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History of Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Visit Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.Do You Have Worcester Roots? Share MY Ancestral Story!
Worcester, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA (Greendale) (Quinsigamond Village) (Tatnuck) (Vernon Hill)
Worcester was named from Worcestershire, Eng.
How New England Towns Received Their Names
The Day
New London, Connecticut
October 21, 1914
Home of the Valentine.
In 1906, Miss Esther A. Howland of Worcester, Mass., was the first person in this country to manufacture valentines.
Worcester includes: Washington Square, West Tatnuck, Westwood Hills, Barber's Station, Barmardville, Blithewood, Bloomingdale, Bradley Station, Cambridge Street, College Hill, Columbus Park, Fairmount, Greendale, Hammond Street, Hopeville, Indian Hill, Jamesville, Lakemont, Lake View, Leesville, Lincoln Square, Morningside, Mount Saint James, Neighborly Newton, Northville, Quinsigamond Village, Summit, Tallawanda, Tatnuck, and Trowbridgeville.
netronline.com
There is MUCH more to discover about Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. Read on!
Worcester Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Old Salisbury Mansion
Highland Street
Salisbury Mansion, located at 40 Highland Street, is Worcester’s only historic house museum. Built in 1772 as a combination house and store, it served as the home of “gentleman-merchant” Stephen Salisbury. The store closed after the Embargo of 1812, and by 1820 all of the space once used for the store had become living quarters... worcesterhistory.org
Read more about Stephen SALISBURY
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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James Green & Co., dealers in Drugs, Medicines, Chemicals, Paints, Oils Dye-Stuffs, Perfumery, Spices, Sporting and Blasting Powder, Fishing and Hunting Apparatus, &c.
At the Old Stand opposite Centre School House, Main-st.
WORCESTER, MASS.
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Clark University
On January 17, 1887, successful American businessman Jonas Gilman Clark announced his intention to found and endow a university in the city of Worcester, filing a petition in the Massachusetts Legislature requesting a charter for Clark University. An Act of Incorporation was duly enacted by the legislature and signed by the governor on March 31 of that same year. Clark, who was a friend of Leland Stanford, was probably inspired by the plans for Stanford University and founded the university with an endowment of one million dollars, and later added another million dollars because he feared the university might someday face a lack of funds. Opening on October 2, 1889, Clark was the first all-graduate university in the United States, with departments in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and psychology.
zippia.com
Read more about Jonas Gilman CLARK
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Salisbury Laboratory Polytechnic Institute
...built with funds provided by Stephen Salisbury III, who had the building named in honor of his father, one of the founders of the school. lostnewengland.com
Salisbury Laboratory, built in 1889, was the third building constructed on the campus and originally held the Departments of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering. The building was named after Stephen Salisbury II, one of the original benefactors of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and his son Stephen Salisbury III for his many donations to the school, including for the construction of the Salisbury Laboratories. digitalcommonwealth.org
Read more about Stephen SALISBURY
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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1890s C. G. Conn
Wonder Band Instruments
Worcester, Mass.
Elkhart, Ind.
C.G. Conn Ltd., sometimes called Conn Instruments or commonly just Conn, is a former American manufacturer of musical instruments incorporated in 1915. It bought the production facilities owned by Charles Gerard Conn, a major figure in early manufacture of brasswinds and saxophones in the USA. Its early business was based primarily on brass instruments, which were manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana. wikipedia
Read more about Charles Gerard CONN
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Chestnut Street Congregational Church
Located on Chestnut Street, the Union Congregational Church, also Chestnut Street Congregational, was erected in 1895.
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Art Museum
In September 1896, Stephen Salisbury III and a group of his friends founded the Art Museum Corporation to build an art institution "for the benefit of all." Salisbury then gave a tract of land, on what was once the Salisbury farm (now fronting Salisbury Street in Worcester, Massachusetts), as well as $100,000 USD to construct a building designed by Worcester architect Stephen C. Earle. The museum formally opened in 1898 with the Rev. Daniel Merriman as its first president. The museum's collection then consisted largely of plaster casts of "antique and Renaissance" sculptures, as well as a selection of 5,000 Japanese prints, drawings, and books, willed to the museum from John Chandler Bancroft, son of John Bancroft.
In 1905, Stephen Salisbury died and left the bulk of his five million-dollar estate to the museum...
Read more about Stephen SALISBURY
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Crompton & Knowles Loom Works
Worcester, Massachusetts was in its prime as a manufacturing mecca for inventors and manufacturers in the late 1800s. George Crompton and Lucius J. Knowles both settled in the city and started their own loom companies. Their companies were the leading manufacturer of looms in the world. Each company had a different theory of weaving. Crompton went by the "closed shed" method of weaving, whereas Knowles went by the "open shed" method of weaving, thus when their companies consolidated (1897) they covered both theories of weaving in the manufacturing of looms for the world market ... archives.wpi.edu
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
H.E. Smith & Co., Manufacturers of and Dealers in Boots, Shoes & Rubbers, Worcester, Mass., 1897 invoice
Read more about Henry Emerson SMITH
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Globe Corset Company, Worcester, Mass.
The Ladies' Home Journal
July 1898
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Park Congregational Church
(First Children's Church Organized in America)
Park Congregational Church was the first church in the United States to have started exclusively as a ministry to children. Originally located in the heart of Worcester’s historic Elm Park, the congregation now holds services each week in our Davis Chapel. fbc-worc.org
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
J. J. Newberry Co. newly enlarged super store. 10-20 Front Street Worcester, Mass.
J.J. Newberry's was an American five and dime store chain in the 20th century. It was founded in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, United States, in 1911 by John Josiah Newberry (1877–1954). J.J. Newberry learned the variety store business by working in stores for 17 years between 1894 and 1911. There were seven stores in the chain by 1918. wikipedia
Read more about John Josiah NEWBERRY
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Notre Dame des Canadiens
Park Street
Four French-speaking parishes in Worcester merged into a single Catholic church, and with the Notre Dame des Canadiens was founded in 1869, in the place where Bancroft Hotel stands today. The church was destroyed by fire in 1908.
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Old South Church, corner of Main and Wellington. The church was built around 1890. The structure was built to replace the "Old South Church" which was removed to make room for the present City Hall...
The new and costly edifice, at the corner of Main and Wellington streets, was dedicated Sept. 17,1889. It cost (including land) probably $150,000. It is of brown stone throughout, and of novel architecture, and there are few handsomer churches in the state. The amount awarded the Parish in 1887, when the old building was removed from the Common, was $148,500; but a compromise was effected by which the City paid $115,395.25, and gave the old bell in addition. worcestermass.com
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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"The Warren"
It opened as the Commonwealth Hotel in 1892. Its original advertising read "Modern Improvement, Electric Lights, and Steam Heat." In 1905, the building was bought, rebuilt and renamed the Warren by Ransom F. Taylor. Later, the Warren became the Mayflower and was eventually torn down.
worcestermass.com
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Worcester County Institution For Savings
The Worcester County Institute for Savings was established in 1828, and remained in close association with its parent organization, the Worcester Bank, until 1903. The bank's presidents include a number of Worcester luminaries, including Daniel Waldo, Alexander Bullock, Stephen Salisbury II, and Stephen Salisbury III. The bank was merged into the First National Bank of Boston in 1994. wikipedia
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Franklin Square Theatre, Worchester, Mass., 1914
The Hanover Theatre
Constructed in 1904 as the Franklin Square Theater, the building on Southbridge Street in downtown Worcester, Massachusetts has been the mainstay of community life for more than a century. It was purchased in 1914 by Sylvester A. Poli of New Haven, Connecticut, who owned a successful chain of theaters... Renamed the Fox-Poli Palace Theatre, at the time it was considered one of the most beautiful theaters in New England. Later taken over by the Loew's chain, in 1967 it was acquired by National Amusements (Showcase Cinemas)... In 2002, ownership of the theatre was transferred to the Worcester Center for the Performing Arts, Inc... The theater also received another facelift with a new name: Hanover Theater... atos.org
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Elm Park
Elm Park was established in 1854, making it one of the earliest public parks in the country. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a renowned landscape architect who is also famous for designing New York City's Central Park. The park's creation was part of a movement in the mid-19th century to provide urban green spaces for residents to enjoy and escape the industrialized city environment.
Elm Park is situated in the heart of Worcester, covering an area of about 60 acres. It is bordered by Highland Street, Park Avenue, Russell Street, and Elm Street.
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Green Hill Park
Originally the Green estate, this tract of land was sold to the city in 1905 for almost $55,000 (1905 dollars). It is believed that the fish pond was once stocked with German carp.
Andrew Green later became known as "Father of Greater New York" for his role in planning the growth of NYC and in reserving lands for recreation and park uses including Central Park.
worcestermass.com
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Holy Cross College
The cornerstone was put in place with great solemnity on June 21, 1843 and on the second day of November, with six students aged 9 to 19, the first classes were held. The College held its first Commencement in 1849, of which the valedictorian was James Healy, the son of a slave.
Within three years, the enrollment had increased to 100 students. In spite of very limited finances, the College was beginning to grow until in the summer of 1852 a catastrophic fire destroyed it... Funds were raised to rebuild the College, and in 1853, it opened for the second time...
holycross.edu
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Park Theatre, 1905
Located on Front Street near the corner of Main Street opposite Worcester Common and City Hall. Gordon’s New Park Theatre was opened prior to 1907 by the Gordon Theatres chain. It was still operating in 1926, it had closed by 1930. A Woolworths building was later built on the site. cinematreasures.org
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
advertisement
J. W. Bishop Company General Contractors
Offices
345 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y.
683 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Mass.
417 Butler Exchange, Providence, R. I.
107-109 Foster Street, Worcester, Mass.
MILLS AT WORCESTER, MASS.
New Bedford ... directory : of the inhabitants, business firms, institutions, streets, societies (1908) Author: W.A. Greenough & Co Volume: 1908 Publisher: Boston : W.A. Greenough & Co.
The J.W. Bishop Company was established in 1874 by John w. Bishop who formed in 1879 with George H. Cutting the firm of Cutting & Bishop. In 1893 the partnership was dissolved, and the business continued by Mr. Bishop until 1899, when the present corporation was formed with John W. Bishop as president... The company carries on extensive building operations in different parts of the country...
The Worcester Magazine: Devoted to Good Citizenship and Municipal Development, Volume 3, Chamber of Commerce, 1902 - Worcester (Mass.)
Read more about John Wilson BISHOP
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
advertisement
Howard Bros. Mfg. Co.
Manufacturers of Card Clothing
Nos. 44 and 46 Vine Street, Worcester, Mass.
New Bedford ... directory : of the inhabitants, business firms, institutions, streets, societies (1908) Author: W.A. Greenough & Co Volume: 1908 Publisher: Boston : W.A. Greenough & Co.
Howard Brothers Manufacturing Company founded in Worcester, Mass., in 1866 by three brothers, Albert H., Charles, and John Howard. With the passing of the older brothers, Albert H. Howard carried on alone. The Warren brothers (Henry, Samuel, and Berthier), of Holden, Mass., became financially interested and furnished a high grade of leather from their tannery. The company quickly expanded, moved to a new location on Vine Street and was incorporated under Massachusetts law in 1888. It eventually became a subsidiary of TransTechnology Corporation of Los Angeles. Eventually the company moved to Woonsocket, R.I., and the name was changed to Howard Brush. Manufacturers of carding and sheep machines and... Read MORE...
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Aerial Navigation is Thrilling and Interesting
N. E. Fair, September 5 to 8, 1910
Four Days - Two Nights
Captain Baldwin just starting out on one of his daily flights in Worcester, Mass.
Read more about Thomas Sackett "Scott" BALDWIN
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Worcester City Hospital, 1910
Worcester City Hospital was a public hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts from 1871 to 1991. It was established by an act of the Massachusetts state legislature and initially funded with a $200,000 donation from Worcester philanthropist George Jacques... wikipedia
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Hospital for the Insane, 1910
Worcester State Hospital was an abandoned state hospital that has since been mostly demolished.
The original hospital, known as the Worcester Lunatic Asylum, was built in 1833 which makes it the first state hospital built in Massachusetts.
The hospital quickly became overcrowded and a new hospital, the Worcester State Hospital, was built in 1876. historyofmassachusetts.org
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Union Station
The French-Renaissance styled Worcester Union Station was originally completed in 1911 for the Boston and Albany Railroad (B&A), but it was also used by the New York, New Haven and Hartford and the Boston and Maine railroads. greatamericanstations.com
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Bancroft Hotel
The Bancroft Hotel is a historic hotel building at 50 Franklin Street in Worcester, Massachusetts. Built in 1912 and expanded in 1925, it is one of the city's finest examples of Beaux Arts architecture, and was for many years its finest and most opulent hotel. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980...
The Bancroft Hotel was built by Niagara Falls businessman Frank A. Dudley and operated by the United Hotels Company. It was designed by Buffalo, New York architects Esenwein & Johnson in the Beaux Arts style and was completed in 1912 at a cost of over $1.2 million (equivalent to $32,181,000 in 2020). The hotel was named for Worcester historian and politician George Bancroft...
The building was operated as a hotel until 1964.
wikipedia
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Y.W.C.A., 1914
1885. The YWCA of Worcester is founded by a group of 14 women having as its objective “to promote the temporal, moral and religious welfare of young women who are dependent on their own exertions for support.” ywcam.org
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Bancroft Tower
Built in 1900, the castle-esq monument was named after Worcester native, former Secretary of the Navy, diplomat, and historian George Bancroft. The tower was built by Stephen Salisbury III, the last of the Worcester’s esteemed Salisbury family, who built it to honor Bancroft - his father’s childhood friend.
The tower was built in 1900 using horses and carriages to transport the large stones up Prospect Hill. The land the tower was built on was owned by Salisbury. The area around the tower did not become a park until 1912, when the Trustees of the Worcester Art Museum donated it to the city (Stephen Salisbury III left much of his estate to the Art Museum). parkspirit.org
Read more about George BANCROFT
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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State Mutual Building and Main Street
Built in 1897, this office building was the first skyscraper in Worcester, and it was originally home to the State Mutual Life Assurance Company, who relocated from their much smaller quarters just down the street at 240 Main Street. It was designed by the prominent Boston architectural firm of Peabody and Stearns, and demonstrates the Classical Revival design that was becoming popular in commercial buildings at the turn of the century. To some extent, it bears a resemblance to the taller Ames Building, completed just four years earlier in Boston. Unlike the load-bearing masonry of the Ames Building, though, the nine-story State Mutual Building had a steel frame, a development that had been introduced into skyscraper design at the end of the 19th century... lostnewengland.com
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Worcester Memorial Auditorium and Central Congregational Church
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
Advertisement
Hills Balcony Dryer
The Safe and Easy Way to hang out clothes in flats and apartments. Holds 110 feet of line. Fastens to side of block and swings into fire escape. Reel folds up quickly, and can be taken in to keep line clean. Ask the landlord to put one up.
Write for Catalog To:
Hill Dryer Co., 377 Broadway, N.Y., Or to factory, Worcester, Mass.
Discover Worcester: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Add History/News/Story
General Henry Knox and his troops passed through here in the winter of 1775-76 with a load of 59 cannons pulled by teams of oxen.
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.
General Henry Knox Trail - Historic Marker reads:
"Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston."
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.
General Henry Knox Trail - Historic Marker reads:
"Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston."
1789 - First American Novel
The first American novel, William Hill Brown's The Power of Sympathy,
published in Worcester.
www.e-referencedesk.com/
resources/ state-history-timeline/
massachusetts.html
Printed at Boston by Isaiah Thomas and Company. Sold at their bookstore, no. 45, Newbury Street. And at said Thomas's bookstore in Worcester.
Fictional account of Frances Theodora Apthorp, sister of Sarah Wentworth Morton, to whom the work has often been attributed.
National Library of Australia
catalogue.nla.gov.au/ Record/ 4896561
The first American novel, William Hill Brown's The Power of Sympathy,
published in Worcester.
www.e-referencedesk.com/
resources/ state-history-timeline/
massachusetts.html
Printed at Boston by Isaiah Thomas and Company. Sold at their bookstore, no. 45, Newbury Street. And at said Thomas's bookstore in Worcester.
Fictional account of Frances Theodora Apthorp, sister of Sarah Wentworth Morton, to whom the work has often been attributed.
National Library of Australia
catalogue.nla.gov.au/ Record/ 4896561
1838 - Fire at Worcester.
A fire broke out in the vicinity of School street, in Worcester, about 1 o'clock on Wednesday morning, which destroyed a large block of dwellings, brick machine factory, belonging to T. W. Paine, Esq. and the extensive stable of Messrs. Burt and Billings. All but the stables were insured. We have not learned further particulars. The estimate loss is $30,000.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
August 31, 1838
A fire broke out in the vicinity of School street, in Worcester, about 1 o'clock on Wednesday morning, which destroyed a large block of dwellings, brick machine factory, belonging to T. W. Paine, Esq. and the extensive stable of Messrs. Burt and Billings. All but the stables were insured. We have not learned further particulars. The estimate loss is $30,000.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
August 31, 1838
1839 - Worcester
Worcester, Massachusetts
County town, Worcester county. This town was incorporated in 1684, but in consequence of Indian hostilities the first town meeting was not held until 1722. This part of the country was called by the Indians, Quinsigamond, and Tatmuck and Bogachoak hills were Indian residences.
The central situation of the town, both in regard to the county and state, the fertility of its soil and that of the surrounding country, the salubrity of its climate, and the industry, intelligence and wealth of its people, have long since entitled it to the honor of being called the chief town in "the Heart of the Commonwealth." The town is situated in a valley, and surrounded by hills of gentle acclivity. It is well built and beautifully shaded, and travellers from every direction, are delighted with its neatness and beauty.
A number of streams which form the head waters for the Blackstone meet in this town, and furnish a considerable water power.
Worcester is 40 miles W.... Read MORE...
Worcester, Massachusetts
County town, Worcester county. This town was incorporated in 1684, but in consequence of Indian hostilities the first town meeting was not held until 1722. This part of the country was called by the Indians, Quinsigamond, and Tatmuck and Bogachoak hills were Indian residences.
The central situation of the town, both in regard to the county and state, the fertility of its soil and that of the surrounding country, the salubrity of its climate, and the industry, intelligence and wealth of its people, have long since entitled it to the honor of being called the chief town in "the Heart of the Commonwealth." The town is situated in a valley, and surrounded by hills of gentle acclivity. It is well built and beautifully shaded, and travellers from every direction, are delighted with its neatness and beauty.
A number of streams which form the head waters for the Blackstone meet in this town, and furnish a considerable water power.
Worcester is 40 miles W.... Read MORE...
1839 - December 28 - The third storm in two weeks hit the northeastern U.S. It brought two more feet of snow to Hartford, CT, and Worcester, MA. Whole gales swept the coast causing many wrecks.
WeatherForYou.com
WeatherForYou.com
1840 - Typewriter Invented
The typewriter was invented by Charles Thurber in Worcester.
www.e-referencedesk.com/
resources/ state-history-timeline/
massachusetts.html
In 1857, when he was still living in Worcester, Massachusetts, [Charles] Thurber patented a “Calligraph”, and then in 1860, after he had moved to Brooklyn, he patented improvements, changing the name of his machine to “Caligraph”. Both of these patents are obviously complete reworkings of Thurber’s 1845 “Mechanical Chirographer”. Thurber, too, knew his ancient languages: he was, after all a Latin teacher for many years. Like calligraphy, chirography comes from the Greek but is derived from Latin. It describes the study of penmanship and handwriting. Thurber titled his 1857 "Calligraph" patent "Penmanship".
It is very interesting that, until now, all typewriter (and other) historians have concentrated on Thurber’s first two patents, for the “Patent Printer” in 1843 and the “Mechanical Chirographer” in 1845, and completely ignored the two... Read MORE...
The typewriter was invented by Charles Thurber in Worcester.
www.e-referencedesk.com/
resources/ state-history-timeline/
massachusetts.html
In 1857, when he was still living in Worcester, Massachusetts, [Charles] Thurber patented a “Calligraph”, and then in 1860, after he had moved to Brooklyn, he patented improvements, changing the name of his machine to “Caligraph”. Both of these patents are obviously complete reworkings of Thurber’s 1845 “Mechanical Chirographer”. Thurber, too, knew his ancient languages: he was, after all a Latin teacher for many years. Like calligraphy, chirography comes from the Greek but is derived from Latin. It describes the study of penmanship and handwriting. Thurber titled his 1857 "Calligraph" patent "Penmanship".
It is very interesting that, until now, all typewriter (and other) historians have concentrated on Thurber’s first two patents, for the “Patent Printer” in 1843 and the “Mechanical Chirographer” in 1845, and completely ignored the two... Read MORE...
1845 - WORCESTER. [Pop. 7,497. Inc. 1684.]
Worcester was called Quinsigamond by the Indians, who joined with Philip against the colonists in the bloody war of 1675.
In 1701, Worcester was deserted by the inhabitants, through fear of the Indians.
In 1786, Worcester was disturbed by the insurrection of Daniel Shays, to suppress which the State was obliged to raise an army. Besides the ordinary buildings of a county town, Worcester contains the State Lunatic Hospital, a splendid monument of philanthropy, and the Hall of the Antiquarian Society, whose cabinet and library are very curious and valuable.
The sources of the Blackstone meet in Worcester, and furnish valuable privileges.
The Blackstone Canal extends from Worcester to Providence, in Rhode Island, but the subsequent construction of rail-roads has rendered the canal unprofitable.
The chief manufactures are woollen and cotton goods, boots and shoes, hats and bonnets, paper, and iron ware.
Distance from Boston, 40... Read MORE...
Worcester was called Quinsigamond by the Indians, who joined with Philip against the colonists in the bloody war of 1675.
In 1701, Worcester was deserted by the inhabitants, through fear of the Indians.
In 1786, Worcester was disturbed by the insurrection of Daniel Shays, to suppress which the State was obliged to raise an army. Besides the ordinary buildings of a county town, Worcester contains the State Lunatic Hospital, a splendid monument of philanthropy, and the Hall of the Antiquarian Society, whose cabinet and library are very curious and valuable.
The sources of the Blackstone meet in Worcester, and furnish valuable privileges.
The Blackstone Canal extends from Worcester to Providence, in Rhode Island, but the subsequent construction of rail-roads has rendered the canal unprofitable.
The chief manufactures are woollen and cotton goods, boots and shoes, hats and bonnets, paper, and iron ware.
Distance from Boston, 40... Read MORE...
1845 - A Horrible Death
We learn from the Worcester (Mass.) Transcript, that Mr. ASA MASON, manufacturer of tacks and brads, while adjusting his machinery, was caught by the skirts of his coat by the belt, and drawn up backwards over the shaft, between which and the ceiling there was only a space of 18 inches and was thrown round upwards of 100 times before the machinery could be stopped. His back was probably broken the first revolution. He died in a few moments. Mr. MASON was between 50 and 60 years of age.
Louisville Morning Courier and American Democrat
Louisville, Kentucky
Monday, November 24, 1845
We learn from the Worcester (Mass.) Transcript, that Mr. ASA MASON, manufacturer of tacks and brads, while adjusting his machinery, was caught by the skirts of his coat by the belt, and drawn up backwards over the shaft, between which and the ceiling there was only a space of 18 inches and was thrown round upwards of 100 times before the machinery could be stopped. His back was probably broken the first revolution. He died in a few moments. Mr. MASON was between 50 and 60 years of age.
Louisville Morning Courier and American Democrat
Louisville, Kentucky
Monday, November 24, 1845
1848 - Worcester
WORCESTER was incorporated in 1684, but in consequence of Indian hostilities the first town meeting was not held till 1722. This part of the country was called by the Indians Quinsigamond, that being the name of a large pond on the eastern border of the town. The central situation of this town both in regard to the county and state, the fertility of its soil and that of the surrounding country, and the industry, intelligence, and wealth of the inhabitants, justly entitle it to the honor of being called the chief town of the “Heart of the Commonwealth.”
In October, 1668, a township of land of rather more than eight miles square, bounded easterly by Quinsigamond pond, was granted by the general court to Daniel Gookin, Daniel Henchman, Thomas Prentice, and their associates. On account of the Indian war prevailing about this period, the immediate settlement of the place was prevented. In 1685, the Indians appearing friendly, the persons named above, together with John Wing, George... Read MORE...
WORCESTER was incorporated in 1684, but in consequence of Indian hostilities the first town meeting was not held till 1722. This part of the country was called by the Indians Quinsigamond, that being the name of a large pond on the eastern border of the town. The central situation of this town both in regard to the county and state, the fertility of its soil and that of the surrounding country, and the industry, intelligence, and wealth of the inhabitants, justly entitle it to the honor of being called the chief town of the “Heart of the Commonwealth.”
In October, 1668, a township of land of rather more than eight miles square, bounded easterly by Quinsigamond pond, was granted by the general court to Daniel Gookin, Daniel Henchman, Thomas Prentice, and their associates. On account of the Indian war prevailing about this period, the immediate settlement of the place was prevented. In 1685, the Indians appearing friendly, the persons named above, together with John Wing, George... Read MORE...
1848 - Worcester is incorporated as a city
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
1850 - Women's Rights Convention
First National Women's Rights Convention held in Worcester
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/
countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ matimeln.htm
The woman's rights movement began at Seneca Falls in 1848. That meeting spurred interest in forming a national movement.
In May of 1850, women from the Seneca Falls meeting who were attending an anti-slavery convention in Boston got together to plan a National Woman's Rights Convention. Nine met, with seven of them chosen to do the work. They selected Worcester as the location. Paulina Wright Davis wrote the call to the convention, presided over it, created the first permanent woman's rights organizations, and founded the first woman's rights newspaper.
The convention, held on October 23 & 24, 1850, attracted approximately 1,000 people. Of this number, 268 "declared themselves" which meant they could vote. Of that number, 84 were from Worcester.
Worcester Historical Museum
www.worcesterhistory.org/ ... Read MORE...
First National Women's Rights Convention held in Worcester
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/
countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ matimeln.htm
The woman's rights movement began at Seneca Falls in 1848. That meeting spurred interest in forming a national movement.
In May of 1850, women from the Seneca Falls meeting who were attending an anti-slavery convention in Boston got together to plan a National Woman's Rights Convention. Nine met, with seven of them chosen to do the work. They selected Worcester as the location. Paulina Wright Davis wrote the call to the convention, presided over it, created the first permanent woman's rights organizations, and founded the first woman's rights newspaper.
The convention, held on October 23 & 24, 1850, attracted approximately 1,000 people. Of this number, 268 "declared themselves" which meant they could vote. Of that number, 84 were from Worcester.
Worcester Historical Museum
www.worcesterhistory.org/ ... Read MORE...
1853 - January 21 - Envelope-folding machine patented by Russell Hawes, Worcester, Mass
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
1854 - Worcester
Worcester, a city and seat of justice of Worcester county, Massachusetts, is delightfully situated in the centre of one of the richest and most productive agricultural regions of the state, 45 miles W. S. W. from Boston, 43 miles N. N. W. from Providence, 45 miles S. S. W. from Nashua, and 63 miles E. N. E. from Springfield. Lat. 42° 16' 17" N., Lon. 71° 481 13" W. From this point diverge five import ant railroads, viz. the Western railroad, which connects with the railway system of the South and West; the Worcester and Nashua, communicating through other railroads with the valley of the St. Lawrence ; the Boston and Worcester road, one of the first constructed in the state, having been opened in 1835; the Providence and Worcester, and the Norwich and Worcester railroads, both of which have steamboat communication with New York. To this network of railroads Worcester is chiefly indebted for her late rapid increase in wealth and population. The city is situated partly in a valley... Read MORE...
Worcester, a city and seat of justice of Worcester county, Massachusetts, is delightfully situated in the centre of one of the richest and most productive agricultural regions of the state, 45 miles W. S. W. from Boston, 43 miles N. N. W. from Providence, 45 miles S. S. W. from Nashua, and 63 miles E. N. E. from Springfield. Lat. 42° 16' 17" N., Lon. 71° 481 13" W. From this point diverge five import ant railroads, viz. the Western railroad, which connects with the railway system of the South and West; the Worcester and Nashua, communicating through other railroads with the valley of the St. Lawrence ; the Boston and Worcester road, one of the first constructed in the state, having been opened in 1835; the Providence and Worcester, and the Norwich and Worcester railroads, both of which have steamboat communication with New York. To this network of railroads Worcester is chiefly indebted for her late rapid increase in wealth and population. The city is situated partly in a valley... Read MORE...
1855 - October 9 - Joshua Stoddard of Worcester, Mass patents 1st calliope
The calliope was invented in the 1850s by Joshua C. Stoddard, who was an American engineer and steamboat captain. He developed the instrument to produce music using steam as its power source. The calliope became a popular attraction on steamboats and riverboats during the 19th and early 20th centuries, adding entertainment and announcing the arrival or departure of the boat with its distinctive and loud sound.
historyorb.com
The calliope was invented in the 1850s by Joshua C. Stoddard, who was an American engineer and steamboat captain. He developed the instrument to produce music using steam as its power source. The calliope became a popular attraction on steamboats and riverboats during the 19th and early 20th centuries, adding entertainment and announcing the arrival or departure of the boat with its distinctive and loud sound.
historyorb.com
1855 - CATASTROPHE BY FIRE.
The Cordasville Manufactory, near Worcester, Massachusetts, was burned on the 1st inst. There were between eighty and one hundred operatives in the Factory, and so rapid was the flames, that all egress was cut off, and the only alternative was to jump from the windows or be burnt to death.
All the operatives in the third and fourth stories were obliged to jump from the windows. A few in the first and second stories escaped by the stair-way, but most of those in the second, jumped from the windows.
The Boston Journal says:
"It seems almost incredible that from 50 to 70 persons should jump from the 3d and 4th stories of a building, on the hard ground, and that but one should be killed and two others fatally injured. Yet such was the case. Many of those who jumped from the building were walking about in the afternoon some of them without even a limp."
"MARIE CARTER, aged 16 or 17, and the only American girl at work in the mill was killed. She was the superintendent's... Read MORE...
The Cordasville Manufactory, near Worcester, Massachusetts, was burned on the 1st inst. There were between eighty and one hundred operatives in the Factory, and so rapid was the flames, that all egress was cut off, and the only alternative was to jump from the windows or be burnt to death.
All the operatives in the third and fourth stories were obliged to jump from the windows. A few in the first and second stories escaped by the stair-way, but most of those in the second, jumped from the windows.
The Boston Journal says:
"It seems almost incredible that from 50 to 70 persons should jump from the 3d and 4th stories of a building, on the hard ground, and that but one should be killed and two others fatally injured. Yet such was the case. Many of those who jumped from the building were walking about in the afternoon some of them without even a limp."
"MARIE CARTER, aged 16 or 17, and the only American girl at work in the mill was killed. She was the superintendent's... Read MORE...
1871 - Revolver Maker Leaves Large Fortune
Ethan Allen, who recently died in Worcester, Mass., at the age of sixty-four, preceded Colt in the manufacture of revolvers. One of his earliest inventions was the "pepper-box revolver," produced in 1845. He leaves a large fortune.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 28, 1871
Ethan Allen, who recently died in Worcester, Mass., at the age of sixty-four, preceded Colt in the manufacture of revolvers. One of his earliest inventions was the "pepper-box revolver," produced in 1845. He leaves a large fortune.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 28, 1871
1871 - Mary's Little Lamb
The Worcester Gazette has become nauseated by the many recent effusions concerning "Mary's Little Lamb," and disposes of the animal in this way:
"Mary had a little lamb,"
We've heard it o'er and o'er,
Until that little lamb's become
A perfect little bore!
So I propose there shall be dug
A grave both deep and wide,
In which that lamb and all its bards
Be buried side by side.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 4, 1871
The Worcester Gazette has become nauseated by the many recent effusions concerning "Mary's Little Lamb," and disposes of the animal in this way:
"Mary had a little lamb,"
We've heard it o'er and o'er,
Until that little lamb's become
A perfect little bore!
So I propose there shall be dug
A grave both deep and wide,
In which that lamb and all its bards
Be buried side by side.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 4, 1871
1872 - A Singular Law Suit.
The proprietors of the Rural Cemetery at Worcester, Massachusetts, have brought suit against a company engaged in the manufacture of chemicals, about 400 feet distant from the cemetery. It is claimed that the fumes of coppers thrown off by the works injure the marble monuments and headstones in the cemetery.
The Indianapolis News
Indianapolis, Indiana
May 17, 1872
The proprietors of the Rural Cemetery at Worcester, Massachusetts, have brought suit against a company engaged in the manufacture of chemicals, about 400 feet distant from the cemetery. It is claimed that the fumes of coppers thrown off by the works injure the marble monuments and headstones in the cemetery.
The Indianapolis News
Indianapolis, Indiana
May 17, 1872
1876 - THE MAD WATERS. Giving Way of the Dam at Worcester, Mass. A GRAPHIC SKETCH OF THE SCENE.
WORCESTER, March 30. - Later advices from the broken dam are of a more assuring character. Large tree trunks, bales of hay and loads of dirt are being thrown into the gap and the rush of water is lessened. Channels to connect the reservoir with a stream to the eastward are being dug with haste. Water in the reservoir is rapidly lowering, and though the gap in the dam is widening, it is thought the main structure will stand. There is less of a panic along the expected path of the flood, but efforts to lessen or avert the danger are still in progress throughout the entire Kettlebrook and Blackstone river. There is an immense crowd at the scene of trouble, which is growing constantly, and a large police is keeping order in the crowd and protecting goods on the hills removed from houses and manufactories.
2 P. M. - It is now decided that the only means of safety is in cutting through the east part of the dam and diverting the water from the break. - This will carry the stream down... Read MORE...
WORCESTER, March 30. - Later advices from the broken dam are of a more assuring character. Large tree trunks, bales of hay and loads of dirt are being thrown into the gap and the rush of water is lessened. Channels to connect the reservoir with a stream to the eastward are being dug with haste. Water in the reservoir is rapidly lowering, and though the gap in the dam is widening, it is thought the main structure will stand. There is less of a panic along the expected path of the flood, but efforts to lessen or avert the danger are still in progress throughout the entire Kettlebrook and Blackstone river. There is an immense crowd at the scene of trouble, which is growing constantly, and a large police is keeping order in the crowd and protecting goods on the hills removed from houses and manufactories.
2 P. M. - It is now decided that the only means of safety is in cutting through the east part of the dam and diverting the water from the break. - This will carry the stream down... Read MORE...
1884 - Horse Led to Chapel
Some students in the Industrial institute at Worcester, Massachusetts, recently led a horse up two flights of stairs to the chapel. Twenty-eight members or the classes have been suspended for refusing to confess the details.
The Belleville Telescope
Belleville, Kansas
November 27, 1884
Some students in the Industrial institute at Worcester, Massachusetts, recently led a horse up two flights of stairs to the chapel. Twenty-eight members or the classes have been suspended for refusing to confess the details.
The Belleville Telescope
Belleville, Kansas
November 27, 1884
1889 - A NARROW ESCAPE.
Fred Shaw, the swan boat man, had a narrow escape from drowning at the lake yesterday. He went out after lilies, and, while busily engaged in his work made a misstep and fell into the lake, where the water is about seven feet deep and the mud is of unknown depth. He found the bottom of the water and about two feet below it the surface of the mud, and if his companion had not been a remarkably strong man he would be standing there now. "Swannie" alone was unequal to the task of extricating his feet from the mud, but luckily his friend was able to reach down into the water far enough to get hold of his hand and pull him out.
Worcester Daily Spy
Worcester, Massachusetts
July 3, 1889
Fred Shaw, the swan boat man, had a narrow escape from drowning at the lake yesterday. He went out after lilies, and, while busily engaged in his work made a misstep and fell into the lake, where the water is about seven feet deep and the mud is of unknown depth. He found the bottom of the water and about two feet below it the surface of the mud, and if his companion had not been a remarkably strong man he would be standing there now. "Swannie" alone was unequal to the task of extricating his feet from the mud, but luckily his friend was able to reach down into the water far enough to get hold of his hand and pull him out.
Worcester Daily Spy
Worcester, Massachusetts
July 3, 1889
Worcester Massachusetts, 1890
WORCESTER, the capital of Worcester County, is an enterprising mercantile and manufacturing city 44 miles west-by-southwest of Boston, 43 miles northwest of Providence, and 53 miles northeast-by-east of Springfield. Its latitude is 42° 16´ 17´´ north, and its longitude 71° 48´ 13´´ west. The city is the centering point of six railroads, namely, the Boston and Albany Railroad, the Norwich and Worcester (leased by the New York and New England Railroad), the Worcester and Nashua, the Providence and Worcester, the Worcester and Fitchburg, and the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad. With these roads entering at various points of the compass, transportation facilities are afforded convenient to the outlying villages. These are Lake View, Quinsigamond, Barbers (which are the post-offices), Barnardville, Blithewood, Bloomingdale, Greendale, Jamesville, Leesville, New Worcester, Northville, Tatnuck, Trowbridgeville, East Worcester, South Worcester and Worcester Junction. The Union Passenger... Read MORE...
WORCESTER, the capital of Worcester County, is an enterprising mercantile and manufacturing city 44 miles west-by-southwest of Boston, 43 miles northwest of Providence, and 53 miles northeast-by-east of Springfield. Its latitude is 42° 16´ 17´´ north, and its longitude 71° 48´ 13´´ west. The city is the centering point of six railroads, namely, the Boston and Albany Railroad, the Norwich and Worcester (leased by the New York and New England Railroad), the Worcester and Nashua, the Providence and Worcester, the Worcester and Fitchburg, and the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad. With these roads entering at various points of the compass, transportation facilities are afforded convenient to the outlying villages. These are Lake View, Quinsigamond, Barbers (which are the post-offices), Barnardville, Blithewood, Bloomingdale, Greendale, Jamesville, Leesville, New Worcester, Northville, Tatnuck, Trowbridgeville, East Worcester, South Worcester and Worcester Junction. The Union Passenger... Read MORE...
1891 - First Armenian Church in the United States
The first Armenian church in the United States was dedicated with impressive ceremonies at Worcester yesterday. Rev. H. V. Sarajian, who was in charge of the Armenian church there, officated in a black cassock with purple sleeves lined with purple, and over it a flowing robe of rich purple damask secured by a silver clasp. The services were conducted entirely in the Armenian language.
Boston Evening Transcript
Boston, Massachusetts
January 19, 1891
The first Armenian church in the United States was dedicated with impressive ceremonies at Worcester yesterday. Rev. H. V. Sarajian, who was in charge of the Armenian church there, officated in a black cassock with purple sleeves lined with purple, and over it a flowing robe of rich purple damask secured by a silver clasp. The services were conducted entirely in the Armenian language.
Boston Evening Transcript
Boston, Massachusetts
January 19, 1891
1892 - It is stated that the Washburn and Moen Manufacturing Company, of Worcester, Massachusetts, is making absolutely perfect diamond dies producing copper wire as fine as two one-thousandths of an inch, by a special process.
Iron
London, Greater London, England
February 12, 1892
Iron
London, Greater London, England
February 12, 1892
1895 - Worcester
Worcester, a city and one of the capitals of Worcester co., Mass., on Blackstone River, in lat. 42° 16' 17" N., lon. 71° 48' 13" W., and on several railways, the chief of which are the Boston & Albany, the Providence & Worcester, the Norwich & Worcester, the Worcester, Nashua & Rochester, and the Fitchburg. It is 44 miles S.W. of Boston, 43 miles N.W. of Providence, R.I., and is near the geographical centre of the state. It is laid out rather with reference to the irregular and diversified surface than to any mathematical plan, and has an unusually large number of fine buildings, public and private, numerous lines of street railway on which both electric and horse-cars are used, a good water supply from two distinct sources, gas- and electric light-works, an extensive drainage system with the largest works for the purification of sewage by chemical precipitation in America, and a well-organized fire department. The city has important manufactures of a very great variety of articles,... Read MORE...
Worcester, a city and one of the capitals of Worcester co., Mass., on Blackstone River, in lat. 42° 16' 17" N., lon. 71° 48' 13" W., and on several railways, the chief of which are the Boston & Albany, the Providence & Worcester, the Norwich & Worcester, the Worcester, Nashua & Rochester, and the Fitchburg. It is 44 miles S.W. of Boston, 43 miles N.W. of Providence, R.I., and is near the geographical centre of the state. It is laid out rather with reference to the irregular and diversified surface than to any mathematical plan, and has an unusually large number of fine buildings, public and private, numerous lines of street railway on which both electric and horse-cars are used, a good water supply from two distinct sources, gas- and electric light-works, an extensive drainage system with the largest works for the purification of sewage by chemical precipitation in America, and a well-organized fire department. The city has important manufactures of a very great variety of articles,... Read MORE...
1895 - TRIED TO PASS STAGE MONEY. An Amusing Incident on a Midnight Car in Main Street.
There was an amusing incident in front of the City Hall just before midnight Friday, in which a policeman, a street car conductor and a Chandler street inebriate were the central figures. The conductor called for a fare from the inebriate, who passed out what he thought to be a dollar bill. It proved, however, to be stage money,a nd was an advertisement for "The Run on the Bank" show. The eagle eye of the conductor spotted the difference, however, and he called for straight legal tender. The inebriate, in turn, called for 95 cents in change. There seemed to be no chance of immediate settlement, so when the car reached City Hall the conductor signalled his motorman for a halt.
Patrolman Kennedy was called into the car, and found that the man from Chandler street really thought that his money was good and was grieved that the fare taker would not return his change. A passenger on the car finally settled for the ownere of the stage money and the car proceeded north, but not until... Read MORE...
There was an amusing incident in front of the City Hall just before midnight Friday, in which a policeman, a street car conductor and a Chandler street inebriate were the central figures. The conductor called for a fare from the inebriate, who passed out what he thought to be a dollar bill. It proved, however, to be stage money,a nd was an advertisement for "The Run on the Bank" show. The eagle eye of the conductor spotted the difference, however, and he called for straight legal tender. The inebriate, in turn, called for 95 cents in change. There seemed to be no chance of immediate settlement, so when the car reached City Hall the conductor signalled his motorman for a halt.
Patrolman Kennedy was called into the car, and found that the man from Chandler street really thought that his money was good and was grieved that the fare taker would not return his change. A passenger on the car finally settled for the ownere of the stage money and the car proceeded north, but not until... Read MORE...
1896 - Train Accident
BODY IDENTIFIED.
Remains of Man Killed at Southgate Crossing Friday Those of H. Lyons.
The body of the man who was killed at the Southgate crossing on the Norwich and Worcester railroad Friday afternoon, and in whose possession were found a peddler’s license bearing the name of John B. McCarthy of Boston and also a pass issued by the Washburn & Moen Company in the name of T. Lyons of Boston Bridge Company until within a short time. He has worked at Greendale, Quinsigamond, and in the city proper. The peddler’s license belongs to his brother-in-law, John B. McCarthy of Boston. The dead man has a father and mother residing in that city, and Saturday they telegraphed Undertaker Sessions that they would come to Worcester to claim the remains which will be held awaiting their arrival.
4 Oct 1896
The case of Henry Lyon, who was killed at the Southbridge street crossing of the New England road, proved to be a case of trespass. He was not in the employ of the road and the witnesses... Read MORE...
BODY IDENTIFIED.
Remains of Man Killed at Southgate Crossing Friday Those of H. Lyons.
The body of the man who was killed at the Southgate crossing on the Norwich and Worcester railroad Friday afternoon, and in whose possession were found a peddler’s license bearing the name of John B. McCarthy of Boston and also a pass issued by the Washburn & Moen Company in the name of T. Lyons of Boston Bridge Company until within a short time. He has worked at Greendale, Quinsigamond, and in the city proper. The peddler’s license belongs to his brother-in-law, John B. McCarthy of Boston. The dead man has a father and mother residing in that city, and Saturday they telegraphed Undertaker Sessions that they would come to Worcester to claim the remains which will be held awaiting their arrival.
4 Oct 1896
The case of Henry Lyon, who was killed at the Southbridge street crossing of the New England road, proved to be a case of trespass. He was not in the employ of the road and the witnesses... Read MORE...
1900 - A Millionaire of Worchester, Massachusetts Is Missing.
New York, May 16. - Chas. A Richardson, a millionaire manufacturer of Worcester, Massachusetts has been missing for five weeks. The police have searched for him everywhere without success. The story of his disappearance was made public Tuesday.
Richardson came here early in April and put up at the Waldorf Astoria with his wife. On April 11 he went out to attend some business and never returned. A year ago, Richardson, while suffering from too close application to work, disappeared in a similar manner. When discovered he was seriously ill for several weeks.
The Marion Star
Marion, Ohio
May 16, 1900
New York, May 16. - Chas. A Richardson, a millionaire manufacturer of Worcester, Massachusetts has been missing for five weeks. The police have searched for him everywhere without success. The story of his disappearance was made public Tuesday.
Richardson came here early in April and put up at the Waldorf Astoria with his wife. On April 11 he went out to attend some business and never returned. A year ago, Richardson, while suffering from too close application to work, disappeared in a similar manner. When discovered he was seriously ill for several weeks.
The Marion Star
Marion, Ohio
May 16, 1900
1901 - TROLLEY DEAL IN CONNECTICUT: New Haven Road Purchases the Webster and Worcester System.
NEW HAVEN, Jan. 12 - The New Haven Road has just purchased through the People's Tramway Company of Danielson, Conn., the Webster and Worcester Street Railway Company.
The purchase gives to the People's Tramway Company control of the trolley lines from Danielson, Conn., to Worcester, a distance of forty miles. The company recently acquired the Putnam and Thompson Street Railway Company, and later took over the Webster and Dudley system, the latest purchase of the Webster and Worcester completing the circuit. The New Haven Road will extend the People's Tramway line in time to Norwich, thus connecting with the steam road along the Thames to New London and forming a continuous line from Norwich to Boston, a distance of 120 miles.
The People's Tramway system will run express trains, freight, mail, baggage, and passenger coaches over the newly acquired line. The express trains will make stops only at Putnam and Webster in the through run from Danielson to Worcester, and will run at ... Read MORE...
NEW HAVEN, Jan. 12 - The New Haven Road has just purchased through the People's Tramway Company of Danielson, Conn., the Webster and Worcester Street Railway Company.
The purchase gives to the People's Tramway Company control of the trolley lines from Danielson, Conn., to Worcester, a distance of forty miles. The company recently acquired the Putnam and Thompson Street Railway Company, and later took over the Webster and Dudley system, the latest purchase of the Webster and Worcester completing the circuit. The New Haven Road will extend the People's Tramway line in time to Norwich, thus connecting with the steam road along the Thames to New London and forming a continuous line from Norwich to Boston, a distance of 120 miles.
The People's Tramway system will run express trains, freight, mail, baggage, and passenger coaches over the newly acquired line. The express trains will make stops only at Putnam and Webster in the through run from Danielson to Worcester, and will run at ... Read MORE...
1902 - A Massachusetts Man's Big Luck - Gate Tender on a Railroad to Get a Large Slice.
The Times Special Service.
WORCESTER, Mass., Saturday, June 7. - Family records expected daily from the parish priest at Lanoraie in Quebec are expected to establish the claim of Joseph A. Demars, a gate tender of the Boston & Albany Railroad to a share of the $8,000,000 which has been in possession of the city authorities of Cleveland, O., since 1864.
Mr. and Mrs. Demars, in case they are able to prove their claim, will have to share the fortune with the families of Mrs. Loiuse Caisse, Alfred Caisee, Henry Caisse and three sisters, and Mrs. Frank Belville.
Fiction never furnishes a stranger romance than that of the Caisse millions and the efforts of the Caisse family to prove their kinship to the mysterious real estate man who died in Cleveland nearly forty years ago.
Men and women have grown old in hope of eventually becoming wealthy, families have increased and multiplied until now, should the fortune be divided, a liberal estimate would give those having claims only... Read MORE...
The Times Special Service.
WORCESTER, Mass., Saturday, June 7. - Family records expected daily from the parish priest at Lanoraie in Quebec are expected to establish the claim of Joseph A. Demars, a gate tender of the Boston & Albany Railroad to a share of the $8,000,000 which has been in possession of the city authorities of Cleveland, O., since 1864.
Mr. and Mrs. Demars, in case they are able to prove their claim, will have to share the fortune with the families of Mrs. Loiuse Caisse, Alfred Caisee, Henry Caisse and three sisters, and Mrs. Frank Belville.
Fiction never furnishes a stranger romance than that of the Caisse millions and the efforts of the Caisse family to prove their kinship to the mysterious real estate man who died in Cleveland nearly forty years ago.
Men and women have grown old in hope of eventually becoming wealthy, families have increased and multiplied until now, should the fortune be divided, a liberal estimate would give those having claims only... Read MORE...
1904 - Fireworks Explode in Store - Panic-Stricken Women and Children Rescued from Cellar of Burning Building
Special to The New York Times.
WORCESTER, Mass., July 2. — Accidentally stepping on a bomb-jack, a large torpedo, Albert Childs, a clerk of the Nelson Five and Ten Cent Store, 526 and 528 Main Street, started a fire at 6:30 o'clock to-night which caused the explosion of $700 worth of fireworks and cut off forty customers and clerks from the only exit in the store.
Women and children were injured and suffocated by the smoke and were finally rescued from the cellar, where they had fled to avoid the flames. Manuel Oviginian was caught under a freight elevator as it was descending with twenty-five women in it, into the bottom of the pit. He was taken to the City Hospital, where his right leg was amputated. He is not expected to live. Twenty-five women and children received minor injuries and were carried to their homes in police ambulances.
The discharge of pyrotechnics created a panic among the men, women, and children in the store. Skyrockets, mines, Roman candles, and $300... Read MORE...
Special to The New York Times.
WORCESTER, Mass., July 2. — Accidentally stepping on a bomb-jack, a large torpedo, Albert Childs, a clerk of the Nelson Five and Ten Cent Store, 526 and 528 Main Street, started a fire at 6:30 o'clock to-night which caused the explosion of $700 worth of fireworks and cut off forty customers and clerks from the only exit in the store.
Women and children were injured and suffocated by the smoke and were finally rescued from the cellar, where they had fled to avoid the flames. Manuel Oviginian was caught under a freight elevator as it was descending with twenty-five women in it, into the bottom of the pit. He was taken to the City Hospital, where his right leg was amputated. He is not expected to live. Twenty-five women and children received minor injuries and were carried to their homes in police ambulances.
The discharge of pyrotechnics created a panic among the men, women, and children in the store. Skyrockets, mines, Roman candles, and $300... Read MORE...
1905 - Record Cold
The city engineer's office at Worcester reports last month as the coldest February of which it has any record, the mean temperature being only 18.36 degrees above zero. Las year the month was regarded as a pretty stiff proposition, but its mean was 1.3 degrees higher than this. The highest mean temperature in eighteen years as 32.9 degrees, in 1890.
Boston Evening Transcript
Boston, Massachusetts
March 2, 1905
The city engineer's office at Worcester reports last month as the coldest February of which it has any record, the mean temperature being only 18.36 degrees above zero. Las year the month was regarded as a pretty stiff proposition, but its mean was 1.3 degrees higher than this. The highest mean temperature in eighteen years as 32.9 degrees, in 1890.
Boston Evening Transcript
Boston, Massachusetts
March 2, 1905
1906
Worcester, a city and one of the capitals of Worcester co., Mass., near the Blackstone River, 44 miles W. by S. of Boston, on the Boston and Albany, the Boston and Maine and the New York, New Haven and Hartford Rs. It is the second city in population of the state, of which it occupies approximately the geographical centre, and is distinguished, apart from its industries, for the large number and character of its public edifices and institutions. Among these are the city-hall, court-house, post-office, free public library (with about 150,000 volumes), state armory, Worcester Art Museum, American Antiquarian Society (with a library of 125,000 volumes), the museum of the Worcester Natural Historical Society, Clarke University (founded in 1887), and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (with admirable chemical laboratories). Other institutions of learning are Worcester Academy, College of the Holy Cross (Roman Catholic), the Highland Military Academy, and a state normal school. The city... Read MORE...
Worcester, a city and one of the capitals of Worcester co., Mass., near the Blackstone River, 44 miles W. by S. of Boston, on the Boston and Albany, the Boston and Maine and the New York, New Haven and Hartford Rs. It is the second city in population of the state, of which it occupies approximately the geographical centre, and is distinguished, apart from its industries, for the large number and character of its public edifices and institutions. Among these are the city-hall, court-house, post-office, free public library (with about 150,000 volumes), state armory, Worcester Art Museum, American Antiquarian Society (with a library of 125,000 volumes), the museum of the Worcester Natural Historical Society, Clarke University (founded in 1887), and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (with admirable chemical laboratories). Other institutions of learning are Worcester Academy, College of the Holy Cross (Roman Catholic), the Highland Military Academy, and a state normal school. The city... Read MORE...
1906 - Origin of the U.S. Valentine
Miss Esther A. Howland of Worcester, Mass., was the first person in this country to manufacture valentines. Before she began in 1840, all these missives were imported. Miss Howland was a graduate of Mount Holyoke seminary, and after she left school she took scissors, paste pot, colored pictures and paper and began at first to make imitations of the valentines which her father, a stationer, imported. She sent some samples of her work to Boston and New York. They were sold immediately, and a large number of others was ordered. That was the beginning of her trade, and from that time on till she died, some months ago, she had all the orders she could fill. She became very well to do.
Pawtuxet Valley Gleaner
Phenix, Kent, Rhode Island
Friday, March 9, 1906
Miss Esther A. Howland of Worcester, Mass., was the first person in this country to manufacture valentines. Before she began in 1840, all these missives were imported. Miss Howland was a graduate of Mount Holyoke seminary, and after she left school she took scissors, paste pot, colored pictures and paper and began at first to make imitations of the valentines which her father, a stationer, imported. She sent some samples of her work to Boston and New York. They were sold immediately, and a large number of others was ordered. That was the beginning of her trade, and from that time on till she died, some months ago, she had all the orders she could fill. She became very well to do.
Pawtuxet Valley Gleaner
Phenix, Kent, Rhode Island
Friday, March 9, 1906
GIANT ROCKET SOON READY FOR TEST
Professor Robert Goddard's Rocket, Which is Expected to Travel 70 Miles in Air, is Ready
WORCHESTER, Mass., - An actual test of Professor Robert Goddard's rocket, which it is claimed, can travel vertically seventy miles into the air will be made here shortly. The time and place have not yet been definitely decided upon.
The rocket, it is said, is practically ready to be tried out. It weighs thirty pounds, twenty-five of which is highly explosive. A sufficiently large rocket would hit the moon, it is claimed.
Professor Goddard started his invention during the war and has been at work on it since. His laboratory at that time was carefully guarded by soldiers, as the rocket was expected to provide the army with a terrible new engine of destruction capable of shooting two hundred or more miles.
The Smithsonian Institute and the War Department provided a working fund of more than $5,000. Clark Collage, where Professor Goddard is head of the department of physics, gave him a... Read MORE...
Read more about Robert Hutchings GODDARD
Professor Robert Goddard's Rocket, Which is Expected to Travel 70 Miles in Air, is Ready
WORCHESTER, Mass., - An actual test of Professor Robert Goddard's rocket, which it is claimed, can travel vertically seventy miles into the air will be made here shortly. The time and place have not yet been definitely decided upon.
The rocket, it is said, is practically ready to be tried out. It weighs thirty pounds, twenty-five of which is highly explosive. A sufficiently large rocket would hit the moon, it is claimed.
Professor Goddard started his invention during the war and has been at work on it since. His laboratory at that time was carefully guarded by soldiers, as the rocket was expected to provide the army with a terrible new engine of destruction capable of shooting two hundred or more miles.
The Smithsonian Institute and the War Department provided a working fund of more than $5,000. Clark Collage, where Professor Goddard is head of the department of physics, gave him a... Read MORE...
Read more about Robert Hutchings GODDARD
1923 - "Wooster Ain't Manchester"
Diners in a Harrisburg restaurant last evening were treated to a real comedy. A gentleman, presumably from out-of-town, went to the telephone to put in a call.
"I want to speak to the City Hospital, in Worcester, Massachusetts." He said it thus, "In Wooster, Mass." And then the fun began.
"No, no. I don't want Manchester. I want Wooster, Mass."
"I ain't Jewish. You talk like a German."
"My number? I ain't got none. I want the City Hospital in Worcester, Mass."
"Hello, hello! Is this Worcester, Mass? The long-distance operator? Well, where's that other jane? I could understand her, but you don't talk English."
And so the conversation, or rather that end of it which could be heard in the restaurant went on for many minutes. The reporter finished a plate of chicken, drained his coffee cup, and as he went out the door, passed the man from out-of-town, still calling for "Wooster, Mass."
Harrisburg Telegraph
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
November 12, 1923
Diners in a Harrisburg restaurant last evening were treated to a real comedy. A gentleman, presumably from out-of-town, went to the telephone to put in a call.
"I want to speak to the City Hospital, in Worcester, Massachusetts." He said it thus, "In Wooster, Mass." And then the fun began.
"No, no. I don't want Manchester. I want Wooster, Mass."
"I ain't Jewish. You talk like a German."
"My number? I ain't got none. I want the City Hospital in Worcester, Mass."
"Hello, hello! Is this Worcester, Mass? The long-distance operator? Well, where's that other jane? I could understand her, but you don't talk English."
And so the conversation, or rather that end of it which could be heard in the restaurant went on for many minutes. The reporter finished a plate of chicken, drained his coffee cup, and as he went out the door, passed the man from out-of-town, still calling for "Wooster, Mass."
Harrisburg Telegraph
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
November 12, 1923
1944 - HURRICANE HITS NEW YORK AND NEW ENGLAND COASTS. HIGH WINDS LASH JERSEY, LONG ISLAND.
...Worcester In Center.
The following advisory was issued by the Boston weather bureau at 10 p.m.:
"Latest reports from the vicinity of the hurricane indicates that that the center of the storm is passing over the Connecticut coast about twenty miles west of New London at 10 p.m. last night moving north northeastward about forty miles per hour."
"This path of the center is expected to continue changing more to the northeast later. The center should pass close to Putnam, Conn., Worcester, Mass., just north of Portland, Me., reaching Worcester about 1 a.m., Portland about 3 a.m. and Bangor about 6 a.m."
"This is a severe storm and is not expected to diminish much as it passes through New England. Hurricane warnings continue to be displayed from Delaware Breakwater to Portland, Me., and northeast storm warnings north of Portland to Eastport."...
The Troy Record
Troy, New York
September 15, 1944
...Worcester In Center.
The following advisory was issued by the Boston weather bureau at 10 p.m.:
"Latest reports from the vicinity of the hurricane indicates that that the center of the storm is passing over the Connecticut coast about twenty miles west of New London at 10 p.m. last night moving north northeastward about forty miles per hour."
"This path of the center is expected to continue changing more to the northeast later. The center should pass close to Putnam, Conn., Worcester, Mass., just north of Portland, Me., reaching Worcester about 1 a.m., Portland about 3 a.m. and Bangor about 6 a.m."
"This is a severe storm and is not expected to diminish much as it passes through New England. Hurricane warnings continue to be displayed from Delaware Breakwater to Portland, Me., and northeast storm warnings north of Portland to Eastport."...
The Troy Record
Troy, New York
September 15, 1944
1953 - 80 DEAD AND 700 INJURED IN WORCESTER TORNADO.
THOUSANDS OF HOMES WRECKED; PROPERTY LOSS IN MILLIONS.
"MINOR" TWISTER HITS FRANKLIN AND WRENTHAM SECTOR; EXETER, N. H. SLAMMED.
Worcester, June 10 (UP) - New England's worst tornadoes in history left thousands shocked and homeless today, damage in the millions of dollars and a steadily rising death toll.
The death toll climbed to 80 with 71 identified. Six unidentified bodies were at a hospital morgue here and three at a Shrewsbury funeral home. Thus the nation's three-day twister toll was 234, with 154 having died in tornadoes in Nebraska and the Ohio-Michigan area.
Hardest hit by the New England tornadoes was Worcester county, a textile and manufacturing center, where estimates of injured ran up to 700. Thousands of homes were wrecked and property loss was estimated in the millions of dollars.
Elsewhere, a comparatively 'minor' twister snarled through the Franklin-Wrentham section of Massachusetts, damaging scores of buildings, sending 35 persons to hospitals, and... Read MORE...
THOUSANDS OF HOMES WRECKED; PROPERTY LOSS IN MILLIONS.
"MINOR" TWISTER HITS FRANKLIN AND WRENTHAM SECTOR; EXETER, N. H. SLAMMED.
Worcester, June 10 (UP) - New England's worst tornadoes in history left thousands shocked and homeless today, damage in the millions of dollars and a steadily rising death toll.
The death toll climbed to 80 with 71 identified. Six unidentified bodies were at a hospital morgue here and three at a Shrewsbury funeral home. Thus the nation's three-day twister toll was 234, with 154 having died in tornadoes in Nebraska and the Ohio-Michigan area.
Hardest hit by the New England tornadoes was Worcester county, a textile and manufacturing center, where estimates of injured ran up to 700. Thousands of homes were wrecked and property loss was estimated in the millions of dollars.
Elsewhere, a comparatively 'minor' twister snarled through the Franklin-Wrentham section of Massachusetts, damaging scores of buildings, sending 35 persons to hospitals, and... Read MORE...
1954 - The birth control pill was invented in Worcester in 1954
Researchers at Clark University were influenced by the work of Margaret Sanger, who campaigned for the development of a contraceptive for poor women who were burdened by frequent pregnancies. The pill was approved by the FDA in 1960.
www.onlyinyourstate.com
Researchers at Clark University were influenced by the work of Margaret Sanger, who campaigned for the development of a contraceptive for poor women who were burdened by frequent pregnancies. The pill was approved by the FDA in 1960.
www.onlyinyourstate.com
1954 - Hurricane Carol - HURRICANE ROARS ACROSS LONG ISLAND. FIVE KILLED BY STORM IN NEW ENGLAND.
...A businessman was blown to his death by a 70-mile-an-hour gust in Worcester, Mass., from a 10-story downtown building...
The Times Record Troy New York 1954-08-31
Carol formed near the central Bahama Islands on August 25, and moved slowly northward and north-northwestward. By August 30 it was a hurricane about 100-150 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina. It then accelerated north-northeastward, make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane over Long Island, New York and Connecticut on the 31st. The cyclone became extratropical later that day as it crossed the remainder of New England and southeastern Canada.
Sustained winds of 80 to 100 mph were reported over much of eastern Connecticut, all of Rhode Island, and eastern Massachusetts. A peak gust of 130 mph was reported at Block Island, Rhode Island, while gusts of 100 to 125 mph occurred over much of the rest of the affected area. Storm surge flooding occurred along the New England coast from Long Island northward, with... Read MORE...
...A businessman was blown to his death by a 70-mile-an-hour gust in Worcester, Mass., from a 10-story downtown building...
The Times Record Troy New York 1954-08-31
Carol formed near the central Bahama Islands on August 25, and moved slowly northward and north-northwestward. By August 30 it was a hurricane about 100-150 miles east of Charleston, South Carolina. It then accelerated north-northeastward, make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane over Long Island, New York and Connecticut on the 31st. The cyclone became extratropical later that day as it crossed the remainder of New England and southeastern Canada.
Sustained winds of 80 to 100 mph were reported over much of eastern Connecticut, all of Rhode Island, and eastern Massachusetts. A peak gust of 130 mph was reported at Block Island, Rhode Island, while gusts of 100 to 125 mph occurred over much of the rest of the affected area. Storm surge flooding occurred along the New England coast from Long Island northward, with... Read MORE...
1962 - October 27 - Worcester MA received a record 4.7 inches of snow.
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel
2001 - ACT, based in Worcester, created human embryo clone
www.worldatlas.com
www.worldatlas.com
Here's a list of things to do and places to visit in Worcester:
Worcester Art Museum: Discover a rich collection of European and American art, featuring renowned artists such as Monet, Degas, and John Singer Sargent. The museum's architecture is also a sight to behold.
Ecotarium: A perfect destination for families, this science and nature museum offers interactive exhibits, a planetarium, wildlife displays, and a tree canopy walkway.
Worcester Historical Museum: Delve into the history of Worcester and Central Massachusetts through exhibits showcasing the city's industrial past, notable residents, and cultural heritage.
Mechanics Hall: Experience the historic charm of this concert hall, celebrated for its exceptional acoustics. Enjoy a variety of musical performances ranging from classical to contemporary.
Union Station: Admire the grandeur of Worcester's restored Union Station, a blend of historical significance and architectural beauty. Explore its dining options or catch a train to nearby cities.
Worcester Common: This vibrant... Read MORE...
Worcester Art Museum: Discover a rich collection of European and American art, featuring renowned artists such as Monet, Degas, and John Singer Sargent. The museum's architecture is also a sight to behold.
Ecotarium: A perfect destination for families, this science and nature museum offers interactive exhibits, a planetarium, wildlife displays, and a tree canopy walkway.
Worcester Historical Museum: Delve into the history of Worcester and Central Massachusetts through exhibits showcasing the city's industrial past, notable residents, and cultural heritage.
Mechanics Hall: Experience the historic charm of this concert hall, celebrated for its exceptional acoustics. Enjoy a variety of musical performances ranging from classical to contemporary.
Union Station: Admire the grandeur of Worcester's restored Union Station, a blend of historical significance and architectural beauty. Explore its dining options or catch a train to nearby cities.
Worcester Common: This vibrant... Read MORE...
Discover MY Roots: Worcester Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about 719 ancestors who were born or died in Worcester.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
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Genealogy Resources for Worcester
Worcester Telegram & Gazette, Worcester, MASearching For Your Ancestors in Historic Newspapers
1929 Massachusetts City Directory - Worcester
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Polk's Worcester (Worcester County, Mass.) City Directory 1942. Boston Massachusetts: R. L. Polk & Co., 1942.
Unofficial Guide to Ancestry.com: How to Find Your Family History on the #1 Genealogy Website
Get YOUR AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit!
Polk's Worcester (Worcester County, Mass.) City Directory 1946. Boston Massachusetts: R. L. Polk & Co., 1946
Unofficial Guide to Ancestry.com: How to Find Your Family History on the #1 Genealogy Website
Get YOUR AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit!
The Worcester Directory Massachusetts For the Year Ending February, 1932 and February, 1933. Sampson & Murdock Co., 1932.
Save 30% on Ancestry® with your AARP member discount - Join Today!
The Worcester Directory Massachusetts 1929
Unofficial Guide to Ancestry.com: How to Find Your Family History on the #1 Genealogy Website
Get YOUR AncestryDNA Genetic Test Kit!
Worcester Daily Spy, Worcester, Massachusetts
Searching For Your Ancestors in Historic Newspapers
Our Worcester Gift Ideas
Worcester, MA Postcard Shower Curtain - Vintage Main Street Charm
Transform your bathroom into a charming retreat with our Vintage Main Street Postcard Shower Curtain, showcasing a picturesque scene of Worcester, Massachusetts. This shower curtain features a stunning image of Main Street North captured in a bygone era, exuding nostalgia and classic charm.
Worcester, MA Vintage Postcard Ceramic Mug Main Street and Pleasant Street Views
Sip your favorite beverage in style with our Vintage Worcester, MA Ceramic Mug, featuring stunning reproductions of two iconic postcards: one showcasing the bustling Main Street looking North and the other capturing the charm of Pleasant Street from Main Street. This mug is perfect for coffee lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of Worcester's rich heritage.
Massachusetts Gift Idea - Made in MASS, Got Wicked Class - Ceramic Mug 15oz
Our 15oz Ceramic Mug is the perfect blend way to show your Massachusetts pride. Whether you're a lifelong Massachusetts resident or just passing through, you'll appreciate the "wicked class" that this mug exudes.
Massachusetts Gift t shirt Made in MASS, Got Wicked Class Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt
Are you looking for a t-shirt that's as comfortable as it is stylish? Look no further! Our Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt is the perfect blend of comfort, quality, and Massachusetts pride. Whether you're a lifelong Massachusetts resident or just passing through, you'll appreciate the "wicked class" that this shirt exudes.
Massachusetts Gifts - Cranberries, Baked Beans and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! - Ceramic Mug MA
Our Ceramic Mug, Cranberries, Baked Beans, and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! is more than just a beverage holder; it's a piece of art that celebrates the flavors and traditions of the Bay State. So whether you're sipping your morning coffee, evening tea, or a comforting cup of hot cocoa, you can do it with style and a dash of Massachusetts charm. Plus, it's a fantastic conversation starter. Imagine sharing stories about your favorite Massachusetts memories while enjoying a drink from this delightful mug.
Massachusetts Baby Gift - Bay State Baby: Made in MASS, Loved Worldwide! - Baby Short Sleeve Onesie®
Join the Bay State Baby family and let your baby's style shine with a onesie showing that your baby was made in Mass. and is loved worldwide. Because when it comes to dressing your little bundle of joy, nothing beats the perfect blend of comfort, style, and hometown pride!
Massachusetts Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Celebrate Your Bay State Heritage!
Show off your deep-rooted connection to the Bay State with our Massachusetts Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while tracing family history, this ceramic mug is a tribute to the rich heritage of Massachusetts.
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NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 3/14/2024 6:38:24 PM