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• About Southbridge, Massachusetts
  Southbridge, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
  The area was initially inhabited by the Nipmuck and Mohegan tribes, with the Quinebaug River dividing their territories. As early as 1638, John Winthrop, Jr. purchased a tract for mining lead at what is now Leadmine Road in Sturbridge (it was thought at the time that where there was lead, there should be silver nearby).
  
  Southbridge was first settled by Europeans in 1730 and incorporated in 1816; among the first settlers was Moses Marcy, who owned a home on the site of what is now Notre Dame church and was elected to Congress, and the Dennison family. Water power from the Quinebaug River made Southbridge a good location for sawmills and gristmills in the 18th century, and textile mills in the 19th century. After the Civil War, many immigrants of Irish and French Canadian descent came to work and live there; by the 1930s they had been joined by Poles, Greeks, Italians and others.
  
  wikipedia.org
  
• John Winthrop, Jr. purchased a tract of land around 1638 in what was to become Southbridge. It was purchased for mining ore for graphic deposits.
  
  Street Corners of Southbridge, "The Way We Were" by Joe Capillo, 1996
  
• 1730 - Southbridge is settled
  
  Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
  
• In 1732 (Southbridge), Moses Marcy built a saw mill and a few years later, a grist mill.
  
  Street Corners of Southbridge, , "The Way We Were" by Joe Capillo, 1996
  
• By 1775, small businesses like coopering and carpentry were started in Southbridge. The town reached a population of about 400 inhabitants and a school and a meeting house were erected.
  
  Street Corners of Southbridge, "The Way We Were" by Joe Capillo, 1996
  
• By 1814, some textile mills were built in the Globe section of Southbridge, and downstream, in an area known as Centre Village, the business district began to establish itself.
  
  Street Corners of Southbridge, "The Way We Were" by Joe Capillo, 1996
  
• February 15, 1816, Southbridge was officially recognized as a town. Population 830.
  The first town meeting was held several weeks later, March 6, 1816, which included the election of five selectmen. They included Capt. Gershom Plimpton, Maj. Samuel Fisk, Joshua Mason, William Morris and Fordyce Foster.
  
  Plans were made for constructing a large water-sewer line crossing Main Street and to raise the road grade some six feet.
  Street Corners of Southbridge,
  
• 1826 - William Beecher comes to Southbridge
  In 1826 William Beecher, a jeweler and watchmaker, settles in Southbridge, a small town on the Massachusetts / Connecticut border. He is part of a relatively new trend - jewelers expanding into the business of spectacle making.
  (massmoments.org)
  
  Read more about William BEECHER
•   1830 - Water Snakes
  Mr. Ephraim Wheelock, of Southbridge, Mass. while mowing, came in contact with a large water snake, measuring 3 feet 9 inches. After killing it, he cut it open, and found it to contain 43 live ones.
  Huron Reflector
  Norwalk, Ohio
  September 14, 1830
  
• 1833 - Manufacturing of Spectacles Begins
  Within seven years of his arrival in Southbridge, William Beecher opens a shop above his jewelry store to manufacture spectacles. Business prospers. Beecher teaches one of his apprentices, a 14-year-old boy named Robert Cole, to craft the first steel-framed spectacles made in America... Southbridge becomes a center of the American spectacle-making industry.
  (massmoments.org)
  
  Read more about William BEECHER
• 1839 - Southbridge
  Southbridge, Massachusetts
  Worcester county. Southbridge was taken from Sturbridge in 1814.—Population, 1830, 1,444; 1837, 1,740. It is 54 miles S.W. from Boston and 19 S.S.W. from Worcester. This town is watered by the Quinneboag, a branch of the Thames, and a good mill stream. There are one woolen and three cotton mills in Southbridge, and manufactures of boots, shoes and cutlery: the value of which, for the year ending April 1, 1837, was $262,212. This town has an excellent soil and a pleasant and flourishing village.
  The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. Alphabetically arranged. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839
  
• 1845 - SOUTHBRIDGE. [Pop. 2,031.Inc. 1816.]
  Southbridge was composed of portions of Sturbridge, Charlton, and Dudley.
  
  The Quinebaug passes across the township, and affords abundance of water-power.
  
  The chief manufactures are cotton and woollen cloths, boots and shoes.
  
  Distance from Worcester, 20 miles ; from Boston, 60.
  An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
  
• 1845 - Fires in the "Columbian" factory, today "Lensdale," and the "African" factory, today "Sandersdale," resulted in a number of families moving to Webster, Milbury, and Worcester.
  
  History of the Franco-Americans of Southbridge, by Felix Gatineau, translated by Elizabeth Blood
  
• 1848 - Southbridge
  SOUTHBRIDGE was originally a part of Sturbridge, Chariton, and Dudley. It was incorporated as a town in 1814. The first church was organized here in 1801, and Rev. Jason Park was ordained the first pastor in 1816. He was succeeded by Rev. Henry J. Lamb, who was ordained in 1833. His successor, Rev. Eber Carpenter, was installed in 1835. There are 3 churches, 1 Congregational, 1 Baptist, and 1 Methodist.
  
  The above is a south eastern view in this flourishing village, which consists of about 40 or 50 dwelling houses, besides other buildings. The Baptist church is seen on the right; the Southbridge Bank, Hotel, &c., on the left. The township is watered by the Quinnebaug, which passes centrally through the town. Population, 1,740. Distance, 20 miles from Worcester, and 60 from Boston. In 1837 there were 3 cotton mills, 6,844 spindles; 1,139,160 yards of cotton goods were manufactured; value, $95,900; males employed, 83; females, 89; one woollen mill, 4 sets of machinery; 50,000 yards of ... Read MORE...
  
  
• French Canadian Emigration to the United States 1840-1930
  Source:
  Marianopolis College
  faculty.marianopolis.edu/ c.belanger/ quebechistory/ readings/ leaving.htm
  
  
  "...the emigration of French Canadians to the United States was internally caused by demographic pressures, rural poverty created by indebtedness and a host of other ills related to the climatic and geographical characteristics of the province, low productivity of the farms, the developing agricultural crisis, the lack of suitable regions of colonisation, the insufficient level of industrial development to absorb the excess population and the low wages that inevitably attended such a catastrophic situation. Externally, the proximity of the New England factories that offered easy employment, good wages by Quebec standards, and the cheap and easy access through the rail system fuelled the migration.
  
  ... Given his poverty, the French Canadian emigrant could not afford to go very far. The farther the destination, and the greater the length of time one had to travel, the... Read MORE...
  
  
• 1850 - A fire in the "Hamilton" factory caused several families to move elsewhere.
  
  History of the Franco-Americans of Southbridge, by Felix Gatineau, translated by Elizabeth Blood
  
• 1850 - By 1850, there were about thirty Canadian families in Southbridge. Most of them lived in the "Globe Village."
  
  "Histoire des Franco-Américains de Southbridge, Massachusetts" by Félix Gatineau, Framingham, MA: Lakeview Press, 1919
  
• 1854 - Southbridge
  Southbridge, a post-village in Worcester co., Massachusetts, near Quinnebaug river, 60 miles S. W. from Boston, contains 2 or 3 churches, and 1 bank. Population of the township, 2824.
  A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.
  
• 1856
  "In 1856, because of the presidential election in which Buchanan was elected President of the United States, there was a great financial reaction, and in 1857, several mills were forced to close. This trying time negatively affected a great number of Canadian families who then had to leave Southbridge. Another fire occurred at the Hamilton factory and several families left the area to go live elsewhere, some even returned to the homeland."
  History of the Franco-Americans of Southbridge, by Felix Gatineau, translated by Elizabeth Blood
  
• 1862 - Robert Cole Takes Over
  Southbridge, Massachusetts - William Beecher, prominent spectacle maker, retires in 1862 and Robert Cole takes over the firm... George Wells, a schoolteacher from nearby South Woodstock, Connecticut, leaves his job to become an apprentice at Robert H. Cole and Co. Young Wells has a genius for mechanics... When Robert Cole foolishly refuses to raise Wells's pay, the youth goes to work for a competitor.
  (massmoments.org)
  
  Read more about Robert Henry COLE
•   1863 - Fire
  A fire in Southbridge, Mass., on Saturday morning, destroyed the Baptist church, the Tammany Hall Building, the Amidon brick block, and Dr. Hartwell's block of stores. The whole loss is about $30,000.
  The Windham County Transcript
  Danielson, Connecticut
  November 19, 1863
  
• 1869 - American Optical is Formed
  Southbridge, Massachusetts - The merging of two competing spectacle making companies results in the formation of the American Optical Company.
  
  American Optical (AO) is a historic and significant company in the optical industry, which was founded in 1869 in Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA. The company played a crucial role in the development and production of eyewear, optical instruments, and ophthalmic equipment.
  
  Founded by William Beecher and George W. Wells in Southbridge, Massachusetts, American Optical started as a modest spectacle manufacturing firm. However, due to its dedication to innovation and high-quality products, the company quickly expanded and gained prominence in the optical industry.
  
  Over the years, American Optical became renowned for its optical advancements, particularly in the field of eyeglasses and sunglasses. They were known for producing innovative and high-quality lenses, frames, and optical instruments. Their products were not only popular among... Read MORE...
  
  
• 1879 - George Wells accumulates AO stock
  George Wells has accumulates a majority share in the stock of the American Optical Company. Wells builds the A.O. into the largest optical company in the world.
  (massmoments.org)
  
  Read more about George Washington WELLS
•   1883 - Bound to Get Away
  BOSTON, June 22. - J. P. Olds was arrested at Southbridge to-day on a charge of stealing large quantities of gold from the American Optical Company. Olds had been a respected citizen, and has had change of the valuable stock of the company. When arrested he was place in an upper room of the factory in charge of an employe. He jumped forty feet through a window, swam a river, and made his escape to the woods.
  Dunkirk Evening Observer
  Dunkirk, New York
  June 23, 1883
  
•   1884 - FIRE RECORD. AT SOUTHBRIDGE.
  Worcester, August 9. - The Columbian mill at Southbridge, with a boarding house and tenement, burned this morning. The mill had 9,000 spindles and employed 60 hands. It was owned by Providence parties.
  Fort Scott Daily Monitor
  Fort Scott, Kansas
  August 10, 1884
  
•   1886 - American Optical
  The American Optical company is just closing a very busy season. They now employ over 400 hands, and during the past year have, in addition to their large lens-grinding business, made over one million pairs of spectacles and eye-glasses.
  The Southbridge Journal
  Southbridge, Massachusetts
  January 1, 1886
  
•   1889 - Largest Spectacle Factory in the World
  Southbridge, Mass., has the largest spectacle factory in the world. More than 3/ 4 of the gold spectacles and eyeglasses made in this country are made in Southbridge, one company alone in that town turned out 1,600,000 pairs last year.
  The Indiana Democrat
  Indiana, Pennsylvania
  March 14, 1889
  
•   1889 - Early to Bed
  Southbridge goes to bed early as a rule. A stranger in town always notices how quiet the streets are after 9 p.m. Ten o'clock usually finds scarcely any one on the streets except the night watchmen, unless there happens to be entertainment at one of the opera houses. There are a number of reasons for this. The early closing of the stores on several evenings of the week may have something to do with this. There are no evening trains to arrive and depart and no strangers to arrive at midnight and begin a hunt for a hotel as in many other towns, where trains arrive at all hours of the night. There seems also to be an absence here of the distinctively rowdy element that in many small towns devotes a large share of its time to promenading the main street and making all the noise allowable until a late hour.
  The Southbridge Journal
  Southbridge, Massachusetts
  December 26, 1889
  
• Southbridge, Massachusetts 1890
  Southbridge is a prosperous and important manufacturing town lying in the southwesterly part of Worcester County, 27 miles from the city of Worcester, and 70 miles. from Boston; being connected directly with the latter by a branch of the New York and New England Railroad. Charlton lies on the northeast, Dudley on the east, Sturbridge on the west and north west, and Woodstock, in Connecticut, on the south.
  
  The assessed area is 12,029 acres. There are nearly 4,000 acres of forest, consisting mostly of oak, chestnut, ash, pine and hemlock. The public ways, also, are bordered by many elm and maple trees, of which some are very large and old. The principal rock is ferruginous gneiss and dolerite. The soil, in parts, is loamy and sandy. The land is broken, and rises into several beautiful eminences, the most commanding of which is Hatchet Hill, whose summit is 1,016 feet above the level of the sea. The Quinebaug River, a steady and generous stream, flows southeasterly through the centre... Read MORE...
  
  
• 1894 - Gedeon Gregoire establishes a shoe repairing shop in Southbridge
  Gedeon Gregoire... came to Southbridge and started a shoe repair shop. In 1923, business had grown. His sons Joseph & Roland joined the frim and the present building (15 Hamilton Street) was built. Shoes and men's furnishings were added to the she repairing department. In 1947, after 53 years, Gedeon Gregoire retired. Gregoire & Sons has been a landmark in Southbridge and continues under the management of Joseph & Roland Gregoire.
  Southbridge News, Bicentennial Edition
  Southbridge, Massachusetts
  1976
  
•   1894 - DEADLY RAILROAD CROSSING. TWO KILLED OUTRIGHT AND MANY ARE INJURED.
  WORCESTER HAS ANOTHER ARGUMENT AGAINST THE GRADE CROSSING.
  
  Worcester, Mass., Nov. 30. - The most horrible accident which ever occurred in Southbridge happened there yesterday morning, and turned the day into one of sadness instead of thanksgiving, as the lives of two young men were shut out in a flash, two more were fatally injured and 18 others were more or less hurt, two of the latter not being expected to live.
  
  The injured men are all members of the Southbridge Y.M.C.A., and were on their way to the Fair grounds to play a game of football with the Worcester Polytechnic institute eleven, the barge in which they were riding being struck at the Central Street crossing by a passenger train on the New York and New England road.
  
  The killed were:
  CHARLES GAUTHER.
  JOSEPH COOK.
  
  The fatally injured:
  VICTOR NELSON, skull fractured.
  JOHN STREET of Lee, quarter-back of the Williams College football team, who was to referee the game, skull fractured and legs broken.
  The others... Read MORE...
  
  
• 1895 - Southbridge
  Southbridge, a post-village in Southbridge township, Worcester co., Mass., on the Quinebaug River, about 32 miles E. of Springfield. It is on a branch of the New York & New England Railroad, 70 miles W.S.W. of Boston. It contains about 6 churches, a national bank, a savings-bank, a high school, a newspaper office, and manufactures of cotton prints, delaines, calicoes, carriages, shoe-knives, boots, &c. The township contains Globe Village. Pop. in 1890, 7655.
  Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
  
•   1899 - $2,000,000 for Southbridge People?
  SOUTHBRIDGE, MASS., March 17. - It is believed here that the family of Mrs Lucier, mother of Michael Lucier, of Southbridge, has fallen heir to $2,000,000. Word was received here to-day of the death of Rev. F. R. L. Belthosor at San Jose, Cal., who, it is said, left this fortune. Mrs. Lucier is his sister. There are other Southbridge relatives.
  The New York Times
  New York, New York
  March 18, 1899
  
• By 1900, Southbridge had a population of 10,000, with an estimated 6,000 of French-Canadian ancestry.
  
  Street Corners of Southbridge, "The Way We Were" by Joe Capillo, 1996
  
•   1901 - Nearly $600,000. Amount Paid in Wages Annually By Southbridge Firms. Importance and Vastness of the Business of Optical Goods Manufactures.
  George W. Wells, Head of the American Optical Company, Says the Proposed French Reciprocity Treaty Would be a Menace to the Industry.
  
  Senator Henry Cabot Lodge, in his much-talked-of reciprocity speech before the Middlesex club, recently, said that in the opinon of those interested in the manufacture of optical goods at Southbridge, the adoption of the new French reciprocity treaty would be a great danger to this industry.
  
  Comparatively few people in Massachusetts know that in the town of Southbridge there is located the largest optical goods manufactury in the United States, if not the largest in the world.
  
  Nearly 1500 hands are employed in this industry in Southbridge, producing over 3,000,000 pairs of specatacles and eyeglasses yearly and 3,500,000 spectacle and eyeglass lenses in the same period.
  
  Nearly $600,000 in wages is paid annually.
  
  About $700,000 worth of gold and silver is used every year in the manufacture of these goods, and something in excess of 110 tons ... Read MORE...
  
  
  Read more about George Washington WELLS
•   1902 - Would Rival Mr Carnegie - Massachusetts Millionaire Goes the Scotchman About Two Better
  Boston has a multimillionaire who is a rival of Andrew Carnegie in regard, at least, to one of the famous Scotchman's offers of public libraries in Massachusetts towns.
  
  Jacob Edwards, who is one of Boston's richest manufactures, goes Mr Carnegie about two better on a library offer to the town of Southbridge and a merry controversy is going on in that township as which offer shall be accepted, says the Boston Post.
  
  The people of the town are also beginning to discuss the propriety of even accepting both offers if such a thing can be arranged.
  
  Meantime Mr Edwards seems to have the inside track in the race to give away money, for Southbridge is his native town and he offers a sum about twice as large as that tendered by Mr Carnegie, as well as other strong inducements.
  
  Southbridge people feel that because of the rivalry between Mr Edwards and Mr Carnegie the town has fallen into rare good fortune.
  
  Mr Carnegie offers $20,000 to build and equip a library, stipulating that... Read MORE...
  
  
  Read more about Jacob EDWARDS
•   1903 - LATEST 6:30 O'Clock - Half a Force - Optical Plants Crippled at Southbridge - Employers Grapple With Union - Membership Bars From Work
  Despite the Dictum the Shops Open.
  
  Police Guard Factory Where Windows Were Broken.
  
  One Concern Retains 700 Men Who Wo't Quit.
  
  First Disturbance Created in Fiskdale by a Lockout.
  
  
  SOUTHBRIDGE. Nov 10 - Notwithstanding the threat of the optical manufacturers of this town to clos their factories if their employes held to their detremination to remain in a union, the shops were open today, but less than half of the regular force of 1900 men reported for work, and several factories were not running in full.
  
  The contest is really one between a number of manufacturers in Worcester county who are resisting the introduction of union methods in their respective trades.
  
  The first disturbance occured las week in Fiskdale, where the employes of the Snell Mfg Co were locked out because of the formation of a union among them. This week, however, the works are in operation, although Supt John F Hebard states that the polishers have not reported at the works and will not be hired... Read MORE...
  
  
•   1904 - Town Stricken With Diphtheria
  Southbridge, Mass., Oct. 24. - An epidemic of diphtheria prevails in Southbridge to an extent that alarms the members of the board of health, who will appeal to the state board for help in stamping out the disease. A total of ninety cases and nine deaths is reported.
  Pittston Gazette
  Pittston, Pennsylvania
  October 24, 1904
  
•   1905 - No Suspicions. H.S. Cheney Will Drop Stolen Box Matter. Securities Returned to Home of Father-in-Law. Family Away at Time They Were Left.
  "I am as much mystified as you are," said Herman S. Cheney of Southbridge to a Globe reporter yesterday afternoon, "concerning the way in which my property was stolen from me last winter. I am equally in ignorance of the identity of the person who left the box of securities in the house where I found them more than a week ago. No one was present in the house as far as I know. But I have the missing securities.
  
  "I wish to say, however," Mr Cheney went on, "that the securities were not worth $285,000 as reported. About $150,000 would cover their value. I do not care to say more as to the manner in which the stolen bonds were returned to me. It is enough to say that they were placed in a house in Southbridge and that when I visited the house the box was shown me and I recognized it. That was a week ago Thursday. The box had all the securities in it that it contained when it was stolen. All the bonds and stocks were found intact."
  
  Mr Cheney was in the office of his attorney,... Read MORE...
  
  
• 1906
  Southbridge, a banking post-village in Southbridge township (town), Worcester co., Mass on the Quinebaug River, about 32 miles E. of Springfield, and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. It has manufactures of cottons, optical goods, shoe-knives, general cutlery, shuttles, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 10,025.
  Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
  
•   1910 - BANK TREASURER NOT FOUND.; Shortage in Southbridge Savings Bank Believed to be About $100,000.
  CAMBRIDGE, Mass, Jan. 22. - John A Hall, the Treasurer of the Southbridge Sayings Bank, which was closed yesterday by an injunction after the discovery of discrepancies in its accounts, is still missing to-night. Some of his friends here say that the missing man is a suicide, and the woods near the town were searched to-day, but without revealing any trace of him. There is a warrant against him charging the larceny of $21,000 from the bank's treasury. A description of the man has been sent brodcast [sic] by the authorities, with a request for his arrest if found.
  
  The treasurer is 41 years old and is 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 190 pounds, and has dark brown hair and mustache. He was known as a home man, with quiet tastes, living apparently well within his means.
  
  During the day a suit was brought in the Worcester County Court against Hall's estate by the Trustees of the bank, and an attachment for $100,000 was placed on his property.
  
  While to-day's continued investigation of... Read MORE...
  
  
• 1911 - Southbridge
  "SOUTHBRIDGE, a township of Worcester county, Massachusetts, U.S.A., on the Quinabaug river (which here falls 165 ft.), about 20 m. S.S.W. of Worcester. Pop. (1900), 10,025, of whom 3468 were foreign-born; (1910 census), 12,592. Area, about 20 sq. m. The township is served by the New York, New Haven 81 Hartford railway, and by inter-urban (electric) lines to Worcester and Springfield. The Southbridge public library (1870) contained 22,000 volumes in 1910. Optical goods, cotton, woollen and print goods, cutlery and shuttles are the principal manufactures; in 1905 the value of the total factory product was $4,201,853. The factory of the American Optical Company here is probably the largest of its kind in the world. In 1801 a poll parish, named the Second Religious Society of Charlton, and popularly called Honest Town, was formed from the west part of Dudley, the south-west part of Charlton and the south-east part of Sturbridge; and in 1816 this parish became the township of Southbridge. ... Read MORE...
  
  
•   1911 - Bank Cashier's Books Straight - E.D. Hamilton Drops Out of Sight
  Suffered Temporary Loss of Memory Three Years Ago.
  
  Hard Work of Removal May Have Renewed It.
  
  GREENFIELD, May 25 - Ernest D. Hamilton, cashier of the Southbridge national bank of Southbridge, Mass. left the bank Tuesday at 3 p m., took a trolley car on his way to Springfield to take an afternoon train out of that city for Greenfield, and has mysteriously disappeared.
  
  Judge Henry J. Field, Thomas Manning, chief of police, and James A. Whitbeck, all personal friends of the missing man, went from Greenfield to Springfield last evening in the auto of Judge Field, visiting the police hospitals, hotels and station agent officials in Northampton, Holyoke and Springfield, endeavoring to locate the missing man. They were only able to get a clew that Hamilton was at Brimfield on the trolley line near Palmer, about 4 p m.
  
  Judge Field, Chief Manning and Mr. Whitbeck came bac to Greenfield. They or other friends kept the wires hot during the night. Finally it was learned that Hamilton... Read MORE...
  
  
•   1912 - Death Takes George W. Wells - Head of Amercian Optical Company
  Man of Wide Business and Social Interests.
  
  End Comes at His Home in Southbridge.
  
  SOUTHBRIDGE, Sept 30 - George W. Wells, president of the American Optical Company, died of neuritis at his home here today.
  
  Mr Wells had been a sufferer from neuritis since February, 1911. The effots of physicians and specialists at Hot Springs, New York and Mt Clemens failed to give substantial relief, and this infliction, together with complications that later developed as a result, have been fatal.
  
  As president of the American Optical Company and as a active officer and director in many Massachusetts banks and corporations, Mr Wells formed a very wide circle of business acquaintances.
  
  George W Wells was born at Woodstock, Conn., April 15, 1846. He was descended from English stock, his ancestors on both sides having come from England less than a score of years after the landing of the Mayflower.
  
  The boyhood days of Mr Wells were spent on the farm at the family homestead in Woodstock.... Read MORE...
  
  
  Read more about George Washington WELLS
•   1912 - Litchfield Held in Poison Case - Indictment Follows Death of Whittier.
  One Count Relates to His Actions for Six Months Past.
  
  He is Related to Wealthy Southbridge Family.
  
  Wilford J. Litchfield, 45 years old, was arrested yesterday in his apartment in Hotel Navarre within an hour after being indicted by the Grand Jury in connection with the death of Frederick N. Whittier, who expired las Monday morning from cyanide of potassium poisoning after becoming ill in the rooms of the accused.
  
  Related to the wealthy Litchfield family of Southbridge, Litchfield enjoyed a large income and lived in ease in the hotel.
  
  As a result of several conferences between Medical Examiner Leary and officials of the district attorney's office, it was decided that Litchfield acted improperly in speech and behavior for six months. Beside the indictment on this charge, the Grand Jury yesterday returned one other indictment against him.
  
  The accused took his arrest calmly. At Police Headquarters he talked with his attorney, Cornelius A. Parker. He was photographed and... Read MORE...
  
  
•   1913 - REVIVE GRAND TRUNK WORK. Construction of Southern New England Line to be Resumed.
  Special to the New York Times.
  
  SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 22 - Work is to be resumed immediately on the Southern New England Railway, the Grand Trunk subsidiary planned to connect the Canadian system with tidewater at Providence.
  
  The construction stopped ten months ago, and it was charged that this was due to an agreement between C. S. Mellen, then President of the New Haven, and E. J. Chamberlin, President of the Grand Trunk. Last week Vice President G. C. Jones came here and inspected the right of way throughout. John Marsch of Chicago, general contractor for the line, reopened his office here to day and with a few days the steam shovels will resume operations. It will be some time before work will be general, because some of the sub-contractors have in many instances removed their apparatus.
  
  There is great rejoicing all along the line because of this resumption of work on the road. Mr. Chamberlin repeatedly promised that the Southern New England should be completed provided ... Read MORE...
  
  
• 1916 - Southbridge
  "Southbridge, a banking post-village in Southbridge township (town), Worcester co., Mass., on the Quinebaug River, about 32 miles E. of Springfield, and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R. It has manufactures of cottons, optical goods, shoe-knives, general cutlery, shuttles, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 10,025."
  
  Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe
  Angelo Heilprin
  Louis Heilprin
  January 1, 1916
  Lippincott
  
• 1916 - Fine Edifice in Southbridge - Will Very Soon Be Dedicated by Bishop Beaven - Fr. Triganne, Pastor - Said to Be One of Finest Churches in New England
  Final plans are nearly arranged for the dedication of the new Notre Dame church at Main and Marcy streets in Southbridge next month, which has been completed after five years at a cost of about $300,000, with a seating capacity of 1600 people.
  
  Rev. Louis O. Triganne, pastor of Notre Dame church, ahs arranged with Bishop Thomas D. Beaven of the Springfield diocese to be present at the exercises which will mark the culmination of nearly 40 years' work in obatining a site for the magnificent structure, the funds and the work of building.
  
  Thirty other priests are expected to be present, as well as Bishop Bruneau of Nicolet, Que., who is in charge of the Nicolet diocese in Canada and whom Rev. Fr. Triganne visited a month ago.
  
  Before the decication exercises there will be consecration of the altar services, and if arrangements can be made a concert will be given on ghe $14,000 electrically operated organ, one of the finest in New England.
  
  Hundreds of former residents of... Read MORE...
  
  
  Read more about Louis-Onésime TRIGANNE
•   1918 - Help Wanted
  Help Wanted - Help Wanted in Southbridge, Mass., to work in Hamilton Woolen Co., established nearly 100 years, employing 2,000 hands. Easy work, steady employment, best of wages, especially good for boys and girls. Southbridge is a proseperous town with a population of 15,000, situated on N.Y. N.H. R.R. and the Worcester & Springfield trolley line. 45 miles to Boston, 45 miles to Providence, 35 miles to Springfield, 20 miles to Worcester. Has a large variety of industries…
  
  
  The Adirondack News
  New York
  Saturday, April 30, 1918
  
• 1931 - MSGR. TRIGANNE DIES AT 71 YEARS
  MSGR. TRIGANNE DIES AT 71 YEARS
  
  Former Pastor of Notre Dame in Adams
  
  ILL TWO YEARS
  
  Pastor of Notre Dame Church in Southbridge for the Past 27 Years.
  
  Worcester, Mass., Oct. 14 - (A.P.) - Right Rev. Monsignor Louis O. Triganne, for 27 years pastor of Notre Dame church in Southbridge, died today in St. Vincent hospital here of heart disease, from which he had suffered about two years. He was 71 years old. He was born in Plesisville, Megantic county, Province of Quebec, and had been stationed in Holyoke and Adams before going to Southbridge.
  
  Monsignor Triganne was pastor of Notre Dame church in Adms from 1903 until November 21, 1904 when he was appointed pastor of Notre Dame church in Southbridge in which pastorate he had served ever since. Prior to assuming the duties as pastor of the Adams church, he was pastor of Notre Dame chuch in Pittsfield and previously served as curate of Notre Dame chruches in this city and Holyoke.
  
  He studied for the priesthood at Nicolet... Read MORE...
  
  
  Read more about Louis-Onésime TRIGANNE
•   1934 - SOUTHBRIDGE DIRECTORS VOTE TO LIQUIDATE MILL
  MEANS THAT 1,000 WOOLEN WORKERS MUST FIND JOBS ELSEWHERE
  
  Boston, Dec. 19 - (AP) - The board of directors of the Hamilton Woolen Co. of Southbridge late today voted to recommend the liquidation of the company.
  
  Their decision was arrived at after several hours debate behind closed doors and it was announced early tonight. It means that 1,000 workers or one-fifth of the working population of Southbridge and neighboring towns must seek employment elsewhere.
  
  There have been three strikes at the mill since last Summer and recently State police in large numbers were called to the scene. While many have left there is still a detachment on duty.
  
  "The directors have, therefore, arranged to call a special meeting of the stockholders and have voted to recommend the liquidation of the company," said the directors' statement after reviewing the causes of the controversy between the management and "outside union organizers."
  
  
  The Lewiston Daily Sun
  Lewiston, Maine
  December 19, 1934
  
•   1938 - New Mask Invented - His Face Is Dirty
  His Face Is Dirty - Seeking to combat silicosis, lung malady suffered by those who work in dust, researchers for the American Optical Company of Southbridge, Mass. have developed a mask. Its efficacy is demonstrated by the laboratory worker above, who has taken off the mask, after emerging from a chamber flooded with carbon black. Nose and lips were not blackened.
  
  The Citizen Advertiser
  Auburn, New York
  Saturday, May 14, 1938
  
• 1939 - When World War II broke out, Southbridge had a population of 16,801.
  
  Street Corners of Southbridge, "The Way We Were" by Joe Capillo, 1996
  
•   1945 - Maker of Bomb Very Depressed
  Maker of Bomb Very Depressed - Southbridge, Mass. August 17 (UP) - A scientist who helped develop the atomic bomb said today, with permission of the War Department, that he became so depressed over the possibilities of the projectile, that he hoped its eventual use "would fail".
  
  Dr. E. D. Tillyer and Dr. Alexis G. Pincus, research scientists at the American Optical Company, disclosed today that they kept their work secret even from their wives for the past two and a half years.
  
  "Every few months", Dr. Tillyer said, "I would be overcome by depression. My wife couldn't imagine what was wrong but as a realization of what the atomic bomb would mean became clearer with time, I would become depressed and wish that nobody had ever thought of it and that efforts to develop it would fail."
  The Citizen Advertiser
  Auburn, New York
  Friday, August 17, 1945
  
•   1945 - Radio Phone for Pocket Use to Be On Market Soon
  "Radio Phone for Pocket Use to Be On Market Soon -- Southbridge, Mass., August 23 (UP) - A pocket-size radio telephone for civilian use, which will cost about $25 and will be effective for distances up to three miles, will be placed on the market within six months, Richard Mahler, general manager of the Harvey-Wells Communications, Inc. announced today.
  
  Mahler said his company, a pioneer in development of radar for the Army Air Force, would produce the instrument, which would be about six inches long and weigh about a half pound…The pint-size phone he said would operate on a band from 450 to 470 megacycles. To talk to a friend, Mahler said, a phone owner would merely tune in on the friend's wave length. A signal would be given automatically and the pair would begin their conversation."
  
  Thursday, August 23, 1945
  The Citizen Advertiser, Auburn, NY
  
•   1946 - Women See Colors Better
  Women See Colors Better - Southbridge, Mass (UP) - The American Optical Co., studying the incidence of color blindness, discovered that 90 percent of the nation's color blind are men.
  Oswego Palladium Times
  Oswego, New York
  Tuesday, December 24, 1946
  
• Largest Optical Factory in the World!
  
  
•   1951 - New Goggles
  American Optical Co. of Southbridge, Mass. has a new airtight industrial goggle for use in working with gas fumes or smoke. The headband of the goggle is fastened to the outer frame. The inner frame is of rubber and when fitted perfectly give a gas-tight seal.
  
  Utica Daily Press
  Utica, New York
  Saturday, July 7, 1951
  
•   1951 - New Machine Take Blood Directly from Veins for Red Cross
  New Machine Take Blood Directly from Veins for Red Cross - Southbridge, Mass. - (UP) - A new miracle machine that takes blood directly from your veins for the Red Cross was announced today by the American Optical Company.
  
  Thursday, July 26, 1951
  
  The machine is the culmination of years of work at Harvard in splitting blood to make plasma and many medical remedies. Harvard last Fall built a trailer truck, carrying large blood-splitting machines and called the bloodmobile. It was designed to travel around the country.
  
  The new machine is a small 150-pound stainless steel box and it does everything the many tons did. And does the blood-splitting jobs quicker, cheaper, and better.
  
  The designer is Charles A. Ellis, American Optical Engineer...
  Utica Observer-Dispatch
  Utica, New York
  Thursday, July 26, 1951
  
• 1955 - WESO On the Air
  March 20 - Radio Station WESO goes on the air for a first time. Announcers and newscasters are Bob Binet, John Bunnewith, Joe Capillo, Esther Costa, Bob Harris, Mildred Henshall, Bill Mindy, and Bob Nims.
  (oldewebster.com)
  
• 1958 - Ames Worsted Textile Company
  Milton and Irving Gilman open their first store in the Ames Worsted Textile Co. mill in Southbridge. This is the start of Ames Department Stores, which at its peak operated 700 stores in 20 states.
  
•   1961 - Keeping Out Noise
  Southbridge, Mass. (UPI) - A new plastic, anti-noise ear plug for military and commercial aviation purposes has been developed by American Optical Co.
  
  The device is about three fourths of an inch long and comes in three sizes - small, medium and large. While the device sharply reduces industrial noises, it still permits the wearer to hear conversation.
  The Citizen Advertiser
  Auburn, New York
  Wednesday, February 3, 1961
  
•   1975 - Ames Has Grand Opening At New Amenia Store
  From a humble beginning in an old factory building in 1958 to a modern new store in Amenia to serve the residents of the Harlem Valley area, Ames Discount Department Store has developed a unique history in the modern age of discount store retailing.
  
  In 1958, Ames opened its first small store in an empty mill factory building in Southbridge, Mass., to rank as a pioneer in the new discount store field in New England. This first Ames store was replaced in 1971 with a modern self-service store in Sturbridge, Mass. to serve the combined areas of both communities...
  
  
  The Harlem Valley Times
  Amenia, New York
  Thursday, March 6, 1975
  
•   1980 - Making Eyes
  In the days of old, someone who lost an eye wore an eye patch. That was replaced by getting a glass eye: now, American Optical of Southbridge, Mass. uses a light-weight plastic eye that can be modified in shape and size so the fit is exact. Here, an artist paints an eye to match the real one its owner still has. (UPI)
  
  
  The Citizen
  Auburn, New York
  Tuesday, January 15, 1980
  
• MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION RECONAISSANCE SURVEY REPORT
  I. TOPOGRAPHY
  Southbridge is located in the southwestern corner of Worcester County just to the north of the Connecticut border. Its surface consists of a series of parallel north-south ridges in the western 2/ 3 of the town, with less defined, lower hills and ridges in the eastern 1/ 3. This topographical difference also marks a change from Brookfield series soils in the western portion to Charlton series soils in the eastern area. Elevations range form more than 1,000 feet above sea level in the south and southwest to 600-700
  feet above sea level on the north and east orders.
  Cutting a narrow, steep sided valley through the north central portion of the town is the Quinebaug River. The drop in elevation of more than 100 feet as the river winds approximately five miles through the town in a southwestern direction provided a number of good water power sites, as did its several tributary streams. Both the Brookfield and Charlton series loams, ranging from stony to fine loams, are... Read MORE...
  
  
• THE BACK ROAD (About the AO Tunnel) by Joe Capillo
  Over the years, hundreds of thousands have walked its darken underground paths across the Quinebaug River.
  
  The AO service tunnel was a Wells family engineering marvel but after 80 years of existence it will no longer be in use.
  
  Franklin Realty Advisors, leasing agent for the Southbridge Business Center, today closed the tunnel to workers and tenants, mainly for safety and security reasons. The tunnel connects the main plant building at 14 Mechanic Street to buildings across the river.Franklin is supervising proposed extensive renovations for the U.S. Department of Defense finance and accounting center, to be located in the main plant building. Strict security will be needed for both the DOD office and for the science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), according to John Soursourian, Franklin spokesman. SAIC is the company setting up the DOD training programs.
  
  Soursourian stated, “In none of the business center leases does anyone have an express permission to use the... Read MORE...
  
  
  Read more about Albert Bacheller WELLS
• 
  
• 2002 - Out of Business
  Ames Department stores, which began in Southbridge in 1958, goes out of business.
  
  Ames was a well-known discount department store chain that operated in the United States. At its peak, it had hundreds of stores across the country. However, due to financial difficulties and changing market conditions, the chain faced financial troubles and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2001. After the bankruptcy, many of its stores were liquidated or acquired by other companies.
  
• 
  
• 
  
• 2023 - Here are some popular things to do and places to visit in and around Southbridge:
  Westville Recreation Area: This town park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking trails, a playground, and picnic areas. It's a great spot for a family day out or a leisurely stroll.
  
  Optical Heritage Museum: Southbridge is known for its optical manufacturing history, and this museum showcases the town's contribution to the industry. You can learn about the history of eyeglass manufacturing and see a collection of optical artifacts.
  
  Westville Lake: A lovely spot for fishing and bird-watching, Westville Lake is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. There's also a boat launch for kayaking or canoeing.
  
  Wells State Park: Located just outside Southbridge, this state park offers hiking, picnicking, and swimming opportunities in the summer. The park features the Walker Pond and the Carpenter Reservoir, where you can enjoy water activities.
  
  Roseland Cottage: This historic house in nearby Woodstock, Connecticut, is a popular attraction. It's a fine example of... Read MORE...
  
  
• Cemeteries in Southbridge:
  Oak Ridge Cemetery: Oak Ridge Cemetery is one of the most well-known cemeteries in Southbridge. It is located on Central Street and serves as the final resting place for many residents of the town.
  
  St. Mary's Cemetery: St. Mary's Cemetery, located on Marcy Street, is associated with the St. Mary's Parish. It is a Catholic cemetery and has been serving the local Catholic community for many years.
  
  Westville Cemetery: Westville Cemetery is situated on Main Street, near the Westville Dam. This cemetery has historical significance and is the burial site of some of the town's early settlers.
  
  St. Hedwig's Cemetery: St. Hedwig's Cemetery is located on Lebanon Hill Road and is affiliated with the St. Hedwig's Parish. It is a Catholic cemetery serving the needs of the local Polish community.
  
  New Notre Dame Cemetery: This cemetery is part of the Notre Dame Parish and is located on Marcy Street. It serves as the final resting place for members of the Notre Dame community.
  
  Calvary... Read MORE...