufficient diversion to give the city an individuality and the charm of variety. At a distance of from three-quarters of a mile to one mile northerly from the common extends a semi-circle of hills, towards which the growth of the city is rapidly approaching, and beyond which lies most of the land devoted to farming. In the earlier days of the town, North street, parallel with Main street and distant about a mile to the north, was practically the centre of population, but the progress of later years has wrought a great change and brought the centre to the vicinity of the manufactories ; but North street must eventually become more thickly populated, for in that section are to be found some of the most attractive, beautiful and desirable sites for dwellings in the city. In area the city comprizes about 9,000 acres, and tliere are between MUNICIPAL. 33 2,600 and 2,700 dwellings, at least five-sixths of which are situated with- in a radius of three-quarters of a mile of the common, so that it will be noted that the city is very compactly built and that the churches, schools, stores, etc., are within ready distance of almost the entire population. NOVELTY IN FORM OF GOVERNMENT. Waltham possesses the distinction not only of being the youngest 'city in the state, but of also of having the most novel form of govern- NEWTON STREET SCHOOL HOUSE. ment, in that its charter provides for a single city council or board of aldermen, instead of the usual "two boards."' This is such a "munici- pal experiment'' in Massachusetts that a few words in explanation will be of more than ordinary interest, inasmuch as a considerable de- gree of attention has been attracted to the city on account thereof. The government of the city is vested in a mayor and a board of aldermen 34 THE CITY OF WALTIIAM. of twenty-one members, three of whom are elected by and from the voters of each of the seven wards, the mayor being elected at large, the above and a school committee of nine members, chosen at large, be- ing the only officers elected by the people. The mayor is chief execu- tive officer, has advisory supervision of the several departments, is a member and the chairman of the school committee, (the legislature adhering to this old custom, it being the intention of the framers of the charter that the mayor should not perform this duty,) has the power of suspension and removal of officers subject to confirmation by the alder- men, control of the police force, the power of veto in general and of specific items in orders that do not meet his approval, but does not pre- side at the meetings of the aldermen, excepting when nominations are to be confirmed and a few other special occasions. The board of aldermen has general charge of the affairs of the city, makes the appro- priations and directs in a general way their expenditure by the several boards, decides what shall and shall not be done, in fact, exercises the power and authority given to the dual boards in other cities. The usual city officers, — clerk, treasurer, auditor, assessors, overseers of poor^ board of health, water commissioners, street commissioners, etc., — are elected by the board of aldermen, and while exercising the general pow- ers of their several offices under the statutes of the commonwealth, are under the direction of the aldermen. The latter and the members of the boards having charge of departments serve without salary, the more active work being performed by clerks and superintendents who receive compensation, so that, while the aggregate number of city officers, in- cluding those serving at elections, is but little less than two hundred, the total salary roll is within a few dollars of the amount paid for simi- lar service during the last years of town government. The school committee has general charge of the schools and control of the buildings so far as relates to their use, the latter being kept in repair, heated, etc., bv a board of commissioners of public buildings and grounds, who likewise have charge and the maintenance of a large portion of the city propertv, the creation of this board having been made necessary by the fact that members of the board of aldermen are prohibited under the charter from the direct expenditure of money, the functions of the MUNICIPAL. 35 aldermen being exclusively legislative, the executive being entrusted to heads of the various departments ; hence there are few standing com- mittees of the board, and such as do exist relate almost entirely to its internal aiTairs. As a check against hasty legislation, the charter provides that all orders involving the expenditure of money shall have two separate readings, both of which shall not occur on the same day, while every order must also pass the scrutiny of the mayor. Another feature of the charter is that no officer of the city shall be interested in NKW-Cm'RCH SCHOOL HOUSE. any contract with or furnish supplies of any kind to the city : and while the effect of this provision is that the services of efficient men are doubtless lost to the city, there is abundant reason to show that it is productive of good. The first members of the boards of executive officers were elected for one, two and three years, and afterwards the places of those whose terms expire are filled by electing for three years; thus men of experience in municipal affairs are in office constantly, and were the aldermen to be elected in the same manner, and the mayor re- leased from duty on the school committee, good results should ensue. 36 THE CITV OK WALT HAM. From the foregoing s\nopsis of the general character of the form of government il will be manifest that the legislature of 1884 made a radically new departure in incorporating the city of Waltham. A great deal of interest was awakened in the charter at the time of its adoption and the possibility of securing an improvement over the ordinary form of city government and the evils which in some instances are believed to be its accompaniment, were brought forward as reasons for the new departure. The experience of the first two years has been such as to show that these expectations have been realized. Little criticism of the charter is heard, the practical results have been highly satisfactory ; the placing of the various branches of public service under the charge of so many individuals naturally gives the advantage of the concentrated thought and attention of men of a variety of opinions and there is closer attention to detail ; there has been no attempt at extravagence and, aside from those arising from inexperience at the outset, there are few, if any, errors to amend ; there has been no clashing, no friction ; public officers are selected from the common, every-day, working people, who suffer most from oppressive taxation, and who pride themselves that their city is well governed and rapidly becoming the model city of the commonwealth : a city which is rapidly disproving the saying that cor- ruption and extravagance are very natural consequences of the adoption of a city charter, and exhibiting a success and establishing a precedent whicli no town in the commonwealth need hesitate to follow. FINANCES. The assessors'" figures show that the taxable valuation of the real and personal property May i, 1886, was $11,398,764. These figures are not based upon a fictitious or inflated estimate of property ; on the contrary, there is a belief that the gross amount would l)e considerably increased were much of the property in the business portion assessed at a nearer approach to its actual value. The assurance can be offered that, how ever desirable a readjustment of values may be, an inflation is not likely to take place, for the doings of the assessors have always been characterized by conservatism in this respect and a desire to pro- MUNICIPAL. 37 duce equitable results, a careful comparison of the valuation for succes- sive years clearly demonstrating this fact. Under the laws limiting municipal indebtedness in cities, Waltham has a borrowing capacity of about $270,000, a limit which has not been reached. January i, 1886, the gross funded debt was $135,000, which was decreased by the payment of $5,000, and increased by the appro- priation and borrowing of some $100,000 for improvements imperatively 9'i«/i> ^'ST'i ^^•'J/^'r WEST MAIN STREET SCHOOL HOUSE. demanded, (among which were included a new school house, new engine house for tire department, new streets, drains, replacing bridges de- stroyed by floods, and the purchase from the Boston Manufacturing Company of a tract of land adjoining the common, at a cost of $60,000, for the purpose of enlarging that park and as a site for a future city hall,) so that January i, 1887, the gross debt was about $220,000. Of this debt $20,000 becomes due in 1887, and will probably be paid ; but other improvements, incident to the demands arising in a rapidly grow- ing community, are necessary, and therefore the debt must remain sta- 38 THE CITY OF WALTHAM. tionan , if it is not still further increased. In addition, expenditures must soon be made for systems of drains and sewers, (the city having prac- tically decided to adopt a system of drains for surface water and another for sewage,) but as the state, through its future action in establishing a a sewerage system for the Charles River valley, will undoubtedh- make suitable provision for the negotiation and ultimate payment of appropri- ations for the latter purpose, there is every reason to belie\e that no taxpayer will experience the slightest inco\enience on account of such improvements. The resources of the city are abundant and most satisfac- tory. It has recently been decided to divide into house lots and dispose of the tract of land known as the "town farm," consisting of several acres and most eligibly located, and although the plan contemplates the erection of a new almshouse on other land owned by the city, by good management a sufficient sum should be realized to leave a handsome balance to be applied towards the liquidation of the debt. The amount raised by taxation has varied from $150,000 to $180,000 in past years and has not exceeded the latter figure. A policy of "pay as you go" has largely been pursued, save in the erection of public buildings or other works the benefit of which would be enjoyed in future years, and there is still a belief that this policy is the best. The tax rate in 1886 was $13.50 on $1,000, less than it has been for several yeai's, which may be attributable to a desire to keep within the require- ments of the statute requiring that the tax rate in cities shall not exceed $12.00 per $1,000, exclusive of the rate for appropriations for the city debt and interest thereon. It is safe to assert that this rate will not be materially increased ; hence high taxes are no bugbear in Waltham, and the burdens of taxation rest lightly. The financial standing of the water works is also excellent. The gross funded debt is $465,000, but this amount will not be very much ncreased, as the mains are extended in almost every section where the "water will be needed for some time. The receipts from rates are such that a handsome surplus is had above expenses for the sinking fund each year, wliich must increase considerably in future years, so that the works are in a very prosperous condition and will be able to fully pro- vide for the payment of the debt. MUNICIPAL. 39 With the exception of a few loans funded a number of years ago the entire debt bears interest at four per centum, and the municipal bonds are negotiated at a handsome premium, showing that the credit of the city is excellent. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. In the department of public schools Waltham also stands in the front rank and has won a high reputation for the town and city in this buitrick's block, main street. regard. The appropriation for schools is double that for any other purpose, although the expense per scholar is not above the average in the state, and the citizens and aldermen have always been ready to grant generous aid to any purpose that would increase their usefulness and efficiency. The city has been fortunate in securing able men to fill the office of superintendent of schools and a marked benefit has resulted ; the policy of paying liberal salaries has secured a corps of efficient in- structors, and in addition the care taken in making selections for this 40 THE CITY OF WALTHAM. service has also tended to the same end. With, therefore, efficient su- purintendence, devoted instructors, a school committee to direct the whole whose members are zealous in their endeavors to enhance the character and effectiveness of the schools, and with all in the service ready to listen to suggestions, to examine and adopt, if found worthy, the results of the study and investigation of the most advanced minds upon educational topics, it very naturally follows that the schools rank with the best in the state, are equal to Boston schools, which in turn are the best in the country. There is abundant proof of the truth of this statement : it is so admitted by those competent to determine upon such matters ; the excellence of the schools has been a principal factor in inducing people to become residents, and finally, there have been frequent attempts on the part of residents of adjoining towns to gain admission for their children to the Waltham schools by paying for their tuition, the applications for this latter privilege having become so prev- alent that the School Committee has recently adopted a scale of rates for the tuition of non-resident pupils in the high and grammar schools. And while the attention paid to the devolopment of the mental faculties of the young people of Waltham is of so satisfactory and laud- able a character, the conveniences for their care and shelter are of an equally high order. For a long time the school buildings were of a standard very similar to the average in "country towns," — comforta- ble, but hardly abreast with the times. A first step towards permanent improvement was taken in 1869, when a large expenditure was made in erecting the present High and North and South Grammar Schools, and later, in 1872, another advance was made in deciding to eschew wooden buildings and by erecting the Heard-street building of brick, which has been followed in later years by the Bacon-street, Prospect-street, Orange-street and Grove-street buildings, the latter now in process of erection, making a decided change in the character of the school edifices and dispensing with the use of most of the older ones. The experiment of imparting industrial education is just being at- tempted, — another expample of progressive management. — which bids fair to be successful. In addition to the day schools, evening common, commercial and drawing schools are maintained, for the accommoda- MUNICIPAL. 41 tion of the working people, and they are an eminent success. To those see]