Essex County, Massachusetts - Chapter 32: The City of Salem, 1922 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 32: The City of Salem

Salem was first settled in 1626. Much concerning its original settlement has been treated in Dr. Frank A. Gardner's excellent original article, "The Story of the Planters," which forms a genesis for this work. Dr. Gardner's contribution refers chiefly to Salem prior to 1630, hence the writer of this chapter will not attempt to go back to an earlier date concerning what may be recorded in the history of Salem, in this, the latest history of Essex county.

At first, Salem township comprised all territory now embraced within the towns of Beverly, Danvers, Manchester, Marblehead, Middleton, Peabody, a part of Topsfield, Wenham and Lynn. This obtained until 1637. Lynn was set off in 1637; the first free school was taught in 1641 ; Wenham was set off in 1643, Manchester in 1645, Marblehead in 1649, Topsfield in 1650, Beverly in 1668, Middleton in 1728, Danvers (also Peabody) in 1752.

The deed of Salem was secured from the Indians for the sum of £40 sterling in 1686. The area of the city, in acres, is now 5,100. The City Hall was constructed in 1838 ; City Charter accepted April 1836.

The settlement of Salem may be dated 1626, when Roger Conant and his faithful companions, leaving Cape Ann, took up their temporary residences at Naumkeag, as Salem was at first styled, or it may be dated September 6, 1628 (old style), when John Endicott cast anchor in Salem harbor, as governor of the colony, sent out by the Massachusetts Company in London, of which Matthew Cradock was governor, to make a permanent settlement on the shores of Massachusetts Bay. As the city has the date 1626 inscribed upon the face of its seal, that will be the date for the purpose at hand, from which this historical record will begin.

Salem, as well as Plymouth, Massachusetts, was never incorporated as a town. It was recognized from the first by the court held at Charlestown, August 23, 1630, as a distinct plantation or town, and was exempt from the common charge for the support of the ministry, which office was then held by Rev. Mr. Wilson. Its charter as a town was not questioned upon the arrival of Winthrop in 1630, but its bounds were not yet defined. This was effected in the month of March, 1635.

As has been noted already, Salem never passed through the process of being created into a town in the municipal sense, but was so recognized from the first of its history. By an act passed by the General Court, the town of Salem chose, at a meeting held on June 19, 1637, a "committee of twelve to manage the affairs of the town." These men were Messrs. Hathome, Bishop, Connaught, Gardner, John Woodbury, Peter Palfrey, Daniel Ray, Robert Moulton, Scruggs, Jeffry Massy, John Balch and John Holgrave. The "Connaught" mentioned was, in fact.

Roger Conant, founder of the city, his name, with others, being spelled differently then than at a later date. At a general town meeting in December, 1638, seven men were chosen for the managing of the affairs of the town - Messrs. Endicott, Hathorne, Conant, John Woodbury, Laurence Leech, Jeffry Massy, and John Balch, says the record. From 1648 the "Seven Men," as they were called before, were known thereafter as "Selectmen." In early times town meetings were held in the church of the First Parish. This building stood near the southeasterly comer of Washington and Essex streets, and was erected in 1634. A town building was built in 1677 exclusively for town purposes; this was in the middle of School street, now Washington, near what was later known as Lynde street, and faced the south. The upper part was built for a courthouse, and there the Court of Oyer and Terminer, organized by Governor Phipps in 1692 for the trial of witches, was held. In 1719 a second town and court house was erected on Washingrton street, near the southerly end of the railway tunnel. Here the General Court met, October 31, 1728, and April and May, as well as in June, 1729. This was the place of holding court, from the fact that Governor Burnet believed that undue influence was exerted in Boston against a gi-ant for his salary. The lands within the territory of Salem were originally held by the freemen of the town, and all grants were made by them, Messrs. Osgood and Batchelder, in their history of Salem in 1879, said :

With increasing population, this method of holding the lands became unwieldy and cumbersome, and in 1713 the then owners of the common lands under the province laws became organized into a quasi corporation with the title of Commoners. In 1713 the Commoners granted all the highways and burying places and common lands lying within the town bridge and block-houses to remain forever for the use of the town of Salem, and the Common was then dedicated forever as a training field. In 1714 the Commoners, at a meeting held at the meeting-house of the First Parish in Salem, voted that Winter Island be wholly removed and granted for the use of the fishing rights to use the same to be let by the Selectmen of Salem; and the same year the Neck lands were granted and reserved to the town of Salem for a pasture for milk cows and riding horses, the same to be fenced at the town's charge.

In 1722-23, Februaiy 26, the Grand Committee of the Commoners, who had charge of affairs, reported the whole number of rights to be 1,132, and the number of acres held 3,733. Several distinct proprietaries were formed under an act of the Colonial legislature; and the Commoners of the two lower parishes, having 790 rights and 2,500 acres of land lying between Spring Pond and Forest River, organized themselves into a coi-poration. This organization continued until 1855, when they were incorporated into the Great Pasture Company, and by that company the last of the common lands, about 400 acres in extent, are now held.

In the early part of 1836 an effort was made to change from a town to a city government. The population of Salem was then 15,886. Its property valuation the year before was $8,250,000, and the amount raised for county and town purposes was $40,391.

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eluded Beverly, was about 35,000. This consisted of thirty ships, twelve barks, seventy brigs, one hundred and twenty-four schooners and fourteen sloops. The town appeared like a city, though its government was not like the latter. It had a police court and its lawyers were numerous. After the presentation of a petition by George Peabody, and it having been favorably received, at a town meeting held Febniary 15, 1836, the committee voted that it was expedient to take on a city form of government, and a committee was chosen for that pui-pose, as follows: Joseph Peabody, Benjamin Merrill, Gideon Barstow, Eben Shillaber, Isaac Gushing and Nathaniel J. Lord. This committee was to act with the original committeemen, three from each ward in the town of Salem. An act to "establish the city of Salem" was approved by Edward Everett, Governor, March 23, 1836, and warrants were immediately issued, calling a tov^Ti meeting to be held April 4th. At such meeting the moderator was Benjamin Merrill, and when the vote was taken to accept or reject the proposed city charter, there were 802 votes cast, of which 617 were in the affirmative. April 25th the same year, an election was held to determine who should be the first mayor of the new city. There were 1104 votes cast, and Leverett Saltonstall received 752, Perley Putnam 260, George Peabody 56, and David Putnam 36. The organization of the city government took place in the Tabernacle Church, Monday, May 9, when, after prayer by Rev. Dr. Brazer, and the administration of the oath of office by David Cummins, one of the justices of the Court of Common Pleas, the mayor-elect delivered his address. Thus it was that the second incorporated city in the Commonwealth had its city government set in motion, and it has been administering by its executive authority and power ever since.

Not until about three years after the organization of the "City of Salem" did it have any legal seal, but finally, after considerable agitation, the fixing the date which should be thereon, and other conditions, as suggested by George Peabody, who made the principal design for the city's seal, it was adopted March 11, 1639. The same emblem is in use today, it being somewhat unique and expressive of conditions as they existed when the shipping and foreign trade was much gi-eater than today.

It should be said that the present city government of Salem is what is known as the "commission form of government," and has been such since January 3, 1916. The manner of electing its officers is as follows: "The city election is held on the Tuesday next following the first Monday in December. In the year 1919 and every second year thereafter, there is to be elected a mayor and five councillors at large for a term of two years from the first Monday in January following. In the year 1920, and every second year thereafter, there is to be elected one member of the city council from each ward in the city for a term of two years, from the first Monday in January following. In each year there is to be elected two members of the school committee at large for a term of three years, from the first Monday in January following."

The last mayor under the charter of 1912 was Henry P. Benson, and the first under the 1916 (present form of city government) was Dennis J. Sullivan. The 1921 city officers include the following: Dennis J. Sullivan; councillors, Frederick W. Broadhead (president), G. Arthur Bodwell, Emile Brunet, Michael J. Doyle, John H. Greeley, Albert Pierce, Michael E. Ryan, William 0. Safford, Omer P. Theriault, S. Herbert Wilkins, John M. Wilson ; J. Clifford Entwisle, city clerk. The assessors are Charles J. Collins (chairman), Joseph F. Hudon, William E. Symonds, with six assistants. The mayor receives a salary of $3,000; the city clerk, $2,400; councillors, $500; assessors, $1,500 to $1,700; city engineer, $3,000 ; city marshal, $2,275.

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Salem's many well known men include Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the Bell telephone system ; Nathaniel Bowditch, the great navigator; Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of "Scarlet Letter," etc.; General James Miller, of Lundy's Lane, collector of customs in Salem when Hawthorne was surveyor of the port ; Joseph E. Worcester, author of "Worcester's Dictionary" and other works; Story, Benson and Rogers, celebrated sculptors.

The first practical system to supply Salem with water was conceived in 1796. Those interested in the scheme met at the old Sun Tavern. As a result, a charter was secured March 9, 1797, under the style of the "Proprietors of the Salem and Danvers Aqueduct." This provided that the towns of Danvers and Salem should have the right to place conductors into the pipes for the purpose of drawing such water therefrom as might be necessary, "when any mansion, house or bam or other building" should be on fire, without paying therefor. This company was legally organized April 7, 1797. William Gray, Jr., was president, and Jacob Ashton, vice-president. The fixed capital was $10,000, divided into one hundred shares of $100 each. At first, the system consisted of a large hogshead sunk into the spongy ground near Brown's and Spring pond, pine logs with three-inch bore, and a reservoir on Gallows Hill, ten feet deep and twenty-four feet square. This work was finished in the spring of 1799, and water was supplied to families at five dollars per year. In 1802 a new fountain was constructed, and water was piped to Gray's Wharf and sold at a shilling a hogshead. In 1804 the old logs were replaced by new ones with five-inch bore. About 1817 another reservoir had to be made to meet the demands. In 1855 there were not less than sixty town pumps in various streets. In 1834 another company was incorporated, but owing to the old company cutting the water rates, it never operated. That year the first iron water pipes here were laid at a cost of $5,000. This company was later reorganized and continued to make improvements until 1860, when it had in use forty miles of pipe, thirty-six hundred takers, and reservoirs holding over a million gallons of water. But still there was not enough water, so the citizens had a bill passed by the legislature, calling "for the necessary steps to procure from them the power to establish city water works." This was accomplished, and contracts were let in February, 1866, for the construction of such water-works. About one million dollars had been spent before these were completed. Wenham Lake was the chief source for obtaining the water. As the decades passed by, the city grew, the demand for more water and better water caused improvements to be made until the present time, when the water department now shows the area of Wenham Lake to be 251 acres; watershed of Longham Brook, 1,716 acres; daily pumping capacity, 25,000,000 gallons; 65 miles of pipes ; size of reservoir, 400 square feet ; capacity of reservoir, 20,000,000 gallons ; elevation above high water, 142 feet. A canal from the Ipswich river furnishes much of the water used by Salem.

The Salem Fire Department consists of the following permanent members: One chief, one deputy chief, eight captains, two lieutenants, one surveyor of motor apparatus, one mechanician, one aid to chief, and 32 members or privates ; total force of 79. The apparatus consists of a Reo roadster, a Buick roadster, triple combination pumping engine, combination engine, combination chemical engine with Booster pump, two combination chemical engines, city service ladder truck, aerial ladder truck, steam fire engine, hose wagons; fire alarms, about 400; value of property involved, $1,212,000; amount of insurance, $1,000,000; amount of loss by fire, $55,265.

It costs the city $38,000 per year for its electric lighting, the same being paid to a private corporation under a ten-year contract that expires in 1926.

The Public Library was secured » through the acceptance of the gift of the heirs of Captain John Bertram, 'who bequeathed his late residence on Essex street in 1887 to the city of Salem, provided they should incorporate and raise certain funds. This was carried out by the issue of bonds amounting to $25,000. The library was thrown open to the public in July, 1889. There are now over 70,000 volumes. This property is in the hands of seven trustees, six elected for life, and the acting mayor making up the list. There are now three branches of this library, situated in different sections of Salem.

One of the most valuable, as well as famous, institutions in the city of Salem is the Essex Institute. This institution, centrally located, v/as formed by the merging of the old Essex Historical Society and the Essex County Natural History Society, in Febi-uaiy, 1848. The Essex Historical Society was founded by incorporation in 1821, a century ago. The other society was formed in 1836. In the Institute there are now in round numbers r, half million volumes, exclusive of booklets and periodicals. Its museum contains an immense collection of rare and beautiful paintings, engravings, medals, coins, cun^ency and relics. In the rear of the Institute building proper one finds a well-preserved building erected in 1684, an old-time shoe-maker's shop, and many other interesting objects. During the winter months scientific! lectures are given by the Institute ; also a series of concerts. To be appreciated, one must need visit and revisit this wonderland of books and works of art. The location of the Institute is Nos. 132-34 Essex street.

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The Peabody Museum, with its unique collection of treasured objects from various parts of the globe, was organized in 1868, having received funds by the generous gift in 1867 from the philanthropist George Peabody, a native of Danvers, this county. He was bom in 1795, and died in London in 1869. The object in his gift was to "Promote Science and Useful Knowledge in the County of Essex." A recent account of this institution, in brief, is as follows:

Under the instrument of trust, East India Marine Hall (erected in 1824) was purchased and refitted and the Museum of the East India Marine Society (begun in 1799) and the Natural Historical Collections of the Essex Institute, (begun in 1834) received by the trustees as permanent deposits, were placed therein. Other rare and valuable collections have been added, especially the Marine and Oriental departments. The institution contains departments known as the Entrance Corridor, Marine Room, Hall of Natural History, Hall of Ethnology, the Weld Hall, etc. About seventy thousand visitors are to be seen here annually. It is sustained wholly by the fund set aside by the generous Peabody, who "never did things by halves." This museum is located at No. 161 Essex street, and is in charge of "The Trustees of the Peabody Museum."

The following score and more of institutions are situated in the city of Salem, all speaking well for the citizens of the place: Association for the Relief of Aged and Destitute Women of Salem, Bertram Home for Aged Men, Salem Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis, the Esther C. Mack Industrial School, Educational Institute, Peabody Academy of Science, Plummer Farm School and RefoiTU for Boys, Ropes Memorial, Salem Athenaeum, Salem Marine Society, Salem East India Society, Salem Hospital, Salem Seamen's Orphan and Children's Friends Society, Young Men's Christian Association, Woman's Friend Society, and Salem Young Women's Association.

The district Custom House for the ports of Salem, Beverly, Marblehead and Lynn is located here. The present Deputy Collector is William J. Sullivan; Inspectors, Daniel F. Connolly and Charles Luscomb. It should be stated in this connection that before 1819, during the prosperous earlier years in Salem, there was no government building for the accommodation of such officers. This has been a port for the collection of customs since about 1658. In 1683, Marblehead, Beverly, Gloucester, Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury and Salisbury were annexed to the port of Salem by the Court of Assistants, and it was decreed that this port and Boston "shall be lawful ports of the Colony, where all ships and other vessels shall lade or unlade any of the plantation's enumerated goods, or other goods from foreign ports, and no where else, on penalty of the confiscation of such ship or vessel, with her goods and tackle, as shall lade or unlade elsewhere." For thirty-four years the custom house was located at the comer of Gedney Court, the building having been erected in 1645, and styled the French House, on account of several French families having once resided there. Like post offices, this Custom House was moved from one place to another. In 1789 it was where later stood the bank building in Central street; Major Hiller was then collector of the port. In 1805 it was removed to Central building; in 1807 it was in Essex street; in 1811 at the comer of Essex and Newbury streets; and in 1813, in the Central building again. In 1819 it was moved to the government building erected for that purpose, at the head of Derby Wharf, as now. It was very much greater in size than has ever been necessary for the customs of this port. One record, however, shows that down to 1886 there had been collected as duties in this port, since the establishment of the Union in 1789, more than $25,000,000. The largest amount ever collected in a single quarter was in 1807, when it totalled $511,000. In 1886 there were collected only $28,700 in duties. The amount collected in 1920 was less than $1,000. Perhaps the most important personages connected with this Custom House have been Nathaniel Hawthorne, surveyor from 1846 to 1849, and "New England's most distinguished soldier," James Miller, who was collector from 1825 to 1849.

On account of the many articles on the free list of late years, this Custom House, really a branch of the Boston district, has not collected a large amount in duties. The number of vessels entering from foreign ports in the last year was nine and of domestic vessels one, while those clearing this port were three foreign vessels and eight domestic. The total amount of receipts in way of customs in 1920 was $639.02, while the expense of collecting these duties ran far in excess of the receipts. A vast amount of lumber comes to this port, but as it is on the free list no duty is collected on it.

The subjoined concerning Salem's foreign trade and other commercial interests is extracted from an article written in the eighties, by Charles S. Osgood:

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Salem was one of the principal points for the distribution of foreign merchandise, over eight million pounds of sugar being among the' imports of the year 1800. The streets about the wharfs were loaded with goods from all parts of the country. It was a busy scene, with the coming and going of vehicles, some from long" distances; for railroads were then unknown and all transportation must be carried on in wagons and drays. In the taverns could be seen teamsters from all quarters, sitting around the open fire in the chilly evenings, discussing the news of the day, or making merry over potations of New England rum, which Salem in the good old times manufactured in abundance.

All this has changed. The sail lofts, where on the smooth floor sat the sailmakers, with their curious thimbles fastened to the palm of their hands, busily stitching the great white sheets of canvas that were to carry many a gallant ship safely through storm and tempest, to her destination in far-distant harbors, and that were to be reflected in seas before unvexed by the keel of an American vessel, are deserted, or given over to more prosaic uses; the ship-chandlers' shops are closed and the old mathematical instrument-maker has taken in his swinging sign of a quadrant, shut up his shop, and, as if there was no further use for him here, has started on the long voyage from which there is no return.

tea from China, pepper from Sumatra, coffee from Arabia, spices from Batavia, gum copal from Zanzibar, hides from Africa, and the other products of far-away countries. The boys have ceased to watch on the Neck for the incoming vessels, hoping to earn the reward by being first to announce to the expecting merchant the safe return of his looked-for vessel. The foreign commerce of Salem, once her pride and glory, has spread her white wings and sailed away for ever!

The early, long continued and staple trade of Salem was in the product of the fisheries. The harbors and rivers swarmed with fish, and the supply was so plentiful that large quantities were often used for fertilizer. From 1629 to 1740, Winter Island seems to have been the headquarters of the Salem fishing trade, and that trade was the staple business of Salem down to a much later period. In 1643 the merchants of Salem were trading with the West Indies, with Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands. Between 1640 and 1650, the commercial career of Salem received an impetus, and her vessels made voyages not only to the mother country, but to the West Indies, Bermudas, Virginia and Antigua. Her wealth was great in proportion to her population, and Josselyn, writing in 1644, said: "In this town are some very rich merchants." In 1663, William Hollingworth, a Salem merchant, agreed to send one hundred hogsheads of tobacco from the river Potomac by ship, from Boston to Plymouth in England, the Isle of Jersey or any port in Holland, and thence to said Island, for seven pounds Sterling per ton.

From 1670 to 1740, the trade was to the West Indies and most ports of Europe, including Spain, France and Holland. From 1686 to 1689, inclusive, Salem is trading to Barbadoes, London, Fayal, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Antigua. The great majority of her vessels are ketches from twenty to forty tons, and carry from four to six men. Only one ship appears among them, and her tonnage is but one hundred and thirty tons. In 1698-99 registers are taken from two ships of 80 and 200 tons, a barque, three sloops and twenty ketches. The ketch of those days was twomasted, with square sails on the foremast and a four-and aft-saU on the mainmast, which was shorter than the foremast. The schooner, which gradually supplanted the ketch, first appears in our Salem marine about 1720.

In 1700, the foreign trade of Salem is thus described by Higginson: "Dry, merchantable codfish for the markets of Spain, Portugal and the Straits, refuse fish, lumber, horses and provisions for the West Indies. Returns made directly to England are sugar, molasses, cotton, wool, logwood and BrasUetto-wood, for which we depend on the West Indies'. Our own produce, a considerable quantity of whale and fish-oil, whale-bone, furs, deer, elk and bear skins, are annually sent to England. We have much shipping here, and freights are low."

In 1788, our ships sailed to and from India, visited Calcutta and Bombay; the last-named place furnished the first cargo of cotton shipped here from abroad. The ship "Hazzard" entered from Calcutta with a cargo of sugar, cigars and cordage, the duty being $16,876; a year later one landed and its duty was $27,000. The trade between Indian Ocean ports and Salem was great for many years. Sumatra and Java Islands shipped much to Salem. Again, the trade with Manila was immense. One cargo of sugar amounting to 789,000 pounds, 64,000 pounds of pepper, 30,000 pounds of indigo, was landed in Salem in 1797. The duty on this cargo was $24,000. There was also trade with China as early as 1804.

October, 1797, the first of many ships that sailed to Manila reached that port in safety and loaded up with sugar and indigo, mostly. One ship, called "St. Paul," made twelve voyages between Salem and Manila - the first being in 1838. This journey required an even hundred days when "the sea was right." The last known ship between these two places was in July, 1858, when the "Dragon" made the trip with a large cargo of hemp.

tralian trade, as well as that between Salem and the Feejee Islands, constituted a large commerce for many years. Nathaniel L. Rogers owned the first ship that sought and obtained entry to the port of Australia, at Sydney, in 1832. The trade between Salem and South America was quite extensive. The brig "Katy," Nathaniel Brown, master, cleared for Cayenne in April, 1798, with fish, flour, bacon, butter, oil, tobacco, candles and potter's ware. From 1820 to 1860 this South American trade was constant. Between Salem and Buenos Ayres the trade was of much magnitude. From 1816 to 1860, inclusive, there were one hundred and twentyone arrivals at Salem port. The season of greatest activity was between 1841 and 1860. But Salem also had a trade in far-off Africa. On the west coast of that continent, commencing in the fall of 1789, a large trade was carried on in the sale of New England rum. Later, much gunpowder and tobacco wei-e transported to West Africa from Salem. This trade was mostly between 1832 and 1864. During that period there were over five hundred entries at the port of Salem. The early trade between Salem and West Indies was mostly in the product of the fisheries - sugar, cotton and tobacco being taken in exchange. Trade with Spain and Portugal commenced in 1700 and continued until after the War of 1812, after which but one entry was made, that of a cargo of salt from Cadiz to Salem. Then Salem had a good trade with points along the Mediterranean sea, including Genoa, Naples, Leghorn, Messina, Smyrna, etc. Salt, wine, brandy, figs, raisins, almonds, candles and soap were imported from these ports to America. This trade was chiefly between 1800 and 1810. Another excellent trade was established between Salem and Nova Scotia, commencing about 1840, the vessels being largely English boats. By this trade, wool, coal and plaster were largely imported to this country.

Salem was first in New England to sail a vessel to California, after gold had been discovered in 1848. This was the brig "Mary and Ellen," by Stephen C. Phillips. This boat was bound for the Sandwich Islands, via San Francisco, but both vessel and cargo were sold in the last-named city. In 1833 there were one hundred and eleven vessels from Salem engaged in foreign trade, but early in the eighties, there were only a dozen vessels known as Salem boats engaged in such trade. While the foreign trade was largely lost to Salem, its tonnage has really increased by her coasting trade. In 1870 there entered the harbor at Salem 1812 coasting vessels, having an aggregate tonnage of 213,514, and 1237 vessels measuring 203,- 798 tons entered for the year ending June 30, 1878. In 1885 there arrived 1569 vessels, with a tonnage of 270,000. The first passenger steamboat to enter Salem harbor was the "Massachusetts," running between Salem and New York City,, July, 1817. It is claimed upon quite reliable records that Dr. Nathan Reed of Salem was the real inventor of steam navigation, and not Robert Fulton. He petitioned Congress in 1790 concerning his discovery, stating that he "made application of steam to the purposes of navigation and land carriages." He also invented the first machine for making cut nails. Robert Fulton improved on the steam navigation idea of Dr. Reed, and now has the credit of being the original inventor. But Fulton's success came sixteen years later, on the Hudson river. Dr. Reed was a member of Congress from Maine in 1807, and was chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas. His trial trip with the world's first steamboat was in the summer of 1789, between his iron works at Danversport and the Essex bridge at Beverly^ Governor Hancock was among the few gentlemen who were invited to make this trial trip. This marked a wonderful era in the world's transportation affairs.

In 1629 the "Home Company" sent six ship-builders to Salem, of whom Robert Moulton was chief. Salem Neck was used for a ship-yard. Richard Hollingworth came as a ship-builder in 1635, and in 1641 built a three hundred ton ship. From 1629 to 1640, Salem had but little ship- ping of her own, but matters soon changed. From 1659 to 1677 four noted ship-builders were located here, one being Jonathan Pickering, who had a land gi-ant at Hardy's Cove.

A famous vessel was built here by Retire Becket, who named it "Cleopatra's Barge," of one hundred and ninety-tons burden. Its owner was Captain George Crowninshield, who "spared no expense in her construction or in her appointments." She was built for a pleasure trip to the Mediten-anean, and was a wonder to the people of Genoa. In point of beauty, luxury and magnificence, it stood at the head of all boats of that time. She was launched October 21, 1816. Pages might be written on ship-building in Salem, but other works extant have covered this interesting topic. The ship-building enterprise has long since been abandoned in Salem.

Salem's Industrial History - The United States census in 1880 - a half century and more ago - gave Salem a total of manufactured products $8,441,000, of which the leather industries comprised nearly one-half. In 1887 there were in Salem thirty-one manufacturing enterprises. The leather industry in this city had a slow growth. The first to engage in leather tanning was Philemon Dickinson, who was in business in 1639. The first tanneries in Salem were located on lands now bordered by the north side of Washington Square and by Forrester street. Excavations for basements less than forty years ago brought to light numerous halfrotted tan-vats. On Liberty street have also been discovered in late years, decayed tan-bark and rotting cattle horns. In 1768 Salem had four large tanneries in operation. It was about that date, possibly a few years eariier, when Joseph Southwick, a preacher-tanner of Danvers, introduced the first horse turned tan-bark grinding mill. Late in the eighteenth century the tanneries of Salem were found operating on the North River. In 1850 there were eighty-three establishments, of which thii-ty-four were tanneries, as many currying shops, fifteen shops canying on both branches of the trade, and two dressers of morocco; 550 hands were employed, and the output was about $870,000 annually. These were mostly small tanneries, working from four to a dozen men each. In 1885 Salem had fifty-four firms dealing in leather manufacture, twelve tanners and fifteen curriers, twenty-one tanners and curriers, and six morocco dressers. The 1880 census states that Salem had fifty-twa plants, 910 employees, capital invested $1,167,000, and products amounting that year to $4,209,000. Of later years' the city has not depended so much on its tanning industries as it did a hundred years ago, the manufacture of shoes having come to be a very profitable industry. A recent directory names the following as leading concerns in the various industries in Salem: Shoe factories - B. F. Bell & Co., J. Brown & Sons, Cass & Daley Shoe Co., Derby Shoe Manufacturing Co., Daniel Glover & Sons, J. T. Hopkins Sons, Salem Shoe Manufacturing Co., Salem Turn

Shoe Co., Don D. Sargent Co., Stevens Soft Sole Shoe Co. Also a Casket factory by A. M. Joly ; the Salem Elevator works, Salem Hat Bleachery, and the New England Overall Co., the Naumkeag Steam Cotton Company, oil refineries, etc.

After the leather and shoe business, the records of the city, industrially, show that in the eighties the cotton manufacturing business was next of importance. The cotton factory famous in Salem as well as throughout the country was incorporated April 5, 1839, as the Naumkeag Steam Cotton Company. Its original capital was $200,000. The first plant erected on modem plans was that constructed in 1847, at which time the capital stock was increased to $700,000. The first cotton mill was 460 feet long by 60 feet in width, contained about 33,000 spindles and 643 looms, with a weekly capacity of 9,400 yards of cotton cloth. "The Naumkeag" was looked upon as among the finest cotton factories in the United States. The capital was increased after ten or a dozen years, and another mill building, about the same size as the former, was built and equipped. By 1886 the company had a capital of $1,500,000, It consisted as a plant of five main buildings, with machine shops, warehouses, etc., attached or near by. The total number of spindles was 100,000, while the number of looms was 2,400. These mills were propelled by two monster Corliss steam engines, and lighted by 2,200 gas jets and 650 incandescent lights, the plants for both kind of lights being on the premises. During 1886, there were made in these mills 18,750,000 yards of cotton cloth ; 16,000 bales of cotton were consumed annually. There were then employed 1400 operatives, and the pay-roll amounted to $420,- 000.

At the time of the great fire of 1914 these mills suffered much loss, but being so well and long established, rebuilding speedily followed and the industry went on as before. The immense buildings all went down before the devouring flames except one structure. The large cotton warehouse, with a million pounds of cotton, was burned to the ground. The plant now comprises many massive structures of brick and cement re-inforced. The floor space is now twenty-two acres. These mills produced in 1920, 10,516,000 pounds, or 18,252,527 yards; the sales amounted to $9,360,348.25; number males employed, 556; number females, 768 ; total, 1,324. The number of spindles is 150,000 ; number of looms, 2,924. The "Pequot" and "Naumkeag" brands of sheetings are an American household word. Their quality really sells them.

Jute bagging was made in large quantities by two companies, which began to operate in 1865 and 1870. One was styled the Bengal Bagging Company. David Nevins & Co. of Boston owned the property in the seventies. Five million yards of bagging were produced in these two bag mills annually; 22,500 bales of jute were consumed, and they cost eight dollars a bale. Two hundred and seventy hands were employed in these mills, over one-half being women and youth. The jute butts were brought from Bengal in large vessels. The amount received at the Salem Custom House on this material was about $2,000 a cargo. The bagging here produced was mostly shipped South, and there used as bales for cotton. But times have changed, and no such mills now exist in Salem.

From the earliest days in Salem, the manufacture of white lead for painting purjwses was numbered among the best industries of the place. It was first made here in 1826, when two such factories started. One was by the Salem Lead, Company, and the other that of Colonel Francis Peabody. These works were both located in South Salem. The first plant stood where the Cotton Mills now stand, and the other where Lagrange street is now situated. The first-named mills failed in 1835 ; the Peabody concern was more successful, and in 1846 the works were sold to the Forest River Lead Company. A thousand tons of white lead was turned out from this factory until 1882, when an assignment was made, and later the business was entirely abandoned. What was known as the Salem Lead Company was incorporated in February, 1868, and its works were on Saunders street. Here 1,500 tons of white lead, dry and ground in oil, with sheet lead, were produced ; thirty hands were being employed in 1887.

The refining of oils commenced in 1835, when Caleb Smith began the oil and candle-making business. About the same date. Col. Francis Peabody started a similar plant in South Salem. In one season, Peabody bought $150,000 worth of whale oil to be used in candle-making, and also introduced the first candle-wicking machine into this country. In the eighties, Salem had four oil refining and manufacturing plants. One large concern was burned in 1887. The later oil concerns of Salem, produced large quantities of currier's oils for the use of tanning and finishing leather.

Salem was also the home of the Hall typewriter, which was made in large quantities in 1885 ; the company was incorporated in April, 1886, on a capital of $100,000. Fifty men were employed,^ and two hundred machines were made each month.

Salem has had two car companies engaged m the making of horse street cars. One was the Salem Car Company, in 1863 ; it proved unprofitable, and the shops were sold to the Eastern Railroad Company. One hundred and fifty cars were made there annually at one time. The Atlantic Car Company was organized in 1872, and commenced to make railroad coaches, but the Jay Cooke financial panic of 1873 swamped the enterprise. The buildings subsequently belonged to the Poor Brothers tannery corporation of Peabody.

The story of electric lighting in Salem may be briefly told. Salem was among the earliest cities in New England to introduce electric lights ; the first appeared in December, 1881. In April, 1882, the Salem Electric Lighting Company was organized on a $100,000 capital, taking over the plant started in 1881. The incandescent light was introduced in Salem

Among the gi-eatest conflagrations on the American continent have been the fires of Chicago, Boston, Portland, (Maine), Baltimore, San Francisco, and those of Salem and Lynn. The Salem fire burned over two hundred and fifty-two acres of territory; 1,376 buildings were destroyed ; area of burned district was one-half mile wide and one and onehalf long; entire loss in excess of $15,000,000; the insurance loss paid amounted to $11,744,000. About twenty thousand people were rendered homeless, and those thrown out of employment exceeded ten thousand.

During a prolonged dry spell, on June 25, 1914, at about one o'clock in the afternoon, in the leather district, in the Korn leather factory at No. 57 Boston street, there were several loud explosions, which upon investigation showed the cause to have been a mixture of acetone, amalacitate and alcohol ; also that a large amount of celluloid was stored in the building. This plant was engaged in the manufacture of tip finish for patent leather, made up of extremely high explosives. The conflagration started in a shed which had wooden doors. Inside were a lot of inferior sheep skins, also three small barrels filled with highly-inflammable materials. It was suggested at the investigation that possibly the fire occurred by a quantity of celluloid being set on fire by the sun's rays coming through the glass in the nearby windows of the building. It was stated by one well posted as to the surroundings, that "if this factory had been equipped with a sprinkler system, the building might have been saved and the conflagration averted. There was nothing in the building which water would not have extinguished." Many of the best homes in Salem were reduced to ashes within a few hours. The twenty-five Sisters removed one hundred children and aged women from the Orphan Asylum, (just as it was about to be fired by approaching flames and intense heat), to St. Mary's, in Walnut street, and later they were all removed to St. John's, at Danvers.

This fire was not without its fatalities, sad as it is to record. A veteran, Samuel P. Withey, was burned to death in the house at the corner of Winthrop and Prescott streets. Joseph J. Pickering was burned to death at No. 131 Lafayette street. James Hosman's body was discovered near the rectory on Salem street. A number of persons died from excitement or from exposure and strain, while being removed from the fire district. Among the sixty or more persons injured were Oscar Choinard, who jumped from a second story window; Vincent Dowell, arm broken while acting as a volunteer fireman ; Charles McCarthy and Captain Remon, injured about their heads by flying nozzles; Captains Preble and Kelly of Lynn, overcome by smoke ; James Hoey, three ribs broken; Frank King, arms badly burned. These brave fellows all remained at their work as firemen, even James Hoey with his broken ribs.

Heroic relief work went foi-ward from first to last. The Red Cross Society, under orders from Superintendent Bigelow of the Salem Hospital, by eight o'clock on the first day of the fire removed fifty-seven patients to hospitals in Beverly and Peabody, as well as others to almshouse and hospitals on the Neck. There were thirty-two nurses, and all did excellent work. President Wilson telegi'aphed from Washington: "I am sure I speak for the American people in tendering heartfelt sympathy to you to the stricken people of Salem. Can the Federal Government be of service to you in the emergency?"

The relief committee established headquarters at the Armory, and Governor Walsh called a meeting at the State House to form a general relief committee, of which John F. Moors was chairman. The Salem "Evening News" started a relief fund early the next day after the fire, and headed the subscription with $500, followed by another of the same amount by John S. Saltonstal, of Beverly. The same day, Henry C. Frick sent his check for $25,000, and tendered the use of two of his automobiles to be used in relief work. The side cities and towns, as well as far distant places, did all in way of relief that was possible. By noon, the Ward Baking Company had two tons of bread in Salem, and Mayor Scanlon of Lawrence sent two car loads of bread and other provisions. A firm in Boston sent one hundred and fifty-six gallons of coffee, all creamed and sweetened. Lynn sent over fifteen truck loads of provisions ; Hood offered one thousand pints of milk a day, and the Mohican Market, Salem, 1,000 rations a day, while much more was sent in from side towns. In less than forty-eight hours after the fire alarm sounded, $150,000 had been raised. A message came over from sister Beverly that $100,000 could be counted on from that city. The State fund amounted to $569,- 000, while Congress appropriated $200,000. There was doubtless as much as $3,000,000 loss not covered by insurance. Mention should here be given of the good work by the fire companies from Boston, Chelsea, Marblehead, Peabody, Beverly, Lynn, Swampscott, Wakefield, Danvers, Reading, Stoneham, Quincy, Newburyport, Revere, Lawrence, Maiden, Gloucester, Manchester, Medford, Hingham, Somerville, Winchester, Ipswich, Wenham, Cambridge; all took part with some of their best fire-fighting apparatus.

The militia was called into service and looked well to its duties. Different companies guarded various districts of the city. They also had charge of the rations at the Armory, and the following figures tell their own story : Number of rations issued from June 28th to July 1st, 18,175. The cost of feeding the refugees was $2,200 daily, and the militia that served until July 7th cost Massachusetts $50,000. Now after the lapse of seven years, the burnt district has been fairly well rebuilt, with here and there evidences of the great fire of 1914. The new buildings that took the place of the old ones are, as a rule, of a modern and much better style. With the expansion of the city, it will not be many more years before the traces of that conflagration are all obliterated.

The Salem Hospital is a private institution, supported from the income of funds given for the purpose, from money received for the board of patients, and from gifts and annual subscriptions ; the city grants free water, and in return the hospital cares for many of the city's afflicted poor and unfortunate cases. Where persons are not able to pay, they are cared for scientifically until able to leave, board and all, free of all charges. This hospital was founded by John Bertram, in the spring of 1873. Mr. Bertram came to Salem when a mere lad, as the son of a scissors grinder ; but through the native ability he possessed, he engaged in shipping on the seas, was captain of several boats he owned, and finally became wealthy. He was taken very ill, and cared for tenderly by doctors and nurses, who finally restored him to health. This caused the appreciative patient, that he was, to enquire what poor persons would do were they taken ill as he had been. He was told that they must of necessity suffer and die for want of attention. He then and there decided to find means for a hospital in Salem, which he did, by purchasing a residence property in the heart of the city, on Charter street, where numerous additions were made. The great fire of June 25th, 1914, swept the property away, after which land was purchased and the present spacious modem brick hospital was erected in 1917. Its cost was about $650,000. It has a housing capacity of 135 patient^ at one time. The present building opened in November, 1917. At the end of the first twenty years of the institution (1893), reports show they had cared for 3,048 resident patients and 968 outside patients ; 814 patients had paid board ; and 2,- 928 were free. In 1884 a maternity hospital was added. The present superintendent is Wilbur B. Bigelow. The board of trustees is made up as follows: Matthew Robson, president; Walter H. Trumbull, John Robinson, Charles S. Rea, George A. Vickery, Robert Osgood, Richard Wheatland, Robert M. Mahoney, Walter K. Bigelow, Frank P. Fabens, George W. Grant. January 1, 1921, the treasurer had on hand $10,203. The last year the receipts and expenditures amounted to $231,961. This is a truly modem institution, and one of great credit to the city of Salem, as well as a perpetual monument to its thoughtful founder. Captain John Bertram.

Harmony Grove Cemetery is reached by continuing down School and Grove streets to No. 30 Grove, the main entrance being within easy walking distance from the city proper. It comprises sixty-five acres. It was the first burying ground used around Salem and neighborhood. An archway of rough stones spans the carriage-way to the entrance. The grounds have some wooded growth of natural timber. Many expensive monuments have been placed on private lots within this Silent City of the Dead. In 1905 a handsome chapel was erected on the grounds, the gift of Mrs. Nancy C. Blake in memory of her son, George Harrison Blake, who died in 1869. In a lot on Locust Path the remains of George Peabody, the great philanthropist, are at rest. Also a sarcophagus of granite marks the resting place of Captain John Bertram, founder of Salem Hospital. There are other burying grounds, both Catholic and Protestant, used by the people in Salem, but Harmony is one of the oldest and largest.

Salem has numerous beautiful parks and environments, some of which are truly historic. The subjoined list includes several of the more important places in and about the city: Gallows Hill, off Witch Hill; Forest River Park, Fort Lee, Willows, The Neck, Moody Square, Nauvoo, portion of Ward 3, near the Mill Pond ; Winter Island, Mack Park, Mason Hill, Liberty Hill, Lookout Hill, Unionville, North and South Salem, Legg's Hill, Juniper Point, Kemwood, Fort Pickering, Castle Hill, Carltonville. Cold Spring, off Liberty Hill.

Concerning the parks, it may be said that The Commons, named Washington Square in 1802, is a territory of about eight acres, and has always remained public land. It is a historic spot ; was once a cow pasture, then used for general training or military drills as early as 1714. Forest River Park, finely situated on rolling land skirting the harbor, was purchased by the city and opened for park purposes in 1907. There are twenty-nine acres in this tract. It is equipped with a bathing basin, spaces for games and various sports. Ledge Hill Park, opposite Harmony Cemetery, was given to the city by Esther C. Mack in 1885. This is an extension of a rocky ledge of quite an altitude, and affords an excellent view of the city and its harbor. Liberty Hill is reached by way of Liberty Hill avenue; it has been a park from the first settlement of the place. It is popular on account of its numerous cold springs of pure water, which have been used for centuries. The Millerites (religious sect foretelling the end of the world) held a great camp meeting here in 1844.

"The Willows" is at the east end of the city, in the section long known by this name. It is annually visited by tens of thousands of home, as well as many sight-seeers from abroad. Steamboats ply the harbor at this p~oint. To the north is Beverly shore ; Cape Ann is at the northeast. The city provides open pavilions where parties may lunch and enjoy the scenery. The old trees, from which the place derives its name, were European white willows planted by the Salem Board of Health in 1801 to provide a shade for the convalescents at an old hospital. Nine of the original forty trees still survive. Junior Point adjoins the Willows to the south, and is a fine summer retreat. Fort Lee has been a fort and block-house point on Salem Neck from the earliest days of Salem. It is located on the heights at the left, beyond the city farm. A fort was constructed here in 1742, and used in the War of 1812-14. In the

Civil War it was mounted with guns to command the approach to the outer harbor ; it is still owned by the federal government. The old earthworks add to the appearance of the Neck. Winter Island, opposite Fort Lee to the right, is reached by a causeway. Here used to be the center of the fishing business of Salem.

Fort Pickering, on Winter Island, was built in 1643 ; it was occupied in the War of 1812-14, and at the Civil War period had guns in position. During the Spanish-American War, two companies of Massachusetts Heavy Artillery were stationed there. It commanded the entrance to the inner-harbor. Town House Square is formed by the junction of Essex and Washington streets. From the pioneer settlement, this has been the center of population and business, and also the scene of many important events.

Without entering into a detailed history of the First Congregational Church, Unitarian, it may here be recorded, for reference, that this society was formed in 1629, and was then of the Calvinistic faith. Its pastors have included Rev. Samuel Skelton, associated for a time with Mr. Higginson, as teacher; Roger Williams, Rev. Hugh Peters, Rev. Edward Norris, and Rev. Higginson, who served forty-eight years, his death occurring in 1708, aged ninety-two years. The next minister was Rev. Nicholet, from Virginia; then came Nicholas Noyes, succeeded by Rev. Jonathan Curwin, Samuel Fisk, Rev. John Sparhawk, Rev. Thomas Barnard, Rev. Asa Dunbar, Rev. John Prince (pastor fifty-seven years), Rev. Charles W\ Upham, Rev. Thomas Treadwell Stone, Rev. George W. Briggs (resigned in 1867), and Rev. James T. Hewes. Rev. Fielder Israel, who closed his ministry in Salem in 1889, was succeeded by Rev. George Crosswell Cressey, D.D., from 1890 to 1896; Rev. Elvin James Prescott, 1897-1902 ; Rev. Peter Hair Goldsmith, 1903-10 ; Rev. Edward Dunbar Johnson, 1911, and still serving. During the pastorate of the last named, the church gave up the old method of raising money by the sale of pews, and is now on a voluntary subscription basis. For a number of years this church has maintained a series of Wednesday noon services. The early history of this church is very interesting, and will readily be found in almost any library of Essex county.

As to church buildings of this society, it may be said that four church edifices have been occupied since its formation in 1629. All have been on or near the same spot. "An unfinished building of one story," said Rev. Upham, "was temporarily used at the beginning for the purpose of the congregation." The second house was erected in 1670, and the first one was used for school and other purposes for ninety years, and later removed to Gallows Hill. It was finally presented to Essex Institute by Mrs. David Nichols. The second church cost £1000, had galleries, and Cotton Mather called it "the great and spacious meeting-house." This building was used about sixty years. In 1718 it was too far gone to be of value, and was removed and the third church built. This was seventy-two feet long on Essex street, and fifty feet wide, with two galleries and a tall spire. The present church was dedicated in 1826 and serves until the present day, but has at various times been remodeled and materially improved.

The Second Church in Salem, Unitarian, was known as the East Church for many years, but in 1897 it united with the Barton Square Church, and resumed the old name of the Second Church of Salem. Mr. Manchester, who had been for four years pastor of the Independent Church in Barton Square, was made pastor of the United churches. The First Church resisted a separation and the formation of the Second church as long as possible, but finally, in 1718, it yielded and the Second Church was organized. During 1718 the First Church lost by death, within three weeks, its two ministers. Revs. Noyes and Curwin; then followed the settling of Rev. Samuel Fisk, as pastor, the erection of a large new church building and the completion of the East Church building. The East Society's meeting-house was situated a half mile to the east of the First Church, on Essex street. In 1761 the meeting-house was newly sashed and glazed ; in 1766 clapboarded ; in 1770, "there not being room to accommodate the congregation," it was voted to enlarge it, which was done the following year. In 1846 this house was abandoned and the present church was erected. July 13, 1903, the church was partially destroyed by fire. It was restored and opened November 2, 1903. The new organ was first used on December 28, 1903. In October, the two hundredth anniversary of the building of the old East Church was celebrated. In 1918 the two towers that ornamented the church were condemned as unsafe and were taken down to within a few feet of the roof.

The pastors who have served this church are as follows, in the order named: Rev. Robert Stanton, died in 1727, succeeded by Rev. William Jennison, who was dismissed in 1736 ; next came Rev. James Diman, who served until 1788, when he died ; then came Rev. William Bentley, who died in 1855 ; he was sole pastor of the East Church for years, aided the last few years of his ministry by Rev. Dexter Clapp. Dr. Flint remained with the church until his death, in 1868. He was not the active pastor the last four years of his life. Rev. Samuel C. Beane succeeded Dr. Flint, resigned in 1878, and was followed by Rev. George H. Hosmer, who remained until 1886, and was followed by Rev. William H. Reeby, who served two years, and was in turn followed by Rev. David Edward Towle, who served from 1892 to 1897, after whom came Rev. Alfred Manchester, Rev. J. F. Dutton having served for a short time between Revs. Reeby and Towle.

There is some question when the South Church (Congregational) first began as an independent one in Salem, but it is known that it was recognized in record February 14, 1775, but it called itself the Third

Congregational Church until March 15, 1805, when it was incorporated under title of "The Proprietors of the New South Meeting-House." Its edifice was dedicated in 1805 and remodeled in 1860. The ministers were as follows: Rev. Daniel Hopkins, Rev. Brown Emerson, Rev. Dwinell and Rev. Atwood. The lastnamed died while pastor, and since then the pastors have included Revs. Dr. Edward S. Atwood, died 1888; Rev. Brodie, 1888-04 ; Rev. Harold Colson Feast ; Rev. George W. Roesch, 1908- 10 ; Rev. Thomas Langdale, 1910-14 ; Rev. H. M. Bartlett, 1914-20 ; Rev. George Leo Patterson, 1920, and is still serving. In 1804-05 a handsome church was built. It possessed a high spire, which was a great attraction for many years. The building was burned in 1904, when a stone church was erected in its place.

The Tabernacle Church (Congregational) was originally a part of the First Church, but in 1735 a difficulty arose which split the church in two parts. It came up over Rev. Samuel Fisk, an early pastor. The date of the Tabernacle Church organization was probably May 4, 1735. The pastors have included Revs. Dudley Leavitt, John Huntington, Nathaniel Vv^hittaker, D.D., Joshua Spaulding, Samuel Worcester, D.D., John P. Cleaveland, Samuel M. Worcester, son of a former pastor; Charles Ray Palmer, 1860 to 1872 ; Hiram B. Putnam, DeWitt S. Clark, installed in 1879, served until his death in 1916 ; and was succeeded by Rev. O. H. Bronson, who remained two years, and was followed by Rev. W. H. Spence, present pastor. Good church buildings have usually been owned by this church, including the one erected in 1854 ; the large twostory chapel erected in 1868, has served until now. Plans are under consideration at this writing (1921) by which it is believed that a handsome stone structure will soon take the place of the old wooden building.

March 3, 1772, the proprietors of the North Meeting-house organized themselves into a religious society with the title of North Church, Unitarian. The trouble between the parent church and the new one arose over the selection of a pastor. The long line of pastors included Revs. Thomas Barnard, Jr., John Emery Abbot, John Brazer, Octavius Brooks Frothingham, Charles Lowe, Edmund B. Wilson, installed in 1859, served until his death in 1904, and was succeeded by Rev. George D. Latimer, his associate until 1907, when he was followed by Rev. Theodore D. Bacon. Without entering into details as to church edifices, it may be said that the present building has recently been greatly enlarged and much improved.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church was established in 1733, and a building erected the following year. It had forty pews, and a high tower at its v/estern end. It gave place to the present Gothic building in 1833, and this was enlarged in 1845. The first rector, Rev, Charles Brockwell^ died in 1755. Next came Rev. William Gilchrist; he died in the ministry in Salem in 1780 ; the next rector was Rev. Nathaniel Fisher, a Harvard graduate; Rev. Thomas Carlisle succeeding him as rector, and he in turn was followed by Rev. Henry W. Ducachet. The next rector at Salem was Rev. Thomas W. Coit, who induced Rev. Alexander V. Griswold to become rector in 1829, continuing until 1834. Then came Rev. John A. Vaughan, and he was succeeded by Rev. Charles Mason. Rev. William R. Babcock became rector in 1848, resigning in 1860. The next rector was Rev. William Rawlins Pickman, who left in 1865, and was followed by Rev. James O. Scripture, then by Rev. Edward M. Gushee. Rev. Charles Arey commenced his work in Salem in 1875, continuing until 1891, when he was succeeded by Rev. Henry Bedinger, who remained rector twenty-five years, and was succeeded by Rev. Charles W. G. Lyon, in 1917. Under rectorship of Rev. Bedinger in 1905, a reorganization took place, and since then all pews have been free to the worshiping public,

Grace Episcopal Church was organized in 1858. Rev. George D. Wildes was the first rector, and then came Revs. Joseph Kidder, James P. Franks, Howard R. Weir. A neat frame Gothic-style church building was erected in 1859.

The First Church of the Nazarene is situated at No. 10 Church street, and was organized January 1, 1904, under the name of Beulah Pentecostal Mission, by Rev. Alexander J. Macneill, leader. April 9th the same year it was organized into a church. Pastor Macneill resigned and was followed by Rev. Thomas W. Delond. The society worshiped at 23 Brown street for three years, when they purchased the estate at No. 10 Church street and erected their present edifice, which they dedicated April 19, 1913, under the coiT)orate name of the First Pentecostal Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Delond resigned, and was followed by Rev. Ira D. Archbald, and he in turn was followed in May, 1915, by Miss Mary A. Custance and Annie S. Allen. In May, 1917, came Rev. R. J. Dixon, who remained one year, and was succeeded by Rev. George A. Rideout, who in turn left after one year and seven months. The next pastor was Rev. A. H. Higgins, who is still serving as pastor. In September, 1920, at the general conference of the denomination, the word "Pentecostal" was dropped from the title of the church, leaving it simply "First Church of the Nazarene."

The First Church of Christ, Scientist, held its first service in Salem at the studio of Prof. Charles F. Whitney on Fairfield street, March 12, 1896. Services were continued there until June 7, 1896, when Pythian Hall, Creamer Block, on Essex street, was secured for Sunday evening services. Sunday morning services commenced July 3, 1898. During these first years, Mrs. Sarah W. Shepard, who was looked upon as the founder of the church in Salem, served as First Reader, with Miss M. Frances Allen of Beverly as Second Reader. September 25, 1898, services were held in the chapel of the old First Church (Unitarian), the chapel being located at 16 Ljmde street. All legal requirements for perfecting an organization were met by October 31, 1898, though the char- ter granted by the State bears date of November 29, 1899. There were seven charter members, namely: Sarah W. Shepard, Emma J. Marvin, Maria G. Delano, Jacob Marston, Henry S. Fiske, William S. Fenollosa and Alice E. Barnard.

The church grew steadily in membership and activity. A free public reading room was opened January 22, 1900, at 39 Church street. In 1907 the chapel in which services had been held for several years was purchased as a permanent church-house and ever since has been used as such. This was dedicated, free of any debts, January 1, 1911. About that date a splendid pipe organ was donated the church by Mrs. William Penn Hussey. The church has taken an active part in the various public movements, especially so during the weeks just following the great conflagration of 1914. For many weeks its doors were open for relief work, and many thousands of dollars in cash, clothing and general supplies were given to the needy, regardless of creed or nationality.

The Universalist Church - According to Dr. Bentley's diary, John Murray, founder of the Universalist church, who was then settled at Gloucester, preached from the pulpit of the First Church, Thursday evening, December 29, 1787. Under date of December 24, 1789, Bentley says: "Worship was at the meeting of the Universal ists, as well as at the four churches." The above preface to the remark about the preaching of Smith in 1804, etc., is more historically correct. After Dr. Bolles, the ministers were Rev. Arthur G. Rogers, 1888 to 1892; Rev. Charles H. Puffer, 1893 to 1913 ; Ulysses S. Milburn, November 1, 1913, to the present time. Upon the death of Dr. Bolles in January, 1920, at Tufts College, where he had long filled the chair of Modem History (endowed by a Salem citizen, Walter Scott Dickson), a memorial service was held in this church for him, at which Prof. Edward S. Morse of Salem and Dean McCollester of Tufts spoke. During Mr. Rogers' pastorate a movement was started to erect a new parish house, which was finally erected in 1889. It is a commodious and well-equipped two-story building adjoining the church, two house lots having been purchased on Ash street to accommodate it. It is used for Sunday school and other functions. Centennial anniversary exercises were held here and well attend- ed. From the estate of Walter Scott Dickson the church received an endowment of $20,000, which has been added to from other sources recently, providing the income for current expenses. In the John Murray Crusade, in 1920, as a part of the observance of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Universalist church, this church raised over $10,000. in addition to the regular budget. The parish service flag shows sixty-nine stars for those who were in the World War.

For many years prior to the formation of the Advent Christian Church in 1875, meetings of the people of the Advent faith had been held in Salem. For some years these meetings were held in the Holyoke and Hardy halls. In 1885 the old church on Herbert street was purchased and occupied until 1890. At that time a change became desirable; the Herbert street building was sold and the present structure at 127 North street built, largely through the effort of Rev. G. F. Haines, at that time pastor of the church. New interest and increasing prosperity have fully justified the change. In 1885, a corporation was formed, known as the Second Advent Society of Salem, Massachusetts, and in 1895, when the church became an incorporated body, the society conveyed all its property, both real and personal, to the church. In 1918 the estate at 37 Buffum street was bought for a parsonage. The pastors have been as follows: Revs. Charles Goodrich, George W. Sederquist, Elmner N. Hinckley, G. F. Haines, J. W. Davis, Roger Sherman, C. R. Crossett, William G. Knowlton, and H. L. Faulkingham.

There was a gathering of Society of Friends in Salem as early as 1656-57, ten years after the founder, George Fox, began his itineracy in England, They were terribly persecuted here by the narrow-minded orthodox religious organizations. The history of this church is replete with interesting items and historic incidents, but all too long for space allowed herein. At Salem the "Quakers" at first had meetings at private houses. Their first meeting-house stood on the south side of Essex street, No. 373-377. The second meeting-house was built in 1716, where later was platted the "Quaker Burying-ground." The brick building built in 1832 was still in use by the Friends in 1914, when it was burned. A new structure was reared as soon as possible after the great fire. The present minister is Josephine H. Carr.

Methodism was first organized at Salem in 1821, a century ago. Its first pastor was Rev. Jesse Filmore, in 1822. In 1823 a church was built on Sewall street, where later stood the Wesleyan chapel. This church did not unite with the general conference until 1835. Before the formation of a second Methodist church, the following names appear as having been pastors: Joseph B. Brown, 1832-33; Jefferson Hamilton, 1833; T. C. Macreading, 1834; Aaron Waitt, 1834-35; J. W. Downing, 1835-38; T. G. Hiler, 1838-39.

church in Union Square, later known as the Advent Church. The first pastor was Rev. Spaulding, who was succeeded by pastors including Revs. Joseph A. Merrill, David K. Merrill, Horace Moulton, Phineas Crandall, David L. Winslow and John W. Perkins. Trouble arose in the First Church, and after a few years the Second Church absorbed the active membership of the former. In 1851 a larger church was found necessary and was erected on LaFayette street. The pastors include (in order given) the following: Revs. Luman Boyden, 1851-53; A. D. Memll, 1853-54 ; Daniel Richards, 1854-56 ; John A. Adams, 1856-57 ; Austin F. Herrick, 1857-59; John H. Mansfield, 1859-61; Edward A. Manning, 1861-62 ; Gersom F. Cox, 1862-64 ; Loranus Crowell, 1864-67 ; S. F. Chase, 1867-69 ; D. Dorchester, 1869-72 ; J. S. Wheedon, 1872-74 ; George Collyer, 1874-77; Daniel Steel, 1877-79; George W. Mansfield, 1879-82; William P. Ray, 1882-85; T. L. Gracey, 1885-87.

In 1893 the interior of the church was remodeled and a steam heating plant installed. In 1909 the church property was sold and a new church was erected at the comer of Ocean avenue and LaFayette street. It was dedicated in March, 1911. A parsonage was soon built near the church. This church is now very active in community work in all its departments.

In days gone by - prior to the eighties - there were other religious societies in Salem, including these: The Mormons (Latter Day Saints) had a church here of about one hundred members prior to 1842; ten years before, Joseph Smith, the "prophet," came to Salem. Erastus Snow was the head of this local church, but when Nauvoo, Illinois, was made the center of the cult, many left for that place, and the Salem church collapsed.

In 1876 a society of deaf mutes was formed in Salem, under Rev. Philo Packard, one of their number. They had twenty-two members at one date. The Spiritualists have from time to time had a goodly following in Salem, but have never locally been counted strong as a sect. In 1884 there was listed in the directories "A Lutheran Swedish church, organized in 188? - no pastor - John Lonn its president. Its place of meeting. Central, comer of Charter street." The colored race had an organization in Salem as early as 1828, when they were aided by the white people in organizing a church of their own race, which flourished for a time.

The Baptist denomination has had societies and church organizations in Salem ever since 1804, and had members as early or before Roger Williams' ministry. The first minister was Lucius Bolles, succeeded by

Rufus Babcock, John Wayland, Robert C. Mills, George E. Merrill, Galusia Anderson, and others who served later. No further data on this denomination are at hand.

"The first settlers of old Naumkeag, under Conant and Endicott, did not love Catholics or Catholicity." Thus writes one of Salem's most eminent sons, the Right Rev. Louis S. Walsh, Bishop of Portland, Maine, in his interesting monograph, "The Origin of Catholicity in Salem."

History abundantly confirms this statement, and further evidences the fact that this early antipathy to the Church of Rome constituted an inheritance which the Puritan of Salem bequeathed to posterity in no less a measure than did his coreligionists elsewhere in the Massachusetts colonies. For long, the inhabitants of Salem were imbued with that spirit of hatred towards Rome which so embittered Endicott that he cut and mutilated the "Red Cross" in the royal ensign, because, as Winthrop wrote, "the red cross was given to the King of England by the Pope as an ensign of victory, and so a superstitious thing, and a relique of Antichrist." Religious toleration, in its modem sense and acceptation, had no part in the Puritan scheme of life. But the ways of God are mysterious, and it is of historic interest to note that the Puritan of Salem, notwithstanding his normal, inherited antagonism to Catholicity, was destined by Divine Providence to be identified with the introduction and establishment of that religion in his native town.

Salem had been founded but a quarter of a century when the same ruler above mentioned, Endicott, courteously welcomed to Salem the French Jesuit,, Gabriel Druillettes, the first Catholic priest to set foot on Salem soil. History is silent in regard to what occurred during this visit, but it does inform us that Endicott consented to act as Father Druillettes' representative in the matter of an alliance - defensive and offensive - between the English and French colonists, which occasioned the missionary's mission to the Bay and Plymouth colonies. On this occasion, also, Endicott's bounty generously provided the missionary with money to defray his expenses on the homeward journey to Quebec.

The passing years softened greatly the enforcement of religious conformity of a rigid character, and a degree of toleration was reluctantly and grudgingly conceded, the consequence of which was the introduction, growth and development of numerous religious bodies. Commercial intercourse with other countries, especially those of Europe, taught the inhabitants of Salem how narrow and unreasonable their fathers had been, yet, at heart, much of the ancestral spirit remained, and there was no change among them with regard to the Church of Rome, However much the sects may have "agreed to differ" among themselves, and there was much disagreement on matters doctrinal and otherwise, all were united upon a single point - hatred of the Catholic church. After the Revolution, however, exceptions were found here and there, a notable one being the case of the Rev. William Bentley, pastor of the East Church, Salem, a Unitarian of liberal views, indeed, for his time, who welcomed as his guest the Rev. John Thayer, "formerly Protestant minister at Boston," "the first New England Convert Priest," who laid the foundation of the Catholic faith in Salem. Because of this courtesy and kindness to Father Thayer, Bentley incurred, as he wrote,

"all the prejudice which can arise in illiberal minds on such an occasion." The story of Father Thayer belongs more fittingly to the early days of the church in Boston. A brief resume will serve the present purpose. John Thayer, the fourth son of Cornelius and Sarah (Plaisted) Thayer, was born in Boston, May 15, 1758. He belonged to one of the oldest and most wide-spread families of Massachusetts. Through his father, his ancestry is traced back to Richard Thayer, Sr., who founded the family in Massachusetts, to which colony he had been admitted freeman in 1640. John Thayer received an honorary degree of B. A. at Yale College in 1779; he entered the Congregational ministry, and served for a time as chaplain to Governor Hancock, and at "The Castle" in Boston Harbor. In 1781, in response to what he called "a secret inclination to travel," he went to Europe, and eventually to Rome. He was in that city at the time when its inhabitants were particularly interested in miracles said to have been wrought through the intercession of the venerable Joseph Labre, then but recently deceased. A personal investigation of several of these wonderful cures made a deep impression on his mind, and further inquiry into Catholic doctrine resulted in his abjuring the faith of his Puritan ancestors, and solemnly professing the Catholic faith in Rome on the twenty-fifth day of May, 1783. He afterwards entered the Seminary of St. Sulpice in Paris, was ordained priest, and spent some time among the English-speaking Catholics of Paris, going later to the diocese of Southwark, in England. He returned to America in 1789, arriving in Baltimore in December, and in Boston early in January, 1790.

On April 15th Father Thayer wrote to Bentley asking information about the Catholics in Salem, and made known his intention of visiting the town in their interest. "The Bentley Diary" informs us that he made his visit on the fifth of May following, and, accompanied by Bentley, he sought out the Catholics, for whom he arranged to say Mass on the following morning. On the sixth of May, 1790, therefore, in the presence of a truly cosmopolitan congregation, he said the first Mass in Salem, perhaps in Bentley's quarters in the old Crowninshield house, still standing. No. 106 Essex street, or, more probably, as Bishop Walsh writes, in "the old brick house" at the head of Union street, across from the Bentley home. His second visit to Salem was in June, and on the twenty-sixth of that month he addressed a large concourse of people in "the old Court House." "After a short prayer," writes Bentley, "he began a vindication of his church against the pretendedly reformed. His subjects were auricular confession, reading of the Scriptures, &c."

He made a third visit in July. Calling on Bentley, he "mentioned his purpose to open a Mass house in this town." On July 27, 1790, Father Thayer wrote to Doctor Carroll : "I've begun to visit ye country & shall soon I believe establish a Chappel at Salem, ye second town of ye State." This plan, however, failed of realization. A condition of affairs which developed in the Boston congregation, his controversy with the Reverend George Leslie of New Hampshire, with John Gardner, and others, made more immediate demands upon him, and we find no record of him in Salem until June 22, 1791, after his formal appointment by Bishop Carroll as pastor of the church at Boston.

On August 17, 1791, Father Thayer administered the sacrament of baptism - the first time in Salem, so far as can be determined with any degree of certainty - to a Mr Haederkin, to Barnabas and Bridget Ryan. His last recorded visit to the town was on October 15, 1791, when he

The work thus begun by Father Thayer was continued by two very excellent priests whose names are endeared to the people of the Boston archdiocese - Reverend Francis Matignon, D. D., who arrived in Boston m August, 1792, and the Reverend John Cheverus, afterwards the first ?r!?u P ^i ^osto^' who came in 1793. But, as Bishop Walsh writes,

1 he baptismal records and a few fragmentary notes indicate rather than describe the work of Father Matignon." "The Bentley Diary" tells us under date of January 11, 1810: "Dr. Matignon officiates with the Catholics m town this day. He has visited ever since his incumbency at Boston, but not on Sundays." And again, under date of December 1 1811 we read: "Dr. Matignon in Town. He & Bp. Chevereaux make monthly visits to Salem, so that our few Catholics begin to know each

.^^A ., V-^ ^"® ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^' Father Matignon was made to feel the anti-Cathohc spirit of the day. "Good old Dr. Matignon of the Holy Cross Boston," ^yrites Bentley, February 25, 1810, "was here upon his Catholic labours, but at a Christening of a child in Becket street, belonging to one Swasey, he was beset by the leaders of the Freewill sect & they most gi'ossly insulted the Old Gentleman. * * * The Doctor refused to suffer any of his friends to interfere & expressed his pity at the Ignorance & impudence of these intruders."

Undoubtedly, then, both Dr. Matignon and Father Cheverus visited u fu^^^^^ *""®^ ^ y^^^' previous to the dates above cited. But where the Catholics - few in number in those early years - were accustomed to assemble cannot be stated with any too great a degree of certainty. Of course, it is probable that "the old brick building" on the comer of Essex and Union streets was often used. Occasionally, as on the visit of Bishop Cheverus, April 30, 1811, services were held at "Mr

?«"JSiS I'^J.^^I't^x'^ ^^""^^^ ^^^^^ Derby." On Good Friday, April lb, 181d, the Court House was used by Rev. Dr. Matthew O'Brien "Being Good Friday," writes Bentley, " * * & Catholic have "advertised for hearers * * * Dr. Obrian, a new comer, in the Catholic. He has the Court House * * * We have never had a Catholic service m a public building since Thayer's visits & never in due form with the Service There is a tradition that for some time the house of a Mr. Connolly on Herbert street and "an old schoolhouse" on Hardy street were used. Bishop Walsh gives the late Rev. Thomas Shahan as authority for the statement that for some years previous to 1821, services were held m a hall on the northeast comer of Washington and Federal streets. Land was bought for a church in 1813, but sold again in 1817 And It was not until 1821 that the Catholics of Salem, then about one hundred and twenty-five souls, enjoyed possession of a church of their ?^'^ P^ October 14th of that year Mass was said in "old St. Mary's." the first Catholic church in Salem. It was built on the east comer if Mall and Bridge streets, and, at the time of its erection, was the third Catholic church in Massachusetts, and the fourth in all New England

After the death of Doctor Matignon, September 19, 1818, Salem was visited ^t regular intervals by Rev. Philip Lariscy, an Irish Augustinian, and by Fathers McQuade, Taylor and Byrne until the appointment, by Bishop Fenwick of the Reverend John Mahoney as the first pasto^ on Uctober 25 1826 Salem thus enjoys the distinction of being the first parish created m Massachusetts after the original one of Boston

;spent some six years on the missions of Maryland and Virginia before coming to Boston. When he assumed charge of Salem, within the parish litnits were included Lynn, Saugus and Marblehead to the south; Reading and Danvers to the west; Beverly, Ipswich, Gloucester, Amesbury, Newburyport and Dover, N. H., to the north. Lowell was added in 1827, and VValtham in 1831. Father Mahoney labored zealously for .some five years in the Salem parish. The industrial development of Lowell brought many Catholics there. To better supply their needs, he began the erection of a church in that town, a temporary structure to .serve for a church and a school house. In 1830 he undertook the building of "old St. Patrick's" in Lowell, and was appointed first pastor there in July, 1831.

Rev. William Wiley, an American convert, prepared for the priesthood by Bishop Fen wick, by whom he was ordained in December, 1827, and succeeded Father Mahoney as pastor in September, 1831. The three years of his pastorate were marked by devotion to the needs of the people not only of Salem, but in the far-outlying districts. In Salem, he organized a school for the instruction of Catholic youth in 1831 ; the church was finished by him and dedicated by Bishop Fenwick on New Year's Day, 1832. He displayed special zeal in preaching the true faith to non- Catholics, and the records of the period show a list of twenty- two converts baptized and received into the church by him during these years. For this work, his own experience peculiarly fitted him, since he had been bom a Protestant and accepted the faith, when a young man, from conviction of its truth. Father Wiley left Salem in the summer of 1834,

On October 29, 1834, the Rev. John D. Brady was appointed to succeed Father Wiley. Father Brady was a native of Ireland; he was ordained in Boston on July 27, 1833, and had been an assistant to Father Byrne in Charlestown previous to his assuming charge of the Salem parish. During his pastorate, Dover, N. H., was set apart as a separate parish, to which Newburyport was joined in 1836. Lynn seems to have been attended regularly at this time. Mass being said in the house of Mr. Laurence Birney. Father Brady built the first parochial residence near the church on Mall street. The man-iage and baptismal registers for the period show a steady increase in the number of Catholics, but the peace and concord of the parish were occasionally marred by contentions necessitating the intervention of the Bishop. Father Brady continued in office for over six years, being succeeded in 1841 by the Rev. James Strain, who remained but one year. Notable of Father Strain's short stay was his advocacy of Catholic education by the establishment of a school for boys and girls under the care of Mr. Daniel O'Donnell. This school was opened first in the quarters of Mr. O'Donnell, but soon transferred to the basement of "old St. Mary's." It was discontinued during the pastorate of his successor.

On March 4, 1842, Rev. Thomas J. O'Flaherty, a former physician, who had been ordained by Bishop Fenwick on September 6, 1829, became the fifth pastor. He had made some of his studies at Maynooth College, and some time after his arrival in America he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from a college in Philadelphia, hence his popular title. Doctor O'Flaherty. He enlarged the church to meet the growing need of the congregation, and abandoned the old rectory on Mall street for a more commodious one on the comer of Howard and Bridge streets. As a student, scholar, and preacher he rendered great and useful service to the parish and to the diocese. His translation of Count de Maistre's

Church Of The Immaculate Conception. Salem City Of Salem 353

"Letters on the Spanish Inquisition" placed much vakiable information in the hands of English readers, and his expounding of Catholic doctrine brought many converts to the church. His promising career was suddenly interrupted by death, March 29, 1846.

After the death of Doctor OTlaherty, the Catholics of Salem were attended by Father O'Sullivan of Boston until the appointment, in June, 1846, of the Rev. James Conv/ay as pastor. Father Conway was ordained in Boston, July 31, 1831. The early years of his priesthood were spent among the Pennobscot Indians, and as assistant to Father McDermott at St. Patrick's, Lowell. In 1841 he was appointed to the new parish of St. Peter's in that town, where he remained until his assignment to Salem. "The zeal shown in the Pennobscot mission, the energy displayed and the experience acquired in the difficult task of forming a new parish in Lowell, and in building a new church there, were now to be spent with his life in laying broad and deep and strong the foundations of the present Catholic church in Salem."

His first care was to enlarge and beautify the church, increasing its seating capacity by six hundred- The Sunday school and choir were reorganized in 1846 ; a parochial residence on Winter street (1848) and later (1852) a much larger one on Mall street were his work; he purchased and opened the Catholic Cemetery in 1849. Though Lynn had ceased to be a part of the Salem parish in 1846, the rapidly increasing number of Catholics in Salem and vicinity in 1849 was so great that a larger church became necessary. Father Conway deemed it more advisable to build a nev/ church and form a second parish. In 1850, the Church of St. James' on Federal street was begun, and Mass celebrated there for the first time on Christmas Day of that year. In 1855 "the Hodges estate," on Walnut street, now Hawthorne Boulevard, was secured as the site of the first distinctively Catholic school in Salem. The Sisters of Notre Dame were introduced to Salem in the fall of 1855 and installed in a schoolhouse and convent set up on the site of the present school. They were insulted and almost attacked by the hostile natives, but persevered in their labors v/ith almost immediate, success. Early in the spring of 1857 ground was broken, and the foundation of the present Church of the Immaculate Conception laid. Its walls were just beginning to rise under his supervision when sudden death called him to his eternal reward, May 24, 1857.

In 1850, just at the time the new Church of St. James was under contemplation, there came to Salem, as assistant to Father Conway, the Rev. Thomas Shahan, "whose name is now and will remain forever lovingly associated with the Catholics of Salem and of the entire Essex county." The young curate identified himself with the erection of the nev/ church and attached himself closely to the people in its neighborhood. At the same time he took charge of the mission work at Danvers, South Reading and elsewhere. In 1854, while the new church was still unfinished, a new parish was formed, v/ith Father Shahan as its pastor. Three years later, on the occasion of Father Conway's death, he was given charge of "old St. Mary's," thus reuniting both parishes under one head and embracing the territory of Salem, Marblehead, Reading, Danvers, Beverly and Gloucester.

Under Father Shahan, the building of the Church of the Immaculate Conception was pushed forward rapidly, and it was dedicated on Sunday morning, January 10, 1858, St. James' Church being dedicated the same afternoon. This same year, he exchanged the residence on Mall street for the house on Union street, which, much enlarged, is the present parochial residence. This same year, also, he bought an old Baptist church in Gloucester, and had it fitted for Catholic services. In 1859, the first churches in Marblehead and Danvers were opened under his supervision. The same year the basement of the present church in Salem was finished and fitted for three schoolrooms. At the close of 1861, the organization of the parish completed. Father Shahan, at his own request, was appointed again to the charge of St. James' parish, and hence was made the final division of Salem into the two parishes (English speaking) just as they exist today. He remained at St. James' until 1864, when he was assigned to Taunton. A parochial school for boys was opened by him in St. James' parish in 1852, and subsisted until 1868. The introduction of the Sisters of Notre Dame and the founding of a girls' school did not take place until 1864. He was succeeded as pastor of St. James' by the Rev. William J. Daly, who remained four years. His successor, Rev. John J. Gray, came in 1868. Father Gray remodeled the old church into a parochial hall, with school rooms in the rear, built the convent and the parochial residence opposite. His greatest undertaking was the new St. James Church. The corner stone of the noble edifice of brick and granite was laid in 1891, and the work of erection well under way when interrupted by Father Gray's death in 1893.

Rev. Michael J. McCall, the present pastor, came to Salem from Concord as successor to Father Gray in 1894. Under his able administration most of the improvements visible in the parish today have been made. The discovery of a radical defect in the construction of the new church necessitated its being taken down and rebuilt. In the brick school, conducted by the Sisters of Notre Dame, some seven hundred children receive instruction in primary, grammar and high school courses.

When Father Shahan returned to St. James', Rev. Michael Hartney, who was ordained at Boston in 1857, and had served as assistant to Father Shahan, chiefly at St. James', was promoted to the pastorate of the Immaculate G6nception parish in 1862. One of his first acts was to convert "old St. Mary's" into a school house for boys. It was used for this purpose from 1863 to 1868. The old church was torn down in 1877, portions of both base and superstructure being preserved to form part of the tower of the present church. In 1864, Father Hartney finished the work of the sanctuary, and erected an altar of Caen stone, which gave completeness to the interior fitting of the church.

In January, 1866, through the generosity of Mr. Thomas Looby, and with the moral and material support of the pastors and the people of the two parishes, an orphan asylum for Catholic children who, by misfortune, were too often exposed to the unfair methods of proselytism of the day, was opened on the corner of Washington and Bridge streets. This institution, in charge of the "Grey Nuns," later removed to Lafayette street, and after many years of prosperous and progressive work was totally destroyed in the great Salem fire of June 25, 1914. It has not been rebuilt. Father Hartney labored among his flock alone for several years and won their regard by his devotion. His death, in Worcester, January 15, 1868, was the result of an accident.

On February 3, 1868, Rev. William Hally came to take charge of the parish. Like his predecessor, he had been associated with Father Shahan, to whom he had been assigned as assistant in October, 1860. After the division of the parishes in 1861, he remained with Father Shahan at St. James' until September, 1863, when he was made pastor of Quincy, from which place he returned to Salem as pastor of the Immaculate Conception parish. During the long and efficient administration of this able and zealous priest, many notable improvements were effected in the parish. His first care was the reduction of the parish debt ; the old ''School Fund Association" became the "Church Debt Society." His plan to further enlarge the church resolved itself eventually into the erection of the ^'Chapel of the Sacred Heart" in the rear ; the church tower was built, replacing the old belfry, a new organ installed, new stations of the cross were erected, the interior of the church was re-decorated, a new convent built, and the old school house replaced by a new and more commodious one.