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Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 22., Scraps of paper. (search)
nd something relating to Medford, suggested by a ragged sheet of paper legiwritten upon more than a century ago. It is one of several furnished us by the late Francis A. Wait, who wrote: You can put this in the Register if you fit. Mr. Blanchard's hotel was just south Cradock bridge. A portion of the house is Standing now on M. On the level road. More modern, but still almost ninety years old is another scrap, a souvenir of the Medford turnpike. This relic was also furnished by Mr. Wait, antedating his own service. In Vol. XIV. p. 4, (Register) may be found Mr. Wait's account of Medford Milkmen, and his own experience on the Smith milkcart.Mr. Wait's account of Medford Milkmen, and his own experience on the Smith milkcart. The milkcarts of 1829, were later known as milkwagons, and those built at the upper end of the turnpike had an enviable reputation for durability. Their makers have kept abreast of the times, and their products, both horse drawn and motor driven, are in marked contrast to those that passed the old toll gate in 1829.
Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 22., In earlier days (search)
his was the Mead's Hall, to which the Methodists, who first met in the College, transferred their services until the building of their first house of worship on Cross street. It must have been a busy hive in the olden days. Here is the late Francis A. Wait's description of it. The house at the river was old and low studded: set back from the sidewalk more than the others and required six steps up to the first floor, and steps from the street to the eating-room in the basement, kept by John in the rear; entrance from the street level. An old bachelor shoemaker named Pat Conely See Register, Vol. IV., p. 72, for James Hervey's mention of Connoly. lived and worked in the south end; Wyman & Locke, butchers, in the north end. Mr. Wait illustrated his note by a sketch of this house, showing a fourth entrance, to the end away from the river, probably that by which the hall on the second floor was reached, and adds John D. Small started business in the large room. We would
Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 22., Medford a century ago—1819. (search)
ago—1819. WE are led to this retrospect by reading the names of Medford men who in 1819 formed a longname society. This was the Medford Association for Discountenancing Intemperance and Its Kindred Vices. There were ninety-six of them, twenty-eight being marked as officers,—and the list is a notable one, being headed by the Governor of the Commonwealth, John Brooks, and the minister of the town, David Osgood, D. D. This list is worthy of preservation, and was furnished by the late Francis A. Wait, who says in a later communication: A few years ago I saw a pamphlet gotten up about 1835, and signed by men in Medford who were alarmed at the increase of drunkenness in the town. Certainly, Medford was wet (to borrow the modern term) a century ago, but probably not more so than other towns not engaged in the business of distillation. Now, that after a century of agitation and effort, not only Medford but the entire country by national legislation and state ratification is dry