Leominster Massachusetts
July 4 & 5, 1915
175th Anniversary Souvenir Program
Submitted by Pat Hardenstine and Transcribed by K. Torp

The purpose of these pages is to make an attractive Souvenir of the 175th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of Leominster.
It has not been the aim of the committee in charge to prepare a complete business directory of the town nor to reproduce the history of Leominster in detail. The former is the province of the Board of Trade, the latter the work of an historian.
If the matter in these pages shall in some degree add to the pleasure, interest and instruction of citizens and visitors, and aid them in a better understanding of the importance and advantages of the Town of Leominster, the committee will feel highly gratified.

Anniversary Souvenir and Program

1740 - 1915
CONTAINS THE OFFICIAL
PROGRAM AND MUCH
MATTER OF GENERAL
INTEREST.
AUTHORIZED BY THE CELEBRATION COMMITTEE
AND PUBLISHED BY THE LEOMINSTER ENTERPRISE

PAST AND PRESENT
ONE hundred seventy-five years ago a tract of land, then a part of Lancaster, was set aside and incorporated as a separate town and was given the name of Leominster.
The history of this town from the very beginning, extending through all these years down to the present, has been one of steady healthful growth along the lines of agriculture and through the developments many industries which today hold a prominent place among the commercial interests of the world.
Even in its earliest days Leominster was free from those Indian disturbances which occurred in so many of our early Massachusetts settlements, and so as a town there is little that is recorded in the way of Indian history.

One very probable reason for this freedom from invasion by the Red Men is found in the fact that the land was purchased from the Indian chief and paid for to his entire satisfaction.

The first actual settlement in the tract that is now the town of Leominster was made in 1725 by Gershom Houghton and later by others. But when once a beginning was made the number of settlers steadily increased until a sturdy and prosperous community had been established

In 1737, only twelve years after the first settlement, the inhabitants decided after due deliberation that they could conduct their own affairs, both political and religious, in a more satisfactory and economical manner than was being done at that time.

Accordingly they applied to the General Court for an act of incorporation, which was obtained only after repeated petitions had been presented. Their efforts were finally rewarded however and the act of incorporation of the Town of Leominster was passed on the 23d day of June, O.S., 1740, which date was the same as July 4th, N.S.

Thus the town of Leominster celebrates the same birthday as does our Nation, but is exactly thirty-six years older.

The civic history of Leominster began within a few days after it legally became a town.

Upon July 9th, or July 20th by our reckoning, the first town meeting was held at the house of Mr. Jonathan White, Innholder of the Town, and elected all the officers necessary to conduct the affairs of a thriving town. From this time on town meetings were held often until everything was arranged and all the needs of the town were provided for. Although Leominster took no prominent part in shaping the colonial history of this country, yet in every instance when a direct call for help has been issued prompt and generous support has always been given.

As early as 1757, when the town was but seventeen years old, she sent forth a full company for service in the French and Indian War. This company went as far as Springfield before it was found that it was not needed, but the willingness to enlist was a clear indication of the patriotic sentiment which has always characterized the town.

And when it was to be decided as to whether a new nation should be established on this side of the Atlantic, Leominster furnished fully three hundred men who served for various periods, from minute men to regular soldiers for three years.

At the time of the Shays' Rebellion, Leominster raised a whole company of soldiers and officers, and again in the War of 1812 she did likewise sending them to South Boston to remain there until all danger was over.

In later years when the permanence of the Union was threatened and the War of the Rebellion broke out, Leominster responded immediately to the call for troops and furnished 404 men, even more than her full quota.

As a town Leominster is justly proud, not only of the number of men she has furnished for the cause of freedom, protection, and the preservation of the Union, but she also takes pride in the character of the soldiers and officers she has sent forth, and the efficient service they rendered. A Soldiers' Monument has been erected in honor of the soldiers who have served their country with such credit to themselves and to the town, and stands today as a constant reminder of the patriotism of those men who offered themselves to their country in her hour of need.

No sooner was the incorporation of the town effected than the inhabitants of Leominster began to take a keen and active interest in the establishment of a public school.

The first money to be raised "for schooling" was voted in 1747-the amount of $40-and this was to be "schooled out, one half on the north side of the river and the other half on the south side of the river."

Compare this appropriation, generous for the times, with the $85,000 appropriated for the year of 1914 and a little idea of the educational growth of Leominster will be obtained.

Throughout the grades the utmost care is taken to have every school under the instruction of an efficient teacher who, by her faithful work, fills one of the most important of public positions.

The culmination of the entire system is the High School, in its beautiful modern building which offers educational advantages second to none along similar lines.

The work done by the Evening Schools cannot be over-estimated. Here opportunities are given that could be offered in no other way, and the extent to which they have been accepted speaks for the great success of the undertaking. Here much is accomplished to make more useful and efficient citizens of the town.

In addition to the public schools is St. Cecilia's Parochial School, in its attractive, new home where a great number of boys and girls are being trained along the line prescribed to make them efficient citizens, loyal to their country and their church.

LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
The Public Library of Leominster had its beginning as early as 1763, when one hundred books, known as the "Social Library," were bought and kept for half a century in the study of the Rev. Francis Gardner.

From time to time the different organizations and societies made collections of books best suited to their needs and tastes, until in 1856 they were merged together and offered to the town. By accepting this offer and receiving these books Leominster really took the first step towards establishing its Free Library.

From that time until now the town has made an annual appropriation for the support of the Library, and recognizes it as one of the most important of its public institutions which fact is shown by the beautiful building which is now the home of the library, built in 1910 at a cost of $63,000.

Since the meeting of the first library committee, held on May 21st, 1856, until today, the growth of this institution has been steady and consistent with the increase in population and the general demand of the town.

At the close of the year, ending December 31st, 1914, the total number of volumes as shown by the catalog was 31,148, and the circulation for the year ending at that time was 82,976. Nothing could prove more clearly that the Public Library is an established factor in the daily life of the people of Leominster, regardless of age or social position.

As early as 1866 a Reading Room Association was formed, and three years later was taken over by the town to become an important part of the library proper.

FIRE DEPARTMENT
For about one hundred years Leominster was dependent, in case of fire, upon the volunteered efforts of her citizens who did effective work with the simple apparatus they then had --- the pail or hand bucket.

The first "water engine" was purchased in 1846, considered at that time a wonderful device, but now looked upon as an object of curiosity. From this little Torrent No. 1 has grown a Fire Department of which the town is justly proud because of its unquestioned efficiency.

The Museum, also, deserves prominent mention in connection with the public library.
Established. in 1871 through the earnest labors of a few enthusiasts along the lines of antiquarian research, this organization was accepted by the town in 1880 and became closely connected with the public library.

From the very beginning the interest in the Museum has been manifested by the generous and valuable donations until today the collection is interesting, instructive and valuable from an historical standpoint.

Today with the improved apparatus for fighting fires, including some automobile pieces, the people of the town feel that they are reasonably safe from any very serious loss from fire, and this protection to homes and business plants cannot be too strongly emphasized.

The efficiency of the Fire Department is well demonstrated by the number of alarms responded to during the year of 1914 and the comparatively small loss sustained. With a total of 257 alarms and a valuation of buildings endangered amounting to $273,594.14, the damage was but $18,018.23 with a valuation of contents endangered amounting to $2,223,528.00, the damage to contents was by $11,144.63. All of which shows how the department by its prompt and efficient service has been able to prevent great loss by not allowing the flames to get beyond control.

LEOMINSTER'S CHURCHES
It is interesting to note how soon this newly incorporated town took steps to provide a place of worship for its inhabitants and in what a business-like way they went about that work.

A town meeting was held "on Monday ye fifteenth day of December Annoque Dommi 1740 '' and the warrant of this meeting is of sufficient interest to reproduce at this time. It was as follows:
"FIRST. VOTED, that thay would build a Meeting House in the year 1741.
"SECOND. The Town voted to build ye Meeting House fifty feet in length and forty feet in Bredth and Twenty three feet in Height.
"THIRD. The Town voted to choose a committee of three men namely Jonathan White, Joseph Wheelock, Nathaniel Carter, to see that the work be done.
"FOURTH. The Town voted that the committee should hire a Carpenter to hew and Frame said house allowing all the Inhabitants a liberty to work his proportion if he come to work when he is notified by said committee and shall be allowed six shillings a day and three shillings a day for a yoake of oxen and thay are to begin work the last of March next.
"FIFTH. The Town voted to raise two hundred pounds money to defray the charges of building said house as far as it will do."

The direction of the town as voted at this meeting was carried out so faithfully that this house was first occupied for religious services in the winter of 1742, although it was not completed until some time later.

From this humble, but earnest, beginning other churches have been established from time to time until today almost anyone coming to Leominster will find a church of his own denomination ready to welcome him.

The first effort to establish a Catholic Church in the town was made in 1849, and from that time on the growth has been a steady one, and the results of these efforts can best be judged by the churches and St Cecilia's School all of which are illustrated in this souvenir.

POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Police Department with its headquarters in the old town hall consists of a Chief, a Captain, one Inspector and five Patrolmen.

While the size of the force may seem to be small as compared with the population of the town, still it is sufficiently large to maintain good order and afford satisfactory protection. This speaks well for the town as a whole, while the record of arrests and nature of the crimes place the town far above the average in point of law and order.

IMPROVEMENTS
In addition to all these valuable features already enumerated and briefly described, Leominster has all the so-called "improvements" which make it a modern town both as a place to live and as a place to do business.

A water system furnishes an inexhaustible supply of the best water for household and manufacturing purposes, also making possible the adequate protection furnished by the fire department. The water is supplied from four reservoirs situated at such an elevation as to give unusual pressure at all points throughout the entire town.

So well has this department been organized and so careful is the supervision that the rate is extremely low and still it is a substantial source of revenue to the town. The total length of pipe is fifty-nine miles. As the disposal of sewage is a logical sequence to the introduction of a water system, so Leominster has also made the necessary provision for this. And while the system is above the average for places of equal size still plans are being made and perfected whereby this department may be still more efficient than it is at present.

Both electricity and gas are furnished to the people of Leominster, and each is supplied at a reasonable rate. Electricity for lighting and gas for cooking are two of the greatest convenience and are thoroughly appreciated by hundreds of families of the town.

With two lines of electric cars access to all the adjoining towns and cities is a simple matter and the service is good. The electric express, also, is a great convenience to the merchants and manufacturers as well as to the private citizen.

The Boston & Maine and the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroads running through the town furnish good passenger and freight service to all important points.

INDUSTRIAL LEOMINSTER
Leominster necessarily must be classed with the towns and cities which are both residential and industrial, and as such it has the advantages of each.
Proximity to a large manufacturing center often mars a locality as a strictly residential section, but this condition does not hold good in the least degree in the ease of Leominster. With the industries already established in a place so delightful in natural surroundings, there is no inducement to reside in a locality removed from one's occupation

Nature has done much to make the town attractive and healthful, with its high elevation, its hills and valleys on all sides, and the diversity of scenery surrounding it.

For fifty years after its settlement, Leominster, like nearly all the early New England towns, was a purely agricultural community except as it manufactured those articles required to satisfy the bare needs of its own inhabitants.

Nothing more could be desired beyond what nature had done to make this section a good farming district, and it is interesting to note that it has held its own through all these years and today offers advantages second to none along these very lines. And in this connection it is safe to prophesy that with the increasing interest in up-to-date agriculture Leominster with its growing demands will soon offer increased opportunities to those who are ready and willing to accept them.

The first real industry aside from agriculture was introduced in 1775 when Obadiah Hills from West Newbury began the manufacture of horn combs. This undertaking flourished from the very beginning and for some time this was the principal employment of the town, and even today Leominster is known far and near as the "home of the comb and hair pin industry." That the town has the right to this distinction is easily believed when it is remembered that no less than twenty-three concerns are engaged in manufacturing one or both these articles as its entire output or in connection with other goods.

A FEW STATISTICS
Number of manufacturers - 76
Capital invested - $5,641,459.00
Value of stock used - $4,732,576.00
Wages paid in one year - $2,443,153.00
Average number of wage earners - 4,904
Value of product - $9,527,419.00

Town Valuation
Buildings assessed - $7,416,690.00
Land assessed - $3,692,170.00
Acres of land assessed - 17,115
Dwelling houses assessed - 2,828
Residents assessed - 2,900
Non-residents assessed - 588
Polls 5,110
Value of personal property - $2,142,550.00

These are made not only of horn that is brought here in immense quantities, but of different compositions such as celluloid and viscoloid which make an excellent substitute for the real horn. Another industry, important to the town and very widely known as a Leominster enterprise, is the F.A. Whitney Carriage company, established in 1858 and incorporated in 1871. Here as many as seven hundred persons are employed when running at its maximum capacity in the busy season, making Children's Carriages, English Doll Carriages and Doll Carriages.

In this connection it is important to note that the class of labor here employed is above the average -the reed workers being equal to any in the world- since the type of laborers employed in any town has a marked effect upon the community.

The banking facilities of any community doing a large industrial business is a factor of prime importance, and here again Leominster is unusually fortunate.

With four banks, both National and Savings, directed and managed by men of experience and business ability, the town has nothing to desire along these lines.

As early as 1796 a paper industry was started in the north part of the town, now known as North Leominster, and paper has been made upon the same site from that day to this.

For more than fifty years it has been the property of the Wheelwrights and is under the name of the George W. Wheelwright Paper Company. It is one of three mills of this concern, the others being located in Fitchburg and Wheelwright.

The product of the North Leominster mill is the B.P.F. Post Card and Bristol Board, the book papers being made in the other mills.

Leominster also has the reputation far and wide as the place where some of the best known shirts in the country are made.

Here are located two concerns with extensive plants equipped with everything that is modern and up-to-date in every respect -The Wachusett Shirt Company and Cluett, Peabody & Company.

Leominster is the home of the Wachusett Company, but the Cluett, Peabody factory is one of seven branches of a great concern with its home office and main factory at Troy, N. Y.

At the Wachusett factory an average of six hundred persons are employed in making Fine White and Negligee Shirts, Pajamas and Night Robes. The capacity of this factory is about five hundred dozen garments a day.

At the Cluett Peabody & Company factory are made the well known Arrow and Monarch shirts, with an output of between thirty-five hundred and four thousand dozen a week.
Here are employed approximately eight hundred twenty-five persons, of whom two hundred seventy-five are males. All the work done in both of these shirt factories is performed under strictly hygienic conditions with the health and comfort of the employees carefully provided for.

When it is remembered that about fourteen hundred of the inhabitants of Leominster are employed by these two concerns, it will be appreciated what it means to the town to have a class of laborers far above the average required for this work.

Along an altogether different line of manufacturing from those already mentioned is the product of Whitney & Company, makers of folding paper-boxes which are designed to meet the ever increasing demand for more sanitary, convenient. and economical containers for dispensing various commodities.

This company features its Climax Candy Box which supplies a great demand for a high-grade folding box which rivals the set-up boxes in appearance and is much more convenient for both merchant and consumer.

In addition to the Climax Box, Whitney & Company manufacture Folding Paper Boxes of all kinds and a complete line of Fine and Fancy Candy Boxes.

The above illustration gives a partial view of the mills of the Leominster Worsted Company and serves to represent the textile industry of Leominster.

Although the woolen business began as early as 1800, when Nichols & Kendall built a small mill on the Nashua river, still to some reason this has
never become a prominent industry of the town.

The Leominster Worsted Company started in business in 1886, but ii was not until January 1, 1886, that it commenced operations in its newly constructed quarters

THE GROWTH OF LEOMINSTER
Incorporated in 1740.
Population, 1765 -- 743
Population, 1776 -- 978
Population, 1790 -- 1,189
Population, 1800 -- 1,486
Population, 1810 -- 1,584
Population, 1820 -- 1,790
Population, 1830 -- 1,861
Population, 1840 -- 2,069
Population, 1850 -- 3,121
Population, 1900 -- 11,000
Population, 1905 -- 14,297
Population, 1910 -- 17,580
Population, 1915 20,000

The limited space at our disposal makes it impossible to even mention many of the industries that add much to the prosperity of Leominster and are just as important to its welfare as those briefly described. And yet any account, however incomplete in this respect, must make prominent mention of the piano and piano case concerns as representing one of the chief industries of the town.

Far and near the name of Leominster is closely associated with the manufacture of the complete instrument, but especially so with the making of the cases, it being estimated that sixty-five per cent, of all the cases used in the country are made in this town.

At the Jewett factory, an illustration of which is found on page nine, the parts are assembled in cases of their own make and the pianos are marketed under the names Hume, Jewett and Woodbury.

The following are the names of the other firms engaged in this important industry:
THE SMITH PIANO CASE CO.
THE WEBSTER PIANO CO.
THE BRADBURY PIANO CO.
THE LOCKEY PIANO CASE CO.
THE WELLINGTON PIANO CASE CO.
THE RICHARDSON PIANO CASE CO.


THE INFLUENCE OF MANUFACTURING UPON A TOWN
From what has been said or intimated in the preceding pages it can be readily seen that the industries of Leominster as a whole employ a class of labor far above the average. This being true it is quite evident that this fact alone must have a beneficial effect upon the general character and tone of the town. This is one factor that makes Leominster, as a residential and industrial town, stand out prominently above many similar localities, making it possible to offer exceptional inducements to those seeking business opportunities, an ideal location for a home, or a combination of these two elements most essential to our social and commercial welfare.

SOME REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD LOCATE IN LEOMINSTER
It has a growing population of about 20,000 which has about doubled in the past fifteen years. A sign of Prosperity.
Two railroads give good passenger and freight service to all important points.
It has excellent street railway lines connecting with all surrounding towns and cities, as well as two cross-town lines.
Four banks represent deposits to the amount of nearly five millions.
It has nine churches, many of which are of recent structure.
There is a daily newspaper.
It has seventy-six manufacturing establishments.
Manufacturers have a capital of nearly six millions invested.
Average total wage paid each year is over two and one-half millions.
Nearly three thousand dwelling houses.
An abundant supply of pure water is furnished to the town from four reservoirs.
Leominster has a new Municipal Building, a new Public Library and a new High School.
There are eleven school buildings.
The factories turn out: Combs; Hair Pins; Viscoloid; Celluloid Goods and Bricks; Knife Handles; Shirts; Apple Parers; and hundreds of other articles.
The farming area of Leominster is abundant and of fine quality.
Leominster is well protected by efficient Fire and Police Departments.

INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED IN PICTURE CAPTIONS THROUGHOUT THE PUBLICATION:
Selectmen - Henry F. Sawtelle, William A. Putnam, William H. Boyden
Town Clerk and Treasurer - Robert L. Carter
Police Chief- William A. Lasselle
St. Mark's Church - Rector, Thomas L. Fisher
Superintendent of Schools - William H. Perry
Librarian and Curator of the Museum - Florence E. Wheeler
Congregational Church of Christ - Pastor Rev. Wm. McLane
St. Cecilia Church Pastor - Rev. J. E. Chicoine
St. Leo's Catholic Church Pastor - Rev. E. Toher
Chief of the Fire Department - F. A. Russell
Pilgrim Congregational Church - Pastor Rev. F.B. Kettle
Universalist Church Pastor - Rev. E. B. Sounders

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