Essex County, Massachusetts - Chapter 19: The Town of Lynnfield, 1922

For more than a hundred and fifty years what is now known as Lynnfield was an outpost of Lynn. March 13, 1638, "Lynn was granted six miles into the country," and a survey was ordered, to "see if it bee fit for another plantation or no." It was long called Lynn End, and occupied chiefly by farmers. In 1712 it was first set off as a parish. A church was provided in 1715 and five years later a minister was settled. In 1782 the parish became a separate district and in 1814 the district was incorporated as a town. From what can be seen in church records, it appears that many of the earliest settlers were from Lynn, and included such names as Aborn, Bancroft, Gowing, Mansfield, Newhall and Wellman. The natural scenery here is indeed beautiful - especially in spring and autumn time.

Among the ponds or lakelets within the town is Lynnfield, or sometimes called "Humphrey's Pond." In the eighties it was surveyed and the report showed it to contain two hundred and ten acres, a portion extending into Peabody. It was in this pond in August, 1850, that ladies on a picnic from Lynn (mostly) were out three hundred yards from shore, on a rude flat-bottomed boat, when a few women moved to the opposite side of the craft, which unbalanced the boat and it was suddenly upset, with the sad result that thirteen of the ladies were drowned, there being twenty-five on the boat at the time.

The main branch of the Ipswich river flows along the northern border of Lynnwood, while Saugus, Hawkes and other brooks and springs help make up* the water-supply for the city of Lynn.

From various sources, including the records of the General Court, the following history has been secured concerning "fires in the woods". During her whole history Lynnfield has periodically been subjected to extensive forest fires. Down into the eighties such fires occurred and the result was great loss in the way of standing, as well as down timber and vast amounts of cord wood. In November, 1646, the General Court passed this order concerning "Kinlinge fires in wuds" : ''Whosoever shall kindle any fires in ye woods, before ye 10th day of ye first mo (March) or after ye last day of the weeke, or Lords Day, shall pay all damages yt any pson shall loose thereby, & halfe so much to ye comon treasury." At the same time the General Court generously allowed the use of "tobacko," under certain restrictions, saying, "it shall be lawful for any man yt is on his journey (remote from any house five miles) to take tobacco so that thereby hee sets not ye woods on fire to ye damage of any man." During the decades just prior to and after the Civil War, many forests in this town were on fire and both standing and cut down timber was burned.

It was David Hewes, a native of this town, who had the honor of driving the "golden spike" connecting the two divisions of the Union and Pacific railroads on May 10, 1869. He was a contractor on that great highway.

In 1658, Joseph Newhall, the first of the settlers in Lynnfield, was born in Lynn. 1719, December 17, Northern Lights observed for first time ; people greatly alarmed. 1749, a hot summer, multitudes of grasshoppers. 1775, April 19, Battle of Lexington ; Daniel Townsend of Lynnfield killed. 1804, snow fell in July. 1806, Newburyport and Boston turnpike completed; cost half a million dollars. 1833, in the autumn there was a great shower of meteors ; at one time during a certain day not less than two hundred and fifty thousand of these metors were visible above the horizon in Boston. 1854, railroad opened up through Ljnmfield Center in October. 1861, Lynnfield furnished sixty soldiers to the Civil War. There was a military encampment, with drill grounds in South Village.

The first church of Ij3Tinfield was formed August, 1720, though the people had used a meeting-house five years before. For many years the people went to Lynn to attend church, until they became strong enough to build for themselves and to support a minister. Rev. Nathaniel Sparhawk was the first minister, his salary being fixed at £70 per year. He was bom in Cambridge and graduated at Harvard College.

The Orthodox Evangelical Society at Center Village, beginning in 1833, is a Trinitarian Congregational Church, formed in 1832. The South Village Congregational Trinitarian was formed in 1849. The

Methodist society was formed in 1816, and a house of worship erected in 1823. There are now two churches in the town, one at the village of Lynnfield, a Congregational society, with Rev. Francis George as pastor, and a Congregational at Lynnfield Center. The Episcopal denomination holds services regularly in Lynnfield Center, occupying the Congregational church building.

At Lynnfield there is a garage and a grocery store at present. The postmaster is Arthur Elliott. At Lynnfield Center the postmaster is Edward E, Russell. The practicing physician is Dr. Franklin W. Freeman. Here one finds today a lively railroad station point, two general dealers, two notion dealers, and a number of near-by summer resorts, well patronized during the heated term of each year.

Lynnfield became a district in 1782, a town in 1814. It has kept pace with other towns in Essex county with passing years, in its improvements and financial disbursements, making the funds go as far as possible.

The present Town Officials are: Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor - ^Albert P. Mansfield (chairman), Frank C. Newhall, Carl H. Russell ; Town Clerk, Oscar E. Phillips ; Town Treasurer, Franklin W. Freeman ; Tax Collector, Franklin W. Freeman ; Assessors, Henry W. Hodgdon, E. H. Gerry, George H. Bancroft; Tinistees of Public Library, George E. Lambert, Jr., E. E. Gerry, Andrew Mansfield; Park Commissioners, Edward Q. Moulton, Sidney Richards and Harry B. Nesbitt; Cemetery Commissioners, Seth H. Russell, Willis E. Peabody, B. M. Parker ; Constables for one year : Albert G. Tedf ord, John M. Temple ; Tree Warden, Lyman H. Twiss; Town Counsel, Rutherford E. Smith; Town Accountant, Oscar E. Phillips. The Finance Committee for the past year was made up as follows: Harry B. Nesbitt, John Ward, Lewis F. Allen, William Walden and Andrew Mansfield.

In this, my portion of the Lynnfield section of this history, I have tried to accentuate the high lights and awaken new interest in the truly remarkable stoi-y of Lynnfield, formerly Lynn End. Keeping its village characteristics of the best type, it is yet a sharer in, and a contributor to, the life of the larger towns and cities which surround it. Its pupils have made noble records in the schools of Andover, Salem, Peabody, Wakefield, Lynn. The educational privileges of Boston have been eagerly sought by Lynnfield groups.

Little space can be given in a work of this kind to prehistoric matters. But it should be stated that Phillips Andover has a collection of Essex county Indian relics that teachers are learning to appreciate more and more enthusiastically. Also, in the Harrison Gray Otis House, Boston, headquarters of the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, William Wallace Taylor, formerly field man for the Department of Archaeology, under Professor Warren K. Moorehead, Andover College, has placed a collection. Working in Lynnfield, in the interests of the Preservation Society, recently, Mr. Taylor came upon interesting Indian village and camp sites. We can but touch upon the matter, but we have named the sources of fuller information.

In the meadow at the rear of the Dr. Franklin W. Freeman estate, an Indian camp was located, on what is known as Partridge Island. An elementary beach was found. Triangular war-arrowheads showed that preparation for hostilities was necessary. When hunting arrow-heads only are found, the conjecture is a reasonable one that local tribes were friendly. Depredations from the north were probably the facts of the story. Mr. Taylor located other Indian sites in Lynnfield, and the pestles and other implements found are in the museum at the Harrison Gray Otis House, Boston.

Mr. B. P. Verne, formerly of Lynnfield, now of Reading, exhibited an Indian millstone for grinding corn, which he found on his estate in this town, at the Antique Display in the Public Library building, given in connection with the town's celebration of its centennial anniversary in 1914.

This celebration was planned for and given on an extensive scale. It was not only a celebration of the date when Lynn End became a separate township, but, as well, a recognition of the two hundredth anniversary of the building of the old meeting-house on the green in 1714. This celebration, the religious part of which was held in the old church on June 13th and the civic portion on June 17th, was so fully reported in the "Daily Evening Item," Lynn, of the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th of June, 1914, that references to this source of information would supply one with almost any fact of previous or contemporary history of Lynnfield. Each speaker and each participant did his utmost to emphasize in picturesque terms the interesting history of the town. This was true of the floats in the parade, where, largely through the talent and work of Sidney B. Mansfield (a sketch of whom appears in this volume) "Townsend's Kitchen," old school days, old-time industries, etc., were delightfully represented.

During many years there was one church, the Congregational, holding services in the old church on the green. A Unitarian flock detached itself and held gatherings there between the years 1816 and 1894. The Congregationalists dedicated the present church building in 1832, and it has been the one church center for a long period, in reality supplying the place of a community church and numbering amongst its members men and women who have taken their letters from Baptist, Methodist, and other churches, where they had been communicants in former homes.

The church in Lynnfield, which was begun as a mission interest connected with the church at the Center, sharing the services of the pastor at the Center, has now its own resident pastors and an up-to-date church edifice. The present pastors are Rev. Francis D. George and Rev. H. Lincoln McKenzie.

At the Center, the Episcopalians have formed a mission which is fostered by the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Wakefield, and is called St. Paul's Mission. The rector is Rev. William E. Love. There are about thirty communicants. The date of formation is March, 1918. The one church building suffices for all. In the recent renovation and remodelling, the needs of the Episcopalians were considered. Mr. and Mrs. C. 0. Blood, formerly of Lynn, rendered great service in this artistically completed work. They, with the other members of the committee, worship with the Congi'egational flock. John Ward and others of the Episcopal mission showed great interest and gave substantial aid, so that the result is excellent, and all use the edifice in harmony. Both congregations, as one, welcomed Bishop Babcock at a recent confirmation.

At Lynnfield, the Catholic mission, which has been holding services since August 15, 1920, when mass was said for the first time by Rev. F. J. Halloran of Wakefield, has a congregation of approximately one hundred and fifty members. Ground was broken for the new chapel August 15, 1921, five days after the purchase of the land. Members of the two religious flocks aid each other in social functions. On September 13, 1920, a very successful and generally enjoyed lawn fete was held at Wardhurst in aid of the work. The mission was established by St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Wakefield.

The story of the hero of old Lynn End, Daniel Townsend, is told fully in the Wellman history. It is further related that the night before the Battle of Lexington neighbors and friends gathered in the Townsend kitchen, bringing all the old pewter they could contribute, equipped with bullet-moulds, to run bullets for the needs of occasion. One of these moulds is in the possession of the Perkins family and can be seen at the old Perkins homestead, on Chestnut street.

Daniel Townsend's marriage took him, with Zerviah, his bride, to the home near the shore of what is now Pilling's Pond. Previous to his marriage, it is doubtless the fact that the young man lived with his family, and they occupied the west end of what has always been known as the Townsend-Sweetser house, on the Wakefield road. This house is the most interesting one in the town, because it has been kept very largely as it was built. Tradition says that it had its double walls for Indian protection. It has a gambrel roof, and an entry and staircase of oak, an ancient cupboard, and interesting fireplaces. Here died the sister and nephew of Charlotte Cushman, who visited these relatives as frequently as she was able to do so. To the centennial of 1876 were sent from this house the silver shoebuckles of Samuel Adams, the patriot.

The great-grandchildren of Daniel Townsend, George Townsend and Mary Richardson, were united in marriage, and bore two children, girls, of whom one died in early childhood. The other, Harriet, married Richard Hewes and bore two children, Carrie Amelia and Frank. The daughter, Carrie, became Mrs. Laselle. She with her family lived for many years in Lynn, and she died there, on Marianna street, some years ago. Of the thirteen children of Mr. and Mrs. Laselle, six are living, as far as has been learned. In the possession of members of this family are the table linen and the silver table spoons marked "Z. T." which belonged to Zemah Townsend, wife of the hero. A chapter of the C. A. R. is named in honor of Daniel Townsend, and a group of the young people came to Lynnfield to hold exercises in the old church and to visit the grave of the hero, at the time of the fonnation of the chapter.

The occupants of the other part of the old house under consideration were John and Betsey Sweetser. Everybody seems to have known and loved "Aunt Betsey." She was a very remarkable maker of dolls, and a most interesting specimen of her handicraft of this heart-winning variety can be seen in the aforementioned Harrison Gray Otis House, Boston. Catherine Sweetser, daughter of John and Betsey, married Captain John Perkins, and went to live at the Perkins homestead, where her grandson resides. He and his wife cherish certain of the possessions of Betsey Sweetser and her daughter.

Mansfield is one of the oldest and most honored names. So many of the old family names are disappearing, it is cause for rejoicing that we have promise of the continuance of this worthy stock. The present chairman of the board of selectmen is Albert P. Mansfield; and his wife, Martha D. Mansfield, is secretary of the school committee. There has never been a time when there was not a Mansfield serving the town. The late Andrew Mansfield was sent to the legislature. This is not genealogy, but history, therefore we must content ourselves with the mention of one more Mansfield item. Everybody who came to the centennial celebration was interested to see and call the attention of the children to the exhibit arranged on the wall of the library. It included, with other Mansfield accoutrements, the sworn worn by Major Andrew Mansfield at the laying of the cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monument on June 17, 1825.

Newhall is an old Lynnfield name. A mayor of Lynn, Hon. Asa Tarbell Newhall, has been supplied from this family. General Josiah Newhall was one of a group interested in founding the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and references to this fact, with resolutions adopted concerning his work, may be seen in the archives of the society. This Josiah Newhall was the first representative from Lynnfield. He served in the War of 1812, and was chairman of the school board for twenty-two years. At the age of eighty-six he died at Lynnfield, December 26, 1879. Other members of the family have achieved prominence. Road construction has been in the hands of capable members of the family for long periods. Frank C. Newhall is at the present time secretary of the board of selectmen and forest warden.

A well-known Lynnfield name is Coney. The Coney homestead is on Lowell street. Two representatives of the family are living in Lynnfield - J. Winslow Perkins, and Miss Kate E. Coney, of Lynnfield and West Roxbury, a teacher in the Boston schools and an authority on ferns and flora. Miss Coney also gives informal travel-talks before women's organizations. The father of the late Jeremiah Coney served in the War of 1812, on "Old Ironsides." John Coney was Paul Revere's instructor in craftsmanship.

Russell is another name that has figured in Lynnfield annals for generations. The telephone exchange is located in the home of Mrs. S. Russell, widow of Francis P. Russell, for many years merchant and postmaster. The present postmaster is Edward A. Russell, who is also a member of the school committee, Mr. Henry C. Russell was, with his brother, the late William G. Russell, owner of a provision market on Portland street, Boston. Mr. Russell is now interested in real estate activities in Maiden and Lynnfield Center, The winter home of the family is in Maiden, but Mr. Russell is in Lynnfield Center during the summers, and identifies himself with many interests, especially in matters musical. Carl H. Russell is a member of the board of selectmen and commander of the Legion Post, The father of Seth H. Russell, whose residence is at "Willow Castle", the estate on which still flourishes the more than century-old willow, was one of the "town fathers" for a number of years and served on the school board at the time of Horace Mann, of whom he related reminiscences. This Enoch Russell was sent to the Legislature for a term of years. Mrs. Seth H. Russell, Hattie F., has been in charge of the primary department of the Sunday school of the Congregational church for thirty years. Mrs. Russell was a teacher in the public schools of Essex county. Their daughter Marian is making a name for herself in educational fields,

Bancroft is an old Lynnfield name. In 1711 a meeting held at Captain Bancroft's resulted in the building of the old church on the green in 1714. Members of the family have served the town and the church in many capacities. Mr. George H. Bancroft has been active in town af- fairs, especially as trustee of the public library. Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft cater to many visitors as well as residents, through "Ye Village Tea Room" and the provision store at Fillings Pond. J. Lawrence Bancroft, brother of George, is a member of the firm of Perkins & Bancroft, of Melrose.

Herri ck is an old name with us, and the Deacon Herrick estate js a very interesting place to visit, especially as the ancient fireplaces can be seen in both the larger and the smaller house, the latter occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Herrick. Deacon Herrick was a member of the school board for many years. Traditions are loved and preserved and hospitality has always been abundant in this home. Miss Clara M. Herrick, daughter of the house, is head nurse in one of Boston's best known institutions. Miss Herrick is a graduate of the Lynn Hospital.

The Cox family has furnished members who have served the town in different capacities. Besides the old house, there are several others occupied by sons of the family with their families. The locality is always known as Cox's Comer. Mrs. Clarissa Cox was a remarkable woman who lived to the age of 101 and a few months, spending threefourths of her life in this locality.

The Danforth homestead and acres of verdant farmland have delighted the eye of many comers for generations, situated, as they are, so near the station. John Danforth was station master during a long period, also serving the town as selectman for years. His son, the late John Morton Danforth, was known throughout Essex county, both as county commissioner and in connection with the County Argicultural Society, which he served as secretary and in other capacities. This Mr. J. M. Danforth was sent to the legislature from Lynnfield.

The old Joseph Henfield place, bought and occupied by B. H. Robidou, of Lynn, with his family, as a summer residence, is said to be the oldest house in town. The Perkins homestead is one of the older houses. The original deed of the land, written on vellum, is dated 1695, and is signed by Governor Phipps, the "witchcraft governor" of Boston. A very small house which sufficed for the first couple, John and his wife, formerly Anna Hutchinson of Danvers, has been enlarged and altered by each succeeding generation of the family. A partial restoration to the features of other days revealed a number of interesting arrangements, and corroborated certain traditions. This house is still occupied by a Perkins family descendant.

The Hart house on Chestnut street is one of the older homes. It is still occupied by members of the Hart family. An interesting feature of this house are the portholes in the western outer wall, where members of the family watched for danger in the time of Indian attacks. A heavily-wooded section, much of which is still the same, lay in that direction. Clapboards have been put over these apertures, but the bulge of the wall shows plainly their location. A garden stile and quaint gates between the house and gardens accentuate most attractively the English origin of this family There was a still older homestead on the "acres and acres" of Hart orchard and woodland beyond Lowell street. It was from this family that Hon. Thomas N. Hart went forth into the world and became a mayor of Boston.

Possibly the one native son of Lynnfield who made the greatest name for himself in the outside world was David Hewes, Esq. In several localities in California announcement is made through the megaphone of the sight-seeing automobile, that David Hewes came from the East to start work in California, with no money, a wheelbarrow and a Chinaman, and became known as the maker of San Francisco, a great railroad man, and a multi-millionaire. The story of this remarkable son of Lynnfield is fully told in the "Hewes Genealogy." It was he who gave the gold spike used at the ceremony at Promontory Point, Utah, 80 miles west of Ogden and 804 miles east of San Francisco, when in the presence of 1,000 notable guests the railroad across the continent was completed, and the news flashed from the golden spike, by electricity, to all the great centers, where crowds awaited the moment. In 1879, President and Mrs. Hayes were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. David Hewes at their home in Oakland, Cal. David Hewes, with the second Mrs. Hewes, attended the golden wedding of Mr. Gladstone. Several libraries and art collections were presented by Mr. Hewes to public institutions. Like an inspiring romance reads the story of this courageous. Christian man. At the time of Lynnfield's centennial, Mr. Hewes sent several telegrams and a check for two hundred dollars. James Hewes, father of the present John Hewes, was elected to the convention that revised the constitution ; he also represented Ljmnfield in the legislature for a term of years.

Deacon William Roundy, father of the present William and George - of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this history - was sent to the legislature in 1872 and was one of the committee sent to view and accept for the State the Hoosac Tunnel. Deacon Roundy was also the town's treasurer for fourteen years, and was a truly-beloved citizen, a public benefactor.

Rutherford E. Smith is one of the town's most prominent presentday citizens. Mr. Smith is a Boston lawyer; he is in the city winters, but he returns to the fine old home on Lowell street, with his family, each summer. The celebrated Pocohontas spring is on the Smith estate. Mr. Smith is town counsel, and is usually elected moderator of town meetings. He was chairman of the general committee at the time of the Centennial.

"Wardhurst" is known far and wide as the home of the O'Donnells. This beautiful estate has many times been placed at the disposal of the townspeople. Functions held there have augmented funds being collected for worthy causes. It was there the "Welcome Home" celebration was held for the "boys," veterans of the World War. As most

Elvira Leveroni is well known in Lynnfield, and she has identified herself with many town activities most generously. Since her sister, Mrs. DeMasellis, still resides here, Madame Leveroni comes, when she is able to do so, to the home at Lynnfield Center. Recently at the Pearson home she gave to a group of friends and neighbors a rare treat, singing to the accompaniment of her own records.

Mrs. Annie Laurie Heiser was a Lynnfield girl, Miss Brown. Now the wife of John Heiser, the composer, she is prominent in musical circles in Somerville and Boston. Mrs. Heiser, too, has been heard in Lynnfield, in benefits, on many occasions. Henry K. Oliver, composer of the old hyinn tune, "Federal Street," lived in Lynnfield on Chestnut street, at one time. George T. Angell and his family lived for many years in the Bryant house at the Center. The handbag and the unusual cane he used for years during his residence here have been placed by Lynnfield friends in the Harrison Gray Otis House museum, Boston.

A tablet placed at the entrance of the old burying ground infonns the comer that the grave of Daniel Townsend is within the yard, also that of Martin Herrick, the teacher-physician living in Lynn End, at that time. The name of this Martin Herrick is famous, because he rode from this direction, as Revere from the other, to warn the people of the movement of the British.

Lynnfield has sent many teachers of excellent calibre forth into the world. At one time, nine women of the profession travelled together on certain trains. At present, Lynnfield has one teacher in the English high school in Boston, Miss Hastings ; four teachers of manual training in Boston schools - Mr. Parker, Miss Coney, Miss Lyons, Harlan Peabody ; one teacher in Olivet College, Michigan, Miss Nelson ; a teacher of Spanish and French in Wareham, Massachusetts, Miss Marian Russell ; a teacher in the Walden Commercial School, Miss Katherine Ross; a teacher of Spanish in a high school of Washington, D. C, Miss Mildred Hutchinson, who recently spent two years teaching in Madrid, Spain; Mrs. Florence Howe, teacher in Tracy School, Lynn; Edna Ramsdell, Lynn; Jessie Lynch, Peabody. Mr, Henry W. Pelton, whose residence at the south part of the town is one of the groups of fine estates on the main street, is part owner and principal of Burdett Business College, hyim.

Mrs. George E. Lambert is a well known writer of verse, under the pen name Hannah Wheeler Pingree. Mrs. Muriel Russell has written some charming verse, published from time to time in the "Daily Evening Item," Lynn. Miss Mabel Emery has been connected with several New York publications ; she is the author of the Underwood and Underwood travel series. Miss Gertrude Emery was for many years librarian in Lynn, serving in the juvenile department of the Lynn Public Library.

Edwin L. Thurston, formerly a Lynnfield boy, is prominent in musical circles in Boston, teacher and composer. Mr. Thurston belongs to the Henfield familj^ whose homestead, still standing, is said to be the oldest house in town. Mrs. Annie P. Hutchinson is the retiring regent of the Faneuil Hall Chapter of the D. A. R. Annie Stevens Perkins was connected regularly with "Normal Instructor," a New York educational publication, for many years. Benjamin Downing, at one time a musician in Lynnfield, made his later home in Cincinnati, Ohio, and became an organist in that city

Henry P. Emerson, a former Lynnfield boy, came from Buffalo, New York, to participate in the Lynnfield Centennial, difficult as it was to leave in June, with people wondering where one could possibly find their superintendent of schools. That his presence and his message were appreciated was evident. Nathan Mortimer Hawkes of Lynn, well known as statesman and historian, another native of Lynnfield, came with his truly-prized greetings to the centennial observance. Cyrus Wakefield, for whom the town of Wakefield was named, married Captain Bancroft's daughter, and took her from her Lynnfield home to the Wakefield residence. This edifice was used as a headquarters for Red Cross and other war activities, recently. Rev. Jacob Hood, for years connected with musical work and festivities in Salem and Marblehead, married Sophia Needham, who was bom at the old Needham place on Lynnfield Hill. The couple came to Lynnfield to complete a beautiful life in a beautiful way. Their portraits have hung in the chapel of the Congregational church for years.

Bishop Bimey, formerly Dean of Theology at Boston University, now Bishop of Shanghai, China, has had his summer home on Chestnut street for several years and has occupied the pulpit of the Lynnfield Center Church on a number of occasions, always welcomed with love and pride by those whom he said he was glad to call "neighbors." The "Boston Traveler" announced the natal day of the Bishop, Sunday, September 11. Miss Martha Sheldon, who has a home with her sister, nearly opposite the town hall, was a teacher in the Morton Lane School for Girls, Maulmain, Burmah, for many years. Dr. John Perkins of Middle street, Boston, now Hanover, numbered among his patients members of "the first families" of the city, in the period just preceding the War of the Revolution. He died at the old homestead on Chestnut street. His manuscript books are preserved. Starr Parsons, former city solicitor of Lynn, was an honor student at Harvard as a Lynnfield young man. Rev. Francis D. George, pastor at the Center Congregational Church, was stationed near Calcutta, India, for several years. Special opportunity to make the acquaintance of members of diplomatic circles enabled him to enlarge upon the usual experiences of a missionary resident. The late Charles K. Bradford, a long-time dweller at Lynnfield, near the "Turnpike," was an inventor of note. Shoe machinery parts and a very im- portant sewing-machine device are among his better known achievements. This Mr. Bradford was in direct line from Governor Bradford. Mr. William Walden, formerly of Lynn, has brought the standard of musical activity in Lynnfield Center forward. Under his leadership the chorus at the centennial celebration did excellent work. Afield, Mr. Walden is known as the inventor of a patented material used in automobile upholstering. He is the composer of an alto and tenor duet, sacred selection, published by the Oliver Ditson Company, and othermusic.

Gas has just been introduced into the town from Lynn, and housekeepers are rejoicing. It was interesting to watch the trench-digger, that would have been overseas if the war had not most mercifully ended. At the rate of three feet a minute, it walked through the town, and pipes were laid in a very short space of time. The cheery veterans of the World War who operated the machinery won hearts as they co-operated, one with one leg missing, the other minus an arm.

Electricity has been used in both street and house lighting for a number of years, and most houses have running water, some families depending upon mills, others having installed engines. The majority of families own or have frequent use of automobiles. It is not at all uncommon to see airplanes flying above the town, as it lies beneath two air routes, one toward the shore, one inland, the route between Boston and Lowell. Each portion of the town has railroad accommodation, supplemented by auto-bus routes. The bus line between L>Tinfield Center and Wakefield is privately controlled. At Lynnfield, the citizens got together and outlined effective plans for a community bus, which connects that end of the town with Lynn and with Wakefield, including the Montrose section, also Saugus.

School transportation is provided for. Excellent conditions prevail in matters educational, the teaching force being of the best, with spe<*- ial teachers from outside in several branches. Medical supervision was introduced in 1908. Dr. Franklin W. Freeman, who came to make his home in Lynnfield Center after retiring from a large practice in West Newton, is school physician.

Telephone service is fairly adequate. There is promise of improvement, made a necessity because of an increasing list of subscribers. Since February 9, 1895, Lynnfield Center has had telephone communication with the outside world, using the North Reading central, at first but now listed under an exchange of its own. Lynnfield subscribers at the south part of the town are listed under Lynn.

A considerable length of the Atlantic Highway lies within the limits of the town. We are quite accustomed to the traffic policeman. We shall use the new name, but in our hearts we shall remember it is the storied old Newburyport Turnpike, after all. The town has efficient fire protection, a well organized chemical company in each precinct, in charge of up-to-date apparatus.

The town has an excellent public library, which was opened July 22, 1892. Miss Elizabeth W. Green has been librarian from the opening. Her assistant is Mrs. Gertrude A. Chipman, who has charge of the branch library at Lynnfield. Through the legacy of Mrs. Adelia Perkins Clough and the State Commission, a card catalogue has been established. The sets of pictures loaned from the Woman's Educational Association, the magazines at the reading room, and reference books, are used and appreciated by many, especially the young students.

The Lynnfield Center League has made for advancement and through si)ecial committees has been able to secure gains in railroad, telephone, and other service from outside. It is an organization composed of both men and women ; its gatherings are held at the town hall. It was organized in 1908, largely through the efforts of Rev. Halah H. Loud, resident pastor at the time, George C. Frolich and Rutherford E. Smith. Civic, social and literary departments give scope for varied activity and interest. Entertainments of the highest order have been given, directed by Mrs. Nelson B. Todd, a gi^aduate of Emerson College, and before her marriage a teacher of dramatics in Pennsylvania. Mrs. George Roundy and others have given time and talent in social functions. Mrs. Fred W. Northrup has shown cheerful ability as organizer of working forces in special lines. The meetings of the literary department have been of a high order. Albert S. Moulton has given of his rare talent in Shakespearian interpretations, and others who have helped to make these gatherings profitable and enjoyable are Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Todd, Mr. and Mrs. George Lambert, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Clark, Mr. and Mrs, D. F. Parker, Mrs. Seth Russell, Mrs. Annie P. Hutchinson, Miss Bertha Butman. The present officers of the League are D. F. Parker, president; Rev. Francis D. George and Mrs. Charles E. Davis, vice-presidents; John Ward, treasurer; William F. Russell, secretary.

The Men's Club at the Center is a flourishing organization, which includes in its membership practically every man in the village. The business of the club is handled by a general committee, of which Charles 0. Blood is chairman. This club has recently purchased an athletic field for the use of the young people of the town.

The old camp ground near Suntaug Lake had its stories in the War of 1861 to 1865. And it has had its stories during the World War. The Wellman history records the names of the soldiers who enlisted at the earlier date, many of the younger boys thrilled by the presence of the military headquarters in their midst. The names of the streets are given. "In camp at Lynnfield," so recently repeated, again brought the town into the limelight in the World War. A chapter could be written here if there were space. Moving-picture records preserved some of the camp events.

war, as Camp Plunkett, lies within the town boundaries. Visitors remark, "it's like a continual Fourth of July celebration." It was not that during war days. Lynnfield Center knew by the meets when something of special importance was forward. There was little to be said, but much to be held in mind and heart. Activities at the Range were frequently shown in the theatres, in Pathe News reels.

A chapter about Inn Days should some day be written. Everywhere is the inn at Suntaug known. Other such hostelries in the town, notably the old Sun Tavern, have been so intimately connected with history ift the large that collected facts and tales would be welcomed, not only in Lynnfield, but also in the world outside. Lynnfield has an increasing summer population. This is true of each end of the town. At Fillings Pond, about one hundred camps are located. There is a canoe livery at "Shoreside," the attractive refreshment center, but many residents own their own craft, of different types.

The Civil War record of Lynnfield is told in the Wellman history. In the northern section of the town, nearly every family sent its young men to the front. Only two veterans of the Civil War remain with us in Lynnfield - Edward Q. Moulton and Thomas Edward Brown. Lynnfield veterans have been affiliated with H. M. Warren Post 12, Wakefield.

On the first page of the annual town report for 1919 is printed the list of those from Lynnfield who served in the Army and Navy of the United States during the World War, sixty-four in number. Under the caption "In Memoriam" are placed these names: Lieutenant Willard J. Freeman, Benjamin L. Mitchell, John F. Lammers. Impressive services, attended by a great number of loving townspeople, have been held over the bodies, brought from overseas. On Memorial Day, 1921, exercises were held on the green at the unveiling of a memorial tablet placed in a great boulder. Dr. Freeman and John Ward were the committee in charge of the work. Rev. Francis D. George's address was considered by all most eloquent. A duplicate tablet will be placed in the new public library building at the south precinct, Lyimfield.

During the war a little paper called "Lynnfield Center Town Topics" was gotten out, chiefly through the efforts of Dexter F. Parker. It was intended for "the boys," and addresses were published in order to encourage letter-writing. Four items gleaned will show the scope of this sheet and they are good history, also, date October 11, 1918: " Tod/ Pearson has completed the course at Princeton and was at home for ten days, returning to Princeton Monday. 'Puss' Cox has been assigned to duty on Auto Aeroplane guns. Henry Richards is to receive a commission as Ensign, Oct. 12 ; he has already made one cruise to France. Lieutenant Harry B. Freeman, of the Aviation Corps, is

The Lynnfield Center Red Cross was a live wire during the war period. D. F. Parker was chairman; Mrs. George E. Lambert, secretary. Treasurer Nelson B. Todd bore an active and efficient part. Miss Elizabeth W. Green and Miss Sarah Herrick were in charge of the garment making. Miss Margaret McCarthy, in charge of food conservation and the women's Liberty Loan drive, gave invaluable aid. A committee of young women co-operated efficiently, - Miss Katherine Ross, Mrs. Gladys Russell, Mrs. Lou Russell, Miss Gladys Richards, Miss Bertha Bamjum, Miss Alice Bartlett, Miss Jane Bartlett, Miss Anna Blanchard. Mrs. John M. Hamden and Mrs. Richard Campbell were in charge of the surgical dressings department. Sale of war savings stamps was encouraged, the teachers aiding materially.

Lynnfield, the south precinct of the town, was remarkably well organized for war work. Henry W. Pelton was chairman of the Red Cross and Liberty Loan drives. A committee of about twenty men assisted, and large amounts were raised. Over the top in each Red Cross and each Liberty Loan drive, this precinct made a remarkable record in two of the Liberty Loan drives, when it oversubscribed the full town allotment. Another record accomplishment was that of the Sunday morning when, in two hours, more than $350 was subscribed for sufferers in the Halifax disaster. At the time of the Lynn War Chest drive, an average of $10 per capita was raised, in this precinct, numbering about 500 persons. One gift, which was truly an offering, will always be remembered, and it was typical of the spirit of generosity which prevails. The women were organized for work under the very efficient leadership of Mrs. Lucy Pillsbury. Miss May Elder, Mrs. Elizabeth Gerry, Mrs. Mary Mansfield were in charge of the surgical dressings department.