Danvers Town (part 9 of 12)

The Page House

In this rapid and somewhat chronological survey of the history of Danvers, we have had occasion, incidentally, to refer briefly to some of the more interesting old landmarks and other objects or places of note, which, it may be supposed, visitors of the town generally like to see. The stranger will not have far to go to find in Peabody, also, enough to pay him well for his trouble ; - in the first Peabody Institute, with its portrait of the generous founder and other costly treasures he gave to it, including the priceless picture of Queen Victoria ; the massive Town Hall, with all ble as any hitherto mentioned ; - the well known house, near the base of Asylum or Hathorne Hill, in which General Israel Putnam was born and spent much of his earlier life, and where was born, also. Colonel David, his elder brother, a prominent citizen and " a dashing cavalry officer;" the old dormer-windowed Page house, at the Plains, which was the home of Col. Jeremiah Page, and of his sons, Capt. Samuel and John, - in one of whose rooms General Gage had his private ofifice in 1774, and on whose roof in that olden time gathered the memorable " tea party " of Lucy Larcom's inimitable verse ; the house of Daniel Rea and several of his generations from 1636 - and within the last century or two, of Dea. and Capt. Edmund Putnam, and of his son and grandson, Israel and Elias, with others of his descendants ; the finely situated and dignified old mansion of Hon. Nathan Read and of Capt. Benjamin Porter after him, in full view of Water's River on which the former tried his not wholly unsuccessful invention for steam navigation before the days of Robert Fulton ; " Oak Knoll " on Summer street, where \\'hittier, New England's dearest bard of love to God and love to man, found the delightful retreat of his declining years, and where John Putnam, emigrant progenitor, pitched his tent more than two and a half centuries ago ; the statelx stone edifice of St. John's Catholic College, a short distance at the north, or at the corner of Summer street and Spring avenue ; and the " Old Berry Tavern," which, with its newly reconstructed and grand proportions, as well as with its early fame as an hostelry and as a public, municipal, literary and social centre, fronts the Plains Square and Maple street and still extends its friendly welcome as aforetime to all who may come for the pleasant walks, drives and sights which Danvers offers to visitors. With Moyiiahan's and Hines' instructive and exquisite " Historic Danvers," or Major F. C. Damon's pretty " Little Book about Danvers" (also illustrated), in hand, they may betake themselves through the peaceful and flourishing villages and over or along the quiet brooks and rivers, and find in Sylvan, Holten, Locust, and many another street, as well as in such beautiful neighborhoods as the Ferncroft district and in such storied and commanding hills as Hathorne's, Lindall's and Browne's, abundant charms for the lovers of nature as well as the votaries of history. There are few more interesting parts of Danvers than Browne's Hill, popularly known as " Browne's Folly " or " Folly Hill," whose story, with its account of Hon. William Browne of Salem, and of the " splendid mansion " which he built on its summit about the year 1740, but which was abandoned shortly after in consequence of an earthquake and was finally removed in three portions to the Plains, is admirably told in Mr. Hines' pamphlet article, previously mentioned. His pages contain various extracts from a letter which Nathaniel Hathorne wrote about the hill and its house in his own characteristic style, Aug. 28, 1S60, and in which the great romancer still indulges his passion tor the strange or marvelous, besides telling us that one of the favorite haunts of his boyhood was along the western base where " ran a green and seldom trodden lane " and " a little brook " ^vhich he " dammed up till its overflow made a mimic ocean." When he last looked for the " tiny streamlet," it was quite " shrunken," and " dry," but " the green lane was still there " and there it is to-day, though sadly shorn of trees that shaded it many years ago. Hawthorne's entire letter was published anew in the Danvers Mirror of Dec. 13, 1877.

Hon. Robert Rantoul, Jr., Beverly's brilliant and still lamented statesman, wrote in 1852: "Danvers may well be proud of her history. She is one of a group -of towns which has done as much for the liberties of the nation and the world, as any other equal the thrift and the Her farmers of topopulation on the continent." But, however rich and blest she may be in the memories of her past, she is still strong in the intelligence, the industry, the energy, virtue of her people, day, by their well cultivated fields, as by their own mind and character, give ample proof that they are the worthy descendants or successors of "The Farmers " of the colonial age The old ancestral fire still lives in the whole army of her toilers and soldiers of the closing nineteenth century. In every period of her history, her supreme devotion has been given to the peaceful and useful arts and occupations ; to the Home, the School and the Church. Yet with the same fidelity has she fought, from first to last, in common defence against savage tribes and more enlightened but hardly less brutal foes ; for our freedom and independence as a nation ; for the honor, integrity and very life of the Republic ; and for the liberty and eleva- tion of millions of slaves. During the three centuries scarcely less than 2000 soldiers have gone forth from her soil to serve the country in battle on land and sea, and nameless others of her children afar have joined them in many a righteous crusade. Broad is the cemetery that holds the ashes of all her patriot martyrs. Danvers claims them as among her brightest jewels and owns with pride the glory they shed. Hers were the fathers and mothers whose lessons and spirit were also strength and grace to the town and were never lost or forgotten by the sons in the baptism of fire and blood. Great and good souls have been here ; wise founders of the state, glorious defenders of the country, eminent counsellors and jurists, honored teachers of youth and ministers of Christ, useful and incorruptible citizens, and saintly women, not a few. Here, from the time when the first I 'uritans came from i'^ngland and landed at Naumkeag, and then began to enlarge their borders, has been a continuous home of heroes and heroines, and here has been the faith that builds for the future, and still creates and bequeaths the goodly heritage :

Note. - With regard to some of the many names, dates, figures, etc., which appear in the foregoing pa^es, there is considerable disagreement among authorities the writer has consulted, [n such cases I have endeavored to follow the guidance that see ned to me the best, by no means claiming that in each and every case I have been absolutely correct, whatever the care. With Dr. Rice I have been content to accept Oct. S, 1072, the day commemorated just two centuries later, as the birthday of the old Village Parish or the First Church, although the Appendi.x of his book involves the matter in some doubt. Tne date cannot be far out of the way, a \d may well stand until a better claim is established. Certain local publications refer the formal opening or dedication of the first Peabody Institute building of Danvers to July 14, 1870, but, newspapers of a year later show that the event took place July 14, 1869, as 1 have stated. The grant of land made to Kndicott and others by the " Council for New England" in 1628, and confirmed by royal charter. Mar. 4, 1629, however It may have vested power and privilege in the patentees who are named, was meant for the colony, provided, for an increase of the body corporate and politic, from the settlers, and contemplated the rights and interests of all. I have tnerefore chosen the broader rather than the more exclusive form of statement. The few slight typographical errors which the reader of the sketch may notice will doubtless sufficiently correct themselves.

No institutions in the town have more to do with its real prosperity than the churches. They are of a decided economic value to the community because of the spirit of unity and fraternity which they develop. The pastors of the various churches work together for a common end, the uplifting and improving of humanity, spiritually and morally. We cannot yet point to a perfect exemplification of the truth of the brotherhood of man, but we do find evidence that there is in the heart of every pastor in this town an abiding faith in this brotherhood, and a desire to bend every energy towards making the life of the churches become a means towards realizing the ideal of the Son of Man. We may seek the aid of other agencies in striving to bring about a happier relationship between capital and labor ; yet there can be no complete adjustment of our social life which shall be permanent which shall be anything more than a carrying out of the purpose for which our churches were founded. The churches exist to make the life of the honest worker as full of happiness and usefulness as possible. To this work they invite the co-operation of all lovers of their kind. Cherishing this ideal, they claim their right to the first place in the time and thought of all those who desire the prosperity of Danvers. Churches of all the principal denominations are maintained here. There are one Episcopal, two Congregationalist, one Roman Catholic, one Universalist, one Baptist, one Unitarian, one Methodist, one Seventh Day Adventist and one Church of God. In addition to the churches the Danvers Mission and the Salvation Army are accomplishing much good.

The year 1670 marks the first step taken towards that religious organization which is now " The First Church and Society of Danvers." This was in the form of a petition for a separate organization from the P'irst Church of Salem : the growing numbers at the Farms, and the distance from Sdem, making attendance at that Church difficult. The town granted its assent to the petition in March, 1672, and an act of the general court, passed Oct. 8ih of the same year gave them the needed authority.

I'hey acted upon this at once. At a meeting of " The Farmers," as they were then known, held Nov. nth, 1672, it was voted that a committee be appointed " to carry along the affairs according to the court order." To meet the expenses of the new enterprise it was voted to levy taxes on this basis : " all vacant land at one half penny per acre ; all improved land at one penny per acre ; all heads and other estate at country price." In Dec, 1672, a vote was passed to build a meeting house "of 34 foot in length, 28 foot broad, and 16 foot between joints."

The meeting house was built accordingly, and in 1684 a vote, is recorded to make certain repairs upon it, and additions to it, including " a canope set over the pulpit." Later a gallery was added. This house was situated somewhat east of the present site on Hobart street, then known as "the meeting house road."

Rev. Mr. Bayley was preaching at the Farms when permission was first given for a separate parish. He became by vote of the parish the " stated supply," and remained in service until probably near the close of 1679. Rev. George Burrows became his successor in Nov., 1680, and remained a little more than two years, until early in 1683. He was followed by Rev. Deodat Lawson, who came in the early part of 1684 and labored until the summer or autumn of 1 688. The church of Salem Village was organized Nov. 19th, [689, with twentyseven members, and Rev. Samuel Parris became the minister at the time of the organization. The record of these early years, so far as it is preserved, is in large part a record of contention between the different ministers and the people. A division occurred in the time of Mr. Bayley's ministry and was not healed for twenty-five years. The people, in this time, seem to have become habitually quarrelsome and the ministers who came to labor among them do not seem to have possessed any great wisdom for establishing peace and concord. Probably, too, the nature of the organization, which consisted of a parish with no church ; so that everyone, however slight his interest, while he was taxed for its support, had also a voice in its management, contributing somewhat to the result. It is not surprising that, under such conditions, there should have arisen great differences and that these should have resulted in fierce contention and even in great bitterness of spirit.

With the organization of the church better things might have been expected, but they did not come at once. The quarrels of these early years seem only to have fanned the flame which finally broke out in all its fierceness in the times of the "witchcraft delusion" in 1692. The ministry of Mr. Parris ended in July, 1696. More than two years elapsed before another minister was settled. It was difficult to find a man willing to undertake the work, but the experience of waiting proved, apparently, a good thing for the church. Rev. Joseph Green was settled as parish minister, Nov. loth, 1698. His call, had, however, been preceded by several occasions of fasting and prayer, when special days were set apart for this purpose ; the effect of which had been to unite the people and make them more ready for the better things in store for them. The change came almost at once. It was the turning point in the life and service of the church. If the first twenty-five years may be characterized as years of contention and strife, it is pleasant to add that in the now two hundred years since Mr. Greene's induction to office there has not been another serious quarrel. The pastorates have been, with one exception, long ; and the mutual relation between minister and people always a happy one. Mr. Green continued in service until his death on Nov. 26th, 1 7 15. He sought to restore and maintain peace in the church and community after the unsettled condition before his coming. He was specially fitted to do this and the church prospered under his leadership. He also interested himself in matters of the general welfare of the community. Among other things a school was established and a school house built in large measure by his instigation and through his efforts. He is buried in the Wadsworth cemetery. " Reckoning from the time he began his preaching about a year before his ordination, he completed the iSth year of his ministry upon the last Sabbath before his illness."

Rev. Peter Clark was called by the church to become its minister on Aug. 7th, 1 7 16. He was ordained June 5th, I 7 1 7, though he began his regular preaching somewhat earlier than this. His ministry was an eminently successful one and covered the long period of fifty-one years. " Mr. Clark was a man very unlike his predecessor, and yet well fitted to serve the people among whom he came. He had a sharp and vigorous mind, with a taste for theological discussions. He has left numerous published discourses and essays, largely upon points of controversy, and amounting in all to several volumes. Mr. Clark died June loth, 1768, and is buried in the Wadsworth cemetery, by the side of his wife, who died three years before him.

After a period of four years in which there was no settled minister, Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth was ordained Dec. 23d, 1772," almost exactly one hundred years after the first organization of " Salem Village." During this time the number of families in the parish had more than doubled. Dr. Wadsworth's ministry continued for more than fifty- three years, and until his death on Jan. i8th, 1826. He is described as " a man of fine personal appearance and with the bearing of a thorough gentleman of those days. If he had the weaknesses of a conservative temper he had also its strength. He was steady and judicious in his work. He did little that ever needed to be undone either by himself or by any one else." His ministry had a marked effect in moulding Christian character. He was buried in the cemetery which bears his name. It was under his ministry, in 18 1 8, that the Sunday school was organized with Deacon Samuel Preston, superintendent. This has continued until the

Rev. Milton P. Branian was ordained and settled April 12th, 1826 and remained in active service until March, 1861 : thus completing nearly thirty-five years of service. Dr. Braman's name has become very closely identified with the Church because of his vigorous preaching. " He had marvellous power in the pulpit : there was his strength. His presentation of the great truths of the Gospel system were not only correct and clear, but they were powerful." A number of his sermons, together with some of Dr. W a d s w o r t h, have been gathered by Dr. Rice, into a volume which is now in the " Ministerial library," belonging to the Church. I n 1832 the Ladies' Benevolent Society (then called the North Danvers Female Benevolent Society) was organized, with Mrs. Braman as President and Miss Susan Putnam as Secretary. Its object was the relief of the poor in supplying clothing but it has rendered valuable service in many particulars and still continues its work.

Rev. Charles B. Rice was installed over the Church, Sept. 2nd, 1863 and remained in service until Sept. 2nd, 1894, when he resigned to accept the position of Secretary of the newly organized " Board of Pastoral Supply." Dr. Rice's work in the Church, the community and the town is too recent to need comment here. He was a wise, careful and able leader and the Church continued its

Rev. Harry C. Adams

Rev. Curtis M. Geer was installed Jan. 31st, 1895 but resigned after a little more than two years, April 8th, 1897, to accept the position of Professor of History and Economics in Bates College, Lewiston, Me. Rev. Harry C. Adams, the present minister, was installed Sept. 22nd, 1897. Nine Churches, at the least, have been established vvithin the territory embraced by the original Salem Village Parish. There have been six meeting houses, besides a chapel built in 1835. The first built in 1672, or soon after, gave place to a new one that was first used July 26th, I 702. The third house was built in 1786 and used through the winter though not finished until the following spring. T h i s house was destroyed by fire Sept. 24th, 1805. The fourth, " The Brick Meeting house," was built in the summer of 1806, the corner stone having been laid on the i6th of May. Ini838, this house w a s judged to be unsafe, owing to a settling of the walls. It was therefore taken down and a new house erected, which was dedicated Nov. 31st, 1839. This house was burned Jan. 28th, 1890, just after it had been thoroughly remodeled and refurnished. The present house of worship was dedicated Sept. 2, 1891.

The parish has, for the greater part of the time, from the very first, provided a house for its ministers. The present parsonage was purchased in 1834 and has since been used as a parsonage. It was built probably, with the exception of the rear portion, within a period of not more than twenty years following 1734. The records of the parish, which in the early days were for the most part the only public records of the village, have been copied by the town for convenient reference and for preservation. The records of the Church have been rebound and put in a very enduring form, while retaining the original writing, by the new Emery process.

Rev. Harry

Rev. Harry C. Adams was born in New Marlborough, Berkshire C o.. May 27th, i860. He graduated from South Berkshire Institute, New Marlborough in 1882, Williams College, W i 1- liamstown, in 1886 and H a r t f o r d Theologi c a 1 Seminary in 1889. M r. Adams was ordained and settled over the Congreg a t i o n a 1 Church in Turners Falls, Oct. 29th, 1889 and was its pastor for eight years. He was married to Miss Anne V. Dyer of Washington, Duchess Co., N. Y., Oct. 3d, 1889. ^Ir. Adams was installed over the First Church of Danvers, Sept. 2 2d, 1897.

Baptist Church

Church at Danversport. We are told in Dr. Isaac Backus's^ History of the Baptists, that about the year 1730, Mr. James Bound, a Baptist, came from England and settled in Salem Village, now Danvers. For a time he was the only resident who held that belief, but at length a number of people came to hold the same views. These finally removed and formed a Baptist Society in the town of Sutton. Few Baptists, if any, were left, and nearly half a century passed before the organizing of t h e Baptist Society in Danvers. This was organized during the Revolutionary War, Nov. 12, 1781. I t s organization was due mainly t o the efforts of Dr. Be njamin Foster, a native of Danvers, a son of Congregati o n a 1 parents, and a brother of Gen. Gideon Foster. On being c o nverted to the Baptist faith, during h 1 s college course, he often revisited his native town, preaching as opportunity came, until, with the spread of Baptist sentiments, the society was formed.

Besides standing for the principles commonly known as Baptist, this society proposed to pay no attention to " parish lines " or " boundaries of this nature fixed by man " and to compel no person to pay for the support of church or society, each one contributing freely according to his ability. Members came from the adjoining towns of Salem, Beverly, Wenham, and Middleton. After organization, committees were appointed to procure preaching and to attend to the providing of a meeting house. This house was finished and the pews sold in 1783. Dr. Benjamin Foster naturally became their first pastor, remaining for three years. He afterwards became pastor of the First Baptist Church in New York, and is said to be buried in the graveyard of that church.

After several years of irregularly suppHed preaching, Rev. Thomas (ireen became pastor in 1793. It was during the first year of his pastorate that the society was constituted a church, with thirty-seven members. Israel Porter and Eleazer Wallis were chosen its first deacons.

During its more than a century of existence the church has had eighteen pastorates. One of the longest and most prosperous of these was that of Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin (1802-1818). The membership was increased and the meetinghouse enlarged. Dr. Chaplin was a great student of theology. He frequently had a. dozen or more theological students studying with him. His attainments in theological learning were so notable that at length he was elected president of Maine Literary and Theological Institution, now Colby University.

Other pastors who should be mentioned either for length of service or special work accomplished are - Rev. James A. Boswell ( 1 819-1820) during whose time a new Act of Incorporation, containing the names of seventy-five males was secured from the Massachusetts Legislature. Rev. Arthur Drinkwater (1821- 1829). Rev. James Barnaby (1S30- 1832). Rev. John Holroyd, (1832-1837). Rev. John H. Avery, (i 841 -1843.) Rev. J. W. Eaton, (1843- 1849.) Rev. A. W. Chafifin, (1850-1862). Rev. C. F. Holbrook, (1865-1870) and again a second pastorate from 1889- 1898. Both pastorates were highly successful. The call to the second pastorate was one of entire unanimity and the pastoral relation was terminated only by the death of Mr. Holbrook, which brought a sense of personal loss to each one who came under his ministration. Between Mr. Holbrook's two pastorates came those of Rev. Lucian Drury (187 7- 1883) and Rev. Gideon Cole (1884- 1 888), As has been stated the first meeting house was built in 1783. In 1829, during the pastorate of Mr. Drinkwater, the second house was built. This was totally destroyed by fire Sept. 6, 1847, Rev. J. W, Eaton, pastor. Although it was a time of general financial depression, pastor and people rallied to the occasion, and took immediate steps toward rebuilding. Oct. 10, 1848, the third and present house was dedicated, the organ now in use being presented at that time by Capt. Benjamin Porter. During the pastorate of Mr. Chaffin (1850-1862), Capt. Porter also built and presented to the society the parsonage, together with funds to care permanently for the same. Land was bought and a much needed chapel built while Rev. Gideon Cole had charge of the church. In 1898 the house itself was repaired and refitted and the parsonage furnished with modern improvements.

The Danvers Baptist Church is the oldest of the Salem Association of Baptist Churches, and at different times has given of her members to aid in constituting four other Baptist Churches, those of Beverly, First Salem, Wenham and Peabody. The churches at Lynn and Marblehead have also drawn largely upon her membership. In the year 1800, out of a membership of sixty, seventeen were dismissed to form the church at Beverly, but during Dr. Chaplin's pastorate the number was more than regained. Again in 1843, thirteen were dismissed to constitute the church in South Danvers, now Peabody. In spite of dismissions and losses from other causes, the church has enjoyed a steady, if not always rapid growth, until at the present time the membership, about 175, is the largest at any time in its history. In all about 700 persons have been enrolled as its members. Fifteen deacons have served the church, Deacon Charles H. Whipple, the present senior deacon, having held that office for nearly fortyfive years.

Rev. C. S. Nightingale, the present pastor of the Danvers Baptist Church, was born in West Eaton, N. Y. Later his father moved to Louisville, Ky., and here in the Louisville Male High School he fitted for college. In 1890 he entered Brown University and graduated in 1894. In the fall of the same year he entered Newton Theolog ic a 1 Institution remaining f o r two years. During the first of these years, he served the Baptist church at South Y a rmouth, Mass. He went to North vi lie, Michigan, in July, 1896, where he was ordained the following October. After remaining with the church at North ville one year, he returned to Newton, graduating from the Theological Institution in June, 1898, coming immediately to Danveis to begin work with the Baptist church.

The First Universalist Society of Danvers, being the third religious society in the present town of Danvers, was organized April 22, 1 81 5 under the title of the " First Universalist Society," although there were believers much earlier, even in the earlier part of the eighteenth .century. Deacon and Captain Edmund Putnam being the pioneer of the LTniversalist doctrine in 1785, when he withdrew from the First Church, where he had been a prominent man, and deacon of the Church for many years. When organized it consisted of nineteen members from Danvers, and four from Wenham, who declared themselves in their Constitution dissatisfied with " those systems of Divmity which have for their fundamental art i c 1 e the eternal misery of the greatest part of mankind." Its first meetings were held in the School House in District No. 3, (Putnamville) where seemed to be t h e stronghold of the new faith. Here preache d Rev. HoseaBallou, Charles Hudson, R e v. Walter Balfour, Lemuel W^illis and others. From 1830 to 1833 the Society held services in the " Old Baptist Meeting House," at New Mills, and in 1833 it moved into its new house of worship, which house, greatly enlarged, is now the Catholic church, Danversport. In 1859 the Society built its present house of worship, which since then has been its religious home. Rev. Edson Reifsniiier is the present pastor.

Rev. Edson Reifsnider

the city of Aurora being his birthplace. His early education was received in Chicago to which city his parents removed when he was but an infant. After being for some years in the employment of a large wholesale house in Chicago he determined to enter the ministry, taking the regular theological course at Tufts College and graduating with the class of '98 in June of that vear.

On the sixth day of March, 1844, a prelimin a r y meeting was held of those favorable to the organization of a religious society on Danvers Plains. Nine days later application w a s made for a legal warrant calling a meeting of those who proposed to form such a society. This application w a s signed by Nathaniel Silvester, Moses J. Currier, Henry T. Ropes, Benjamin Henderson, Aaron Batemen and Gustavus Putnam. The society was duly organized on the twentyfifth, and was called the " Third Orthodox Congregational Society of Danvers." Officers were chosen, arrangements made for securing a more suitable place of worship than the school-house where services had already been held, and a committee appointed to solicit subscriptions for future preaching. Incorporation followed a" year later, April i, 1S45.

Maple Street Church. I Congregational

Street Church, and to build upon it a basement story of rough granite ; upon which foundation was erected a structure of wood, which vvas dedicated Jan. 2, 1845. '^his building was seventy by fifty-two feet in area, and was surmounted by a spire rising to a height of 144 feet from the ground. Six years later it was destroyed by an incendiary fire, only the granite walls remaining, as the basis of a new structure which was erected without needless delay.

Meanwhile, on the fifth of December, 1844, the church itself was organized by a company of forty- two p e rsons, all but two o f whom had been members of the church at Danvers Centre. Until Aprd 30, 1857, the name of the new organization was the Third Congregational church in Danvers, the term Maple Street Church being assumed at that date.

The first meeting looking to the organization of a church i n distinction from the ecclesiastical society already formed, was held July 24 ; the creed and covenant, substantially the same as now, were adopted Sept. 4 ; and the actual organization was affected Dec. 5, in the house of John A. Learoyd, one of the principle projectors of the enterprise. Thenceforward, the two bodies. Church and Society, acted together in matters of mutual interest. Among the earliest of these was the choice of a minister who should serve as the first pastor. Not until July, however, was a pastor se- cured in the person of Rev. Richard Tolman, to whom was paid a salary of six hundred dollars, afterward raised to seven hundred, with three weeks' vacation. This first pastorate continued three years and two months, and was terminated by the resignation and dismission of Mr. Tolman.

Upon the organization of thr church two of its members were chosen to serve as deacons : Frederick Howe and Samuel P. Fowler. This number was increased to three by the addition of John S. Learoyd, July 15, 1864; since which time the following persons have been elected as vacancies have occurred : Eben Peabody, Samuel P. Trask, Samuel L. Sawyer, and John S. Learoyd. The first of these has held the office since Dec. 5, 1875.

These members have successively served the church as its clerks with terms greatly varying in length : Benjamin S. Turner, Joseph S. Black, John S. Learoyd, Samuel P. Trask, Addison P. Learoyd, Edward C. Burbeck and John S. Learoyd, Jr.

Rev. E. C. Ewing

Moses W. Putnam was the first superintendent of the i^^unday School, followed in 1852 by Joseph S. Black, in 1855 by Nathaniel Hills, in 1865 by John S. Learoyd, in 1 89s by George W. Fiske, and in 1898 by John S. Learoyd, who succeeds his honored father in each of the offices of deacon, clerk and superintendent. In 1885 a Society of Christian Endeavor was formed, and a few years later a Junior Endeavor Society. The former of these has a present membership of T30, and the latter of 76.

The history of this church has been characterized by several revivals of religion and consequent large accessions to i t s membership ; notably in 1866, when eighty- two p e rsons were received on confession of faith and seventeen by letter from other churches ; and in 1895, when seventy-eight were received on confession, and twentytwo by letter. The original membership of forty-two has increased to one of three hundred eighty-two, besides the many who have removed to other churches or have passed into the other world. The entire roll of members up to Jan. I, 1899, contains seven hundred fifty-one names.

At the outset the Sunday School consisted of twelve teachers and one hundred fourteen pupils, with an average attendance of seventy-five. It now has a membership in its several departments (main, primary, kindergarten, and home) of 584, with 39 classes and an average attendance (aside from the home department) of 342.

The annual contributions of Maple Street Church to benevolent causes amount to over two thousand dollars in cash ; and three of its members are engaged in the missionary work in China. Plainly it exists not for itself alone, but lor humanity and for God.

Rev. Edward

Edward C. Ewing : Born in VValpole, N. H., Dec. 20, 1837. Spent boyhood and youth in various places, chiefly in that part of West Springfield which afterward became the city of Holyoke, Mass. Prepared for college at Northfield Institu t e ; graduated from Ambers t Colle g e in 1859 ; stud i e d theology a t Bangor and Prin ceton Seminar ies, from each of which graduate d i n 1863. Pastor at Ashfield,

Nov. I, 1883. Married Mary L. Alvord of Philadelphia, Oct. 13, 1863 ; rejoices in four adult sons, two of whom are missionaries i n North China, one is professor i n Wabash College, Crawfords v i 1 1 e, Ind., and one engaged in business in Boston.

Rev. T. E. Power Annunciation Church. I Roman Catholic

The first Catholic service was held i n Danvers, Nov. I, 1854, at the house of Rev. Edward Mc- Keigue. The officiating clergyman was Rev. Thomas N. Shahan of the church of the Immaculate Conception, Salem. Regular servic e s began soon t o b e held in Franklin Hall, and a fterwards i n a chapel which stood on the south side o f High street, near the old cemetery. In 1859 the house first built by the Universalist Society was purchased ; and after an occupancy of several years, this building having been greatly enlarged and remodeled, was dedicated anew by the Right Rev. Bishop J. J. Williams of Boston, April 30, 187 1. Previous to 1864 pastoral duties were performed by clergymen from Salem. From Oct. 13, of that year, Rev. Charles Ranoni had charge of this parish, and also of the Catholic parish at Marblehead, having his residence in Danvers. In 1872 he removed to Marblehead, the parishes being separated, and his place was taken by Rev. Fr. O'Reilly, who remained but a year. Rev. Patrick Jose p h Halley was appointed to Danvers in April, 1873, and his I^astorate extended t o Septe m b e r, 1882 ; Rev. D. B. Kennedy's, from the last date to April, 1885, when the present pastor, Rev. Thomas E. Power, was appoi n t e d. The pastor's residence occ u p i e s a pleasant site overlook i n g the river. This is the largest parish in the town.

Mr. Joseph Adams of St. Peter's Church, Salem, having removed to Danvers (to the Braman House on Pine St.), was interested in founding a Parish ; and there was a sufficient number of people from England and the Provinces, members of the Church of England, and of others who were devoted to the doctrines

Early in 1858 the services were held by Rev. Edward Cowley for a few weeks. He was succeeded by Rev. Robert F. Chase, Rector of St. James' Church, Amesbury, who became the Rector of the Parish upon its organization, 14 April,

The first wardens were Joseph A dams and John S. Pratt ; vest r y m en, Charles H. Adams, Daniel J. Preston, J o s e p h G. Prentiss, Willard Howe, Eri Hayward. Contri b utions having been received for building a Church, and a lot secured on the corner o f Holten and Cherry streets, a building committee w a s appo i n t e d, viz., Joseph Adams, E dwardD. Kimball, Jesse W. Snow, A. Proctor Perley, Charles H. Adams. The plans were furnished by Ryder 8z Fuller of Boston. The cornerstone was laid on Wednesday, 1 1 May, 1859, by Rt. Rev. Morton Eastburn, Bishop of Massachusetts. Among the numerous documents placed in the stone were the following : Proceedings at the reception and dinner in honor of George Peabody, Esq., of London, by the citizens of the old town of Danvers, 6 October, 1856; annual report of the trustees of the Peabody Institute ; address of the Mayor of Salem u])on the organization of the city government, 24 January, 1859 ; rules and orders of the City Council of the city of Salem ; copy of a sermon preached in London, A. D., 1773, before the society for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts ; a ms. sermon preached A. D., 1778 by Rt. Rev. Edward Bass, first Bishop of Massachusetts.

" Owing chiefly, under God, to the liberality of Edward D. Kimball and Jose])h Adams, Esqrs. (who generously gave the land, sufficient for the Church and Rectory a n d a garden, and bore the greater part of the cost of the building) , the church was erected, and on Friday, 25 May, i860, consecrated b y the Rt. Rev. Mant o n Eastburn, D. D., to the worship and service of Almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."

The organ was given by Mr. Edward D. Kimball, the altar vessels, books, etc. b y members of the parishes of St. Peter's and Grace, Salem, and S t. James', A m e sbury. The bell was given by Mr. Adams, and used for the first time on the first Sunday in Advent, A. D., i860. Mr. Adams also gave two hundred books for the library, for the use of the Rector.

A lot of land had been bequeathed in 1847 by Miss Collins, for the erection of a Church (Episcopal) ; but the location was thought undesirable, and the legacy was not claimed.

Rev. J. W. Hyde

Rev. Mr. Chase resigned in July, 1865. There is no record of the two years following. Rev. \V. W. Silvester served the parish as reader . (before his ordination) from the spring of 1867 till the fall of 1868. Rev. S. J. Evans became Rectoi in the spring of i86g, and remained until October, 187 1. Rev. W. I. Magill was Rector from June, 1872, to August, 1877, and Rev. George Walker became Rector in November lollowing, and also of St. Paul's, Peabody, where h e resided. He resigned in February, 1888. The Parish House was built in 1886. He was succeeded by Rev. A. W. Griffin (April, 1888- May, 1890), during whose rectorship the Church was thoroughly renovated.

Rev. J. W. Hyde became Rector i n June, 1890. In the same year the Rectory was built i n anticipation (with her consent) of a bequest by Mrs. Daniel J. Preston, who was one of the most active and efficient of the founders and sustainers of the Parish. She died in October, 1894, and the Rectory stands as a memorial of her.

In the fall of 1864 Mr. Philip H. Wentworth of Roxbury purchased of Mr. Edward D. Kimball the Prince Nichols farm now owned by Mrs. Leopold Morse in the westerly part of the town upon Beaver Dam Brook, and to which he removed with his family, who were members of the Mount Pleasant Society in Roxbury, of which Rev. Dr. Alfred P. Putnam had been a former pastor. They attended the First Church in Salem until the following August, when they, like the occupants of the Farms in that vicinity, two hundred years before, thought it best to try and form or establish a church nearer and more convenient fur them. So they with the Rev. Dr. Putnam, their former pastor, a son of Old Danvers, who was very much interested in the movement to establish a Unitarian Society in town, had it announced that Dr.

John C. Butler and Alfred Mackenzie were chosen a standing committee and Mr. Andrew Nichols clerk, and a sufficient sum of money was pledged to continue the services in the Town Hall on each succeeding Sunday and they were so continued until its chapel on High street was dedicated in 1871.

The Rev. Leonard J. Livermore, of Lexington, preached his first sermon to this Society on April 7, 1867, and under his administration ihe Society was duly organized on the aSth of the July following, just two years from the first service held in Town Hall. It was legally

Unitarian Church

Putnam would hold a service at Town Hall on Sunday, July 30th, 1865, which service was followed on every Sunday in August by a number of the most noted ministers in the denomination. On the last Sunday of the month a notice was given that all persons interested in the formation of a Unitarian Society are requested to meet at this Hall on Thursday evening next, August 31, 1865. Of the twenty-one persons who attended that meeting, ten have since deceased and six have removed from town. At that meeting, Messrs. Philip H. Wentworth,

On Sunday, August 5, 1867, a committee was appointed to make arrangements with Rev. Mr. Livermore to officiate as pastor. At the annual meeting, January 4, 1869, the article to build a church or chapel upon the Society lot on High street at the corner of Porter street, which had been purchased at the auction sale of Capt. Eben Putnam's estate, was postponed.

Andrew Nichols were chosen a committee to erect a chapel on the above described lot when the subscriptions amounted to a certain sum. The ground was broken for the foundation in the spring of 1870, and the annual meeting January 2, 187 i was held in its parlors. The plans by Mr. Nichols with the elevation plans by Mr. Samuel F, Eveleth were adopted. The chapel was dedicated on Thursday, the 16th of March, 187 1.

The pulpit was given by Alfred Fellows, the marble clock by the Mt. Pleasant Society of Roxbury, and a silver communion and christening service by the society in Brooklyn, N. Y., over which Rev. Dr. Putnam was settled.

At the annual meeting January i, 1872 it was voted to install as its pastor the Rev. Leonard Jarvis Livermore, who had preached and labored there so successfully for over four years.

He accepted the same and was informally installed the 15 th of March, 1872, and he very acceptably filled the office as pastor until his death on the 30th of May, 1886, which had been preceded by the death of Philip H. Wentworth.

The Rev. John Calvin Mitchell, who had been settled over the Orthodox Congregational Church at VVenham, was engaged to supply the pulpit for one year from the ist of January, 1887, which was continued for another year. He was di^ly installed as pastor on Thursday, May 3d, 1888, which relationship continued for one year to May i, i88g.

The Rev. Eugene DeNormandie of Sherborn was engaged to supply for one year from the ist of May, 1890, which engagement was continued from year to year until he withdrew his connection April ist, 1897.

Mr. Kenneth E. Evans of the Bangor Theological School was engaged for one year from the 1st of September, 1897, and was ordained on the 27th of October of that year, and on Sept. i, 1898 was engaged for a further term.

the Unitarian Congregational Society of Danvers, which was adopted at one of its early meetings, the name of the " First Unitarian Society of Danvers " being the name given to the Society at Peabody in 1825.

This Society is strictly a free church, all are welcome, there being no ownership of pews, and maintains its services by the voluntary subscriptions, and is free from debt.

Its officers at the present time are Calvin Putnam, H. B. Learnard, Charles Newhall, Mr. A. A. Legro and A. S. Kelley, Standing Committee ; VVm. S. Grey, Charles Newhall and John Lummus. Trustees ; P. T. Derby, Treasurer ; Andrew Nichols, Clerk; andWm. S. Grey, Superintendent of the Sunday School.

In Sept., 1 87 1, the late Rev. Albert Gould, pastor of the M. E. Church, Peabody, Mass., with four leading Methodists from Lynn, came to Danvers for the purpose of seeing if it was best to commence services under the auspices of the M. E. Church. The field was well surveyed. The part of the town called Tapleyville was the place where a church was most needed. The first service was held in Lincoln Hall, Tapleyville, Oct. 22, 187 1, Rev. Mr. Gould preaching forenoon and afternoon. In December of this same year, Elias Hodge, a student of Boston University Theological School, became a permanent supply. In z-\pril of the following year a public meeting was called for the purpose of taking into consideration the erection of a new church. A building committee was appointed and subscription papers were at once put into circulation. Gilbert Tapley and his son Augustus headed the list with subscriptions of $2,000 each, and all gave generously and according to their ability. The present location was selected and the land was given by G. A. Tapley. The corner stone was laid July 2, 1872, Bishop Gilbert Haven being present and making an address. The church was completed and dedicated Mar. 27, 1873, Rev. F. H. Newhall, D. D., then of Lynn, preach- ing the dedicatory sermon on " the Christian's Inheritance." The cost of the church building was about $15,000, with all but $6,000 raised at time of dedication. The first superintendent of the Sunday School was Bro. O. D. Ham, and Mrs. Mary A. Cheney was chosen first president of the Ladies' Society.

In April, 1875, Bro. Hodges, having been with the church as pastor three years, the length of pastorate then allowed by the M. E. Church, was succeeded by the late Rev. R. H. Howaril, under whose pastorate the church continued to flourish. Following Bro. Howard in 1877 came Rev. Garrett Beekman, during whose pastorate the debt of $6,000 was paid. Rev. W. J. Hambleton came to this people Apr., 18S0 and remained three years. During h i s pastorate great spiritual prosperity prevailed. Rev. VV. M. Ayres was pastor for the succeeding three years. Peace and harmony prevailed during the pastorate of this saintly brother. Just before the close of Mr. Ayres' last year he was prostrated with nervous exhaustion and has never since been able to resume active service. He still lives among us and his presence is a benediction. The next shepherd appointed to this flock was the late Rev. Charles A. Merrill, whose ministrations to this and all charges he has served were seasons of refreshing from the Lord. The annual conference of 1888 sent Rev. ]. H. Tompson to preside over this peo- pie. It was during this pastorate that the church was remodeled and beautified without a dollar of indebtedness. It is due to Bros. H. J. Call and L. D. Crosby, to record that to them great honor should be given for the consummation of this work. It was during Rev. L.W.Adams' pastorate that, through the efforts of chorister A. W. Howe, a fine pipe organ was purchased and put in place in the church. During the pastorate of Rev. W. F. Lawford, the tWgnty-fifth anniversary of the church was celebrated. Under this brother's pastorate a good work was done. Rev. H. H. Paine came to this church Apr., 1897. xA.lthough Mr. Paine was over this church but one year, during this time plans were consummated for a new parsonage, and the present pastor. Rev. H. B, King, found a new and commodious house ready for his occupancy.

Rev. Harry King

Rev. Harry B. King was born in Norfolk, England. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to London, where Mr. King's younger days were passed. In 1876 he came to this country, shortly after which he was converted. Mr. King lived in Boston for several years. Feeling a call to the ministry, after spending seven years in the following institutions, Kimball Union Academy, Dartmouth College and Boston University, he joined the New England Conference at Worcester, April, 1889. Since that time he has served the follow- ing charges : - Belchertown, St. Luke's, Lynn, Warren, Mittineague and Tapley- V i 1 1 e. He was appointed Apr., 1898, to this last charge. Mr. King was married Jan. 15, 1890 to Miss S. Ella Hendrick of Ch i c o p e e, Mass. They have one d aughter, Mabel E., about eight years of age.

In the summer of 1877, Elder D. VV. C a n r i g h t pitched a large tent on the vacant lot near the corner of Maple and Hobart Sts., and after preaching nearly every evening for three months, on Dec. 11, he organized a church of about sixty members. In the fall of the same year, a -church was built and i t was dedicated in the

Rev. Harry B. King Advent Chapel

The keeping of Saturday as the Sabbath day serves as a n especially distingu i s hing feature of this society, whose memb e r s are earnest, faithful and hopef u 1 people. The organization has done much good in many directions, and although not among the larger societies, it is not without i t s influence i n the morale of t h e town. Special preaching services are held from week to week, conducted by out of town speakers, when leading religious topics are dis- The church building is on the community reenforce the work of the churches and the schools. 'I"he social life here will not tolerate immorality or iniquity in any form. The town regularly declares against license. Moral suasion of first settlement, the intellectual and moral trend, the activity and the pursuits of its people, and all that is in life, in fact, goes to determine what a community is and is to be. The origins of Danvers were and the strong arm of the law join forces to accomplish the best results for society. The churches and the courts are equally active in sustaining the morale of the community.

Conant Street

such as laid broad and deep the foundations for a good community. Nowhere are morality, law and order more respected than in Danvers. The homes of lightful one, and its eligibility in this regard has had much to do with the development of its resources. The sanitary condition of the town is in the highest degree creditable, and as a result the death-rate is low. Taxation is being reduced : the town has telegraph, telephone, and express services ample for all requirements, the lines of transporta*-:..! insuring the lowest rates ; and all these and other advantages combine to make living in Danvers cheaper, better, and more pleasant than in many other places of the same population, while there are generally opportunities for employ m e n t for skilled artisans and day laborers.

Then the town from her favorable situation, her advantageous surroundings, her commercial facilities, her business opportunities, her advantages as a manufacturing and distributing point, her wealth and intelligence, refinement and culture of her people, for public and private enterprises, and the thousand and one things that tend to make a town a desirable place of residence, are attracting the attention of people in other parts of the State, and, as a natural result, capital and business enterprise are coming to the town in considerable measure and helping to raise it to a deserved plane among the manufacturing centres of the State. Danvers has everything to offer that can be desired, whether for private residence or the carrying on of manufacturing and commercial pursuits, parts of the town the residences are conspicuous for their neat and tasty appearance, most of them being surrounded by fine lawns, presenting an air of thrift and comfort. The number of elegant and substantial mansions is surprisingly large for a town of this size, and indicative of wealth, refinement and cultivation of a high order. Aside from these, her rich and picturesqtie s u r - roundings, her fine schools and churches, and, above all, her healthful location, make Danvers a very desirable place for perman e n t homes. Much activity is observable in the building of new residences. The work of the Improvement society in beautifying the t ni and establishing a public park is a u.ciLier of general knowledge and favorable comment.

Climatic And Sanitary Conditions

No consideration is more essential to the continued prosperity and happiness of a community than health. Statistics prove that Danvers is one of the most healthful towns in the state. Its climate is pure and genial, the high temperature of summer being modified by its proximity to the ocean, while in winter the cold is not ordinarily exce ssiv e . The town is subject to no prevailing diseases, is well drained, and its sanitary condition is well regulated by an efficient board of health. In comparison with other towns the per centage of mortality, 15.73 a thousand, is low.

Residence Of James M. George

saved the tax-payer's pocket andjpreserved his health. With the introduction of the water works the necessary sewers followed to improve the sanitary system. A practical, well-built system of catch basins is found in the town. Public improvements and regulations are constantly lowering the mortality.

The latest report shows that the deaths for one year were, females, 107 ; males, 92. Births: females, 76; males 74. There were 74 marriages solemnized.

its character as the basis, the safe, the sure and the indestructible. Time, experience and statistics show conclusively that an investment in real estate is the most profitable known to finance. Real estate grows in value in proportion with the increase of commerce, of education and of manufactures.

Danvers is a town in which her citizens largely own their own homes. The building operations in Danvers during the past two or three years have been a matter of wonder; the large number of substantial and even expensive structures erected

Summer Residence Cf Mrs. Leopold Morse Real Estate And Building

- Ever since the establishment of the earliest American settlement in this country, each succeeding year has more fully demonstrated the fact that it is as much of a characteristic or inborn desire of most Americans to own real estate as it is characteristic of them to be independent, free citizens. " Real estate is the basis of all wealth," still holds good, and never was this so positive as at the present time. Real estate asa commodity for investment has long since conclusively demonstrated during that period, including schools, residences, and the remodeling of the historic Berry Tavern, show an abundant measure of prosperity. There are at present many buildings under course of construction and projected and this fact speaks eloquently for the steady growth and great popularity of Danvers as a place in which to establish a home. There has been no fictitious and unnatural boom in prices of real estate here. \\'hatever increase in values has come, has been because of a legitimate demand for the property. Realty is in demand not only for investment, but for homes for the people who buy. As an investment it is safe and sure, yielding a good percentage on the capital invested. It is a significant fact that outside capital thinks highly of pie who are here to reside, to own their homes and to be useful citizens. Those who own their homes do so from a desire to own and hold property that is constantly increasing in value. Danvers real

Essex Block

Danvers realty as security and that a large percentage of demands for Danvers real estate comes from people who want it for homes. The large amount of money on estate has been a splendid and sure investment and it will continue to be so. The stability of the town's institutions, the class of men interested in it, the absence ly increasing value of realty. No boom in real estate is expected, or desired, in Uanvers. There will continue to be a steady natural demand for property, created by the constant increase in population and the inflow of new residents.

The schools are provided with plenty of books and supplies, and an excellent corps of earnest, well trained teachers who are fully alive to the duties and responsibilities of their positions. 1 1 seems to be the purpose of the citizens of Danvers to cherish their schools, to make them more efficient, and to let no policy of undue retrenchm e n t nullify what has been a c CO mjjlished, for they believe that the brain power,which it is the province of the teacher to impart to the young, is a source of great material prosperity. The general course of study has been broadened and strengthened by the introduction of nature lessons in connection with language and drawing.

Geography, history, music and literature are taught in a simple but systematic manner in all grades from Primary to High school by a proper correlation of these subjects with reading and spelling. Latin and Algebra have been introduced into the Grammar school course. The result has been both a larger number of pupils to graduate from this department and larger classes to enter the High school. The High s c h o o 1 course of study has been extended and streng t h e n e d greatly, especially in classical and scientific lines. A practical laboratory for experimental work in chemistry and physics and electricity has been provided and equipped and has proved of inestimable benefit to the pupils in their studies. The spirit and tone of school life has been risi ing and improving gradually. Three new school buildings, accommodating onethird have recently been built, and another is being constructed. The High school occupies its new quarters in the remod- eled town house. The history of Danvers records no equivalent improvement in the same period as that of the past two or three years. A new feature in school work has been introduced last year. A kindergarten school for children from three and a half to five years was started in the Danversport schoolhouse under the direction of the Danvers Women's Association and continued until the summer vacation. It was again opened i n Septem b e r and continued until Christ m a s, and has this spring been held in the T a p 1 e y schoolhouse. It was frequently visited by the committe e , who were m u c h pleased with the methods adopted in the training of the little folks and were gratified with the results a t - tained. The outlook i s most e n - coura g i n g on account of the interest and ent h u s i a sm manifested by the people, the devotion and hearty co-operation prevailing among the teachers, and the unity and harmony which characterize every effort made to improve the schools and elevate the standards of instruction. Fostered as they are by a generous public, sustained by an enlightened sentiment, and assisted by the stimulating influence of a strong progres-

Holten High Sch Herbert E. Wentworth

Herbert E. Wentworth is a graduate of the Bridgewater High and State Normal schools and has had an experience in grammar school work extending over a period o f s i X t e e n years. He was master of the Pond s c h o o 1 , Brain tree, for four years, afterward a c - cepting the prin c i p a 1- ship of the Falls school, Attleboro. where he remained two years, coming from thence t o Danvers as principal of the Tapley school. His work in connection with the school has been of a high order and has been eminently satisfactory t o the school committe e , and the pupils have been commended for their excellent rendering of vocal music on Memorial Day and other public occasions. Mr. Wentworth has been unusually successful in his objective methods of teaching, and has displayed his ability to analyze, revise and adapt a study to the class he is teaching. He is the author of the text-book " Objective Lessons in English," which he righted and expects to Mr. Wentworth enjoys his scholars and their parents. The Tapley school is sufficient proof of the capability of the teacher, and his efficiency in adapt i n g the course of study to the various classes is the result of sound judgment and the experience gained in many years of grammar school work.

Lewis W. Sanborn

Lewis W. Sanborn, principal of the Danversport grammar school, was born in Unity, N. H., Ian. 20, 1S47. In 1858 he moved to Claremont, N.H., and began his education in the course for college at New Hampshire Conference Seminary and Female College, in Tilton, N. H. While there he was assistant instructor in mathematics. His health became impaired and he was obliged to abandon study for a while, and when he resumed he did so in the role of a teacher, becoming principal of Tubbs Union Academy in Washington, N. H., in 1871. During his college J) r e p a r a t o r y course he taught, during winters, in Acworth, Newport and Claremont, N. H., and one winter in Vermont. He was superintendent of schools in Claremont, N. H., in 187 1 and was re-elected in 1872. He soon resigned years. He is a conscientious and effective teacher, with exceptional abiHty to impart knowledge, and he seldom or never fails to graduate every pupil of his first class directly from his school into the High school. He is a conservative but exceedingly popular man. He has a wife and son.

No community of equal size in New England is more favored in the extent, variety and quality of its retail mercantile establi s h m e n t s than Danvers. Ev- ery branch o f trade is represented by an adequate number of dealers to furnish a salutary amount of competition. This competition is advantageous as a spur to the various merchants, not only to retail goods at favorable figures to the consumers, but as an incentive for the various dealers to outdo their competitors in variety and completeness of the stock of goods carried. It is true that most of the staple goods that can be found in the large trading centres may be found in Danvers stores upon fully as fiivorable terms. There is thus no legitimate excuse for the people to trade out of town. This spirit of patronizing and supporting home merchants finds a ready reciprocity in the tradesmen in the shape of the best in all lines of goods at the narrowest margins consistent with legitimate and reasonable living profits. Thus it happens that there is found in Danvers a class of merchants broad and liberal enough to co-operate for the general betterment of business conditions, a class of citizens wise enough to patronize the home merchants. The many advantages of trading in Danvers are so well known that people come from an ever increasing radius to barter, to sell their products and to buy their supplies. Thus Danvers is the central trading point of a much larger territory than the average town of the same size and i m portance. There is no perceptible reason why this pleasing condition of affairs should not continue, thus giving every assurance of steady, substantial growth and permanent prosperity.

Transportation And Communication

The growth of any community is greatly" enhanced by the extent and liberal character of its transportation facilities. Few towns in the commonwealth are better provided with railroad facilities both for shipping and for passenger traffic than Danvers. The Boston & Maine R. R. affords an easy outlet and inlet to the town, there being nine passenger stations within the town limits. This road gives qdick transportation to the various trade centres toward any point of the compass, twenty-one trains arriving and departing from Danvers daily. The Lynn & Boston

Residence Of L, W. Sanborn

Street railway, recently absorbed by the big syndicate, has an excellently equipped and managed electric road with a half hour service to the principal adjoining cities. The Postal and Western Union telegraph companies and the New England Telephone and Telegraph company maintain offices here and place Danvers in direct communication with the entire world. The American and other express companies are represented and do a general forwarding business.

One object of this work is to bring to the attention of manufacturers and capitalists the many advantages Danvers offers either for the establishment of new industries or the extension of those already in operation in other places. Among the Intel 1 i g e nt and well meaningmanufacturersand merchants of Danvers the spirit of public and commercial progress is strongly developed, and among these that feeling of unity of thought and action so absolutely necessary to individual and collective welfare is most strikingly displayed. These representative men have always been alive to the fact that prosperity based upon commercial interests exclusively must of necessity be e]ihemeral and short-lived. They have actively and practically encouraged the location of manufacturing enterprises of all kinds, and will do so again. Every effort that is consistent with honest, progressive endeavor will be gladly and vigorously made. Let your enterprise be a good one and Danvers people will see that you receive every encouragement to locate here. The men we want to avail themselves of the proffered advantages are those possessing thorough practical and technical knowledge of the business they propose to undertake and sufficient capital to establish and operate such business. To such men Danvers will extend a hearty welcome and they will have no difficulty in securing good factory sites and every facility for this purpose. Nowhere is there combined more of those elements which are so essential to the successful manufacture of goods of a varied character as in Danvers. The great system of the Boston and Maine R. R., converging in all directions, places Danvers in direct touch with the great commercial centres and markets of the country ; this combined with the abundant supply of raw material and the large amount of capital lying ready to be invested in any legitimate enterprise having a reasonable prospect of success, all combine to make Danvers a desirable location for the establishment of industries. The close proximity to the large eastern cities and the lowness of the freight rates bring the cost of production down to the lowest possible figure and provide an excellent market for manufactured goods of every description. Our geographical position, the advantages of a commercial, financial and manufacturing centre already established, and a vast territory to supply, a good supply of skilled labor at very reasonable wages, leave nothing to be desired. Practically every class of goods can be successfully manufactured here to advantage and with a good profit to the manufacturer who does not have to pay an exhorbitant sum annually for freight to far-distant markets. It will be to the advantage of all those seeking a location, whether for business or residential purposes, to come and look the field over and obtain further particulars of what inducements are offered before deciding upon a location. To the man or corporation looking for a new location for business, profession or manufacturing, Danvers presents a pleasing prospect. He sees here a diversity of industries, a variety in manufacturing, that insures progress and prosperity. Then, too, the prospective new comer observes that the manufacturing interests of the town are in the right hands. They are owned and controlled principally by men interested in Danvers. They are interested in it, not only as the location of their business, but as the home of their families, as the centre of their ambitions. The manufacturers of this town are invariably men who have large property interests here and are therefore vitally concerned for the growth and future welfare of this place. This, then, gives Danvers a large advantage over those numerous manufacturing towns where the masters of industries live and are interested in other cities. Danvers, as a community, extends a cordiality of reception to new comers which has been a factor in increasing its growth.

Agriculture would seem to have been the primal industry which occupied Danver's first settlers ; but she unquestionably owes the growth of the past years to the introduction of manufactures. Though there may be prejudices against such branches of industry, and some have regarded manufacture as hostile to agriculture, we are persuaded there is no natural antagonism between the two. The manufacturer and the mechanic must subsist on the products of the soil, and their presence in an agricultural district not only creates a demand for the product of the farmer, but brings the market to his own door. The Danvers farmer, with his broad acres of grass and grain, not only finds a better market for his staples by the increase in population, but can dispose of his vegetables, fruits, and other produce for which there was formerly no local demand. The introduction of the shoe industry has, without doubt, tended towards the weal of the town, and placed it among the coming manufacturing centres. Nor is it strange that a town so well located as Danvers should invite capital to be invested in manufacturing. There are at present shoe, leather, brick, box, rubber and necktie, iron works and machine shops, establishments, numbering in all 105. Market gardening is also an important industry. These industries employ on an average of 1,113 persons, who receive in wages of ^^531,834 annually, an average of $477.84 for each person. The capital invested in manufacturing amounts to $899,105, and the yearly product is $2,619,085. Every business man knows the full value of intelligent, educated, skilled workmen. Nowhere is this phase more propitious than here. The business of the town enjoys a steady growth, speaking well for the prudence and foresight of the capitalists, merchants, manufacturers and investors who are here engaged in mercantile pursuits. It is conceded by all that Danvers, as a manufactur i n g centre, has many great advantages, and her claims in this respect are becoming more fully recognized day by day. Fully alive to the fact that permanency of prosperity of any community lies in the possession of an abundance of manufacturing enterprises, the people of Danvers have of late years encouraged without stint the location here of industrial establishments. Adequate and va]ual)le advantages are afforded for manufactories, transportation facilities are unexcelled, living is cheap, and rents are low. The board of selectmen will be glad to answer inquiries from manufacturers contemplating settling here and every inducement will be afforded.

A leisurely walk through the streets of Danvers can not fail to cause pleasure. There are delightful drives extending in every direction, through some of the most beautiful and historic scenery in the country. Concrete sidewalks on the principal streets and macadamized roads are a feature of the town. The streets are wide, and at night are well lighted by electricity. Maple street is the principal business thoroughfare and there are several streets in the residential portion of the town where have been erected many elegant edifices, the homes of our wellto-do residents.

Electric Light Station

Residents of Danvers, who have for years enjoyed the beauties of the shady walks, elegant residences, and well-kept streets, appreciate to the fullest degree the picturesqueness and beauty of the town.

At the annual town meeting held in March, 1888, a committee consisting of N. L. Turner, T. J. Lynch, F. H. Caskin, S. C. Putnam and George Tapley was appointed to investigate and report on a street lighting system. The subject of electric lighting was carefully considered and the committee recommended that the town expend $15,000 to erect and maintain an electric light plant of its own. The report was received favorably and the sum was appropriated, a committee consisting of N. I^. Turner, J. K. Dale, C. P. Kerans, S. C. Putnam, T. J. Lynch, George Tapley and F. H. Caskin being appointed to expend the appro- ])riation in installing the plant. The arc light system was decided upon and on August 2 a contract was entered into with the Brush Electric Co. for the steam and electric plant, and with W. C. Huff for the erection of the necessary buildings. On

Jan. 2, 1889, the plant was completed and on the same evening seventy-two arc lights were lighted. It soon became apparent that the plant would have to be considerably enlarged and the matter was brought up at each succeeding town meeting, but action was delayed until 1896, when George B. Sears, Esq., T. J. Lynch, C. N. Perley, J. E. Ropes and F. H. Caskin weie appointed a committee to again consider the question, with the result that it was voted to appropriate $11,000 and the same committee was directed to expend same. Dec. 3, 1896, the plant was in operation, but even with these increased facilities the plant was found inadequate for the demands made upon it by reason of the ever increasing popularity of electricity as an illuminant. At a special meeting called in July, 1898, the superintendent asked for an appropriation of $5,500 to again enlarge the plant and it was granted together with $8,500 for arc lamps. On Dec. 14, the new twophase alternater of 2,400 light capacity was started, designed to furnish both light and power. The plant is one of the best equipped in the state and is now self supporting. Danvers was the first town in the state to own its electric lighting plant and the success of the experiment has proven that it was an excellent and renumerative investment for the town. The demand for incandescent lights has far exceeded expectations, and there is now a movement to run the plant continuously for both light and power.

Supt. T. J. Lynch Supt. Timothy J. Lynch

Mr. Lynch was born and reared in Danvers, where he attended the public schools and subsequently entered the stitching room of a shoe shop to learn the business. Later he bought the shoe fitting business of M. Manning which he conducted until it was moved to larger factories when he bought the patent rights of a button hole machine. When the firm of Martin, Clapp & French was formed Mr. Lynch contracted with. them to do their fitting, buying part of the machinery, stock and fittings which he removed to their factory in Tapleyville i n Sept. 1881. The following January the factory was devastated by fire and the business was moved to Lynn. Shortly afterward the general adoption of the Reese machine deteriorated the value of his patents and he retired from the business. Mr. Lynch has taken a deep and lasting interest in municipal affairs and has served on several important committees. I n 1888, he was chairman of the committee appointed to consider the subject of street lighting, and also of the committee appointed to expend $15,000 for an electric light plant. He was appointed superintendent of the electric light plant in 1890, and the same year was granted a patent on an arc lamp hanger which he had invented. Mr. Lynch was also chairman of the committee appointed in 1891 to consider the advisability of enlarging the electric light plant for domestic and commer- cial purposes, and served on the committee of 1896 when the plant was enlarged. He acted as moderator of the special town meeting held in 1896. Mr. Lynch has been identified with various societies of Danvers and has been president of the C T. A. Society ; Chief Ranger, M. C. O. F., and Master Workman A. O. U. W. His services on the various committees, and as superintendent of the town's electric light plant have been eminently satisfactory and his wise counsel and mechanical ability have been beneficial factors in making the electric service a great and lasting success. He is now devoting his entire time to the plant, and is vastly increasing its efficiency.

the department is 89, consisting of one chief, four assistants and 84 call men. The apparatus consists of 5 wagons, 4 reels, i hook and ladder truck, 3 pungs, 5 three gallon and 2 six gallon Babcock extinguishers. The United States Fire Alarm system is in use, and there are about 30 alarm boxes and three or four steam whistles and bells connected with the department. There are 229 fire hydrants and the water supply is more than adequate for all requirements, the high pressure enabling a stream to be thrown with ease over the highest building without the aid of an engine. As a consequence there is not an engine in the department. Factories are supplied with

Central Fire And Police Station

In the efiiciency of the fire department lies a measure of safety for the town and its inhabitants which cannot afford to be overlooked by any municipality conducted upon modern ideas of safety for life and property. From the bucket and axe brigade of the settlers of earlier years to the horse-drawn hose wagons and aerial trucks of the present day is indeed an evolution ; but as evolution in all things finite is an irrefragable law, so in this department of our own municipality has the spirit of progress kept pace with the requirements of the times. The department is under the control of a board consisting of five firewards. The number of firemen in automatic sprinklers and other precautions against fire. The thorough efficiency of this department is a matter for congratulation, and under the present regime a minimum of danger by fire is assured.

At present there is a movement to consolidate the management of the fire, police and electric light departments, with the view of increasing the efficiency and reducing cost of maintenance. The assertion is made that one chief officer and two assistants with a selected force of firemen, and four of their number under fair salary to act as electric linemen and special police, could more effectively and cheaply conduct the three departments than is now done under separate heads. The matter is being considered.

The police force ordinarily consists of five constables, elected yearly, and a chief of police appointed annually by the board of selectmen. This force patrols the business and residential portions of the town and has been effective in protecting the property of citizens and maintaining order. Although the appointments are made upon a yearly basis, some members of the force enjoy a continued incumbency of office not observable under similar conditions in other towns. The latest report shows the number of arrests to be : males, 108 ; females, 12 ; minors, 1 1 . The fines paid at the district court were forty-seven, a ggregating ^578, and at the superior court, one of $50. The aggreg a t e imprisonment was nine years and four months, and one prisoner received a life sentence. There were only four and a half gallons of whiskey and sixty- two bottles of beer seized. The net cost of the force for the year was $2,718.27.

The Water Works Department is under the control of a board of water commissioners consisting of three members, one of whom is elected annually for a term of three years. In 1876 the State Insane Hospital joined with the town of Danvers in the establishment of the present water works, the expense to be borne partly by the State and partly by the town. Middleton and Swan's ponds at Middleton were selected as the source of supply, the water being of an exceptionally high quality. Owing to the elevation at which the Hospital stands, it became necessary to use high-pressure pumps to force the water into the reservoir on the summit of Hathorne hill, in close proximity to the Hospital. A large brick pumping station was erected at Middleton with two powerful engines capable of pumping 2,000,000 gallons of water daily. The state contributed $12,500 towards the expense, erected a reservoir on Hathorne hill with a capacity of 5,000,000 gallons, and agreed to pay the town in addition $1,000 a year for twenty years for its water. This agreement expired in December, 1 896 and has not been renewed, the matter now being in course of adjustment by a commission appointed by the Supreme Court. In 1897 the town erected the reservoir on Wills hill. Middleton, with a capacity of 1,500,000 gallons. This reservoir has proven a great success and has reduced the pressure on the force main from 80 to 60 pounds, which is a distinct advantage, as formerly such a large quantity of water was forced through so small a pipe that the main was necessarily affected by the throbbing of the pumps. Under the new conditions the coal has nearly twelve per cent, higher efficiency and twentyfive per cent, more water than formerly could be pumped in the same time. The latest report of the board of water com- has charge and his thorough knowledge of his business has enabled him to utilize its capacity to the best advantage while reducing the cost of operation to a minimum. Mr. Curtis takes an active part in the affairs of the town where he resides and has acted as moderator of the Middleton town meetings. He was married Nov. 28, 1S78 to Miss Elizabeth F. McEntee of Salem.

David J. Harrigan, Superintendent

David J. Harrigan, for many years superintendent of pipes of the Danvers Water Works, is able and conscientious and thoroughly fitted for the important position. He is in constant supervision of the extensive system, and his complete knowledge and experience make him a valuable officer.

missioners shows that 226,281,176 gallons of water were pumped during the year. There are 44 miles of service piping, and 1,700 families are supplied with water. The town is abundantly supplied with fire hydrants, 229 being distributed within its limits.

James H. Curtis

James H. Curtis, who for the past fifteen years has been the engineer of the Danvers Water Works pumping station at Middleton, was born in Danvers, April 9, 1855, and graduated from the Holten High School. He learned the trade of a machinist and has been employed in that business and engineering all his life. His appointment as engineer of the water works was a fortunate selection of a worthy candidate and his duties have at all times been performed with faithfulness and competency. Fully realizing the importance of his position he has devoted his utmost skill and ability towards the improvement of the plant of which he

Supt. D. J. Harrigan

The first postoffice established in connection with the town of Danvers was at Danversjjort in 1828. Since then postoffices have been opened at Danvers, Tapleyville, Danvers Centre and Asylum Station, making five in all. That at Danvers is the most important in point of business transacted which amounts to about $8,000 annually. Asylum Station comes next with about $700, the other offices returning a somewhat smaller amount. For the past two or three years the question of free delivery has been urged by the citizens, but ineffectually, as it is a rule of the postoffice department that a city or town shall have at least a office. With the free delivery system there would be at least two collections and two deliveries daily in all parts of the town, five carriers being employed. Charles N. Perley, postmaster at Danvers, is using his best endeavors to bring about this very desirable reform in postal regulations and it is hoped that the system of free delivery will soon be an accomplished fact under his able advocacy.

Over a century ago boots and shoes were made to supply the local trade, and were what was called " custom work." At the close of the Revolutionary War, as the country became more extended population of 10,000 or that $10,000 worth of business shall be transacted. Danvers cannot meet the requirements of the department as regards population, but through the efforts of citizens has increased the business in the various offices so that if they were consolidated the returns would be much more than those required to give us a free delivery throughout the corporate limits of the town. The free delivery system has received some opposition from individuals residing in various parts of the town who appear to labor under a misapprehension concerning the benefits to be derived from such a system. At present mail matter must be called for at the postand population more numerous, there sprang up a demand - in the then Southern States - for shoes of northern manufacture. They had previously been supplied by importation. The energy of our citizens soon led them to furnish goods for this market, and the making of boots and shoes soon became the principal industry of the town and gave employment to hundreds of persons. In the United States Census Report of 1810, Danvers is ranked among the towns most extensively engaged in this industry. In explanation of the want of increase and prosperity in this branch of business it may be stated that a large proportion of our manufacturers now have their sales- rooms in Boston, while their goods are made in various towns in New P^ngland. The business would be nearly doubled if it were all brought here. But this would not be regarded as judicious management, since the kinds and styles are so various, and there are so many advantages in bringing similar classes together.

The largest shoe manufacturing firm in town is that of C. C. Farwell & Co. which gives employment to upward of 200 persons, and runs almost the entire year without shutting down. It is an old and important business now conducted by H. G. P'arwell. Other local firms are G. A. Creighton & Son, Eaton & Armit ige and several smaller concerns, in addition to those more fully described in following articles.

bers being men of integrity and honor in every dealing, standing high iii the community. The products of the concern have become standard goods of their grade in the market on account of their excellent finish, durability and attractive appearance. The trade of the firm is derived from nearly every state in the Union and although the factory has a capacity of over one thousand pairs of shoes a day it has frequently been taxed to the utmost to keep pace with the demand and execute the orders promptly. Mr. Clapp came to Danvers when a young man, and has engaged in the shoe business ever since. He is a thoroughly experienced shoe manufacturer, being informed in every detail of the work. Mr. Tapley was

Clapp & Tapley Factory

In 1885 Granville W. Clapp and Walter A. Tapley formed a partnership and began the manufacturing of women's, rriisses' and children's shoes in one of G. A. Tapley's factories at Tapleyville. The mechanical equipments of the establishment are of the most perfect and c^i plete characterpa«d4nclude_all,.tlteniost recent inventions in machinery for securing improved productioris at minimum cost. The machinery is operated by steam-power and over one hundred persons are employed in the various departments of the business. The firm is one of the most reliable in the business, the memborn in Danvers, graduating from the Holten High School and Comer's Business College, Boston. He has engaged in various commercial pursuits both here and in Boston and is a prominent member of the Masonic Order, being a member of Mosaic Lodge and of the Holten Royal Arch Chapter.

This business was established in 1873 by James Tulloch, father of the present proprietor. Upon his death in 1S77 the business was continued by J. W. Tulloch, who has succeeded in developing a trade which extends generally through the south and west, although a considerable business is done in the states of New York and Pennsylvania. The factory is a commodious three-story building, fully equipped with all the latest improved machinery, tools and appliances known to the trade. From forty to fifty skilled operatives are employed who turn out annually 7,500 pairs of shoes. Mr. Tul- 1 o c h manufactures fine machine sewed women's, m i s s e s' children's and little men's shoes, the latter being a specialty with this house. All goods are made up of the best materials, and are unsurpassed i n their respective grades for finish, style, durability and workmanship. They are admirably adapted to the wants of first-class retailers and jobbers, and the large and annually increasing trade of produced. Mr. Tul- Danvers, and upon Holten High School entered his father's shop to learn the of shoein which since conbusiness making he has tinued.

The shoe manufacturing firm o f Donovan & Shea had its inception in 1885, when Daniel J. Donovan and Thomas F. Shea commenced business in a factory on Maple street where they remained until two years ago, when the business had increased so much that they were obliged to seek more commodious premises. The present shop is located on Hobart street and is a three-story frame building well to the trade and well adapted to the requirements of the business. The firm manufacture women's and children's fine and medium grade shoes of which they turn out 2,000 cases annually. Only the best class of stock is used in the manufacture of the goods and fifty skilled shoeworkers are constantly employed. The facilities of the house for the prompt and satisfactory fulfilment of orders are absolutely unsurpassed, and the goods manufactured are suited to the requirements of the Boston and New York markets in which the house enjoys a large and permanent trade, obtained solely on the merits of its output. Mr. Donovan was born in South Boston, Dec. 20, 1861, receiving his education in the public schools of Salem and coming to Danvers in 1880. Mr. Shea is a native of Danvers and was educated in our public schools. Both the partners are expert and thoroughly experienced shoemakers and have been engaged in the shoe business since leaving school. They

Situated northwest of the settled part of the town, and about three miles from its business streets, stands the Danvers Insane Hospital, upon an abrupt eminence known as Hathorne hill. The summit of this hill is 240 feet above the sea level. The building, or group of buildings, is of brick, in Gothic style of architecture, and is an imposing landmark for miles around.

The hospital was built during a period when throughout the country state hospitals for the insane were being constructed massively, and were evidently intended to be imposing in appearance. Attention was given to producing architectural effect, but the time has undoubtedly passed when the State of Massachusetts will ever again build a hospital upon similar lines. The tendency now is to erect a substantial and plain structure for such purposes.

Thomas F. Shea

The hospital buil lings were begun about 1875, and were first re.idy for patients in the spring of 1878. At this time it was predicted by some that the hospital would never be filled, but within a few years, like all the other state hospitals, it became crow.lerl, and since the Danvers hospital was built two other large hospitals for the insane have been built in this state - one at Westboro and the other at Medfield.

The Danvers Insane Hospital has had for its trustees several Danvers citizens. The late Charles P. Preston, for several years chairman of the board, the Hon. Augustus Mudge, the late Edward Hutchinson, and Wm. R. Sullivfin, Esq., who superintendent, the late Dr. Wm. B. Goldsmith, the late Dr. Wm. A. Gorton, more latterly superintendent of the Butler Hospital in Providence, R. L, and Dr. Chas. W. Page, who has recently gone to Middletown, Conn., as the superintendent of the Connecticut Hospital for the insane. The present superintendent is Dr. Arthur H. Harrington. The corps of assistant physicians is Dr. H. H. Colburn, Dr. F. A. Ross, Dr. Wm. L. Worcester, Pathologist, and Dr. Mary Paulsell. The steward of the hospital for nearly ten years has been Mr. John N. Lacey. The hospital has altogether about 125 officers and employees.

Donovan & Shea Factory

has recently completed the seven years term for which he was first appointed, and who has just received a re-appointment to the Board at the hands of his excellency, Roger Wolcott. The present chairman is the Hon. Samuel W. Hopkinson, of Haverhill, who has been officially connected with the institution since its opening. The five remaining members of the present board are Solon Bancroft, Esq., O. F. Rogers, Zina E. Stone, Mrs. Grace A. Oliver and Miss Florence Lyman.

The Danvers hospital has not been behind the most advanced institutions of the kind in the country in providing all practical means possible for intelligent treatment of insanity as a disease. A training school for nurses was established nine years ago. Lecturts are given weekly by the medical staff, and there|are recitations and practical demonstration of all that pertains to nursing the sick, clinical lectures, and from day to day the watchful eyes of the physicians are quick to see the needs of their patients and to direct their nurses how to provide for them.

Mechanical restraint has been used with less and less frequency for some years past, and in its place has arisen a greater amount of individual care. There has been also an almost total abolition of the use of hypnotics and drugs in the treatment of the insane. It is the universal testimony of physicians who have had years of experience with the insane, that there is less violence and excitement observed now than in former years, and this diminution has been attributed to the discontinuance of irritating restraints and depressing drugs. Among the more advanced methods of treating the acute forms of insanity is hydrotherapy. There is no drug that influences the circulation of the blood so effectively as the various

Nichols of Dmvers, daughter of the late Dr. Nichols, giving the town two worthy representatives u"pon the board. Miss Nichols is in every way qualified for the position, and will prove an able and acceptable trustee. She is the newly elected president of the Danvers Women's Association.