Essex County, Massachusetts - Chapter 33: The City of Beverly, 1922

Captain Smith was so impressed with the natural beauty of this part of Essex county that he called it "the paradise of all these parts." When in 1626 the fishing station there was abandoned and the few who had settled there removed to Naumkeag, they coasted the Manchester and Beverly shore, v/hich was also admired by Endicott and Higginson. The first settlement was effected on the peninsula between Collin's Cove and North River. Dr. Gardner of Salem, in his article on "The Planters," in this work, fully sets forth the conditions of settlement in Beverly and surrounding country. In passing, it may be stated that the leaders of the Cape Ann plantation and the most prominent men of the first Salem settlement were doubtless the founders of the first permanent colony of "Cape Ann Side", later incorporated as Beverly. Pioneer families included these: Balch, Conant, ^Voodbury, Brackenbury, Dixey, Palfrey, Trask, Dodge, and Scruggs ; also Thomas Tuck, for whom Tuck's Point was later named ; Ralph Ellingwood, for whom a Point was named, and the first ferryman ; John Stone, who conducted an "ordinary" or inn near the junction of Cabot and Front streets. Another pioneer here was Captain Thomas Lathrop, who fell in the massacre at Bloody Brook. Andrew Elliot lived in the upper part of the town; his many descendants included the celebrated divine, Rev. Dr. Andrew Elliot; an ex-mayor of Boston, Hon. Samuel A. Elliot; and a president of Harvard College, Charles W. Eliot. Other fearly settlers in these parts were the Lovetts, the Prides, the Dodges ; Richard Ober, founder of all of this name in New England ; Robert Briscoe, Lawrence Leach, Henry Herrick, Hugh Laskin, the Grover families - all settled here and built homes, and many of their number reared large families.

The Public Library was established in Beverly in 1857, and is open every day except Sundays and holidays from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. The collection of books amounts to over 42,242 volumes. In the winter of 1918- 19 on account of the coal famine occasioned by the World War demand for coal, this library was closed from February to March. A room used as reading-room in the City Hall was utilized for reading room purposes. Again, in September and October of 1919, owing to the influenza epi-

The present city oflEicials are: Mayor, Frank D. Tuttle; City Auditor, Bertha L. Hayward ; City Clerk, Edward P. Eldredge ; City Collector, Frederick A. Cressy; City Engineer, Albert H. Richardson; City Electrician, William H. Greenlaw; City Physician, Dr. James F. Lawlor; City Solicitor, Thomas J. Casey; City Treasurer, Percy A. Wallis; Commissioner of Public Works, James W. Blackmer ; Harbor Master, Charles B. Chapman ; Secretary of School Committee, Ralph C. Simmons ; Superintendent of Almshouse, Walter Famham; Superintendent of Schools, S. Howard Chace ; Pumping Station Engineer, Herbert T. Conant.

Beverly being so near Salem did not have postal facilities of its own nearly so early as other towns in Essex county. Asa Leach was the first postmaster of whom we have any record. This was before the building of the Essex bridge, and Mr. Leech was also in charge of the ferry and kept a public house at the corner of Cabot and Davis streets. He was postmaster many years. Succeeding him came Dr. Josiah Batchelder; he kept the office at his residence on the comer of Davis and Front streets. The next to hold the office was John Burley, who later resigned in favor of John Lemon, who was followed by Famham Plummer. Then came Jonathan Smith, who held the office nine years, until the appointment of Stephens Baker in 1833, who held the position sixteen years and was succeeded by Joseph D. Tuck, and he in turn was succeeded by Gilbert T. Hawes, who moved the office to the comer of Cabot street and Railroad avenue. Thomas A. Morgan succeeded him, under whom the postoffice was located in the Masonic Block, where his successor, Thomas D. Davis, continued it. Mr. Davis was a veteran of the Civil War, whose health had been impaired in Andersonville and Libby prisons. His successor was another veteran of the same war, Colonel Francis E. Porter, who was an excellent postmaster, but through a change from Republican to Democratic administration, he was removed and the appointment of Jeremiah Murphy made, who moved the postoffice to Odd Fellows Block, where every modem convenience then existing was installed. Postmaster Murphy received his appointment at the hands of Grover Cleveland, August 2, 1896. Under the Harrison administration the office was in charge of Postmaster Charles H. Odell, after which the administration changed back again to Grover Cleveland, and Josiah Woodbury was made postmaster to August 10, 1894, and was succeeded by Francis Norwood, who held the office for sixteen years, appointed by President William McKinley. He was succeeded by Charles Prescott, who was appointed by President Woodrow Wilson, and assumed chai^ge February 1, 1914.

Beverly is a first class postoffice. Free delivery service was established November 1, 1888, and the four caiTiers appointed were Josiah Woodbury, Martin Murray, William P. Hanners and John C. Foley. There are now eighteen regular and six substitute carriers. The Federal building in which the postoffice is now conducted was completed in July, 1912, costing over $75,000.00 The postal receipts for the last fiscal year have been $70,470.81. Upon the opening of the new postoffice building, the first mails were sent from the office July 14, 1912, by clerks George A. Carr and William G. Smith.

The postoffice force in August, 1921, is as follows: Charles Prescott, postmaster and custodian; Calvin A. Pierce, assistant postmaster and assistant custodian; Charles A. Larcom, superintendent of mails. Clerks: George A. Carr, Edward C. Eldred, Roger W. Fegan, Willard R. Herrick, James A. V. Hurd, William G. Smith, Elmer A. Standley, George Thompson, Harry C. Woodbury, George L. Worcester, (sub-stations) clerks in charge - Charles A. Baker, Arthur G. Farrin, Edwin L. Pert, Mary C. Jones. The list of city carriers at this time are these: William P. Hanners, J. Perley Stone, J. Lewis Preston, James S. Brown, Thomas J. Fraser, Alfred H. Larcom, Chester W. Sinclair, Joseph E. Darling, George E. Knowles, Willard A. Standley, Fred A. Hinchcliffe, George E. Hathaway, Dennis J. McGowan, Charles H. Dockham, Arthur W. Jones, Harlan A. Cole, Arthur B. Stiles, Thomas J. Wallace.

The following comprises a list of present-day enterprises in Beverly as relates to the shoe and leather industry: Austin & Hawkins Co., J. H. Baker & Co., Bartlett Trask Shoe Company, E. F. Bell & Co., Bray & Stanley, Criterion Shoe Company, P. A. Field Shoe Company, Flint Bros., Gagan Counter Co., Garden City Shoe Co., Millett Woodbury Co., Moore Bros., Peabody Shoe Company, F. A. Seavey & Co., M. Shortell & Co., Woodbury Shoe Company.

The Beverly Chamber of Commerce is a new institution for the young city of Beverly. It was organized in 1920. From its first annual report, the subjoined facts have been obtained: The purpose of the Chamber of Commerce is to carry out the wishes of the members in helping to solve problems affecting the good of the whole community. Suggestions are at all times welcomed by the board of directors, from the members, from the different organizations of the city, and from the citizens of the community interested in everything that is good for the whole city. It is the aim and object of this Chamber of Commerce to make it the medium through which the best thought of the citizens of the

The program of activities for the first year's would-be accomplishments were inclusive of these subjects : Major - Housing, Public Health, Retail Trade, Transportation, Sidev/alks, Schools, Publicity. Minor - Coordination of all civic and charitable work. Restaurant, Girls' Club, Recreation, Traffic, Water Supply. Supplementary - Employment Bureau, Public waiting room ; City plan of zoning ; Community Memorial, Building, Harbor Development, Boat service to Boston ; Americanization, State Forestry.

"Buy in Beverly" is the slogan adopted by the Chamber of Commerce, and it is taken up by every dealer in the city, not merely on account of its being Beverly, but because the stores offer superior values and service. A Merchants' Carnival was inaugurated in October, 1920, and proved to be a big trade event ; it brought thousands of visitors and customers.

This Chamber of Commerce affiliates with other organizations as follows: Chamber of Commerce of the United States, Essex County Associated Boards of Trade, National Association of Commercial Executives, National Association of Retail Secretaries.

A Community Christmas Tree set up and loaded with suitable gifts for the young, especially the needy of the community, was brought about solely through the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce in its first year's work. The housing, rooming and boarding place propositions have each found place in the careful deliberations of this organization. The annual report for 1920 shows receipts and disbursements to the amount of $15,- 836.43. Officers, 1920-21 - Chester C. Pope, president ; John H. Newell, A. Scott Eraser, vice-presidents ; Arthur K. Story, treasurer ; C. S. Nice, secretary and manager. The directors are Messrs. James W. Blackmer, Albert Boyden, Arthur A. Forness, A. Scott Eraser, Walter E. Hubbard, Peer P. Johnson, Charles F. Lee, John H. Newell, Chester C. Pope, Charles R. Pritchard, Robert Robertson, George H. Vose. The amount of funds on hand in the bank April 1st, 1921, was $2,913.

On other pages of this work will be found a narrative concerning the great United Shoe Machinery Company. The following concerning Beverly's greatest industry is from the pen of an excellent authority :

In the history of Beverly, shoes and shoemaking have always been identified with her success, and many of her most prominent men have been connected with the craft. The people of this and the preceding generation have watched with ever-increasing interest the development of the shoe factory right here in our midst from the little shop in the door yard of almost every home to the large and well-equipped modem shoe factory of today. With the growth of the shoe industry, there has been a corresponding growth of city and property. Today we point with pride to the large and well-regulated shoe factories in the manufacturing district.

It was the custom in the early history of our country for journeymen shoemakers or "tramping jours," as they were called, to travel from house to house, repairing shoes, and not unfrequently they took orders for shoes made to measure. These shoemakers, or cordwinders and cordwainers, as they were called in those days, boarded with the men for whom they were working, staying at the house until all necessary repairs were made in their line, then going on to the next place, and so on. In the winter they traveled on snow shoes. The earliest cordv/ainer of whom we have any knowledge in our city was Andrew Elliott, who lived on Cabot street, above the Gloucester Crossing, near what is now the corner of Simon street.

This part of the town at that time was called "Haymarket," also "The City," and was a very important place and a center of trade. Mr. Elliott was the first town clerk of Beverly, and from him descended many prominent men, including President Eliot of Harvard College. We find that a shoemaker of note, Thomas Beard, resided in Salem in 1629. Also that Thomas Edwards, a name familiar to Beverly people today, resided in the same town. This was in 1649, and in 1652 Jonqas Fairbanks was brought before an Essex county court and charged with "wearing great boots."

Just before the Revolutionary war, Joseph Foster moved to Beverly from Ipswich. He was deacon and also town clerk. He settled on Cabot street, near the way now known as Chestnut street. He was one of those who supplied the Continental army with shoes during the war. His shop was afterward occupied by Thomas Herrick, who with his sons, Joseph H., Sidney, Emerson, Thomas F. and Oliver, carried on the business. Thomas Herrick was the grandfather of Representative Joseph E. Herrick. This shop was afterward moved to the comer of Cabot and Myrtle streets.

Joseph Foster's son Daniel had a shop just below the Samuel P. Lovett estate, on Cabot street, where he manufactured thick, heavy boots, calfskin jackets and petticoat trousers for fishermen. The principal retail trade in shoes was done by the grocery stores at that time, and Mr. Foster supplied these stores with men's shoes of various designs. He also shipped shoes, as was customary in those days, to the West Indies and the southern states, receiving in return all kinds of produce, beans, com, grain, etc. In connection with shoes, hats, furniture and New England rum formed part of the shipments. These men would occasionally accompany the shipment, both for the sake of the trip and to superinattend the sale of the cargo. The following anecdote will illustrate the pluck and fearlessness of these men. During the war of 1812, several of these shoemakers chartered a schooner, loaded her at Essex during the night, ran the blockade successfully, and disposed of their cargo at an immense profit, thus securing for themselves a good round sum of money as the result of their venture and the reward of their daring.

Daniel Foster's three sons, James, Seth and Joseph, all worked with him, and later, under the firm name of Daniel Foster & Sons, they owned the patent for manufacturing pegged shoes in Essex county. James Foster manufactured shoes in the Gorham Howard building, still standing on the corner of Bartlett and May streets, also in the original part of the shop, where William Cullivan's store now stands. His son Daniel, for many years an assessor of Beverly, succeeded him in the business until 1841, v/hen he retired to engage in the fishing business. Seth Foster worked in the business until 1824, when he removed to Marblehead and continued the trade there. Many of the older manufacturers of that town learned their trade from him. In 1829 he moved to Ithaca, New York, and devoted his time to the manufacture of custom shoes, in connection with his retail store there. In 1830 he removed to Newark, New Jersey, and in the year following to Elizabeth, the same state, where he remained until his death in 1833. It was said of Mr. Foster that he was the first to introduced pegged shoes into New York State. He was the father of William A. Foster, who was so long in active business on Park street, and who was the first to introduce steam machinery in connection with the manufacture of shoes in Beverly. He was also the father of Daniel Foster, who did a successful shoe business on the comer of Railroad avenue and Rantoul street for many years. Joseph Foster, if we are not mistaken, left no children. He worked with his father somewhat, but paid more attention to out-of-door matters, and experimented largely in, the culture of the mulberry, with a view to the raising of silk worms and the manufacture of silk. For this purpose he set out the orchard of trees near the comer of West Dane and Cabot streets, from which Mulberry street derives its name. His experiments were both interesting and curious, and he was commended by the agricultural department at Washington for his intelligent attention to the subject. But, as it required more capital to develop his experiments than he was able to command, he was never able to meet his expectations in this particular.

Among those who learned the trade of the elder Daniel were Captain Daniel Cross, Olphert Tittle and Osman Gage, all seafaring men. Mr. Tittle carried on an extensive business where the drug store of John H. Moore is located. Deacon Nehemiah Roundy had a shop near the northerly comer of the Kittredge estate on Cabot street, now occupied by the Mason building, which houses the Almy, Bigelow & Washburn store and other business concerns.

At that time it was customary for apprentices to serve seven years and to board with their masters. Some were bound out at a very early age and served until they were 21. One little orphan lad was bound to a shoemaker at the age of seven. When he was fourteen, he remarked to a companion that he was the happiest boy alive, for he had but seven more years to serve.

Deacon Roundy introduced the system of apprentices serving fourteen months. At the end of that time they considered their trade learned, and received journeymen's v/ages. He had many apprentices under this system, and some of them have been among our most noted and influential citizens. Out of the many we will mention but one, the first mayor of Beverly, the late Hon. John I. Baker. Mr. Roundy manufactured the celebrated Wellington boot, which was a very popular and leading style at that time. He shipped shoes to Africa and other foreign countries, and also had a very successful home trade in Boston, and for many years made his weekly trip over the road, with his one-horse team. He at one time manufactured shoes in the house on Cabot street directly opposite the head of Elliott street. Three of his sons, John P., Augustus and George, worked with him. Among others who worked in this shop was Joseph Woodbury (2d), who for many years manufactured shoes on the corner of Railroad avenue and Hardy street, and who after his death was succeeded by his son, Myron, who conducted the business until his death in the factory on Rantoul street occupied by E. F. Bell & Co.

George A. Woodbury (2nd) another son, was for years located on the comer of Park and Bow streets, and did quite an extensive business there.

Joseph Masury is another who worked in this same shop. He afterward did a large and successful business in Cleveland, Ohio, and other western cities. James Hill, who for many years was town clerk and prominent in town affairs, was another of Deacon Roundy's employees.

William Goodridge canned on the business in the Luke Goodridge house, which was located on Cabot, near the comer of Dane street. His sons, Charles, Luke and William, worked with him. About the year 1819 Captain Thomas B. Smith bought the Benjamin Roundy estate, adjoining the William Goodrich house. He enlarged and altered the house and built a large factory, where he did an extensive business in the manufacture of heavy boots and shoes. This shop was for many years a sort of reform headquarters, where anti-slavery, temperance and other measures were discussed, many of which found earnest support and able advocates. His brother, John G. Smith, worked with him. This shop was moved down on Railroad avenue near the depot, arid afterward to River street, across the tracks. In 1830 David Lefavour began the manufacture of women's morocco and walking shoes in the shop then located on the Captain Issachar Foster estate at Beverly Cove. He found a market for his goods through a kinsman in Providence, Rhode Island, and gained for them an excellent reputation. His business increased until he was obliged to build larger at the Cove. When his son, Joseph W., became of age, and was associated with him, the business increased still more, and he was ultimately obliged to build the large and convenient factory which is still standing on Rantoul street, opposite the foot of Wallis street, where after the father's death the business was carried on by the son until the death of the latter.

John Lefavour, a brother of David, commenced the manufacture of shoes in 1847. He was, during the early part of his life, a seafaring man, being engaged in the merchant marine and bank fishing. For some two years he manufactured shoes for the Cuban trade, his shop being on Ober street, at Beverly Cove. In 1864 he moved the business to Park street, near the depot, and took his son, John H. Lefavour, into partnership, continuing in the business until his death, in 1872. Nearly opposite the David Lefavour shop at the Cove stood the little shop where the name Woodbury Brothers, which stood for many years on the factory of the Woodbury Shoe Company, had its origin. Here Thomas Woodbuiy, with his brothers, Elisha, Luther and Stephen, worked at their trade. The present firm, so well known in the shoe trade throughout the country, started here also, but were soon obliged to build larger, and during their long career have probably manufactured more shoes and employed more help than any other shoe concern in Beverly.

Next to the John Lefavour shop at the Cove was the Boden shop, where WaiTen Boden, an early apprentice of Deacon Roundy and his brother Porter, worked at the trade. Opposite that shop was the Galloup shop, where several of the Galloup brothers worked at the trade. Another shop there was that of Philip Hammond, at Ober's Point. Another was the shop of John K. Fielder, on Hale street, just below Lothrop street. This shop was a sort of rendezvous for the boys, who used to meet there evenings, where they learned to play the violin and other musical instruments, and many a good time v\^as there enjoyed.

Israel Foster had a shop at Chapman's corner, and did considerable business there. There were several other of the little shops in that neighborhood. There was one on the comer of Dane and Essex streets, one on Cabot street, near the comer of Pond street, and another on

Knowlton street. One of these shops, which stood on the corner of Cabot and Davis streets, was afterward removed to Dane street. Jeremiah Trask, Sr., had a shop on the Joshua Trask estate, near the Gloucester Branch raih^oad crossing on Cabot street, where he, with his sons Jeremiah, Nathaniel and Manasseh, did quite a little business. Later Manasseh made shoes to measure in a shop on Cabot street, near Milton street. The store of Jeremiah Trask, Jr., on Cabot street, near the corner of West Dane street, was a busy place. Among the apprentices in this shop were the late Seth Norwood, father of former Senator Francis Norwood, and George S. Millett, who was one of the largest manufacturers in the city at one time.

Not far from the year 1830, Ebenezer Moses came here from Maiden and established himself in the shoe manufacturing business on the comer of Cabot and Essex streets. With him came William D. Crossfield and William Larrabee. Mr. Moses manufactured mostly run-rounds and pumps for both ladies and gentlemen. He built a large factory accommodation on the comer of Federal and Chapman streets, and was the first to introduce the division of labor with one to fit the sole, one to sew the shoe, and another to finish. He did a large and successful business up to the panic of 1837, and continued for several years afterward with varied success.

It is interesting to know, in this connection, that Samuel Preston, of Danvers, the inventor of the first pegging machine, was a school teacher in the old brick school house on School street, and after he had removed to Danvers and engaged in the business there, many Beverly persons, including some of his old pupils, were in his employ.

A large number of Beverly people in the eighteenth century and the early part of the nineteenth, were fishermen, who worked at shoemaking during the winter, their work being brought mainly from Lynn and Danvers. At the present time, instead of depending on these two places for employment, our city fumishes v/ork in our large factories for scores from those places.

A family that has long been identified with shoemaking is the Wallis family. Nathaniel, the first of the name, came here from Cornwall, England, and settled at Falmouth, now Portland, Maine, remaining there until driven off with the rest of the population by the Indians. He seems to have first come to Manchester and immediately afterward to Beverly, settling near the comer of Cabot street and what is now Columbus avenue. Several of his sons were shoemakers, of whom Caleb, afterward Deacon Caleb, married, in 1687, Sarah, a daughter of Nathaniel and Remember Stone, the latter being a daughter of Ensign Samuel Coming, who owned all the land west of Cabot street, from Milton street to Pond street and Coming's Cove, near the Herrick grain warehouse. Deacon Caleb built a shop on the corner of Cabot and Wallis streets, which was afterward occupied by another Caleb of the next generation. Of the brothers of this latter Caleb, who worked in the old shop, were Josiah and Henry.

Another shoemaker was Bartholomew W^allis, who lived on the corner of Cabot street and Wallis streets, opposite the factory built by the elder Caleb. His sons, Bartholomew, Andrew, Israel and Levi, worked with their father for some time, and afterward for themselves. Bartholomew and Andrew built the three-story house on Cabot street just this side of Fayette street ; the former had a shop in the yard, the latter made custom shoes to measure, and lived in the house across the street from Bartholomew, now owned and occupied by Mrs. Jesse G. Trask. Israel bought the estate on the comer of Cabot and Judson streets, where is now the Ware Theatre.

Ebenezer, who lived on V\^allis street - and by these names we see that Wallis street was rightly named - also made shoes, as did his sons, Ebenezer, Jr., Joshua and Eleazer. His cousin, whose house stood on the site of the A. C. Lunt block, corner of Cabot and Bow streets, had a shop between his house and the house adjoining the Lovett house, which occupied a portion of the site of the Rogers block, where he worked at the business with his sons, Ebenezer, Jeremiah, William and Joseph. A bright and tonguey member of the craft was Jonathan Herrick, whose wife was from the Wallis family. He served during the war of 1812 under Harrison at "Tippecanoe," which appellation he bore ever afterward. His shop was known as "Tar Bay," and stood on Water street until it was removed in the latter part of the nineteenth centuiy, when Michael Harrington erected his new house on its site.

Another character was Hany Ellingwood, who learned his trade of Deacon Roundy ; he was lame, and during his youth was a pretty reckless fellow, but was afterward converted and became quite a zealous Christian. He emigi-ated to Kentucky and was for many years a successful and influential preacher there.

Lewis Eliot, who married in North Beverly, and who kept a shoe store in Salem, advertised extensively, believing, as our wide-awake and energetic dealers do today, in a liberal and judicious use of printer's ink. Some of his advertisements were attractive for their originality and uniqueness. Many of them were in rhyme. One of his verses reads thus:

Another loyal character who served during the war of 1812 was Josiah Foster, known as "Cape Sire." He lived on Essex street and worked with Jeremiah Trask, Jr. In some conditions and on some occasions, while telling of scenes through which he had passed, he would imagine himself on board a man-of-war. Those associated with him were all Englishmen, and he would often "clear the deck" of the whole shop's crew.

A very tall shoemaker known as Jack Ayers, who lived on the Charles H. Patch estate at Centerville, had an entry built on to his shop, in order, it was said, to accommodate his legs, and the boys took special delight in twitting him of it, serving to provoke him beyond endurance. This was one of their songs of annoyance :

Mr. Ayers was a soldier in the militia, and of such great length of leg that no one else could keep step with his enormous strides, hence he

More than seventy-five years ago, a boy by the name of Abner tried to learn the shoemaker's trade at Deacon Roundy's shop, where then worked Thomas L. Pickett, a bright and witty character, who one day, examining the production of this young struggler, said: "Well, Abner, you have made something we can all worship, for it is the likeness of nothing in the heavens above, or the earth beneath, or the waters under the earth." And the best part of this was that Abner took the credit of the joke to himself and really thought that its brightness offset any shortcomings in the shoe manufacturing line.

One of the early Wallis shoemakers was Daniel, who lived in a square one-story house, in the then open field, where is now the junction of Rantoul and Wallis streets. He, too, was a cordwainer, and reared a large family, including several who worked at that trade. In the later years of his life, he came under the delusion that he was dead, and in constant association with those who had gone before. Hence he was known as "Deadman Daniel," to distinguish him from another Daniel Wallis. It may be there was something akin to Spiritualism in the controlling influences which thus developed themselves in those early days.

It may be of interest to know that the first shoe factory in the United States was located in the neighboring towni of Danvers. It was established by Zerubbabel Porter, who waxed prosperous by making brogans for heavy slaves in the South. These were made by hand and in the cheapest possible manner. Following the establishment of this shop in Danvers, other small shops sprang up about the beginning of the eighteenth century. The uppers, soles and linings v/ere cut by hand and given out to residents of the vicinity to be finished, the women doing the stitching, the rest being done by the men, who were mostly farmers or fishermen, and worked at shoemaking during their spare time. Hundreds of families added to their scanty incomes in this way. One specialty was fishermen's boots, which the local shoemakers would make up and take to the local wharves and the neighboring seaport towns, where they would find a ready sale for them on the arrival of the fishermen from a successful trip.

The following is the list of the principal shoe manufacturers in Beverly today: The Baby Comfort Shoe Company, The J. H. Baker Shoe Company, Bartlett & Trask, E. F. Bell & Co., Bray & Stanley, Criterion Shoe Co., P. A. Field Shoe Co., Flint Brothers, Kane & MacDonald, Millett, Woodbury & Co., F. A. Seavey & Co., Peabody Shoe Co., Reliance Shoe Co., M. Shorten & Son, Woodbury Shoe Company.

Beverly has always been noted for the number of its churches, and today the list includes the following: Unitarian, Congregational, Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist, Universalist, Penticostal, Jewish Synagogue, Roman Catholic and Salvation Army Post.

The Second Church of Beverly is connected with the Congregational denomination. The meeting-house, at the junction of Cabot and Conant streets, is a handsome and imposing specimen of colonial architecture. Considerable difficulty was encountered in separating from the First Parish, but permission was finally obtained from the "Great and General Court." The first meeting of the new precinct was held at the house of Captain John Dodge, on November 13, 1713. At this meeting it was voted "to proceed forthwith to ye building a meeting hous for ye public worship of God ; to choose a committee of nine persons to manage ye affair of building and finishing ye sd hous, any fine of them agreeing; ye hous to be 48 feet long, 38 feet wide, and 22 feet stud ; and unanimously agreed that ye meeting-hous should be set up by ye county road, neare ye hous of Mr. Jabez Baker." The house originally stood about thirty feet farther north and faced Cabot street. The first religious service was held on December 14, 1714.

The first pastor was Rev. John Chipman, who had been graduated from Harvard in the class of 1711. During his pastorate of almost sixty years the church enjoyed uninterrupted success and prosperity. On the morning of December 28, 1715, a "Preamble and Covenant" was duly drawn up, publicly acknowledged, and signed by fifteen males, thereby instituting a "Church of Christ" in the northern section of the town. Later that day, Mr. Chipman "was set apart to the gospel ministry in this place by solemn ordination." In 1753 Mr. Robert Hooper, Jr., presented the first bell, which continued to be used until 1822.

Mr. Chipman's long pastorate closed in the turmoil of the Revolution. It appears that, like many of the older men, the good pastor had Toryish sympathies. But it is not surprising to find that the young man who was called to assist the aged pastor. Rev. Enos Hitchcock, was a fiery patriot, and perhaps the extraordinary fervor of the inhabitants of the Upper Parish in the cause of the Revolution was somewhat due to his brave and enthusiastic spirit. On July 14, 1774, the fast appointed by the authority of the people to supplicate the divine favor for the liberties of America, was observed with solemnity by the ministers and congregations in the lower and upper parishes in Beverly. A collection for the poor* of the town of Boston was taken up, and a very generous sum was contributed. While the town was arming for the fray, this meetinghouse was the center of the movement in the Upper Parish. Here, on November 24, 1774, the minute-men met. On February 15, 1775, a second meeting of the minute-men took place in this meeting-house. Between 9 and 10 o'clock on April 19 the alarm rang out from the bell of this church, and on that day Reuben Kennison of this parish was killed - the first soldier of Beverly to give his life for his country.

During the period of the Unitarian controversy, this church was greatly weakened by the secession of those who could not accept the new views. Pastor Robinson, by his pronounced Unitarian views, so offended certain members of the church that they either remained at home on the Sabbath or attended some church where they could hear doctrines preached to which they could assent. Thus it came about that the Fourth Congregational Church and Society of Beverly was organized with four male and sixteen female members. This society as such ended its existence in 1866, when the two societies were reunited. Since that time the church has remained true to the orthodox wing of Congregationalism. The church building was repaired in 1865, and rededicated on December 28 of that year, it being the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the church's organization. Not until 1870 did the reunited church formally adopt the name, "The Second Congregational Church in Beverly." During the pastorate of Rev. E. Melville Wylie the time of preaching sei-vice was changed from afternoon to morning ; the dual system of church and society was also abolished, and the church was duly incorporated in June, 1904.

In 1921 it is possible to say that the church is in a flourishing condition. There are 175 members, and the church is the center of the religious and much of the social life of the community. The sei'vices are well attended. Under the capable leadership of Miss Daisy Raymond two choirs render exceptionally good music. The senior choir sits in the choir gallery at the rear of the church, while the members of the junior choir, wearing cassocks and surplices, occupy seats behind the pulpit. On July 22, 1906, was first used the splendid organ which was presented to the church by Mrs. Raynol Boiling. The commodious parish house, with auditorium, stage, anterooms, kitchen and modern conveniences, was erected in 1908, and is in constant demand for parish purposes, so that the church edifice is used for nothing but services of worship. The individual communion service, in use since 1906, was given by Mr. Charles Arthur Foster, as a memorial of his mother. The tennis courts are gi-eatly used by the young people during the summer. The expense of preparing these was defrayed by the munificence of Mr. William Phillips, now American minister to the Netherlands.

The church officials in 1921 are as follows: Clerk, Charles Brown; moderator, Fred Wallis; deacons, George Glines, C. E. Wilson, Solon Lovett; Sunday school superintendent, Sidney N. Tappan; treasurer, Roland A. Stanley; president Woman's Union, Mrs. Francis A. Brown. The pastorate of Rev. Ralph Ernest Bayes, A. B. (Yankton, 1916), S. T.

Immanuel Congi-egational Church is situated in the suburb of Beverly known as Rialside. It developed originally from a Sunday school, and was served at first by the Beverly pastors alternating in their services. About the year 1901 it was decided to call a student from Andover Theological Seminary to preach, Mr. Perley C. Grant, and at the end of two years' service, on November 18, 1903, nineteen persons pledged themselves to form a church, with Mr. Grant as pastor. The church thus formed was undenominational and was called a Union Church. On May 23, 1904, Mr. Packard was called as pastor; November, 1905, D. J. Grose was called, and in May, 1908, R. A. Goodwin was called. Rev.

C. M. Harwood was called as pastor in October, 1908, and under his leadership, on February 11, 1910, it was unanimously voted to become a Congregational church and ask to be admitted to the Essex South Confer- ence of Con^egational Churches. In April, 1910, the church adopted the creed recommended by the Congregational National Council, and was admitted into the Essex South Conference, May 11, 1910. October 31, 1910, the church was incoi-porated, and called John Esaias as pastor, December 4, 1911. March 24, 1914, voted either to enlarge the present house of worship or build a new one ; finally voted, April 10, to build a new church. Dr. J. T. Tarr was called to the pastorate in May, 1914, and was installed as pastor December 2, 1914.

Marchl 17, 1915, it was decided to build the new church on Bates lots on Bridge street, which is the location of the present house of worship. The comer-stone of the new church was laid November 6, 1915, and the church was dedicated with impressive services, Saturday, March

15, 1919. Thus the church started with so small a membership and carried on so faithfully, has prospered gloriously and now has about two hundred members on the roll.

The first men who settled in Salem and Beverly were Episcopalians, but Roger Conant (who determined to stay on at Salem when almost all his companions had resolved to leave), very wisely determined to yield his preference in church matters for the good and peace of the settlement, and was a tower of strength by his influence and example to the early settlers. The Episcopal church was established in Beverly in July, 1863, when the rector of St. Peter's Church, Salem, established a mission in Beverly. The present church building, St. Peter's, was built in 1864-65, and was consecrated in 1865. There have been eight rectors, including the present one, the Rev. E. J. V. Huiginn. The parish house was built adjoining the church at the close of the last century, and was the first parish house in Beverly. There is a fine rectoiy, and the parish is a prosperous and growing one.

St. John's Episcopal Church at Beverly Farms was begun by the Rev. Mr. Huiginn in 1900; the church was built in 1902. In 1911 St. Peter's Parish, by unanimous vote, set St. John's Church apart as a separate parish, and the Rev. Nelson Poe Carey was called as first rector. Under his charge the parish has prospered and there are novr a fine parish house and a rectory.

The Christian Endeavor Church of Centerville, Beverly, is an evangelical church. The first religious services in Centerville were held prior to 1870 in an old schoolhouse on Standley street. Later, pews were placed in the building and a Sunday school was instituted. It is very largely a community church and the center of all activities for the welfare of the community. A beautiful village church was planned in 1906, erected, and is now completely out of debt. The church is affiliated with the Baptist denomination, but welcomes all people within its doors. The pastor is the Rev. Rial Benjamin. ^

The Dane Street Congregational Church was formed at the time of the Unitarian movement in the Congregational churches in New England. The Washington Street Congregational Church was formed from the Dane Street Congregational Church.

The first Unitarian church in Beverly, according to the accepted view of the people of the parish, was located near the site of the present church. However, it would seem from documents recently discovered by a well known Beverly citizen that the first meeting-house was located in the vicinity of Gloucester Crossing. Roger Conant, the first settler in Salem, and Thomas Lothrop of Bloody Brook memory, were the chief men in organizing the church body in Beverly, when the Salem church, of which Conant had been a chief founder, gave the Beverly people the right to have their own settled minister and church organization and ordinances.

In September, 1667, the first parish and church in Beverly v/as organized and Rev. John Hale was invited to be the first minister. The church members for a long time outnumbered the parish members, and the covenant was Trinitarian and Calvinistic until the early days of the nineteenth century. The church since that period has been Unitarian. Altogether, there have been thirteen pastors. Several of these have been noted men, as Hale, Willard, McKean and Abbott. The present church structure is a noble and dignified building of the well-beloved New England style of architecture. It has had several men of great influence on its rolls during the more than two centuries and a half of its existence. The parish claims the honor of establishing the first Sunday school in New England, but there was a Sunday school in Rhode Island as early as 1790, and no doubt classes for catechism and teaching the young had been part of the work of thei early church from early days. The parish is a strong, active one, and its well-wishers hope for it a future even greater than its past. A fine parish house was built in connection with this church some years ago.

There were Baptists in Beverly as early as 1786, for in that year several persons from this town united with the Baptist church in Georgetown. Later, in 1793, a Baptist church was organized in Danversport, and some of the members resided in Beverly. The Baptist Society of Beverly was organized September 30, 1800, and the First Baptist Church on March 25, 1801. Fourteen of the nineteen constituent members came by letter from the Danvers church, and the others united by baptism. About 2800 names have been added to the list of members since that time, and the present membership of the church is over 900.

There were Baptists among the teachers of the Union Sunday school which was organized in Beverly in 1810, and when, in 1819, it was decided to divide this school, the Baptists organized a separate school, which has had a continuous existence to the present time. The Baptist Bible school has been notably successful, having a present membership of over

1100, not including the cradle roll and the home department. There are five grades in the active school, besides several organized adult classes, large classes for men being a prominent feature. The present superintendent, Mr. Leland H. Cole, is just completing twenty-six years of continuous service in that position. Other important organizations in the church are the Woman's Missionary and Benevolent Society, which had as forerunner the Beverly Baptist Female Mite Society, beginning in 1808; all departments of the Christian Endeavor Society, Young Men's Club, Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls.

The places of worship have been as follows: First, a small unfinished and unfurnished vestry on Wallis street. The first meeting house was erected in 1801 on Cabot street, comer of Elliott street. This building was enlarged in 1831 and abandoned on completion of the second meeting house in 1837. The second building stood on Cabot street on the site now occupied by the Roman Catholic church. In the records of the church it was noted that this building was constructed without an accident and without the use of intoxicating liquor. It was enlarged in 1854, but, being still inadequate to the needs of the congregation, was succeeded by the present building, comer of Cabot and Abbott streets, which was dedicated in 1869. It was enlarged and improved by the addition of the chapel in 1898. Earlier chapels used by the church have been as follows : the one on Wallis street, which was used until 1805 ; a building on Central street, which was moved to Vestry street in 1818; the third chapel stood on Essex street in the rear of the church building ; the fourth chapel was on Cabot street ; it was built in 1864 and enlarged in 1867 and is now occupied by the Grand Army of the Republic and the American Legion.

Twenty members of the congregation were soldiers or sailors in the Civil War, and 140 in the Great War. Captain John H. Chipman, for whom G. A. R. Post 89 was named, and Corporal Earle T. Wardell, for whom the American Legion Post 12, was named, were both members of this congregation. The centennial of the church was celebrated by a week of notable exercises in September, 1900, and the centennial of the Bible School by equally worthy observances in 1919.

The first believer in the Universalist faith in Beverly was probably Mr. Joseph Woodbury, who moved from North Beverly in 1810, bringing letters from the Second Congregational Church to the Old South. He was examined by a committee of which Robert Rantoul, Sr., was a member. It was discovered that he, to quote the committee, "not only holds but freely professes his firm belief of the final salvation of all mankind, that he disseminates that doctrine among his neighbors as opportunity offers, and that his wife embraces the same sentiments." Though the Old South had grown so liberal that two years earlier the Dane Street Society had been formed by conservative dissenters from its teachings, it could not tolerate a believer in universal salvation, and therefore Mr. Woodbury and his wife were refused membership. The present First Universalist Church is nearly on the site of his old home, which was at the comer of Judson and Cabot streets.

Doubtless many of those who early accepted the Universalist faith were taught directly or indirectly by John Murray, the Father of Universalism in America, who at Gloucester or at Boston was within easy reach of those who were inclined to hear him. Sylvanus Cobb preached the first Universalist sermon ever delivered in Beverly, in the old Briscoe Hall, some time in the fall of 1834. The leader in the movement that terminated a year later in the formation of a working cooperation was Daniel Hildreth, often called Father Hildreth, who seems to have fully earned the title ; for to him more than anyone else belongs the credit of establishing this society. With him were associated Benjamin S. Lunt, Stephen Lovett, and Haskett Whitney.

In 1838, Daniel Hildreth, Stephen Lovett, Jeremiah Wallis, John Bell, Benjamin Lunt, Benjamin Grant and possibly one or two others, met in Mr. Lunt's tinshop and organized formally for the support of Universalist preaching. Father Hildreth was chosen treasurer and collector, and Joseph Porter clerk. After two years, in 1840, a call was issued under the warrant of Stephen Baker, justice of the peace, for the formation of a legal parish organization. The utmost sum able to be raised during the first year was $154, which supported occasional preaching. In 1843 the organization had increased enough to talk of building a chapel and securing a regular preacher. The first minister, the Rev. Charles Webster, a student under Rev. Mr. Everett, of Salem, was called at a salary of $300. During his pastorate the Sunday school and Ladies' Aid Society were organized, and have continued unbroken since that time.

Under the next pastor, the Rev. William Cambridge, likewise a student, and who remained two years, $3,725 were raised for the erection of a church building. This was completed in 1846, the building standing on the lot directly back of the present City Hall, on Thorndi"ke street. In this year of 1846, the Rev. John L. Stevens was ordained and installed at a salary of $400, and on June 18th of the same year the church building was dedicated, Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, who had preached the first Universalist sermon in Beverly, giving the sermon on this occasion also. Mr. Steven^ shortly left to join James G. Blaine in editing a newspaper. In 1847 the Rev. Ira Washburn became pastor, but was forced to resign on account of ill health ; and, dying soon after, was buried in the Hale Street cemetery. The next ministers were Rev. Stillman Bardon and Rev. D. W. Coffin. For a year following Mr. Coffin, there was no settled pastor and, things going badly, a meeting was called to discuss selling the property, but other counsels prevailed. Rev. John Nichols was called in 1856, and in 1858 the church (the religious organization in connection with the society) was formed, with Daniel Hildreth, Jeremiah Wallis and Ephraim Hathaway as deacons.

In 1863 the original proprietors turned the property over to the parish, which undertook important improvements. Meantime, in 1867, the pastorate of Mr. Nichols came to a tragic close, he being stricken with paralysis while in the pulpit, and dying the same evening. The next pastor was Rev. George Whitney, 1867-72, during which period a pipe organ was installed. He was followed in 1872 by Rev. J. W. Emery, who continued in office for ten years, and in turn was followed by Rev. E. W. Preble, two years; Rev. C. S. Nickerson, one year; Rev. A. J. Aubrey, two years. He was succeeded in 1891 by Rev. Harold Marshall, during whose pastorate of seven years the old building was sold and the present building on Judson street erected, the dedication taking place Thursday, March 22, 1894, Rev. A. A. Miner, D.D., preaching the sermon. Then followed the pastorates of Rev. Edward M. Barney, 1898-1901 ; Rev. Oliver M. Fisher, 1901-02 ; Rev. Arthur A. Blair, 1902-04 ; Rev. Ezra A. Hoyt, 1905-08 ; Rev. Paul Harris Drake, 1909-11 ; Rev. James D. Tillinghast, 1912-17, during whose term the church celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary (Oct. 18, 1915) ffi Axel Gerhard Dehly, 1918-19. The present pastor is Rev. Harold W. Haynes, who assumed charge in April, 1920.

Among the subsidiary organizations are the Ladies' Aid, Sunday School, Mission Circle, Y. P. C. U., Men's Club, Woman's Club, Campfire Girls, Bluebirds, as well as the organized classes - the Hathaway Class for men, and the Ballou Class for women.