Worcester City (part 23 of 58)

He soon made improvements in his mill whereby its product was incre-tsed from one ton of paper per day to two tons. In 1876 he built a substantial stone dam, and two years later erected a new brick mill just below the old one, thereby increasing the product to about six tons of paper per day.

In 1887 he built another large brick mill, near the junction of Phillips' Brook with the Nashua, and the present capacity of the three mills is over twenty tons of hanging, card, coloring and lithographing paperper day.

Quite a village has sprung up around the tsvo older mills. Just across the river are the tracks of Ihe Fitchburg Railroad, and Mr. Wallace has a freight station of his own, where all the raw material is received and the finished product shipped.

The office of the Fitchburg Paper Company is in the Fitchburg Savings Bank block. Mr. Wallace's two sons, Herbert I. and George R. Wallace, are actively associated with him, as is also his brother, William E. Wallace, in the management of the extensive business and attending to the office duties.

The mill of the George W. Wheelwright Paper Company, on Fourth Street, was built in 1864, by George W. Wheelwright & Son, and was for some years known as the Rollstone paper-mill.

The present company was incorporated in 1880 with a capita! of one hundred thousand dollars, and manufactures news, card, book and staining paper. The capacity of the mill is about five tons per day.

The mill of the Falulah Paper Company is located on Scythe-shop road. South Fitchburg. The company consists of Seth L. and Albert N. Lowe. The mill occupies the site of the Richardson scythe-shop, and was built by the Snow Paper Company in 1884. It came into the possession of the Falulah Paper Company in October, 1886.

Iron Industeies. - By far the greater portion of the manu acturing C()mpanies here are engaged in the production of machinery. Though not begun as early as some of the other industries, it has taken deep root here ; and within the last forty years has developed wonderfully.

It will be impossible to enter fully into the history and details of our many machine-shops, steam-engine manufactories, foundries, etc., in this limited sketch, but an attempt will be made in the following pages to give some idea of our great interests in this line of manufacturing.

The founders of the iron business here were two brothers, John and Salmon W. Putnam, who, in 1838 removed their business from Ashburnham to Fitchburg. The firm of J. & S. W. Putnam hired a room, twenty by thirty feet, in the old Burbank Paper Mill, then owned by Alvah Crocker, and began, in a small way, an industry that has since then become so large and important as to give to Fitchburg the name of the " Machine City."

Their business at first was mainly repairing, and furnished employment for themselves only; soon they began to make new machinery for various mills, and were obliged to hire an apprentice, and soon after a journeyman was engaged. The firm then began to make gear-cutting machines after the model of one devised by John Putnam; and this machine is now, nearly a half century later, made by the Putnam Machine Company with very slight change in its mechanism.

Their business rapidly increased, requiring, from time to time, an addition to their floor-room ; and, in 1845, Alvah Crocker erected for them a brick building, one hundred and fifty by forty feet, they occupy-

On the night of December 7, 18-19, this building, as has been before stated, was entirely destroyed by fire, and the machine and chair-malving industries of Fitchburg came very near being snuffed out together in their infancy. The firm of J. & S. W. Putnam lost twelve thousand dollars, the accumulation of over ten years of hard work, and had no insurance ; but two weeks after the fire the brothers were at work again under a temporary covering of boards.

They paid all their debts and the next year the firm made, as it were, a new start in a building erected for them by Mr. Crocker, and now occupied by the Union Machine Company.

The Putnam Machine Company. - In 1854 the firm of J. & S. W. Putnam & Co. was increased by the addition of four new members - Messrs. Charles Burleigh, John Q. and Sylvester C. Wright and Danvers A. Tenney ; and, on August 10, 1854, these eight individuals were organized as a partnership under the name of the Putnam Machine Company. Four years later, in 1858, the company was incorporated as a stock company, with a capital of forty thousand dollars. In 1866 the capital was increased to one hundred and sixty thousand dollars.

In 1865 the company began the manufacture of steam-engines. In that year Charles H. Brown brought out a new engine, which was patented by himself and Charles Barleigh. The patent was assigned to the Putnam Machine Company, and the engine, known .as the " Putnam" Engine, has since been, and still continues to be, manufactured by the company.

In 1866 it became evident that larger accommodations were imperatively needed. Accordingly, the company purchased about twenty-six acres of land, including the Atherton estate in Newton's Lane, and in July, 1866, began the erection of the extensive shops, foundries, etc., now occupied by the company. These buildings were completed during the next two years at a cost of over $200,000, and were admirably arranged for carrying on the company's large business.

The main machine-shop, extending along Putnam Street from Main Street nearly to the tracks of the Fitchburg Railroad is a one-story ]brick building, 625 feet long and 48 feet wide. In it are seven diflerent departments, each being devoted to the manufiicture of special kinds of machinery, but there is no partition throughout its entire length. Along the centre of the shop are thirty-five iron columns which support the main line of shafting, which runs all the machinery in the building. Power is furnished by three large cut-off steam-engines of the company's own manufacture.

shop is the oflice of the company, a handsome brick building of two stories, with a Mansard roof. From the east side of the main shop project five wings, twelve feet square, used as offices for the foremeo of the various departments ; and from the west side extend seven wings, six being 52 by 36 feet, and the seventh 52 by 44 feet, used for the setting up of the machinery made in the seven corresponding departments.

This extensive building is lighted by about three hundred large windows, and there are five hundred gas-burners ready for use when needed. It is heated by over six miles of steam-pipe, and has a floor-room of 37,000 square feet. In a word, the works, which were built from plans designed by 8. W. Putnam, could not have been more conveniently or effectively arranged.

Along the west side of the main shop is a roadway with which each of the seven wings communicates by means of large folding doors, so that heavy machines can easily be loaded upon trucks by powerful cranes.

West of the roadway are located the iron and brass foundries, pattern-shops, store-houses, &c. At the extreme southern end of the main shop is the blacksmith-shop, with its forges and heavy hammers.

At the time of the incorporation of the company Salmon W. Putnam was chosen president and manager, and continued to conduct the large business with great sagacity and ability for nearly fourteen years. His death occurred February 23, 1872, and was deeply felt by the community as well as the company. The senior member, John Putnam, though not active in the management of the affairs of the company, was for many years a director and one of the largest stockholders. He was daily at his place, where he was a most energetic and skillful workman up to the time he retired from business, in 1886. Many improvements in the machinery made by the company are due to his ingenuity and skill. He died July 31, 1888, aged nearly seventy-eight years, and his funeral was attended by the oflicers and employes of the Putnam Machine Company, whose works were closed during the day.

On the death of S. W. Putnam, in 1872, the presidency of the company was offered to John Putnam, but he preferred to continue his work in the field where he had for so many years searched for mechanical secrets rather than to accept an oflice, the duties of which would involve such a radical change, and he used his influence to have the presidential chair of the company given to Charles F. Putnam.

At the present time the management of the business is vested in S. W. Putnam's four sons,^Charles F., Henry O., Salmon W. and George E. Putnam, - and the works are in full and prosperous operation.

Besides steam-engines a very great variety of machines is made by the company, including lathes, drills, bolt-cutters, gear-cutters, planers, car-wheel borers, shafting, water-wheels, wheel-presses, hangers,

To show how far their products go, it may be here stated that the first two machine-shops built in China were entirely furnished with machinery made by the Putnam Machine Company. And it is also worth noting that it was the fortune of this company to make the rock-drills, air-compressors and other machinery which rendered possible the completion of that vast engineering feat, the Hoosac Tunnel.

The Putnam Tool Company, with works on Walnut Street, was established in 1882 with Salmon W.Putnam, president, and George E. Putnam, treasurer, and manufactured railroad and machine tools. March 18, 1886, it was consolidated with the Putnam Machine Company.

At the present time the four Putnam brothers and their mother hold a controlling interest in the company, which is officered as follows : President, Charles F. Putnam ; Vice-president, Salmon W. Putnam ; Treasurer, Henry O. Putnam ; General Superintendent, George E. Putnam.

Each of the seven special departments of manufacture has an able man at its head as foreman. Over five hundred hands are employed, many of whom are skilled workmen who have grown old in the employ of the company.

Tlie Fitchburg Steam- Engine Company. - The business of this company was founded in 1871, under the name of the Haskins Machine Company, and is carried on in a substantial brick building on Water Street, occupying the site of the Heywood chair-shop, burnt in 1870.

John F. Haskins organized this company and went into the building as soon as it was completed, and on April 4, 1872, he gave a grand ball in honor of the dedication of the building to the uses of the Haskins Machine Company. Mr. Haskins was full of fun and frolic and, though now a resident in lands across the ocean, is well remembered by many Fitchburg people.

In 1875 Hale W. Page, Frederick Fosdick and Charles Fosdick purchased the entire concern, together with its good-will, and changed its name to the Fitchburg Steam Engine Company. Mr. Page was president of the company until his death. May 17, 1887, when Frederick Fosdick was chosen to the position. The officers of the company at the present time are : President, Frederick Fosdick ; Superintendent, Charles Fosdick ; Treasurer, William E. Sheldon ; Secretary, William J. Clifford.

This company employs about sixty hands, most of whom are skilled workmen, and manufactures horizontal and vertical automatic cut-ofl' engines, electric light engines, boilers, shafting, hangers, pulleys, etc.

A specialty has been made of the manufacture of the " Fitchburg " steam-engine, the great merits of which have been everywhere acknowledged.

The products of this company, and particularly their engines, have a wide reputation, and are in use all over the United States. A large foreign trade has also been established, which extends to Central and South America and most of the European countries.

Careful personal supervision of, and strict attention to, the details of the business, on the part of the Fosdicks, have brought to the company its present well-deserved prosperity.

Both brothers are active and prominent in public aft'airs, Frederick Fosdick having served as mayor of Fitchburg in 1886-87, and Charles Fosdick as president of the Common Council in 1886.

C. H. Brotvn <t Co. - The founder of this wellknown steam-engine manufacturing firm came to Fitchburg in 1849 ; and to him may be ascribed the establishment of the steam-engine business of Fitchburg, which now forms so great a factor in the manufacturing interests of the city.

Soon after coming here Mr. Brown bought onethird interest in the firm of J. & S. W. Putnam ; and before long he introduced a new feature into the firm's business,--the making of steam-engines, and took entire charge of this department.

In 1855, as before stated, he brought out the " Putnam " engine, which was built under his supervision until 1859, when poor health compelled him to give up active work for a time ; and he soon sold his interest in the Putnam Machine Company.

After four years' rest Mr. Brown again began business, in a small way, in Newton's Lane. It soon began to increase, and in 1866 he hired one-half of the second story of the building occupied by the Fitchburg Machine Works, on Main Street (at that time called Summer Street).

In 1871 he invented a new engine, since well-known as the " Brown " Automatic Cut-off Steam-Eugine. Its great merits and points of superiority over other engines were soon appreciated by the trade, and it was not long before it became evident that better facilities and larger accommodations were necessary in order to supply the demand.

At this time, and for some years previous, the business was carried on under the firm-name of C. H. Brown & Co., Elbridge G. Stanley being Mr. Brown's partner.

In 1873 the firm purchased a large lot at the corner of Main and Willow Streets, and erected thereon a commodious and substantial brick building, which has been occupied by C. H. Brown & Co. since 1875.

exclusively, employing some sixty hands and turning out the engines at the rate of four per month, on the average ; and, as soon as built, these engines are sent to purchasers in various parts of the United States and Canada, and also in many foreign countries.

The Fitchburg Machine Works. - The foundation of the business of this company was laid in 1864, by James L. Chapman, who, in the spring of that year, came to Fitchburg and formed a partnership with Sylvester C. Wright, for the manufacture of machinists' tools. This was in " war times," and machinery was very scarce and hard to obtain. The firm's outfit was quite meagre, consisting of an old chain lathe from the " Stone Mill ; " an old chain planer from a blacksmith and machine-shop in Townsend ; a secondhand Gould shaping-machine bought in Newark, N. J. ; an old pattern-maker's lathe and second-hand engine lathe from a shop in Newton's Lane.

This was all the firm could secure, and, with this collection of machines, they started business in the Atherton building, and began to make their own patterns.

In about a year the firm removed to the corner of Main and Laurel Streets, where I. C. Wright & Co.'s hardware store now is. Here, with more room and improved machinery, they prospered. Hale W. Page and Artemas R. Smith were admitted as partners, and thirty hands were employed.

February 2, 1866, the firm moved to the present location of the Fitchburg Machine Works. The building belonged to Sylvanus Sawyer, and storfd on what was then called Summer Street. At first the firm hired only the easterly half of the building, but soon bought out Mr. Sawyer and occupied all the building, excepting the portion leased to Charles H. Brown.

January 1, 1867, a stock company was organized, including the four members of the firm and Eugene T. and Lowell M. Miles, Augustus Whitman and Jared Whitman, Jr., under the name of the Fitchburg Machine Company, and for ten years the business was carried on by this company.

In 1877 this company was dissolved and a new one organized under the laws of general copartnership. The name adopted for the new company was the Fitchburg Machine Works, and its members were Sylvester C. Wright (superintendent), James L. Chapman (treasurer), Walter Heywood, Harrington Sibley and Joseph S. Wilson.

On the death of Mr. Wright, in December, 1880, Mr. Cliapman became superintendent as well as treasurer, and since then has had entire charge of the business.

This company manufactures all kinds of metalworking machinery, including lathes of different varieties and sizes, iron planers, milling machines, shaping machines, drill presses, etc., and employs some fifty hands.

Their business was started in 1864 in the scythe shop of Abel Simonds at West Fitchburg. Mr. Simonds, who, since 1832, had manufactured scythes and edge tools in West Fitchburg, gave up business in 1864 and leased the shop to the new firm. His long experience had made him well versed in the working of steel, and he seems to have handed his knowledge down to his sons.

The firm started under the name of Simonds Brothers & Co., and was composed of George F. and Alvin A. Simonds and Benjamin Snow, Jr. Machine knives, mower and reaper sections, etc., were manufactured and a prosperous business soon established.

In 1868 the Simonds Manufacturing Company was incorporated with a capital of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and the works were moved from West Fitchburg to their present location. Here the same line of manufacture was continued until 1878, when, on account of a consolidation of the mowingmachine knife and reaper section interests by Western manufacturers, the company sold that department of their business, and began the manufacture of saws by an entirely new method of tempering and straightening. They entered the field in competition with many old established saw manufacturing firms, but the superiority of their product, in every respect, soon enabled them to build up a large business, and that, too, at prices in advance of all competitors.

The ofiicers of the company are: George F. Simonds, president; Daniel Simonds, vice-president and treasurer; Edwin F. Simonds, manager of the Chicago works; John Simonds, manager of the San Francisco works.

The inventive genius of George F. Simonds has brought into the possession of this company many valuable patents covering their processes of manufacture and radical improvements in the adjustment of circular saws, etc.

A speciality is made of the "Simonds" saw,covered by many patents, a circular-saw unequaled in uniformity and quality of temper, and in its adjustment - facts abundantly attested by the wide sale and universally acknowledged superiority of this saw. Various other kinds of saws are also made by the company, such as crescent-ground, cross-cut saws, straightground gang, mill, mulay and drag-saws, band-saws, etc.

The "Simonds" knives, planer knives, etc., and every descrijition of pattern knives are also manufactured by this company and have a very large sale.

The Simonds Rolling-Machine Company. - On Willow Street, close by the Simonds Manufacturing Company's buildings, are the works of the Simonds Rolling-Machine Company.

This is a comparatively new enterprise, and is wholly due to the inventive genius of George F. Simonds, who, early in 1884, had his attention drawn, by an incident, to the possibility of moulding metal articles of circular shape to any given form, while rotating them on their axes between two surfaces moving in opposite directions. Experiments were made with putty balls between wooden surfaces, and so satisfactory were the results that a substantial machine was constructed, which successfully rolled various small articles, such as spheres, small projectiles, machine handles, etc.

The result of this was the incorporation, in November, 1886, of the Simonds Rolling-Machine Company, of Boston, with a capital of fnur hundred thousand dollar^, and George F. Simonds president. This company has purchased all the patents granted to Mr. Simonds in the United States and Canada, relating to the forging of metal articles by rolling.

Patents on this new process of metal-working have been secured throughout the principal countries of the world ; and, early in 1886, the Simonds Steel and Iron Forging Company, Limited, with a capital of £150,000 was organized in London, England, by some of the leading British manufacturers.

The works of the Simonds Rolling-Machine Company, located in this city, are for experimental purposes mainly, and about sixty skilled workmen are engaged in te-iting and developing the capabilities of the machine, which seem to be without limit. The products are turned out with marvellous rapidity, and in accuracy and quality are far superior to those made by any other kuown process.

As an evidence of the importance of this mechanical discovery, it may be stated that at the last annual meeting of the American Institute of Mining Engineers, held in Boston in February, 1888, the members of the Institute came in a body to Fitchburg on February 23d, expressly to witness the work of this machine.

Companies are now being organized to manufacture under these patents in all the large cities of the United States and Canada, and without doubt this process will soon supersede all others in the manufacture of many articles.

The works here are as yet only in embryo, so to speak, and very little manufacturing of products for sale is done. There are, however, a few articles made for sale to a limited extent, such as various kinds of axles, projectiles, machine tool-handles, spindles, etc.

with a capital of $60,000, and at first manufactured machinists' tools. In 1870 the manufacture of hosecarriages and steam fire-engines of the " Jucket " pattern wa^ begun, and continued several years.

In 1876 the company transferred its stock, etc., to Crocker, Burbank & Co., who put in new machinery, and continued to build paper-machinery under the old name of the company.

In 1887 a stock company was formed, with these officers: John Burney, president; Samuel E.Crocker, treasurer; Emmons Crocker, secretary. This company also retained the name of Union Machine Co., and put in new machinery. It ranks to-day among the best establishments of this kind in the country.

Special attention is paid to the manufacture of large Fourdrinier and cylinder paper-machines, and the company also makes rag and Jordan engines, screen-plates, and all other kinds of paper-mill machinery.

Francis Sheldon & Co. carry on business as millwrights, and also manufacture rag-engines, cylinderwas^hers. rag-cutters and dusters for paper-mills.

Ezekiel Davis, who owns the shop formerly operated by Alfred White, in Rockville, makes papef-mill bars and bed-plates and rag-cutter-knives, besides all varieties of machine-knives.

The Rolhtone Machine Company. - This company, whose works are near those of the Union Machine Company, was also incorporated in 1867 and has always made wood-working machinery, and has built up quite a large business. Machines made by this company are in operation in almost all sections of the United States.

In addition to wood-working machinery, this company manufactures the following: The C. F. Smith system of ice-making and refrigerating machines; the E. N. Gates system of hot water heating for dwellings, and the Hodges' Universal Angle Union, for plumbers' use, in connection with steam, water or gas-works.

A. D. Way mouth &Co., who, for the last forty years have made the well-known Waymouth Lathe. Their shop is in Newton Place, and they are the sole manufacturers of A. D. Waymouth's new patent self-adjusting and self-centreing lathe for wood-turning.

Charles W. Wilder makes Wilder's Patent Turning Lathe, which was invented by him, and does all kinds of wood-turning at his shop on Water Street.

C. H. Cowdrey secured improvements on the original Waymouth lathe and makes lathes of his pattern, and also shafting, pulleys, etc., at his shop on Main Street.

Franklin S. Lovell has machine works on Boutelle Street, where he manufactures saw-mill, grist-mill and wood-working machinery. He also makes C. M. Flint's patent saw-mills, as well as gingham machinery, dynamos and various kinds of electrical machinery.

The Burleigh Rock-Drill Company. - Charles Burleigh, the inventor of the rock-drill bearing his name, came to Fitchburg in 1850, and soon bjecame a member of the firm of J. & S. W. Putnam. Later he was prominently identified with the Putnam Machine Company. His death occurred May 28, 1883.

When work was begun on the Hoosac Tunnel all the rock-tunnelling had to be done by hand. It was slow work, and the danger arising from lack of ventilation increased as the work advanced. About 1865 the late Alvah Crocker, it is said, applied to Mr. Burleigh to devise some description of power-drill to complete the tunnel, which at that time it seemed almost an impossibility to finish with the methods then employed.

The result of Mr. Burleigh's study of this difficult problem was the invention by him of the Burleigh Rock-Drill and Patent Air-Compressor, a combination which was cajiable, not only of drilling holes from three-fourths of an inch to five inches in diameter, to a depth of thirty feet, at a rate of from two to ten inches per minute, according to the nature of the rock, but also of thoroughly ventilating the tunnel at the same time, thus obviating this great and fatal source of danger.

These machines have produced a complete revolu tion in the work of rock-tunnelling. By means of them the completion of the Hoosac Tunnel was rendered possible, and since then large use has been made of them, both in this country and abroad. Among the many great engineering feats, where the use of these machines was indispensable, may be mentioned the Sutro Tunnel, Hell Gate, Brooklyn Bridge and several of the great tunnels in Europe.

In 1867 the Burleigh Rock-Drill Company was incorporated, with a capital of $150,000, to make and sell these machines, of which the world is the market.

Boiler Manufacturing. - David M. Dillon, of Fitchburg, was the first person to make boilers of steel, and though laughed at by other boiler-makers for trying such an experiment, the success he has made of it and the wide and constantly increasing sale of his boilers have caused a smile to settle on the genial countenance of Mr. Dillon, showing the truth of the adage, '' He who laughs last, laughs best.''

He started his business in 1870, in a shop at the corner of Main and West Streets. The people in that previously quiet neighborhood strenuously objected to the noise produced. So, after remaining there two years, Mr. Dillon, finding that he needed more room, and being naturally of an accommodating disposition, moved his works to a shop he had built on Crocker Street, where, for the past sixteen years, he has carried on his rapidly increasing business.

Of the several other varieties of iron industries not yet mentioned, we have space to speak of none in detail, except the foundries. A few other iron and steel products made here, that may be mentioned briefly, are files, manufactured by Hon. Eli Culiey, who has carried on this business here since 1868 ; agricultural implements, by R. A. Leonard & Son ; steel horse-collars and boiler-makers' tools, by Alexander Thompson ; pneumatic and hydraulic machines, by the Fitchburg Manufacturing Company ; water-motors, by C. A. Sawyer & Co. ; electric machinery, by Irving W. Colburn ; small tools, models, etc., by C. S. Tolman, H. P. Tyrrell and the Fitchburg Novelty Works ; brass finishing, by A. W. Hubbard ; and keys, etc., by S. W. Galpin. Lack of space forbids further enumeration.

Several residents of Fitchburg, not yet mentioned, have, by their inventions, done much toward the building up of the machinery business here. Among them are the following : Louis D. Bartlett, inventor and perfector of the Bartlett Automatic Cut-off Steam-engine ; Sylvanus Sawyer, inventor of machinery to split rattan into chair cane, and also known for his improvements in rifled cannon projectiles and in the manufacture of jewelers' lathes, etc. ; Horace F. Hodges, inventor of Hodges' Universal Angle Union and other ingenious devices ; and George E. Bowers, inventor of Bowers' dynamos.

Foundries. - Besides those connected with the Putnam Machine Company, there are at present in town four foundries, - three iron and one brass.

The one longest established is now operated by the firm of Heywood, Wilson & Co. It is located at the lower end of Main Street, and has always been known as

The Fitchburg Foundry. - This was established by Asher Green about fifty years ago, and for nearly thirty years was located on Water Street, opposite the site now occupied by the Union Machine Company.

Mr. Green was alone at first but, later, David Ware was in company with him, and, for a time, his son, J. S. Green, was associated with them.

In 1860 Mr. Green retired and sold his interest to Waldo Wallace, and the business was carried on under the name of Wallace, Ware »& Co., until 1864, when Mr. Wallace became sole [iroprietor.

In 1866 George Wheelock and Joseph S. Wilson bought half the interest, and, upon Mr. Wallace's death the same year, Walter Heywood and Harrington Sibley purchased the other half. The business was carried on for about two years under the name of Heywood, Wheelock & Co.

In 1868 the present foundry buildings were erected and the business removed thereto ; and, about the same time, Mr. Wheelock sold his interest to HaleW. Page, and the name of the firm became Heywood, Wilson & Co. Mr. Page left the firm in 1875, and Mr. Heywood died in 1880, and at the present time the business is carried on by Messrs. Wilson & Sibley, who have retained the firm-name of Heywood, AVilson & Co.

The Rolhtone Foundry. - It was established nearly forty years ago by the firm of Davis, Page & Co., consisting of Joel Davis, Hale W. Page and Artemas R. Smith. After a time, Mr. Davis retired, and the firm became Smith, Page & Co., and, still later. Smith & Page.

On July 21, 1870, the fire which destroyed the Heywood chair-shop also entirely ruined this foundry, causing a loss of twelve thousand dollars. A large brick building was immediately erected on the same site, and the business wa« carried on by Smith & Page until Mr. Smith's death, in March, 1875.

In 1875 Lyman H. Goodnow removed from Worcester to Fitchburg and became an equal partner with Mr. Page in the business ; and, in 1877, Mr. Goodnow became, and has since continued to be, the sole proprietor of the Rollstone Foundry. Mr. Goodnow makes a specialty of the manufacture of large flywheels and iron fronts for buildings.

On the night of October 17, 1885, this foundry was again badly damaged by fire, the loss amounting to over fifteen thousand dollars; but the building was soon repaired, and the foundry in operation again.

M. J. Perault's Iron Foundry is on Water Street. The business was started in 1883, by Marshall & Farnsworth, for the manufacture of fine castings.

In July, 1884, Mr. Perault, who had been foreman of the Fitchburg Foundry since 1871, bought the establishment, and has since successfully carried it on.

Brass foundries have been in existence here for over thirty years. In 1858 Messrs. Levi Stevens and George Wheelock had a brass foundry near the Rollstone Foundry. A year or two later the firm dissolved, Mr. Wheelock taking charge of the old foundry and Mr. Stevens starting a new one at the corner of Main and Laurel Streets.

Mr. Hardy was formerly with Mr. Stevens, and later, in company with George Wheelock, succeeded Mr. Stevens in operating the Laurel Street foundry, under the firm-name of W. A. Hardy & Co.

About 1872 Mr. Hardy became sole proprietor, and removed the business to his present location, where he has since successfully conducted it. He makes a specialty of machinery castings, and is the inventor of Hardy's Patent Car Axle Boxes, and enjoys a considerable share of railroad patronage.

A number of manufacturing establishments have been carried on in Fitchburg, which, for various reasons, have been discontinued, or have removed from town. A few of them have been of importance in the business interests of the place in years past, and are worthy of mention in some detail ; and as many of them were engaged in the manufacture of iron and steel products, they come most appropriately under the pre.'^eut head of ir.)n industries.

It was begun in 1796 by John & Joseph Farwell, who had a scythe-shop near the present corner of River and Main Streets. Here they made scythes for a quarter of a century, or so, and the Farwell scythe acquired a considerable reputation.

About 1830 John T. Farwell and Alpheus Kimball started a scythe-factory just below A. Crocker & Co.'s paper-mill, and began to make scythes of the Farwell pattern. Two years later Mr. Farwell left the firm, and the business was carried on by Mr. Kimball, who later took his three sons, Alpheus P., William and John W. Kimball, into partnership, under the firm-name of A. Kimball & Sons. After the death of Alpheus Kimball, about 1860, the business was conducted, from 1860 to 1862, by W. & J. W. Kimball, and after 1862 by William Kimball alone, who sold the shop in December, 1864, to the Fitchburg Paper Company.

Soon after Mr. Farwell dissolved his partnership with Mr. Kimball, he went into company, in 1832, with Abel Simouds, the firm-name being J. T. Farwell & Co.

This firm built a new scythe-factory farther up the river, above the junction of Phillips' Brook and the Nashua. Mr. Farwell retained the right to the Farwell pattern, and the firm manufactured these wellknown scythes for about twenty years. During a portion of this time Leonard C. Sanborn was also a partner.

After Mr. Farwell retired Mr. Simonds continued to make scythes and edge-tools, his son, Joseph F. Simonds, being in company with him part of the time, until 1864, when he gave up business and rented the shop to the new firm of Simonds Bros. & Co.

About 1846 Alpheus P. Kimball, in company with John L. Chandler, built a scythe-factory in South Fitchburg, on what is now Scythe-shop road, on the site of the present mill of the Falulah Paper Company. Here scythe-making was carried on by the firm of A. P. Kimball & Co. for a few years. Mr. Kimball soon sold his interest, and for a time the shop was run by Mr. Chandler, in connection with other partners, under the firm-name of J. L. Chandler &Co.

It is evident from the above brief account that scythe-making was at one time an important industry here. Official stati-tics of 1855 show that during that year there were made in Fitchburg seven thousand nine hundred and twenty-five dozen scythes, valued at sixty-two thousand and seventy-two dollars, and that fifty-eight hands were employed in the three scythe fflctories.

The Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Company. - Among the earliest manufacturers of edgetools in Fitchburg were Albert G. Page and Alfred White. The firm of Page & White began business in Rockville, where the Berwick Mills now stand, about fifty years ago, and was the origin of the above-named company, one of our most valuable manufacturing establishments, now, unfortunately, not numbered among the industrial firms of Fitchburg.

Page & White made edge-tools of various kinds. After a few years Mr. White retired from the firm, and began business for himself in a large sho)> in Rockville, farther up on Phillips' Brook, and built up a prosperous business in the manufacture of engine bars and plates, rag-cutter and trimming-knives, shingle-knives, etc. For a time he was in company with Masa Willis, but during a considerable period was alone. He died September 13, 1885, and the business established by him is now carried on by Ezekiel Davis, formerly of the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Company.

After Mr. White's withdrawal from the firm, Mr. Page formed a partnership with Messrs. F. Stiles and William E. Taylor, under the firm-name of A. G. Page & Company, and continued business at the same shop.

About 1847 this firm was dissolved, and Edward Aldrich became Mr. Page's partner, and the business was carried on by Page & Aldrich until 1852, when a new firm, Page, Whitman & Company, was established, still retaining the old shop. This firm was composed of Mr. Page, Augustus Whitman and Calvin Foster, and made a specialty of the manufacture of socket chisels, planing and paper-knives.

In 1856 this firm was dissolved, and Mr. Whitman and Eugene T. Miles took charge of the establishment under the firm-name of Whitman & Miles. Business prospered, and in 1864 the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Company was incorporated, and the works removed to new and commodious shops in West Fitchburg. A very large and rapidly increasing

The company had a branch establishment in Akron, Ohio, and in 1876 the Whitman & Barnes Manufacturing Company was formed, and the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Company consolidated with it. The works were removed to Akron, and Fitchburg thus lost a valuable and prosperous corporation.

The American Rattan Co. - This comjiany was incorporated in 1852, with a capital of $46,800, and manufactured chair-cane from rattan. Previously, this kind of work had been done by hand, but this company put in the machines which had recently been invented by Sylvanus Sawyer and his brother, Addison, for splitting cane.

For many years the American Rattan Company was one of the most prosperous and profitable manufacturing concerns in the United States. The works were in Newton's Lane.

After twenty-three years of prf sperity, due largely to the able management of Moses Wood, who was president of the company from its incorporation till his death, in 1869, and also its treasurer from 1855, the company was consolidated in 1875 with the Wakefield Rattan Company, of Boston, and in April, 1878, the business was entirely removed from Fitchburg.

Some idea of the importance of this company may be obtained by stating the value of its products in difierent years and noting the remarkable increase.

The loss of this company, and of the Whitman & Miles Manufacturing Company - two of our heaviest and most prosperous concerns - coming, one so soon after the other, increased, in no small degree, the business depression then existing in Fitchburg.

The Buckeye Mowing-Machine Company. - This company began business here about 1864, occupying two large wooden buildings in West Fitchburg, near the junction of Depot road and Westminster river road. In connection with it was the Bay State Horse- Rake Company. Mowing-machines, horse-rakes and laundry-machines were here manufactured and a prosperous business was built up.

In 1865 oflicial statistics show that eight hundred and fifty mowing-machines were made here during that year, valued at one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. The product was greater a few years later.

September 15, 1873, one of the large buildings occupied by this company was destroyed by fire and the other considerably damaged, the loss being fifteen thousand dollars. The works were rebuilt, and in 1876 were purchased by Richard A. Leonard, who continued the manufacture of mowing-machines and also made packing cases there until January 29, 1886, when both buildings were burnt. Soon afterward the mowing-machine business was removed to Worcester, Mr. Leonard continuing the making of pacliing cases and agricultural implements in a new factory opposite the site of the old shops.

Many other industries have been carried on here in the past that are now extinct in Fitchburg. A few of them may be mentioned, as follows : Tanneries were early established here, and the one operated by Caldwell & Sprague a half-century ago nearly, located near the old V. & M. R. R. engine-house, was quite an important concern. Bellows were made here to a considerable extent during the first half of the present century by various individuals, prominent among whom was Dea. Abel Thurston. Hats were also formerly made here. Parts of piano-fortes were made by Hale W. Page ; fan blowers, sewing-machines, etc., by C. P. Marshall ; vises by the New England Vise Co. ; hoop-machines by the American Hoop-Machine Co. Prior to the discovery of petroleum a large number of candles were made here by John P. Sabin. During the war cannon, cannon-balls and bomb-shells were made here to a considerable extent.

The Grain Bilsiness. - Grist and saw-mills were the first concerns in the manufacturing line started in Fitchburg. We have already spoken of the mill built by the Kimballs about 1750, where for many years the grain for miles around was ground.

From about 1800 to 1822 there was a grist-mill run in connection with the Parwell scythe shop, near the corner of the present Main and River Streets.

A little later Sheldon & Pillsbury's grist-mill was built, on the site now occupied by the Star Worsted Company's mill on West Street. In a few years this mill acquired considerable reputation for bolting flour in a superior manner, and grain was brought to it from places quite distant. It was equipped with two runs of stoues, a corn-cracker and flour-bolter, and in 1835, according to Mr. Torrey, the average amount of flour made at this mill was five barrels per day ; and Mr. Torrey was of the opinion that during the year 183G the production would be doubled.

The mill erected about 1836 by Captain Levi Pratt on River Street was, for a time, used by him for the manufacture of powder kegs, but for many years the site has been occupied as a flour and grain-mill. Several parties have carried on this industry there in years past, among them Franklin Mclntire and Ira Carleton and the Fitchburg Flour Company. In 1881 Charles P. Washburn purchased the property; and in 1883 Frederick F. Woodward bought one-half interest, since which time the mill has been successfully operated by the firm of Washburn & Woodward.

In 1884 a store-house, one hundred by thirty feet, was built to accommodate their increasing business. The firm possesses every fiiciiity for carrying on their large wholesale and retail trade in flour, grain, meal,

Let us now return to the Kimball saw and gristmill. On the site occupied by it was built, in 1826, the "Stone Mill," which, for over forty years, was operated as a cotton-mill. In 1868 Joseph Gushing bought the property, and since then the firm of J. Cusliing & Co. has carried on the flour and grain business there. Mr. Cushing's son. Milton M. Gushing, was in partnership with him, but died some years ago.

A very large business is done here, the mill having a grinding capacity of several thousand bushels of corn per day. A track, some six hundred feet long, connects the establishment with the main line of the Fitchburg Railroad. This track was built in 1871, and on September 2d, of that year, the completion of the "Joe Gushing Railroad," as it was called, was the occasion of quite a jollification.

In connection with his mill Mr. Gushing has several large store-houses, and, by a rather singular coincidence, he has, just across the stream, a sawmill and lumber-yard. So the first manufacturing industry in Fitchburg is, at the present time, exactly reproduced on the identical site, though on a vastly greater scale.

The LiTMBER Business. - As before noted, Fitchburg has had saw-mills located on the various streams and brooks within the limits of the town since the earliest period of its history ; and the lumber business has always been an important item in the industries of the place.

It would be useless to try to give, in detail, the history of this business; so we shall content ourselves with simply a brief mention of the more important concerns of this kind that have existed here in the recent past, or are in operation now.

Some twenty years ago the Fitchburg Lumber Company carried on quite an extensive business at their yards on Water Street. The company was incorporated in 1868, with a capital of $200,000, but was not able to go through the financial depression that came a few years later.

Alvah A. Beckwith operated au extensive lumber business, and sash and blind shop on Rollstone Street, over a score of years ago ; and after his death, December 17, 1868, the business was carried on by the Beckwith Lumber Company until 1878, when the properly was leased by Charles A. Priest, who subsequently purchased it.

Mr. Priest was formerly with the Fitchburg Lumber Company, and operated their yard on Water Street after the company gave up business, until he leased the property of the Beckwith Lumber Company. After purchasing it he greatly enlarged the buildings, and established a prosperous business. He died in September, 1887, since which time the concern has been carried on by the C. A. Priest Lumber Company. The plant is now quite exten- sive, and a large business is done in lumber and in the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, stairs and all kinds of builders' finish. A specialty is made of the manufacture of school furniture.

For some years Lorenzo Barker had a lumber-yard and sash and blind factory on North Street. The property afterward came into the hands of Deacon Mial Davis, who greatly increased the facilities for bu.siness, and he now operates it a-i a steam mill, manufacturing doors, sash, blinds and all kinds of house finish. Mr. Davis also deals largely in lumber.

William A. Garno has a steam saw-mill on Lunenburg Street, where a considerable business is done in getting out lumber and making doors, blinds, etc.

Frederick A. Beckwith, son of A. A. Beckwith, has a lumber establishment in Newton Place, and does a large business iu building materials, house finish, etc.

Arthur F. Goodfellow has a genuine old-style saw-mill on Wanoosnac Brook, near the Old Turnpike road, where he turns out a large supply of boards.

Soap and Candle Manufacturing. - This industry dates back to an early period in the history of Fitchburg, for, prior to 1800, there was a soap shop on the site now occupied by Crocker Block, to which tradition says the name "Old Potash'' was applied.

At the present time there is but one soap manufactory in town, - that of Cowdin & Walker. Their business has been long established, having been begun by John P. Sabin over forty years ago. Mr. Sabin was for a time in company with Cahill Tolman and S. H. Evans in the " Old City." The firm carried on the grocery business, and also made soap and candles on a small scale.

Prior to the use of kerosene a large amount of candles was made here. Official statistics show that in 1855 ten tons of tallow candles, twenty-five tons of hard soap and six hundred pounds of soft soap were manufactured here, the aggregate value being eight thousand dollars. In 1865 the production of candles in Fitchburg was only three thousand pounds.

Natt Cowdin became a partner with Mr. Sabin in the soap business about 18(50, the firm name being J. P. Sabin & Co. Some years ago Mr. Sabin retired from the business, and for the past twenty years or so Mr. Cowdin, in company with C. C. Walker, has carried on the concern, the firm name being Cowdin & Walker. A considerable business is done here, chiefly in soft-soap. Mr. Sabin died May 14, 1 885.

In 1859 Charles Davis began the manufacture of soap in a shop on West Street. He soon formed a partnership with George H. Phelps, and in the course of a few years the firm moved into a new shop on Boutelle Street.

About 1871 Mr. Phelps sold his interest to Mr. Davis who then formed a partnership with his brother, Joel Davis, under the firm name of C. Davis & Co. For several years following the firm did not run the shop, but leased it to A. B. Gibbs & Co., and later to James Mitchell. C. Davis & Co. operated the shop from 1875 to 1882, when the business was given up. Charles Davis died October 29, 1885.

The firm of S. M. Brown & Co. had, for several years, a soap shop on Townsend Street near Pearl Street, but about 1881 the firm removed the business to a location near the Westminster depot.

The FiTCHBUEr, Railroad Car Shops. - These are located in what is now called East Fitchburg and are in process of construction at the present time.

The plans prepared provide for six. large buildings. Four of them range side by side, each being one hundred by four hundred and eighty feet, anJ covering about an acre of ground. The one nearest the river is to be the paint shop, the next the passenger car shop, the next the freight car shop and the easterly one the oar repairing shop. Each of these immense buildings will be divided by two fire-proof cross walls into three sections.

Of the two other structures, which run at right angles to the four above-mentioned, one is to be the wood-working shop, sixty by three hundred feet, and the other, parallel with it, is to be the machine shop, sixty by four hundred feet. The wood-working shop will be two stories high and the other five buildings one story. The foundations will be RoUstone graniie and the structures will be built of brick made at the yards of Edwin A. Goodrich, in this city.

The buildings will be substantial, well-proportioned structures and a credit to the Fitchburg Railroad and the city for which the corporation was named.

Brick Manufacturing. - Edwin A. Goodrich owns and operates three brick-yards in Fitchburn- - one on Summer Street, one at South Fitchburg, and the Pound Hill yard, in the northwesterly part of the township. He makes several million bricks annually and has a well-established and prosperous business.

Bakeries. - These have been in existence here for over a century. The first mention of this industry occurs in relation to David Gibson, who, about 1781, built a bake-shop on the site where now stands the house which belonged to the late Ebenezer Torrey, Esq.

For the last sixty years or more there has been a bakery where the steam bakery of H. B. Boutelle now stands, on Circle Street (originally Baker's

Street). For many years this shop was carried on by William M. Pride. It is now under the proprietorship of Henry P. Boutelle, who employs steam-power in the manufacture of bread, crackers, etc., and does a large business, both in this city and in surrounding towns.

Other bakeries in town are operated by James Brock, Horton & Raymond and Phelps & Cooper. Herbert N. Rugg does considerable fancy baking of cake, etc., in connection with the manufacture of confectionery.

Granite Quaeiiying. - Fitchburg, possessing as it does an almost inexhaustible supply of good granite near the city, in the shape of Rollstone Hill, has made the quarrying and working of granite one of her staple industries.

For many years this source of profit and employment was comparatively unused; during the past seventy-five years, however, extensive quarrits have been opened and worked on this hill.

Among the earliest to engage in this business was Samuel A. Wheeler. Fitch Downe, who died recently, was for some years a granite contractor and worker.

For many years Mr. Wheeler did a large and important business in granite. Most of the time he was in company with others. In 1844 Charles Davis was his partner, and the firm furnished the Rollstone granite of which the Fitchburg Railroad Station in Boston is built, beside filling other large contracts. He was also in company with Joel Davis at one time.

Most of the dams and the stone-work of the bridges across the north branch of the Nashua, in Fitchburg, were built by S. A. Wheeler & Co., and still stand as a testimonial to the firm's thorough workmanship.

Wells R. Bardwell is another of the old-time stoneworkers. He was at one time a member of the firm of Childs, Bardwell & Co., granite workers, on West Street.

At the present time the following individuals and firms work quarries on Rollstone : Frederick A. Hale, Sylvester P. Litchfield and F. A. McCauliff & Co. There are also several parties engaged in working granite and as granite contractors, as follows: Henry E. Ames, George Hamilton, Daniel O'Connor, William T. Shattuck and George A. Terrell.

Large amounts of granite are annually taken from Rollstone and used for under-pinning and building purposes, paving blocks, flag and curb-stones, monument'', etc. The quarries are worked nearly all the year.

The firm of Hartwell & Reed, on Main Street, carrier on one of the longest established marble-works in the country. The business was begun by Isaac Hartwell in 1831. Some twenty years later George Reed became his partner. Mr. Hartwell died some years ago, aud the business is now carried on by Mr. Reed and his son, Edward H. Reed, the old firm name being retained.

The FiTCHBURG Gas Company was organized in 1852, with a capital of sixty thousand dollars, and has since coniinued to manufacture gas for the illumination of our streets and dwellings. The company, of which Hon. Rodney Wallace is president, and Henry F. Coggshall treasurer, has gas-works near the railroad, a short distance southeast of the depot, with two gasometers of sixty-five thousand and twenty-eight thousand cubic feet respectively, and maintains about twelve miles of street-mains.

The Wachu.sett Electric Light Company was incorporated in 1883, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, to furnish electricity for lighting purposes. The principal streets in the city are now illuminated by electric lights.

The central station of the company is on Water Street, and is furnished with a two hundred and seventy-five horse-power engine and the usual accompaniments. The capacity is upwards of one hundred and fifty Thompson-Houston arc lights.

Beside street-lights the company furnishes light for many of the stores in town, and, in the near future, proposes to furnish electric power for mechanical purposes. Arthur H. Kimball is superintendent.

There is space to speak of only a few more of the many other industries here that have not yet been mentioned. Though they may seem to be small when compared with some of the great corporations in town, yet they are all of importance to the prosjierity of Fitchburg.

The few we shall mention are the American Pruning Company, the Fitchburg Carbonized Stone and Pipe Company, the Fitchburg Enamel Works, Fitchburg Pipe Covering Company, Fitchburg Spirit-Level Company, J. T. Smith, manufacturer of clothesdryers, towel-racks, etc.; J. Joel and W. J. & F. C. Wheeler, cigar manufacturers; Marshall & Farnsworth, pulley-covering makers ; H. B. Adams, S. G. Gushing and the Novelty Turning Company, manufacturers of all kinds of wood-turning, organ materials, etc.; C. L. Tenney, pattern and model-maker; Jonas Whitney, for about half a century a manufacturer of organ materials; S. N. Weston, reed manufacturer; Cyrus Tolman, maker of emery grinders, saw arbors, etc.; besides numerous carriage-makers, carpenters and building contractors, blacksmiths, etc, etc.

A volume might easily be written on this one subject of the mechanical industries of Fitchburg; but want of space compels the writer to omit much and condense what is written. The intention has bten to treat all fairly, and it is hoped that this result has been accomplished.

Chapter Xliv Commerciai, History

In a sketch limited as this is we can expect to give only the briefest mention of the more important commercial enterprises which make Fitchburg a business centre of considerable note. It is true that the numerous large manufacturing establishments, which have been dwelt upon at some length in a previous chapter, are the mainstay of Fitehburg's prosperity; but her business-houses, banks and various other commercial organizations are also of great importance, though in a somewhat different way.

It seems proper to begin this chapter with a brief account of the railroad corporations, which unquestionably have been the most important factor in developing our natural resources and mechanical and commercial interests. Each one of these corporations is deserving of a more extended notice, but such would be beyond the scope of the present history.

Transportation Facilities. - Fitchburg is an important railroad centre. In a previous chapter the opening of the Filchburg Railroad, in 1845, has been spoken of. It was followed three years later by the Yermont and Massachusetts, and about the same time the Cheshire Railroad was put in operation. A few years later the Fitchburg and Worcester Railroad was constructed, and still later the Boston, Clinton and Fitchburg Railroad commenced operations. Of late years railroad consolidation has been the rule, and the roads centreing in this city are no exception to it.

The Fitchburg and Worcester, and Boston, Clinton and Fitchburg are now divisions of the great system operated by the Old Colony Railroad Company, and give direct communication between this city and Worcester, Boston andall thecitiesof Southern Massachusetts, with close connections for New York City and the South.

The Fitchburg Railroad has grown into the great " Hoosac Tunnel Route," having leased the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad, purchased of the State its great " bore," the Hoosac Tunnel, and railroads this side of and beyond the Tunnel, and now controls and operates about three hundred and fifty miles of road, most of which is double-tracked. This line gives the citizens of Fitchburg quick and direct communication not only with Boston and the central and western parts of Massachusetts, but also with Chicago, St. Louis and all the great Western cities. It forms one of the trunk lines between the West and the seaboard, and offers great to shippers of freight.

The Cheshire Railroad is intact at the present time, though probably, at no distant date, it will be absorbed into the Fitchburg system. This road is operated from Bellows Falls, Vt.,to South Ashburnham, Mass., and reaches Fitchburg over the tracks of the Vermont and Massachusetts Division of the Fitchburg Railroad. In connection with the Central Vermont Railroad, it offers a through line to all points in Vermont and Canada and is the shortest line from Boston to Lake George. Considerable Western freight comes over this road from the Central Vermont and Grand Trunk Railroads.

Over fifty passenger trains arrive daily at the Union Depot in this city, and heavy freight trains are almost constantly passing through, and it must be evident from this account, brief as it is, that the people of Fitchburg have no reason to complain of the facilities afforded them for traveling and transportation.

The Fitchburg Street-Railway Company. - This company was incorporated April 10, 1886, with a capital of $60,000. Work was at once begun, and so rapidly was track-laying prosecuted, that the road began business July 1, 1886, and has proved a paying enterprise and a great convenience to the public. Henry A. Willis, Esq., is president of the corporation. The road is three and a half miles in length, extending from Sanborn Road, in West Fitchburg, through Westminster, River, Main and Summer Streets to the Fitchburg Park, near the Lunenburg line. Extensions have been authorized, and will be made before long, to Waite's Corner, in West Fitchburg, and the city farm in South Fitchburg. The road is well supplied with first-class cars, and upwards of forty good horses are owned by the company.

The Filchburg National Bank. - This is the oldest in town and has previously been spoken of as the Fitchburg Bank, chartered in 1832. It was reorganized in 1865 under the National Banking Act. It has a capital of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars and a surplus of one hundred and forty thousand dollars. The bank began business in a small granite building which, in 1853, was replaced by a brick banking-house, where business was carried on until 1871. In that year the bank removed to its present commodious, and even palatial, quarters in the Fitch, burg Savings Bank Block. Since 1871 the old brick bank building has been used by Crocker, Burbank & Co. as an office.

Hon. Ebenezer Torrey was officially connected with this bank from its commencement - the first twenty-seven years as cashier and after 1860 as president. Francis Perkins was the first president, and served until his death, in 1859. Mr. Torrey was elected his successor and held the office until his death, September 3, 1888. October 22, 1888, Brigham N. Bullock was elected president and H. G. Townend, ca>hier.

Rollstone Bank. It was reorganized into a national bank in 186.5, and has a capital of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars and a surplus of one hundred and forty thousand dollars. Its first banking house was a small granite building, standing on the site now occupied by the present handsome Rollstone Bank block, which was erected in 1869. Since 1869 the bank, in connection with the Worcester North Savings Institution, has occupied well-appointed and commodious banking rooms on the ground floor of this block.

Hon. Moses Wood was the first pre.sident of this bank and served until his death, in 1869. Alvah Crocker was then chosen president and served until January, 1873, wlien Henry A. Willis succeeded him. Mr. Willis still holds this position and has thus been officially connected with this bank for over thirty years, being cashier from 1858 up to tlie time he was chosen president. Wilbur B. Tenney has beeu cashier since 1881.

The Safety Fund National Bank. - This bank was organized April 17,1874. Its capital is $200,000 and surplus $34,500. Business was begun July 1, 1874, in the second story of Bekling & Dickinsons Block, and in March, 1875, was removed to its present location in Crocker Block. This substantial and handsome block was erected by Hon. Alvah Crocker, under an agreement for a twenty years' lease of the banking rooms to the Safety Fund National Bank.

The first president was Henry Allison, and the first cashier Frederick F. Woodward. In 1883 Mr. Woodward went into the grain business, and resigned his position as cashier. He was succeeded by George K. Tapley, who held the position until his removal to Springfield, early in 1888, to engage in other business. Joel G. Tyler, who has been identified with this bank, as book-keeper, since September, 1882, was appointed acting cashier until April 30, 1888, when the present cashier, Walter S. Jenks, was elected.

Mr. Allison has held the position of president up to the present date. Previous to the organization of this bank he was connected with the Fitchburg National Bank for some ten years, and has, therefore, had an experience of twenty-five years in banking.

The Wachmett National Bank. - This bank was incorporated May 20, 1875, chiefly through the efforts of Hiram A. Blood. Its capital at the start was $500,000, but was subsequently reduced one-half, leaving its present capital $250,000 and a surplus fund of $250,000. Business was begun June 1, 1875, in the rooms lately vacated by the Safety Fund Bank in Belding & Dickinson's Block. January 1, 1876, the business was removed to their present bankingrooms in the new Wachusett Bank block, at the corner of Main and Day Streets.

The Fiichbxirg Savings Bank. - This is by far the oldest savings bank in town, and was incorporated February 12, 184G, and went into operation on the 3d of the following June. Its business was done in the Fitchburg Bank building until 1871. In that year the Savings Bank erected the Fitchburg Savings building, the largest and most costly business block in the city. The Savings Bank has since then occupied spacious apartments on the same floor with and adjoining those of the Fitchburg National Bank.

Its first officers were Francis Perkins, president, and Ebenezer Torrey, treasurer, the same officers as the Fitchburg Bank had. At the present time Hon. Thornton K. Ware is president, Charles J. Billings, treasurerand Andrew Jewett, assistant treasurer. Deposits, October 31, 1888, $2,372,453.45. Number of depositors, 5888.

Worcester North Savings Institution. - This bank was incorporated May 26, 1868 ; organized June 13, 1868; began business July 6, 1868. Hob. Moses Wood was its first president and Henry A. Willis, first treasurer. Its banking-rooms are in the Rollstone National Bank building, in connection with the Rollstone National Bank. Since Mr. Wood's death Augustus Whitman, Benjamin Snow and Lowell M. Miles have served in the office of president. Mr. Miles resigned in 1886, and Hon. Amasa Norcross was elected to the office, and holds it at present. Henry A. Willis is still the treasurer, and Benjamin F. Wallis is assistant treasurer. Deposits, July 1, 1888, $2,593,309.15. Number of depositors, 6795.

The Fitchburg Co-operative Bank. - This .savings institution was incorporated October 27, 1877, as " The Fitchburg Co-operative Saving Fund and Loan Association,'' but July 1, 1883, this name was changed, by legislative enactment, to the simpler one given above.

There is not space to give in detail the method of conducting business in this institution, but it is certain that its good influence has been very marked, for many persons have been induced by it to begin the saving of money in a small way. It has tended to encourage industry, economy and thrift, and well deserves the prosperity it has had in the last ten years.

Dr. Jabez Fisher has been its president from the beginning. George E. Clifford was treasurer during the first four years of its existence, and was succeeded by Charles F. Baker, who has since held the position. Joseph F. Simonds has acted as secretary during the life of the bank. His oflice is in a room of the Rollstone Bank building, and monthly meetings of the shareholders are held there for the transaction of business. '

The Fidelity Co-operative Bank. - Early in the year 1888 the idea of starting a second co-operative bank in town took shape, and April 23, 1888, the Fidelity Co-operative Bank was organized. At that time George E. Clifford was chosen president and Frank

D. Page treasurer. The bank started with one hundred and forty-nine charter members and one thousand seven hundred shares subscribed for. It has a room for meetings and the transaction of business in Croclcer block, and is a thriving institution.

The Ftichburg Post-Office. - The Filchburg postoffice was established July 1, 1811, and on that date the first poi^tmaster, Jacob Willard, was appointed. He was succeeded January 1, 1813, by Calvin Willard, who seems to have held the position until November 7, 1825, when' David Brigham was appointed.

In those early days the post-office was kept in private dwellings. In 1827, when Mr. Brigham was postmaster, the office was in the "Abram Dole house " for a time, and soon afterward was removed to a dwelling-house, further down what is now Main Street. This house now stands in Wesleyan Place, in the rear of the. old Methodist Church, and a trace of its former use can now be found in the letter drop, in what was once the post-office room. A wheel about two feet in diameter, provided with alphabetical divisions for holding letters, was all the equipment used.

The next postmaster was Mark Miller, appointed by President Jackson, October 9, 1834. He removed the office to his book-store and printing-office, opposite the tavern, which occupied the site of the present Fitchburg Hotel. Mr. Miller soon resigned his position, and left town.

January 21, 1835, Nathaniel AVood was appointed, and held the position upwards of sixteen years. During his service the post-office wa.s twice moved - in 1835 to a building nearly opposite the present Sentinel office, and about 1846 to Shepley's bookstore, in the Torrey & Wood block. Call-boxes were first used in the early part of Mr. Wood's service.

May 3, 1851, Goldsmith F. Bailey, Mr. Wood's law partner, was appointed, and held the position two years. He retained the same location as his predecessor, and Mr. Shepley was his assistant.

May 4, 1853, President Pierce appointed John Todd postmaster. The office was soon after removed to much better quarters in the new town-hall building. Mr. Todd's assistant was Charles G. Giles. On account of his removal to New York, Mr. Todd resigned, and January 21, 1857, Joseph W. Mansur was appointed postmaster by President Buchanan. He was re-appointed February 21, 1861, but soon after was removed by President Lincoln. Mr. Giles remained his assistant for a while and was succeeded by Henry Allison.

who appointed Colonel George E. Goodrich to the position October 16, 1866. Colonel Goodrich was reappointed March 3, 1871, and February 24, 1875. His assistants were Alfred A. Marshall and Charles E. Wallace.

November 18, 1872, the post-office was removed to its present location in John M. Carpenter's building at the corner of Main and Church Streets. It was formerly the "Trinitarian Church," but was purchased by Mr. Carpenter in 1871 and entirely remodeled for the use of the post-office.

February 10, 1879, President Hayes appointed General John W. Kimball postmaster and he was reappointed February 7, 1883. He retained Mr. Wallace as his assistant through his eight years of service.

In 1882 extensive alterations were made whereby much-needed space was added to the post-office accommodations. During the repairs the office was removed to a store in Spaulding's Block, corner of Main and Grove Streets.

In November, 1884, the free delivery service was begun with five carriers. Many of the call boxes, which were no longer needed, were removed, thus giving more room for the business of the office.

The present postmaster, Frederick A. Currier, was appointed February 22, 1887, after a spirited but good-natured contest by four candidates. Mr. Currier retained Charles E. Wallace as assistant postmaster and nearly all the clerks and letter-carriers. An additional carrier was appointed September 1, 1887, and two more August 1, 1888, making eight carriers employed at the present time.

The business of the Fitchburg Post-office is shown by the following items from the returns of the office for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1888, which were kindly furnished the writer by Mr. Currier: $24,914.19 received from sale of stamps, postal cards and stamped envelopes; gross receipts from all sources $26,222.5U; 15,886 money orders and postal notes issued or paid, amounting to $102,625.29; 6761 registered letters or packages handled; 1,917,045 pieces handled by the carriers; 3716 letters advertised; 938 special delivery letters delivered, and 716 special delivery stamps sold.

The Fitchbtjkg Board of Trade. - This is the older of the two mercantile organizations in the city, and was formed in May, 1874. In 1876 the Board of Trade moved into its present rooms in the Post-office building.

ganizations, and its membership includes about every uierchunt in town. It was organized March 24, 1886, and Daniel Cross, the senior merchant in business here, was its tirst president. Regular monthly meetings are held. John F. Bruce is now its president.

Telephone Exchange. - The FitchV.urg Exchange of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co. has been established nearly ten years. The use of the telephone was introduced here by Eliot L. Caldwell, who was manager of the Exchange, 1880-82. The central office is now at 162 Main Street, and F. E. Bowker is manager. This Exchange includes, besides Fitchburg, the towns of Leominster, Ashby, Lunenburg and Townsend, and there are some three hundred subscribers.

The Fitchburg Mutual Fire Insurance Company. - This company was incorporated March 22, 1847, organized June 29th, and began busines's September 1st of the same year. Its first president was Hon. Nathaniel Wood, who held the position during the next twenty-six years, and was also its treasurer for twenty-four years.

For nearly twenty-five years the company's office was in the Torrey & Wood block ; but soon after the completion of the Fitchburg Savings Bank block, the office was removed to the fine suite of rooms at present occupied by the company in that building. Hon. Amasa Norcross is now president, and Edward P. Downe, secretary.

The Massachusetts Mutual Aid Society. - This is strictly a Fitchburg institution, as far as its officers and management are concerned, though its certificates are now spread over a wide extent. It was among the first mutual benefit societies started in this State, and was incorporated February 17, 1879; and its tirst certificate was issued March 26, 1879. It is a purely mutual association. It has an emergency fund of over $5,000, over 2,500 outstanding certificates in force, representing nearly $5,000,000 of insurance, and has paid about $200,000 on account of death claims. Its membership has grown steadily, and the society has a high standing in insui'ance circles. From the first, it has been managed by prominent business men in this city. Henry A. Willis, its first president, served five years. He was succeeded by Henry F. Coggshall, who served three years. Henry A. Goodrich succeeded him and still holds the office. Festus C. Currier has held the office of secretary since the society was incorporated, and his efficient work has contributed greatly to its prosperity.

The United States Masonic Accident Association. - This association, incorporated September 1, 1887, insures only Masons between twenty-one and sixty years of age. Its membership, at the present time, is about five hundred. Hon. Eli Culley is president; General John W. Kimball, vice-president; Charles S. Perry, secretary, and Joel G. Tyler, treasurer.

was recently started in town by Mr. A. O. Hall, who secured rooms in Wixon's block for the purpose. The present regular college year began September 4, 1888 with a good attendance. Instruction is given by Mr. Hall and competent assistants in book-keeping, banking, commercial law, short-hand, type-writing, telegraphy, &c., and the college has already made a very prosperous start.

The foregoing comprise the most important financial and commercial institutions and organizations at present existing in the city, and are all that we have space to mention in this chapter.

We will now briefly take up the business houses in the most important lines of trade in Fitchburg. It is, of course, not expected that a complete directory of all who are engaged in the different branches of trade will be given in the succeeding pages, but only a brief account of the business houses that have, for a considerable length of time, been identified with the commercial interests of the town and city.

Gentlemen's Furnishings. - We will begin with this line of trade because one of its representative^, Daniel Cross, is, as has been before stated, the senior merchant in active business in Fitchburg. Mr. Cross was born in Swanzey, N. H., and came to Fitchburg in 1833, when about twenty years of age. He established his business as a merchant tailor, in a small building where the City Hall now stands. At that time the only merchants in business here were Kimball & Farwell, dry goods and groceries, in the lower story of the present Sentinel building; E. F. Bunnell, dry goods, on the corner of what are now Main and Central Streets; and Silas H. Goodnow, who had a jewelry store in the same building with Mr. Bunnell.

In 1834 Mr. Cross removed to rooms over the store of Kimball & Farwell, where he remained eight years. He then moved into Heywood & Comee's Block, across the street, and was in the store now occupied by John F. Bruce & Co. until about 1876, when he took possession of his present commodious store in the Stiles Block.

Mr. Cross bears his years remarkably well, and is still as active as ever. He was the first president of the Merchants' Association, and in January, 1888, the Association tendered him a complimentary dinner.

Henry A. Goodrich, senior member of the firm of H. A. Goodrich & Co., ranks next in this line. A sketch of Mr. Goodrich appears iu another portion of this volume. Mr. W. L. Humes is now the junior partner.

Three merchants, now in the same line of business in Fitchburg, received their training as salesmen in Mr. Goodrich's store, viz.: E. H. Spencer, A. J. Litchfield and Elijah Stebbins, Jr. ; and not a few of his former salesmen have made names for themselves in other cities, notably E. B. Sears, now in the fur business on Summer Street, Boston ; Robert Brooks, head salesman with Max Stadler & Co., New York ;

The other leading dealers in gentlemen's furnishings in town, in the order of their establishment, are E. H. Spencer, Farnsworth Brothers, Albee & Lyons, Edward Connor, Litchfield & Stebbins, U. E. Cleveland, the Globe Clothing Store, H. E. Goodere and H. F. Leonard.

DRY-GooDS.-James F. Stiles isnow the senior merchant in active business in this branch. He was born in Cavendish, Vt., and came to Fitchburg in March, 1841. After spending three years in the employ of Thomas C. Caldwell, the grocer, he went into the dry-goods business for himself For the first two years he occupied the store in the Torrey & Wood block, where R. R. Conn's jewelry-store now is ; he then removed a little farther up street, to what is now Warren Upton's market, and soon afterward moved across the street to the store next to the Sentinel buildiug and under the Calvinistic Congregational Church. Here he remained ten years, when he removed to Central block, where he had his store until January 1, 1876, when he moved into his present well-appointed and commodious store in the Stiles block, which he built the year previous.

Leander Sprague ranks next to Mr. Stiles. For a , few years he was in partnership with Mr. Stiles, under the firm-name of J. F. Stiles & Co. About 1852 the firm of L. Sprague & Co. was formed, consisting of Mr. Sprague and Timothy S.Wilson. The firm occupied a store in the Heywood & Comee block, and their business has been carried on there since. Mr. Wilson retired from the firm some years later, and for the last twenty years and more the firm has consisted of Mr. Sprague and Mr. Francis H. Colburn. In addition to dry-goods, this firm has, from the beginning, dealt largely in carpets, crockery &c.

Andrew B. Sherman started in the dry-goods business here in 1855. A sketch of Mr. Sherman is given elsewhere, to which the reader is referred.

The "'L. J. Brown Store," latterly the leading drygoods house in Fitchburg, was established by Luther J.Brown. For an account of it under his management the reader is referred to a sketch of Mr. Brown in another portion of this volume.

Since October 1, 1884, it has been managed by Frank I. Nichols and William A. Frost, under the firm- name of Nichols & Frost. This firm now owns the whole establishment, and carries on a very large and prosperous business.

Among the leading dry-goods stores, which have been more recently established in town, may be meutioned those of L. U. Hammond, E. G. Stowe, Girard & Irish, E. J. Moore & Co., the Boston Dry-Goods Store (E. E. Staples), Chamberlain, Huntress & Co., the Northern Supply Company, and J. L. Clark, in the city proper, and H. J. Lacey, G. A. Whitney and M. A. Shea & Co., in West Fitchburg. Groceries. - The oldest store in the city at this time is ihat occupying the first story of the Sentinel building, and, as far as the writer can learn, it has always been occupied as a grocery store. For some years previous to 1835, Kimball & Farwell had a grocery and dry-goods store there. In April, 1835, David F. Mclntire and Thomas C. Caldwell took the business, and the latter continued there until October, 1884, - a half-century, lacking six months. He then sold out to Warren S. Harris, and removed to Dorchester, where he still resides, though his familiar face is frequently seen in Fitchburg. Mr. Harris kept the store until the spring of 1888, when he disposed of it, W. M. Gray, of Gardner, being the purchaser. The passer-by now sees on the building a brilliant sign, recently put up, bearing this inscription :

The grocery business now conducted by S. D. Baldwin, under the Calvinistic Church, has been long in existence, having been established, in 1837, by his father, Joseph Baldwin, one of the old-time grocers, who died a few years ago.

The store of H. J. Lacey (who deals in groceries as well as dry-goods) in West Fitchburg, known as the " Old Baldwin Store," has also been long established.

The oldest established groceryman still in active business here is Mr. Henry A. Hatch, who began business in 1844, in the old RoUstone block, occupying that portion which is now George H. Chapman's shoe-store. In 1870 he built Hatch's block, at the corner of Main and Prichard Streets, where his business has since been carried on. For some years past, Perley Holmes has been in partnership with Mr. Hatch, under the firm-name of H. A. Hatch & Co., but in the spring of 1888 the partnership was dissolved, though Mr. Holmes still remains in the store.

Meats and Provisions. - There are at the present time thirty meat and provision markets in Fitchburg. William C. Emory is the senior in this line, having been in the business here upwards of thirty years. Lowe Brothers & Co., however, represent the oldest established business. This firm and the branch house of Armour & Co. are wholesale dealers. Among other jjrovision dealers who have been established in business here for a considerable number of years may be mentioned H. W. Emery, G. H. Ran-

Hardware. - The hardware firm of Wright, Kendall & Co. was formed about 1857, and consisted of Isaac C. Wright, L. J. Kendall and J. H. Fairbanks. Mr. Wright is still in the same business and at the head of the large hardware firm of I. C Wright & Co., the other members of the firm being M. B. Damon and R. D. Gould.

George B. Knowlton was for some time in the hardware store of Waldo Wallace, but for upwards of twenty years has been in business for himself, and for some years past has carried on a large hardware business in one of the fine stores in tbe Fitchburg Savings Bank Block. The other important bouses in this line in town are those of A. B. Lawrence & Co., and Baker Brothers & Co.

For some thirty-five years or more, Lyman Patch has manufactured tinware and dealt in stoves at bis present store in the old Town & Piper Block.

Tbe foregoing comprise some of the more important and most numerously represented commercial interests of Fitchburg, and we will close this chapter with a mere mention of a few of the longest established housesinsomeof the lines of business not yet alluded to.

J. F. D. Garfield is the senior in tbe coal business, having begun it in April, 1864. Two years later tbe firm of Garfield & Proctor was formed. Recently the Garfield & Proctor Coal Company was incorporated and continues to carry on business at the old stand. Of tbe other eight coal dealers now in town A. R. Ordway and G. E. Waite & Co. have been the longest established.

Among tbe booksellers and stationers Baker Brothers represent tbe longest established business - that of Stephen & Charles Shepley, founded in 1845. J. E. Thompson is the leading one among the other seven dealers in stationery, etc.

Of the twelve druggists in town Colonel H. G. Greene and W. A. Macurda have been the longest established - both having begun business for themselves in 1868. The " Old City " drug store, of which Colonel Greene is proprietor, and the " J. B. Lane '' drug store, of which W. D. Curtis is now proprietor, are the two oldest in town. H. F. Rockwell, A. H. Burgess and H. A. Estabrook may be mentioned as having been in this line for some years.

J. C. Moulton is the oldest established photographer in the city, having l)een in business here since 1848. Kimball Brothers have been in this line for some years, and E. E. Howard has been more recently located here.

R. R. Conn, watch-maker and jeweler, is the oldest in his line, having begun business here in 1855. James H. Fairbanks, Oran S. Rice and L. N. Wilbur have been the longest established of the other seven jewelers in town.

George H. Chapman is the senior in the boot and shoe trade in Fitchburg, and Horace Hayward, who is in his employ, has probably been connected with this line of business longer than any other person in town.

The following are also seniors in their respective lines of business : J. Gushing & Co., flour and grain ; S. A. Childs, real estate; Charles Mason, insurance; George Reed, marble-work ; F. A. Beckwith, lumber; George Robbins, plumbing ; J. E. Grant, mason ; Silas Whitney, jobber.

Doubtless some individuals and firms have been omitted in tbe foregoing who deserve mention ; but it must be borne in mind that it is impossible, in the space allotted to this department, to speak of all. The writer has endeavored to use his best judgment in selecting and to be impartial, and to give to readers of this work, outside of Fitchburg, a fair representation of the com - mercial interests of the city.

Chapter Xlv Hotels, Public Buildings And Business Blocks

There are at present ten hotels in Fitchburg, and two of them - the Fitchburg Hotel and American House - occupy the sites of early taverns. Over a century ago, Cowdin's tavern stood where the American House now is. The Fitchburg Hotel site has not been so long occupied for this purpose, but there has been a public-house there since early in the present century.

The American House was built in 1845 by David Boutelle and the easterly wing was erected in 1856. The property has passed through the bands of several individuals since then. Geo. H. Cole & Son conduct the business at present.

The Fitchburg Hotel was built about 1850 by the Fitchburg Hotel Company, of which Colonel Ivers Phillips was president. Dana L. Fuller now owns the hotel property and F. W. .ludkins is tbe proprietor.

The location of the present National House is a comparatively old tavern site. The base of one of the original granite pillars in front bears the date 1831, in which year the house was erected. In those days it was known as the " upper tavern," while the house where the Fitchburg Hotel now is was called the "lower tavern." For some years the "upper tavern" had the name of Washington Hotel, and Daniel Moulton was proprietor. After a time the name was changed to Rollstone House, and within a few years another change has been made, and it is now the National House. P. J. Kehoe is the present proprietor.

The remaining hotels are of much more recent origin and are as follows : Citizens' House, Derby House, Driiry House, Emory House, Hotel Westmoreland, Manchester House and Old Colony House,

Of most of the public buildings in the city more or less mention has already been made in preceding portions of this sketch. Only a brief summary of them will therefore be given in this chapter.

The finest and in every sense the most valuable public edifice in the city is the Wallace Library and Art Building, Hon. Rodney Wallace's gift to Fitchburg. It has been fully described in the section on " Libraries." It is located on Main Street nearly opposite Monument Park - one of the best situations in town - and is easily accessible to citizens in all parts of the city.

Plainly visible from the front windows of the library is the County Court House, a granite building of noble proportions standing in the rear of Monument Park. It was built in 1871 at a cost of about one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars.

In the vicinity of these two fine buildings is the post-ofiice, on Main Street, a neat brick edifice. The post-office and a small news-room occupy the lower floor, and in the upper portion of the building are the rooms of the Board of Trade and the Park Club, and also several offices.

A little farther up Main Street is the City Hall building, standing on the south side of the street. It is a large brick structure erected in 1852, the entire upper story of which is devoted to a hall - the largest in the city - while on the first floor are the various city offices. A police station occupies part of the basement.

On the north side of Main Street, near Prichard Street, is Whitney's Opera House building, which contains the only theatre in town. Andrew Whitney built and owns this block. The lower story is devoted to stores and the theatre occupies the upper portion. The auditorium has a seating capacity of about one thousand. This theatre was first opened to the public October 20, 1881, and has enjoyed a good patronage since.

Among other public buildings mention may be made of the fine Union Passenger Station, the High School building, on High Street, the County Jail, a handsome and substantial brick structure, in South

Fitchburg, and the Almshouse, also in South Fitchburg, a pleasantly located and well-conducted public charitable institution maintained there since 1828.

Most of the business blocks have been spoken of in the early part of this sketch. By far the handsomest and most costly building in town is the Fitchburg Savings Bank block, which was built in 1870-71 by the Fitchburg Savings Bank. It is situated on Main Street, nearly opposite the City Hall building, and has a frontage on the street of one hundred and eight feet. The front is built of Fitzwilliam granite and is four stories high. The ground floor is divided into four stores, as commodious and well-appointed as any in Worcester County. On the second floor, which is reached by a wide entrance and stairway in the centre of the block, are the banking rooms of the Fitchburg National and Fitchburg Savings Banks, the office of the Fitchburg Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and several law-offices. The two upper stories are occupied by the Masonic organizations in town. Their lodge-room and apartments are among the finest in the State.

The Rollstone National Bank building is a fine brick and freestone structure, four stories high, on Main Street, near the railroad station. On the ground floor are the banking-rooms of the Rollstone National Bank, and the Worcester North Savings Institution, and the large dry-goods store of A. B. Sherman. In the upper portion, the Odd Fellows and Grand Army Post have commodious lodge-rooms and apartments.

There are many other business blocks in town, among which may be mentioned Central, Goodrich, L. J. Brown, Belding's, Crocker, Hatch's, Wachusett Bank, Opera House, Stiles', Torrey & Wood, Wixon's, Union, Cushing's, Coggshall & Carpenter's and Dickinson's blocks.

Chapter Xlvi City Departments

In this chapter will be given a short account of the various departments maintained by the city for the benefit and protection of the citizens.

Fitchburg Water- Works. - The Water Department dates back to the year 1870, when the first Board of Water Commissioners was appointed. Previous to this time the people had obtained water from wells or springs, and the only public action of the town had been to establish the town pump, sundry reservoirs for use at fires and to authorize the establishment of two public watering troughs, which, however, were not erected for some years.

During the six years preceding 1870, the subject of furnishing the town with an abundant supply of pure water was pretty thoroughly discussed. April 11, 1864, the town appointed Alvah Crocker, Lucius Aldrich, Alpheus P. Kimball, Charles Burleigh and James B. Lane a committee to ascertain " the best method of furnishing its more elevated streets with a proper supply ot water in case of fires, and hydrants to conduct and distribute the same."

Nothing was heard from this committee until the annual town-meeting, April 9, 1866, when a report was made to the effect that they had secured an act of incorporation, and purchased land covering the necessary sites for dams, etc. This land comprised about one hundred and seventy-five acres in the vicinity of Scott, Shattuck and Falulah Brooks, and the price paid for it by the committee was $6612.70. The report also presented a plan providing for two reservoir-", having a storage capacity of about three hundred million gallons and estimates in regard to the cost of laying the necessary mains.

This report was accepted and ordered to be printed together with the act of incorporation. By this act the five members of the committee were made a corporation under the name of the Pearl Hill Water Company, to furnish the inhabitants of Fitchburg with pure water. No further action was taken by the town in regard to the report or the act of incorporation.

At this same meeting, April 9, 1866, a committee of twenty-five was raised to take the whole matter into consideration and report at an adjourned meeting. May 7, 1866, this committee reported, recommending that a committee of five be appointed, and authorized to employ an engineer to make a survey, and present to the town plans and estimates. The report was accepted, and Eugene T. Miles, Dr. Alfred Hitchcock, Louis D. Bartlett, Abel F. Adams and Eodney Wallace were appointed as the committee.

August 25, 1 866, this committee made an elaborate report, in which provision was made for two reservoirs on Falulah Brook, and estimates of the cost of the necessary mains and two reservoirs were given, varying from .$116,000 to $153,000, according to the height of the dams. This report was accepted, and the subject indefinitely postponed.

May 6, 1867, the selectmen and fire engineers were authorized to purchase Durant Pond for fire purposes, but no action was ever taken in regard to it.

town purchased wafer rights of Daniel Messinger, and voted, August 30th, that the selectmen be authorized to purchase land for storage purposes. The land was bought and pipe provided, but not until it was too late in the season to begin work, and nothing further appears to have been done about it.

November 2, 1869, the subject of a general water supply was again brought before the town, and a committee, consisting of Hon. Alvah Crocker, Hon. Ebenezer Torrey and Moses G. Lyon, Esq., was appointed to obtain from the Legislature a charter for supplying the town with pure water.

March 19, 1870, an act was approved, by virtue of which the three above-named gentlemen were made a corporation, under the name of the Fitchburg Water Company, to provide the town with a water supply, and specifying that the town might at any time, within one year from the passage of the act, a.ssume all the rights and privileges of the corporators, by a majority vote in town-meeting.

April 25, 1870, the town refused to accept this charter by a vote of 236 to 226. A week later a motion to reconsider this vote was lost, 334 to 309. The vote was very close, which encouraged the friends of the measure and forced its opponents to take active means to defeat it.

June 18, 1870, Messrs. Salmon W. Putnam, Walter Heywood, Joseph Cushing, Lyman Patch and Dr. Thomas Palmer were appointed a committee to examine " Meeting-House Pond," in Westminster, and authorized to make a survey if it seemed to them feasible to secure water rights there. On the 16th of the following July this committee reported that water rights could not be obtained there upon any terms that would justify making a survey.