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[William] Weld for Governor Fundraiser 11/1/90 [OA 8318] [3]
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[William] Weld for Governor Fundraiser 11/1/90 [OA 8318] [3]
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Backup Files
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OA/ID Number:
13736
Folder ID Number:
13736-001
Folder Title:
[William] Weld for Governor Fundraiser 11/1/90 [OA 8318] [3]
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26
21
1
3
MA GOP FUNDRAISER--ROUND TWO
RECYCLABLE MCKERNAN
1) " OR ARE YOU JUST EXCITED TO HAVE THE FATHER OF A BEST-SELLING AUTHOR
IN TOWN? I HAD FIGURED I WAS SAFE, SINCE NONE OF MY CHILDREN OR GRAND-
CHILDREN (SHOULD BE: HAVE WRITTEN A BOOK YET) WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED
MY OWN DOG WOULD HAVE WRITTEN A 'LICK AND TELL' BOOK?"
2) (IF SOMEONE ON THE TICKET HAS PLAYED GOLF WITH THE PRESIDENT):
"AND AFTER I LET YOU WIN AT YOUR GOLF TOURNAMENT (CHANGE TO BE APPROPRIAT
I JUST DON'T GET THE SAME RESPECT ON THE COURSE PRESIDENT EISENHOWER
HAD. WHEN HE RETIRED SOMEONE ASKED HIM IF LEAVING THE WHITE HOUSE HAD
AFFECTED HIS GOLF GAME. IKE SAID: 'YES. A LOT MORE PEOPLE BEAT ME NOW.
WELL, (SO AND SO) NEVER LET MY POSITION INTERFERE WITH HIS GOLF."
ARTICLES, (cont. ')
10) " ' I AM A 'SCOOP' JACKSON DEMOCRAT, I SAYS JOHN SILBER. MR. SILBER
AGREES
THAT IF YOU CALL HIM A 'PALEO-LIBERAL NEO-CONSERVATIVE, YOU D BE ABOUT
RIGHT. IF THAT DOESN'T SUM IT UP, HE TELLS YOU THAT THE DEMOCRATIC
PARTY HAS BECOME 'A COLLECTION OF SECTS PURSUING PET SCHEMES THAT HAVE
UNDERMINED PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
'
"NOW, MASSACHUSETTES IS PERCEIVED IN THE BROAD STROKES OF POLITICAL
CARIACATURE. ITS LEADERS ARE SUPER-LIBS LIKE SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY, SEN.
JOHN KERRY AND GOV. MICHAEL DUKAKIS; IT WAS THE ONLY STATE TO VOTE FOR
GEORGE McGOVERN IN 1972; IT IS EHERE HARVARD IS; IT IS KNOWN AS TAX-
ACHUSETTS AND AS THE MOST LIBERAL STATE. "
Fessins
-fasilba
deck
cannen
"loose
great metap hers
MA GOP FUNDRAISER, ROUND TWO
CONVERSATION WITH CELLUCCI
1) CELLUCCI WAS THE FIRST ELECTED OFFICIAL IN '79 TO ENDORSE GEORGE BUSH
IN HIS RUN FOR THE PRESIDENCY--THEIR CAMPAIGN TRAIL IN MASSACHUSETTS
CONSISTED OF THE TWO OF THEM IN A CAR TOGETHER, DRIVING FROM TOWN TO
TOWN.
2) IN 1988, CELLUCCI BECAME MANAGER OF BUSH'S CAMPAIGN IN THE STATE. THEY
FLEW AROUND THE STATE IN A LITTLE PLANE RIGHT BEFORE THE PRIMARY--NANCY
BUSH ELLIS DIDN'T LIKE GETTING UP IN THAT LITTLE CRAFT, BUT SHE WAS
ALWAYS READY TO DO EVERYTHING SHE COULD FOR HER BROTHER.
3) CELLUCCI SAYS THAT IN '79, A TALL MAN FROM TEXAS ASKED HIM FOR HELP, AND
NOW HE'S PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. IN '89, A TALL MAN FROM
CAMBRIDGE ASKED FOR HIS HELP, AND COME NOVEMBER HE'LL BE GOVERNOR OF
MASSACHUSETTS.
4) CELLUCCI SAYS THAT BUSH REFERRED TO HIM, TO ANDY CARD, TO ANDREW NATSIOS
(NOW DIRECTOR OF THE AGENCY OF INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF AT THE
STATE DEPT), AND LEON LOMBARDI (A LAWYER AND TREASURER OF CELLUCCI'S
CAMPAIGN) AS THE FOUR HORSEMEN. BUSH SAID THAT THE FOUR ALWAYS VOTED
WITH THEIR HEARTS, MINDFUL OF THE TAXPAYERS POCKETBOOKS.
MA GOP FUNDRAISER, ROUND TWO
CONVERSATION WITH CELLUCCI, (cont. ')
5) CELLUCCI TELLS THE STORY ABOUT HOW WHEN BUSH WAS ELECTED VICE PRES (TO
BE SWORN IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER) THE FOUR HORSEMEN WERE SUPPOSED
TO MEET HIM AT THE AIRPORT. THEY WERE LATE, MISSED HIM, AND SO RUSHED
TO THE HOTEL. THERE AN AIDE MET THEM AND TOLD THEM TO GO UP TO THE
HOTEL ROOM WHERE THE VICE PRESIDENT WAS WAITING FOR THEM. THEY SPENT
ABOUT 45 MINUTES TALKING WITH HIM, AND WHAT BUSH REALLY WANTED TO
TALK ABOUT WAS LOCAL MASSACHUSETTS POLITICS, NOT HIS NEW POST.
6) CELLUCCI SAYS STEER CLEAR OF ANYTHING HAVING TO DO WITH THE BOSTON
HARBOR. SAYS THAT THERE IS SOME CRITICISM OF BUSH FOR HAVING COME
TO CAMPAIGN ABOUT THE DIRTY HARBOR, AND ABOUT DUKAKIS'S LACK OF
EFFORT IN CLEANING IT UP--AND THEN BUSH'S SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OR
PERHAPS MORE CORRECTLY LACK OF INTEREST IN CLEANING IT UP HIMSELF.
7) RIGHT BEFORE THE PRESIDENT"S EARLIER SCHEDULED VISIT, SILBER RAN ADS
SHOWING HIMSELF WITH POTUS AND MITTERAND. SILBER IS REALLY HYPING
WHAT GOOD FRIENDS HE IS WITH BUSH. CELLUCCI SAYS THE BEST LINE OF
ATTACK IS TO ASSOCIATE SILBER WITH THE CORRUPT DEMOCRATIC ESTABLISHMEN
SAYING THAT EVEN THOUGH HE CLAIMS TO WANT CHANGE, HE HAS SOLD OUT
TO THE OLD FORCES OF INERTIA.
8) CELLUCCI SAYS THAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY WANTS THE PEOPLE OF MASSACHUSET
anosance is Silbirs amessance.
tereplace Mr. know with Dr. know.it.All. The only thing course than Dukakis'
MA GOP FUNDRAISER, ROUND TWO
ARTICLES
1) "THIRTY-TWO YEAR OLD WILLIAM WELD, A RICH-KID BLUE BLOOD FROM LONG
ISLAND, WITH TWO DEGREES FROM HARVARD AND A DEGREE FROM OXFORD THROWN
IN
FOR
GOOD
MEASURE.
BILL WELD. BRAHMIN STREETFIGHTER. "
--Boston Sunday Herald, 10/14/90 p. 6
2) "THE FIRST WELD--JOSEPH WELD--CAME TO THESE SHORES IN 1630, AND WAS AN
EARLY FINANCIAL BACKER OF HARVARD COLLEGE."
--ibid.
3) "AT AGE 11, (BILL) CAME TO MASSACHUSETTS TO ATTEND THE MIDDLESEX SCHOOL
IN CONCORD. FROM THERE, WELD WENT TO HARVARD COLLEGE, WHERE HE GRAD-
UATED SUMMA CUM LAUDE, FINISHING IN THE TOP EIGHT OF HIS CLASS."
--ibid.
4) WELD: 'THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE TAKEN INTO THE TENT BY THE WAVING
14hink
theres
OF THE BLOODY SHIRT ON THE ISSUE OF 'THIS FELLA DIDN'T COME UP THE
ajoke
HARD WAY. YOU KNOW, PEOPLE SAY, 'WELL, HE NEVER HAD TO WORK A DAY IN
in this
HIS LIFE. BUT THE FACT IS, I HAVE WORKED EVERY DAY IN MY LIFE, SO
I'M NOT SURE THAT WHETHER OR NOT I HAD TO IS ALL THAT ILLUMINATING. AN
OVER
W
HI LE I MAY NOT HAVE COME UP THE HARD WAY ECONOMICALLY, I CERTAINLY DI1
Come up the hand way pobitically as a republican in Massachusetts.
-ibid P. 7.
MA GOP FUNDRAISER, ROUND TWO
ARTICLES, (cont. ')
5) "WELD SAYS THE DRIVE THAT HAS FUELED HIS CAREER STEMS FROM THE BELIEF
THAT MASSACHUSETTS GOVERNMENT IS LACED IWTH CORRUPTION
"
--ibid., p. 7
6) "BUT THERE IS A LESSER KNOWN NAME FOR THE UNUSUAL UTTERANCES UNLEASHED
BY BILL WELD. THEY'RE KNOWN AS 'WELDISMS.
BRANDING STATE GOVERNMEN
BUREAUCRATS 'WALRUSES' WHILE DESCRIBING SILBER AS 'A TAX AND SPEND
FELLA. SOMEONE WHO'S NOT DOING HIS JOB? THAT'S SOMEONE WHO IS 'PLAYING
WITH H$S FOOD' IN WELDSPEAK. HOW SHOULD THE STATE BUDGET BE CUT? IT
CAN BE SHRUNK 'LIKE SQUEEZING WATER OUT OF CHEESE, SAYS WELD. WELD
WAS IN TOP FORM AT A GOP CONFERENCE LAST OCTOBER, WHERE HE PROMISED TO
'HONK THE HORN FOR THE FORGOTTEN MOTORIST' AND DESCRIBED DEMOCRATIC
POLICIES AS EMANATING FROM 'CLOUD CUCKOOLAND.
--ibid. p. 7
7) "WELD PROSECUTED BANKS FOR CURRECNCY REPORTING VIOLATIONS, BROKE UP A
BOSTON ARSON RING, AND STAGED AN UNREMITTING INVESTIGATION INTO CORR-
UPTION IN MAYOR KEVIN WHITE'S ADMINISTRATION. WELD WALKED AWAY WITH
INDICTMENTS OF LOWER- AND MID-LEVEL WHITE AIDES, BUT NEVER NAILED HIS
OBVIOUS TARGET."
--ibid., p. 14
= POSSIBLE ROUND II CHOICES
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
CONVERSATION WITH PHIL PUCCIA, STATE GOP
1) EVENT FOCUS. ALTHOUGH MA GOP IS THROWING EVENT, THE INVITE READS "FOR
THE BENEFIT OF BILL WELD AND PAUL CELLUCCI.' THEY SHOULD BE THE
FOCUS, BUT POTUS SHOULD PROBABLY ALSO MENTION WHERE THE REPUBLICAN
PARTY IS IN MA, AND HOW FAR IT HAS COME.
2) INTRODUCTION. PARTY CHAIRMAN RAY SHAMIE WILL INTRODUCE WELD, WHO IN
TURN WILL INTRODUCE THE PRES. PUCCIA SAYS SHAMIE IS A FRIEND OF
POTUS. POTUS MIGHT SAY SOMETHING ABOUT HOW RAY HAS BUILT THE MA
GOP AND MADE IT A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH IN MA POLITICS.
3) PIERCE vs. WELD. THE FACT THAT MA GOP DIDN'T PICK WELD AS NOMINEE, IS
NOT AT ALL A TABOO SUBJECT ACCORDING TO PUCCIA. IN FACT, STEVE
PIERCE IS WELD'S NEW CAMPAIGN MANAGER AND RELATIONS BETWEEN THE
TWO CAMPAIGNS WERE ALWAYS VERY CORDIAL. A LOT OF TOP PIERCE PEOPLE
WENT OVER TO THE WELD CAMPAIGN, AND THERE WILL BE PIERCE AND FORMER
PIERCE PEOPLE IN THE CROWD.
4) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. SILVIO CONTE, A U.S. CONGRESSMAN FROM MA WILL BE IN
THE CROWD. SO WILL GOV. JOHN VOLPE, WHO WAS GOV. FROM 66-70. RAY
SHAMIE OF COURSE. ALSO, PRESIDENT'S SISTER, NANCY BUSH ELLIS, WHO
LIVES IN MA, WILL BE AT THE HEAD TABLE.
2
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
CONVERSATION WITH PUCCIA, MA GOP
5) RED SOCKS. THE SOCKS WILL BE PLAYING THE TORONTO BLUE JAYS THIS WEEKEND.
IF THE SOCKS WINN, IT MIGHT BE APPROPRIATE TO WISH THEM GOOD LUCK AS
THEY GO ON TO THE PENNANT AND THEN THE SERIES. THE LAST GAME OF THE
SERIES IS WED, OCT. 3RD, SO WE'LL KNOW BY FUNDRAISER IF THEY WON THE
DIVISION. they lost, so, let's use the "MA Denaocrats" line
6) WELLESLEY. I THOUGHT THERE MIGHT BE A JOKE IN THAT THE LAST TIME A MEMBER
OF THE FIRST FAMILY WENT TO MA, THERE WAS SUCH A BIG STINK. MAYBE
SOMETHING LIKE: "I HAD THOUGHT I MIGHT STOP BY WELLESLEY AND DELIVER
A FEW REMARKS, BUT THEN AGAIN, THAT MIGHT AROUSE PROTEST AFTER ALL,
THE ONLY REASON I'VE ATTAINED NATIONAL STATURE IS BECAUSE OF BARBARA.'
7) TUNNEL RECONSTRUCTION. THE CENTRAL ARTERY AND TUNNEL PROJECT WILL BE
EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE, AND INVOLVE A LOT OF FEDERAL SPENDING. IT IS
FEARED THAT WHEN THE WORK BEGINS, THERE WILL BE RATS ALL OVER THE
PLACE. I THOUGHT OF A JOKE LIKE THIS: "IT'S A GREAT PLAN. WE ALL KNOW
this
IT'S GOING TO BE EXPENSIVE, AND WE'VE ALL HEARD ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY
OF AN EPIDEMIC OF RATS. BUT THEN AGAIN, WHENEVER THEY SMELL PUBLIC
SPENDING IN THE AIR, THE DEMOCRATS ALWAYS COME OUT."
8) LAZY JUDICIAL SYSTEM. ALL THIS WEEK THE BOSTON GLOBE HAS BEEN RUNNING
STORIES TO THE EFFECT THAT THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN THE STATE IS A JOKE.
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
CONVERSATION WITH PUCCIA, MA GOP, (cont.')
A LOT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVES IN THE STATE HOUSE PRACTICE
CRIMINAL LAW, AND THEY HAVE AN 88% VICTORY IN FRONT OF A SELECT GROUP
OF JUDGES. PLUS, MANY OF THEM HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE GOING HOME AT
NOON, AND NOT TAKING THEIR DUTIES SERIOUSLY ENOUGH. PUCCIA SAYS IT
IS BECOMING A CAMPAIGN ISSUE. HOW ABOUT, I THOUGHT: "WE NEED A
GOVERNOR WHO WAS A U.S. ATTORNEY FOR MA, AND AN ASSISTANT ATTORNEY
GENERAL. WHAT WE DON'T NEED IS JUDGES WHO ARE ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL.
IN FACT, THE ONLY TIME THEY AREN'T ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL IS WHEN
THEY'RE DRIVING HOME AT 2 'CLOCK. I KNOW YOU HAVE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
IN BOSTON, BUT THIS IS NO WAY TO SOLVE THEM."
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
4
CONVERSATION WITH RAY HOWELL, CAMPAIGN
1) THE BOSTON GLOBE EXPOSED SCANDAL ABOUT THE STATE JUDICIAL SYSTEM,
ACCORDING TO HOWELL, IS BEGINNING TO PLAY INTO THE CAMPAIGN. WELD
SAYS WE NEED TO CLEAN UP THE COURTS SYSTEM. HE WANTS TO ELIMINATE
JUDICIAL DISCRETION AND PAROLE. HE WANTS TO CHANGE THE COURT LAW
THAT PROHIBITS THE TRANSFER OF COURT WORKERS TO HANDLE THE EBB AND
FLOW OF CASE LOADS IN VARIOUS COURTS.
WELD SAYS WE NEED A REPUBLICAN ADMINISTRATION TO SWEEP AWAY THE PATRONAG
SYSTEM IN THE COURTS, BUILT UP OVER THE YEARS OF DEMOCRATIC ADMINS.
2) HOWELL SAYS THAT BILLY BULGER, PRESIDENT OF THE MA SENATE, IS PERHAPS
THE MOST HATED POLITICIAN IN MA AFTER DUKAKIS. IT'S ALMOST AS IF
THE GUY OWNS THE COURT SYSTEM, AND HIS FINGERPRINTS ARE ALL OVER THE
SCANDAL. HOWELL SUGGESTS THE JOKE: "I HEAR THINGS ARE SO BAD IN MA,
THAT BULGER HAD TO LAY OFF THREE JUDGES." HOWELL SAYS IT WILL PLAY,
BUT PERSONALLY I DON'T GET IT, AND DON'T KNOW IF THE PRES WANTS TO
MAKE THAT KIND OF PERSONAL ATTACK.
3) HOW TO HANDLE THE FACT THAT MA GOP DIDN'T NOMINATE WELLS: HOW ABOUT
THIS ONE I THOUGHT UP: "I'M LIVING PROOF OF THE LONG TERM BENEFITS
OF LOSING THE FIRST R
OU,
Dont well
ND. (CUZ DIDN'T POTUS LOSE IN IOWA?)
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
5
CONVERSATION WITH RAY HOWELL, CAMPAIGN, (cont.")
4) HOWELL SAYS THAT THE ONLY MAJOR ISSUE THAT DIVIDES BUSH AND WELD IS
ABORTION. HE ALSO WARNS THAT BUSH IS NOT WELL PERCEIVED ON ENVIRON-
MENTAL POLICY IN THE STATE, SO WE MAY WANT TO SHY AWAY FROM THAT ONE.
5) HANDLING SILBER: IT'S A TRICKY SUBJECT, BECAUSE SILBER HAS BEEN PLAYING
UP TO THE PRESS THE STORY THAT HE AND THE PRES HAVE A MUTUAL ADMIRAT-
ION SOCIETY. WELD'S MAIN LINE OF ATTACK AGAINST SILBER, HOWEVER
IS THAT THE LATTER IS REALLY NOT A FISCAL CONSERVATIVE. THERE IS
EVIDENCE TO BACK UP THIS CHARGE-- FOR INSTANCE, SILBER WANTS TO
INCREASE THE GAS TAX, AND HE'S SAID ON OCCASION THAT IF GAS WENT TO
in
$3.50 A GALLON, HE'D HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THAT.; HE'S ALSO IN FAVOR
OF AN INCREASED STATE INCOME TAX; PLUS, HE'S COME OUT IN FAVOR OF
Approxibility
EXTENDING THE SALES TAX TO INCLUDE SERVICES NOT NOW INCLUDED.
SOME SILBER JOKES I THOUGHT UP:
POTUS: "I KNOW THAT SILBER VOTED FOR ME, AND I HEARD HE EVEN SENT ME
A COUPLE OF T-SHIRTS WELL, I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR HIM: JOHN, IT'S NOT
GOING TO WORK."
POTUS: "SILBER CLAIMS HE'S DOING A GREAT JOB AT B.U. WELL, IF THAT'S
TRUE, I THINK WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT HE OUGHT TO STAY THERE."
6
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
CONVERSATION WITH CAMPAIGN, (cont. ')
POTUS: "I THINK MASSACHUSETTS BETTHER THINK TWICE ABOUT ELECTING
ANOTHER ACADEMIC REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST TIME."
POTUS: "I'VE HEARD ABOUT THESE INFAMOUS SILBER SHOCKERS. WELL THE
BEST ONES GOING TO COME ON ELECTION. AND REMEMBER, HE WHO SHOCKS
LAST, SHOCKS BEST."
POTUS: "I'VE HEARD ABOUT THESE SILBER SHOCKERS
AND WHILE MASSACH-
USETTS NEED SOME SHOCK TREATMENT, IT'S NOT THE KIND SILBER IS
PROPOSING. MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN LIVING A FISCAL NIGHTMARE, AND
IT'S ABOUT TIME WE WAKE UP TO A REPUBLICAN FUTURE, AND A FISCALLY
RESPONSIBLE FUTURE."
6) ANECTODAL ON WELD: HOWELL TALKS ABOUT WELD'S OUTSTANDING RECORD AS
DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY. ABOUT HOW WELD TOOK
ON THE POWER STRUCTURE AND CHANGED THINGS. ABOUT HOW WELD TOOK ON
THE MASSACHUSETTS MOB AND SENT ITS LEADERS TO PRISON. ABOUT HOW HE
OBTAINED THE FIRST CRIMINAL PENALTY IN THE NATION FOR CURRENCY
VIOLATIONS. AND HOW HE TOOK ON CORRUPT POLITICIANS.
7) GOOD ANECDOTE ABOUT WELD: WHEN WELD BECAME U.S. ATTORNEY, HE SAT DOWN
W
ITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING BANKERS.
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
7
CONVERSATION WITH CAMPAIGN, (cont.')
WELD SAID: "I WANT TO TARGET WHITE COLLAR CRIME. WHAT NEEDS TO BE
DONE?" THEY SAID, "WELL, WE HAVE A LOT OF TELLERS WHO ARE STEALING
MONEY." WELD COUNTERED: "I'M NOT INTERESTED IN THE NICKEL AND DIME
STUFF, LET THE LOCAL POLICE HANDLE THAT, I'M GOING AFTER THE BANKS."
8) MA MOOD ACCORDING TO HOWELL: PEOPLE ARE ANGRY, SHOTS AGAINST THE DEMS
AREN'T GOING TO BACKFIRE, AS LONG AS IT STAYS PARTISAN.
POTUS: "PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING MAD IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND WHEN I SEE WHAT'S
GOING ON, I CAN'T SAY I BLAME THEM.
9) A COUPLE OF JUDGE JOKES I THOUGHT UP:
POTUS: "I'VE HEARD ABOUT THE SCANDAL WITH THE STATE JUDICIAL SYSTEM.
BUT I THINK THAT WITHIN THIS CRISIS THERE MIGHT BE AN OPPORTUNITY..
FOR INSTANCE, IF YOU JUST PAY THE JUDGES BY THE HOUR, YOU MIGHT HAVE
YOURSELF A CREATIVE SOLUTION TO YOUR BUDGET PROBLEMS."
POTUS: (RE. JUDICIAL SYSTEM) "YOU KNOW IT'S A SHAME, JUST WHEN THE
NAME TAXACHUSETTS FELL OUT OF FASHION, SOME JUDGES HAVE JUST GIVEN
NEW MEANING TO 'LAXACHUSETTS.'"
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
8
ANECDOTES
1) CURT'S JOKE, (IT WOULD BE A PERFECT FOLLOW TO A COMMENT ON RED SOCK'S
LOSS): "I KNOW YOU RE ALL THINKING ABOUT THAT TEAM THAT'S FALLEN FROM
GRACE IN MASSACHUSETTS, THAT'S LOST ITS FIRST PLACE STATUS, THAT'S
BECOME AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE STATE
BUT ENOUGH ABOUT THE MASSACHU-
SETTS DEMOCRATS."
2) IF WE'RE SUPPOSED TO GO UP THERE TO CRUCIFY THE MA DEMS, HOW ABOUT:
"I KNOW THERE WERE SOME THAT THOUGHT I WOULD BE TOO HARSH ON THE MASS-
ACHUSETTS DEMOCRATS WHEN I CAME UP HERE. WELL, I THINK IT IS FITTING
THAT THEY BE CRUCIFIED FOR OUR SINS, SINCE MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN
CRUCIFIED FOR THEIRS." (I DON'T KNOW, MAYBE I'M STILL IN A CATHEDRAL
FRAME OF MIND.)
9
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
QUOTES
1) ITS DRIVING ENERGY SPARKED ALWAYS BY INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM OF
SPIRIT--CAN THIS BE ANYWHERE SO STRONG, so FASCINATING, SO ENDURING, AS
IN MASSACHUSETTS?"
--Pearl S. Buck, America 1971
2) "THE LAND TO ME SEEMED A PARADISE: FOR IN MY EYE, IT WAS NATURE'S MASTER-
PIECE. (I) F THIS LAND BE NOT RICH, THEN THE WHOLE WORLD IS POOR."
--Thomas Morton, New English Canaan, 1637
3) "NO DOUBT THE BOSTONIAN HAD ALWAYS BEEN NOTED FOR A CERTAIN CHRONIC
IRRITABILITY-- A SORT OF BOSTONITIS--WHICH, IN ITS PRIMITVE PURITAN FORMS,
SEEMED DUE TO KNOWING ROO MUCH OF HIS NEIGHBORS, AND THINKING TOO MUCH
OF HIMSELF."
--Henry Adams, The Education of Henry Adams, 1907
4) (REGARDING CAPE COD) "A MAN MAY STAND HERE AND PUT ALL AMERICA BEHIND HIM'
Henry David Thoreau, Cape Cod, 1855
5) "MARRIAGE IS A DAMNABLY SERIOUS BUSINESS, PARTICULARLY AROUND BOSTON."
--John Phillips Marquand, The Late George Apley, 1937
17
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
CONVERSATION WITH KAUFFMAN
1) THE BIG PICTURE:
A. PEOPLE IN MA WANT CHANGE
B. PEOPLE IN MA WANT STABILITY THEY RE TIRED OF THE CHAOS OF THE
DEMOCRATICALLY CONTROLLED YEARS; THEY'RE YEARNING FOR SANE GOVERN-
MENT TO BE RETURNED TO THEIR STATE. THEY FEEL MALIGNED.
C. CONCLUSION: WHILE THE DESIRE FOR CHANGE WORKS FOR BOTH CANDIDATES,
SILBER AND WELD, IT CAN WORK LESS FOR SILBERIF WE CAN PAINT HIM
AS BEING PART OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY MACHINE. THE DESIRE FOR
STABILITY AND A RETURN TO SANE GOVERNMENT CAN WORK FOR WELD AND
AGAINST SILBER IF WE MAKE IT. REMEMBER: MA LIBS AND MA MODERATES
ARE UNEASY ABOUT SILBER AS A "LOOSE CANNON ON DECK. "
2) POTUS' ' REMARKS SHOULD BE CENTERED ON WELD AND RAPPAPORT, WITH ALSO SOME
RECOGNITION OF MALLONE. NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT WE MUST BE SENSITIVE TO
CELLUCCI- HE REALLY IS OUR GUY, HE CAME OUT EARLY, AND HAS COME OUT
CONSISTENTLY IN SUPPORT OF BUSH.
HOW TO HIT THE WHOLE TICKET
POTUS: "THE PEOPLE OF MASSACHUSETTS WANT
CHANGE, AND THAT'S WHY THEY'RE GOING TO GIVE THE REPUBLICAN TICKET
A CHANCE."
10
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
NOTE: MOST AMERICANS ASSOCIATE MA. WITH
HISTORY; WHICH IS ONLY FITTING SINCE
HISTORICAL ALLUSIONS
MA HISTORY is INEXTRICABLE FROM
AMERICAN HISTORY.
1) ON NOV. 9, 1620 THE CREW OF THE MAYFLOWER SIGHTED LAND FOR THE FIRST
TIME. GIVES RISE TO POTUS: "ON NOVEMBER 9th, THREE CENTURIES AND
d think
could
SEVEN DECADES AGO THE CREW OF THE MAYFLOWER SPOTTED LAND, THE
LAND OF THE FUTURE MASSACHUSETTS. LET US ALL BE COMMITTED, THAT
ON NOV. 9th, 370 YEARS AFTER THAT HISTORIC DAY, AND AFTER YEARS
Inis
fly
OF STORMY SEAS UNDER DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATIONS, WE'RE FINALLY BRING-
ING MASSACHUSETTS INTO PORT."
2) OTHER HISTORICAL NOVEMBERS:
-NOV. 11, 1620: THE MAYFLOWER WAS ABLE TO ROUND THE SHOALS OF CAPE
COD AND FIND HARBOR AT PRESENT DAY PROVINCETOWN. THE HEALTHY MEN
COMPOSED THE MAYFLOWER COMPACT TO SILENCE MUTINOUS TALK AND ESTABLIS
ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL AUTHORITY.
NOV. 11, 1647: MASSACHUSETTS BAY'S GENERAL COURT PASSED AMERICA'S
FIRST CUMPOLSORY SCHOOL LAW.
-
-NOV 1920: MASSACHUSETTS CAST ALMOST 70% OF ITS POPULAR VOTE FOR
REPUBLICANS WARREN HARDING AND HIS RUNNING MATE CALVIN COOLIDGE.
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
11
HISTORICAL ALLUSIONS, (cont. ')
TWO YEARS LATER COOLIDGE WOULD COME UP WITH THE FAMOUS LINE:
"THIS IS A BUSINESS COUNTRY AND IT WANTS A BUSINESS GOVERNMENT."
WE MIGHT CO-OPT THIS FOR THE SPEECH, SINCE WELD WANTS TO OPEN
MASSACHUSETTS FOR BUSINESS AGAIN.
IN THE SAME ELECTION YEAR AND MONTH, WOMEN TURNED OUT FOR THEIR FIRST
PRESIDENTIAL AND STATE ELECTIONS IN MA.
-NOV. 1960: THE REPUBLICANS WON BACK THE GOVERNOR'S CHAIR WITH ITALIAN
AMERICAN, LIBERAL REPUBLICAN JOHN A. VOLPE.
-NOV. 8, 1966: ENDICOTT PEABODY LOST THE ELECTION TO U.S. SENATE TO
LIBERAL REPUBLICAN EDWARD BROOKE, THE FIRST BLACK TO WIN A SENATE
SEAT SINCE RECONSTRUCTION (1880).
3) IN 1602, BARTHOLOMEW GOSNOLD LEFT ENGLAND TO SAIL FOR THE BRITISH ISLES
WITH A CARGO OF SASSAFRAS THAT CLICKED THE LOCK ON THE MERCHANTS'
POCKETBOOKS. SASSAFRAS WAS THEN CONSIDERED A VALUABLE AND POTENT
DRUG FOR EVERY ILLNESS. HOW ABOUT A HISTORICAL ALLUSION AND JOKE:
"PUBLIC SPENDING IS TO THE MA DEMOCRATS WHAT SASSAFRAS WAS TO THE
ENGLISH IN THE EARLY 1600's--A VALUABLE DRUG FOR EVERY ILLNESS.'
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
13
HISTORICAL ALLUSIONS, (cont.')
7) IN 1826, THE FACTORY ORIGINALLY ENVISIONED BY FRANCIS CABOT LOWELL RES-
IN AMERICA'S FIRST COMPANY TOWN. HISTORICAL ALLUSION:
POTUS: " IN THE 1820's, MASSACHUSETTS BECAME THE SITE OF AMERICA'S FIRST
COMPANY TOWN. IN THE 1980's IT BECAME THE SITE OF A COMPANY STATE, AND
THE COMPANY WAS DEMOCRATIC PATRONAGE, INC. THE 1990's ARE GOING TO BREAK
THAT MONOPOLY."
(ESPECIALLY RELEVANT GIVEN THE GERRYMANDERING AND THE PATRONAGE IN THE
STATE JUDICIARY SYSTEM.)
8) ANOTHER ALLUSION REGARDING THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH-STATE DIVISION IN
MASSACHUSETTS
POTUS: "IN 1833, MASSACHUSETTS BECAME THE LAST STATE TO DISESTABLISH
ITS CHURCH, AND ESTABLISH FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND THE LEGAL EQUALITY OF
OF ALL RELIGIOUS SECTS AND DENOMINATIONS. MASSACHUSETTS MUST NOW
UNSADDLE THE ENTRENCHED CHURCH OF LIBERALISM, AND RETURN TO THE DAYS
WHEN A FREE-WHEELING DEBATE OF IDEAS TRIUMPHED OVER BLIND OBEDIENCE TO
DOCTRINE.
9) THE TROUBLED TIMES OF THE 1930's WERE NOT WITHOUT HUMOUR, AS WHEN IN
1933, MEMBERS OF THE HARVARD LAMPOON "CODNAPPED" THE SACRED COD FROM THE
GENERAL COURT ON APRIL 26.
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
IT
HISTORICAL ALLUSIONS, (cont.')
10) A WATERMARK IN MA'S EVOLUTION AS A LIBERAL STATE: ON MARCH 10, 1971
A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REPORT CAME OUT NOTING THAT BOSTON HAD 15.3% OF
ITS POPULATION ON WELFARE, THE HIGHEST FIGURE OF THE NATION'S 20 LARGEST
CITIES.
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
15
MASSACHUSETTS COLOR
1) MA IS HOME TO THE LAKE WITH THE LONGEST NAME OF ANY LAKE IN THE UNITED
STATES. IT IS LAKE CHARGOGGAGOMANCHAUGAGOGCHABUNGAGUNGAMAUG. (I THINK
WE'D NEED A PRONOUNCER ON THAT ONE.) THE NAME MEANS: "YOU FISH ON YOUR
SIDE OF THE LAKE. I FISH MY SIDE. NOBODY FISHES IN THE MIDDLE."
--Massachusetts Facts
2) "ACCENTUATING ALL OF THIS ARE THE RICH CONTRASTS OF THE BAY STATE: THE
BEACHES OF NANTUCKET AND THE FOREST OF BERKSHIRE HILLS; THE PORTUGESE
NEW BEDFORD FISHERMAN AND THE TRANSPLANTED CAMBRIDGE ELECTRICAL
ENGINEER; THE HUB--THE FLURRY OF ACTIVITY IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN
BOSTON AND THE QUIET UPLAND TOWNS OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY. MASSACHUSETTS
TODAY IS THE CULMINATION OF 380 YEARS OF PIONEERING, POLITICKING,
BRAVERY, AND ARTISTRY."
--ibid.
3) "WITH FOUR DISTINCT SEASONS, ISLANDS, COASTLINE, FORESTS, AND MOUNTAINS
WHATEVER STRIKES THE IMAGINATION IS POSSIBLE. MASSACHUSETTS IS THE
THIRD MOST DENSELY POPULATED STATE, AND THE SIXTH SMALLEST IN LAND
AREA, YET IT HAS THE SIXTH LARGEST STATE PARK SYSTEM. MASSACHUSETTS
HAS PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS IN ALL MAJOR LEAGUES. THE BRUINS, CELTICS
AND RED SOX FROM BOSTON HAVE LONG AND STORIED HISTORIES."
--ibod.
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
16
MASSACHUSETTS COLOR
4) "BAY STATER'S HAVE ALWAYS HAD A KEEN INTEREST IN PRESIDENRIAL ELECTIONS.
THREE U.S. PRESIDENTS, JOHN ADAMS, HIS SON JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, AND
JOHN F. KENNEDY WERE BORN AND RAISED IN MASSACHUSETTS. ANOTHER, CALVIN
COOLIDGE, SPENT MOST OF HIS YOUTH THERE."
--ibid.
5) "FROM THE EARLY DAYS WHEN 'NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION, ERUPTED
FROM BAY STATE CITIZENS, MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN DEEPLY INVOLVED IN
TAX ISSUES."
--ibid.
6) "FROM WILLIAM BRADFORD ("OF PLYMOUTH PLANTATION") TO JACK KEROUAC ("ON
THE ROAD"), THE STATE'S LITERARY CUP HAS FLOWED OVER WITH SUCH
NOTABLES AS RALPH WALDO EMERSON ("THE AMERICAN SCHOLAR", "SELF RELIANCE
HENRY DAVID THOREAU ("WALDEN", "CIVIL DISOBEDIANCE"), NATHANIEL HAW-
THORNE ("THE SCALRLET LETTER", "TWICE TOLD TALES", "THE HOUSE OF THE
SEVEN GABLES"), HORATIO ALGER ("RAGGED DICK" AND 118 OTHER NOVELS),
HARRIET BEECHER STOWE ("UNCLE TOM'S CABIN"), THE POET EMILY DICKENSON,
WHO PUT NO TITLES ON HER WORK, HERMAN MELVILLE ("MOBY DICK"), JOHN DOS
PASSOS ("THE U.S.A. TRILOGY"), AND JOHN CHEEVER ("THE WAPSHOT CHRONICLE
"FAL
CONER").
18
WELD FOR (GOVERNOR
CONVERSATION WITH KAUFMAN
(cont)
3) WE MUST CLEARLY PAINT THE PICTURE BETWEEN HAVING CONTROL AND NOT
HAVING IT. WE SHOULD POINT OUT THAT HAVING RAPPAPORT IN THE SENATE
MIGHT MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BOB DOLE BEING THE MINORITY LEADER
OR BEING THE MAJORITY LEADER.
4) THE BUSH CONNECTION TO MASSACHUSETTS: BUSH WAS BORN THERE, ALSO, HIS
SISTER, NANCY BUSH ELLIS IS A CAMPAIGN CHAIRPERSON.
5) REGARDING C.L.T.: IT'S GOING TO LOSE, SO LET'S NOT TOUCH IT. PLUS,
CAMPAIGN MANAGER SAYS ANALOGY WITH GRAHM-RUDMAN IS TOO AMBIGUOUS.
6) RAPPAPORT WILL WIN IF, ACCORDING TO KAUFMAN, HE DOES THREE THINGS:
A. HE KEEPS PRESSURE UP ON KERRY.
B. HE DOESN'T SELF-DESTRUCT.
C. HE ACHIEVES THE CIRCLE OF CREDIBILITY--VOTERS MUST BE ABLE TO
VISUALIZE HIM AS A SENATOR THIS WOULD BE GREATLY HELPED BY
POTUS PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND HIM IN A NON-PATERNAL FASHION OR
BETTER YET, POTUS REMARKING WHAT A GREAT TALK THEY HAD ON AIR
FORCE ONE.
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
9
CONVERSATION WITH KAUFMAN (cont)
7) THE REASON PEOPLE DON'T LIKE KERRY:
A. NO ONE HAS ANY STAKE IN HIM, HE'S MADE NO REAL COMMITMENT TO ANY
PARTICULAR GROUP.
B. PEOPLE BELIEVE HE'S SHALLOW, THAT HE DOESN'T CARE--CONTRAST THAT WIT
RAPPAPORT, WHO HAS MORE ISSUE PAPERS ON MORE SUBJECTS THAN ANY OTHER
CANDIDATE.
8) KERRY JOKE: "AS ELECTION DAY DRAWS NEAR, AS PEOPLE START PRESSING
work,
CANDIDATES ON THEIR STANDS. KERRY'S GOING TO WAKE UP IN A COLD SWEAT
ONE NIGHT AND SAY. 'I'M NOT RAPPAPORT.
but
9) THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT AREAS TO STRESS ABOUT WELD, ACCORDING TO CAMPAIGN
MANAGER:
A. HIS RECORD FOR ACCOMPLISHMENT AND INTEGRITY.
B. THE NEED FOR A CHANGE IN MASSACHUSETTS. AND WELD IS WILLING TO
FIGHT THE POWER STRUCTURE.
10) KAUFMAN SAYS WE MUST DISPEL THE RUMOUR THAT ANY BODY IN THE WHITE
HOUSE IS FOR SILBER--SEE SILBER JOKES. PART OF THE WAY THAT WE CAN
I
N
DIRECTLY MAKE REFERENCE TO THE ACROSS THE BOARD UNITED FRONT AGAISNT
20
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
RAPPAPORT FOR SENATE
1) RAPPAPORT RECOUNTS SOME OF THE THINGS HE WILL NOT DO AS U.S. SENATOR:
-"I WILL NOT SPEND $1,041,701 A YEAR ON FREE MAIL--AS JOHN KERRY DID
LAST YEAR.'
-"I WILL NOT ACCEPT $56,426 IN HONORARIUMS IN JUST ONE YEAR AND KEEP ALL
BUT $2,000 FOR MY OWN USE--AS JOHN KERRY DID LAST YEAR. I WILL DONATE
ALL HONORARIUMS, AFTER LEGITIMATE EXPENSES, TO CHARITY."
-"I WILL NOT VOTE FOR A $12,000 PAY RAISE FOR MYSELF- AS JOHN KERRY DID
LAST FEBRUARY. NOR WILL I TURN AROUND AND VOTE AGAINST A RAISE IN AN
ELECTION YEAR WHILE ALSO VOTING AGAINST ETHICS RULES DESIGNED TO RE-
DUCE PRESSURE FROM SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS--AS JOHN KERRY DID."
-"I WILL NOT VOTE TO EXEMPT THE SENATE FROM THE SAME LAWS IT IMPOSES
ON THE REST OF US."
2) RAPPAPORT: "I ALSO SUPPORT A PRESIDENTIAL LINE ITEM VETO, A TOOL CURRENTI
USED IN 43 STATES."
3) RAPPAPORT ON EDUCATION:
-"NATIONALLY, 25% OF OUR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DROP OUT BEFORE GRADUATING.
IN BOSTON, 40% OF STUDENTS FAIL TO GRADUATE. OF BOSTON STUDENTS WHO DO
GRADUATE, 40% CANNOT READ AT AN 8-TH GRADE LEVEL."
21
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
RAPPAPORT FOR SENATE (cont. ')
"LOCAL FUNDING IS CRITICAL BECAUSE IT MEANS LOCAL CONTROL. THE POWER
TO DECIDE SHOULD BE KEPT CLOSE TO THE CLASSROOM AND IN THE HANDS OF
TEACHERS AND LOCAL SCHOOL OFFICIALS WHO BEST UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF
THEIR OWN STUDENTS."
- -"THE ABC'S OF EDUCATION REFORM: A. FOCUS ON PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECOND
ARY SCHOOLS; B. FOCUS ON LOCAL CONTROL; C. PROVIDE ACTUAL FINANCIAL
RESOURCES TO LOCAL SCHOOLS."
4) JOHN QUINLAN, CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR: "JOHN KERRY'S RECORD INCLUDES HIS
OPPOSITION TO PROPOSITION 2½ AND TO THE CLT PETITION, HIS CONSISTENT.
SUPPORT FOR TAX INCREASES, HIS PERSONAL SPENDING OF 2 MILLION DOLLARS
UNDER THE FRANKING PRIVILEGE, HIS VOTES TO EXEMPT HIMSELF AND
CONGRESS FROM LAWS HE VOTES TO APPLY TO EVERYONE ELSE, HIS OPPOSITION
TO A SPECIAL COUNSEL TO INVESTIGATE CONGRESS'S ROLE IN THE SAVINGS &
LOAN SCANDAL, HIS PROPOSAL THAT WE GIVE SADDAM HUSSEIN 'WIGGLE ROOM'
BY OFFERING CONCESSIONS ON THE WEST BANK, HIS VOTES AGAINST THE
DEATH PENALTY FOR MAJOR DRUG DEALERS, AND MANY, MANY OTHER SUCH
CONTROVERSIAL VIEWS
"
22
WELD FOR GOVERNOR
RAPPAPORT FOR SENATE
- "JIM IS NOT SURPRISED BY JOHN KERRY'S TACTICS. JIM EXPECTED THIS. THIS
IS KERRY'S STYLE. WHEN HE WAS RUNNING SCARED IN 1972, HIS BROTHER
WAS ARRESTED FOR BURGLARIZING HIS OPPONENT'S HEADQUARTERS. WHEN HE
WAS RUNNING SCARED FROM JIM SHANNON IN 1984, HE ACCUSED SHANNON OF
TAKING PAYOFFS. WHEN HE WAS RUNNING SCARED FROM RAY SHAMIE IN 1984,
HE ACCUSED SHAMIE OF BEING A JOHN BIRCHER."
" RAPPAPORT HAS BEEN CHALLENGING - AND WILL CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE JOHN
KERRY ON HIS PUBLIC RECORD HIS SUPPORT FOR EVER HIGHER TAXES, HIS
INEFFECTIVENESS IN THE SENATE, HIS ADVOCACY OF APPEASEMENT TOWARDS
SADDAM HAUSSEIN AND JEOPARDIZING THE SECURITY OF ISRAEL, HIS EMBRACE
OF THE MIKE DUKAKIS POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY, AND so MANY OTHER MATTERS
WHERE HE AND JIM HAVE VERY DIFFERENT VIEWS."
5) THE KERRY/DUKAKIS CONNECTION: "KERRY RAN WITH KUKAKIS IN '82," SAOD
QUINLAN, "KERRY SERVED COMFORTABLY WITH DUKAKIS IN '83 AND '84. HE
CAMPAIGNED FOR DUKAKIS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN '87 AND '88. AND
AS RECENTLY AS LAST MONTH (AUG) A KERRY SPOKESPERSON SUGGESTED THERE
ARE NO IMPORTANT DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN THEM TO BE DRAWN NOW, IN THE
HEAT OF THE BATTLE, IT SEEMS THAT JOHN WOULD LIKE THE ELECTORATE TO
BELIEVE HE AND DUKAKIS HARDLY KNOW EACH OTHER."
Weld for Governor
100 State Street
5th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Biographical Information on William P. Weld
Bill Weld attended the Middlesex School in Concord, Mass.,
from 1956 to 1962 before entering Harvard College, where he
graduated summa cum laude in 1966. A year later, he received a
diploma in economics and political science, with distinction,
from Oxford University. Weld graduated cum laude from Harvard
Law School in 1970.
After serving as a law clerk with the state's Supreme
Judicial Court for one year, Weld worked for 10 years at the
Boston law firm of Hill & Barlow. In 1974, he served as
associate minority counsel to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee
during its Watergate impeachment inquiry. Weld was the 1978
Republican nominee for attorney general.
In 1981, Weld was named U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts by
President Ronald Reagan. During Weld's five-year tenure, the
office won convictions in 109 of 111 political corruption cases,
imposed fines on several banks engaged in money laundering,
obtained lengthy prison terms for the leaders of the Boston
Mafia, and broke up an arson ring that was responsible for 306
fires in the Greater Boston area. In 1985, Weld's fellow U.S.
Attorneys elected him chairman of the Attorney General's Advisory
Committee of U.S. Attorneys.
Reagan brought Weld to Washington in 1986, appointing him
Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Criminal Division.
Emphasizing public corruption, narcotics and white-collar crime
cases, Weld oversaw all federal criminal investigations in the
nation. He resigned from that post in 1988 and joined the Boston
law firm of Hale & Dorr, where he remains a senior partner.
Weld is
45 years old. He lives in Cambridge with his wife
Susan Roosevelt, and their five children: David, YES 12.
Mary Quentin, 8, and Frances
B.
7
He is running for governor on a ticket with state Sen. Paul
Cellucci of Hudson, a candidate for lieutenant governor.
2.2
11:52 06, 19 d3S
Bill Weld on the Issues
Budget and Taxes
Bill opposed the recently passed tax package. Given the state's weaken economy, he
believes that the tax increase will send the economy into a tailspin.
As governor, Bill will look to make up any revenue gap by cutting duplication and
inefficiency in a budget that has grown from $6 billion to more than $13 billion in
the past eight years. He will cut administrative cost, consultant and purchased
services accounts.
Bill supports the concept of "zero-based" budgeting, under which programs will be
zero funded. Each program will then be carefully evaluated based on performance,
cost effectiveness, staffing structure, duplication of services, etc.
Bill is an advocate of the type of restructuring that Peter Nessen called for in his
study of purchased services, the so-called "07" account. Nessen found that by
reducing the amount of paperwork generated by providers and the state, significant
savings can be made. Nessen said the state needs to streamline the bureaucracy,
institute component pricing, performance-based contracting and uniform financial
reports. Currently a provider can be audited by many different agencies for the same
program and even the same line item. Although this endless amount of paperwork
is intended to insure that the taxpayer's money is not wasted, the elimination of this
"micromanagement" could save hundreds of millions of dollars.
Bill has also proposed a number of fiscal restraints. These include a requirement
that any revenue shortfalls during the fiscal year trigger cuts across the board, unless
the legislature and governor agree on a fiscal plan to solve the problem (a "mini
Gramen
BM also supports requiring that revenue surpluses during any
fiscal year be appropriated into a special "Rainy Day Fund," which could be used
WELD FOR GOVERNOR, 100 State Street, Boston, Massachuesetts 02109 / (617)523-4333 -
E'd
ES:IT 06. 19 d3S.
only during fiscal emergencies. These restraints will force the state to build up re-
serves during good times, while avoiding damaging tax increases during bad times.
Bill has endorsed the CLT petition. He believes that only the CLT petition will force
the Democrat-controlled Legislature to make the kind of cuts -- to do the kind of
restructuring -- that is necessary to resolve what is really a structural deficit, and to
prevent tax increases from becoming an annual occurrence.
Jobs and the Economy
Bill feels strongly that it is essential to create an environment in the state that is pro-
jobs. He will foster such a climate by streamlining the regulatory process and by
providing businesses with the incentive to locate and expand in the Bay State.
Rather than taxing businesses to the point where they leave the state, Bill will work
to lower or eliminate the capital gains tax for productive assets held in
Massachusetts for a period of five years or more. He favors raising the existing
investment tax credit for manufacturing from one to three percent, and he will
work to establish a separate tax credit for research and development activities
similar to that in many other states. These tax incentives will help jump start the
economy by making it more attractive for businesses to locate here, to stay here, and
to expand here.
Finally, Bill would work to resolve the State's current fiscal crisis (see Taxes and the
Budget), which has a negative impact on the Commonwealth's business.
Woman's Issues and Choices
Bill is a strong advocate of a woman's right to choose. He has endorsed the
constitutional amendment offered by the Coalition for Choice and has promised to
veto legislation restricting a woman's right to choose.
He supports removing the ban on the use of the Victims Compensation Fund for
abortion counseling or services for victims of rape.
Bill also believes that we need to make child care both more accessible and
affordable. He supports the Child Care Linkage Bill, which would require
P.4
ES:IT 06, 19 d3S
developers of commercial or industrial projects of more than 50,000 square feet to
construct an on or near-site child care center. This bill will help address the issue of
accessibility, while also dealing with cost by eliminating the expense of renting
space. This typically makes up 25 percent of the cost of child care.
Crime
As a former U.S. Attorney, Bill understands the importance of a strong criminal
justice system. He favors the availability of the death penalty for cases of first degree
murder. He is willing to convert other facilities to prison use and even to build in-
creased prison space, but he will do so with the cooperation of cities and towns by
providing incentives for communities to host a prison. Bill has promised that under
the Weld Administration, prisoners will not be released because of overcrowding.
Bill, along with his unofficial running mate, state Senator Paul Cellucci, filed a
tough sentencing bill earlier this year. If enacted, it will sharply reduce judicial
sentencing discretion and establish mandatory prison terms for both violent and
white-collar criminals. The result would be an increase in the amount of real time
served by dangerous and career criminals. The proposed bill is modeled after a
Federal statute enacted by Congress in 1984, and implemented by Bill in 1987 on a
national basis when he was Assistant U.S. Attorney General in charge of the Justice
Department's Criminal Division in Washington, D.C.
Under the legislation, parole will be eliminated. Instead of receiving parole,
inmates will have their sentences reduced by one day for every week of "good time"
that they serve. This will encourage good behavior in prison while removing the
uncertainty and subjectivity of the parole system. Under the current system, a first-
degree murderer serves and an average sentence of only seven years in the U.S., and
those convicted of rape serve only three years on average. Bill considers these
figures too low.
Bill supports the so-called "Boot Camp" bill, which, if passed, will establish military-
style boot camps for young adult first-time offenders. Individuals convicted of a
violent crime will be ineligible for the program. This type of program has been
successful in other states in lowering the number of repeat offenders.
S'd
1115 06. 19
Environment
Bill had a strong environmental protection record as United States Attorney. He
established an environmental enforcement team and brought numerous cases under
the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and Superfund Law. In 1985, he initiated the
Federal lawsuits to force the cleanup of Boston Harbor and of New Bedford Harbor.
Bill strongly supports initiatives to preserve our vanishing open space. He
supported legislation that recently established the Cape Cod Planning Commission,
which will provide long-range planning in an area of the state facing strong devel-
opment pressures. He also supports pending legislation to raise fees for hunting
and fishing licenses, which would generate additional funds to protect wildlife
habitats. This legislation is strongly supported by hunter and fishermen's groups.
Bill also supported the Recycling Initiative. The initiative would have required the
packaging industry to develop packaging by 1996 that uses materials that are either
recycled or recyclable. It was designed to create demand for recycled products and
help reduce the six-million tons of solid waste generated in Massachusetts. The
initiative provided a flexible approach that would have allowed creative industries
to develop and improve solutions for our environmental problems.
Bill is supportive of efforts to protect our drinking water supplies. He supports the
Watershed Protection Bill, which is designed to protect the Wachusett, Quabbin and
Ware Watersheds. These provide drinking water for 2.4 million residents in
Greater Boston.
Bill believes that we must strike a balance between environmental protection and
over-regulation. As governor, one of Bill's priorities in the environmental area
will be to find ways to simplify, speed and consolidate the permitting procedure
without losing any necessary control over development.
One example of removing excessive regulations would be to speed up the
permitting procedure for the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Bill supports
allowing business to begin such projects at their own risk and expense without
having to apply for a permit in advance.
9'd
11554 06, 61
Finally, Bill believes in targeted and aggressive enforcement of environmental laws.
As U.S. Attorney, Bill made the enforcement of environmental law a priority. As
governor, he will work to do the same.
Education
Bill believes that a strong educational system is essential to providing young people
with the skills they need to succeed. To ensure that our children have these skills,
Bill supports the increased use of standardized tests in basic subjects. He also
supports a state-wide examination as a prerequisite for high school seniors to
graduate. The clearest and most accurate measure for a teacher's or school's success
can be found in their students' test scores. These scores should be used to reward
excellence as well as identify students having difficulties with their studies.
Bill will work to ensure that all towns receive their fair share of local aid, money
that helps fund our schools, on a consistent and timely basis. The state's budget
should not be balanced on the backs of our schools.
Health Care
Bill believes that government has a role of assuring that all citizens have access to
quality health care. He thinks that the way to make health care more accessible is to
make it more affordable.
The first step in this direction will be to simplify the hospital-finance system. Bill
believes that we should push the hospital finance system toward a totally
prospective, case-specific, payment process. Hospitals should be spending their time
worrying about delivering care, and not about retroactive reimbursement issues.
There is a great deal of over-regulation, of both hospitals and doctors, in the health
care industry.
We must also make efforts to ensure that
for many people, are the most easily available health care providers, have the
financial resources they need.
P.7
SS:IT TT 06. 61 d3S.
Bill supports the concept of home care as a cost-effective way to address the health
care needs of our aging population. Home care is more cost-effective and less
restrictive than nursing home care.
Bill believes that the Medicaid program is an important tool in ensuring health care
access. He supports efforts to move Medicaid towards a managed care program as a
way of preventing cuts in services due to the skyrocketing costs of the program.
Bill is opposed to the Universal Health Care Law passed by the legislature in 1988. It
would place a $1,680 per-worker tax on business, both large and small, which fail to
offer their workers health insurance by 1992. He is concerned about the law's
possible adverse impact on small businesses. He believes that Massachusetts should
follow the lead of Connecticut in passing reforms that encourage the insurance
industry to offer guaranteed issue policies to small business and their workers. The
plans cannot be cancelled as a result of claims experience; rate increases are capped;
and no individual can be separated from a small group because of health reasons. If
enacted, these reforms, which are supported by the health insurance industry in
Connecticut, will cover 65 percent of the uninsured population in Massachusetts.
The bottom line must be to ensure that all citizens have access to medical care
regardless of their income.
8'd
SS:15 06, 19 d3S
More Than An Almanac
MASSACHUSETTS
FACTS
A Comprebensive look at
Massachusetts today
County by County
Flyingthe-Colors
by
JOHN CLEMENTS
PUBLISHED BY
CLEMENTS RESEARCH, INC.
DALLAS, TEXAS
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORICAL CHART
ESSEX
Newburyport
CAPE ANN
Lawrence
Ipskich
BERKSHIRE
FRANKLIN
Williamstown
WORCESTER
MIDDLESEX
Hoosac Tunnel
North Idams
your
Andover
Rpckport
Gloucester
Lowell
Adams
Greenfield
Beverly
Deerfield*
Salem (Naumkeag)
Petersham
Saugus
Lynn
Pittsfield
Quabbin Reservoir
Mediotal
Concord*
HAMPSHIRE Pelham*
(1927)
Cambridge (Newtowne)
Lexington-
Conne
Amherst
Natick*
Boston
Proxper
Northampton
Worcester
Concord R
Quincy (Merrymount)
NORFOLK
IPL
Holyokes
HAMPDEN
Charles
Springfield
PLYMOUTH
Brockton
Duxbury
Provincetown
Plumouth
BRISTOL
Taunton
KEY
CAPE COD
CAPE ANN (Capes and Islands)
BARNSTABLE
Charles R. (Rivers and Reservoirs)
Boston (Cities and Towns)
Fall Rivel
Tunnel
New Bedford
MALE
CUTTYHUNK ELIZABETH ISL AND ISLANDS
MARTHA'S VINEYARD
DUKES
NANTUCKET
NANTUCKET
156
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
By the turn of the 16th century, a number of proud,
Had the Algonquian tribes developed anything akin to the
independent, Algonquian-speaking tribes of brown-hued
Iroquois Confederacy and had the English tarried a while
people had established a reasonably stable system of hostile
longer before broaching the shores, Massachusetts' history
rivalries and protected territories in the land that was to
might read differently. As it was, the matrilineal society was
become present-day Massachusetts. However, in another
clannish, suspicious and independent. Upon marriage, the
century and a half, this tenacious disunity would be their
male entered the family of his wife through whom inheritance
undoing. On June 24, 1497, unaware of both the date and
was passed to the children. Each clan chose a totem, roughly
an English flag planted, probably on the coast of Newfound-
translated as "brother," which was a living creature such as
land, by Venetian navigator John Cabot, these people
a turtle, bear or wolf with whom they claimed a mystical
innocently continued their semi-sedentary ways of farming,
relationship and from whom they drew their clan's name and
hunting, fishing and occasional fighting, ignorant of the fact
identity. Each year, the clans gathered for religious ceremonies
that, in the eyes of the English, they now trespassed on a
during which the sachems would meet in council. Political
foreign king's land. They did not realize that, according to
authority was patriarchal though the women chose the
these foreigners' law, Cabot's visit gave foundation to
members of the council, thus wielding a certain amount of
England's future claim on North America east of the Rocky
political clout. The sachems were middle-aged or elderly men
Mountains and north of Spanish Florida. Once themselves
who led and oversaw tribal affairs, directing warfare but
newly arrived conquerors, the 16th-century tribes of Massa-
leaving the actual fighting to the younger men. The leadership
chusetts had migrated from the west, pushing pre-Algonquian
of the Wampanoags' grand sachem, Massasoit, would later
people before them to the coast where those previous
be crucial to the survival of the Plymouth Colony. In addition
inhabitants disappeared either through intermarriage or
to their agricultural ability and knowledge of forest manage-
obliteration. Arriving as early as 500 B.C. with a general skin
ment, the Algonquian people exhibited ingenuity in their
tone and features strongly resembling distant Asian cousins,
invention of the birch-bark canoe and the snowshoe. They
Algonquian tribes spread across the area now called New
lived with their extended families in wood-framed longhouses
England and commenced a lifestyle that would make the first
or in dome-shaped wigwams framed by bent poles. These
permanent marks upon the land. Not merely hunters, fishers
structures were covered with bark or hides. When local
and gatherers, these people were farmers and pottery makers.
resources became depleted, a family or village merely moved
Families related through the female lines often gathered in
their lodging downstream to another fertile area, allowing the
villages, settling on the most fertile locations along streams
underbrush to reclaim the cleared land. Beaver pelts led to
and rivers, preferring the falls of the larger rivers which would
trade among the tribes. Developing a commercial bent, the
one day power English textile mills. The men added to the
Algonquians created their own medium of exchange which
natural meadows by clearing flat, low-lying tracts, developing
they called wampomeag or, as the English tagged it, wampum.
a method of girdling the trees to kill them and then burning
The tribes cut and drilled pieces from the purple and white
the underbrush, readying the area for the women who then
inner surface of shells and strung them together, creating
planted the seeds. As the tribal property owners, holding the
wampum belts, a medium in which the French and then the
land in common, the women were also the planters and
English quickly learned to deal. A number of Algonquians
cultivators, nurturing hills of corn and varieties of squash
learned the English tongue as traders and fishermen began
which were named by the English from the Massachuset tribe's
to frequent the rivers and shores but the Algonquian language
word askootasquash meaning "eaten raw." Present in
was very complex and highly inflected and learned by few
abundance, fish were used successfully for both food and
Englishmen. "Praying John" Eliot would learn the dialect
fertilizer. The women also cultivated beans, pumpkins and
of those tribes in eastern Massachusetts in order to translate
tobacco and gathered nuts and the plentiful, native berry
the Scriptures and successfully teach Puritan ways to about
varieties. Algonquian men hunted, fished and trapped. In the
2,500 of the some 10,000 Indians populating southern New
eastern and central regions of today's Massachusetts, deer,
England. Being somewhat settled, agricultural, commercial,
turkeys, geese and ducks abounded while further west, deer,
and spiritually sensitive, the Algonquian people were
wolves, bear and moose roamed the Berkshire Hills. Near the
susceptible to Christianity and assimilated European culture
coast, shellfish were easily caught or collected but the
better than did most Indians. Following centuries of tribal
Algonquian tribes much preferred bass, using lobsters that
ups and downs, the European newcomers would find Wampa-
weighed as much as 20 pounds for bait. Beaver were prominent
noags inhabiting the South Coastal Plain of Massachusetts
inhabitants of early Massachusetts and much valued for their
from Cape Cod to Massachusetts Bay, maintaining control
pelts as were mink and otter. Algonquian women were adept
over a few small interior tribes. The Patuxets dwelt in the area
at fashioning clothes from deer hides and beaver pelts. In order
marked by a rock that looked something like an over-sized
to increase the game, nurture the forest and facilitate hunting,
potato, a typical, medium-grade glacial boulder that would
the men set periodic forest fires which resulted in open,
soon acquire a name and eventually, fame, a canopy and a
parklike forests canopied by tall hardwood trees. While boys
fence. The Nausets, many of whom were converted before the
were trained to hunt, they were also raised to fight. War was
war of 1675, were a friendly tribe that dwelt on Cape Cod
an accepted warp in the weave of the culture, and scalps were
and the adjacent islands. The North Coastal Plain was claimed
necessary badges of manhood. The Algonquian warrior drank
by the Massachuset tribe whose name would be misspelled
the blood of his fallen enemy in order to absorb his courage.
by Captain John Smith and given to the English settlement.
Among the Algonquian tribes that settled Massachusetts, the
In the Central Uplands, the Nipmuc tribe headquartered
chief cause of warfare appears to have been territorial
around present-day Worcester though they also spread into
incursions and not the Iroquoian drive to unite and conquer.
Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
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157
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
The Pocumtucs claimed the most fertile stretch of land in all
learned smatterings of English from the European fishers and
of New England, the Connecticut Valley, as well as roamed
traders. The Indians' ancestors may have encountered
the game-rich, heavily forested Berkshire Hills. Some
Norsemen in the eleventh century and possibly ancient Irish-
Mohicans crossed the Taconic Range from New York and
men even earlier, in the light of certain surviving legends.
settled in the valley of the Housatonic River. In northern
Whatever the case, the white settlers who would struggle
Massachusetts, the Pennacooks were the local residents as
ashore in 1620 would certainly not be strange sights to many
well as allies of Maine's spirited Abnakis who were frequent
of the local inhabitants.
raiders into Massachusetts. South in Connecticut were the
1602
Bartholomew Gosnold was sponsored to explore the
only newcomers to the social system, the war-minded Pequots.
area referred to as Norumbega or Northern Virginia. After
Early English settlers would not have survived without the
spending a few weeks on Cuttyhunk, the outermost island
assistance of Algonquian people who later paid a high price
off the shoulder of Cape Cod, Gosnold christened the Cape
for their friendliness to the new invaders, but the Algonquians
with its present-day appellation, named the Elizabeth Islands,
themselves had earlier exacted a similar price from the peoples
and sailed for the British Isles with a cargo of sassafras that
who had preceded them. Although the irrepressible march
clicked the lock on the merchants' pocketbooks. Sassafras
of history trampled their land, their culture and their lives,
was then considered a valuable and potent drug for every
the Algonquian people played vital roles in the drama that
illness. Hakluyt was partially responsible for the later account
produced today's Massachusetts. Their significant input
of this voyage, the first English book to describe a portion
would one day be saluted by their presence on the
of the Massachusetts coast.
Commonwealth's Great Seal and their blood would run in
1603
Convinced by the cargo of sassafras even more than
the likes of future President Calvin Coolidge.
by Hakluyt's persuasiveness, the merchants of Bristol,
England sponsored a second voyage to Northern Virginia,
EARLY EXPLORATION 1524-1619
outfitting Captain Martin Pring's Discoverer. Pring became
1524
In the wake of John Cabot who was lost at sea on
the first Englishman on record to enter Massachusetts Bay.
his second voyage to North America, Genoese navigator
He spent six weeks hunting, fishing and cutting sassafras
Giovanni da Verrazano reached the Hudson River in April.
where Plymouth Colony would establish itself 17 years hence.
Realizing it could provide no passage to the Far East, he
When the local Indians behaved themselves, Pring entertained
continued up the coast, also rejecting Narragansett Bay,
them with music, possibly from a type of zither, but when
rounded Cape Cod and ranged as far as the Strait of Belle
the Indians misbehaved, Pring terrified them with his fierce
Isle without the results desired by Francis I of France.
mastiff dogs, Foole and Gallant. Fishermen from several
NOVEMBER 17, 1558
Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen, took
nations continued to ply the rich waters of the Massachusetts
the throne and launched England on a course of expansion,
coast, trading for furs with the Algonquian tribes. In England,
destined to leave an empire to her successor, James I, though
Elizabeth I died, having waited until the very last moment
every attempt at New World colonization during her reign
to designate a successor, James I.
failed. Though welcomed by Protestant England after the
1604-1606
Under the French flag, Samuel de Champlain
reign of Catholic zealot "Bloody Mary" Tudor, Elizabeth
spent several years as geographer and cartographer for Pierre
achieved a compromised organization of the Anglican church
de Monts' North American expedition which centered around
which aroused both the Catholics and the Puritans, the latter
New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. During the summers,
insisting on a complete purge of Roman Catholic doctrine
Champlain, a devoted Catholic, explored the coasts of Maine
and ritual. The Queen strongly resisted the Calvinistic Puritan
and Massachusetts, charting the area as far south as Cape
movement, preserving her creation of the Church of England
Cod and Martha's Vineyard. Champlain and his party were
while tangling with a strongly Puritan House of Commons.
the first white men on official record to visit the site of present-
1584
Protestant English clergyman and renowned
day Boston but Champlain preferred the area to the north
geographer Richard Hakluyt published The Discourse of
as it was richer in pelts. During this time, George Weymouth
Western Planting, a persuasive tract for the English
also explored the Massachusetts coast.
colonization of the New World, promoting the benefits of
APRIL 10, 1606
James I jointly granted the Charter of
an outlet for a growing population as well as a growing
Virginia to a group of London merchants (the Virginia
economy, a source of raw materials, a chance to block the
Company) and to a group of Plymouth merchants (the
expansion of Catholic Spain and the opportunity to establish
Northern Virginia Company), including the territory from
a seat of Protestant Christianity in the New World and deliver
South Carolina to Maine and "from sea to sea." The charter
the Christian gospel to the Indians. It would take some 20
insured all colonists and their descendants of "all
years for Hakluyt's propaganda to stir the hearts of
liberties to all intents and purposes as if they had been
Englishmen.
abiding and born within this our realm of England." England
1589
Hakluyt's The Principal Navigations, Voyages, Traffics
would be strongly reminded of this guarantee of English law
and Discoveries of the English Nation further fired the desires
and liberty over 150 years later.
of English adventurers and prodded the pocketbooks of
MAY 14, 1607
A group of colonists under the charter of
English financiers toward colonization. By the late 1500s,
the Virginia Company and including Captain John Smith,
many English and French fishermen had regularly cast their
went ashore in the New World to establish Jamestown in the
nets in the waters off the coast of Massachusetts, New England
area that came to be known as Virginia.
and Newfoundland, trading with, teasing, and sometimes
1607-1608
The Northern Virginia Company, led by Chief
kidnapping the Indians they encountered. Some Indians were
Justice Sir John Popham and Sir Ferdinando Gorges,
taken to England and later returned to the area. Certain ones
attempted to establish a trading post on the coast of Maine,
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
on an island in the mouth of the Kennebec River. After facing
companies for agricultural settlement. While Separatist
a gruesome winter and uncooperative Indians, the group fled
William Bradford promoted America, Separatist leader
back to England on the relief ship that anchored in the spring
William Brewster was arrested by Leyden authorities
of 1608. Meanwhile, James I had attempted to force England's
cooperating with the English ambassador who charged
religious Separatists to conform to the Church of England.
Brewster with distributing illegal religious tracts in England.
As a result, a young Puritan of East Anglia named William
Brewster escaped to, of all places, London where he negotiated
Bradford went briefly to prison in 1607. As a member of a
with the "materialistic" and "imperialistic" Virginia Com-
Puritan Separatist congregation in Scrooby led by William
pany for land near the Hudson River, a place prime for Puritan
Brewster, Bradford fled in 1608 with the group across a stormy
settlement. Brewster obtained a patent for his Separatist group
North Sea to Amsterdam. The few remaining groups of
through Sir Edwin Sandys. The "particular plantation" had
English Separatists went underground.
not been settled by the Dutch who were actively trading in
1609
The self-exiled Puritan Separatists in Amsterdam
the area that would soon be known as New Amsterdam.
moved to the Dutch town of Leyden where the 19-year-old
Though William Bradford had prospered in Leyden, and was
Bradford was chosen to be a ruling elder of the Pilgrim
quite comfortable, the Puritan group was modest in its means
Church. Here the Puritan group found both religious and
and not able to raise the necessary financing for such an
moral toleration in which Bradford eventually saw the danger,
undertaking. Thus, Brewster and Bradford were forced to rely
not of persecution, but of the dilution of his faith into a
on a group of unscrupulous moneylenders in London,
tolerant and licentious lifestyle.
submitting at that time to seven years of usurious debt.
1614
The Dutch trader Adrien Block, after exploring
Manhattan, the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, sailed
UNDER THE FLAG OF ENGLAND 1620-1776
as far as Nahant Bay, above present-day Boston. Captain John
1620
Only 35 of the 240 Leyden Puritans were sufficiently
Smith, having left Jamestown, was hired by Sir Ferdinando
motivated to brave the journey to America. Most chose to
Gorges of the Northern Virginia Company to explore the coast
remain in their present exile, as the church's pastor, John
of the company's lands. The island of Monhegan was the base
Robinson, elected to remain with them. William Brewster and
from which he gathered data during his first voyage to New
William Bradford were among the 35 who chose to go and
England. On a second voyage in 1615, Smith was captured
were joined in London by 40 more Separatists from that city
for a time by a French pirate, but used the opportunity to
as well as a number of other English, bringing the group to
write of the land he had surveyed.
just over 100 persons. General circumstances in England had
1616
John Smith's Description of New England was
improved to the point that, at this time, most citizens saw no
published, featuring for the first time in print his new name
reason to leave their homeland.
for the area, New England, as well as the name Massachusetts
SEPTEMBER 16, 1620
Delays and the leaky Speedwell
for the country that was his favorite, the "Paradise of all those
caused the determined group of "pilgrims" to cast off from
parts." The name, taken from the Massachuset tribe, meant
Plymouth, England, late in the year in only one vessel, the
"at the Great Hill" though the highest hummock in all of
Mayflower, which now faced the stormy, autumn Atlantic
that tribe's territory was not over 600 feet. Smith's spelling
alone. In mid-crossing, a main timber buckled but the
with the extra t eventually became the official version. In
ingenuity of the ship's carpenter allowed him to rerig the ship
preparing Smith's engraved map, Prince Charles agreed to
and save the day. Bradford's wife was aboard but the couple's
these names but changed Smith's Cape Tragabigzanda to Cape
young son had been left in Leyden. The journey was long and
Ann, named the River Charles and christened Plymouth,
arduous due to the late autumn weather which led to quarrels,
among other changes.
complaints and many weakened conditions.
1617
A pestilence, possibly measles, played what could be
NOVEMBER 9, 1620
The ship's crew sighted land but the
considered a vital role in preparing the shores of Massa-
company knew, from the available charts and accounts, that
chusetts for the Pilgrims. The disease destroyed the influence
this was Gosnold's and Smith's Cape Cod and not the harbor
of the Massachuset tribe and destroyed all but one of the
that led to the Hudson River. After nine weeks at sea and
Patuxets. This one survivor, Squanto, was away during the
now in the throes of winter, the group was over 200 miles
that
plague, kidnapped by a European trader to be sold as a slave
northeast of its intended destination and official patent, and
May
but ransomed by fishermen and taken to England. There he
out of the jurisdiction of the Virginia Company's charter.
learned English before he was returned to a homeland devoid
NOVEMBER 11, 1620
Due to the calmest winter the area
of his family and tribesmen. Other tribes were also decimated
would see for many years, the ship was able to round the rocky
by the disease, weakening possible resistance to invaders and
shoals of Cape Cod and find harbor at present-day
normally touchy territorial concerns. The act was considered
Provincetown. As they were not where they intended to be,
providential by both Captain John Smith and later colonist,
the 41 yet-healthy men thought it legally necessary to compose
Thomas Morton. In Leyden, Brewster's Separatists were
The Mayflower Compact in order to silence mutinous talk
land
already negotiating for land in America where Bradford
(particularly among those not of the faith), and establish
believed that their posterity would not, be "in danger to
organization and civil authority. According to their ideals,
degenerate and be corrupted." From his readings, Bradford
the pact was signed only by Separatists, though agreed to by
described the new land to the elders as vast and fruitful,
all. Government by the consent of the governed was therefore
"unpeopled
[excepting] only savage and brutish men
established before they ever went ashore. The next three weeks
which range up and down, little otherwise than wild beasts."
1619
were spent exploring Cape Cod to find a place that might
that
Having grown reluctantly pessimistic about American
best sustain them.
gold resources, the Virginia Company turned to selling land to
DECEMBER 8, 1620
The exploring party, which included
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
159
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Bradford, crossed Cape Cod Bay to Plymouth Bay, arriving
purity of the faith." [In contrast to the Roman Catholic
in a snowstorm which forced them to spend two days on an
Church, these Puritans believed they had no intermediary
island.
between themselves and God the Father, save Christ Himself;
DECEMBER 11, 1620
The party came ashore at Plymouth
they met God face-to-face and wanted only the Bible as their
(already named SO by Prince Charles and Captain Smith and
rule of faith and practice for what they believed should be
marked by a peculiar rock) and, after some exploration,
an independent and autonomous church congregation. As
decided that this was the best place they had found at which
Separatists, these believers totally spurned the Church of
to survive the winter. Meanwhile, Bradford's wife, Dorothy,
England (Anglican) which, they said, still retained certain
drowned after "accidently falling overboard.' Her circum-
Catholic rituals and beliefs. Non-conformist Puritans wished
stances may have driven her to suicide.
to separate themselves only from the errors they saw in the
DECEMBER 21, 1620
The task of going ashore and
Church of England and not from the Church itself. Conformist
unloading the Mayflower was difficult and long, due to few
Puritans outwardly conformed to the rituals retained by the
boats and the uncooperative weather. The first act of the new
Church of England, though the degree of conformity varied,
"civil body politic" was to choose John Carver, one of the
all the while going out of their way, often risking punishment,
Separatists, as governor for that year.
to hear meaty sermons of reformed doctrine. As in all human
JANUARY 14, 1621
The community house which the group
affairs, there existed various degrees of, and between, the
had managed to erect burned, driving some back to the
extremes of Anglican and Separatist, though all were called
Mayflower for shelter. Scurvy and other diseases set in as did
Protestants.] Later the same month, Governor John Carver
ever-worsening weather, causing the ship to remain at the
suffered a stroke while working in the fields on a hot day,
colony as both seamen and settlers began to die.
dying a few days later, soon followed by his frail wife. William
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1621
Fully half of the 102 Pilgrims
Bradford was chosen as his replacement even though Bradford
would be secretly buried at night in camouflaged graves so
was still very weak after approaching death during the winter.
as not to alert the Indians. Of the 24 heads of families, 13
Bradford's steadfast wisdom, ability and kindly nature were
were lost as were 20 of the 24 mothers. Only six or seven
such that he was reelected almost every year for over 30 years.
persons remained able to care for the ill and dying. Bradford
MAY 12, 1621
The first marriage in the colony was
was among the ill while William Brewster and Captain Myles
performed, being carried out as a civil ceremony by the
Standish were among the healthy. Bradford later saluted the
magistrate. Following the laws of Holland where they had so
unselfish, daily sacrifice of the caring brethren who gave such
long sojourned, the Pilgrims established the practice among
great evidence of their faith, sparing "no pain night or day,'
the New England churches of the civil ceremony in
performing such "homely and necessary offices for them
conjunction with, or apart from, religious beliefs, a major
which dainty and queasy stomachs cannot endure to hear
concern being the legalities of inheritances.
named; and all this willingly and cheerfully
showing herein
JUNE 1621
The Mayflower, having landed in England,
their true love unto their friends and brethren
Known
made known the need for a new patent, bringing news of a
as a soldier of great strength, Standish was elected by popular
sorely tried Plymouth Colony and not the expected settlement
vote to be the group's captain in a meeting held in the newly
in the rich and fertile Hudson River area. The Northern
erected community house.
Virginia Company had meanwhile been reorganized as the
MARCH 16, 1621
Spring restored the health of those still
Council for New England and issued to the colony the second
alive who now turned to the necessities of houses and crops.
Pierce Patent. The land would be owned jointly by the
Indians had only skulked about, Bradford wrote, and had
colonists and the company. Each settler received 100 acres
stolen some tools but on this day, one strode boldly into the
with 1,500 acres set aside for public use. An annual quit-rent
settlement and delivered a dramatic "Welcome, Englishmen,"
of two shillings per acre was required of the colony after seven
using the words and phrases he had learned from English
years. In addition, the Pilgrims still owned their debt to the
fishermen in the "eastern parts" (Maine) where he lived.
London merchants. In the same month, a group of 50
Samoset was able to acquaint the Pilgrims with the land and
ambitious Englishmen led by Andrew Weston landed at
people of Maine as well as the immediate surroundings.
Plymouth, boasting of what they would accomplish. Moving
Samoset later returned with five Indians and the stolen tools,
north to Wessagusset (Weymouth Shore), they attempted to
also preparing the colonists for a visit from the great sachem
establish a fishing and trading post but by 1623 had failed
of the Wampanoag tribe, Massasoit. The sachem and his
miserably, due mainly to poor management and their own
entourage arrived some four or five days later bringing
excesses. In wretched condition, they died or scattered.
Squanto, the orphaned Patuxet. The Pilgrims had landed in
JULY 1621
An expedition was sent to visit Massasoit who
the territory of the small tribe wiped out by disease, allowing
lived some 40 miles away. The Wampanoags had also lost
a friendship and formal alliance to be easily formed with
thousands to the 1617 plague, and bones still lay where the
Massasoit whose territory had not been violated. Squanto
victims' dwellings had been. The Pilgrims learned of the
remained with the Pilgrims until his death, teaching these
strong Narragansett tribe across the bay to the west,
former town laborers to plant corn, using fish for fertilizer.
untouched by the pestilience, and made peace with the Nauset
He showed them where and how to fish and what to gather,
tribe of Cape Cod.
being as Bradford noted, a "special instrument sent of God
OCTOBER 1621
Governor Bradford organized a great
for their good beyond their expectation."
feast of thanksgiving to mark the Pilgrims' year of survival
APRIL 5, 1621
The Mayflower finally set sail for England,
and "the plenty with which they had been blessed" during
leaving every survivor by his or her own choice to challenge
the year. Inaugurating a tradition that would endure and grace
the new land and build a settlement and a society "in the
our far-removed technological age, the Pilgrims fed and
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
entertained their Indian friend Massasoit and some 90of his
of drawing for plots of land and, instead, to grant permanent
tribesmen for three days. The guests reciprocated with five
allotments. Later expanded, the new practice spurred colonists
slain deer. The colonists rejoiced in their God though they
to work harder and produce more as they were assured of
still mourned their many losses.
enjoying the fruits of their own labors. In July, when a fierce
NOVEMBER 1621
The small ship Fortune arrived
drought threatened to destroy the crops, the colonists were
unexpectedly with a Mr. Cushman and 35 colonists, most of
driven to "seek the Lord in humble and fervent prayer,"
whom were brash and adventurous young men. They were
according to Bradford, "and He was pleased to give them a
a welcome addition to the strength of the colony even though
gracious and speedy answer, both to their own and the
they came inadequately prepared and low on provisions. The
Indians' admiration that lived among them." The gentle rains
Plymouth brethren learned from the beginning to take in and
came and stayed so that, as Bradford wrote, "instead of
to peacefully coexist with many who were not of the faith
famine now God gave them plenty
so as any general want
and moral character that they would otherwise prefer as the
or famine has not been among them since to this day (1644).'
strength of the community was vital to everyone's survival.
Excluded by the Separatist Pilgrims, a disgruntled Roger
But they also maintained their exclusive attitude, deporting
Conant drew a number of non-Separatists to himself and
any who seriously challenged Separatist control.
removed up the coast to found Nantasket.
DECEMBER 1621
A challenge from the Narragansett
1625
In England, Charles I succeeded the wildly extra-
tribe to the new, unwelcome allies of the Wampanoags caused
vagant and scandalous James I whose reign had encouraged
the Pilgrims to fortify their village. From necessity and
a rampage of the rich and opportunistic, unsettling the balance
because they thought it to be a Popish holiday, the Pilgrims
of the economy. Now Charles gave ear to the highly ritualistic,
worked on Christmas Day. Some claiming it a matter of
anti-Puritan, Anglican Bishop William Laud. Those Puritans
conscience to stay home were later discovered by Bradford
who had wished to reform England and its Church from
to be playing games in the street. The governor explained that
within began to lose hope. Bradford wrote friends in his
it was against his conscience that some should play while
homeland that the colonists had "never felt the sweetness of
others worked, nipping the rebellion in the bud. Christmas
the country till this year.' Roger Conant was summoned from
was banned in Plymouth as late as 1840.
Nantasket to Cape Ann to manage the floundering outpost,
1622
In a year of struggle against the elements, colonists
followed by his loyal group of non-separatist Puritans. Having
knew hunger but not starvation. They still managed to build
unknowingly acquired a scurrilous title to a part of Cape Ann,
a fort with good timber, wrote Bradford, spurred on by rumors
the Plymouth residents commenced building in the area a
of the Narragansetts and the news, brought by a ship from
fishing stage of their own which was seized by the Cape Ann
Virginia, of the Indian massacre that nearly destroyed that
interests. Captain Myles Standish almost fought the group
Southern colony. In this second year, the ship Fortune returned
but Conant cooled the soldier's temper by offering to build
and, loaded with the year's yield of furs and produce for the
a new fishing stage for the Pilgrims. Hostilities continued to
financial benefit of the merchant creditors, cast off only to
build between the Separatists and non-Separatists. The same
be captured by the French, to the great chagrin of the
year, Captain Wollaston founded a colony at Passonagessit.
Plymouth community.
Among the colonists was Anglican Thomas Morton who
1623
Myles Standish successfully conducted the first
would change Mount Wollaston to Merrymount and cause
organized war against the Indians who had been stirred to
grave concern among settlements from Maine to Nantasket.
form a conspiracy against the English by the behavior of
1626
The very first joint-stock corporation in America was
Andrew Weston's men (see June 1621) and other trouble-
formed by the Plymouth brethren when they arranged with
makers among the colonists. It was another lean year but boats
their London merchants to buy out the company's interest
came over from England every season. Some 200 or more
and pay off the colony's debts. A total of 53 men in the colony
Separatists would join the group on four different ships. This
agreed to own Plymouth's assets as well as its debts, dividing
year, a boat brought Alice Southworth of the Leyden church
the land and livestock among them. Every colonist was issued
with her two young sons. Soon after her arrival, she and
one share in the community. The agreed to pay £200 each year
Bradford were married. They later had three children of their
for nine years beginning in 1628 plus another £600 in debts.
own who were part of a new generation, unfamiliar with
Bradford and seven others formed a partnership, calling
England and knowing nothing but the life of an American
themselves the "undertakers," to manage (with the colonists'
colonist. Meanwhile, in England, a group of wealthy
consent) the colony's trading activities in order to pay off the
merchants formed the Dorchester Company of Adventurers,
formidable sum. The merchants cheated the colonists, altering
of whom the less-radical Puritan conformist clergyman John
the books and collecting far more than they were owed. The
White was prominent. Another member was Mistress
agreement led the colonists to aggressively establish more
Elizabeth Poole of Taunton, Somerset, who later founded
trading posts, venturing into Maine along the Kenebec and
Taunton, Massachusetts. With a patent from the Council of
Penobscot Rivers. In the autumn, Roger Conant led the
New England, a group of fishermen and planters took the
remnant of the Cape Ann expedition, some 20 to 30 persons,
Fellowship to Cape Ann where they constructed a house and
down the coast to a place the Indians called Naumkeag, where
fishing stage at Stage Fort Point. In September, Robert Gorges,
a number of rivers formed a safe harbor and good farmland
son of Sir Ferdinando Gorges, futilely attempted to revive
was close by. Soon to be known as the Old Planters, these
Weston's post at Wessagusset. Sometime during the year, non-
were the hardy souls who declined the dissolved Dorchester
Separatist Roger Conant and his wife arrived in Plymouth.
Company's offer of return passage to England. Meanwhile
1624
Plymouth colonists, tired of their "common course
in England, the undaunted clergymen John White and John
and condition," convinced Bradford to end the annual practice
Conant actively looked for new settlers and capital.
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
MARCH 19, 1628
White and Conant succeeded in forming
bound for Salem. Aboard the Talbot was the non-conformist
the New England Company, a group dominated by gentry
minister Francis Higginson who, soon to be summoned before
rather than merchants, who were interested more in true
the Court of High Commission to answer for his non-
colonization than in trading ventures. The company obtained
conformist behavior, readily accepted the offer to serve in
a patent that stretched from three miles north of the
Salem extended by the Massachusetts Bay Company. The
Merrimack River to three miles south of the Charles River.
party also included the non-conformist minister Samuel
Desiring discipline, piety and order but not Separatism, these
Skelton, Separatist minister Ralph Smith and conformist
Puritan investors chose the soldier Captain John Endecott
Francis Bright, who, as a protege of John White, sailed with
as governor of the new plantation.
the some 40 persons from Dorchester. Also in the group were
JUNE 1628
Following the departure of Captain Wollaston,
about 35 Separatists from the Leyden Congregation destined
Thomas Morton had spent the last few years leading infamous
to join their brethren in Plymouth.
revelries, including lusty and scandalous May Pole
JUNE 1629
While 200 of the newly arrived settlers swelled
celebrations, at Merrymount (Quincy). Though repulsive to
the population of Salem, 100 of their number were sent south
the Puritans, these antics would probably have been ignored
to settle Charlestown in order to establish firm claim to
had Morton not trafficked in guns and liquor with the Indians.
Massachusetts Bay.
This matter was one of peace and survival to every colony
JULY 20, 1629
Thirty heads of Salem families, probably
from Maine to Nantasket and all, Puritan or no, insisted that
also the social and economic leaders, formed the covenant
the Pilgrims arrest and expel the villian, a task which was
for the First Church of Salem and chose, by ballot, Skelton
efficiently and bravely carried out by Myles Standish. On the
for their pastor and Higginson for their teacher, as both
20th of the month, Captain Endecott set out from England
wished to be formally called by the congregation. About a
on the Abigail with some 50 settlers, of whom only a quarter
week later, the men were ordained through the laying on of
were adult males.
hands by the laymen.
SEPTEMBER 6, 1628
Endecott's group arrived at
AUGUST 6, 1629
Salem's deacons and elders were chosen
Naumkeag, greeted by the suspicious Old Planters who feared
and ordained. All three acts thus conducted by the church
a band of exclusion-minded Separatists. Endecott had been
leaders were foreign to the doctrine of the Church of England
itistory
instructed to include the Old Planters in all privileges and
but foundational to Congregationalist or Separatist practices.
profits and to treat them as equals. Men had only to be
Governor Bradford and William Brewster arrived by boat just
peaceable, cooperative and honest to be fully included in this
after the ceremony to fellowship with their Puritan brethren.
new community though the vision was for a Puritan society.
Such fellowship usually included the temperate enjoyment
The covenant between the two groups was commemorated
of beer and Madiera as Puritans were advocates of moderation
by renaming the settlement Salem, or "peace," though the
weld
and self-control, not prohibition. The Separatist minister
Old Planters were given an inferior area on the Bass River
Ralph Smith would soon migrate to Plymouth and, the
which later became the township of Beverly. Their "great
following year, conformist Francis Bright would return to
house," houses and garden plots were appropriated by the
England. The Salem church still firmly denied any intent of
newcomers.
admin
Separatism though any Anglicans not agreeable to the Salem
WINTER, 1628-1629
Plymouth physician Samuel Fuller,
church were to be barred from the sacraments. Congrega-
called to Salem to treat an outbreak of scurvy, engaged in
tionalism gave the laity control of the church, all church
long conversations with Endecott, convincing him that
members having equal say, one congregation autonomous
Congregationalism was the only church government taught
from the rest. This practice flourished in the free air of New
in the Scriptures.
England and was adopted by all the early churches of
MARCH 2, 1629
As the Parliament had grown heavily
Massachusetts Bay. Puritan churches differed, though, in the
Puritan, Charles I dissolved the last Parliament to meet for
measure of strictness used to define a church member.
11 years, believing in his divine right to rule without it and
JULY-SEPTEMBER 1629
John and Samuel Browne,
intent on enforcing the uniformity in both state and church
original patentees of the Company and members of
that he thought would stabilize the country. His later
Endecott's council, actively protested what they called
arrangement of a forced loan without Parliament's consent
Separatism in the Salem colony and gathered a faction to read
raised the issue of taxation without representation in England.
their service from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer.
The pressure on English Puritans to conform intensified as
Determining the division to be dangerous to the colony,
part of the makings of the English Civil War of 1642.
Endecott expelled these important members of the Company
MARCH 4, 1629
The Council of New England made a sub-
who, arriving in England, agreed not to publicly complain
grant, passing the seals to the New England Company which
after return of their investment. The Company, embarrassed
was royally chartered as the "Governor and Company of the
at the charges of Separatism in the colony and fearing the
Massachusetts Bay in New England." Matthew Craddock was
loss of their charter, cautioned Endecott.
named as the "first and present governor" over an 18-member
AUGUST 26, 1629
In England, middle-class squire John
Board of Assistants. The stockholders of the company were
Winthrop, having lost his attorneyship because he was a
referred to as freemen who, as the General Court, possessed
conformist Puritan, joined a group of gentry at Cambridge
supreme legislative power and annually elected all officers.
who pledged their emigration to New England provided the
APRIL-MAY 1629
Some 300 Puritan colonists recruited
charter and the government of the colony be transferred to
from all over England and yearning for the freedom of a
them. No charter had ever left the country before but the
Puritan-controlled New England, left in the Talbot, the Lion's
action, they believed, would prevent its revocation by a whim
Whelp and the George Bonaventure, with two additional ships,
of the King. This agreement plus the charter became the basis
162
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
xuoy from John Wintnop
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts at Charlestown with the first item of business
for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
FEBRUARY-JUNE 1630
Fourteen ships, three more to
requiring the provision of houses and income for the two
follow, embarked with 1,000 Puritans and their servants for
ministers. The Court also decided to appoint six of its nine
the coast of New England, an adventure "entirely without
members as judges, assuming judicial power for the colony.
precedent in the modern world" as Arthur Percival Newton
Though Winthrop desperately wanted to hold the community
would later write. These immigrants were generally middle-
under a tight rein for reasons of government and security (late-
aged, middle-class families with the means to finance their
coming ships brought rumors that the French might attack),
own journey, free from debt to merchant investors, and
the families fanned out around the Bay in search of good
intending to establish not a colony but a commonwealth.
farmland, settling at Dorchester, Rocksbury (Roxbury), Lynn,
Other lands in the New World, from New Amsterdam and
Medford and Watertown. By necessity, they would each set
Virginia to the Barbados, offered richer material rewards, a
up their own local government and establish their own Puritan
friendlier climate and an easier life but only Massachusetts
church, relying on their knowledge of English borough, manor
offered the "New England Way" of Congregationalism and
and open-field customs. Reverend Higginson of Salem, having
the opportunity to establish a pious, Puritan lifestyle while
been taken mortally ill during the winter, died unable to
earning a respectable living in a stern but honest land.
temper Skelton's strict course. Meanwhile, the first execution
Winthrop, charter in hand, preached to the faithful on board
in Plymouth took place in 1630, sometime after the arrival
the Arbella that their immediate object was to seek out a new
in Salem of Winthrop, who advised his Plymouth brethern
home "under a due form of Government both civil and
to hang the unbelieving troublemaker and now murderer, John
ecclesiastical
for we are entered into a covenant" with God
Billington.
"for this work." As they went to build a "city upon a hill,'
SEPTEMBER 7, 1630
Shawmut (Trimountaine) was
Winthrop, with unusual historical insight, realized that the
ordered by the assistants to be called henceforth Boston which
eyes of all people would be upon them. Winthrop had replaced
was the site of the first General Court meeting the following
7Day
Hist
Matthew Craddock as governor of the "Company of the
month due to the lack of fresh water at Charlestown.
Massachusetts Bay in New England," as Craddock could not
OCTOBER 19, 1630
At the General Court in Boston,
Winthrop and the other leaders decided that, in violation of
make the voyage.
The rest of the Leyden Separatists who took
the charter, the assistants would annually elect, out of their
MAY 1630
passage with the first of the Great Emigration arrived in
own number, the governor and deputy governor. The charter
Plymouth where their gracious brethren paid their passage
limited government to the freemen (company stockholders)
debts and then maintained them for up to 18 months until
but about 100 old and new planters came to the meeting and
the newcomers brought in their own crops. Most Plymouth
demanded the franchise. Winthrop realized that this wish
settlers who undertook this hardship had never known the
would have to be gratified (though he would wait until the
new immigrants. As the debt was never demanded and never
following May), especially as the only freemen of the Com-
repaid, Bradford later wrote of the generous episode, saying
pany who had crossed the Atlantic were also assistants. For
it must have been the "special work and hand of God." Still
the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the transfer and possession
the population of the humble settlement was estimated at only
of their own charter created a real independence from
England. Massachusetts had no royal governor, no English
some 300 persons.
JUNE 12, 1630
John Winthrop replaced Jc Endecott
army garrison and no agent of Parliament. The colony would
as Governor of the new Commonwealth of Ma
for the development of American government.
established the
the Arbella made Salem's harbor. The new cc
-list the yes
Salem in a "sad and unexpected condition, al
them being dead the winter before," wrote Th
September
"and many of those alive weak and sick." As
deputy governor and his board of only nine
explored the entire area, they decided that the ]
Has
the coast from Salem at Shawmut was the V
the center of population and government. The
town the temporary capital until Newt
established. Reverend Skelton of the Salem cl
new arrivals communion in the church 1
professed Puritans, they were not members
church. This was a severe change from Sale
for fellowship which required only a gene
been month f this a for Sept intistry 8(?) 6?)
the gospel and good intentions toward
community. This event plus the poor cond
community probably contributed to Wint
the peop
remove to the bay at Shawmut (Trimountai
underscored the importance that the concept of the covenant
again
was to play in New England's theology and its social and
sacrificially though
political theory.
Winthrop, who lost his son Henry, gave away
The first Court of Assistants, consisting
food. Some 200 died and about 100 returned to England, a
AUGUST 23, 1630
of half the legal number of 18, was held on the soil of
number of them dying on the way. These departed, said
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Thomas Dudley, "partly out of dislike of our government
1634
Thomas Dudley was elected governor of Massachu-
which restrained and punished their excesses, and partly
setts Bay in protest of John Cotton's election sermon sup-
through fear of famine
porting the "sacred stewardship" of the magistrates. Thomas
FEBRUARY 1631
The Lion, sent away for provisions,
Prince took the office in Plymouth. The Boston Latin School,
returned well-stocked with food and lemon juice to cure the
America's first secondary school, was established with a
scurvy, inspiring a February thanksgiving day.
classical curriculum derived from the English schools.
MAY 18, 1631
In the annual spring election, Winthrop was
MAY 14, 1634
As the colony spread out and the number
once again elected governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
of freemen grew, it became necessary to elect representatives
He proposed to the General Court the adoption of an oath
called "deputies." On this day, the General Court approved
of fidelity to the Company and its officers to be taken by the
an oath for the new deputies and all freemen of the Massa-
newly enfranchised freemen. The idea was accepted. Then
chusetts Bay Colony, requiring allegiance to the government.
Winthrop proposed that, in the future, only communicant
The freemen promised to preserve all privileges and liberties
members of the churches in the colony be allowed to vote as
and vote responsibly for the common good. This came about
freemen and this was also instituted. For the first four years
from the freemen's insistence on seeing the charter which had
of the colony, the Board of Assistants took for itself all
promised legislative power to the freemen. As a result, the
legislative, executive and judicial powers. But the religious
General Court now consisted of magistrates (the assistants)
restrictions they imposed did not exclude on the basis of wealth
and a body of freemen who wished to make their presence
or social standing, cutting through the community vertically
felt as part of a unicameral body, especially since the
rather than horizontally. The magistrates were completely in
magistrates had recently levied a tax without any representative
charge of allotting lands and approving new towns. Unlike
input. The representative freemen (deputies) pushed through
other colonies, they completely avoided making any feudal
three basic resolutions which vested the entire General Court,
grants. Each town had a head constable as well as a tithingman
and not merely the magistrates, with the power to choose
who was responsible for church business and attendance on
and admit freemen; the power to make laws, to elect or appoint
Sunday. Other town officers often included a town clerk, a
officers; and the power to levy taxes and dispose of all lands.
treasurer and surveyors of highways. "Blue laws" would be
Every freeman still had a voice in annual elections though
passed that would require church attendance, regulate the
only the elected deputies attended General Court. Subse-
observance of the Sabbath and specify standards of individual
quently, the magistrates would try to outweigh the freemen,
conduct.
acting in the manner of an upper house by claiming a negative
NOVEMBER 4, 1631
John Winthrop, Jr. arrived in
voice or veto. This same year, King Charles demanded the
Massachusetts Bay from England with his young wife. The
return of the charter from Massachusetts Bay but Winthrop
year also saw the arrival of the Reverends Thomas Hooker,
mounted the ordinance at Cambridge, ordered a beacon
John Eliot and Roger Williams. Williams, a Separatist,
constructed on Beacon Hill as a warning device and readied
rejected the views held at Boston and went to Salem, then
the militia. Meanwhile, Winthrop's son lost both his wife and
to Plymouth. This same year, Myles Standish and John Alden
young daughter. During the year, the General Court passed
founded Duxbury while Governor John Winthrop launched
the state's first official highway regulations.
the first Massachusetts-built ship from the new yard at
SPRING, 1635
In the annual elections, John Haynes
Medford on the Mystic River. The ship was called The Blessing
replaced Thomas Dudley as governor of Massachusetts Bay
of the Bay.
while William Bradford once again claimed the office at
SPRING, 1632
The General Court at Massachusetts Bay
Plymouth. Some 2,000 colonists a year, mostly Puritans
was forced to allow freemen to elect the governor and deputy
running from the developments in England, arrived in
governor. Heretofore, the freemen had only elected the
Massachusetts as the Great Emigration continued. John
assistants.
Winthrop, Jr. became colonial agent for English lands along
SPRING, 1633
In Plymouth, Governor Bradford was
the Connecticut River and Reverend Thomas Hooker,
replaced by Edward Winslow. In Massachusetts Bay, cloth
dissatisfied with John Cotton's leadership as teacher in the
prices were regulated, manufacturing (in the homes) was
First Church of Boston, led his own group of followers to
subsidized and skilled weavers were brought over from the
establish Hartford, Connecticut. Settlers continued to fan out
British Isles. Cottage industries started in the Puritan colonies
into the Connecticut River Valley, Maine and Long Island
while the necessary self-sufficiency also gave rise to the New
Sound. New England Puritans would settle most of eastern
England "Jack-of-all-trades" While the rest of America
Long Island. The freemen gained the right to use secret paper
would learn to think big, New England retained its comfort-
ballots and Roger Williams, having returned to Salem's church
able belief that a thing of small size might have a large effect.
in 1633, called for absolute Separatism directed at the
This same year, John Winthrop, Jr. helped found Ipswich and
Anglicans as well as absolute separation of church and state,
the Reverend John Cotton arrived in Boston.
directed at the Puritan leaders. He would become an
OCTOBER 8, 1633
Probably the oldest "home rule"
Anabaptist as he also spoke out against infant baptism.
document in American institutional history became part of
SEPTEMBER 13, 1635
The General Court banished Roger
the Dorchester town records, the oldest known town records
Williams from the colony though he was allowed to remain
in the state, as the provisions for a town meeting were agreed
until the end of winter when he left to found a settlement
to by "the whole consent and vote of the Plantation." This
on the Narragansett Bay in what would become Rhode Island.
was also the first known written reference to selectmen (though
MARCH 3, 1636
In a momentous meeting of the General
they were not called that until later), the first elected town
Court at Newtowne (Cambridge), the body set forth the basic
officials.
requirements for local town governments, that they may
164
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
choose their own officers, order their own affairs and dispose
speeches and occasionally erupted into minor scuffles. The
of their own property, laying out a decentralized, federal,
election itself was removed wisely from Boston to Cambridge
secular constitution for the colony. This was the first grant
where Winthrop won the day. The disgusted Henry Vane
of local self-government in America. To enhance the power
returned to England.
of the magistrates, conservatives guided the General Court
MAY 26, 1637
The Pequot War began a few days following
to appoint a standing council, with vague powers granted for
the election. Colonization of the Connecticut River had
life, made up of Winthrop, Dudley and Endecott. They also
incensed the warlike and ambitious Pequots who had tried
set up the Quarterly Court system to meet in Ipswich, Salem,
to convince the Narragansetts to join them against the English.
Newtowne, and Boston, presided over by locally resident
The Narragansetts held too many grudges against the Pequots
magistrates and elected commissioners. The formation of
and chose to join the English in order to obtain revenge and
churches was also regulated to preserve religious unity.
humiliate their enemy. Captain John Mason and John
SPRING 1636
In Plymouth, Edward Winslow was once
Underhill led a group of Massachusetts Bay colonists who,
again chosen as governor while, in Massachusetts Bay, 23-year-
with the aid of the Narragansetts, surprised and trapped the
old newcomer, Henry Vane was elected to the post. Boston
main body of Pequots in one of their own forts. The fort was
had become the center of a doctrinal disagreement called the
burned and some 600 or 700 Indians died. Most of the
Antinomian controversy which was later labeled the first and
remaining Pequots submitted themselves to Uncas, chief
worst internal conflict in the colony's history. Boston resident
sachem of the Mohegans who were at peace with the English.
Anne Hutchinson held regular discussions in her home,
JULY 1637
The Pequot War ended, never requiring the
accusing Reverend John Wilson of the Boston Church as well
aid of the 50 volunteers at Plymouth. During this year,
as others of preaching salvation by works. Mistress Hutchin-
Duxbury and Taunton received status as towns. Taunton was
son also claimed direct, personal revelation from God and
settled from Boston while Duxbury was accepted officially
"prophesied" her enlightenments to a growing group of
but regretfully as a town by the Plymouth General Court. It
followers. Many local leaders considered this a serious form
saddened the leaders to see part of their community separate
of heresy as they held the Bible to be the complete revelation
themselves from the old town because it diminished the
of God, to which nothing could be added. They also believed
strength and prestige of the parent settlement. The town of
that the Hutchinsonians were interpreting the "covenant of
Plymouth had been losing settlers for some time though both
grace" as "license," teaching that the individual convinced
of these new towns were within Plymouth Colony.
of his salvation by a personal revelation was free to do anything
AUGUST, 1637
The first church council in New England
he liked without sin. Not only was the movement promoting
met to resolve the Antinomian controversy and restore peace
what the Puritan leaders saw as religious heresy, but it was
to the colony. John Cotton retreated and conformed
also threatening what they considered to be a community
acceptably to the assembly which condemned some 80
founded on cooperation and obedience to God's laws, as
"erroneous opinions." Both Wheelwright and Mistress
interpreted and even legislated by the spiritual and govern-
Hutchinson refused to recant and Wheelwright was dis-
mental leaders as part of a common faith and practice of
franchised and banished along with two prominent sup-
worship. Mistress Hutchinson also campaigned for the
porters. Personal firearms were taken from all known
removal of Wilson who should then, she said, be replaced
Antinomians ("blue coats") in Boston.
by her brother-in-law, Reverend John Wheelwright, who was
NOVEMBER 17, 1637
Anne Hutchinson was brought to
calling the Boston clergy "antichrists." The movement was
trial but rendered the prosecution nearly helpless with an
popular among the townspeople and church members and
eloquent defense until she boasted of the doctinal revelations
was defended and supported by Governor Vane and Reverend
she had received directly from God. This was her undoing
John Cotton. It was strongly opposed by Winthrop and most
and she was officially banished from the colony. Though
of the magistrates and clergy.
opinions among the settlers would continue to vary over
OCTOBER 28, 1636
The General Court of Massachusetts
merited or unmerited favor with God, some clergy were labeled
Bay granted £400 for the establishment of a college. Education
"legalistic Preachers."
was of vital importance to the Puritan way of life and thinking,
MARCH 1638
In an ecclesiastical trial, Anne Hutchinson
as the study of the Bible required both a scholarly, learned
was officially excommunicated from the church. While the
clergy and a literate, disciplined congregation. Also about this
Reverend Wheelwright went to New Hampshire, she joined
time, in Plymouth, a document known as the General Funda-
Roger Williams as a founder of Rhode Island. Leaving Rhode
mentals was drawn up which enumerated the same basic tenets
Island after the death of her husband, Anne and her children
of the later Bill of Rights, formalizing the classic safeguards
fell victim to an Indian raid in 1643 at Pelham Bay. Winthrop
of English liberty. This would be followed in a few years by
remained governor of Massachusetts while Thomas Prince
Massachusetts' Body of Liberties. In Massachusetts, the first
was elected in Plymouth.
wool-processing mill was built in Rowley and the Fairbanks
MAY 3, 1638
Newtowne was named as the sight of the
House was sturdily framed with oak in Dedham. Still
proposed college as it was deemed free of Antinomian taint.
standing, this house is the oldest frame dwelling in America
Henceforth, it was to be called Cambridge after the famous
MAY 1637
In Plymouth, the community agreeably elected
English university town. Nathaniel Eaton was the master. Over
William Bradford their governor once more. But in Massa-
in England, Congregational minister Jesse Glover bought a
chusetts Bay, the populace was divided into "blue coats"
printing press and hired locksmith Stephen Daye as a printer,
(Vane and the insurgent movement) and "white coats
setting sail for New England. The Reverend Glover died during
(Winthrop and the conservatives). Excitable and contentious
the passage but Daye and his son Matthew set up the press
on this election day, the crowd listened to inflammatory
at Cambridge. The press was the first in the English colonies
we are the white EMENTS coats
FLYING
THE
COLORS:
MASSACHUSETTS
FACTS
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
and the second in North America. Shortly after the college
Psalm Book was the first book printed in America. Only 11
opened in the late summer, a young clergyman named John
known copies survive. The press today is in the Vermont
Harvard died and left £1,700 and several hundred books to
Historical Society Museum in Montpelier.
the new clerical institution. Harvard had been the teaching
1641
At spring elections, Richard Bellingham won the
elder at Charlestown and died of consumption at the age of
governor's office in Massachusetts Bay while, in Salem, the
31. A shoe factory was in operation at Lynn where shoemakers
men learned to produce salt by evaporating sea water.
Philip Kirtland and Edmund Bridges had settled near the
Bellingham was a member of a loose alliance of influential
tannery of an earlier settler. Also about this time, the capital
men known as "Those from Essex," led by William Hathorne
was moved to Boston.
of Salem with Reverend Nathaniel Ward and Richard
DECEMBER 1638
Dorothy Talby was hung at Boston for
Saltonstall, Jr. of Ipswich and Simon Bradstreet of Andover.
murdering her three-year-old daughter in what has been
A struggle had been developing between the towns and the
described as an insane reaction to what she perceived as
Board of Assistants with its Standing Council. Also, there
Puritan expectations.
was rivalry between Salem and Boston. The Essex faction
MARCH 13, 1639
The General Court ordered that the new
would attempt to get the capital moved to Salem.
college at Cambridge, America's first university, be officially
DECEMBER 10, 1641
Based on a model drawn up by
called Harvard College.
Nathaniel Ward, the Massachusetts Bay Colony's "Body of
MAY 1639
The first school maintained by community
Liberties" was adopted as law, delineating basic English
taxes was established in the town of Dorchester. In spring
liberties and privileges, protecting certain rights for women,
elections, Winthrop again remained governor of Massachu-
children, servants and work animals as well as tempering
setts while Bradford regained his post at Plymouth, a duty
punishments. Whippings were limited to 40 lashes at most
he would retain until 1644. This same year, the five remaining
and "cruel and inhumane" punishments were outlawed,
"undertakers" of Plymouth, who included Bradford, paid
though traditional use of the public stocks and ear cropping
off the colony's debt, an agreement which they had contracted
were approved. A total of 12 offenses were specified as worthy
in 1626. In order to raise the remaining £400, the gentlemen
of death. In many aspects, these guidelines were more humane
were each forced to sell a portion of their own real estate.
and liberal than the common law in force elsewhere. A
SEPTEMBER 1639
Master Eaton was dismissed from
defendant also had the right to avoid a jury trial by "throwing
Harvard for beating the students. His wife confessed to serving
himself upon the court." This year and the next would prove
tainted food to the young scholars. Meanwhile, Daye's press
a severe slump in the economy, a crisis which was particularly
cranked out the first document to be printed in America, the
hard on the infant college. Contributions came in even the
Oath of Freemen, which was first written in 1634.
smallest amounts of regionally grown commodities from New
1640
Thomas Dudley replaced Winthrop as governor for
England farmers who firmly believed in the advancement of
the year. As the Civil War approached in England, many
learning.
Puritans saw hope for their cause at home, ending the Great
1642
The Massachusetts Bay Colony passed a school law
Emigration. In fact, due to the hardships of the Pequot War
that mandated basic education to be a parental responsibility,
and the economic crisis of the early 1640s, a significant
overseen by the selectmen in the town. Winthrop was once
number of settlers would abandon the great Christian
again governor, serving until 1644. Harvard College managed
experiment and return home to England. For the next two
its first commencement and Civil War broke out in England
decades, England would virtually ignore the colonies. By this
between the Puritans and the Royalists.
time, 40 communities had been officially recognized in
1643
Massachusetts had more colonists than all the rest
Massachusetts Bay Colony while Plymouth Colony records
of English America. The first tutors were appointed to aid
show ten towns. Still dedicated to the concept of the "just
Master Dunster at Harvard and Captain John Underhill, hero
price" as opposed to the inflation caused by the New World
of the Pequot War, was imported by New Amsterdam to
practice of charging what the market will bear based on the
protect Manhattan from Indian attack. He led the local militia
law of supply and demand, the conservative magistrates set
there to victory. The economic slump spurred Winthrop to
prices on commodities in order to stabilize the economy. The
strike a deal with Frenchman Charles de la Tour, promising
area was quite an attraction to the scholarly as there were some
him non-neutral aid in his struggle to win lordship of Nova
113 university men in New England by this time, 71 of them
Scotia in turn for trading privileges. This was formally
in the area of Massachusetts Bay. Arriving in Boston in the
protested by the Essex faction and, since La Tour lost, the
summer, Henry Dunster had received his master's degree at
incident afforded an opportunity for Endecott and the Salem
Magdalene College in Cambridge, England. The Reverend
elders to get even with Winthrop and Dudley for appropriating
Dunster was approached by ten magistrates and 16 elders three
for Boston Salem's former leadership of the colony.
weeks after his arrival and elected president of Harvard
MAY 10, 1643
On this day, the colony of Massachusetts
College. At the age of 30 he would be the youngest to serve
Bay divided itself into three shires or counties. As the colony
in the office. He would be, for a time, sole instructor as well
had expanded and settlements had become widespread,
as administrator of the kitchen, dormitory and brewery, beer
central government had become more difficult. The area was
being considered a necessity for every English occupation,
first divided into court districts (Quarterly Court system), then
including study. He married the wealthy widow of Reverend
into military districts and now into counties. The town
Glover, inheriting the printing press which was removed to
governments that naturally developed to handle local affairs
a lean-to on the old village courtyard that was now Harvard
were virtually autonomous. Essex County, having already
Yard. The Bay Psalm Book was printed before the year ended
developed an identity of its own, comprised all that part north
as the first offering of the Harvard University Press. The Bay
of Boston and east of the Concord River. Middlesex County
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
ran southwest from the Essex border and west from Boston
paper mill and powder mills and funded the founding of
while Suffolk County comprised the Boston area. This was
Phillips Andover Academy, the nation's oldest incorporated
an administrative reform and a logical extension of the
school. Site of the nation's first flax mill, Andover would later
Quarterly Court system of 1636 but the Essex faction used
be the center of the Second Great Awakening as the Phillips
it to gain political advantage for their area. The setting apart
family would help establish Andover Theological Seminary
of Essex County would strengthen a natural talent for politics
in 1807. In 1787 in Danvers, excess shoe leather inspired tanner
which would carry through to the days of Henry Cabot Lodge.
Zerubbabel Porter to develop a commercial shoe factory the
same year that 17 Danvers settlers and a covered wagon from
ESSEX COUNTY
Hamilton left for the Northwest Territory. In 1810 in Haverhill,
Named for Essex County, England, which was named in
which would call itself the Queen Shoe City of the World,
honor of Robert Devereaux, the earl of Essex. Created: May
America's foreign mission movement was founded in the
10, 1643 as one of three original counties. County Seat: (Shire
American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. In
Towns) Salem, Lawrence and Newburyport. Major Events: In
1812, Rockport became the target of British cannonballs, one
the 1630s, the Bradstreets helped to found Ipswich while others
of which demolished the steeple of the First Congregational
founded Nahant, Merrimack, Salisbury, Newburyport and
Church. Instead of cannonballs, Rockport now draws artists
Essex and moved inland to settle Hamilton, Topsfield and
and tourists, though legally a "dry" town since 1856. The
Wenham. Georgetown would be one of the last towns settled in
boom days of the granite quarry left long ago. Cellar holes
the county since Ezekiel Rogers, head of the Rowley Company,
are all that remain of Dogtown where poor widows of the
held back land grants for the area in case his friend Oliver
sea lived with their children, guarded by fierce watchdogs.
Cromwell did not succeed in dethroning Charles I and needed
Essex County boomed during the era of the clipper ships
a ready refuge. Poet Anne Bradstreet would leave her legacy
which carried ice harvested from Wenham Lake to Europe,
in Ipswich where lacemaking was the first industry and Amer-
Asia and the Indies. Newburyport became the ninth leading
ica's first hosiery factory would operate. Lynn had a tannery
maritime center in the country and one of the region's richest
as early as 1635, the beginning of New England's famous shoe-
towns. Donald McKay, the famous builder and designer of
making industry. The American wool industry began at
clipper ships, came to Newburyport in 1841 and was a partner
Rowley in 1643 and the American iron and steel industry was
in shipbuilding with John Currier until 1843. In 1843 in
born at Saugus in 1644. In 1692, a 72-year-old mother of eight
Danvers, Gilbert Tapley started the manufacture of woven
in Salem Village, named Rebecca Nurse, was accused of being
carpets. In 1845, Abbot Lawrence and his brothers formed
a witch. Refusing to confess to such a charge, she was hanged,
the Essex Company, chartering Lawrence as a town in 1847
her body rescued for burial during the night by her family
and completing the Great Lawrence Stone Dam in 1848. They
at risk of their own lives. Witch lore would abound and persist
used the water power of Bodwell Falls to build a planned
in the coastal and river towns. Marblehead would be known
industrial city. Lawrence was once the Worsted Capital of the
for its famous psychic fortune teller, Moll Pitcher, born about
World. Essex County was also the home of Thomas Sanders
1743, and her ancester, wizard Dimond. (As of 1986 in Salem,
who married the daughter of Nathan Saltonstall Howe and
Laurie Cabot holds the title of "official witch of Salem" where
had a son, George, who was a deaf mute. Sanders hired
she and other "white witches" own and operate Crow Haven
Alexander Graham Bell to tutor the child. Bell worked for
Corner, a witch shop. They also claim an active witch pop-
the family in Salem from 1873 to 1876, experimenting with
ulation of about 1,000.) In 1697, the first ship was launched
hearing devices. Sanders loaned Bell $110,000 to conduct his
in Haverhill. In 1730 in Methuen, Robert Rogers was born.
experiments. On February 12, 1877, Bell demonstrated his
He would become one of New England's first native play-
telephone before some 500 Salem residents at Lyceum Hall
wrights as well as leader of Roger's Rangers during the French
on Church Street. The first telephoned news dispatch would
and Indian War when he destroyed the St. Francis Indian vil-
be made by Salem reporter Henry Batchelder to the Boston
lage. William Driver of Salem would be the first American
Globe. Sanders made a million dollars, became president of
to refer to the new flag as Old Glory. Dr. Josiah Bartlett of
National Telephone Company and a top executive in the Bell
Amesbury would sign the Declaration of Independence. John
System. In 1875 in Hamilton, four nearsighted polo players
Glover and his Marbleheaders would row General Washington
founded the well-known Myopia Hunt Club. In 1899 in
and his troops across the East River from the Battle of Long
Beverly, immigrants poured into help build the United Shoe
Island and later across the Delaware. John Derby of Salem
Machine Company facilities, a plant that would incorporate
would be the first to carry the news across the Atlantic of
the space of 18 football fields. Today the company is located
both the beginning and the ending of the Revolution. Salem
in 26 countries and the Beverly park is the largest shoemaking-
is still known for its "McIntires," the buildings built by native
machinery plant in the world. Haverhill once had a movie-
Samuel McIntire, one of the leading architects of the Federal
house projectionist named Louis B. Mayer who soon
period. The gale of 1846 took a devastating toll on the Marble-
controlled all the movie houses in the town. Hamilton native
head sailors, 65 of whom were lost in the 1846 storm. After
General George Patton, Jr. married Beatrice Ayer, daughter
turning briefly to shoe manufacturing and other industries,
of the textile magnate. Gloucester is still a fishing town though
Marblehead is now a thriving center for yachting. The late
it has lost over 10,000 men to the sea. Thoroughly Anglo-
1700s produced America's first millionaire in Salem, Elias
Saxon for almost 300 years, the Cape Ann town is currently
Hasket Derby. The nationwide struggle between the Federalists
populated by a large percentage of Portuguese, Scandinavians
and the Democratic-Republicans was vividly demonstrated
and Italians. Clarence Birdseye perfected quick-freezing here
by the family feud of Salem's Derbys and Crowninshields.
in 1830. In the late 1970s, Gloucester's 185 registered draggers
In 1778 in Andover, Samuel Phillips had fared well from his
and trawlers hauled in a $25-million catch.
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Today only about half the canal can be traced and only about
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
six of its former 27 miles hold water. Henry Wadsworth
Named for Middlesex County, England. Created: May 10,
Longfellow came to Cambridge in 1837 and rented a room
1643 as one of three original counties. County Seat: (Shire
in an old Tory house from the impoverished widow of
Towns) Cambridge and Lowell. Major Events: By 1634,
developer Dr. Andrew Craigie. The house became a wedding
Waltham and Watertown were settled. In 1635, Concord
present from Longfellow's new father-in-law when he married
became the first settlement on the colony's western frontier
Frances Appleton who later died accidently in the house.
as fur trader Simon Willard and the Reverends John Jones
Longfellow taught at Harvard. His brother, who wrote hymns,
and Peter Bulkeley established the new outpost with some 30
also lived in Cambridge. In 1853, Ephraim W. Bull developed
to 40 families. Though the wilderness north of Boston had
the Concord grape. William Munroe and Henry David
been explored by the Sprague brothers in 1629, the town of
Thoreau made lead pencils. In Maynard, Amory Maynard
Everett was not settled until 1649. Long known as South
and William Knight had begun the American Woolen
Malden, the town would later be named for the governor,
Company in 1847. By 1854 in Waltham, the nation was seeing
senator and Harvard president, Edward Everett. The town
its first machine-made watches. The Waltham Watch
would be the southern end of the Newburyport Turnpike, a
Company once employed 5,000 citizens but failed following
privately operated highway. Groton was settled by 1655 and
World War II, closing in 1957. The plant is now owned by
a county jail was established near Harvard Square. In the
Waltham Precision Instruments and contributes to the space
1690s, Framingham became a refuge for families fleeing Salem
and defense programs as part of the high-tech community
Village and the witchcraft terror. In 1692, the first sheriff of
which is particularly concentrated along Route 128. In Groton,
Middlesex County was elected. Captain Timothy Phillips won
Reverend Endicott Peabody returned from Tombstone,
the office in the spring elections. The 26th sheriff of the county
Arizona in 1884 having pastored an Episcopal Church that
died in office in 1984 and the 27th citizen to hold the office
received offerings from Wyatt Earp and other notable
now serves the county of 11 cities and 43 towns. Hopkinton
residents of that Western mining region. He founded Groton
was settled in 1715. The Boston Marathon starts here every
private school which would later turn out students such as
April. During the siege of Boston, Cambridge served as
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dean Acheson and Averell
Continental Army headquarters and a Whig refuge. The first
Harriman. Fort Devens (Camp Devens) was built at Ayer in
national flag, the Continental Great Union Flag with 13
1917. Daniel Chester French's familiar statue of the
stripes, first flew on Prospect Hill on January 1, 1776. This
Minuteman still guards the county at the Old North Bridge.
area is now actually Somerville, where some 4,000 British
The monument was French's first commissioned work,
soldiers, about half of whom were Hessians, were imprisoned
secured for him by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
after their surrender at Saratoga, New York, enduring the
hardship of a bleak, bitter winter. The soldiers were quartered
SUFFOLK COUNTY
on Prospect Hill from November 7, 1777 to October 15, 1778.
Named for Suffolk County, England. Created: May 10, 1643
Woburn was the birthplace of Benjamin Thompson, the
as one of three original counties. County Seat: (Shire Town)
famous scientist and statesman who fled to England during
Boston. Major Events: In 1623, William Blackstone, a former
the Revolution and became a count of the Holy Roman
Church of England minister, migrated north from Plymouth
Empire. He and Loammi Baldwin walked daily together to
(or possibly south from Cape Ann if he came with the
attend Harvard. Baldwin was an engineer and architect and
Dorchester group) and built a lonely hut on Beacon Hill,
promoter of the Baldwin apple which was developed in
becoming the county's first and only white settler. When John
Wilmington by James Butters. In 1761, the first architect
Winthrop attempted first to settle some 900 colonists at
trained in America, Peter Harrison, designed Christ Church
Charlestown where fresh water was a serious problem,
in Cambridge. In 1793, Governor John Hancock approved
Blackstone graciously extended an invitation to Winthrop to
the nation's first major canal, the Middlesex Canal, which
settle on his side of the river. Winthrop readily accepted and
would run from Boston to East Chelmsford (later Lowell) on
the area was promptly renamed Boston, a proper English
the Merrimack River, a distance of some 27 miles. In 1795,
name. Blackstone had planted an orchard on present-day
Winthrop W. Chenery introduced Holstein cattle to the
Boston Common. Chelsea included Rumney Marsh and
county and in 1797, Amos Whittemore of Arlington invented
Pullen Point and was called Winnisimmet. In only four years
a card machine which greatly increased the production of
following Blackstone's termination of his hermit lifestyle,
cotton and wool cards. The Middlesex Canal was completed
Boston had welcomed a total of 4,000 English colonists. The
in 1803 with 20 aqueducts, 48 bridges, the invention of the
settlers spread out to form 20 villages around the Bay area,
dump cart and the invention of the floating towpath.
opened the Boston Latin School and, about five years later,
Arlington claims the original Uncle Sam because, during the
moved the colony's capital from Cambridge to Boston. In
War of 1812, meat inspector Samuel Wilson stamped his meat
1641, a road was constructed that went from the Winnisimmet
US. This war also brought the selling of the Whittemore card
Ferry through present-day Revere (Rumney Marsh) to Salem.
plant, Arlington's main industry. Watertown became the site
The city of Revere caims the ferry road to have been the first
of a U.S. arsenal in 1816. In 1818, Hopkinton's Joseph Walker
known county road in North America. In 1709, Reverend
made the nation's first pegged shoes, a technique that changed
Thomas Cheever came to Rumney Marsh to teach. He had
shoemaking. The 1820s saw the conception and construction
been suspended from a neighboring church for breaking two
of the industrial town of Lowell by the Merrimack Manu-
of the Ten Commandments. The following year, the Old
facturing Company. By the 1830s, the Boston and Lowell
Rumney Marsh Meeting House (Revere's first church and now
Railroad put the first nail in the coffin of the Middlesex Canal.
the Church of Christ) was built and the pastorate filled by
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Reverend Cheever until 1748. His body lies in Ye Olde Rumney
The city had become a bleak jungle of junk yards, fuel tanks
Marsh Burial Grounds, as do the bodies of several Winthrops.
and waste warehouses. About 90 percent of the population
The first mill in Rumney Marsh was petitioned as early as
was other than its original Anglo-Saxon with 16 recognized
1721 and built in 1734. Slade's Mill ground Chelsea corn and
ethnic groups in residence.
spices from around the world. A tidewater mill, the site was
operated for well over 200 years though interrupted several
MAY 14, 1643
The colonists saw dangers in all directions
times by fire. One of the old grinding wheels weighing some
with the ever-present Indian tribes all around them, the Dutch
1,800 pounds still remains. In 1739, Chelsea, which included
to the southwest and the French to the north. The colonies
Rumney Marsh and Pullen Point, was set apart from Boston
of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut and New
as a separate, incorporated town. In 1753 in Chelsea, a small
Haven therefore formed the New England Confederation
settlement at Shirley Point failed as a fishing enterprise but
which would meet annually. It consisted of two representatives
was used in 1765 to shelter victims of Boston's smallpox
from each colony. Known as the Confederation of the United
epidemic and later as a shelter for Acadian refugees. On May
Colonies of New England, the group discussed Indian policy,
27, 1775, the first naval battle and the second conflict of the
foreign policy and dealings among themselves. Meeting at
Revolution was fought in Chelsea and known as the Battle
Boston, the Confederation was dominated by the populous
of Chelsea Creek (later named the Mystic River). The men
Massachusetts Bay. After 1664, the Confederation was
of Chelsea were moving their stock inland under orders of
virtually inactive and was terminated in 1684 by the Crown.
the Committee of Safety as the British were in search of food.
1644
In Plymouth, Edward Winslow was elected governor
The British schooner Diana sailed up the river and opened
for the year. But in the Bay Colony, Endecott received his
fire. Israel Putnam led reinforcements to the rescue who waded
"revenge" by finally winning the governor's seat from
out and returned the fire. Cannons were used for the first time
Winthrop as the La Tour affair caused a major shakeup in
in the war and the British were forced to abandon ship and
the voting patterns. Bradstreet and Hathorne of Essex
row back to Boston. Only four colonists were wounded and
replaced Winthrop and Dudley in the New England Con-
none were killed. The ship was stripped and burned. The
federation. In the General Court, the deputies (representative
pastor of the Rumney Marsh Church, Reverend Phillip Payson
freemen elected to the General Court) continued to press
who served from 1757 to 1801, was known as "The Fighting
against the power of the magistrates. When Goody Sherman's
Parson." Quincy Market was built in 1826 and the U.S.
sow strayed, Mistress Sherman accused known profiteer
Customs House begun in 1834. Topped off with a clock tower
Robert Keayne of impounding her wandering swine. Merchant
in 1913, the Customs House became Boston's first skyscraper.
Keayne was acquitted by the Court of Assistants but Goody
In 1846, Rumney Marsh was set apart from Chelsea and called
Sherman appealed to the General Court which promptly
North Chelsea and in 1852, Pullen Point was incorporated
reversed the decision. In turn, the assistants pronounced a
as. the town of Winthrop. The Back Bay project of Boston
negative voice against the appeal. The negative voice was
which involved filling in the large marsh was begun in the
upheld and the General Court finally separated into a House
1850s and took some 40 years to complete. Louis Henri
of Deputies and a House of Assistants. Salem's William
Sullivan, the world-famous architect of modern buildings,
Hathorne was the first speaker of the lower house and the
was born in Boston in 1856 and later studied. MIT. Chelsea
assistants were officially the upper house of America's first
was incorporated as a city in 1857 (Boston had been incorpor-
bicameral legislature. Also contributing to the split was the
ated as the first city in 1822). Boston Tech was chartered in
program offered by the Essex Caucus designed to curb the
1861 but not opened until after the Civil War in 1865 with
power of the magistrates and increase the influence of the
six professors and 15 students in the vicinity of Boston's
new shire of Essex. The program was defeated but the faction
Copley Square. The school was moved to Cambridge in 1916
won the abolishment of the Standing Council, more power
and became Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Born in
for the deputies in the Quarterly Court and a stricter definition
Roxbury, fighter John L. Sullivan won the world's heavy-
of magisterial power. This same year, kernels of corn and
weight championship fighting with bare knuckles in 1882, an
beans were substituted for paper ballots, two adulterers were
honor he never lost. In the mid-1890s, a Chelsea fire left 17,450
executed at Boston and a banishment law was passed against
residents homeless. Immigrant groups would soon dominate
Anabaptists who did not believe in infant baptism. Anabap-
the area. In 1918, Babe Ruth helped the Boston Red Sox
tists, (later Baptists) believed that baptism was for the respons-
baseball team win their only World Series. Meanwhile, the
ible, voluntary convert. The Puritan leaders saw baptism as
New England Watch and Ward Society began to keep a strict
part of the communal ideal of the Chosen People. A denial
watch on new books, becoming a main force behind the
of infant baptism smacked of Separatism which they wished
nationally reported book banning of the 1920s and 1930s.
to suppress. Gortonism was another "heresy" that plagued
Works by Hemingway and Eugene O'Neill fell victim to the
the Puritan community. Samuel Gorton, one of the founders
pressure, as did others. Ted Williams joined the Red Sox in
of Rhode Island, had left a legacy of secularism and individual
1939 but the team did not win an American League pennant
thought in Massachusetts Bay which many felt easily
until 1967 with Carl Yastrzemski. Boston's attractive new City
transferred to Quakerism's "inner light" and emphasis on
Hall was opened in 1968 as part of the new Government
individual interpretation. John Winthrop, Jr. completed the
Center. In 1971, the Boston Patriots football team moved to
formation of his Company of Undertakers for the Iron Works
Foxborough to become the New England Patriots. Chelsea's
which he established in that part of Lynn which is now Saugus.
last big fire in 1973 brought the community $12 million in
Iron ore was the most common mineral in New England, oak
federal aid which was used in part to put a housing and
wood was plentiful for smelting, and iron was expensive to
commercial complex on the site of the U.S. Naval Hospital.
import and much sought after. Though this enterprise fell
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
apart in a few years, the men who ran it founded other iron
being hung as witches in England during the mid-1640s, Mary
works from which descended the iron and steel industry of
Jones, accused of witchcraft, was hanged this year in
the United States.
Charlestown.
1645
Thomas Dudley was elected governor of the Bay, a
JUNE 1648
The Book of General Laws and Liberties,
Latin School was established at Roxbury and the Dorchester
worked on for a good while by the deputies of the Massa-
selectmen gained the authority to set the town's tax rates. In
chusetts General Court, further defined and liberalized those
Plymouth, Bradford returned to the governor's chair and was
set forth in the Body of Liberties published in 1641. The
reelected every year until 1657.
deputies were probably influenced and inspired in part by the
MAY 6, 1646
The Remonstrance and Petition to the General
remonstrants of 1646.
Court was presented, signed by Presbyterian Dr. Robert Child,
OCTOBER 18, 1648
The Massachusetts General Court
Anglican Samuel Maverick and others, demanding the
granted permission to the shoemakers of Boston to meet when
enfranchisement of all Englishmen in the colony without any
they wished to elect officers and clerks. Thus was authorized
religious qualifications. Thousands of Englishmen were
the first labor organization in America. During this year in
residents, soldiers and taxpayers but not voters. The document
the town of Lynn, Obadiah Holmes of Newport was scourged
also asked that all members of the Church of England who
30 lashes with a three-lash whip for refusing to pay a fine
were Presbyterian in their beliefs be allowed communion in
of £30 for professing Baptist beliefs, mainly his protest against
the New England churches. In England, the Civil War raged
infant baptism.
between the Anglican Cavaliers and the Puritan Roundheads
1649
This year would see the passing of the noble and
but the Roundheads were split into factions of Presbyterians
dedicated John Winthrop and the beheading of Charles I in
and Independents. English Presbyterians agreed to keep the
England. John Endecott was chosen Massachusetts' governor
established Church of England but wanted to make it
and Samuel Green took over the press at Harvard from
Presbyterian in its policy. The Independents espoused Con-
Stephen Daye. Daye had printed 22 publications over the past
gregationalism (the New England Way) but were forced by
decade. Boston led the Bay Colony in establishing trade with
divergent doctrines among themselves to adopt religious
the West Indies, Virginia and England, recovering from the
toleration as a principle. The New England Puritans in
earlier economic slump. New England's earliest staple export
Massachusetts liked neither faction, Winthrop straining to
was salt fish. The General Court of the Bay passed legislation
remain neutral throughout the war. The Remonstrance was
controlling the practice of medicine while, in England, Edward
rejected. Child was fined, tried and fined again in 1647, after
Winslow obtained a charter from the Rump Parliament for
which he left for England.
The Society for the Promoting and Propagating the Gospel
SPRING, 1646
Winthrop gained favor once again and
of Jesus Christ in New England. This society successfully
accepted election as the Bay Colony's governor, serving every
raised money from all over the mother country to fund the
year for the next three years. Sometime during this year,
Indian missionary activities of John Eliot and Thomas
"Praying John" Eliot, teacher at the church of Roxbury,
Mayhew.
delivered his first sermon to the Indians in their own tongue.
1650
In the Bay, John Endecott handed the governor's
NOVEMBER 4, 1646
Seriously concerned about heresy in
gavel to Thomas Dudley and Harvard College was formally
the Bay Colony, the General Court of Massachusetts passed
chartered. Approximately 14,000 people lived within the
a law providing the death penalty for anyone who denied that
jurisdiction of the Bay while Plymouth had finally grown to
the Holy Scriptures were the Word of God or that they were
a colony of about 1,500. Governor Peter Stuyvesant of New
to be attended to by illuminated Christians.
Amsterdam concluded a treaty with the New England
1647
This year marked the first slip of the grip that church
Confederation that established the present-day, New York-
membership had on the right to vote. At town meetings,
Connecticut border.
"inhabitants" had always had unlimited right of attendance
1651
Wishing to maintain their idea of a proper and ordered
and speech but could not vote as they did not qualify as a
society, the Puritan leaders of the Bay issued the Sumptuary
communicant of a church. Only church members in good
Regulations which prohibited the poorer brethren from
standing could be freemen. The Township Act gave the
emulating the fashions of the rich and exceeding their rank.
inhabitants the right to vote in town meetings, but only to
John Endecott would once again hold the governor's office,
choose the selectmen and disperse land grants. The town
serving until 1654. In response to Reverend John Eliot's
freemen voted on colonial officers and commissioners to the
petition, the General Court sanctioned the first praying Indian
Quarterly Court.
town, setting aside Natick for the converts.
NOVEMBER 11, 1647
Massachusetts Bay's General Court
1652
Between 1651 and 1665, John Endecott would govern
passed America's first compulsory school law, requiring a
the Bay every year but one. This would prove a period of
teacher in every community of 50 families and a grammar
stricter control and adherence to Puritan ideals as well as a
school in every community with more than 100 families.
decade or more of Quaker-targeted persecution. At the same
1648
As the Civil War raged in England, those wishing to
time, the Puritan churches would be forced to loosen their
relax church discipline in Massachusetts Bay petitioned the
requirements for church attendance and membership in the
General Court for a synod in 1646. Both liberals and con-
face of a growing apostasy as too many of the new generation
servatives delayed the outcome until Puritan Oliver Cromwell
walked in the self-advancing spirit of New World optimism.
seized power in England in 1648, upon which time the
Control would also become more difficult as families and
Massachusetts synod issued the Cambridge Platform which,
towns continued to spread out and occupy more distant
instead of diluting church practices, established and defined
territory. In Massachusetts Bay, both property ownership and
the New England Way. While several hundred people were
church membership were required to gain the right to vote. As
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
commerce continued to develop, the first bookstore opened
SEPTEMBER 20, 1657
Quakers who had gained a foot-
in Boston where the colony's new mint would also soon be
hold in the community began a series of church disruptions
located. Because of currency and exchange problems, the
and protests.
colony decided to coin their own money, making goldsmith
1658
The General Court of the Bay prohibited Quaker
John Hull Master of the Mint. Hull struck coins with the aid
meetings while several Quakers would be hanged over the next
of Robert Sanderson. This coining of currency was a strong
two years.
expression of colonial independence.
SEPTEMBER 3, 1658
The death of Puritan leader Oliver
1653
Reverend John Eliot published A Primer or Catechism
Cromwell in England virtually marked the end of the English
in the Massachusetts Indian Language while he also worked on
Commonwealth that had been established during the Civil
translating the Bible into this difficult, highly inflected and
Wars.
formerly unwritten language.
1660
The Royalists triumphed in England with the return
1654
Richard Bellingham of Essex County served one year
of the Stuart monarchy as Charles II was restored to his
as governor of the Bay while the General Court granted a
beheaded father's throne. The Board of Trade and Plantations
license to one Richard Thurley to build and maintain a toll
was formed in London of Crown appointees to handle all
bridge over the Newbury River at Rowley.
colonial business. Now England would crack down on its
OCTOBER 24, 1654
Harvard President Henry Dunster,
willful colonies. Over 20,000 people now lived in Massachu-
having come in his personal studies to a position against the
setts Bay Colony while Plymouth had slowly grown to almost
practice of infant baptism, voluntarily submitted his
2,000 residents. By contrast, all of New Netherland contained
resignation to the General Court. Despite his dissent, he was
less than 8,000 settlers with less than 1,500 in New Amsterdam.
let go reluctantly as he had managed through difficult times
In Boston, Quaker Mary Dyer fell through the gallows to her
to keep the little college alive, so establishing its academic
death on Boston Common.
standards that Oxford and Cambridge Universities in England
JUNE 10, 1661
With Charles II now on the throne,
recognized a bachelor's degree from Harvard as equivalent
Massachusetts Bay's General Court felt it necessary to
to one of their own. He had drawn students from all over New
officially define its status, liberties and relationship to the
England as well as from across the Atlantic. Interestingly,
monarchy and mother country. This document and other
Harvard gained very early a reputation for liberalism as it
expressions of autonomy were not popular with the King.
never instituted a religious test as part of its entrance
AUGUST 1661
Massachusetts officially proclaimed the
requirements. Dunster settled for the remainder of his life
restoration of King Charles II to the English throne.
among intellectuals in Scituate of Plymouth Colony.
SEPTEMBER 1661
As a personal friend of William Penn,
SPRING 1655
John Endecott replaced Richard Belling-
Charles II ordered Governor Endecott to stop the persecution
ham as governor of the Bay, serving in the office until 1665.
of Quakers. Though the colony managed to defy the King's
JULY. 1656
The first two Quaker (Society of Friends)
order in minor ways, the relationship between the Puritans
missionaries arrived in Boston, representing the sect that was
and the Quakers stabilized in the mid-1660s. Sometime during
founded by George Fox around 1650. Fox respected and used
the year, Samuel Green printed Reverend John Eliot's Indian
the Bible but saw the inner light of each individual soul as
New Testament on the press at Harvard.
superior and direct revelation from God. All Quakers were
MARCH 1662
As church membership dwindled,
equal with no need for clerical leadership. As Governor
especially among the young men, so did the body of eligible
Stuyvesant had mistreated Quakers earlier in New Amster-
voters, resulting in the rule of the minority over the majority
dam, the Bostonians imprisoned the missionaries, abused and
without the majority's consent, a situation that made every
then expelled them from the Bay Colony.
good Englishman uncomfortable. To remedy this problem as
OCTOBER 14, 1656
The new heretics inspired formal legis-
well as bolster the flagging church, a synod of ministers agreed
lation from the Bays' General Court, fining anyone who dared
to an expanded Half-Way Convenant which allowed baptized
shelter a Quaker 40 shillings and specifying physical mutila-
but nonprofessing parents to baptize their children and
tions to be performed upon any Quaker who returned to the
allowed unconverted children of converted parents to become
Bay after banishment. Salem, with some 63 Friends counted
church members but not to take communion. Though
as residents from 1657 to 1667, would be the center of Quaker
sanctioned by the ministers, it would take some 40 years for
controversy in the Bay. This year also witnessed the death of
each church to vote on the measure and for most of them
Myles Standish at his estate, "Captain's Hill," in Duxbury.
to finally accept it. This year marked a significant turning
1657
Thomas Prince accepted election as governor of
point in the colonists' relationship with the local tribes as the
Plymouth Colony, serving annually until 1673. The stalwart
venerable Wampanoag sachem Masssoit, who had been true
founder, William Bradford, died at the age of 68, signalling
to the peace established with him by the Pilgrims some forty
the end of a unique era. As the Congregational churches in
years before, died in 1661 leaving his position as tribal chief
general continued to lose influence in the daily lives of the
to his son Metacom, or King Philip as the English called him.
colonists and members of new generations often showed little
Though Philip had a weakness for fancy clothing and ran up
or no interest in the church, the Bay began to make com-
bills in Boston, he also saw the rapid encroachment of Indian
promises, employing the first tenets of a Half-Way Convenant
lands and rights by the white men. Despite efforts at control
which allowed those who were merely baptized to vote
by the expanding colony, stray cattle overran Indian cornfields
alongside of those who were considered true converts. This
and bootleggers sold "firewater" to Philips' people. With only
was the first victory for those New England colonists who
so much land to go around, the coming conflict was inevitable.
were losing interest in religious matters and who had not
Also as agricultural techniques improved, the Indians were
suffered for the Puritan faith.
no longer necessary to the colonists' survival.
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
171
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
the Revolution, many settlers, impoverished by losses at the
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
hands of the British and the Indians, came from Pennsylvania
Named for Hampshire County, England. Created: May 7,
and Connecticut to Hampshire County, settling Middlefield
1662 to encompass all of Western Massachusetts as the fourth
in 1783. In 1782, Reverend Sam Ely led Northampton residents
county, maintaining this status until 1731. County Seat: (Shire
in storming the county courthouse to prevent the foreclosure
Town) Northampton. Major Events: Early settlers hungry for
of their farms. The courthouse was stormed again in 1786
good farm land went straight from Massachusetts Bay and
and William Butler founded the Hampshire Gazette to fight
the east coast to the rich, fertile Connecticut River Valley. The
against the widespread discontent. However, residents at
Indians called the river "Quinnitukqut" or "long, tidal river."
Huntington were not generally sympathetic to the rebels' cause
The Dutch called it "freshwater river" but the English called
and, as the town had early formed a militia and stored gun
it "the Great River" or "Connecticut," the longest river in
powder, the rebels invaded the town and captured local militia-
New England. The area close to the river would be settled
man, Captain John Kirkland. Agriculture would flourish in
first from south to north and the outlying hill towns would
Hampshire County, especialy around Hadley which grew
be settled later. In 1653, a group of Connecticut men peti-
asparagus, apples and cigar leaf tobacco. The manufacturing
tioned Massachusetts Bay for permission to establish a
of wool cloth began around Middlefield in 1794 as a cottage
plantation north of Hartford. With the governor's blessing,
industry and developed into a commercial-mill industry,
a settlement was begun in 1654 and incorporated as the town
prompting the local raising of Saxony sheep. The canal built
of Northampton in 1656. Each settler received four acres of
about this time at South Hadley Falls was the nation's first.
land plus a large allocation of meadowland for their stock.
William Cullen Bryant was also born this year in the house
As the years passed, increasing evidence would be found of
his grandfather had built at Cummington in 1783. When
long-extinct residents known as dinosaurs. In 1659, religious
editor of the New York Evening Post, Bryant bought back the
dissension in Connecticut drove John Webster and Reverend
house in 1865. The first elastic webbing mill in America had
John Russell to the oxbow north of Northampton, on the east
been making shoe goring in the county since the late 1700s.
side of the river to found Hadley. Edmund Whaley and
Samuel Dickinson built the first brick house in Amherst in
William Goffe, members of the High Court of Justice that
1813 where his granddaughter Emily would be born in 1830
beheaded Charles I, fled to Hadley where they were hidden
and remain a recluse for most of her life. In 1821, Amherst
by the Reverend John Russell for 15 years. Goffe had been
residents, including Samuel Dickinson, founded Amherst
a colonel in Cromwell's Invincibles, a fact that would turn
College for needy youths who wished to study for the ministry,
to a blessing for many colonists when these frontier
particularly the mission field. Robert Frost would teach there
settlements felt the brunt of King Philip's War. In 1675, some
for a time and Calvin Coolidge would be one of the many
800 Indians attacked Hadley, putting the colonists to a bloody
notable graduates. In 1822, Samuel Williston of Easthampton
rout until white-haired Colonel Goffe, in hiding since 1664
and his wife began covering wooden button molds with cloth.
and unknown to the community, appeared "clad in the
Within ten years, Williston hired over 1,000 families to work
fashion of a former generation" to rally the beleaguered
for him, financed a button-making machine, and made
residents and fight off the attackers. In 1677, Indians killed
Easthampton the nation's largest button-manufacturing
12 area residents and took many captive. Stephen Jennings
center. Mary Lyon founded the female seminary at South
and Benjamin White went to Quebec, sought the aid of the
Hadley in 1837 that became Mount Holyoke College and the
governor and managed to ransom their wives and children
button-making Williston founded Williston Seminary in
with a payment of £200. In 1683, Mary Webster of Hadley
Easthampton in 1841. Massachusetts Agricultural College was
was convicted for bewitching and murdering Deacon Philip
established one year after the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862.
Smith. Town residents hanged Mary until she was "nearly
It became Massachusetts State College and then the University
dead," then took her down and buried her in the snow. She
of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1947. In 1874, the dam burst
survived to die several years later of natural causes. Residents
at Williamsburg, killing 136 people and wiping out the entire
at South Hadley attempted to build their first meeting house
industrial section of the town. Smith College opened at
beginning in 1732 but were not successful until 1737 due to
Northampton in 1875, having been chartered by Sophia Smith
competing religious factions. Opponents removed timbers
of Hatfield in 1871. The now-famous women's college began
from the building and hid them. The first minister was
with 14 students. Clarke School for the Deaf was founded
dismissed, gagged and escorted forcibly from the church. In
in Northampton by Alexander Graham Bell. Here Calvin
1738, Colonel Stoddard of Northampton settled Pelham,
Coolidge found teacher and fellow Vermonter Grace Goodhue
selling the land grant to Scotch Presbyterians from Worcester
who became his wife. Coolidge set up his law practice in
who called the area Lisburn. Pelham, incorporated as a town
Northampton and served the city as mayor, city solicitor, clerk
in 1643, would be the home of Captain Daniel Shays. Settlers
of the courts and city councilman before his election to the
moved west into the hills in the 1760s, settling the area of
state House of Representatives, the governor's office and the
Goshen in 1761 where maple trees would be tapped to make
White House. The largest man-made body of water in the
maple sugar. A lead mine was opened at Westhampton in 1765,
world used exclusively for drinking purposes, Quabbin
partly owned by Vermonter Ethan Allen. It would supply the
Reservoir, flooded the former towns of Enfield, Greenwich,
makings for Revolutioanry War bullets. Reverend Enoch Hale,
Prescott and Dana. Hampshire County shares the reservoir
brother of Nathan Hale, was minister in Westhampton for
with Franklin and Worcester Counties and Bostonians drink
57 years. Residents took the Revolutionary War seriously as
much of the water. Hampshire College was chartered in 1965
South Hadley chose four men of the town to inspect the
and opened in 1970 to form a unique, five-college consortium
district, insuring that no one drank East India tea. Following
in the county, making Amherst a thriving educational center.
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
1663
The Harvard Press cranked out copies of John Eliot's
of the conspiracy to Governor Winslow at Plymouth. Philip
translation of the entire Bible into the Massachuset Indian
had Sassamon slain but the three murderers were caught, tried
tribal tongue.
and hanged by the English, which greatly offended Philip.
JANUARY 1664
Particularly in Salem, colonists were
JUNE 24, 1675
Philip attacked and burned part of Swansea
splitting into factions led by the conservative Puritan leaders
village in Plymouth Colony, provoked by the Sassamon
and the more liberal-minded merchants. Certain men of Salem
incident to strike a year earlier than he had planned. As
heralded the movement to remove church membership as a
Plymouth prepared its defenses and turned to Heaven with
voting requirement by suggesting that the franchise be
fasting and prayer, Philip returned several days later and killed
broadened to include some that were not members of
11 Englishmen. The Bay Colony quickly came to Plymouth's
particular churches. With its fast-growing commercial inter-
aid but Philip headed for the central uplands, joined up with
ests, Salem would make the transition from Puritan commun-
Nipmucs, and then proceeded to destroy the western villages
ity to Yankee town faster than most other communities.
of Brookfield, Lancaster, Deerfield and others. This same year
During the year, royal commissioners arrived from England
in Boston, goldsmith John Hull was named treasurer of the
to investigate the colonies. The restoration of the monarchy
Bay Colony, serving until 1680.
brought differing responses among the colonists. Few were
SEPTEMBER 9, 1675
The New England Confederation
royalists but some favored moderate compliance while others,
declared war on the Indians. Fall found the westernmost
like William Hathorne of Salem, expressed extremist posi-
settlements of both the Bay and Plymouth wiped out as the
tions. While the commissioners were in Massachusetts,
Indians burned, looted, killed, kidnapped and tortured both
Hathorne gathered an armed Salem militia to receive his
men and beasts. No outside help came from the other colonies
address against the royal investigators. Hathorne was relieved
or from England while Philip received help from the
of his militia command and ordered to publicly apologize.
Narragansetts. A total of 52 out of the 90 white settlements
Later in the year, English ships would take New Amsterdam
were attacked and 12 were completely destroyed, placing the
and all of New Netherland for King Charles II without firing
colonies in the very real danger of a resounding defeat.
a shot.
NOVEMBER 19, 1675
Over 1,000 whites attacked some
1665
Soon after the royal commissioners left the shores,
3,000 Narraganstets in the Great Swamp Fight at South
Governor John Endecott breathed his last breath and Essex
Kingstown, Rhode Island. The Englishmen were aided by
County leader Richard Bellingham became governor of the
friendly Indians. The colonists sustained 80 dead and 160
Bay Colony. Though in sympathy with Hathorne's position,
wounded while they managed to kill or wound some 900
he discouraged rebellious talk. Caleb Cheeshateaumuck, one
Indians. The Narragansett leader, Canonchet, escaped, later
of Eliot's Indian converts, graduated from Harvard but,
ambushing Captain Michael Pierce's company near
tragically, died of tuberculosis soon afterward.
Pawtucket, leaving one Englishman and nine friendly Indians
1668
Beverly, the town of the old planters founded by
as survivors to be tortured. Some tribes remained loyal to the
Richard Conant and his followers upon Endecott's arrival,
colonists and some remained neutral. The Praying Indians
formally broke away from Salem to establish itself as a
often helped as scouts and fighters but as a group, had to
separate town with a separate church community. Having
be protected from those whites who wished to take revenge
established four counties, the General Court of Massachusetts
on any Indian, no matter their loyalty. The Natick Community
Bay created the Board of County Commissioners.
was moved to islands in Boston harbor in mid-winter without
1670
At the turn of the decade, an estimated 30,000
adequate food. Many suffered and died. Boston now had a
colonists inhabited the Bay Colony while Plymouth could now
population of about 4,000.
boast an estimated 5,300 residents.
APRIL 3, 1676
Canonchet was captured and executed by
1673
John Leverett, acting governor the previous year
a group of English and friendly Indians. The Pequots sent
replacing Bellingham, was elected governor, serving every year
the Indian leader's head back to Connecticut as a token of
until 1679 at request of Bay Colony voters. In spring elections
their loyalty to the colonists. The English had learned to keep
in Plymouth, Josiah Winslow gained the governor's office
the Indians on the move and food was becoming a critical
to which he was returned every year until 1680.
problem.
MAY 3, 1673
The General Court of the Bay passed a law
MAY 3, 1676
Reverend William Hubbard of Ipswich
requiring that church doors be locked during services.
delivered a sermon on the dangers of popular rule and the
1674
Plymouth Colony passed a law that committed all
wisdom of leadership by the elders of the Bay Colony in
profits from their fishing at Cape Cod to "the erecting and
reaction to the rising democratic sentiment. The same year,
maintaining of a school." The funds would continue to be
writer, educator and physician Benjamin Tompson published
donated as long as there were at least eight or ten students.
a poem titled New England's Crisis which bemoaned the loss
By this time, Reverend John Eliot had established seven
of the area's unique religious fervor and the new-found pursuit
"Praying Indian Towns" in Massachusetts Bay with seven
of economic and social success.
new ones reported by Daniel Gookin in Nipmuc territory in
AUGUST 12, 1676
Concerned with their basic survival,
the central uplands.
King Philip's warriors gradually slipped away to attend to the
1675
Wampanoag chief King Philip's brother, Wamsutta,
necessary tasks of farming and fishing. Philip returned to his
had been murdered by white men. Philip had begun to put
camp at Mount Hope where he was discovered and shot by
together a tribal coalition against the English encroachers,
a group of Englishmen and loyal Pocassets. It would be 20
appealing especially to the Nipmucs and Narragansetts.
years before the destroyed settlements were completely
Philip's aide, Sassamon, a Harvard-educated Wampanoag
restored. Many civilians had been lost as well as some 500
who was a convert and school teacher in Natick, leaked plans
militiamen who died of wounds, exposure or disease. The
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
173
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
material loss was staggering but few colonists returned to
the Pilgrims went ashore at Pilgrim Spring to obtain fresh
England as they had after the Pequot War. Most of those who
water to brew beer. On December 6 an encampment was made
had fought King Philip were also native Americans. The war
by 18 Pilgrim men on First Encounter Beach in Eastham. The
would drag on with the Abnakis in Maine until April 12, 1678.
next morning the men repelled an attack by local Indians and
The year 1676 would also see the passing of John Winthrop,
then explored Wellfleet Harbor. Only after some five weeks
Jr. who had been governor of Connecticut since 1659.
at Provincetown did the Pilgrims sail to Plymouth. About
1677
As Massachusetts minds produced a medical treatise
1623 or 1624, Myles Standish explored the area of present-
on smallpox and measles, beginning a tradition of world-
day Cape Cod Canal, pondering the possibility even then of
renowned leadership in medicine, King Charles II put pressure
a water passage across the narrow neck of land between
on the colonies to obey the English Acts of Trade. The
Buzzards Bay and Cape Cod Bay. Sandwich was the first town
colonists responded that they were not represented in
to be settled on the Cape. The Hoxie House was built in 1637
Parliament and thus were not to be impeded in their trade
(it still stands) and fifty other settlers came from Lynn,
by an institution a sea away.
Duxbury and Plymouth. Reverend Joseph Hull, surveyor
1679
Simon Bradstreet, one of the few remaining emigrants
Austin Bearse and Thomas Dimmock were leading founders
of 1630 and husband of poet Anne Dudley Bradstreet, was
of Barnstable which was incorporated as a town in 1638.
elected governor of the Bay Colony. The population of the
Richard Bourne of Sandwich helped the Mashpee Indians
area was nearing 40,000.
(Wampanoags) establish their land claims in perpetuity,
1680
In Plymouth, Thomas Hinckley was elected governor,
though those claims are still being argued in court. Bourne
serving each year until 1686.
had "Praying John" Eliot ordain him as a minister and
1682
King Charles chafed over the willful Massachusetts
established an Indian church. By 1674, Bourne had an Indian
and threatened to revoke the charter, prompting the colonists
congregation of about 500. The Old Indian Meetinghouse
to send Thomas Dudley's son Joseph to London on their
was constructed ten years later in 1684. By 1686, the Cape
behalf. Unlike his emigrant father, Joseph was interestsed in
had become part of Massachusetts Bay and the Indians were
personal power and wealth and secretly urged the King to
put under a board of overseers who gradually encroached
revoke the charter and make Joseph governor of the new royal
upon native lands and rights. In 1798, though the Indians
realm.
were required to pay taxes, a law was passed forbidding anyone
1683
Reacting to the pressure of the Acts of Trade, the
to teach the Mashpee Indians to read or write "on pain of
General Court of the Bay Colony declared Boston and Salem
death." In 1661, Succanessett (Falmouth) was settled by
the only legal ports of entry for foreign goods.
Quakers led by Isaac Robinson. In 1667, crows and blackbirds
OCTOBER 18, 1684
England's High Court of Chancery
destroyed enough of Eastham's crops to elicit a law that set
officially revoked the Massachusetts Bay Charter on the
a quota of 12 dead blackbirds or three dead crows per year
grounds that, by not tolerating the Church of England and
for every household in the town. The birds were such a
by not practicing religious freedom, the colony had violated
nuisance in 1695 that a bachelor was not allowed to marry
the foundation of the charter. Cotton Mather, assistant to
if he had failed to destroy his quota. The first Cape Cod canal
his father Increase Mather who was pastor of the Second
was cut at Orleans in 1717, allowing a boat to pass from the
Congregational Church of Boston, at 21 years of age became
bay to the ocean. About 1700, Provincetown and Truro were
the first person on record to use "American" in reference to
settled. Provincetown would become a rowdy community of
a colonist and not a native Indian. Only four of the "Praying
whalers, fishermen and "wreckers." Collecting what was left
Towns" were left as, after the war, whites were appointed to
from shipwrecks was a legitimate business in the area. Here,
hold Indian town offices, often cheating the Indians of their
terms like "mooncusser" and "beachcomber" were well
land. Reservations were formed for the Indian survivors of
understood as were "rum runner" and "smuggler." Part of
the war who had not been parceled out as servants or sold
Provincetown was actually known as Helltown. Today it is
in slavery to the West Indies.
an art and tourist colony, populated year-round mostly by
1685
Charles II died, leaving the throne to his inept brother
Portuguese who coexist with remnants of the old Yankee stock.
James II who proceeded to form the Dominion of New
Cape Codders were divided by the Revolutionary War. Citizens
England from the English colonies of Massachusetts Bay, New
of Chatham Village joined in the tea boycott but voted against
Hampshire and Maine. He commissioned Joseph Dudley as
the Declaration of Independence. South of Truro in Wellfleet,
the first royal governor, as Dudley headed a budding Tory
a group of residents formed the country's first "Humane
party in the colonies of those who wanted closer cultural and
Society" in 1786 in order to rescue shipwreck victims. The
commercial ties with England and an end to strict Puritan rule.
idea quickly caught on and societies operated all over New
JUNE 2, 1685
The Colony of Plymouth was divided into
England throughout the 1800s. They were eventually absorbed
three counties: Barnstable, Bristol and Plymouth.
by the U.S. Coast Guard. Shipping suffered during the War
of 1812 though Falmouth managed to capture a British
BARNSTABLE COUNTY
warship and more than 20 British sailors were taken prisoner
Named for Barnstable, England. Created: June 2, 1685 from
by Cape Codders at Crosby Tavern in Eastham. Cranberry
Plymouth Colony. County Seat: (Shire Town) Barnstable.
raising began in earnest in Dennis in 1816 where residents
Major Events: The name Cape Cod was first given by explorer
discovered that the berries grew best covered lightly by sand.
Bartolomew Gosnold during his visit in 1602. On November
This successful innovation was adopted by the state's other
2, 1620, the Mayflower safely rounded the Cape and made
cranberry-growing regions. From 1825 to 1888, Sandwich was
Provincetown Harbor where Pilgrim men signed the May-
prominent for Deming Jarvis' Boston and Sandwich Glass
flower Compact. The second night was spent off Truro where
Company which manufactured the first pressed glass and lace
174
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
glass made in the nation. The famous pieces of colored glass
Street to repulse the British soldiers, losing only two men.
actually required sand shipped in from the Berkshires, By
The retreating "jack tars" burned Thomas Borden's house
1837, there were 150 ship captains sailing from American ports
and mills. On September 5, 1778, New Bedford was attacked
who were all from Dennis. By 1850, Truro had 111 vessels and
by 5,000 British soldiers, carried by the British navy, who
Wellfleet was second only to Gloucester as a cod and mackerel
overcame Fort Phoenix and burned everything in the town
port. Wellfleet also led the country in oystering from 1830
but Tory property. The first jewelry made in Attleborough
to 1870. Wellfleet was the home of Captain Lorenzo Dow
was allegedly crafted by "The Frenchmen" in 1780 who, if
Baker who brought the first load of bananas to the U.S. in
the story is correct, launched what is today "The Nation's
the late 1800s. The fruit was such a sensation that the United
Number One Jewelry Manufacturing Center." By the late
Fruit Company was founded in 1899 with Captain Baker as
1700s, Captain Paul Cuffee of Westport, son of a freed black
managing director of the Jamaica division. In 1967,
slave, had earned a fortune at sea but had no rights of
descendent Reuben Baker lived in Wellfleet and worked for
citizenship. In protest, he refused to pay the required personal
the United Fruit Company, traveling to Vietnam to see that
property tax and was subsequently the first Negro to be
the soldiers were supplied with fruit. Barnstable was known
granted the same rights as a white citizen of Massachusetts.
in the late 1800s for the manufacture of freight cars, an activity
About the same time, the son of an African chief was
which lasted until 1928, and for Gray Gables Inn, which was
purchased by Henry Bowers of Somerset. Because of his
President Grover Cleveland's summer White House during
rebellious spirit, the slave was shipped out on a whaling or
his years in office. Cleveland's visits gave impetus to the tourist
trading vessel but managed to escape in Haiti. The former
and summer-resident industry that is the lifeblood of Cape
slave became Toussaint L'Ouverture, emperor of Haiti. In
Cod's present-day economy.
1812, the Robinsons opened the nation's first metal-button
factory as Robinson, Jones and Company. The first power
BRISTOL COUNTY
loom began to weave in Fall River in 1817 and New Bedford
Named for Bristol, England. Created: June 2, 1685 from
surpassed Nantucket in 1820 as the world's pre-eminent
Plymouth Colony. County Seat: (Shire Towns) New Bedford
whaling port. In 1840, Albert Tifft and William Whiting
and Taunton. Major Events: Bristol's large Portuguese
started a jewelry business in the back of an Attleborough
population generally believe that at least some of the
blacksmith shop. By 1866, Whiting Manufacturing Company
interesting markings on Dighton Rock were made by
was well-known for standard silverware. Taunton Manufac-
Portuguese mariner Miguel Cortereal, whose ship wrecked
turing Company of 1823 rolled copper and iron and manufac-
off the coast when he came in search of his missing brother.
tured cotton and wool. The Taunton mills polluted the
According to the popular story, he made it to Assonet Neck
Taunton River, spoiling the famous April herring runs. Artist
and became a sachem of the Indians, carving his name, the
William Bradford was born in Fairhaven a direct descendent
date 1511 and the Portuguese Cross on the rock. The clarity
of the great Pilgrim father. He grew up to paint Arctic
of the markings may depend on the light and the point of
expeditions firsthand. In 1824, Isaac Babbitt and John
view of the observer. The county's first settlement was at
Crossman first produced the pewter-like Britannia ware while
Attleborough in 1634. Taunton was incorporated as a town
Reed and Barton founded a silver-plate factory. Wamsutta
in 1639, built its first iron works in 1652 and constructed its
Mills was chartered at New Bedford in 1846 and whaling
first shipyard in 1699. New Bedford was settled in 1640 and
merchant Jonathan Bourne opened shop in the port town in
would later be named by Joseph Russell to honor the Duke
1848. Abolition sentiment was strong in the area because of
of Bedford. Raynham was settled in 1652 when the Leonard
the Quaker population. An express messenger rode all night
family built one of the nation's first iron forges which they
from Boston bringing news of the Fugitive Slave Law in 1851
operated for over 100 years. Rehoboth witnessed the founding
and the town bell was rung to warn the hiding fugitives. New
of the nation's fourth Baptist church but controversies with
Bedford would be an Underground Railway station during
the Congregationalists drove the group of Baptists to Swansea
the Civil War and the port's ships would help blockade
under Obadiah Holmes in 1667. It was in Swansea that the
Southern ports. In Fairhaven, where Herman Melville had
first blood was shed to begin King Philip's War. Westport and
helped crew the whaler Acushnet in 1841, grocery clerk Henry
Acushnet were attacked and Dartmouth destroyed but
Huttleston Rogers returned from the 1857 Pennsylvania oil
Raynham was spared because the Leonard's forge had repaired
fields a multi-millionaire. When he donated the town hall,
Philip's weapons and provided him with tools. Whaling began
the cornerstone was laid by none other than Mark Twain
in New Bedford when Quaker John Rotch bought ten acres
(Samuel Clements) whom he had earlier saved from bank-
of waterfront in 1765 and launched the industry in the town.
ruptcy. Clements convinced Rogers to finance Helen Keller's
At one point, New Bedford would become the fourth largest
education at Radcliffe College. Also in the late 1800s, Joshua
port in the nation. The first ship to be launched by the town's
Slocum would rebuild the sloop Spray at Fairhaven and sail
new ship-building industry was the Dartmouth in 1767. Six
it around the world, becoming the first man to accomplish
years later the ship sat in Boston Harbor and lost a cargo of
that feat alone. Fall River's Sunday School teacher Lizzie
British tea to angry colonists. According to many historians,
Borden would be tried and acquitted for the axe murders of
on May 14, 1775, the first naval clash of the Revolutionary
War occurred off the New Bedford-Fairhaven coast within
her parents and would live comfortably on her inheritance
sight of Fort Phoenix. A boat of New Bedford men rode out
for forty years. The first cotton mill in Fall River, started
to recover two captured sloops of Martha's Vineyard from
by Colonel Durfee of Revolutionary War fame, helped
the British ship Falcon. In 1778, British ships attacked Fall
transform the port town into a textile mill city from 1871 to
River but Colonel Joseph Durfee rallied his militia on Main
the 1930s. In 1900, Fall River had over 100 mills and four
million spindles.
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
175
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
War. In 1803, the towns of Hingham and Hull refused to be
PLYMOUTH COUNTY
annexed to Norfolk County and joined Plymouth County
Named for Plymouth, England. Created: June 2, 1685 from
from Suffolk County. In 1810, General Benjamin Lincoln was
Plymouth Colony. County Seat: (Shire Town) Plymouth.
buried at Hingham. He had married Mary Cushing in
Major Events: What is now Kingston was formerly called
Hanson, accepted Cornwallis' sword at Yorktown and chased
Plymouth Town and was settled in 1620 by passengers of the
down Daniel Shays and his army to end Shays Rebellion.
Mayflower, Fortune and Ann. John Oldham and John Lyford
Cranberries became a commercial crop in the 1820s. Today,
were expelled in 1624 and founded what became Hull where
Carver is the cranberry-producing center of the nation with
fishing would develop into a highly successful industry. In
over 3,000 acres of cranberry bogs. Lavinia Bump was born
1628, Captain Myles Standish settled what became Duxbury
in Middleborough in the mid-1800s. Though she had four six-
with his three boys. Duxbury would become the second town
foot brothers, she and her sister Mini were midgets. After
in the county in 1637 and, from 1812 to 1865, a shipbuilding
traveling with P.T. Barnum, she opened a refreshment stand
center featuring the yards of Ezra Weston. Governor Edward
with her second husband, Tom Thumb (Charles Stratton) and
Winslow helped establish Marshfield and the first white child
they built a dwarf-size house across from the Bump home
born in Massachusetts, Peregrine White, lived there after his
in Middleborough. After Tom died in a fire, Lavinia married
marriage. Born November 20, 1620 on the Mayflower, White
an Italian Papal Count. A major shoe-manufacturing center,
occupies the same burial ground as does Daniel Webster who
Brockton is said to have shod half the Union army. In 1893,
later made Marshfield his home. By 1672, Andrew Ford, Jr.
the town developed a sewage system for inland cities that was
was clearing the first land in future Abington but was
copied around the country. It was also the site of the country's
interrupted by the growing Indian troubles. Many of the
first central power station. The birthplace of heavyweight
settlements would suffer during the actual conflict of 1675
champion Rocky Marciano, Brockton had 60 shoe factories
and 1676. Scituate was attacked and burned as was Hingham.
manned by 30,000 workers in 1929. In 1907, the nation's first
Following the attack on Hingham, formerly friendly Indians
12-cylinder car was made in Abington by H.H. Buffum.
attacked Norwell on May 20, 1676, killing several residents
and burning some of the town buildings. Following King
JUNE 6, 1686
Joseph Dudley returned to Massachusetts
Philip's War, Abington was settled in 1680 and the Old Ship
Bay (now part of the Dominion of New England), bringing
Church was constructed by ships' carpenters in 1681.
with him Robert Ratcliffe, an Anglican minister who held on
Hingham's first meetinghouse, it is the oldest church in
this day the first Anglican service in Boston. Massachusetts'
continuous use in America, and one of the first to welcome
coining of money was halted and not resumed until 1775,
Unitarianism. Still an independent British colony in 1685,
though the first bank in the colonies was chartered. Dudley
Plymouth divided into three counties as settlements had
clashed with English customs official Edward Randolph,
increased and spread out. As then stated, Plymouth County
refusing to divide the proceeds obtained from confiscating
would consist of six towns: "Plimouth, Duxbury, Scituate,
illegal imports.
Marshfield, Bridgewater and Middleborough." Then in 1686,
DECEMBER 1686
James II replaced Joseph Dudley with
Plymouth Colony, consisting of three counties, was annexed
the former governor of New York, Sir Edmund Andros, whose
into the recently formed Dominion of New England. By 1690
strict tax measures had fomented a revolt among the Man-
the new county of Plymouth had a population of 3,055 with
hattan merchants. James then annexed Plymouth Colony,
the town of Scituate its largest community at 865 residents.
virtually independent for 66 years, to the Dominion. Ply-
From 1690 to the mid-1800s, whaling and shipbuilding would
mouth's Governor Hinckley was forced to abdicate a position
be major industries. In 1691, the existence of Plymouth
that no longer existed.
Colony came to an end as its three counties were made a part
1687
Governor Andros arrived at his new post as governor
of Massachussets Bay. In 1734, the church at Halifax claimed
of the Dominion of New England, which soon also included
the nation's first Sunday School. Ironmaking was a prominent
Rhode Island and Connecticut.
activity in Bridgewater where cannons would be forged for
1688
James II added New York and the Jersey colonies to
the Revolutionary War, as would pieces for the iron-clad
his Dominion of New England, spurred by considerations of
Monitor of the Civil War. When David Potter of Plympton
defense as well as a desire to uniformly govern the wayward
was called to fight in the Revolution, Deborah Sampson
cubs, as he had knowledge of French designs upon the area.
determined to go with him and, disguised as "Robert
Meanwhile, Andros, now governor-general of everything
Shurtleff,' fought in two major campaigns under Captain
English north of Delaware, declared all land titles of the New
Webb of Holden. Wounded at Tarrytown, she dressed the
Englanders void to be restored only for a burdensome price.
wound herself and carried the bullet the rest of her life. But
He levied taxes without consent, required an annual quit-rent
during the Yorktown campaign, she was treated for a fever
from every settler and provided no money for schools, jailing
and was discovered. However, the doctor kept her secret and
any town officer who protested. Even greedy Boston
sent her to General Washington with a letter where she was
merchants who had thought to profit from the Crown's
honorably discharged. Later as president, Washington
presence were squeezed by Andros' opportunistic council.
awarded her lands and a pension. She married Benjamin
Andros set aside the General Court, forbade town meetings
Gannett of Sharon in 1784. Scituate launched the Columbia
except one a year to elect officers, and refused to allow the
in 1787, which became the first American ship to circle the
collection of tithes for the clergy. He also turned the Con-
globe. In 1792, Massachusetts Governor John Hancock
gregational meetinghouse of Boston's Old South Church into
chartered the Halifax Militia Company as the state's first
a place of Anglican worship until the first wooden building
militia unit; it was the first unit to muster for the Civil
for King's Chapel could be erected at Tremont and School
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Streets. This was New England's first Anglican (Episcopal)
discovering and delivering the largest amount of gold and
Church. The New Canaan was now a paradise lost and the
silver bullion ever recovered from a sunken ship, led a small
New England Yankees saw it all as a "Popish Plot." Despite
naval force from Boston to capture Port Royal, returning with
all this, the famous elementary reader, the New England Primer,
the French governor as prisoner and substantial French loot.
would soon be on the printing press, possibly issued as early
OCTOBER 7, 1690
Over-confident and under-supplied, a
as this year.
fleet of Boston merchant vessels led by Phips and carrying
NOVEMBER 5, 1688
The Dutchman, Prince William of
2,200 volunteers, mostly fishermen, failed to take Quebec.
Orange, had married James II's Protestant daughter Mary
After Phips' retreat, William and Mary decided that the Bay
and was now invited by Protestant English leaders to leave
Colony was indeed not competent in military matters. The
Holland and save England from the oppressor. William landed
mercantilist British trading system that had developed was
on this date with a small army. There was no need for fighting
also too important not to have control over the colonies.
as James was deserted by almost everyone and, in a matter
1691
The royal sovereigns drew up a new charter for
of weeks, fled the country. William had thus effected the
Massachusetts which incorporated both the Bay and Ply-
"Glorious Revolution of 1688," without shedding a drop of
mouth Colonies into one entity, thus ending the independent
blood.
existence of Plymouth, Hinckley serving as its last governor.
JANUARY 1689
Parliament officially pronounced Protes-
The Reverend Increase Mather of Boston helped negotiate
tants William and Mary to be the new joint sovereigns and
the charter in England, seeing to it that nearly all members
promptly adopted a Declaration of Rights which would later
of the government were Congregationalists. The royal
influence the formation of America's own Bill of Rights.
governor would preside, appointed by the Crown. The General
APRIL 4, 1689
A ship from England sailed into Boston
Court would be retained with the upper house as the
Harbor with the news of the Protestant Revolution and a
Governor's Council and the deputies of the lower house able
decree from William and Mary that all magistrates unjustly
to nominate the members of the upper house. The
removed were to resume their former duties. Acting in such
Congregational church establishment and Harvard College
concert that it must have been secretly planned, the citizens
seminary would remain intact but religious toleration would
of town and country arose in Massachusetts, throwing Andros
be enforced and there would no longer be a religious
and his major officials in jail and reinstating the now 86-year-
qualification to vote. Even so, the "New England Way" would
old Simon Bradstreet to his interrupted term as governor of
remain the central cement of Massachusetts' town government
Massachusetts Bay, re-electing all the former officials. The
into the first part of the 1800s. The royal governor would have
colonists issued the "Declaration of the Gentlemen, Mer-
authority over newly combined Massachusetts and Maine.
chants and Inhabitants" drafted by Reverend Cotton Mather
Connecticut and Rhode Island continued undisturbed under
to re-instate the old charter and dissolve the Dominion. As
their old charters and New Hampshire became a separate royal
soon as.news spread, the other colonies "trotted after the Bay
province. King William's War continued with the French and
horse" and re-instated their former governments. In Ply-
the Indians. The resulting paper money and war expenses
mouth, Thomas Hinckley returned to the governor's chair
imposed a burden of inflation and debt on the colonies, and
to serve until 1692.
the frontier was not safe for farmers or crops.
JUNE 30, 1689
Services were first held in King's Chapel
MAY 16, 1692
Appointed as the new royal governor of
(Anglican) which Andros had ordered to be built and which
Massachusetts,- Sir William Phips turned his interest
continued under Rector Samuel Myles, son of the Baptist
reluctantly from Quebec to the matter of delivering and
minister at Rehoboth.
instituting the new Province Charter. Inaugurated on this day
SUMMER 1689
French officers turned their attention
in Boston, he was soon made aware of a reported witchcraft
from New York to New England, leading Indian raiding
epidemic in Salem where the stern and hostile Reverend
parties to attack settlements in New Hampshire and Maine.
Samuel Parris presided over the town church. Armed with
The destruction of French Canada became the goal of the
information from Cotton Mather's Memorable Providences,
Massachusetts Bay for the next 70 years. Pastor of the Puritan
the preacher's own daughter and several of her friends decided
church in Boston, Cotton Mather wrote an essay called
to accuse Parris' West Indian slave girl, Tibuta, of witchcraft.
Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcraft and Possessions
Tibuta had often related grisly tales of island voodoo to the
which would create much of the later hysteria in Salem over
girls who began to suffer from their imaginations. The town
what Mather called a "plot against the country by witchcraft."
physician examined the girls and pronounced them 'as
1690
Massachusetts Bay had grown to a population of
bewitched. Due to a sound flogging, Tibuta "admitted"
about 50,000 while Plymouth Colony could now claim almost
bewitching the girls but accused two women of the community
7,500. The first effort at a newspaper in Massachusetts was
as being in league with her. Phips appointed a court to deal
made this year in the form of Publick Occurrences Both Forreign
with the matter. William Stoughton was the chief justice,
and Domestick. The shipyards of the many harbors along the
Judge Samuel Sewall was a jurist and the panel included four
coast and the rivers grew busier and whaling would prevail
judges from Boston. According to Thomas Brattle, later trea-
as a major industry to about 1840, Boston controlled over
surer of Harvard, "rude and barbarous methods" were used
40 percent of the carrying capacity of all colonial shipping.
to extract confessions. Those who "confessed and repented"
FEBRUARY 3, 1690
Soldiers would have to be paid to fight
were usually not executed and often accused others to save
the French in Canada so Massachusetts Bay issued the first
their own lives. Tibuta and the other two women were among
paper money to be printed in the colonies. King William's
those hanged.
War against the French would last until 1699 in New England.
JUNE 10, 1692
Bridget Bishop's death warrant was dated
MAY 1690
Sir William Phips, knighted by James II for
this day as she was hanged for "consorting with the devil." A
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
total of 19 men and women were hanged, including the congre-
(Duke of York). In 1646, Thomas Mayhew called Oak Bluffs
gation's former minister, Reverend George Burroughs, who
the "Easternmost Chop of Holmes' Hole," granting the area
had taken a pulpit in Maine. An elderly farmer, Giles Corey,
to John Dagget. Tisbury was the original "Holmes' Hole." By
refused to plead in order to assure his heirs posssession of
1659, Christiantown was a reservation for Praying Indians
his property and was literally pressed to death by stones placed
converted by Reverend Thomas Mayhew, Jr. In 1669, West Tis-
on his chest to extract a confession. The panicked judges
bury was settled and named for the English birthplace of
admitted "spectral evidence" which included visions, dreams
Thomas Mayhew, Sr. Gay Head was settled the same year.
and the ability to accuse a person not known to the accuser.
Today the town's population of just over 100 are all descend-
OCTOBER 12, 1692
In a letter to a clergyman, Brattle
ants of the original Wampanoag residents. In 1671, Chilmark,
confirmed that, in addition to the 19 hanged, seven more were
Tisbury and the Elizabeth Islands were formally granted by
condemned and some 50 or more were in jail as confessors.
patent to Thomas Mayhew, Sr. who received the rights of
He criticized the judges for ignoring obvious lies concocted
feudal lordship to Tisbury Manor, as it was called. Settlers
by witnesses and for pronouncing sentences on the basis of
were to pay quit-rents. In 1685, Reverend Thomas Mayhew, Jr.
the "afflicted's" reactions to the look and touch of the
sold his inherited privileges and, in 1695, the islands became
accused. Brattle also reported that many went to the gallows
a county of Massachusetts Bay Province. In 1711, the Society
strongly espousing their innocence but with prayer and
for Propagating the Gospel bought lands at Gay Head to
forgiveness for their accusers. The wife of Pastor Hale of the
reserve for the sole use of the Indians, accounting for today's
town of Beverly joined the accused as did the attractive wife
population of Wampanoag descendants. Whaling and fishing
of Governor Phips. This certainly brought Phips to his senses
became prominent occupations for the islands' residents.
and the court was disbanded, 150 prisoners being released
Stately, white, captains' mansions still grace North Water
from jail, in agreement with the Reverend Increase Mather
Street in Edgartown and the Dukes County Historical Society
(father of Cotton Mather) and other members of the clergy.
there has portraits of 110 sea captains. The county had some
From the short reign of Andros and from the bitter trials of
24 whaling vessels prior to the Revolutionary War. The Gay
Salem, the colony would recover slowly. King William's War
Head Light was built in 1799 and rebuilt in 1859. Some resi-
dragged on with the French, leaving the outer colonial
dents raised sheep and some did pursue agriculture, including
settlements in constant danger. In the meantime, the General
raising cranberries. The invasion of summer visitors began
Court decided to authorize clergymen to perform marriages
in 1835 with the first Methodist camp meeting in an old oak
as, up to this point, they were performed only by the local
grove on the high bluffs, seven miles from town. The meetings
magistrate as a civil matter.
were part of the Second Great Awakening sweeping across
1693
The last execution was performed of a person accused
New England. Attendees slept in family tents on straw. By
of witchcraft in Massachusetts.
August 1859, the meeting at Martha's Vineyard had become
1694
Governor Phips returned to England, dying there the
the largest in the world, tallying more than 12,000 participants
next year. Judge William Stoughton became acting governor
one Sunday that month. That was also the same year that
of Massachusetts and served until 1699. A "codfish aristo-
a man from Providence, Rhode Island had a little cottage
cracy" of prospering merchants and tradesmen developed in
shipped in to replace the family's tent. The cottage was
Boston as these people became enchanted with the latest
decorated with elaborate wood carvings and started a craze
fashions from London. The churches began to exhibit less of
of wooden "gingerbread" cottages with Gothic-styled double
the austerity of the old Puritan meetinghouse and more of the
doors. Twenty years later, the Methodists' camp meeting tent
pretentiousness of London architecture. Many clergymen,
was replaced by the present-day, glass-sided tabernacle. The
Cotton Mather included, felt the inner tug to return to the
Vineyard Gazette had been founded in 1846, the East Chop
strong and simple ways of the Puritan fathers while longing
Lighthouse had been built in 1869 and Penikese Island had
to achieve notoriety in the fast-moving world of a growing
been given to Professor Louis Agassiz with a $50,000
British Empire.
endowment to establish a state game refuge in 1873. In the
JUNE 22, 1695
Two more counties, Dukes and Nantucket,
1870s, a group of Edgartown sea captains saw more oppor-
were added to the structure of the provincial government.
tunity in real estate development than in the fast-fading
whaling industry. They built one of the first planned resorts
DUKES COUNTY
in the nation, next to the Methodist Camp, billed it as
Named in honor of the Duke of York and Albany, second
"Cottage City,' and laid a narrow-gauge railroad from the
son of Charles I, who succeeded his brother Charles II to the
huge hotel complex to the Katama beach. In 1883, fire
throne in 1685. Created: June 22, 1695 from the island of
destroyed the center of the town of Tisbury. In 1907, the state
Martha's Vineyard, including Chappaquiddick Island, and
of Massachusetts bought Penikese Island for a leper colony
the thirteen Elizabeth Islands of the town of Gosnold. County
but the project was soon abandoned. The 1970s brought the
Seat: (Shire Town) Edgartown. Major Events: Wampanoag
state its first licensed winery, Chicama Vineyard at West
Indians inhabited Martha's Vineyard when Watertown Mer-
Tisbury. The "On-Time" ferry takes visitors to Chappa-
chant Thomas Mayhew, Sr. purchased what later became the
quiddick Island which is East or Down Island. Gay Head is
entire county in 1640 for a price of £40. Gosnold, or the Eliza-
West or Up Island. These commonly used terms were nautical
beth Islands, were settled in 1641. Explorer Bartholomew Gos
and related to the longitude of the locations.
nold had gathered sassafras there on Cuttyhunk Island in
1602. Oak Bluffs, Tisbury and Edgartown were settled the
NANTUCKET COUNTY
following year in 1642. Edgartown was called Nunnepog or
Named for an Indian word nantican meaning "at the promon-
"fresh pond,' then later named for Edgar, Son of James II
tory" or nanticut meaning "far away land" or "nantuck"
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
meaning "sandy, sterile soil tempted no one." Created: June
religious freedom and Quaker philosophy won the minds and
22, 1695 from the island of Nantucket. County Seat: (Shire
hearts of most of the islanders. In 1712, Captain Christopher
Town) Nantucket. Major Events: Nantucket was inhabited
Hussey's small sloop was blown far offshore by a gale where
by about 700 Nauset Indians who proved friendly and
the crew sighted and captured a sperm whale which they soon
hospitable to arriving white men. The island was charted by
discovered offered the very finest in spermaceti oil for lamps
Captain Bartholomew Gosnold in 1602 and by Captain John
and fine wax candles. Islanders then built larger vessels,
Smith in 1614 and later given by Charles I of England to Lord
caulked to sail where others would fail, and began shipping
Sterling whose agent sold Nantucket and two, small adjacent
the oil of the sperm whale to Boston, Newport and England.
islands to Thomas Mayhew in 1641. A well-to-do merchant
In 1746, one of four, wind-driven grinding mills was built by
of Watertown, Mayhew paid £40 for the island and considered
seaman Nathan Wilbur, one of which still stands. By 1768,
using it to pasture sheep but changed his mind and ignored
the island had 125 ocean-going whaling ships and by 1774,
his holding for 18 years. For £30 and two beaver hats, one
a fleet of 150 whalers were sailing the seas from the Arctic
for himself and one for his wife, Mayhew sold nine tenths
to the Falklands. During the Revolutionary War, few ships
of Nantucket in July, 1659 to nine "Proprietors of the
survived the British blockade. Some 1,600 Nantucket men were
Common and Undivided Lands of Nantucket." Ben Franklin's
lost along with 80 percent of the fleet. Many of the seamen
grandfather Folger served as interpreter during the negotiatons
died aboard prison ships. During the winters of the War, wood
with Nantucket's Indian residents for the purchase of the land.
and provisions were scarce for surviving islanders. Oil prices
The proprietors or "whole-share" families were from Ames-
were low following the War and cheaper, tallow candles
bury and Salisbury and looked to get out from under the strict,
popular which softened the market for expensive spermaceti.
legalistic demands of John Wintrop's interpretation of the
In 1787, a group of Nantucket whaling men left to pursue
Puritan "city on a hill.' The nine original purchasers were
their craft in Nova Scotia, England and France but returned
Tristram Coffin, Thomas Macy, Christopher Hussey, Richard
to Nantucket because of the French Revolution. In 1791, a
Wayne, Thomas Bernard, Peter Coffin, Stephen Greenleafe,
Nantucket whaler rounded Cape Horn and returned with a
John Sayne and William Pike. Thomas Macy of Salisbury
bountiful catch of Pacific Ocean sperm whales. Prices rose
had been fined £5 for offering temporary shelter from the rain
and, along with Nantucket's shipbuilding, nail and wool
to several Quakers. In the fall of 1659, Macy set out for
manufacturing industries, kept the island in its first golden
Nantucket in an open boat with his wife, five children, Edward
era for 21 years. Then, in the War of 1812, the British captured
Starbuck and 13-year-old Isaac Coleman, rowing around Cape
11 Nantucket vessels. The Quaker island declared neutrality
Cod, missing the Great Harbor and landing at Madaket where
but hard times returned and many fled the island. But the
he established a farm at the west end of the island with the
second golden era was ushered in following the last conflict
aid of the friendly Indians. Years later, Rowland Hussey Macy,
with the British and, by 1830, Nantucket's port was second
bearing the names of two Nantucket proprietors, would
in Massachusetts only to Boston and growing New Bedford
establish a Manhattan haberdashery that would grow into the
and was a major port-of-call for transatlantic packets and
world's largest department store. Other proprietors, with Peter
coastal vessels. In 1841, when Herman Melville's Ishmael of
Folger from Martha's Vineyard, arrived in June, 1661. (Ben
Moby Dick boarded the Pequod, there were over 30 spermaceti
Franklin's mother would be a Nantucket Folger.) Several
candle factories in town and a population reaching 9,000 or
families moved to the North Shore around the harbor of
more. By 1846, the last of several destructive fires had wreaked
Capaum Pond and established the first white settlement,
its havoc and the new, larger whaling vessels had to be
which they called Sherburne. The open harbor of Capaum
lightened and floated across the sandbar at the mouth of the
would eventually fill in and the island's main town of
Great Harbor on "camels" or floating drydocks. The sperm
Nantucket would grow on the shores of the Great Harbor.
whale was becoming scarce and New Bedford's whaling indus-
The island would be a part of York Province until 1692 when
try was increasingly competitive. Coal gas was being used in
it was officially ceded to Massachusetts and made a county
European lamps and the California gold rush lured 14 Nantuc-
in 1695. The island early attracted a growing number of settlers
ket ships to the fields in 1849. Oil would soon be discovered
and two political factions developed. The proprietors or
in Pennsylvania and the Civil War would take its own toll. The
"whole-share" men were led by Tristram Coffin while the
last Nantucket whaler, the Oak, left to find a giant sperm whale
newcomers of "half-share" men were represented by John
in 1869 but never returned to port. The island's population
Gardner. The proprietors owned most of the land but the
dwindled to 3,201 by 1875 but a new and profitable industry
newcomers felt they had equal stake in the island and wanted
was developing from the thousands of recent city dwellers who
democratic governmental procedures. The feud was softened,
looked to Nantucket as a prime vacation retreat. The current
if not ended, by the marriage of Coffin's grandson Jethro
summer population now swells to some 40,000.
to Gardner's daughter Mary in 1686 for whom the island's
"oldest house" was built. The house was built with lumber
1697
King William ended the war in Europe but left the
from the Coffin's sawmill on land that was a gift from the
New World colonies to fight for two more years on their own.
Gardner family. Tristram Coffin died in 1681 and did not
Massachusetts and New York were united under one governor
witness the joining of the two feuding families. As early as
until 1701. Judge Samuel Sewall stood before the congre-
the 1670s, white settlers and Indians had joined forces to hunt
gations of Boston and repented his acceptance of "spectral
right whales which were a small species visible from lookout
evidence" in the Salem trials that resulted in the execution
stations on shore. Indians manned the boats with the whites
of innocent people. The entire jury and one of the "afflicted
and shared in the meat and other products. In the 1690s, the
girls" also recanted their charges and asked forgiveness of
industrious little island attracted Quakers to its realm of
the families.
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
1698
The Massachusetts General Court passed a law
Canada. Conspiring with General Francis Nicholson of New
establishing that the child of a slave would automatically be
York, Dudley sent four sachems of the Iroquois Confederacy
considered a slave by birth.
to London in full Indian dress to obtain the Queen's support.
1699
Richard Coote, Earl of Nellomont, took over as
1711
The theatrical ploy worked but the ensuing operation
governor of Massachusetts, serving until 1700. The General
against Quebec was a disaster for a variety of reasons. Mean-
Court passed a law designed to avoid the spread of infectious
while, the General Court in Boston reversed the attainders
diseases.
against most of the Salem witchcraft victims and voted
1700
The Province of Massachusetts boasted from 56,000
reparations to the families to cover their court costs.
to 80,000 inhabitants (depending on the estimate) with most
1713
The Treaty of Utrecht ended the war, won Newfound-
towns consisting of 200 to 300 families. The Puritans had
land and Nova Scotia for England, and presided over thirty
originally envisioned that the maximum town size should be
years of peace between the European powers. The war
about 100 families. In the period from 1700 to 1770, a total
convincingly demonstrated the importance of naval power
of 168 new towns would be incorporated. As the need for
and promoted England from a major, sea-going contender
defense diminished, decentralization increased. William
to undisputed ruler of the ocean waves. Cotton Mather's
Stoughton once again was appointed acting governor, serving
exploration of astronomy, botany and physics as well as
until 1701. Judge Sewall published The Selling of Joseph which
theology won him election to the Royal Society in London.
protested slavery in Massachusetts.
1714
Queen Anne died, leaving the throne, peace and an
1701
During this year, the province was governed by the
extended empire to George I while, in Boston, King's Chapel
Executive Council after the death of Governor Stoughton
installed the nation's first pipe organ.
while Reverend Cotton Mather of Boston's Second Congre-
1715
Following Joseph Dudley, the Executive Council
gational Church published A Christian at His Calling which
administered the province until William Tailer was named
dealt with the Christian in the business world. The Board of
acting governor, serving until 1716.
Trade in London recommended to the House of Commons
1716
Samuel Shute, newly appointed governor, arrived to
that the entire colonial system be overhauled, decreasing the
find a House of Representatives that, according to him, had
power of the local assemblies and increasing the power
greater powers than the House of Commons. Non-English
of the Crown.
immigrants from Scotland, Ireland, Germany and France
1702
The Crown appointed Joseph Dudley as the new
continued to pour into New England and the other colonies,
governor and he served until 1715. Before the House of
bringing Massachusett's population to over 90,000 and swell-
Commons could act upon the recommendations of the Board
ing Boston to a seaport of about 18,000 inhabitants.
of Trade, King William died and was peacefully succeeded
1717
Reverend John Wise, a Congregational minister in
by Queen Anne, his sister-in-law. Trade continued to increase
Ipswich of Essex County, published A Vindication of the Gov-
in the province as Massachusetts' ships stopped in Africa and
ernment of New-England Churches to defend the democracy
the West Indies as well as England, Scotland and Ireland. This
and autonomy of each local congregation against the prof-
trading activity would be increasingly regulated by the series
fered plans of Cotton Mather and some other clergymen to
of Trade and Navigation Acts first issued by the Crown in
establish an association which would assume a certain amount
1650. Boston's printing presses now turned out more material
of central control over Puritan church government.
than any other English city except London. Two months after
SUMMER 1721
The Boston Gazette, founded by William
Queen Anne gained the throne, England plunged into war
Booker, was in its third year of production when a ship from
with France and Spain, a conflict referred to in the colonies
the West Indies docked in Boston Harbor, manned by a crew
as Queen Anne's War. The New England frontier was once
infected with smallpox. The seaport reeled under a serious
again attacked by Abnaki Indians led by the French. Deerfield
smallpox epidemic. Reverend Cotton Mather had read in the
was destroyed and many of its residents carried off. Maine's
publication of the Royal Society how healthy people could
coastal settlements were wiped out for the third time. Governor
be inoculated with the pus of an infected person in order to
Dudley, acting on advice from the Reverend Solomon
prevent the spread of the disease. He convinced Dr. Zabdiel
Stoddard of Northampton, established a frontier patrol
Boylston to inoculate some 250 people, all but six of whom
equipped with snowshoes and moccasins.
recovered, while fully half of those uninoculated residents who
APRIL 24, 1704
This date marked the appearance of the
caught the disease died. The alien practice provoked much
Boston New-Letter, a weekly that would prove to be the first,
protest, led by the newspaper published by Benjamin
successful American newspaper. It continued to be published
Franklin's half-brother. However, Dr. Boylston repeated the
weekly until the American Revolution.
process during the next epidemic, again demonstrating its
JANUARY 17, 1706
Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston
successful performance.
where he attended school until the age of ten. Working first
1722
Shute returned to England and William Demmer
in a tallow shop, he later apprenticed as a printer to his half-
became acting governor. Shute complained that the House
brother James, leaving Boston for Philadelphia at age 17.
of Representatives had complete power to set the governor's
1707
French privateers preyed upon New England fishing
and lieutenant governor's salaries, reporting that the colonists
boats, inspiring an unsuccessful attack by Massachusetts on
failed to pay him properly at first, then refused to pay him
Port Royal, the French base in Acadia. In England, the Act
at all. Religious tolerance and liberalism continued to gain
of Unity joined Scotland to the Empire.
acceptance in cosmopolitan Boston. Cotton Mather proudly
1710
A second attack on Port Royal by Massachusetts was
admitted Baptists, Lutherans, Anglicans and Presbyterians
successful, goading Governor Dudley to press England for
to communion with the Second Congregational Church. But
the wherewithal to throw France, once and for all, out of
the old ways remained strong in the more rural towns and
180
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
villages where residents upheld, if not always the substance
Shrewsbury, Southborough, Leicester, Rutland and Lunen-
of Puritanism, at least the outward forms of the faith of the
burg. The Mendon, Woodstock, Oxford, Sutton and Uxbridge
fathers. At Yale Commencement, the Rector Reverend
towns were taken from Suffolk County and Brookfield was
Timothy Cutler ended with a quote from the Anglican Book
taken from Hampshire. In 1748, Woodstock revolted and
of Prayer. This would not do at Connecticut's Puritan
joined the colony of Connecticut. The matter was agreed to
Seminary. Confessing Anglican theology, the Rector was
by all parties following the Revolution. The First Parish
dismissed. He returned to England for an Oxford degree and
meeting house was founded in Ashby in 1767. Now Unitarian,
Anglican ordination and then came back to the colonies to
the church's Willard Clock is hand wound by the town's
fill the pulpit of Christ Church in Boston.
salaried clock winder. John Chapman (Johnny Appleseed)
1723
Laxity was growing everywhere, even at Harvard
was born in Leominster in 1775 where Obadia Hills began
seminary. A committee headed by Judge Sewall reported this
making horn combs in 1770. By 1845, Leominster would boast
year that "There has been a practice of general immoralities
of 24 comb factories. During the 1770s, Isaiah Thomas
particularly stealing, lying, swearing, idleness, picking of
published The Massachusetts Spy in Worcester as an effective
locks, and too frequent use of strong drink." An early
tool to unite anti-British sentiment. Following the War, in 1791,
publication of Benjamin Franklin would also attack the
it was a Worcester court that decided that the Bill of Rights
frivolity and luxury indulged in by Harvard students.
applied also to Negro slaves. Meanwhile, Mother Ann Lee
1727
George I died and was succeeded by his son George
came to Harvard, the northeastern tip of the county, in 1781
II, the last English king to actually lead his army in conflict
and set up the Harvard Shaker Village for the United Society
on the battlefield.
of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing. The society
1728
William Burret became governor of the province for
flourished in Harvard from 1791 to 1918, practicing celibacy,
the period of one year.
communism and the rhythmic worship dances for which the
1729
William Demmer returned as acting governor to serve
name, "Shaker," was awarded. Universalism crossed the
only until 1730.
Atlantic to Oxford in 1792 when the church was built there
1730
Population estimates for the time range from 114,000
as the first Universalist house of worship in the nation. The
to over 150,000 residents in Massachusetts. William Tailer was
following year the stage began running from Boston to
called upon to act as governor until the crown appointee,
Fitchburg. James M. Comee's home became the first Gardner
Jonathan Belcher, took the position, serving until 1741.
chair factory in 1805, while the first cotton mill appeared at
Belcher was a native of the colony and attempted unsuccess-
Blackstone in 1809 followed by the first woolen mill in 1914.
fully to serve both the wishes of the Crown and the interests
Back in Worcester, printer Isaiah Thomas founded the
of his fellow colonists. Massachusetts' first paper mill began
American Antiquarian Society in 1812 as an independent
to turn cloth scraps into paper as it started operations on the
research library. Today it holds two-thirds of all known items
Neponset River in Milton.
printed in the United States from 1639 to 1821. The Farmer's
APRIL 5, 1731
Westward settlement and organization
Almanac was now a part of West Boylston's industry as Robert
urged the formation of Worcester County.
Bailey Thomas had moved to "the old Shrewsbury Leg"
(which later became Sterling and then West Boylston) and
WORCESTER COUNTY
opened a book bindery in his father's home, originating what
Named for Worcester, England. Created: April 5, 1731 from
was to be a popular publication. Erastus Bigelow, born in West
Middlesex, Suffolk and Hampshire Counties. County Seat:
Boylston in 1814, invented the power loom for carpet weaving.
(Shire Towns) Worcester and Fitchburg. Major Events: Parts
Bigelow Carpets would be made in Clinton from 1848 to 1933.
of this inland area were visited by Englishmen as early as 1633,
The Blackstone Canal was built in 1828 but closed in 1848,
followed by "Prayin' John" Eliot who visited the Quaboag
replaced by the railroad. American Optical Company was
Indians in the area of Brookfield in 1655. Five years later,
founded in 1833 in Southbridge, the "birthplace of the
that land was granted to Ipswich residents by the General
American optical industry.' In 1841, Universalist minister
Court and Brookfield was founded as Quaboag in 1664.
Adin Ballou bought land for the Hopedale Fraternal
Lancaster became the county's first incorporated town in
Community, another experiment in communal living. E.D.
1653. Called Quinshepauge, Mendon was burned during King
Draper succeeded Ballou as president of the society, which
Philip's War and later stood against the discontented farmers
he proceeded to dissolve in order to establish a textile
of Shays Rebellion. In 1669, a tract of 20 acres was purchased
machinery plant. Back in Harvard in 1843 where the Shaker
in the area of present-day Worcester to be reserved as common
community still existed, transcendentalist Bronson Alcott
open space, the first tract to be bought for such a purpose
commenced his own social-religious experiment at Fruitlands
in America. Daniel Gookin and Reverend John Eliot visited
Farmhouse on Prospect Hill. Called New Eden, the com-
the Nipmuck Indians here in 1674 and Gookin returned with
munity observed the sanctity of all life, even trying to pull
a small group of settlers in 1682. After fleeing to safety in
their own plows in order not to exploit an animal. The experi-
1702 during Queen Anne's War, the settlers returned in 1712
ment lasted six months. In 1844, Philander Derby designed
to be joined by about 200 more colonists by 1717. From this
the Boston rocker in Gardner. Two years later, on September
shaky beginning, Worcester has grown to be the second largest
30, 1846, dentist William Thomas Green Morton performed
city in New England. The Eleazer Brown family were the first
a deep tooth extraction, assisted by Dr. Charles T. Jackson,
settlers of Hubbardston where the Hubbardston Nonesuch
on a patient anesthetized with ether. A month later, the
apple was discovered in 1790. When the county was formed
dentists assisted a public demonstration of the procedure
in 1731, the first eight towns were taken from Middlesex
during a major operation at Massachusetts General Hospital.
County, including Worcester, Lancaster, Westborough,
In 1852, the Catholic congregation at Blackstone was divided
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
181
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
as St. Pauls' Church was built on the border between
audience of colonial churches. To these last two rival move-
Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Half the congregation sat
ments, the strongly Calvinistic Edwards would add a third
in one state while the other half sat across the border. A
which would grow to be known as the Great Awakening. He
Charlton gravestone, etched "1860," marks the passing of
began to preach revival sermons to his congregation, empha-
James Capen "Grizzly" Adams, a Massachusetts native who
sizing his belief in the sovereignty of God and God's pure,
left his trade of shoe making at the age of 45 to hunt and
unmerited grace which, Edwards claimed, brought sinners to
befriend bears in the Rocky Mountains. Adams' fame spread
a saving belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
when he toured with P.T. Barnum. In the earlier 1800s, Sterling
His sermons also graphically portrayed the pit of hell and
had been home to young Mary Sawyer who made a pet out
fiery torments that were the eternal destiny of those who
of a weak lamb that required special attention. The lamb
rejected Christ. Though other clergymen were preaching
followed Mary to the Reedstone Hill School one day and hid
similar sermons, it was Edwards who was recognized on both
under her desk. The famous rhyme "Mary Had a Little
sides of the Atlantic as a brilliant scholar, and it was in
Lamb" was written by John Roulstone who was living nearby
Northampton that a remarkable spiritual awakening was most
with his uncle. In 1868, Laroy S. Starret founded the company
visible.
in Athol that is today a world leader in producing precision
SPRING 1735
The church at Northampton had some 300
measuring instruments. By 1870, Milford had two of the
new members as people flocked to profess conversion and
nation's largest boot factories and Reverend Patrick Cuddahy
became thoroughly absorbed in the fundamental truths of
had discovered the nation's first pink granite. By 1890,
Christianity as expounded by Edwards.
Leicester produced one-fourth of all wool cards manufactured
OCTOBER 30, 1735
Future President John Adams was
in the United States and, in 1903, Alfred Augustus Marshall
born in the town of Braintree, inheriting a family name that
began growing apples in Fitchburg. In 1920, East Brookfield
would long grace the annals of Massachusetts and American
was incorporated as the youngest town in Massachusetts and
history. His father was of a long line of farmers but acquired
on March 16, 1926, Worcester native Dr. Robert H. Goddard
some notice by marrying Susanna Boylston, daughter of a
launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket from Paka-
prominent New England family. The family house where John
choag Hill in Auburn. The Worcester Foundation for Experi-
was born still stands at 133 Franklin Street in what is now
mental Biology in Shrewsbury pioneered oral contraceptives
the city of Quincy. Also during the year, Paul Revere was born
in a county that is today the scene of international bike races
and the Boston Evening Post appeared.
and a residence for a myriad of immigrant groups. Bolton
1736
Jonathan Edwards chronicled the Northampton
welcomed the Nashoba Valley Winery in 1985. During the
revival in a pamphlet called A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising
devastating drought of 1986 in the nation's Southeast, Wor-
Work of God in the Conversion of Many Hundred Souls in
cester farmers shipped thousands of hay bales to the
Northampton. This account would be widely circulated and
beleaguered states in an attempt to save livestock in Georgia,
read with great interest. In England, Parliament passed a law
Alabama, and North and South Carolina.
against the prosecution of individuals as witches.
1738
John Wesley, a missionary from England to the
DECEMBER 23, 1732
Governor Belcher addressed a letter
Indians of colonial Georgia, was joined by George Whitefield.
to the Board of Trade in London concerning the fact that the
Here, Whitefield read Edwards' A Faithful Narrative, from
lower house of the Massachusetts General Court, or General
which he received his inspiration to join the revival preachers.
Assembly as he called it, held the power of the purse and used
Meanwhile, Wesley returned to England, was truly converted,
it to get their way with the royal representatives. He pointed
and launched Methodism.
out that the Crown's officers were becoming useless
1740
Although Calvinistic in his views, Whitefield devel-
figureheads.
oped an emotionally appealing, down-to-earth style of
DECEMBER 25, 1733
The Molasses Act, passed by
preaching which greatly contrasted with the dignified and
Parliament under Prime Minister Walpole, specified that, after
intellectual approach used by both the Puritan and Anglican
this date, there would be a tax on all rum or other spirits
pastors. Coming to Massachusetts, he preached for a month
produced in the colonies and upon all non-English molasses
in Boston and converted hundreds of people from all walks
or syrup products imported into the colonies. This struck
of life. His New England crusade lasted 75 days, took him
heavily at New England's thriving trade with both the Spanish
800 miles by horse or carriage and drew crowds of 20,000
and French West Indies as well as at one of its leading
excited souls at a sitting. During that time he delivered 175
industries-rum distilling. The New Englanders would
sermons. The Massachusetts clergymen by and large
circumvent what could otherwise have been a disastrous policy
vigorously opposed the movement, though a significant
by smuggling, bribing the English customs officials and
minority began themselves to preach revival sermons. The
importing cheap French rum.
result was the creation of "New Light" and "Old Light"
1734
The Reverend Jonathan Edwards of the Puritan
churches. The New Lights returned to Calvinistic doctrine
church in Northampton along the Connecticut River, wit-
but with a new, individual spirituality as opposed to the old,
nessed, even that far west, what he saw as: a continual decline
corporate Puritan view of one town, one church, one faith.
in church attendance; the growing practice of outward but
Massachusetts was now genuinely pluralistic. Many of the
empty forms of piety and religiosity; and a return by those
New Light churches eventually became Baptist or Methodist.
few who were still interested in their souls to beliefs in salvation
At the same time, even American Anglicans were fighting the
through the efforts of man. In addition, the Church of
Church of England missionaries' request for an American
England was aggressively seeking converts in the colony while
bishop. England wisely did not respond to the petition.
a movement of humanistic liberalism managed to gain its own
Reaction among certain offended, influential residents of
of
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
orthampton to the Great Awakening forced Jonathan
1749
Lieutenant Governor Spencer Phips became acting
dwards to move with his wife and eight children to
governor of the province, serving until 1753.
tockbridge in the Berkshire Hills, becoming a missionary
1750
The General Court passed "An Act to Prevent Stage
a small Indian reservation. His writings would continue
Plays and Other Theatrical Entertainments" which imposed
be noted on both sides of the Atlantic. John Adams' older
a fine of £20 on anyone who allowed their premises to be used
busin, Samuel, also a Boston native, graduated from Harvard
as a stage and a fine of £5 on anyone who attended or acted
the same time his father, a prominent brewer, was involved
in a production.
romoting the Massachusetts Land Bank. This was a scheme
1752
Thomas Hutchinson, former representative and
evised to make paper money loans to farmers backed by the
speaker of the General Court in Boston and now a member
alue of their land. Since England banned the colonial minting
of the Governor's Council, accepted appointment as a judge
f money as well as the export of English coin to America,
of probate and common pleas in Suffolk County. Suffolk
e colonies were always short of a practical medium of
County then included Boston and 18 other towns. Hutchinson
change and resorted to paper money which normally
was a Boston native, descended form a long line of shrewd
roduced inflation. Meanwhile, the Jews of England had
English merchants, and distantly related to Anne Hutchinson,
ained sufficient power to convince George II to confer
the Antinomian. When in the legislature, he had led the
tizenship on Jews in the American colonies, even though
victorious hard-money advocates in the fight against the Land
e Jews in England would not receive such a privilege.
Bank and paper currency, a position which he credited for
rotestants, Quakers and Jews, under the Act of 1740, were
Samuel Adams' animosity towards him. Hutchinson devel-
1 granted rights of citizenship but only in the colonies.
oped a somewhat idealized vision of an English Massachusetts
atholics were still excluded. The Crown's motive was purely
that embodied the traditions with which he identified and
conomic in nature as an increased citizenry meant economic
his role in the history of the glorious province. He had entered
owth in the colonies.
Harvard at the age of 12 and begun his fortune through his
41
The Crown appointed William Shirley as governor of
own investments.
lassachusetts. He served until 1749. Hard-money advocates
1753
Military strategist William Shirley again became
id merchants who normally made colonial loans persuaded
governor of the colony and served in the office until 1756.
arliament to outlaw the Land Bank using a law of 1720. This
1754
The American West was a jewel coveted by England,
tion was a severe financial blow to Samuel Adams' father.
France and Spain though it was also a frontier still too savage
42
Faneuil Hall was completed from the plans of colonial
for permanent, peaceful settlement. In order to move west,
ortrait painter John Smibert. Above would be Boston's town
the colonists needed protection against the Indians and the
all and below, a public market. Boston received the structure
French who continued to instigate brutal raids. The colonies,
a gift from city merchant Peter Faneuil.
ready for another war before the Europeans were, agreed to
43
At the age of 21, Samuel Adams presented a master's
send representatives to the Albany Congress which was called
esis at Harvard on the right of revolution. He also thwarted
to promote intercolonial military cooperation. Behind the plan
forts of the Land Banks' creditors to attach his property.
of colonial union was Benjamin Franklin, now of Philadel-
45
King George's War raged against France, the third of
phia, and Thomas Hutchinson. Seven of the 13 colonies
e four French wars, giving Massachusetts citizens one more
attended but neither the Crown nor any of the colonial assem-
oportunity to try their own hand at throwing the French out
blies would ratify the proposal. The colonies were still too
Canada. Governor Shirley sent a force of 4,000 against
independent, closely guarding their control over their own
buisburg on Cape Breton Island, transported by an armada
affairs.
just under 100 ships. Some 50 days and 9,000 cannonballs
1755
The French and Indian War in the colonies was
ter, the French surrendered the gateway to the St. Lawrence
actually part of the Seven Years' War in Europe. Governor
iver to Massachusetts. The colony was gloriously proud of
Shirley of Massachusetts failed in an effort to take Fort
eir victory won for the Crown and were infused with a new
Niagara but Colonial John Winslow of Massachusetts won
irit of British patriotism.
the French Fort Beausejour at the Bay of Fundy in Nova
46
Massachusetts had about 5,000 blacks living among
Scotia.
total population that ranged between 150,000 and 200,000.
1756
The Earl of Loudoun was sent to take Shirley's place
ew England ships actually participated in only a small share
as the British Commander in the colonies and Lieutenant
the slave trade which was carried on mainly by the colonies
Governor Spencer Phips again took over as acting governor
the South and by the English. New England frontier towns
of the province until 1757. The war was going badly for the
ffered once more from raids made by French and Indians,
British on both sides of the ocean and Massachusetts
is time in retaliation for the victory at Louisburg. Boston
theologian Jonathan Edwards wrote "what will become of
as literally saved by the storms and scurvy that ravaged a
us God only knows."
rge French fleet sent to regain Louisburg and burn the Mass-
APRIL 1757
The Executive Council administered the
husetts capital. The fleet returned to France minus 3,000
affairs of the province until August.
ldiers and sailors, including the French Admiral, without
AUGUST 1757
The new royal governor of the colony was
ring a shot. The Puritans considered it an answer to prayer.
Thomas Pownall but he served only until 1760.
48
The treaty that ended King George's War
1758
The tide of war would turn as William Pitt became
agnanimously returned the hard-won Louisburg to the
Secretary of State and Prime Minister of England and turned
ench, a shocking scorn of Massachusetts' patriotism made
his attention to Canada and the American West.
en worse by Parliament's reimbursement of most, not all,
1760
As provincial Massachusetts grew to over 200,000
Massachusetts' expenses.
inhabitants, Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson acted
YING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
183
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
as governor until Sir Francis Bernard arrived to serve as royal
on the Konkapot River at New Marlborough where paper was
governor. Bernard would serve until 1769. Hutchinson was
made from straw. The community also became a station for
appointed by the Crown to the post of chief justice of the
the Red Bird Stagecoach line which ran stages from Hartford
Court of Common Pleas of Massachusetts, a position coveted
to Albany. In 1801, Arthur Schofield started one of the
by the elder James Otis. Hutchinson credited this episode for
nation's first woolen mills in Pittsfield while Zenas Crane
turning the young James Otis against him. Meanwhile,
established the state's first paper mill west of the Connecticut
William Pitt ordered that the Molasses Act of 1733 be strictly
River in Dalton. By 1807, Elkanah Watson had brought
enforced (which it had never been). England's basic policy
Merino sheep to Pittsfield. Watson founded the Berkshire
toward its colonies was to settle the Western question, enforce
Agricultural Society which organized the first county agri-
the Acts of Trade and Navigation, and collect taxes from the
cultural fair in America in 1811. Pittsfield became the state's
colonists which would help pay the war debts and provide
woolen-manufacturing center for several decades, where
for continuing defense of the colonies.
Schofield invented a wool-carding machine and began to
manufacture looms. Susan B. Anthony was born in Adams
BERKSHIRE COUNTY
in 1820 while William Cullen Bryant practiced law in Great
Named for Berkshire County, England. Created: May 28, 1760
Barrington. The 1840s brought French Canadians and Italians
from Hampshire County. County Seats: (Shire Towns) Lenox
to the county and, in 1846, Crane Mills began manufacturing
and Pittsfield. Major Events: The hill towns of Berkshire
United States currency on their own special paper, produced
County were not generally settled until the 1700s. Major
only for that purpose. Ezra Cornell put the county's first
Talcott and his men captured a group of fleeing Marragansettt
telegraph station at Great Barrington in 1848 and a Berkshire
Indians during King Philip's War at the old Indian Fort in
Unitarian minister, Edmund H. Sears, wrote the now-famous
present-day Great Barrington. That was the last Indian fight
Christmas hymn, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," in 1849.
in the area, though the Great Road that ran through the town
Sears was a native of Sandisfield. The county seat was moved
was used in the French and Indian War. Many of the first
from Lenox to Pittsfield in the 1860s and the Hoosac Tunnel
Berkshire settlers were Dutch rather than English. Mount
was completed in 1875. At the time, it was the second-longest
Washington is the state's smallest town in population and tries
tunnel in the world. Three years later, North Adams separated
to be the first American town to report its vote during a
from Adams and incorporated under its present name. Before
presidential election. Citizens of Mount Washington vote right
World War I, the writings of Henry Ward Beecher, Nathaniel
after sunrise. The General Court granted the site of present-
Hawthorne, Catherine Sedgewick, Oliver Wendell Holmes,
day Stockbridge for an Indian mission school in 1734. The
Herman Melville and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow attracted
area was home to the Mukhekanew Indians from whom local
wealthy Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York residents
settlers learned to make maple sugar. Stockbridge was settled
to the Berkshires as summer residents who often established
in 1734 but was limited by the General Court to four white
large estates, built mansions and contributed a number of
families. Reverend Jonathan Edwards came to teach at the
institutions to various communities. The war and income tax
mission in 1751 when he was forced from his Northampton
drove many away but they have since been replaced by artists,
pulpit during the latter part of the Great Awakening. Fort
dancers, writers, musicians and tourists. Tanglewood, the
Massachusetts was built at North Adams in 1744 and attacked
summer home of the Boston Symphony, was donated in 1934
two years later by some 500 French soliders with about 300
and today's Berkshire Music Festival lasts six weeks every
Indians who burned the fort and the settlement. In 1765,
summer.
Rhode Island Quakers replaced the Connecticut Congrega-
tionalists who never managed to build a permanent com-
FEBRUARY 1761
While chief justice, Hutchinson
munity there. The "area west of Fort Massachusetts" referred
strengthened his Tory ties and opposed a measure to enlarge
to later by Colonel Ephraim Williams was settled about 1749.
representation in the legislature as well as supported the
The colonel died in 1755 a victim of the French and Indian
issuance of writs of assistance to customs officials. These writs
War, and bequeathed money for the establishment of a free
granted the officials very general powers of search and seizure,
school upon the condition that the northwestern tip of
greatly angering the colonists whose smuggling activities were
Massachusetts be named Williamstown. Partridgefield was
highly developed. The colonists cared naught about a trader's
named Peru in 1770. This town is the highest inhabited village
flag, only about his goods. At this time the young James Otis,
in the state. The poor were sold at auction here into the 1830s.
a West Barnstable native and Harvard graduate, held office!
Shadrach Pierce auctioned Abagail Thayer for 90 cents per
as the king's advocate general. He renounced his position in
week in 1807. She was thus offered every year for almost 30
order to argue the case against writs of assistance in court
years. The Sheffield Resolves denouncing Parliament were
before the judges and Chief Justice Hutchinson. Otis claimed
issued in 1773. The Stockbridge Indians were the only tribe
the writs were too general, virtually allowing anyone to search
to serve in the Revolution and the first tribe to receive United
anyone else's business or home, a situation ripe for abuse.
States citizenship but they were later moved west, eventually
He progressed to pronouncing the writs unconstitutional and
to Wisconsin. The final skirmish of Shays Rebellion occurred
defended each man's right to life, liberty and property, assert-
at Sheffield in 1787. About 90 rebels freed debtors from the
ing the rights to be inherent and inalienable. John Adams
Great Barrington jail and fled but were overtaken at Sheffield
called him a "flame of fire" and, though full of admiration,
where one-third of the group was killed. The free school at
was somewhat disturbed at the strength with which Otis
Williamstown finally opened in 1790 and was chartered three
argued also the rights of Negroes. Adams favored gradual
years later as Williams College, the state's second college. The
abolition of slavery but Otis was revolutionary and radical
second mill to be built in the nation was erected in the 1700s
in his approach to freedom for everyone. "Then and there,"
184
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
later wrote Adams, "the child Independence was born."
Adams wrote the Boston instructions against the act.
MAY, 1761
Otis' defense of the Boston merchants-gained
SUMMER, 1764
James Otis published a pamphlet entitled
him much notice and was the foundation for his eventual
The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved. In it he
reputation as possibly the most influential colonial leader in
expounded on theories of governmental forms, expanded his
the revolutionary movement. He was elected from Boston to
earlier arguments regarding the rights of the individual,
the General Court.
considered the advantages of American representation in
1761
While a group of lawyers organized the Suffolk
Parliament (though arguing for the superior policy of the
County Bar Association, Professor John Winthrop of Har-
colonies' own legislative powers), negated any difference
vard, teacher of physics, chemistry and astronomy, took his
between what was called internal and external taxation and
students to Newfoundland to see a transit of Venus. He also
denounced taxation without representation. The "colonists,
taught that earthquakes were purely physical phenomena and
black and white, born here," he advanced, "are freeborn
not, he said, heavenly omens.
British subjects." The General Court of Massachusetts
1762
The war was going too well for the British. Pitt in
formally endorsed the pamphlet and shipped copies of it off
his zeal exceeded George III's traditional and noble concept
to London.
of conquest, leading to his dismissal. George III then
AUGUST 1764
Boston merchants met and agreed that they
proceeded to pursue peace negotiations. Faneuil Hall burned
would boycott lace and ruffles from England.
but would soon be rebuilt according to its original plan.
SEPTEMBER 1764
Boston town mechanics took notice
FEBRUARY 1763
The Treaty of Paris awarded England
of the merchants' action and agreed to wear only leather work
all of North America west of Louisiana, from the Gulf of
clothes manufactured in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, as the
Mexico to upper Canada. Spain received French Louisiana
heady ale of independence first began to brew, the young
in return for Florida. Also during the year, Thomas Secker,
lawyer John Adams married the daughter of a Weymouth
Archbishop of Canterbury, would again raise the hated ques-
minister, Abigail Smith. She would later become one of the
tion of colonial bishops. Pamphlets and sermons flew in
first American promoters of women's suffrage.
response between Congregationalists, Presbyterians and
1765
Massachusetts boasted a population estimated at
Anglicans, and Samuel Adams used the issue to fuel the fire
some 240,000. While Governor Bernard fashioned a design
of discontent and to align the colonial clergy with the
for Harvard Hall, colonists dealt with a new revenue act which
Whig Party.
had been a year in the making.
OCTOBER 7, 1763
In response to a well-organized Indian
MARCH 22, 1765
Parliament passed Grenville's Stamp Act
campaign under Pontiac, England's new Prime Minister,
which, taking effect on November 1, would require that almost
George Grenville, decided to limit westward movement as a
anything printed must appear on special stamped paper
way to cap the expense of protecting the colonies. The West
shipped from London. Colonial Americans would be selected
came under military rule and settlement was banned west of
as stamp distributors who would distribute the paper and
a Proclamation Line drawn down the crest of the Appalachian
collect the taxes which Grenville hoped would amount to one-
Mountains. Instead of looking at this as probably a temporary
third of the funds needed for American defense.
measure, the colonists interpreted it as a new policy of the
MAY 1765
American newspapers were full of details
Crown which restricted their freedom and economic
concerning the ensuing Stamp Act, arousing towns and
opportunity. As in other cases, the law was defied by many.
villages throughout Massachusetts.
The English also decided the same year to station 10,000
JUNE 6, 1765
The Assembly decided to propose to the
British troops in the colonies at a cost of £350,000 per year,
General Court an intercolonial meeting to establish unified
one-third of which should be paid by the Americans.
resistance to the Stamp Act.
APRIL 5, 1764
Grenville continued what he considered to
JUNE 8, 1765
The General Court drafted a circular letter
be a reasonable and moderate policy of offsetting a heavy
to each colonial legislature calling for a Stamp Act Congress
war debt and mounting defense costs. The colonies, he
to meet in New York City, consisting of representatives from
decided, should: one, pay their fair share of expenses necessary
each colony.
for their own protection and, two, fulfill their proper economic
AUGUST 1765
A month of upheaval on both sides of the
role within the newly expanded Empire. The new Sugar Act
ocean, August saw the fall of Grenville's ministry as George
was actually milder than the Molasses Act of 1733, cutting
III wearied of his Prime Minister's nagging and pious sense
in half the duty to be paid on French and Spanish molasses.
of duty, and bristled at Grenville's regency bill which excluded
But it also levied new taxes on sugar and forbade the
the King's mother from the government. Grenville was
importation of rum. Besides interfering with the established
replaced by the young leader of the Old Whigs, the Marquess
triangular trade pattern developed by New England, the act
of Rockingham. In Massachusetts, the revolutionary Sam
threatened to drain more hard money from the colonies, which
Adams was instrumental in forming the middle-class farmers
were squeezed even further by another act forbidding the
and artisans into action-oriented groups who called them-
printing of paper money throughout English America. An
selves the Sons of Liberty, ready to resist the Stamp Act "to
additional reform of the customs service attempted to crack
the last extremity.' These groups would spread throughout
down on smugglers while England continued its repressive
the colonies. After learning from the newspapers that Gren-
policy of banning manufacturing in the colonies and requiring
ville had appointed the well-to-do Andrew Oliver as Boston's
the purchase of English goods.
stamp distributor, the mob stoned and pillaged his house,
MAY 24, 1764
The Boston town meeting seethed with
setting an example for the rest of the colonies to follow. The
indignant colonists who protested the Sugar Act on the
next day Oliver was visited by a group of men who explained
grounds of taxation without representation. A pleased Sam
that to avoid further damage, Oliver would do well to renounce
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
185
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
the forthcoming commission which he did immediately and
those to come. "The Declarations" were adopted on October
then again when it formally arrived. This riotous action
19 and additional petitions were prepared, though not all the
against Oliver was approved by "the principal people of the
delegates would sign even these moderate and mild
town," according to Governor Bernard. Then the highly
protestations. Parliament merely rejected them.
effective night violence was also turned on the Comptroller
NOVEMBER 1, 1765
The day the Stamp Act was to go
of Customs, one of the officers of the admiralty court, and
into effect, the colonists determined to proceed as if it were
on Lieutenant-Governor Hutchinson whose ancestral man-
never proposed and the stamped paper lay unused as business
sion was horribly ransacked and looted and all but destroyed.
carried on as usual. The most effective resistance came from
Hutchinson himself barely escaped the temper of the mob,
the merchants who had all agreed to boycott British goods.
as they wished to kill him. The greatest loss of all was the
JANUARY 17, 1766
America's nonimportation agreements
burning of Hutchinson's careful and large collection of
at a time of postwar recession adversely affected London mer-
original manuscripts regarding Massachusetts' history. In the
chants, who petitioned Parliament to repeal the Stamp Act.
light of day, most Bostonians recoiled at the latest "anarchy"
MARCH 18, 1766
Rockingham used the economic situation
and "abominable outrages and excesses on the persons or
as an excuse to repeal the Stamp Act but Parliament insisted
property of others." Even those who had longest preached
on passing the Declaratory Act which affirmed their right
on the right of revolution and against British policy, such as
to make laws and statutes binding the colonists "in all cases
Jonathan Mayhew, though they were reluctant to identify the
whatsoever." This last phrase was Rockingham's vague way
offenders, were loath to sanction the latest violence. They did
of appeasing both those who thought the phrase did not
not, however, make any offer to compensate the victims and
include the right to tax and those who thought it did. In
they took great pains to divide the still-approved action against
addition, the molasses duty was lowered again to only one
Oliver from the other incidents. This was the last of such
penny per gallon.
pointed vengeance, with ensuing acts of resistance controlled
SUMMER, 1766
England learned of the colonists' resist-
to the point of lulling Hutchinson into believing that "his
ance to the billeting act, passed during Grenville's ministry,
Massachusetts" was returning to normal. Hutchinson always
which required that each province provide food and shelter
professed a sincere loyalty to Massachusetts as did the
for those troops stationed there. The colonists protested by
colonists to the Crown. But the colonists could not reconcile
providing inadequate food and supplies and calling them gifts.
Hutchinson's expressed loyalty and affection with his growing
JULY 1766
The Rockingham ministry having passed from
Tory sentiments. The citizens of Massachusetts in general took
favor, William Pitt returned to power as Prime Minister. Pitt
pride in being British subjects and part of the western world's
was popular with the colonists as he opposed Parliament's
greatest empire. But they also saw themselves as equal in every
right to tax the Americans and pushed for the repeal of the
way to their brethren in Britain. In the area of self-government,
Stamp Act. But he did not like the fact that his troops were
they were actually more advanced than their English counter-
not being properly fed. Pitt's failing health left Charles
parts. They would gladly give allegiance to the King and
Townsend, Chancellor of the Exchequer, with a good deal
contribute to the Empire as long as they were essentially left
of power, as Pitt often retired to the health resort at Bath.
alone to manage their own daily affairs, practice their own
JUNE-JULY 1767
Townsend ingratiated himself to English
religions and pursue their own fortunes. Even if they had
taxpayers by seeing that the English land tax was reduced and
adequate representation in Parliament, it was just too far away
promising to fill the gap with revenue from the American
to be a practical governmental arrangement. In England,
colonies. Benjamin Franklin had earlier, during the Stamp
Parliament had gained supremacy over the King and the
Act controversy, stretched the truth with Parliament by saying
nobility, providing a welcome and supportive parallel for the
that the colonists only objected to "internal" taxation. So
colonial legislatures to exercise control over the colonies' royal
Townsend determined to slap the provinces with "external"
a
governors. But, although the colonists gave lip service to the
import duties on glass, lead, paper, paints and tea. The duties
supremacy of Parliament over the Empire, the rub came when
were to be collected in America and the entire system would
SI
the colonists believed that Parliament was riding roughshod
now be run by a Board of Customs Commissioners stationed
tl
over their own legislatures. Parliament, they believed, had the
in Boston. While the Townsend Acts were being passed in
la
right to supervise trade but not to tax. Taxation without repre-
Parliament, Abigail Adams gave birth to a son named John
is
sentation was, in the colonists' minds, a direct attack on their
Quincy.
m
power and their property.
OCTOBER 28, 1767
At a town meeting, Boston merchants
di
OCTOBER 14, 1765
John Adams drew up the instructions
led resistance to the duties designed to raise revenue which
SI
for Braintree's representative to the General Court, charging
they declared were an illegal "granting" of their property for
that: 1) the Stamp Act would drain specie from the colonies
tax purposes and not a mere trade regulation. They drew up
dr
in a time of scarce money and post-war recession; 2) the Courts
a list of British goods, mainly luxury items, which would be
of Admiralty, responsible for trying those guilty of trans-
boycotted as of December 31.
SF
gressing the Acts of Navigation and Trade, had only one judge
NOVEMBER 5, 1767
The customs commissioners arrived
and no jury; and 3) the act was unconstitutional as well as
in Boston and the colonists soon felt that they were a greedy,
burdensome. To Adams' surprise, it was only'a matter of
malicious lot and perhaps England's worst decision regarding
months before 40 other Massachusetts towns had copied and
her willful provinces.
adopted the Braintree Instructions.
JANUARY 1768
Lord Hillsborough was appointed to a
OCTOBER 7-24, 1765
The Stamp Act Congress drew
newly created office, Secretary of State for the Colonies, as
the
representatives from nine colonies and would be the first
part of the Grafton ministry. The Duke of Grafton led in the
spe
intercolonial congress to meet in America, a foundation for
place of the ill and absent Pitt.
SEI
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
FEBRUARY 11, 1768
While the merchants braced to boy-
regulars arrived without incident to keep order in the feisty
cott, the Massachusetts General Court had Sam Adams and
town of Boston.
James Otis draft a circular letter to protest taxation without
1769
Boston remained relatively calm, so much so that
representation. The circulation of the letter among the colo-
Governor Bernard could find no excuse to declare martial law
nies would prompt Governor Bernard to dissolve the Massa-
or employ the regulars against an uprising, despite the news-
chusetts legislature which voted 92 to 17 against rescinding
papers' incessant denunciations of himself, the commissioners
the letter.
and the troops. Hostility on the part of the colonists was
MARCH 1768
Boston merchants agreed to expand and
obvious and harassment of the soliders was continual but
extend their boycott if they were joined by New York and
nothing occurred that warranted troop action. Two of the four
Philadelphia merchants.
regiments were recalled to Halifax. Governor Bernard left and
MAY 9, 1768
John Hancock was a 31-year-old merchant
Hutchinson, took over as acting governor. James Otis was
prince who had taken over the House of Hancock at the age
struck on the head with a cutless wielded by a customs official,
of 27, upon the death of his uncle, the richest merchant in
henceforth rendering Otis harmlessly insane with only
Boston. The Harvard graduate was the major contributor to
occasional lucid intervals.
Sam Adams' war chest and the activities of the Sons of
1770
George Whitefield would die this year in Newbury-
Liberty. So admiring was he of Adams that he commissioned
port, while William Billings of Boston published The New
the "Great Agitator's" portrait to hang in his drawing room.
England Psalm Singer, a popular collection of church music.
On this day, Hancock's sloop Liberty had entered Boston
FEBRUARY 1770
In England, the Duke of Grafton
Harbor from Madiera carrying 25 casks of wine. Carefully
returned and Lord North, who had replaced the deceased
following the customs laws, the ship paid the required duty
Charles Townsend as Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1676,
and proceeded to load whale oil and tar. The tricky and
was chosen by George III to build a new ministry to keep the
manipulative customs commissioners had been allowing ships
Old Whigs in power and demonstrate loyalty to the King rather
to give bond when they cleared to leave the harbor instead
than to the House of Commons. George found loyalty in Lord
of before they loaded their cargo, and this was what the Liberty
North but lost the colonies in the outcome.
did. But the commissioners were angry with Hancock for
MARCH 5, 1770
Lord North, with the King's support,
previously protecting his legal rights and physically removing
succeeded in repealing the Townsend Acts except for the tax
two minor customs officials from below decks of his ship Lydia
on tea which was left to remind the colonists of the supremacy
where they officials had no right to be.
of Parliament. Also, the customs commissioners would
JUNE 10, 1768
The Liberty was seized for failing to give
remain to enforce the Acts of Trade. Meanwhile, in Boston
bond before loading. This act of the commissioners was seen
the radicals abused the soldiers in every way they could
as so insidious that it raised a mob of angry citizens who scared
imagine short of a riot. Weekly, The Journal of Public Occur-
the commissioners out of Boston to Castle William, the
rences contrived scandalous stories about the redcoats who,
fortress in the harbor. The commissioners had pled for troops
for the most part, wished to be friendly toward the citizens.
since their arrival but now their plea was in earnest. Secretary
Instead, they were ambushed, clubbed and pelted with
Hillsborough, still fuming over the circular letter and Bos-
snowballs or stones. Citizens who invited a British officer to
ton's defiance, heeded the request and prepared to send
dinner were graphically warned of their error. An ugly incident
four regiments of British regulars from Halifax and
had occurred -at a local ropewalk where a few soldiers had
England.
taken part-time jobs to replace striking workers and supple-
AUGUST 1, 1768
Boston merchants decided to act
ment their own meager pay. As a result, on this evening of
independently of the other colonies and drafted a far-reaching
the formal repeal of the Townsend duties, a group of what
agreement not to import anything from England except for
John Adams later described as "a motley rabble of saucy boys,
salt, coals, fishing and weaving tools, and ammunition. This
negroes and mulattoes, Irish teagues and outlandish Jack
strict boycott, which included the items to be dutied under
tars" gathered and ambushed several soldiers, beating them
the Townsend Acts, would go into effect Janaury 1, 1769 and
severely. According to the account of Thomas Gage, the
last for a full year. Nonimportation agreements were later
British commander-in-chief of the troops stationed in Amer-
issued by merchants of other New England towns. These
ica, several mobs formed and one tried to provoke the main
measures would successfully reduce English imports by half
guard, all of whom ignored the mob and remained quiet. With
during 1768 and 1769.
no results there, the mob fell on the lone sentinel of the
SEPTEMBER 13, 1768
With the General Court barred
customhouse. His calls for help along with reports of a few
from meeting by Governor Bernard, the Boston town meeting
concerned citizens brought a sergeant and 12 soldiers followed
drafted resolutions to define their rights and called a
by a Captain Preston. The captain actually stood between
Convention of Towns to meet instead.
the troops and the mob, who proceeded to dare the soldiers
SEPTEMBER 22, 1768
Representatives of some 100 towns
to fire, pushing against the bayonets and trying to land as
from eastern and central Massachusetts and southern Maine
many blows with their clubs as their reach would allow. The
met in Fanueil Hall to protest the quartering in Boston of
mob pelted the soldiers with stones, bricks, ice, snowballs and
troops who were on their way from Halifax and England.
repugnant language. When one of the rabble landed a
Though the importance of the meeting was summarily dis-
particularly heavy blow on a soldier, the soldier fired. The
missed by Bernard and Hutchinson, the action demonstrated
captain turned to see who fired and received a blow on his
the colonists' belief that they had the right to assemble and
arm that was meant for his head. With shouts of "fire," the
speak in spite of the orders of the royal officers.
mob grew bolder thinking that the British had only fired
SEPTEMBER 29, 1768
The first regiments of British
powder. Deciding their lives were truly in danger, several
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
187
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
soldiers fired, one after the other. Five colonists would die,
percentage of the total wealth. In 1698, a total of 261
including a sailor and mulatto Crispus Attucks who was
Bostonians out of a population of about 6,000 owned shares
reported to be the most aggressive member of the mob. Six
in a seagoing vessel. In the first years of the 1700s, almost
more were wounded but no shots were fired at the soldiers.
one-third of Boston's adult male population owned at least
As more soldiers and citizens poured out of their barracks
part of a trading vessel. By 1771, less than five percent of the
and homes to see the excitement, Hutchinson stepped out on
taxable population held shares in shipping of ten tons or more,
the balcony of the Town House and, promising due course
even though the total tonnage owned by Bostonians had
of law, appealed to the crowd to go home. Town selectmen
doubled since 1698. The top quarter of the population in terms
circulated through the mob, also encouraging the citizens to
of total assets held 90 percent of Boston's tonnage. Merchant
go home and further violence was averted. Through much
prince John Hancock's taxable wealth totaled £18,000 while
effort on Hutchinson's part and because Sam Adams wanted
James Otis was assessed at £2,040. In contrast, a taxable estate
England to see Bostonians as principled, law-abiding citizens,
of £40 qualified William Barret to be elected the town's
the soldiers received a remarkably fair trial. They were
Measurer of Coal Baskets. The wealth, particularly in Boston,
defended by John Adams and Josiah Quincy, Jr. Six were
had increased; there was more capital and currency available
acquitted and two were convicted of manslaughter and
and, in turn, greater specialization in the economic structure.
branded on the hand. Meanwhile the radicals labeled the
MARCH 5, 1772
This year, revolutionary Joseph Warren
incident "the Boston Massacre" and milked it for every ounce
treated the second annual memorial gathering to radical
of popular resentment they could draw. The colonial Whigs
rhetoric of the times' best ornamental style, denouncing the
would establish an annual oration as a memorial tradition,
far-away, unknown Parliament that enslaved the colonists by
holding up the "Massacre" as the logical outcome of sta-
sovereignly imposing taxes and robbing them of their property.
tioning standing troops among loyal citizens. The Fifth of
He also reminded the faithful of those British soldiers who
March would continue to be observed until it was replaced
had been "acquitted of murder" for the "massacre" and the
by the Fourth of July.
cries from the soil of their fathers' blood and hard-won liberty.
SUMMER 1770
The Townsend duties had been repealed
In general, most colonists strove not to obtain freedom but
(except for tea), Lord North was conciliatory, and the nonim-
to retain the freedom they already enjoyed, upon which they
portation agreements began to collapse as economic prosper-
felt the British government to be infringing. Especially in
ity began to build. Colonists submitted to the tea and molasses
Massachusetts, colonists had freedom of speech, assembly
duties and concentrated on trade and personal gain. Both
and press, no guilds or feudal system or nobility, and wide-
John Hancock and John Adams thought better of agitation
spread land ownership. Most were of English blood and
and decided to pursue quieter lifestyles.
Puritan, or at least Protestant, sentiment. These few common
1771
The ministry of Lord North and Colonial Secretary
threads and a common enemy would eventually pull together
Hillsborough decided to appoint native Bostonian Hutchin-
a contentious, divisive and locally focused group of colonies.
son as the provincial governor of Massachusetts. Customs
JUNE 13, 1772
The new Governor, Hutchinson, removed
officials relaxed their practices and the harbor teemed with
the meeting of the Assembly (the representative portion of
activity. The year would see the collection of £8,921 in customs
the General Court) to Cambridge into the halls of Harvard
duties, almost twice that collected in New York. From 1770
to put a little distance between the legislature and Boston's
to 1773, Boston would import almost half a million pounds
radical element. Here the young students could leave their
of tea. A shortage of corn and wheat in England would
studies to hear the oratory of James Otis and Joseph Warren
heighten demand for American commodities and English
and become radicals themselves. The question arose as to who
specie would be shipped to the colonies for the first time. In
was to pay the governor's salary. The colonial legislature had
1771, the population of Boston was about 15,000. The number
always paid it and that gave them some control over a Crown-
of indentured servants had declined and children were leaving
appointed official but now the Crown, it seemed, would pay
home earlier to seek their own way in a world of increasing
the governor itself and out of the customs revenues. Now
opportunity and changing skills. The new economic patterns
suspicious of any Parliamentary move, the colonists saw this
gave opportunity to men of no property such as sailors, hired
as one more effort to subjugate their power and liberty. Samuel
workers in shops and those who sought to train as artisans.
and John Adams both cried out against the new measure in
Between 1687 and 1771, the population of Boston doubled
the town meeting, the General Court and the Boston Gazette.
while the number of men without property quadrupled,
But the clamor died down by summer because few farmers
though they did not form a cohesive class. They were allowed
across the province really cared and were glad to have
to hold certain town offices and responsibilities and
Hutchinson's luxuries paid for elsewhere. Hutchinson was
participate in town business. In 1687, 85 percent of Boston
now happily independent of the Assembly.
real-estate holdings were assessed between two and ten
AUGUST. 1772
Lord Dartmouth replaced Hillsborough as
pounds. In 1771, the same percentage ranged from 12 to 200
England's Secretary of State for the Colonies.
pounds. During this time, the share of the taxable wealth of
NOVEMBER 2, 1772
News had arrived that the Crown
the community controlled by the lower half of the propertied
would pay the salaries of the judges also. This was an excellent
population declined from 12 to ten percent. By 1771, the
opportunity for Sam Adams to regain the influence that he
wealthiest 25 percent of the taxable population controlled 78
had lost during the complacency of prosperity. For some time,
percent of the assessed wealth of Boston. Rising land values
Adams had been formulating a plan to form committees of
had chased farmers from the city. Middle-class artisans,
correspondence to keep the Whig cause alive in the colonies.
shopkeepers and traders lived better than their seventeenth-
Hutchinson refused to call the General Court to discuss the
century counterparts but actually controlled a smaller
new issue of the judges' salaries, so Adams convinced the
188
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS:
Boston town meeting to adopt his idea. The town body
America. This allowed the British East India Company to
established a 21-man standing Committee of Correspondence
sell tea directly to certain American retailers (consignees) at
to draft a document listing colonial rights and the infractions
a cheaper price than they could smuggle it. Tea-loving
thereof, to communicate this to other towns and invite the
colonists would now have access to cheaper tea but the
formation of similar committees and statements. This was
American wholesalers and retailers who were not consignees
in essence a revival of the Sons of Liberty (Hutchinson called
would be left out of a large and important piece of business.
them the Sons of Sedition) but in a legal form with the blessing
The Tea Act of 1773 would steep a bitter brew on both sides
of the town meetings.
of the Atlantic.
NOVEMBER 20, 1772
As a member of the Committee,
JUNE 1773
The impact of Hutchinson's letters, which
Sam Adams drafted the soon-to-be-famous Boston Pamphlet
asserted that the colonists did not have equal rights with
which drew on all that had been written on both sides of the
Englishmen, spurred the House of Representatives (the
ocean regarding human liberty. His rhetoric on the rights of
Assembly of the General Court), to condemn Governor Hutch-
the colonists as natural men, Christians and British subjects,
inson and his brother-in-law, Lieutenant-Governor Andrew
laid the foundation for all of the Revolutionary documents
Oliver, by a vote of 101 to five. The Assembly requested that
to come. The pamphlet was widely circulated and, to
the officials be removed from office. As his fellow colonists
Hutchinson's great surprise and dismay, stirred support,
had turned on him for his beliefs and the Crown had frowned
excitement and a unified resistance.
on him for his behavior, Hutchinson longed to gain an
DECEMBER 1772
A packet of private letters that had
opportunity to vindicate himself.
been surreptitiously obtained were shipped from England by
SUMMER-FALL 1773
Merchants who would be left out
Benjamin Franklin. Written in earlier years by colonial
of the sweet, new tea deal rose with the radicals' support in
governors and other high officials, the papers included several
a bitter cry of "monopoly" and warned the colonists that
letters by Hutchinson. Though Franklin expressly ordered that
they were being duped into paying the Townsend duty and
they be kept from the newspapers, in the coming months, every
that, when the East India Company had put all of the tea
colonist who could read (Massachusetts had a particularly
merchants out of business, the Company would jack up their
high rate of literacy) discovered the close relationship between
price. Two of the consignees were Hutchinson's own sons and
the actions of the British government and the requests of the
all were colonists whom the British Company deemed "safe."
royal officials. As a result, hatred for Hutchinson would
First brought before a public meeting at Boston's Liberty Tree
greatly increase.
(so named by the Sons of Liberty) called by Boston's North
JANUARY 6, 1773
Hutchinson stood before the entire
End Caucus and then challenged formally by the resolves of
General Court of 200 councilors and representatives to deliver
the town meeting, the consignees resisted and stood firm. They
a carefully prepared speech that would closely define the
would not renounce their commissions. When the tea ships
constitutional question of colonists' rights but, instead of
arrived in the harbor, the Committee of Correspondence
bringing a group of chastened colonists to their loyal British
called for a Meeting of the People, inviting the surrounding
senses, it would explode in the governor's face. He explained
towns to join Boston in a boycott of the tea. The colonists
that their claims had no basis in the Massachusetts Charter,
decided that they wanted the tea shipped back to England,
and that when a subject emigrated from England, that subject
which it would have been by mid-December if the duty was
no longer had a right to direct representation in Parliament
not paid. The colonists refused to pay the duty and Hutchin-
but Parliament rightfully retained supremacy over the Empire
son, believing he was acting as Parliament would wish him
and its subjects. Hutchinson stepped off the end of the
to, refused to allow the ships to leave the harbor without
gangplank when he said "I know of no line that can be drawn
unloading their cargoes and collecting the duty. Law required
between the supreme authority of Parliament and the total
that once the ships entered the customs limits, the duty must
independence of the colonies." The gauntlet was thrown. The
be paid.
delegates were shocked. Hutchinson never dreamed that
NOVEMBER 5-6, 1773
A Boston town meeting endorsed
instead of submitting to Parliament and returning to reason
the position taken by Philadelphia in October against the Tea
that the colonists would "regretfully" entertain the "unhappy
Act. The Philadelphia Resolutions of October would be
Alternative" and choose the latter road. John Adams was
formally printed in January, 1774, saying that "it is the duty
"amazed at the Governor, for forcing on this Controversy."
of every American to oppose this attempt by the East India
MARCH 1773
Sam Adams' idea for committees of corre-
Company or be "an enemy to his country." Boston
spondence spread to the towns of Massachusetts and then
colonists also resolved that the tea should not be landed.
to the other colonies. The Virginia House of Burgesses pro-
DECEMBER 16, 1773
Some 7,000 people filled Old South
posed that all colonies adopt the movement in order quickly
Church and Washington Street on this rainy morning. The
to share their views on any new act of Parliament.
Meeting of the People tried one last time to convince
MAY 10, 1773
Parliament acted in the interests of the
Hutchinson to agree to dismiss the ships from the harbor but
financially troubled British East India Company. The colo-
he stood firm. With the statement "This meeting can do
nists were importing and paying-duty on alarge amount of
nothing further to save the country,' Sam Adams signaled
English tea but were smuggling an even larger amount from
perhaps 60 volunteers who would dress as Mohawk Indians
Holland. Smuggled tea was cheaper than the other because
and Negroes and, that evening, would toss 342 big chests of
of the English export duties and the several middlemen that
tea, weighing 90,000 pounds and worth £9,000, overboard to
British tea was required to go through. Parliament removed
"steep" in the harbor. As the old folksong Revolutionary Tea
both the English export duties and the sales restrictions,
would chronicle, the colonists "poured out every pound in
leaving only the Townsend duty which was collected in
the dark and boiling tide," saying to Mother England, "Your
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
189
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
tea you may have when 'tis steeped enough, But never a tax
JUNE 1, 1774
The port at Boston was officially closed and
from me." Oddly enough, this dramatic and somewhat childish
the Quartering Act became effective the following day. The
act accomplished what beaten soldiers, ignored taxes,
harbor would remain closed until the destroyed tea was paid
inflammatory rhetoric and endless petitions had not. Boston's
for, the duty paid and an apology submitted. As the water
Tea Party forced England's hand and finally brought the
was Boston's lifeblood, the act took only weeks to produce
showdown for which Sam Adams had worked so desperately
large-scale unemployment and shortages of food and supplies.
for so long. Control was kept. The only property destroyed
The other colonies would rally to send provisions to the city
was the tea and one brass padlock, dutifully replaced. The
under siege. Hutchinson departed for England never to return.
next day, John Adams would write to James Warren that "the
He died in Croydon on June 3, 1780, leaving behind him The
Dye is cast: The People have passed the River and cutt away
History of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay and The Witchcraft
the
Bridge:
This is the grandest Event, which has ever yet
Delusion of 1692, as well as his diary, speeches and letters.
happened." The people of Massachusetts as well as the other
SUMMER 1774
The new laws did not stop town meetings.
colonies rallied behind Boston's leadership.
The colonists decided, in order to be certain of widespread
FEBRUARY 4, 1774
In England, the cabinet met and the
support and not be divided over economic consequences, to
attorney general was asked if he thought the late action of
call county conventions. Eight of the 11 Massachusetts
the colonists amounted to high treason. The still-conciliatory
counties held conventions. Barnstable was still under the
Lord North wished to avoid trouble but the King was furious
control of Hutchinson's Tory allies. These county meetings
and hurt that his colonists would behave toward him in such
served as a loose, insurgent government until the autumn of
a manner. Even normally pro-American English public
the year. The groups effectively nullified the Massachusetts
opinion was aroused. The King would also speak for
Government Act, prevented any courts from sitting under the
Parliament when he wrote to Lord North that "The dye is
new law, and recommended the activation of town militias
now cast. The Colonies must either submit or triumph."
and the storage of military supplies. As 12 colonies had
MARCH 31, 1774
Parliament, determined to make an
established Committees of Correspondence, it was arranged
example of Boston in order to bring the colonies into proper
that a Continental Congress would meet in Philadelphia in
submission, closed Boston Harbor. No loading or unloading
September, all in blatant defiance of the new laws and military
of goods was to take place anywhere in the harbor. The British
regime in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, Boston's old rival Salem
thought that this action would soon have the desired results
put aside ancient animosities and offered its harbor facilities
and, then the harbor would be reopened. The move was
to Boston merchants. Wheat arrived along with meat on the
opposed by the Old Whigs and the English merchants.
hoof and cash contributions including £50 from a Virginia
APRIL 9, 1774
Lord Dartmouth, colonial secretary, wrote
planter named George Washington.
to General Thomas Gage who had returned to England from
SEPTEMBER 1, 1774
Boston was full of redcoats, 4,000
his command in the colonies. The letter explained that martial
British regulars, as a result of the harbor blockade. Learning
law would be imposed in Massachusetts, that Hutchinson
that gunpowder had been collected at Mystic, the British
would be removed as governor and that Gage was to be the
marched this night to the Mystic River above Charlestown
new military governor. Gage was to return immediately to
and destroyed the cache. Immediately the countryside rang
Boston, close the port and move the seat of government to
with the cries that Boston was under attack, that cannonballs
Salem. The Tea Party villains were to be found and prosecuted
were destroying the city and that blood ran in the streets. The
and the governor's council was not necessarily to be trusted.
next morning about 3,000 minutemen stood defiantly on the
If the town buckled under, its privileges would be restored.
common at Cambridge with the news of 10,000 more only
MAY 20, 1774
What became known as the Coercive or
20 miles away and closing. By that evening, reports were
Intolerable Acts continued as the King sealed the Adminis-
received of some 40,000 to 50,000 militiamen surrounding
tration of Justice Act which stated that royal officials in
Boston. Alarms had sounded as far west as the Connecticut
America charged with capital crimes would be transferred to
Valley. The people were ready but the rumor was false and
England for trial. The Massachusetts Government Act, passed
the action premature if the colonists were to have any punch
the same day, nullified the Massachusetts Charter of 1692
at all against what was currently the world's greatest empire.
and gave sweeping powers to the royal governor. The governor
Fortunately for the colonists, action would come later.
would appoint the Governor's Council, all judges and all
SEPTEMBER 5, 1774
The First Continental Congress
DIH
sheriffs who would in turn appoint all juries. The town
convened at Philadelphia, a gathering of 55 representative
meetings would be held only once a year to handle strictly
of 12 colonies from New Hampshire to South Carolina (Maine
local matters, and were to be authorized by the governor.
was part of Massachusetts). From Massachusetts came the
MAY 23, 1774
The last of the series of Coercive Acts, the
cousins, John and Sam Adams. While John dined
Quartering Act, became law, allowing colonial governors to
sumptuously and greatly enjoyed the Philadelphians'
commandeer unoccupied but privately owned buildings to
hospitality, Joseph Galloway observed of Sam Adams that
quarter British troops, many of whom had been forced to
"He eats little, drinks little, sleeps little, thinks much, and
sleep on Boston Common. This same day, New York's Com-
is most decisive and indefatigable in the pursuit of his objects."
mittee of Fifty-one drafted a response to the circular letter
On September 9, Suffolk County, Massachusetts had passed
sent by Boston's Committee of Correspondence which called
the Suffolk Resolves which stated that the colonists had no
for a trade boycott of Great Britain. New York did not wish
obligation to obey the Coercive Acts. About two weeks later,
to stop trade but did think that the situation with England
the Congess approved the resolutions which also called for
required a "congress of deputies from the colonies in
the stoppage of trade, preparation for war and the formation
general
assembled without delay
of the free state of Massachusetts until and unless the Coercive
190
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Acts were repealed. The news of the Suffolk County Con-
fishermen from the Grand Banks off Nova Scotia and
vention had arrived in the saddlebags of Paul Revere, the
Newfoundland. But blood would spill before the news of this
Boston silversmith and political cartoonist of French
latest disciplinary action reached the colonies.
Huguenot (Calvinist) ancestry who was on his third ride to
APRIL 5, 1775
The Massachusetts Provincial Congress
carry news of important events to other colonies.
adopted 53 articles of war under the leadership of President
OCTOBER 7, 1774
Defying the orders of Parliament, the
Joseph Warren.
General Court's Assembly met in Concord and declared itself
APRIL 18, 1775
General Gage had stalled as long as his
a Provincial Congress, naming Paul Revere as official courier
government would allow. He wanted more troops for a show
to the Continental Congress. A Committee of Safety was
of strength but was refused. He desired no confrontation but
formed under the leadership of John Hancock to collect guns
was ordered to act. He conceived a secret plan to seize the
and ammunition and organize the militia for action. The
military supplies stored by the Provincial Congress at
Provincial Congress now served as the government of
Concord, some 20 miles west of Boston, a much longer march
Massachusetts.
than that to Mystic. Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith opened
OCTOBER 14, 1774
The Continental Congress adopted
sealed orders this night for the operation that he would
a statement declaring colonial rights and grievances.
command. Colonists guessed that the busy redcoats had
OCTOBER 20, 1774
The 12 colonies of the Congress agreed
Concord in mind. Gage also intended to send his "lobster-
to the nonimportation and nonconsumption of English goods
backs" to Lexington, where Sam Adams and John Hancock
and the nonexportation of colonial resources or products to
had fled following Parliament's order that they be brought
England. The Association, as it was called, would cut off
to England for trial. The two fugitives had taken refuge in
imports as of December 1 and exports as of the next Septem-
the home of the Reverend Mr. Jonas Clarke. This night of
ber 10 if the Coercive Acts were not repealed by that time.
the 18th, Hancock's future wife Dorothy Quincy brought the
Congress also agreed not to drink imported tea, madeira, or
two men "a fine salmon for their dinner." The immediate
port wine. Local rum was permissible. If by May 10, 1775 their
question for the colonists was the route of the British. Would
grievances had not been redressed, the Congress would meet
they take the longer land route through Roxbury and
again. They adjourned on October 22. Meanwhile the
Brookline or would they row across the mouth of the Charles
colonists refused to supply Gage's soldiers and the British
River to Charlestown? The 700 British regulars gathered
general was forced to bring help and supplies from Nova
around the rowboats under the watchful eyes of the colonial
Scotia and New York to build barracks to winter his troops.
spies. Revere received the intelligence and went to find Joseph
DECEMBER 8, 1774
The First Massachusetts Provincial
Newman, sexton of the Episcopal Christ Church (North
Congress adopted a set of resolutions to "encourage agricul-
Church), who had climbed out the window of his mother's
ture, manufactures, and economy, so as to render this state
house which was full of English officers who were billeted
as independent of every other state as the nature of our
there. As a boy, Revere had been a bellringer at North Church,
country will admit." The citizens were also called upon to use
the highest edifice in the city. Revere sent Newman up to the
local and colonial manufactures in preference to all others.
North Church steeple to place the two lanterns which signalled
JANUARY 20, 1775
Across the ocean, the Earl of Chatham
to the waiting Committee of Safety in Charlestown that the
(William Pitt) rose to suggest to the House of Lords that the
approach was by sea. One lantern would have indicated the
British troops be removed from Boston. The Americans had
land route. As the Provincial Congress' official courier, Revere
many friends in England and the Old Whigs would have given
accepted the patriotic offer of a local woman's petticoat to
the colonists much of what they wanted but they were not
muffle his oars while he rowed across the Charles to a waiting
in power. English merchants petitioned Parliament to repeal
horse that belonged to the Deacon John Larkin of Boston.
the Coercive Acts. Conciliatory bills were proposed but not
William Dawes, Jr. rode from Cambridge and the two messen-
passed.
gers both headed for Lexington to warn the countryside, alert
FEBRUARY 1, 1775
The Second Massachusetts Provincial
Adams and Hancock, and move muskets, powder and
Congress, still under the leadership of John Hancock,
important papers out of reach of the British. Pursued by a
held its meeting in Cambridge and continued to prepare the
British patrol, Dawes fell off his horse, lost his watch but
colony for war.
escaped. Revere reached Lexington, warned Hancock and
FEBRUARY 26, 1775
British troops attempted to seize
Adams and aided Hancock's clerk John Lovell in hiding
the military supplies stored at Salem but were turned back
Hancock's trunk which contained subversive papers. Revere
without violence.
struck off for Concord but was captured by another British
MARCH 22, 1775
The Second Provincial Congress moved
patrol who took his horse and then let him go. He hurried
to Concord and continued their business until four days before
back to Lexington on foot where he ran into Dr. Samuel
the fateful shot was fired that reverberated "around the
Prescott who was returning home from a late courting session.
world." On this same day, in the House of Commons, Edmund
The good doctor agreed to warn Concord and was the only
Burke delivered his famous "Speech on Conciliation with
rider to reach the town. The British marched on relentlessly
America," wishing to reconcile British superiority with
through the night while the patriots managed to move the
American liberty and proposing that the right of Parliament
majority of their military stores. As word spread, minutemen
to tax was valid but not worth the cost of military suppression
mustered as far away as New Hampshire and Connecticut.
of loyal subjects.
About 70 members of the Lexington militia gathered in
MARCH 30, 1775
Parliament passed the New England
Buckman's Tavern for a tankard of rum as the British
Restraining Act which limited trade with New England
approached in the pre-dawn light. "Lobsterbacks are down
to England and Ireland alone and banned New England
the rud, apiece" came the word from the lookouts and the men
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
assembled under Captain John Parker on Lexington Green,
represented the formation of a Massachusetts-Virginia
mustered in a line parallel to the path of the redcoats. Colonel
Smith's regulars were halted as the rising sun revealed the grim
in the Congress which would help forge future events. Loyalty alliance
faces of the company of minutemen, under orders to stand
to the King was still strong and the actions of the Congrers
were taken in his name. The redcoats were said to represent
their ground. Captain Parker had also instructed his men not
the stubborn ministers and bad counselors of the King. The
to "fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war
Americans still hoped for the return of such friends as Lord
let it begin here." British Major John Pitcairn called to the
Chatham (William Pitt) and the voice of reason. Only the
men on the Green, saying "Disperse, ye rebels, ye villians,
Adamses with Virginia's Lees, Pennsylvania's Franklin and
disperse, disperse in the name of the King. Lay down your
South Carolina's Gadsden favored independence but they
arms." As the order was accompanied by the click of many
dared not yet lift up the idea.
British musket hammers in the front ranks, the grumbling
JUNE 17, 1775
Militiamen had flocked by the thousands
rebels prepared to disperse. But from behind a stone wall came
to surround the British army in Boston. Gage offered pardons
a shot and a flash of powder. Was it a rum-emboldened
to everyone, except Hancock and Sam Adams, who would
citizen? Was it an agent planted by Sam Adams? Whoever
lay down their arms. The colonists answered by fortifying
it was, the fall of his hammer started a revolution, though
Breed's Hill on the night of the 16th. Colonial officer William
the people whose blood flowed from British bullets still only
Prescott had been sent to occupy Bunker Hill which was just
wanted equal rights and self-government under a common
to the north in Charlestown but confused the two hills. The
King. Except for a few visionaries like Sam Adams, inde-
next day, some 2,200 British regulars twice attacked the hill
pendence was not a goal. The shot triggered others by the
and twice were repulsed with heavy casualties. An estimated
British and when the smoke cleared, eight citizens of Lexing-
3,200 of the colonials took part in the battle but, after the
ton lay dead or mortally wounded, ten lay wounded but would
second wave of British regulars retreated, the Americans ran
recover, and the others managed to return fire and make their
out of powder. A third wave of British troops gained the hill
escape. Jonathan Harrington crawled to his house at Harring-
and surmounted the pile of stones that formed the breast-
ton and Bedford Streets and died at his wife's feet on his own
works. As musket stocks shattered in combat, the stones
doorstep. The British continued on to Concord, six miles
became the Americans' weapon of last resort. The battle drew
further west. There they found and destroyed what remained
to a close as nearly half, 1,054, of the disciplined redcoats
of the colonial cache. The warnings, reports and the British
lay dead or wounded. "A dear bought victory," wrote General
activity and smoke brought some 450 militiamen to North
Clinton. The colonists counted only 441 dead or wounded.
Bridge under Major John Butterick. Several more colonists
Among the dead were American orator and physician Joseph
would die but the surprised redcoats were repulsed. Their
Warren and British officer Major John Pitcairn. The British
original mission accomplished, at least in part, the British
won the day but at a terrible cost and the Americans showed
retreated to Boston. They had only destroyed a small quantity
a spirit that the surprised British had not seen in the French
of arms and had not found Hancock or Adams, but they
Wars. Though the hill was lost, the Americans had gained
would pay a heavy toll for the lives they took. After the first
a spiritual victory and learned that they could effectively face
organized attack on British troops was made at Concord,
the Empire's army.
other sniping began by the Americans at Meriam's Corner
JUNE 23, 1775
General George Washington left Philadel-
and continued through the countryside on the Redcoat's long
phia on his way to Boston to assume command of the
march back to the harbor town. The British would have 73
Continental Army (as it was popularly known) from General
die and almost 200 wounded. The Americans lost 49 lives and
Artemas Ward. On the way, he would hear of the spirited clash
cared for nearly 50 wounded soldiers. In 1842, a 91-year-old
which came to be known as the Battle of Bunker Hill. More
veteran of Concord was asked why he went to fight the British
British officers lost their lives there than in the remaining
that day. "We always had governed ourselves," was his simple
portion of the war. It was also the last of the real fighting
answer, "and we always meant to. They didn't mean we
to take place in Massachusetts.
should."
JULY 3, 1775
Washington arrived in Cambridge to take
MAY 10, 1775
The Second Continental Congress convened
command of some 15,000 undisciplined, untrained militiamen
as planned at Philadelphia with both Adamses and John
and began the arduous task of molding them into an army.
Hancock present. In light of the death of former president,
Massachusetts' Provincial Congress, meeting in nearby
Peyton Randolph, John Hancock was chosen by the body
Watertown (temporary seat of state government), ordered that
to wield the gavel. Envoys were sent to England, Canada and
every district in the colony should henceforth be a. town.
the Indians, and a provincial army and navy were created.
JULY 8, 1775
The Continental Congress drafted the Olive
Meanwhile, Gage received his long-awaited reinforcements,
Branch Petition which called upon the King to stop the way, the
swelling his ranks to 10,000, not including Admiral Graves'
fleet. Gage was also joined by Generals Howe, Clinton and
mother and daughter countries. Two copies were sent to the
repeal the Coercive Acts and restore harmony between
Burgoyne.
colonial envoys in England.
JUNE 15, 1775
John Adams nominated Virginian George
AUGUST 23, 1775
The King refused to receive a petition
Washington as commander-in-chief of the Army of the United
from a rebel group, proclaiming that a general rebellion existed
Colonies, an action which sorely disappointed John Hancock,
and that "utmost endeavors" should be made "to suppress
who nurtured the ambition, himself, for the office. Hancock
such rebellion, and to bring the traitors to justice."
would be appointed major general of the Massachusetts
OCTOBER 1775
The Continental Congress formed the
militia but, again, his hopes of leading troops against the
Continental Navy and authorized the building of 13 frigates. ship,
British in Rhode Island were never realized. Adams' action
George Washington commissioned the U.S. Navy's first
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
General John Glover's privateer schooner Hannah, in Beverly,
MARCH 17, 1776
General Howe was tempted to attack the
Massachusetts. Hannah with her crew of Marbleheaders was
heights from which the cannonballs flew but remembered the
the first vessel to fly the Continental flag.
result of the British assault on Breed's Hill and decided to
NOVEMBER 16, 1775
Once again Edmund Burke sub-
remove the army to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Tories also
mitted a proposal to the House of Commons calling for recon-
wisely left, scattering to Canada, England and the West Indies.
ciliation but it was defeated by a two to one ratio. Several
Still sovereign of the seas, the British navy accomplished this
prominent Englishmen, including Lord Barrington, the secre-
feat in less than two weeks while Washington helplessly
tary of war, urged that the troops be brought home and the
watched. Boston was free again and even the Continental
colonies allowed to choose either independence or their own
Army would soon leave for New York. Meanwhile the long
terms for remaining in the Empire. If voices of reason had
occupation and the presence of so many troops led to looting
prevailed or cycles of power been different, there may never
and vandalism and an outbreak of smallpox. Though born
have been a Revolutionary War or an independent nation
in Massachusetts, the military action of the Revolution would
across the water. But George III would not yield to an Ameri-
move to New York and other colonies while those who tended
can rebellion anymore than his great-grandfather or grand-
the home fires of the Bay State would wage a war of economy,
father had yielded to the Scots rebellions of 1715 and 1745.
supply and survival.
NOVEMBER 27, 1775
Abigail Adams wrote to her much-
MARCH 31, 1776
Abigail Adams wrote these instructions
missed husband John in Philadelphia of her fears concerning
to her lawyer husband: "In the new code of laws which I
the new government and the form it would take. "I am more
suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would
and more convinced that man is a dangerous creature; and
remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to
that power," she wrote, "whether vested in many or a few,
them than your ancestors."
is ever grasping
MAY 1776
The Continental Congress encouraged the
DECEMBER 22, 1775
Parliament passed an act which
colonies to form their own state governments and two million
prohibited any type of trade or commerce with the Thirteen
livres in aid was approved for the Americans by France and
Colonies, declaring all colonial vessels subject to seizure and
Spain.
colonial seamen liable to impressment in the British navy.
SUMMER 1776
Demonstrating that Massachusetts had
Boston was under seige by the Americans and the British
not descended into anarchy as the British expected, the
troops were content to winter there. The Queen's Light
Provincial Congress reopened the courts which had been
Dragons ripped the pews from the Old South Church and used
closed by the Coercive Acts.
it for an indoor riding arena. The city became a refuge to
JULY 2, 1776
The Continental Congress in Philadelphia
Tory citizens while Cambridge was headquarters for the Con-
adopted Virginia's proposal of independence and declared
tinental Army and a Whig stronghold. Continental revenge
the United Colonies free and independent states. John Adams
was taken on the Episcopal Christ Church in Cambridge.
thought that this date would be the annual day of celebration
JANUARY 1, 1776
A new flag sporting thirteen stripes
which he felt certain would be observed henceforth with much
(Georgia had joined the fray) but with the Union Jack in the
"pomp and parade." But the following day he wrote to his
canton was raised over the American camp in Cambridge.
wife Abigail, "The People will have unbounded Power. And
JANUARY 23, 1776
The Continental Congress urged
the People are extremely addicted to Corruption and Venality,
Massachusetts' General Court to issue a proclamation ousting
as well as the Great
I must submit all my Hopes and Fears,
the royal governor which they did on this day. The "Proclama-
to an overruling Providence,
unfashionable as the Faith
tion of the Great and General Court" also acknowledged the
may be."
election of a Council and exhorted the people to lead "sober,
JULY 4, 1776
The Congress of the new United States
religious and peaceable lives
adopted the Declaration of Independence penned largely by
MARCH 2, 1776
The Americans had been supplied with
Thomas Jefferson and signed upon its passage only by John
cannons from British Fort Ticonderoga, captured ten months
Hancock, president of the proceedings. The rest would sign
earlier by the Vermonters. These they mounted on Dorchester
a special parchment copy later. Hancock, singled out with
Heights and began the bombardment of Boston. News had
Sam Adams as a wanted man in England, deliberately made
arrived in Massachusetts of Parliament's trade ban, as had
his signature large enough for the King to read without his
copies of a bold treatise on natural human rights and the evils
glasses.
of monarchy written by an English Quaker recently of Phila-
MID-JULY 1776
The Declaration was received in Boston,
delphia named Thomas Paine. The pamphlet was entitled
unanimously approved and read from the balcony of the Old
Common Sense and would receive wide readership throughout
State House. It was readily embraced by the many Massa-
the colonies, shocking many whose thoughts had never
chusetts townspeople whose town meetings had already
entertained life without a king or rights in terms other than
pledged to support independence "with their lives and for-
"those of Englishmen." Paine drew upon the ideas of English
tunes
During the conflict, Massachusetts towns formed
philosopher John Locke whose treatise on "government by
committees of correspondence, voted bounties for volunteer
the consent of the governed" was composed to defend the
service in the army, sent out their militias and provided arms,
removal of the English king in the 1640s and again in 1688.
ammunition and supplies to the soldiers. Town government
Those who read widest and thought deepest struggled the
was the core of military activity. Across the water in England,
most with the political ramifications of the current events.
a supporter of George III saluted the importance of Massa-
But Paine lifted colonial actions above the level of local
chusetts' effective employment and continual development
experience. "The cause of America," he wrote, "is in a great
of town government by saying that "The town meeting at
measure the cause of all mankind."
Boston is the hot-bed of sedition. It is there that all their
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MA voters bey 193
in res pense to
fed up
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
dangerous insurrections are engendered; it is there that the
debts, as all the European nations were doing, but instead
flame of discord and rebellion was first lighted up and
to urge the people to pay taxes and keep the value of the
disseminated over the Provinces."
currency and the country's credit respectable. Although the
SEPTEMBER 17, 1776
The Massachusetts House of
Congress tried, it was not strong enough to convince the still
Representatives of the General Court asked the towns for
locally-focused states to contribute what was needed. By
permission to draft a new constitution for Massachusetts now
December, Washington would complain bitterly about "a
that its charter was essentially void.
great and accumulated debt, ruined finances, depreciated
OCTOBER 22, 1776
In considering the proposal of the
money, and want of credit Also during the year, in
General Court, the town of Concord agreed that a new con-
Andover, Samuel Phillips established Phillips Andover
stitution was vital, but resolved that the people in a statewide
Academy, the oldest incorporated school in America.
constitutional convention should frame the state government
1779
Reverend John Murray established America's first
and not the existing government apart from the people.
Universalist Church at Gloucester. Having come from
Because of this issue and the question of representation, the
England in 1770, he would later be recognized as the father
towns rejected this offer as well as the draft submitted by the
of organized Universalism. He taught his followers to embrace
General Court in 1778.
the ideas of the universal fatherhood of God, the brotherhood
WINTER 1776
Massachusetts merchants and seamen
of man, and universal salvation, doctrines in opposition to
found a new occupation during the struggle with England.
the Puritan faith.
American privateers would capture 342 British merchantmen
FEBRUARY 19, 1779
The General Court passed a resolve
during this year alone. During the entire course of the war,
requesting the townspeople of Massachusetts to vote whether
Boston would commission 365 vessels as privateers and
or not to hold a constitutional convention. The idea passed,
Salem's harbor would welcome 445 prizes won at sea. The
by a ratio of two to one. The Bay State would be the last to
war would also be a civil war as almost one-third of the
formulate and adopt a state constitution but, today, it is the
American population was loyalist.
only state still operating under its original document which,
JANUARY 13, 1777
The blacks of Massachusetts presented
with its separation of powers and bill of rights, became part
a petition to the House of Representatives of the General
of the foundation for the great federal document to come.
Court claiming the newly declared natural and unalienable
Yankee experience and New England's long-practiced
rights of man and asking that any Negro child born in the
traditions of self-government and popular representation had
state no longer be held as a slave when that child reached the
tremendous influence on the formation of the new country.
age of 21.
JUNE 1779
France finally convinced Spain to join the war
NOVEMBER 17, 1777
The Continental Congress offered
against Great Britain though Spain became more of a com-
the Articles of Confederation to the states for their individual
plication than an ally. There was enough confidence in the
ratification. This "loose friendship" had no strength to govern
American cause by this time to draw a large number of loyalists
the independent-minded states. The following year, the
(Tories) back to Boston and on across Massachusetts. Unless
Congress resolved that any officer of the new United States
they were particularly prominent, they usually managed to
who attended a play would lose his office.
regain much of their property but not the right to vote, though
FEBRUARY 6, 1778
John Adams and Silas Deane had
even this was returned in certain cases.
joined Benjamin Franklin in France in 1777 in order to achieve
SEPTEMBER 1, 1779
The state constitutional convention
recognition and aid from Britain's old rival. On this day, the
met in Boston, attended by the Adamses, John Hancock and
French signed two treaties with the Americans, one of amity
a new generation represented by Benjamin Lincoln and Caleb
and commerce and the other of alliance.
Strong. James Bowdoin was elected president of the proceed-
FEBRUARY 17, 1778
In England, Lord North pushed his
ings which involved 293 delegates representing 190 towns.
new conciliatory bill through Parliament and prepared to send
WINTER 1779-80
The Massachusetts navy was wiped out
a commission to America headed by the Earl of Carlisle who
in an attack on the British base at Castine, Maine.
was authorized to offer the Americans everything they wanted
MAY 4, 1780
A group of Harvard graduates chartered the
save "open and avowed Independence." Washington later
American Academy of Arts and Sciences and elected James
advised the Congress to ignore the Carlisle Commission and
Bowdoin as president of the Boston-based organization.
hold out for independence.
JUNE 16, 1780
John Adams drafted the new state con-
SPRING, 1778
Disregarding the towns' advice that a
stitution, including a preamble and a "Declaration of the
popularly elected convention draft a constitution, the General
Rights of the Inhabitants of the Commonwealth of Massa-
Court proceeded to draft their own version which was defeated
chusetts." Representation was the touchiest question in the
by the voters five to one. News arrived of the French alliance
state. The senate was structured to represent more heavily the
in May.
richer and more populous areas of the east. The lower house
JULY 1778
A fleet of French ships carrying French soldiers
would consist of one delegate from each incorporated town,
arrived in the newly declared American states with naval
regardless of its size. All electors of both houses were to meet
supply contracts that were eagerly gobbled up by Boston
relatively low property requirements which disfranchised some
merchants who welcomed France's cold, hard cash. Privateer-
of the poor in Worcester and the western counties. Senators
ing continued with great fervor out of Boston, Salem and
also had to meet a property requirement of £300 in land or
Beverly by the Cabots, Lees and Derbys as well as Bostonians
£600 in combined property. The governor would be called "His
John Codman, Stephen Higginson and Thomas Russell,
Excellency" and must own a Massachusetts freehold worth
among others. Writing to his cousin Sam Adams from France,
at least £1,000 and "declare himself to be of the Christian
John Adams advised strongly against acquiring heavy war
religion." Public support for education was also written into
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
the carefully crafted document. Also, the judiciary would
of the coinage from the state. In Beverly, the Cabot family
interpret this constitution as abolishing slavery in the
set up a small, cotton-spinning factory and developed trade
Commonwealth.
in the Baltic region, carrying tobacco, flour and rum to
OCTOBER, 1780
An election was called and John Han-
exchange for Swedish iron and Russian sailcloth and hemp.
cock, who had long courted the support of the masses with
The first bank was established in Boston but the whaling and
generous gifts to towns and churches, was chosen the state's
codfishing industries were practically ruined. Ironically, this
first governor. Boston's harbor continued to grow busier
was the year of the famous Sacred Cod, presented to the
during the war with 455 ships from all over the world docked
General Court by Boston merchant Jonathan Rowe and still
in her harbor and some 1,200 vessels involved in coastal traffic
hanging over the public gallery today as a symbol of the
operating from the city's port.
importance of the fishing industry to the state. Due to
MARCH 1, 1781
Maryland finally joined the rest of the
Virginia's recent cession of Ohio (Northwest) territory to
states in ratifying the Articles of Confederation. Up to this
Congress, the question arose whether or not the "colonial"
point, Congress had been operating without any kind of
lands to the west should be slave or free. Rufus King of Mass-
constitution. This same year, at the age of 14, John Quincy
achusetts introduced an antislavery resolution for the new
Adams became secretary to Francis Dana, the American
territory but it sat undebated on the secretary's docket. The
minister to Russia.
Massachusetts legislature meanwhile re-enacted the
OCTOBER 17, 1781
General Washington and the French
antitheater act of 1750.
cornered English General Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia
1785
John Adams accepted the post as first American
and essentially ended the long and bitter war.
minister to Great Britain and his son, John Quincy, returned
SUMMER 1782
John Adams won a treaty with the
home from Europe to attend Harvard. The poorer agrarian
Netherlands, who had entered the war in 1780, which earned
section of the country, particularly the small farmers in
him the title "Washington of Negotiations." Massachusetts
Massachusetts, were feeling the squeeze of the trade disruption
carried out its new hard-money policy to pay war debts in
and the drain of specie, the heavy war debts (public and
specie, bringing rapid deflation welcomed by the mercantilists
private) and the nagging envy inspired by those merchants
and generally hated by the farmers.
who had grown rich. In Worcester County alone, 92 debtors
OCTOBER 1782
John Adams arrived in Paris from The
were imprisoned during the year.
Hague to enter into negotiations that were already underway
MARCH 1785
The tradition of annual spring elections
by representatives Franklin and John Jay with England,
persisted and James Bowdoin became the state's second gov-
France and Spain. Adams was responsible for retention of
ernor. Hancock temporarily retired for "reasons of health"
American fishing rights off the coast of Newfoundland. The
which was often thought to be an excuse to duck strong or
treaty also gained the Americans access to the Mississippi
contrary political winds. The issues of taxation and currency
River from its source to its mouth and set the northern,
had to be faced. Bowdoin faced the issue of debt by raising
western and southern boundaries for the new nation. Adams
taxes to retire the debt in 15 years. This put added strain on
helped accomplish this by disregarding instructions to obey
the poor and already debt-ridden.
the French in all matters and negotiating a separate peace.
APRIL 1785
Massachusetts ceded all of its land claims
His son, John Quincy, served as his personal secretary.
west of the state of New York to the United States Congress.
SEPTEMBER 3, 1783
The final peace treaty with England,
JULY 1785
Realizing that trade sanctions by Massachu-
giving Americans a western border at the Mississippi instead
setts against England would merely direct trade to other
of the Appalachians as the Europeans had wished, was signed.
competing U.S. ports, the General Court passed resolutions
NOVEMBER 25, 1783
The British soldiers pulled out of
calling for a convention to revise the Articles of Confederation
New York City but retained control of several northern
in order to give the central government enough power to
outposts along the Great Lakes to the irritation of the new
impose a countrywide sanction.
country. During the year in Massachusetts, Nathaniel Jenni-
1786
While the South recovered more quickly, Massa-
son was indicted for assaulting Quock Walker, a black who,
chusetts' exports were still only one-quarter of what they had
Jennison said, was his slave. Jennison claimed that he was
been in 1774. North Africa's Barbary Pirates added to the
within his rights. Chief Justice Cushing recorded a verdict
problem by seizing or demanding tribute from Massachusetts
never officially reported, citing that the new Constitution of
ships bound for Morocco, Algiers, Tripoli and Tunis with
Massachusetts was worded to be inconsistent with slavery and
cargos of fish and flour. This once-lucrative market was no
pronouncing Jennison guilty and Walker free. This essentially
longer profitable under such war-like conditions. Thomas
ended slavery in Massachusetts. Soon after the war ended,
Jefferson of Virginia suggested to John Adams that the
Tory Dr. John Jeffries of Boston, who had left to serve as
country send an American naval force but the government
a surgeon in the British army, completed the first balloon
was too weak and too debt-laden to solve the problem. Faring
crossing of the English Channel before returning to Boston
better with New York than with Africa, Massachusetts Yan-
on amicable terms and setting up what became a large medical
kees worked out the Old Pre-emption Line Agreement with
practice. Harvard's medical school was founded with three
the Yorkers which gave Massachusetts the right to sell their
professors and began to produce an average annual class of
former claims in what was now the state of New York. Amer-
two doctors.
ica's first native composer, William Billings, founded the
1784
Never was there more hard money in Massachusetts
Stoughton Musical Society. Responsible for The New England
than there was immediately following the withdrawal of the
Psalm Singer and The Suffolk Harmony, he was the first Ameri-
British troops. But an influx of European goods and the
can to use the pitch pipe in churches and introduced a spirited
disruption of trading patterns soon drained large amounts
style of singing in great contrast to the older Puritan plainsong.
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
MARCH 3, 1786
Revolutionary generals Rufus Putnam
FEBRUARY 4, 1787
Marching 30 miles in a single night
and Samuel H. Parsons and doctor of divinity Manasseh
through deep snow and bitter winds, Lincoln's men routed
Cutler helped form the Ohio Company in Boston. As directors
the rebel force. Shays escaped to Vermont and though others
of the company, the men would purchase land in the west
tried to continue the movement, spring brought peace, new
and promote settlement, beginning the New England move-
elections and a growing realization that the central government
ment to Ohio. They felt that the temperate climate and fertile
must be strengthened. Congress had begun to raise troops
land of the Ohio River Valley offered more to New Englanders
to aid Massachusetts but was obliged to pretend that they were
than the "northern frozen deserts" of Nova Scotia, Canada
needed to fight Indians and was fearful of the consequences
and Newfoundland.
should the soldier's pay not be raised.
MARCH 23, 1786
The new Massachusetts legislature
SPRING 1787
Ungrateful for Bowdoin's stoic leadership
passed its first general act "regulating Towns, setting forth
through the financial crisis, the electorate returned a willing
their Power, and for the Choice of Town-Officers, and for
John Hancock to the governor's chair. Shays and the other
repealing all laws heretofore made for that purpose," thus
rebel leaders would be pardoned from execution and
replacing the town act of 1692. About 283 districts, towns and
only a few would serve jail terms. Relief legislation would
plantations existed at this time in Massachusetts with a total
be passed by the new legislature as prosperity began to
population of over 350,000. This year, the town of Bridge-
return.
water in Plymouth County would be known for the develop-
May 25, 1787
The Philadelphia Convention of 12 states
ment of machinery for manufacturing cotton products.
(Rhode Island boycotted) met to revise the Articles of Con-
AUGUST 1786
Farmers in many counties were hurting
federation but the concerns and past experiences of the
from debt laws, hating Bowdoin's taxes and haunting the
delegates pushed debate far beyond the points at hand and
legislature for paper money that would depreciate (bringing
forged a totally new document for which there existed little
inflation, the debtor's friend), and for a tender act which
precedent, though Virginia and Massachusetts documents
would allow the farmers to pay debts with produce or script
greatly influenced the result. Samuel Adams stayed home and
issued on the value of their land. Late in the month at Hatfield,
John and Abigail Adams remained at his ministerial post in
in central Hampshire County, delegates from 50 of the 57
England. Massachusetts' most prominent delegates were
towns met to chronicle objections to the new state constitution
Elbridge Gerry and Rufus King.
and make requests for economic measures by the legislature.
JULY 13, 1787
Boston's Dr. Manasseh Cutler of the Ohio
They felt, as they would later when the federal Constitution
Company had come before Congress in New York that sum-
was up for ratification, that the agricultural community was
mer to buy land in the Ohio River Valley, offering for payment
being discriminated against. Clearly populist in their senti-
certificates of public indebtedness. Congress, including Mass-
ments, they wanted to abolish the senate and the debtor courts,
achusetts delegate Nathan Dane, had been working on the
directly elect all officers and print paper money. Within a few
Northwest Ordinance and Dane later claimed a good deal of
days, over a thousand armed farmers seized the courthouse
the authorship as the document was based in great part on
at Northampton and put a temporary end to the courts of
the Massachusetts Constitution of 1780. Included was the
General Sessions and Common Pleas. These beleaguered
clause Rufus King had introduced earlier prohibiting slavery
people also wanted "stay laws" to prevent mortgage fore-
or involuntary servitude in the territory, agreed to by the
closures by their creditors.
Southern states because, according to Grayson of Virginia,
SEPTEMBER 26, 1786
Revolutionary War hero Captain
the states did not wish tobacco or indigo grown north of the
Daniel Shays, a Pelham farmer, gained much greater fame
Ohio River as well as other political reasons. A few days after
in leading the popular rebellion. He was thrust from the ranks
the passage of the Ordinance on this date, Dr. Cutler con-
to guide the rioters in preventing the traveling Supreme Court
cluded a land deal which he described as "the greatest private
from sitting at Springfield, even though Governor Bowdoin
contract ever made in America." In the years to follow, New
had loaded the courthouse with 600 loyal Massachusetts
Englanders would take their ideas of self-government and
militiamen. Though not all revolted, most debtors across the
education to the western territory.
state supported the movement and, ironically, formed com-
SEPTEMBER 17, 1787
The new federal Constitution was
mittees of correspondence between counties to communicate
completed and offered to the individual states, which were
on the issue. Samuel Adams, now a respectable member of
allowed one vote apiece. Nine votes were needed to organize
the state council and a senator, threatened to hang anyone
the new government. The Massachusetts economy continued
who dared use the methods he invented in 1774. The debtors
to improve as trade expanded to new areas of the globe. During
merely wanted the same type of legal relief that had been
the year, Boston sent the ship Columbia and the sloop Wash-
granted to their kind in other states, and that had been passed
ington around the cape of South America in a new trade
in the Massachusetts House but vetoed by the Senate.
pattern which began with traffic along the northwest coast,
JANUARY 25, 1787
Uprisings had occurred at Worcester,
exchanging trinkets for furs much wanted in China (it was
Concord and elsewhere. The rebels had retreated through the
hard to please the Chinese with Boston goods), continued
snow and cold from Cambridge, losing some to exposure. On
to Hawaii and China and finished around Africa and thus
this day, Shays, Eli Parsons and Luke Day led 1,100 rebels
the world. Not to be outdone, Salem merchants sailed their
against the Springfield arsenal but were beaten back by loyal
sturdy ships around Africa to India, Indonesia and China.
militia and artillery under Major General Shepard. A force of
The state's first cotton mill began production in Beverly.
4,400 men funded by rich Boston merchants (the state treasury
Massachusetts accepted one million dollars in return for six
was very low) hurried to the scene under General Benjamin
million acres of its New York lands, purchased by Oliver
Lincoln in time to pursue Shays and the rebels to Petersham.
Phelps and Nathaniel Gorham.
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FEBRUARY 6, 1788
When Massachusetts' ratifying
lished The Power of Sympathy, the first American novel.
convention met early in the year, it was obvious that the
1790
Almost 379,000 people lived in Massachusetts. In a
majority was Anti-Federalist and thus opposed to the new
period of 20 days, Salem's custom house recorded three ships
federal Constitution. State Federalists were led by Rufus King,
from Canton, seven from the West Indies and seven from
Nathaniel Gorham, Caleb Strong, Fisher Ames, Theophilus
Lisbon and Cadiz. England could never enforce its ban on
Parsons and James Bowdoin. Sam Adams was Anti-Federalist
America's trade with the British West Indies so the channels
and John Hancock waited to see which way the most favorable
began to open wider. In Newburyport, Jacob Perkins con-
wind would blow. John Adams was still in England but would
trived a machine that would cut and produce two hundred
resign in disgust later in the year without his desired com-
thousand nails a day. He went on to revolutionize the cot-
mercial treaty, and return home. Several leading Federalists
ton-printing industry with a process for transferring engraved
convinced Hancock that his support of the new government
patterns from a small, steel cylinder to copper.
might very well gain him the vice-presidency, and Federalist
1791
Harvard graduate, historian and Congregational
shipwrights who had been promised contracts by Federalist
minister Jeremy Belknap founded America's first historical
merchants convinced their old friend Sam Adams to change
association, the Massachusetts Historical Society, in Boston.
his mind. Though elected president of the convention, Han-
DECEMBER 15, 1791
As suggested by Massachusetts and
cock waited for three weeks to take his seat, offering as he
a number of other states, ten amendments to the federal
did a proposal for immediate ratification with an accompany-
Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, officially became
ing recommendation for amendments that would secure the
the law of the land.
rights of the people. Sam Adams approved and the U.S. Con-
1792
Paul Revere, designer of the first issue of Continental
stitution was ratified 187 to 168. Massachusetts entered the
currency, the first official seal of the colonies and the Mass-
Union on this day as the sixth state. All but one of the states
achusetts State Seal, opened the Boston bell foundry with
that eventually followed the Bay State in ratification also
his son Joseph Warren Revere. Between the two, they would
suggested the same basic amendments.
cast almost 400 church bells, "powerful and mellow." In 1911,
JUNE 1788
The legislature (still called the General Court)
there were 78 Revere bells still in use. In the tower of King's
granted official pardons to the recent rebels, Daniel Shays
Chapel, the largest and most famous bell, weighing over 2,000
and Eli Parsons.
pounds still hangs. Joseph Harper, manager of The New
NOVEMBER 2, 1788
A former French chaplain performed
Exhibition Room on Hawley Street in Boston, was arrested
the first Catholic mass openly celebrated in Boston.
but released on a technicality for holding a variety show and
This year, George Richard Minot would publish his History
performances of Shakespeare's plays. Despite the law, Boston
of Shays's Rebellion while Nicholas Pike at Newburyport
theater was finally off to a start. Meanwhile, John Adams
contributed A New and Complete System which became the
was re-elected vice-president and the first layman was elected
standard American arithmetic text.
to the Board of Overseers at Harvard.
APRIL 30, 1789
George Washington took the oath of office
1793
Samuel Adams became acting governor upon the
as president of the United States and John Adams, with 34
death of John Hancock. In Williamstown, in the northwest
of the 69 second votes of the presidential electors, took office
corner of the state, Harvard received its first competition.
as the vice-president.
Williams College was chartered and supported by a grant in
SEPTEMBER 1789
President Washington named Major
the will of Colonel Ephraim Williams. Eli Whitney, born in
General Henry Knox, the former Massachusetts bookseller
Westboro in 1765, invented the cotton gin and later devised
who had tried to calm the crowd of the Boston Massacre and
a system of manufacturing interchangeable gun parts.
who had brought the artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to
Religion and politics were still a holy union in Massachusetts
bombard Boston, as the nation's first secretary of war. Massa-
and the conservative political posture supported a desire to
chusetts citizen Samuel Osgood was chosen the first post-
return to older, Puritan religious values. The religious con-
master general. William Cushing of Scituate would be the
sciousness of the times was manifested in several directions.
first associate justice appointed to the new Supreme Court.
One was a Second Great Awakening called the "Revival"
During the year, the new president visited Boston as part of
which would last for several decades. The Baptists enjoyed
a general tour of the new nation. Governor Hancock refused
tremendous growth during this period and eventually became
to call on Washington, insisting that the governor (His Excel-
the nation's largest Protestant denomination.
lency) of Massachusetts was a more important personage than
the president of the United States. In the realm of world trade,
NORFOLK COUNTY
Boston's Atlantic sailed to Bombay and Calcutta and the
Named for Norfolk County, England. Created: March 26,
Franklin became the first American ship to reach Japan.
1793 from Suffolk County as the twelfth county in the state.
Nathan Reed had invented a steam-propelled paddle boat
County Seat: (Shire Town) Dedham. Major Events: Wey-
which began trips between Danvers and Beverly. In West
mouth became the state's second oldest settlement in 1622
Springfield, a horse was born to owner Justin Morgan who
as a small fishing and farming outpost. Quincy began in 1625
was a schoolteacher and singing master. Named "Figure" by
on Massachusetts Bay and quickly evolved into Thomas
his owner, the dark red bay stallion with black points grew
Morton's Merrymount. Settlers established themselves to the
to be a mere 14 hands tall but could outwork, outpull and
west on the Charles River in 1635, petitioning to incorporated
outrun (in a quarter-mile race) all comers. Taken to Vermont
as a town called Contentment in 1636. It would later be called
at the age of two, the horse became known as "Justin
Dedham. Jonathan Fairbanks built his house there the same
Morgan," the foundation sire of the Morgan horse, a truly
year and it still stands today as America's oldest home.
American breed. In Worcester, William Hill Brown pub-
Reverend John Eliot established a Praying Indian Town on
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Pegan Hill, named for the Pegan Indians, in present-day
to elect the church ministers. This ruling opened the doors
Dover. The area that would become Brookline was settled in
wide for encroaching Unitarianism. In 1833, China trader
1638 and, in 1640, Franklin Street was laid out in Quincy as
Robert Bennet Forbes built a mansion for his mother in Milton
a road from Boston to Plymouth. This was the same year that
which is now the Museum of the America China Trade. Forbes
the Old Colony Boundary Line was marked between the
had gone to sea at the tender age of 13 and was captain of
colonies of Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth Bay. The
an opium storeship by the time he was 19. Opium became
nation's second oldest boundary line, it apparently ran from
the product Yankees found to be most effective in bartering
just south of Cohasset to just south of Plainville, approxi-
for Chinese tea and silks. In 1834, the Canton viaduct was
mating today's southern boundary of Norfolk County. John
constructed by artist James Whistler's father. James Clapp
Winthrop, Jr. built the nation's first iron furnace in Quincy
established the Clapp Shoe Company in Weymouth in 1853
in 1644 and the townspeople of Dedham established the
and the company lasted four generations. Beginning in 1870,
nation's first free public school and supported it with general
Boston tried unsuccessfully for the first of six times to annex
taxation of Dedham's residents. During King Philips' War
the wealthy, residential community of Brookline as a plum
of 1675 to 1676, more than half of Medfield was burned as
for its tax coffers. Brookline remains the state's largest town,
was Wrentham. Many colonists fled to the safety of towns
refusing to convert to city government. First called Muddy
like Dedham. The Baker house was built in Westwood which
River Hamlet, Brookline became the "Town of Millionaires"
was first called Clapboard Trees or the Third Parish of
in the early 1900s and the birthplace of John F. Kennedy in
Dedham. Several generations of Bakers would occupy the
1917. In 1871, Henry Fowle Durant founded a Female Sem-
house including Betsey Metcalf Baker who, it is claimed,
inary which opened in 1875 for "the glory of God" in what
devised a way of splitting and braiding straw to make bonnets,
was still Natick and the massive estate of Samuel Welles.
producing the nation's first straw bonnet and inaugurating
Welles' grandson-in-law, H. Hollis Hunnewell, bought the
what started as a popular cottage industry but grew into one
estate in 1881, incorporated it as a town and named it Wellesley.
of the area's staple factory products. When Medway was
Developing an expertise with marine engines in the late 1880s,
incorporated as a town in 1713, Jacob Bartlett moved further
the Quincy Fore River Shipyards turned out 36 destroyers for
south to settle No Man's Land or what later became
World War I and the carrier Lexington for World War II.
Bellingham in 1719. Medway was so isolated that it refused
General Dynamics would build the first surface nuclear ship
to send representatives to the General Court for 13 years. In
here. Wall Street economist Roger Babson of Wellesley Hills
1721, Dr. Zabdiel Boylston of Brookline inoculated his son
founded Babson Institute in Wellesley in 1919 as a specialized
and two slaves for smallpox, the first doctor to use the
business college. In 1925, Howard Johnson bought a local
controversial procedure as a protection against the often fatal
drugstore in Quincy to begin making "an ice cream I can call
illness. Abigail Smith was born in Weymouth in 1744 the
my own." Quincy is the modern-day headquarters for Howard
daughter of the Reverend William Smith. She would later
Johnson Corporation.
become Abigail Adams, the wife of the future president who
was born in Quincy. Quincy would also be the birthplace of
FEBRUARY 3, 1794
The new Boston Theater opening
John Hancock and John Quincy Adams and the site of a
included "a grand symphony by Signor Haydn."
world-famous granite quarry. The granite was transported by
SPRING 1794
Samuel Adams was elected governor of the
horse-drawn railway to the Neponset River on what is thought
Commonwealth while the "Federal era" and the war between
to be the nation's first commercial railway. In 1763, the state's
France and England brought prosperity flowing into Massa-
first known census was taken in Medway. When Medfield was
chusetts and Boston as never before, creating vast new oppor-
chosen to be the county seat, it refused the honor as the
tunities for shipping and trading. The newly appointed U.S.
townspeople thought the distraction of the court house would
Armory at Springfield would become the major source of
distrupt the industry of the town. Dedham became the county
U.S. military rifles and a center for weapons design and manu-
seat and Brookline left Suffolk County to join Norfolk. Two
facturing. In Hampshire County, a canal was constructed to
years later, Brookline petitioned the state Supreme Court to
bypass South Hadley's Falls on the Connecticut River. George
rejoin Suffolk County but the petition was denied, leaving
Washington appointed John Quincy Adams as the U.S.
Brookline an "island" member of Norfolk. Canton became
minister to the Netherlands.
the site of Paul Revere's foundry in 1808 and later his powder
JUNE 26, 1794
The General Court ratified the Eleventh
mill. During the Revolution and the War of 1812, Canton
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, curbing the power of
would provide muskets and powder to American soldiers.
the federal judiciary in relation to the states.
Plymouth Rubber today occupies the original site of the
1795
The Haymarket Theater was constructed and even
Revere foundry. The name Canton was a result of the active
though the Boston Theater was bankrupt after its first year,
China trade carried on by the area merchants. In 1803,
lively competition would continue between the two theaters
Cohasset, Hingham and Hull were to be annexed to Norfolk
until the Haymarket was torn down in 1803.
County from Suffolk but Hingham and Hull refused and won
1796
Two-term Vice-President John Adams was elected the
entrance to Plymouth County, leaving Cohasset the second
second president of the United States, to take office in the fol-
"island" member of Norfolk. Because of the many ship-
lowing spring. In Massachusetts, each congressional district
wrecks off Cohasset's rocky coast, the first U.S. lifeboat
voted for two citizens as presidential electors. Any candidate
station was established on Pleasant Beach in 1807. Minot's
receiving the majority of the popular vote automatically became
Light would follow in 1850. A significant decision was handed
the district's single elector. If a majority was not achieved
down by the Massachusetts Supreme Court in 1818 awarding
in a district, the legislature chose between the two persons
the Dedham Parish rather than the church fellowship the right
with the highest number of votes. In Boston, the Boston
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Dispensary was created to provide medical aid for the poor.
strength lay in that these were the professional and mercantile
SPRING 1797
The spring elections saw Increase Sumner,
classes, the landed and wealthy, the clergy, judges, lawyers
a Federalist, elected governor of the Commonwealth. The
and town officials. About half the state was Democratic-
state's textile industry would receive a boost during the year
Republican in sentiment but only represented by some 20,000
as Asa Whittemore invented a machine to make cards for
votes because of property qualifications. Prosperity had not
carding wool. The invention became the foundation for a
yet greatly disseminated as most clergy and lawyers lived
hundred subsequent patents and "operated as if it had a soul."
frugally. Boston now had two local banks and one branch
JUNE 22, 1797
The General Court passed a detailed
of the Bank of the United States.
Quarantine Act to protect citizens from the ravages of small-
SPRING 1800
Federalist Caleb Strong was elected gov-
pox, the plague and any other highly contagious fever or
ernor of the Commonwealth. On May 13, Samuel Dexter was
malady. Also in June, a report reached President Adams that
appointed secretary of war in President Adams' cabinet.
more than 300 American vessels had been captured by ships
FALL 1800
Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson
flying a French flag. Neutral ships seized by the British were
was elected president, defeating Federalist John Adams and
at least compensated and British regulations were livable.
panicking the staunch Federalists in Massachusetts. Before
Thus, the Federalists supported: 1) Great Britian, 2) the prac-
Adams left office in early 1801, he would make 16 last-minute
tical and realistic wisdom of man's political experience and
appointments of Federalists to federal judgeships and other
3) government by those of education and property who knew
posts, which infuriated Jefferson. A protest by one of the
best how to govern. The Democratic-Republicans favored: 1)
appointees would lead to Marbury vs. Madison and the doctrine
France, 2) the purity of man's reason and 3) government by
of judicial review.
the many.
1801
Before retiring to his family home in Quincy, John
OCTOBER 21, 1797
George Claghorn was commissioned
Adams made Samuel Dexter of Dedham secretary of the
to build the U.S.S. Constitution at Hart's shipyard in Boston.
treasury. Republican and later Massachusetts governor, Levi
The 1,576-ton frigate was one of the first three ships of the
Lincoln, was named U.S. attorney general as soon as Jefferson
new U.S. Navy. The vessel cost $302,718 and was fitted with
took office. The new administration merely shifted power
copper bolts and brass fittings manufactured by Paul Revere
from New England's mercantile aristocracy to the agrarian
using his own new and cheaper techniques, though the copper
aristocracy of the South and West. In reality, Jéfferson was
sheeting for the hulls had to be imported from England.
no more ready than the Federalists to turn the government
Launched on this day, the ship stuck on the ways but otherwise
over to the masses, believing that they first must be educated
was successfully put to sea.
to govern. He was, however, strongly supportive of state and
SPRING 1798
News of the XYZ Affair, in which France
local governments against the Federalist belief in a strong
attempted to exact tribute money from the U.S. in exchange
central government.
for the privilege of negotiation, infuriated Congress, stunned
1802
At Harvard, Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse used and
the Republicans and fueled Adams' creation and development
promoted the Jenner vaccination technique which would
of the new U.S. Navy which would perform admirably over
replace the innoculations against smallpox. Salem native
the next year in the undeclared naval war with France.
Nathaniel Bowditch revised John Moore's work into The New
SUMMER 1798
Reacting against the minor immigration
American Practical Navigator which remains the standard work
to America by refugees from the French Revolution and the
on navigation.
Irish rebellion, President Adams and the Federalists passed
1803
Having béen defeated for U.S. congressman from
four Alien and Sedition Acts which raised a furor over their
Massachusetts the previous year, John Quincy Adams gained
constitutionality and the First Amendment, and led to the
a seat in the U.S. Senate through election by the Massachusetts
triumph of the Democratic-Republicans in the election of
legislature. At first considered a Federalist, the young Adams
1800. Massachusetts' conservative "Essex Junto," led by
would soon show a political independence that would
Federalists Fisher Ames, George Cabot, Theophilus Parsons
characterize his career. Harvard, the Congregational seminary,
and Adams' Secretary of War Timothy Pickering, pushed for
was by now equally divided, faculty and trustees, between the
a declared war with France.
orthodox Congregationalists and the new Unitarians. The
FEBRUARY 9, 1799
The Massachusetts Senate replied
death of David Tappan, uncle of the later abolitionists Arthur
against the resolutions of Virginia and Kentucky declaring
and Lewis Tappan, left vacant the Hollis Professorship of
the Alien and Sedition Acts unconstitutional. Still strongly
Divinity at Harvard, a position which would grant majority
Federalist, Massachusetts declared the "acts of Congress
to one side or the other. This same year, the future Unitarian
not only constitutional but expedient and necessary."
leader William Ellery Channing gained the influencial pas-
FEBRUARY 13, 1799
Boston became the first town in
torate of Federal Street Church in Boston.
Massachusetts to establish a board of health. During the year,
JUNE 6, 1803
In contrast to the liberal Unitarian move-
Lieutenant-Governor Moses Gill stepped up to act as governor
ment, the election sermon of Jedediah Morse, pastor of the
until 1800.
Congregational church at Charlestown, enjoined his congre-
1800
Though sixty-five years of age, Paul Revere was intent
gation to "guard against the insidious encroachments of
on establishing a rolling mill to make copper sheeting. To gain
innovation.
Morse was also known as "the father of
water power, he moved to Canton on the Neponset River and
American geography," writing a number of textbooks which
converted an old slitting mill into America's first rolling mill.
earned him a living.
The census reported a state population of 422,845 with Boston
MARCH 4, 1804
A letter from Timothy Pickering to Rufus
having grown to about 25,000 residents. The state's Federalist
King expounded the New England Federalists' desire to rouse
faction was only represented by about 25,000 votes but its
New England and possibly New York to secession from the
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Union in light of the Louisiana Purchase which would create
1808
During the next two years, Paul Revere and his son
a coalition of Republican southerners and westerners, far
would produce copper plates for Robert Fulton's steamboat
outnumbering the northeastern Federalists.
boilers. Revere's copper already shone from Bulfinch's State
1805
In Boston, Charles Bulfinch added a third story to
House Dome. In a new, four-story brick building in Andover,
historic Faneuil Hall, the Revolutionary meeting place, town
Harvard's recent orthodox faculty and board members opened
hall and public market. Bulfinch doubled the original 40-foot
a rival theological seminary with support from Calvinist Con-
width. The famous grasshopper weathervane was modeled
gregationalists in Newburyport, Salem and Andover. The school
by Shem Drowne. In Cambridge, the debate over Tappan's
would flourish and grow to become a center for the Second
vacancy at Harvard had heated the hallowed halls for two
Great Awakening in Massachusetts. Democratic-Republican
years when the Unitarians finally won by filling the profes-
Levi Lincoln stepped up to act as governor until the election
sorship with Hingham's minister, Henry Ware. Ware had fol-
of 1809, and the Middlesex Canal was finally completed.
lowed Dr. Ebenezer Gay who was the third minister of the
JUNE 1808
John Quincy Adams, abandoned by the
First Parish Meetinghouse (the "Old Ship") at Hingham. Gay
Federalists, was defeated in his second bid for a U.S. Senate
was known as the "first American Unitarian" and Ware had
seat. Thinking his political career to be over, he accepted a
continued his teaching. Scandal erupted at First Church in
professorship of rhetoric and oratory at Harvard.
Cambridge as the members switched from Congregationalism
FALL, 1808
As it had done in 1800, Massachusetts reverted
to Unitarianism, turning from their pulpit the Reverend Abiel
to legislative appointment of electors for the presidential
Holmes, writer of the Annals of America, father of Dr. Oliver
election in order to counter the Democratic-Republicans.
Wendell Holmes of Harvard Medical School and grandfather
Formerly a Federalist, James Madison ran as a Democratic-
of future Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Republican, defeating the Federalists' Pinckney whose legacy
When the Unitarians pushed their new-found majority by
remains on a street sign in Boston.
replacing the acting, orthodox president of Harvard with a
FEBRUARY 1809
Renewed Federalist strength in
Unitarian, all of the Calvinists resigned, abandoning Harvard
Massachusetts and popular outcries combined to force the
to its new role as the beacon of liberal theology. This same
Republicans to repeal the Embargo Act days before Jefferson
year, James Otis' sister, Mercy Warren, published an Anti-
left office.
Federalist history of the American Revolution which
MARCH 1809
The new administration oversaw Congress'
infuriated John Adams.
enactment of the Non-Intercourse Act which kept trade open
1806
Federalist Theophilus Parsons was appointed chief
with every country except France and England. However,
justice of Massachusetts' Supreme Court, serving until 1813.
Massachusetts' shipping would continue to suffer under
SPRING 1807
Republican success on the domestic front,
various on-and-off restrictions and maneuverings between
including the Louisiana Purchase, swung the gubernatorial
the three countries, which would finally result in war by 1812.
election in Massachusetts to Democratic-Republican James
SPRING 1809
The Federalists managed to win the
Sullivan. Sullivan would call for an American system of
gubernatorial office for Christopher Gore. The year would
general public education, urging that "Where the mass of
also see the unionization of Boston's printers and the
people are ignorant, poor and miserable, there is no public
appointment of John Quincy Adams as minister to Russia.
opinion excepting what is the offspring of fear.' Sullivan was
APRIL 19, 1810
A report on manufacturing submitted by
of Irish Catholic stock but there was no priest in Maine (part
Albert Gallatin to the U.S. House of Representatives recorded
of Massachusetts until 1820) so that he was not really a
that the shoe manufacturers in Lynn were producing 100,000
practicing Catholic. Also during the year, the father of Ralph
pairs of women's shoes annually while the soap and tallow
Waldo Emerson founded the Anthology Club which became
industry of Roxbury boasted a yearly production of 370,000
the famous Boston Athenaeum. Today, the Athenaeum
pounds of candles, 380,000 pounds of brown soap and 50,000
contains some 450,000 volumes including much of George
pounds of windsor and fancy soap, returning a profit of 15
Washington's private library and books published in the South
percent on invested capital of $100,000. Nantucket and New
during the Civil War.
Bedford combined with Hudson, New York to provide the
DECEMBER 22, 1807
Many Massachusetts merchantmen
entire domestic consumption and export of spermaceti oil
had managed to continue making profits despite the Napole-
and candles. Four cotton factories were reported in Middlesex
anic Wars and the impressment of more than 1,500 American
County, 17 in Worcester, 13 in Bristol, and ten in Norfolk.
seamen into the British navy. Stubbornly maintaining neutral-
Ten other factories brought the state total at this time to 54.
ity and trade with both countries, American shipping
Martha's Vineyard reported exports of 9,000 pairs of stockings
prospered even though many vessels were seized under the
per year. Carding machines worked by water were plentiful
acts passed by the warring British and French. Wishing to
in the East but about two-thirds of the clothing worn in the
avoid war and to force the european cousins to respect
United States was still made by families with a cottage busi-
American neutrality, President Jefferson persuaded Congress
ness. Hat manufacturing in Boston was capitalized at about
to pass the Embargo Act which prohibited all American trade
$3 million, employing 4,000 and producing about 1,550,000
with foreign ports. Though this was a cruel blow to Massa-
hats per year, most of which were "fine hats worth, on an
chusetts' economy, Senator John Quincy Adams nevertheless
average, $4 each
In addition, a new hat establishment
supported the Act as he had supported the Louisiana Purchase
had just begun production on the Charles River. The "inter-
and the impeachment of certain Federalist judges. For this
ruption of commerce" was credited with inspiring the
behavior, Adams was publicly denounced by the Federalists
manufacturing of hemp in Massachusetts. The iron industry
in New England where trade stagnated and ships rotted at
included 13 rolling and slitting mills in Massachusetts,
the docks.
and Revere's foundry at Canton was mentioned as the only
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copper-rolling mill in the country, though, the report added,
house. Indian troubles greatly retarded settlement in this
"the owners seem to be principally employed in casting bells
frontier county which would endure hostilities often during
and other articles." Boston was also said to have manufac-
the French and Indian Wars. The worst and most infamous
turing establishments for tinware and plated ware as well as
raid was during Queen Anne's War in February, 1704. All but
glass manufacturing that made "crown glass equal to any
one house and the church in Deerfield was burned. A total
imported," though the salt works in Massachusetts were
of 49 residents were murdered and 111 were taken captive,
reported to be declining due to foreign imports. Other manu-
including the Reverend Williams' family, minus the two
facturers were pursued in the state at the time but were not
Williams children who died in the raid. Most captives were
delineated in the report.
brought alive to Canada though Mrs. Williams was toma-
SPRING 1810
Possibly because of the passage in May of
hawked on the journey's second day. The pastor published
Macon's Bill No. 2 which lifted for a time all restrictions on
The Redeemed Captive Returned to Zion in 1707. This gruesome
trade, the Democratic-Republicans managed to elect Elbridge
incident was one of the reasons for Massachusetts' later
Gerry to the governor's office where he would serve until 1812.
attacks on Canada and the colony's preoccupation with
The census taken during the year would tally 472,040
throwing the French out of Canada. Northfield was settled
inhabitants in Massachusetts. About this time, Boston music
for the third time, this time permanently, in 1714. Incorporated
publisher and engraver Johann Christian Gottlieb Graupner
as a town in 1723, Northfield would join many other western
founded the Phil-harmonic Society. A native Prussian,
Massachusetts towns in raising Merino sheep. The year 1735
Graupner had served as first oboist under Haydn. He directed
brought general peace to the countryside when Provincial
the weekly Saturday concerts of what was to become the
Governor Jonathan Belcher signed a treaty with the Indians.
Boston Philharmonic Orchestra.
What would become Warwich was a 1735 land grant to
JANUARY 14, 1811
Josiah Quincy III, U.S. congressman
descendants of 39 Roxbury soldiers who fought in the
from Massachusetts since 1805 and leader of the Federalist
Canadian campaign of 1690 under Captain Gardner. The area
minority, spoke against the entrance of Louisiana into the
was first called Leyden in honor of the Separatists' town of
Union. An opponent of the expansionist policies of Jefferson
refuge in Holland. Four forts were built in the area of Falls
and Madison, Quincy believed that the new states would cause
Town (Bernardston) which was settled in 1738. Charlemont
an imbalance (especially the decline of the Federalist party)
was settled in 1742 and first called Boston Township No. 1,
which was dangerous to the Constitution. He called for the
then Chickley's Town and later Charley Mounty. Today, it
secession of those states opposed to the bill which would grant
sits on Route 2, the Mohawk Trail. William Dorrell was born
statehood to Louisiana.
in Leyden in 1752, growing up to form a cult of Dorrellites,
1811
Joseph Story, founder of Harvard Law School and
preaching free love and the sanctity of all life. The cult was
cofounder with Chancellor James Kent of the American
vigorously suppressed and Dorrell starved himself to death
equity system, was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court where
at the age of 94. Rowe was settled in 1762, named in 1785
he served until his death in 1845. John Quincy Adams declined
for Boston merchant John Rowe. Governor Hutchinson
appointment to the Court. An important development for
named Whately in honor of his friend Thomas Whately in
Massachusetts seamen was the lighthouse light designed by
1771, the same year the newly official town established the
Cape Cod resident Winslow Lewis.
first pound, built to hold stray cows and horses safe from the
Indians until the owners could be found. Whately was known
FRANKLIN COUNTY
for its tobacco and the first gin distillery in the state. In 1790,
Named in honor of Benjamin Franklin. Created: June 24,
a dam built across Millers River sparked manufacturing in
1811 from Hampshire County. County Seat: (Shire Town)
Orange where the local museum holds a 1904 Grout automo-
Greenfield. Major Events: Deerfield was laid out in the
bile manufactured in the town. In 1792, Hawley was named
Pocumtuck Valley as early as 1665 but the first settler did not
for the liberal preacher, Joseph Hawley of Northampton, who
appear until 1669 when Samuel Hinsdell of Dedham came
opposed the teachings of Jonathan Edwards. The town would
to farm where the Pocumtuc Indians had successfully raised
be known for saw mills, rakes, whip butts and broom handles.
corn, tobacco and pumpkins. The same year, the area that
About 1800, settlers finally moved into Monroe and Granther
would become Sunderland was first granted to a number of
Pratt allegedly died, according to his tombstone, in Shutesbury
Hadley residents and Squakheag (Northfield) was settled by
at the age of 114. According to the eulogy, he was able to
14 families from Northampton and Hadley. This settlement,
mount a horse unassisted at 110 years of age. Sculptor Henry
as others in the area, would be twice abandoned. In 1675,
Kirke Brown was born in Leyden in 1814. His statues of George
following Indian raids at Springfield and Hadley, some 80
Washington and Abraham Lincoln tower today over tourists
men from Essex County and about the same number of
at West Point and the nation's capital. John Russell built the
Deerfield men, mobilized from King Philip's War, stopped
nation's first cutlery factory in Greenfield in 1834 though it
to pick grapes on Sugarloaf Mountain in South Deerfield and
later moved to nearby Turners Falls. Today, the town is the
were surprised by Indians who dealt the settlers their worst
world's largest manufacturer of taps and dies, and the home
defeat of the conflict. The Bloody Massacre emptied
of Stoneleigh-Burnham preparatory school for girls. Dwight
several towns with Deerfield homes remaining empty for seven
L. Moody was born in Northfield in 1837. After success
years. The site of a 1676 skirmish between colonists and
financially, Moody was converted to evangelical Christianity
Indians became Falls Flight Township (Bernardston). In 1688,
and founded Northfield Seminary (Northfield School for
Reverend John Williams brought his family to Deerfield to
Girls) in his home town in 1879 and Mount Hermon School
pastor the community, lured by the offer of 16 "cow-
for Boys in nearby Gill in 1881. Marshall Field, the famous
commons" of meadowland and a lot with a 42-foot by 20-foot
Chicago merchant, was born in Conway in 1845, the town of
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Rowe shipped wooden gold-washing bowls to California in
ground. The town would be rebuilt on a larger scale. As the
1850 and Linus Yale invented Yale locks in Shelburne in 1851.
century turned, so did many settlers, from farming to oper-
Monroe's paper mill founded in 1866 is today's Deerfield
ating grist and saw mills and making brick. First called the
Specialty Papers. Erving Paper Mills, founded in 1905, is a
"Elbows," as it was located on the Quaboag and Swift Rivers,
world leader in recycling waste paper and one of the world's
Palmer was settled by John King and received its present name
largest producers of printed paper napkins. Millers Falls Paper
in 1752. A group of Scotch-Irish Protestants settled Blandford
Company manufactures roughly 50 percent of the nation's
in 1735, calling it Glasgow. Some people of Glasgow, Scotland
voting-machine paper. In 1869, a dam on the Deerfield River
offered to give the faraway town a bell if the name was kept and
near Conway broke and destroyed the town's broadcloth mill
the General Court was thus petitioned. At this time, 1741,
and several woolen mills. Today, Archibald MacLeish is a
Provincial Governor William Shirley arrived from England
summer resident of Conway. A poet and playwright, MacLeish
to take his post, denied the petition and named the newly
was also a librarian for the Library of Congress. Movie mogul
incorporated town for the ship he arrived on, the Blandford.
Cecil B. De Mille was born in Ashfield in 1881. Called Little
In 1786 in Chicopee, Benjamin Belcher (who later owned the
Switzerland, Ashfield is in the heart of the region's maple
iron foundry) and others forsook farming to process bog iron
sugar industry and was known in the 1800s for manufacturing
ore in blast furnaces powered by the Chicopee River. By 1790,
wooden broom handles, planes and pillboxes. In 1927, New
it was possible to journey by boat from Deerfield in present-
Salem received portions of the four flooded towns as the
day Franklin County to Philadelphia. In 1794, the Springfield
Quabbin Reservoir was filled. The first American Youth
arsenal was designated by Congress to become the U.S.
Hostel was founded at Northfield in 1934 and remained the
Armory. In 1807, Amos Collins turned Blandford farmers
headquarters of the movement for some years. An ice jam
from grain and wool to dairy products and the town became
on the Connecticut River at Montague preceded the great
one of the richest in the Berkshire Hills. Agawam established
flood of 1936, sweeping away three bridges and, with them,
a paper mill in 1810 and the Westfield Whip Company would
the longest covered bridge in the state. In 1960, Rowe became
make Westfield known nationwide as "Whip City.' Edmund
home to the state's first atomic-powered steam-electric plant.
Dwight established large cotton mills at Chicopee in 1822,
Samuel Bowles founded the Springfield Republican in 1824 and
HAMPDEN COUNTY
the first dam was built at Holyoke in 1828. In 1847, abolitionist
Named in honor of John Hampden (1594-1643), an English
John Brown opened Brown and Perkins, wool merchants in
patriot who opposed King Charles I and fought with Oliver
Springfield but would often leave his prosperous business to
Cromwell, dying in battle in 1643. Created: February 25, 1812
attend to matters in Bleeding Kansas. In 1848, Hadley Falls
from Hampshire County. County Seat: (Shire Town) Spring-
Company engineered a large new dam at Holyoke and built
field. Major Events: In 1635, about a dozen families left
one of America's first planned industrial towns. Holyoke
Roxbury under the magistracy of William Pynchon to estab-
would soon have factories, paper mills and three levels of canal
lish a settlement north of Hartford on the long, fertile river
locks. Springfield became a city in 1852, having prospered
in order to farm and trade beaver pelts. The group settled first
from the railroad connection with Worcester that was
at a place they called Agawam, meaning crooked river. Here
completed in 1839, the same year that Westfield State College
their cattle wandered into Indian cornfields and, though the
had become the state's second teacher's college and the
Indians were generally friendly at this time, the settlers thought
nation's first coeducational state teacher's college. In 1864,
it best to move across to the less fertile east side of the
Joshua Stevens established J. Stevens Arms Company at
Connecticut. This settlement was established in 1636 and a
Chicopee. Stevens was the first to manufacture breech-loading
"long meadow" to the south was purchased from the Indians.
shotguns. From the 1860s to the 1880s, the American cavalry
The Pequot War was fought and finished that year to the south
carried sabres made by Ames Manufacturing Company of
and west of the new outpost, removing the threat of this hostile
Chicopee, a firm which had been founded in 1829 by Nathan
and aggressive tribe. Chicopee was settled up the river in 1638
Peabody Ames and his brother James. They built America's
and in 1640, the new Agawam was renamed Springfield to
first bronze-statuary casting factory in 1853 and cast the
honor Pynchon's birthplace in England. The following year,
bronze doors that still hang in the east and west wings of the
William Pynchon purchased a tract of land from the Indian
nation's Capitol Building. In 1877, Westfield became the site
Nippumsuit that took in most of present-day Chicopee. In
of America's first bicycle factory, the Columbia Manufac-
1644, the area called Longmeadow was settled and Pynchon
turing Company. While training YMCA instructors in Spring-
continued to govern the Springfield settlements. However, in
field in 1891, Dr. James Naismith developed basketball.
1650 Pynchon published a theological piece that he titled The
Holyoke YMCA instructor, W.G. Morgan, originated volley-
Meritorious Price of Our Redemption. The writing was found
ball there in 1895. On April 19, 1892, Charles E. Duryea used
to contain heresy by the Massachusetts General Court and
the roads of Chicopee to conduct what is generally recognized
Pynchon was relieved of his post. In 1652 he returned to
as the nation's first successful test of a gasoline-powered
England and his son John Pynchon became leader of the
vehicle. In September, 1895, the Duryeas, Charles and Frank,
settlements. The first road was cut through the area that would
built America's first automobile factory, in Chicopee, and
become Westfield and the town was incorpotated in 1669. By
produced about 2,200 of the Duryea car. The same year,
1772, traffic along the road was such that it prompted Captain
Spaulding and Pepper Company was formed to manufacture
Aaron Cook to open a tavern. Until 1725, Westfield would
rubber goods, especially tires, and was eventually bought out
be the westernmost town in Massachusetts. At the beginning
by U.S. Rubber Company. In 1901 in busy Chicopee, profes-
of King Philip's War in 1675, the formerly friendly Agawam
sional baseball players Albert G. Spalding and James Spalding
Indians surprised Springfield and almost burned it to the
established A.G. Spalding and Bros. Company to produce
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sporting goods. From 1900 to 1925, Southwick was the site
while Timothy Pickering and John Lowell led the secessionists.
of the largest ice houses in the nation. The year 1939, just
The moderates managed to gain control and quieted the
prior to World War II, brought Westover Air Force Base to
movement to secede. The convention denounced the war and
the county. It would become the largest Strategic Air Com-
proposed several Constitutional amendments to: limit Con-
mand base in the eastern U.S. though it was demilitarized in
gress' power to declare war, admit new states and impose
the 1970s. In 1968, the Springfield Armory was closed and
embargoes; restrict presidents to one term with no two presi-
the Basketball Hall of Fame was opened. Springfield is also
dents in a row from one state; and abrogate the "three-fifths"
home to the "Big E," the Eastern States Exposition which
clause of the Constitution so that Negroes would not be
is the eighth largest annual fair in the country.
counted in a state's population (limiting the power of the
South). They would issue their report the following January 15
MARCH 11, 1812
John Adams, retired at Quincy, wrote
but news of the Treaty of Ghent and the victory at New Orleans
to Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse in support of incumbent
would essentially nullify the outcome of the convention.
Democratic-Republican Governor Elbridge Gerry, calling him
DECEMBER 19, 1814
Salem's Benjamin W. Crowninshield
the "most independent, disinterested, and capable man for
(Democratic-Republican) was appointed secretary of the navy
the office that now breathes the air of Massachusetts:" The
by President Madison.
Federalist Caleb Strong loved Britain and hated France, said
DECEMBER 24, 1814
John Quincy Adams and the other
Adams, and Gerry hated neither. With war aganst Britain an
diplomats signed the peace treaty at Ghent which ended the
imminent possibility, Adams thought it wise to opt for Gerry.
war and agreed to settle many other issues later. Adams
SPRING 1812
Despite Adams' sentiments, which were not
became America's minister to England.
published as he had expressly directed, the Federalists regained
1815
Boston emerged from the War of 1812 as the area's
power and elected Caleb Strong as governor. He would stay
central port, forcing the older, smaller port towns to turn to
in power until 1816. Membership in the State House of
both small- and large-scale manufacturing as towns of the
Representatives swelled to an unwieldy 749.
interior had turned to cottage industry to support a changing
JUNE 18, 1812
President Madison having recommended
agricultural community. Production of salable goods pro-
war with England, Congress officially declared the country
moted the building of turnpikes and canals and education
at war with England.
progressed as quasi-private academies sprang up after 1790
FALL 1812
Massachusetts to Maryland was solidly Feder-
to preview the development of the public high school. Six miles
alist in this presidential election, excepting only Vermont, but
west of Boston on the Charles River in Waltham, production
the southern and western states, including Pennsylvania, gave
began in the world's first factory to manufacture cotton cloth
Democratic-Republican Madison the victory. In this election,
by power machinery in one building. Newburyport native
Massachusetts returned to popular vote by district for electors.
Francis Cabot Lowell, a well-established Boston merchant,
Meanwhile, the war was officially condemned by the Massa-
had spent two years in England studying the textile industry
chusetts General Court, the militia was not allowed out of the
and developing plans for a single factory which would turn
state and very little money was contributed to the war effort.
raw cotton into cloth. Patrick Tracy Jackson, also of New-
1814
Activity in Andover, centered around the new sem-
buryport, invested in the new Boston Manufacturing Com-
inary, resulted in the formation of the New England Tract
pany and became its manager. The English flooded American
Society. As had been effectively demonstrated in England,
markets with textiles after the war, which idled and bank-
tracts were "an easy way of doing good" for any layman who
rupted a number of small mills, but the new factory began
could purchase a cheap tract and pass it on to someone else.
with a sales volume of $3,000 in 1815 and grew to $34,000
Though led by the orthodox clergy, most of the society's dues-
by 1817. Though a young man, Lowell died that year, but
paying members were middle-class laymen. The project
manager Jackson and chief mechanic Paul Moody of New-
reflected the new urbanization and commercialization of the
bury took the company to sales of $345,000 by 1822.
state, easy access to the printing press and paper, and the new,
Dormitories for 100, then 200 mill girls were erected but the
mobile society, many of whom were not attached to any
new company did not overpower the town or its workforce
particular church. In the 1820s, the group would become the
and the town readily absorbed the mill. The looms were water
American Tract Society.
powered. The now-famous Handel and Haydn Society was
MAY 1814
The British blockade was finally extended to
founded as a permanent choral group by orchestra director
New England. Until now, Massachusetts' ships had carried
Graupner, Asa Peabody and Thomas Webb, performing for
on a wartime trade with the enemy and the blockade of other
the first time in Stone Chapel on Christmas Day. The annual
American ports had funneled all other foreign trade activity
performance of Handel's Messiah was begun in 1818. Massa-
through New England so that the war actually bolstered the
chusetts portrait painter John Singleton Copley died in
economy of the Commonwealth contrary to the complaints
England, leaving a strong legacy of colonial and Revolutionary
of the extremists.
portraits. Boston's new North American Review soon became
AUGUST 14, 1814
Negotiations for a settlement with Great
the country's most noteworthy literary journal, founded in
Britain began in Ghent, Belgium. "John Quincy Adams was
May as an outgrowth of the Monthly Anthology and Boston
one of the American peace ministers, proving himself to be
Review of 1803-11.
one of the era's ablest diplomats.
1816
Massachusetts was the scene of many church quarrels
DECEMBER 15, 1814
On this day in Hartford, in secret
as the once mighty river of Puritan Congregationalism now
session, met the Hartford Convention of New England states,
struggled against numerous streams of religious thought.
called by Massachusetts. Harrison Gray Otis, great-grand-
Unitarianism established its national headquarters at Boston
father of historian Samuel Eliot Morison, led the moderates
with Beacon Press its publishing vehicle. Called the "saint of
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
203
its time friends takeon electrol by the Deople of this great state
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
the Unitarians," Channing influenced Ralph Waldo Emerson,
had in 1792 though the population had not even doubled.
Dorothea Dix, Horace Mann, Charles Sumner and Thomas
In the General Court in 1821, a legislative committee reported
Wentworth Higginson among many others. Having studied
in favor of a system of town and district almshouses with the
under Christopher Gore in Boston, New Hampshire native
legislature in control of the entire program.
Daniel Webster moved to Boston to practice law, appearing
1822
With a growing population of over 40,000, but only
several times before the U.S. Supreme Court. During this time,
some 7,000 qualified voters, Boston called a town meeting
he abandoned his former states' rights views.
at Faneuil Hall in December 1821 to consider again incorpor-
become by 1990, the
SPRING 1816
The Federalists triumphed in the guberna-
ation as a city. After a long and bitter debate, the question
torial election with candidate John Brooks who would remain
was put to the people early in 1822 and passed by a majority
in office annually until 1823. The Federalists held the state
of 800 votes of out of almost 5,000 cast. The General Court
but by a small majority.
then passed an act of municipal incorporation which was
FALL 1816
Democratic-Republican James Monroe won
subsequently passed by a town meeting.
the Presidency over the Federalist candidate from New York
1823
Josiah Quincy was elected the first mayor of Boston,
(formerly from Massachusetts), Rufus King. After the Hart-
serving until 1829. Daniel Webster was elected a U.S. congress-
ford Convention, which had been denounced as treasonous
man from Massachusetts while a Democratic-Republican,
by the Virginians, the Federalists had acquired an unpatriotic
William Eustis, was elected governor, serving until 1825. In
reputation which they could never shake.
Waltham, the mills of the Boston Manufacturing Company
MARCH 5, 1817
John Quincy Adams was called upon by
(1815) had been so successful that Jackson dreamed of an
President Monroe to fill the office of U.S. secretary of state,
entire mill city and had no problems raising the necessary
a seat which he took officially on September 22. In Cambridge
capital. Jackson picked a sight near the farming community
the same year, Judge Story founded Harvard Law School.
of Chelmsford at the Pawtucket Falls and Merrimack Canal.
1818
McLean, a private mental hospital, was opened in Bos-
Calling the new venture the Merrimack Manufacturing Com-
ton to improve conditions and treatment of mental patients.
pany, Jackson and Moody dammed the river and widened
In Cambridge, the New England Glass Company began its
and deepened the canal, erected two mill buildings, installed
first operations while merchants discussed the building
machinery built at the Waltham factory, and constructed the
of Cape Cod Canal, a project which did not materialize
"best mill wheel in the world." In 1826, the mill site was set
until 1909.
off and named Lowell. Thus the factory originally envisioned
1820
horn
The U.S. Census reported a population of 523,287
by Francis Cabot Lowell resulted in America's first company
in Massachusetts with 301 incorporated towns and districts.
town. Lowell would have a population of 3,500 by 1828 and
It also showed that in Boston, a majority of the workers were
its development would lead to the industrialization of
now employed in production rather than trade.
Lawrence, Fall River and New Bedford.
Ma,
MARCH 3, 1820
Only days before the Missouri Com-
1824
John Quincy Adams faced the new hero, Andrew
promise would be effected and on the same day that Maine
Jackson, as well as Henry Clay and William Crawford for
officially separated from Massachusetts to become an
the presidency. All represented factions of the Democratic-
independent state, Secretary of State John Quincy Adams
Republican party. Massachusetts, for the first time choosing
wrote in his diary that he favored the Missouri Compromise,
its electors statewide by popular vote, gave all of its electoral
"believing it to be all that could be effected under the present
votes to Adams as did all of New England and two-thirds of
Constitution, and from extreme unwillingness to put the
New York. Jackson had 99 votes to Adams' 84 but since no
Union at hazard." The constitutional convention called in
one candidate had a majority, the election went to the U.S.
Massachusetts the same year was partially in reaction to
House of Representatives for the only time so far in history.
RE:
patrenage
westward expansion. Article II of the amendments was passed
Even though Jackson had led in both popular and electoral
to allow the General Court to charter cities from towns with
votes, Clay's support threw the election to Adams. He set a
a population over 12,000. The convention also removed the
course of nationalism and internal improvements he believed
required oath of allegiance to the Christian religion for office
should be financed by the federal government in the midst
holders and discarded all qualifications for the franchise save
of a state's rights reaction. A visionary, he suggested many
a small property tax. This last enactment was strongly opposed
improvements and projects such as the naval academy that
by delegates Daniel Webster, John Adams, and Judge Joseph
were immediately rejected but later enacted.
Story on the grounds that it would allow "the poor and the
1825
Levi Lincoln was elected as a National Republican
profligate to control the affluent."
to govern the state and was re-elected annually until 1834.
FALL 1820
John Quincy Adams ran for President against
William Ellery Channing organized the American Unitarian
Monroe as an Independent Democratic-Republican but
Association in Boston and America's first high school for
received only one electoral vote, from New Hampshire. Mass-
girls opened. In Northampton, Charles Beck applied his
achusetts chose its electors through popular vote by district
German studies to the construction of the first American
and gave all of its votes to Monroe.
gymnasium. In Sandwich in Barnstable County, Deming
1821
The Commonwealth's, and America's, first free public
Jarves opened a glassworks which produced beautiful colored
high school for voluntary attendance was established at
glass from a now-lost secret formula. America's first pressed
Boston. Meanwhile, Noah Webster helped found Amherst
and first lace glass was produced here. Jarves employed 600
College in Amherst, to educate "promising but needy youths
artisans and turned out 100,000 pounds of glass per week.
who wished to enter the Ministry.' Robert Frost would be a
The Boston & Sandwich Glass Co. stood at Jarves and Factory
faculty member for several years. State paupers cost the
Streets until it closed in 1888. The General Court's Committee
Commonwealth five times as much money in 1820 as they
on Education requested the mayor and aldermen of Boston
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
and the selectment of every other town to report the number
faculty, and the university became financially dependent on
of children working under 16 years of age, their hours and
wealthy Whig capitalists such as the Appletons, Cabots,
their educational opportunities. The committee observed that
Lawrences and Lowells.
the "time of employment is generally twelve or thirteen hours
MARCH 2, 1829
With the financial aid of Thomas H.
each day, excepting the Sabbath, which leaves little oppor-
Perkins, Dr. John Dix Fisher incorporated, in South Boston,
tunity for daily instruction."
the Perkins Institute and Massachusetts School for the Blind,
1826
Due to increasing concern over children's education,
the first such institution in America. Helen Keller spent part
the General Court required each town to choose a school
of one year at Perkins.
committee of not less than five people, one or more of whom
OCTOBER 16, 1829
Boston citizenry and travelers
were to visit each school in the community at least once a
delighted in the opening of America's first modern hotel, the
month unannounced. An annual report was to be submitted
Tremont, which offered a dollar-a-plate dinner, 170 guest
to the secretary of the Commonwealth. The same year in
rooms and eight bathing rooms, in the basement.
Boston, Lyman Beecher founded the American Society for
1830
Since the last census, Massachusetts had added almost
the Promotion of Temperance in reaction to the excessive
100,000 residents, reporting a population this year of 610,408.
drinking that was so common among all classes, including
Harvard alumnus Lynde Walters founded the Boston Transcript
a goodly number of clergymen. The Boston society was the
which, though a gentleman's paper, happened to be the first
most prominent of the groups that merged in 1833 to form
major American newspaper edited by a woman, Miss Cornelia
the United States Temperance Union. Quincy saw the
Walters. Boston also became the home of the American Insti-
construction of America's first railroad, horse-drawn and then
tute of Instruction, America's oldest educational association,
steam, which hauled Quincy granite to Neponset River
and the Boston Society of Natural History which is evident
wharves, supplying granite for the Bunker Hill Monument
today through the Boston Museum of Science.
in Charlestown. The track was three miles long. Charlestown
JANUARY 26, 1830
On this day, Massachusetts Senator
native Samuel F.B. Morse, a European-trained portrait painter,
Daniel Webster delivered what many still consider the greatest
founded the National Academy of Design in Boston.
recorded American oration. Criticizing the "South Carolina
July 4, 1826
Half a century to the day after the signing
doctrine," Webster could not trust those "whose thoughts
of the Declaration of Independence, riders left Braintree
should be mainly bent on considering, not how the Union
(Quincy), Massachusetts and Monticello in Virginia, each
may be best preserved, but how tolerable might be the
bound for the other's town to deliver the news of the almost
condition of the people when it should be broken up and
simultaneous passing of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
destroyed.' Denouncing "those other words of delusion and
Adams outlasted Jefferson by several hours, though he died
folly, 'Liberty first and Union afterwards," he ended with the
thinking otherwise.
famous line "Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and
1827
The General Court passed America's first high school
inseparable!"
law calling for tax-supported high school education in every
JANUARY 1, 1831
William Lloyd Garrison issued his first
town or district of 50 or more families. The towns and districts
copy of the Liberator, the abolitionist newspaper he had
were to establish their own school districts and "use their best
recently founded in Boston. The cause had been preached
endeavors that the youth of their respective towns and districts
for some years in Boston by David Walker, a black, second-
do regularly attend the schools established and supported as
hand clothes dealer, but Garrison, only 25 years of age,
aforesaid for their instruction." Boston native Edgar Allan
commanded people to sit up and take notice. Garrison was
Poe published his first poetry in his home city, Tamerlane and
the son of an immigrant sea captain and a native of
Other Poems. Daniel Webster was elected U.S. senator from
Newburyport, a printer and newspaper editor and reformer
the state, serving until 1841.
who had trained under Quaker Benjamin Lundy of Maryland,
1828
The Blackstone Canal was completed in Worcester
where Garrison and Lundy had been jailed for libel. Though
County with the effect of greatly boosting manufacturing
Massachusetts' Constitution of 1780 was interpreted as
activity in the area. Millbury's manufacturing capacity
abolishing slavery and the state had always taken an
doubled in only a few years. It also provided work for a great
antislavery stand, current economic developments suppressed
number of laborers from Southern Ireland. The canal would
the sentiment, especially among the textile mill owners and
close in 1848 because of trouble between mill owners and
workers as their industry relied on cotton supplied by the
waterway operators, though the Providence and Worcester
South. Garrison picked a critical time not merely to rock the
Railroad would have soon been its demise. The year also
boat but to attack the ship with flaming torch. The Liberator
marked the survey of the future Boston-Albany Railroad.
would be published weekly until December, 1865.
Running as a National Republican, John Quincy Adams was
SPRING 1831
The spring elections that had been a peculiar
defeated by Democratic-Republican Andrew Jackson. One
tradition in Massachusetts from the landing of the first ships
of the many factors that defeated Adams was the "Tariff of
was abandoned by Article X, an amendment to the Consti-
Abominations" of 1828. Massachusetts' commercial interests
tution of the Commonwealth which moved the elections from
opposed trade duties but the young and growing manufac-
May to November and began the political year on the first
turing interests demanded protection from foreign goods.
Wednesday of January instead of the last Wednesday of May.
1829
After serving as mayor of Boston, Josiah Quincy
JULY 4, 1831
Dr. Samuel Francis Smith, the Baptist
accepted the position as president of Harvard, serving there
minister of the Park Street Church in Boston, had written
until 1845. This ended the long line of clergymen who had
the song "America" while a student at Andover Theological
led and served the once-Congregationalist institution.
Seminary. Selecting a tune from a German hymn book, Smith
Business interests now dominated the administration and the
saw the song published before he realized that the tune was
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
the blind
to
2
ideas.
supressed
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
the same as the British national anthem. On this day, it was
abolitionists who dared to endanger the profitable economic
introduced to the congregation and gained immediate pop-
arrangements that now existed surrounding the supply of
ularity, later to be sung on the battlefield during the Civil War.
Southern cotton.
NOVEMBER 1831
Having returned saddened, slandered
NOVEMBER 1835
The Whigs elected another governor,
and defeated from a stormy presidency, John Quincy Adams
Edward Everett, who served every year until 1840. The region's
was surprised to be elected to the U.S. House from his old
first three important railroads were completed from Boston
district of Quincy. He was re-elected every two years for the
to Lowell, Boston to Providence and Boston to Worcester.
rest of his life.
What would become the Boston and Maine Railroad was
1832
Unitarian pastor of Boston's Second Church, Ralph
incorporated in New Hampshire.
Waldo Emerson shocked his congregation by resigning at the
JANUARY 1836
Salem called a town meeting to consider
age of 29 to retire to Concord. There he embraced the tenets
a city charter. The meeting commissioned a report which was
of Transcendentalism. He would share Concord with Nathaniel
returned as favorable in April and the necessary legislation
Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott and her transcendental father,
was passed and approved. The town of Lowell, though very
Amos Bronson Alcott, and Henry Thoreau. Here Louisa
young in comparison, followed almost immediately. In the
wrote Little Women and Little Men. In Boston, Garrison formed
next ten years, Lowell would grow from 2,500 to over 18,000
the New England Anti-Slavery Society which, in a year,
inhabitants. During the year, the General Court passed a
became a national association.
statewide child labor law prohibiting the employment of
1833
Massachusetts became the last state to disestablish
children under 15 in incorporated factories unless they had
its church. Article XI replaced the Third Article of the Bill
attended school for three months the previous year. Emerson
of Rights and amended the Commonwealth's Constitution
opened a remarkable period in American literary culture with
to establish freedom of religion and the legal equality of all
the publishing of his Essay On Nature and Maine native Henry
religious sects and denominations, with public support of any
Wadsworth Longfellow took a position at Harvard to teach
church no longer required by law. In Southbridge, William
modern languages.
Beecher founded American Optical Company, becoming
NOVEMBER 1836
Daniel Webster ran as a Whig can-
America's first eyeglass manufacturer. The Boston Academy
didate for president and polled 55 percent of the Massachu-
of Music was founded the same year by Lowell Mason to
setts vote, though the election went to Martin Van Buren.
instruct children and music teachers and Horace Mann led
1837
Construction was underway on the Western Railroad
the movement in the General Court to found a state mental
from Worcester to Springfield but the project was so dis-
hospital which opened this year at Worcester.
approved of that the owners drafted a letter to all the churches
1834
Land sales in Maine and claims against the federal
in the state requesting that the clergy preach sermons
government produced funds that were used by the General
addressing the "beneficial moral effect of railroads." The
Court to create a state school fund. Boston organized a city
number of cotton mills in the state had grown from 54 in 1810
trade union that represented all craft unions in the region
to 282, and woolen mills now numbered 192 with 66 in Wor-
called the Boston Trades' Union. On July 4, largely due to
cester alone. The total value of the products of Massachusetts
the efforts of union-supported Frederick Robinson, imprison-
this year was close to $91 million. Emerson was invited to
ment for debt was abolished in Massachusetts. Elected to the
deliver the Phi Beta Kappa address at Harvard. The address,
state legislature, Robinson would later lead the state's Demo-
later called "America's Intellectual Declaration of Indepen-
cratic Party. The mill city of Lowell, still spinning out textiles,
dence," was originally titled "The American Scholar." At
also turned out James McNeill Whistler, the future world-
Perkins Institute for the Blind, Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe had
renowned artist. The conservatives were now called Whigs,
created a system of raised lettering to teach blind children
a party formed by the National Republicans and the old
to read. This year he achieved a remarkable feat by teaching
Federalists. The Republicans were now Jacksonian Demo-
Laura Bridgman, an eight-year-old deaf, dumb and blind girl,
crats. Jackson remained in the White House, fighting nullifi-
to communicate. Howe devoted 45 years in Boston to devel-
cation and the Second Bank of the United States. The Whigs
oping techniques in teaching blind children, which would be
in Massachusetts had elected John Davis to serve as governor
incorporated all over the country.
for the year. In November, they elected Samuel Armstrong
FEBRUARY 14, 1837
Judge Joseph Story upheld the
to serve from 1835 to 1836. Catholicism had been strengthened
sanctity of contracts as a dissenter in a Supreme Court deci-
by the Irish, many of whom had come to build canals and
sion handed down in the Charles River Bridge V. Warren Bridge
factories and find work in the cities becaue they were tired
case. Story held that the General Court should have continued
of farming. Anti-Catholic sentiment exploded when an angry
to honor the 70-year charter it had granted the first company
mob burned Ursuline Convent in Charlestown.
in 1792, rather than allowing a second company to build a
OCTOBER 31, 1835
What later became known as the
competing toll bridge over the Charles River next to the
"Garrison Mob" broke up a meeting of the Boston Female
present toll bridge.
Anti-Slavery Society on this afternoon in Boston where
JUNE 29, 1837
Horace Mann, president of the Massachu-
Garrison was addressing the group at the Liberator's building
setts Senate, became secretary of the newly established State
on Washington Street. He was "rescued" by Democratic
Board of Education. From the border town of Franklin, Mann
Mayor Theodore Lyman and Boston constables, put in
would become the nation's leader in the fight to improve and
Leverett Street jail for safekeeping and then asked to leave
extend education.
town for a few days. Only two months earlier, Mayor Lyman
NOVEMBER 8, 1837
Mary Lyon opened Mount Holyoke
had led a meeting of Boston's mercantile elite at Faneuil Hall
Female Seminary, the nation's first college dedicated to
where sentiments were strongly expressed against the
women's education and the first college created with the
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
purpose of training teachers. The college was located in South
upholding the right of workmen to strike, to maintain a closed
Hadley and supported by donations from nearly 2,000
shop and to organize labor unions. The case Commonwealth
citizens. Schoolteacher Lyon was a native of Buckland in
of Massachusetts V. Hunt rejected the former ruling that labor
Franklin County.
unions were illegal criminal conspiracies.
DECEMBER 8, 1837
A 26-year-old lawyer, Wendell
MARCH 1842
The General Court attempted somewhat
Phillips, stood in Faneuil Hall to rebut the Massachusetts
unsuccessfully to regulate child labor. Governor John Davis
Attorney General James T. Austin's defense of the slaying
signed a bill which limited children under 12 to a ten-hour
of abolitionist publisher Elijah P. Lovejoy. Phillips stated that
day. Applying only to manufacturing institutions, the law was
"when Liberty is in danger, Faneuil Hall has the right, it is
difficult to enforce.
her duty, to strike the keynote for these United States." Phillips
1843
Worcester became home to Massachusetts' first
spent the next 25 years giving free lectures on abolition
Catholic college when the Right Reverend Benedict Joseph
throughout the Northeast.
Fenwick, second Bishop of Boston, founded Holy Cross
1838
The General Court formed Massachusetts' first state
College and staffed it with Jesuits to whom the college was
bank commission and Lowell Mason introduced music into
willed. It remains today a liberal arts college for men. Also
the Boston public schools. On February 21, abolitionist
in Worcester, Charles Thurber invented the typewriter.
Angelina Grimke stood before the General Court and became
JANUARY 1843
Democrat Marcus Morton returned to the
the first woman to address an American legislative body.
governor's office to serve for one year as the two parties tugged
1839
The nation's first state normal school to train teachers
back and forth on the state.
was opened in Lexington through the work of Horace Mann
MAY 1843
Secretary of State Daniel Webster sent Massa-
and Samuel Hall. Other colleges established and chartered
chusetts Whig Caleb Cushing to China to secure trading
this year included Framingham and Westfield State Colleges
rights, following in the footsteps of England. The Treaty of
and Boston University. In Woburn, Charles Goodyear first
Wanghia was signed on July 3, 1844.
vulcanized rubber. Legend claims that he discovered the
JUNE 17, 1843
Daniel Webster returned to Boston to speak
process when he accidentally dropped a ball of crude latex
at the dedication of the completed Bunker Hill Monument,
onto a hot stove.
the cornerstone of which had been laid in 1825 by the French
1840
This year of the census would show Massachusetts
General, Lafayette.
a state of 737,699 and Boston a city approaching 100,000
JULY 24, 1843
Massachusetts' David Henshaw was
residents. The Dial was launched as a Transcendentalist journal
appointed secretary of the navy in the cabinet of President
edited by Ralph Waldo Emerson and Margaret Fuller. Marcus
Tyler.
Morton became the first Democratic party candidate to fill
1844
Samuel Bowles turned his Springfield Republican, a
the governor's chair, serving only for one year and taking
weekly he had founded in 1824, into a solidly Whig, daily
power from the Whigs. During the year, a book appeared by
newspaper. Under the liberal editorship of Dr. J.G. Holland,
a Boston native and Harvard graduate that provided Massa-
the paper practically became a national institution. John
chusetts readers with their first detailed knowledge of Cali-
Quincy Adams finally won the right of free petition for the
fornia and resulted in a series of reforms designed to better
country. Though never an abolitionist, Adams was against
the life of the common seaman. Richard Henry Dana spent
the spread of slavery. Nova Scotia native Donald McKay
Two Years Before the Mast on the brig Pilgrim.
established a shipyard in East Boston.
1841
Dorothea Lynde Dix agreed to the request of a
JANUARY 1844
With George N. Briggs, the Whigs took a
Harvard divinity student that she teach a Sunday school class
tight grasp on the governor's office which would last until 1851.
to the women incarcerated in the East Cambridge jail. Finding
JUNE 24, 1844
A mass meeting of black citizens of Boston
mentally disturbed women guilty of no crime but treated
issued a protest over the denial of a petition before the School
cruelly and imprisoned, Dix approached the Middlesex Court
Committee of Boston calling for the desegregation of Boston
and then gained the literary support of Samuel Gridley Howe.
schools.
Though others had already led the way in working to provide
MARCH 10, 1845
Worcester native George Bancroft, a
humane conditions for mentally disturbed individuals, Dix
Democrat, was appointed secretary of the Navy by newly
carried the crusade to a national campaign. President William
elected Democratic President James K. Polk. Also a pioneer
Henry Harrison appointed Daniel Webster as his secretary
in the writing of American history, Bancroft authored a ten-
of state, a position in which Webster would continue, following
volume History of the United States among other writings.
the untimely death of Harrison and the succession of John
Following the accession of the Democrats to the White House,
Tyler. The Whigs regained the governor's office with John
Daniel Webster was elected from the Massachusetts legislature
Davis who served two terms until 1843. The Brook-Farm
to the U.S. Senate, serving there until 1850. Later speaking
Institute of Agriculture and Education was underway at West
to Boston Whigs, former Secretary of State Webster urged
Roxbury, founded as a utopian experiment by Channing,
reform of the naturalization laws, claiming that the "speedy"
Hawthorne, Emerson, Fuller and others of the Unitarian and
naturalization of immigrants, who were then wooed to vote
Transcendental movements. Signs of internal dissension were
Democratic, cost the Whigs the presidential election.
visible in the joint-stock company before an 1846 fire
JULY 4, 1845
Concord native Henry David Thoreau retired
precipitated the decline of the society. The year also witnessed
from the public school he ran with his brother John to a hut
the creation of the Boston and Maine Railroad Company
beside Walden Pond, devoting himself to his studies and his
which would eventually absorb 111 railroad lines.
writing. Also during the year, Bostonian Joseph Francis
1842
Chief Justice Lemuel Shaw of the Massachusetts
designed and constructed the first successful lifeboat. The
Supreme Court handed down America's first judicial decision
whaling industry hit its peak in New Bedford which had
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
207
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
become the center of the industry after the War of 1812, taking
to the end, and died in the speaker's room. Horace Mann
the top port position from Nantucket. With 10,000 seamen
would take his seat.
manning its ships, the port reported its greatest receipts:
NOVEMBER 1848
A new alignment called the Free-Soil
158,000 barrels of sperm oil, 272,000 barrels of whale oil and
party brought together the abolitionist Liberty party, the
3,000,000 pounds of whalebone.
radical "barnburners" of the New York Democrats and New
1846
Elias Howe patented his new sewing machine and,
England's Conscience Whigs, who opposed slavery. With the
in Quincy Hall in Boston, raced hand sewers with his machine
slogan "Free soil, free speech, free labor and free men," the
and won. The machine would double the production of
party nominated Martin Van Buren for president and Charles
"store-bought" clothing during the next decade as well as
Francis Adams, son of the late John Quincy, as vice-president.
stimulate the shoemaking industry. At Clinton in Worcester
Neither the Whig, Democratic or Free Soil electors gained
County, Erastus Bingham Bigelow founded the first gingham
a majority in Massachusetts and the General Court chose the
factory in the U.S. The Irish Potato Famine reached its peak
Whig electors to represent the state. Whig candidate and
this year, driving a growing number of Irish, mostly Catholic,
Mexican War hero Zachary Taylor won the day. Nathaniel
to the promised land of industry, work and food in Boston
Hawthorne lost his position in the Salem Custom House and
and other Massachusetts towns. This would be the most
proceeded to write The Scarlet Letter.
significant political and social event in Massachusetts history,
1849
The cause of women joined hand-in-hand with the
pitting a declining population of Yankee Protestants, mostly
cause of blacks as abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison joined
R
of English descent, against an ever-growing population of
forces with West Brookfield native Lucy Stone. This year she
Irish Catholic immigrants who came to stay and master the
became the first Massachusetts woman to graduate from a
wiles of labor unions and patronage politics. Yankee hostility
classical college (Oberlin in Ohio). Invited to speak from her
to the invading Irish would be symbolized in the "No Irish
brother's pulpit in Gardner, Worcester County, she went on
Need Apply" signs that began to appear in shop after shop.
to accept a position with Garrison as a traveling lecturer for
JULY 1846
In a protest against the state government of
the American Anti-Slavery Society. Stone spoke also for the
which he disapproved, Henry David Thoreau had for years
women, saying "I was a woman before I was an abolitionist."
paid no poll tax though he had paid his other taxes. Ignored
Former Massachusetts governor Edward Everett, now presi-
for a while, Thoreau was finally put in the Concord jail
dent of Harvard, submitted a second request to the General
overnight but was released the next day when a household
Court to resume the allocation of state funds to Harvard
member paid the tax. This would lead to the essay on civil
which had been discontinued in 1824. The answer was "no."
disobedience which he would write for the Dial in 1849.
Harvard enrolled about 350 students this year, including
OCTOBER 16, 1846
Massachusetts General Hospital was
Charles William Eliot who would return in 20 years as presi-
the scene of the first public demonstration of a surgical
dent of the institution. In Boston, over 700 persons died from
operation performed using a general anesthetic. Boston dentist
an epidemic of Asiatic cholera. Boston native and great liter-
Dr. William T.G. Morton administered sulpheric ether to a
ary historian, Francis Parkman, released his personal account
patient of Dr. John Collins Warren.
of his travels in the West in The California and Oregon Trail.
1847
The General Court adopted a formal condemnation
He would later chronicle French activity in North America.
of the Mexican War written by abolitionist Charles Sumner.
1850
This year's census would record the state's population
The condemnation declared that the war was for the extension
at 994,514 including a foreign-born population of 164,000.
of slavery, fought "to confirm and fortify the 'Slave Power."
The total value of products for the state would surpass $161
The document also claimed that the war was unconstitutional,
million. Boston now had about 140,000 residents.
against the free states and criminal in nature. Back at Harvard,
MARCH 7, 1850
Still senior senator from Massachusetts,
Benjamin Peirce instigated the building of an observatory for
Daniel Webster delivered a famous oration in which he lent
a
the college's 15-inch refracting telescope which was imported
support for Clay's compromise plan and for the Fugitive Slave
18
and assembled this year. Three years later, through this tele-
Bill. Though he had always stood with the Northern Whigs
scope, William C. Bond and a Boston daguerreotypist made
on this issue, he chose to put the preservation of the Union
the first stellar photograph. Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes was
first, losing favor with his party as he did so.
appointed dean of Harvard Medical School, serving in that
APRIL 25, 1850
Following the devastating cholera
position until 1853 and as an anatomy professor until 1882.
epidemic of the previous year, Lemuel Shattuck was assigned
1848
Boston first drew water from Lake Cochituate,
to head a commission to survey the public health of the state.
announcing the new service with a display of fountains in
His report, issued on this day, was the most comprehensive
the Frog Pond. Without a municipal water system, city
investigation of a state's sanitary conditions made up to that
residents had been forced to draw cooking and drinking water
time. During the year, the General Court also passed a com-
from wells in backyards which were also home to the privies;
pulsory schooling law aimed at all children between the ages
or they collected rainwater in cisterns that graciously bred
of six and 15.
mosquitoes; or they paid for water from wagons which carted
JULY 22, 1850
The death of President Taylor put Millard
it in from the country. The potato famine brought Irishman
Fillmore in office and Daniel Webster once again became the
Patrick Kennedy to East Boston at the age of 25. A penniless
country's secretary of state. Webster would die on October
tenant farmer, he became a cooper, or barrel maker, and
24, 1852.
married fellow immigrant Bridget Murphy.
OCTOBER 23-24, 1850
The first National Women's Rights
FEBRUARY 23, 1848
The "Old Man Eloquent," John
convention, called in part by Lucy Stone, met at Worcester
Quincy Adams was stricken in the U.S. House of Representa-
to raise the banner of women's suffrage. Stone had a good
tives where he still served his district, fiercely independent
deal of influence upon one attendee, a native of Adams in
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
erkshire County named Susan B. Anthony who was not yet
to the Massachusetts Supreme Court. Nathaniel Hawthorne
committed, feminist. Stone's marriage ceremony in 1855
was appointed to serve as the U.S. consul to Liverpool from
buld protest the then-current state marriage laws, including
1853 to 1858.
e keeping of her own name.
APRIL 1853
A group of reformers including Wendell
HANKSGIVING DAY 1850
Unitarian minister Theodore
Phillips, Thomas W. Higginson, Theodore Parker, William
arker, pastor of the Twenty-Eighth Congregational Society
Lloyd Garrison and Bronson Alcott prepared a petition for
Boston, delivered a sermon from his Boston pulpit on the
women's suffrage to be presented before the Massachusetts
State of the Nation," suggesting that the North might be
General Court.
tter off without the South. Parker called upon blacks to
MAY 17, 1853
The General Court reduced the work day
se up against their masters and flaunted the Fugitive Slave
from 12 hours to ten, effective October 1, 1854. During the
IW by helping blacks who had fled to the North.
year, the legislature also created a Board of Agriculture.
51
Donald McKay, Boston shipbuilder and designer, sent
NOVEMBER 1853
The voters of Massachusetts rejected
S Flying Cloud from New York to San Francisco in a mere
a completely revised state constitution which had been drafted
days, a record never surpassed by a sailing vessel. In the
by a convention in May.
xt two years, McKay would launch, among others, Sovereign
JANUARY 1854
The crumbling Whig party retained
the Seas, largest merchant ship to date, and then Great
control of the governor's office, electing Emory Washburn
public, the largest clipper ever built though it burned
who served for one year. The year also witnessed the opening
thout ever going to sea. When the object was no longer the
of the Boston Public Library which had been founded in 1852,
stest possible trip to the gold fields of California, no more
America's first institution to offer free library service to the
ppers were built. Written in Boston, Moby Dick was pub-
public on a large scale. Salem State College was founded and
hed this year by Herman Melville who sailed on Yankee
chartered.
ips and whose paternal grandfather, Major Thomas
1855
Since 1850, a total of 86 towns had lost inhabitants,
elville, was a Bostonian. A Lynn shoemaker averaged from
though this was due in large measure to the setting off of new
to $5 for a minimum 72-hour work week. Women
towns from old incorporated areas, indicating congested
oebinders worked 17 hours a day for six days to earn $2.40.
conditions. The industrial districts of Middlesex showed the
swell power-loom operators averaged $1.75 per week plus
largest proportional increase in population of almost 25
ard. Pay was usually in company script to be used at
percent. Since 1851, public high schools had been established
mpany stores with inflated prices. The General Court passed
and political science and U.S. history were assigned an
e first law permitting towns to tax their residents for the
unprecedented prominence in the curricula. At Harvard,
pport of free libraries. In Boston, Dr. William P. Channing
James Russell accepted Longfellow's chair and served the
d Moses Gerrish Farmer constructed America's first electric
university until 1886.
e alarm system while the city became home to the first
JANUARY 1855
Resentment against Catholics and
merican Chapter of the Young Men's Christian Association.
immigrants in general gave rise to a secret society and political
NUARY 1851
A Free-Soil Democrat, George S. Bout-
organization called the American or "Know-Nothing" Party,
ell, took office as governor and served until 1853.
dedicated to the defeat of Democrats and the restriction of
EBRUARY 15, 1851
An abolitionist mob rescued a fugitive
both immigration and the rights of immigrants. At the same
ive, Shadrach, from federal officials in Boston, defying the
time, Free-Soilers of both the Democratic party and the
igitive Slave Law.
rapidly deteriorating Whig party decided to call themselves
OVEMBER 1851
Former governor and Harvard presi-
Republicans and fight against slavery in the territories. Know-
nt Edward Everett became secretary of state under Fillmore,
Nothing Henry J. Gardner captured the governor's office and
year before the death of Webster.
served until 1858, the only American party candidate every
52
Published in Boston, Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle
elected to Massachusetts' highest office. Anti-Catholic
m's Cabin was an immediate success, selling 300,000 copies
sentiment was also evident when the legislature appointed a
first year. Riverside Press became a prominent resident
"Nunnery Committee" to investigate secrets of Catholic
side the Charles River in Cambridge, founded by Vermonter
convents and schools. Henry Wilson took office as U.S.
enry O. Houghton. For more than 100 years, it would print
senator from the Commonwealth. A New Hampshire native,
ebster's Dictionary for the Merriam Company of Spring-
he came to Natick in 1833 as a cobbler's apprentice. Wilson,
:ld. A prohibition law to prevent the sale of intoxicating
the "cordwainer of Natick," not only became senator but
uors was passed that proved very difficult to enforce, though
served as vice-president of the country from 1873 to 1875.
would originate the movement which would culminate in
MAY 21, 1855
Judge E.G. Loring had ruled in the Boston
e present state police organization. Boston State College
trial of fugitive slave Anthony Burns that Burns should be
IS chartered at Boston and Tufts University was established
returned to his owner according to the Fugitive Slave Law.
Medford.
On this day, the General Court passed the Massachusetts
NUARY 1853
Despite the Democrats in the White
Personal Liberty Act declaring the law to be in violation of
buse, Massachusetts Whigs had been able to eleçt John H.
the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and guaran-
ifford who took office as governor, serving until 1854.
teeing the fugitive a trial by jury with burden of proof on
ARCH 7, 1853
Salisbury native Caleb Cushing, who had
the claimant, use of the writ of habeas corpus, and protection
goatiated the treaty opening China to U.S. trade, was
from any officer of the Commonwealth, as well as forbidding
pointed U.S. attorney general by new Democratic President
the use of local jails by federal officers.
anklin Pierce. Cushing had served as the first mayor of New-
JUNE 1, 1855
As of this day, there were about 333,000
ryport's new city government and in 1852, was appointed
males in Massachusetts over the age of 15. Of these, over
(ING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
209
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS:
36 percent were mechanics, about 18 percent laborers and only
JULY 1859
On the first of the month, Amherst College
17 percent farmers.
defeated Williams College in history's first intercollegiate
NOVEMBER 1855
Though the voters had rejected the
baseball game. The score was 66 to 32. Salem witnessed the
revised constitution in 1853, they approved six amendments,
world's first demonstration of electric home lighting when
Articles XIV through XIX. The new amendments allowed
Professor Moses G. Farmer lit up the parlor of his home with
popular election of the executive council, secretary, treasurer,
electric lights. On the 26th, Harvard won the first intercolle-
auditor, attorney general and a number of county officials,
giate rowing regatta, defeating Yale and Brown at Lake
doing away with the requirements for a majority of votes, and
Quinisgamond in Worcester.
no longer allowed public support for sectarian or private
1860
Charles Francis Adams led the moderate Republicans
schools. The legislature also established an Insurance
in the U.S. House. His son Henry would serve as his secretary
Commission during the year.
and his son Charles Francis Adams II would serve in the Union
1856
The Reverend Dr. Charles H. Leonard held the first
Army. Massachusetts would tally a population of 1,231,066
recorded observance of Children's Day at the Universalist
in the census including a foreign-born population of over
Church of the Redeemer in Chelsea.
260,000. By this year, some 61 percent of Boston's population
MARCH 26, 1856
New England's first street trains ran on
was foreign-born. The Commonwealth was engaged in more
a three-mile track between Cambridge and Boston.
than three-fourths of the 600 industrial, commercial and
NOVEMBER 1856
Massachusetts gave all of its electoral
agricultural occupations listed in the census and led the nation
votes to Republican party presidential candidate John C.
in shoemaking and textiles. Boot and shoemaking employed
Fremont who lost to Democrat James Buchanan. Know-
over 60,000 Bay Staters or over 28 percent of the state's
Nothing Party candidate Millard Fillmore was also defeated,
industrial labor force. Textile mills employed over 50,000, the
winning only Maryland.
greatest number concentrated in Middlesex County. Whaling
1857
Rapid expansion and speculation led to the Panic of
still employed some 50,000 people in New Bedford,
1857, all of which combined with increasing competition to
southeastern Massachusetts and the islands. New Bedford and
force the Lowell mills to follow others in hiring cheap
Fall River ranked among the top 25 manufacturing cities in
immigrant labor, increasing work loads, and lowering wages.
the nation. Boston had become a national financial capital.
It was no longer a happy, exemplary family with paternalistic
The state population dropped in rank from third to seventh
bosses. The air was more businesslike and living quarters were
among the states and Boston was now the fourth largest city.
allowed to run down. Boston now had a population of 165,000
Oliver Wendell Holmes first used the term "Brahmin" to refer
and only 6,500 waterclosets, eight of which were in the
to his own aristocratic, intellectual class of New England
basement of the Tremont House to serve 200 to 300 guests.
society. The sentence "He comes of the Brahmin caste of New
A hospital for poverty-stricken women was opened in Boston,
England," appeared in "The Professor's Story" in Atlantic
called the Channing Home. In Cambridge, Dr. Oliver Wendell
Monthly.
Holmes of Harvard joined others of the "Saturday Club"
NOVEMBER 1860
The Republican party chose Abraham
in launching Atlantic Monthly magazine with James Russell
Lincoln as its presidential candidate. Massachusetts cast all
Lowell as editor. Every month, Holmes would contribute his
13 of its electoral votes for Lincoln, who carried the North
popular feature, "Autocrat of the Breakfast Table." The same
and the West. A month following the election, South Carolina
year, Boston native Winslow Homer opened an art studio in
began the string of "peaceful seccessions" that formed the
the city. Following Commonwealth native Samuel Colt,
Confederate States of America by the next February.
Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson designed and produced
JANUARY 1861
New Governor John A. Andrew, prose-
the Smith & Wesson revolver in Springfield where their firm
cutor of Judge Loring, began his Republican administration.
is still active today. Voters approved three more amendments
He would be re-elected every year until 1866.
to the constitution, restricting the House to 240 members and
FEBRUARY 12, 1861
A Boston petition signed by 22,313
the Senate to 40. Article XX was obviously a reaction to the
residents was literally rolled into Congress calling for passage
immigrant vote as it instituted a literacy test-reading the
of the compromise introduced by Kentucky Senator John
constitution in English and writing one's name-but exempted
Crittenden in December, 1860. His resolutions would have
all present voters, all 60 years and over and any physically
allowed slavery in territories below a certain latitude.
unable to comply.
APRIL 19, 1861
The first guns, fired by the South on the
1858
The first in a string of Republican governors took
Union flag at Fort Sumter in Charleston, sounded the
office in Massachusetts. Nathaniel P. Banks would serve in
beginning of the Civil War on April 12. Lincoln authorized
the office until 1861. Judge Edward Greeley Loring was tried
a call for 75,000 volunteers. Secretary of War Simon Cameron
for his decision to send the slave, Anthony Burns, back to
wired Governor Andrew to mobilize three militia infantry
his master. Loring was found guilty of breaking a state law
regiments but the again farsighted governor called up four
and removed from office. John Andrew, future Republican
and then a fifth. The first four regiments called were from
governor, was the prosecutor. Patrick Joseph "P.J" Kennedy
New Bedford, Quincy, Pepperell and Lynn. The Sixth Mass-
was born just a few months before the death of his young
achusetts from Pepperell arrived in Baltimore on this day, 86
father. Raised by his sisters while his mother worked two jobs,
years to the date from the bloodshed at Lexington Green. Of
he attended parochial school for seven or eight years, became
the ten companies of men, seven were transferred by horsecars
a longshoreman and saved enough money to buy a run-down
across town to the Washington Depot. But the final three were
saloon on Haymarket Square near Faneuil Hall.
mobbed by Southern sympathizers with rocks, resulting in
1859
Massachusetts Institute of Technology was estab-
four dead and 36 wounded Massachusetts militiamen whose
lished at Cambridge though classes did not begin until 1865.
blood was the first to stain the conflict. In the first call,
210
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts supplied 3,736 men to serve, they said, for three
later declaring that war "is horrible and dull." The New
nonths. By the end of the war, the Bay State would have sent
England Hospital for Women and Children was founded by
off 122,781 white troops, 3,966 black toops and 19,983 sailors.
Marie Jakrysewka as the bloody Civil War dragged on.
This exceeded the state's four-year quota by more than 30,000.
1864
The General Court finally established the State Board
The Commonwealth would mourn 13,942 casualties before
of Charities to administrate and regulate the growing number
he South bowed its head in defeat.
of public welfare institutions and deal with the problems of
862
Dorothea Dix was appointed superintendent of Union
supporting and caring for the sick, disabled, criminal and
urses and Oxford native Clara Barton, future founder of
poor. Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, still head of the Perkins
he American Red Cross, solicited and distributed supplies
Institute, was named president of the board. Howe believed
or the wounded.
in enlisting "the greatest number of individuals and families
EBRUARY 1862
Julia Ward Howe received a fee of $4
in the care and treatment of the dependent," using public
or a poem which appeared in Atlantic Monthly. Written to
institutions "only in the last resort." His words and intentions
he tune of the popular "John Brown's Body," it came to be
were twisted by legislators around the country to keep such
nown as "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Mrs. Howe
budgets small. Meanwhile, at Tremont Temple in Boston, the
ad accompanied her husband, Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe,
first Baptist Social Union of the United States was founded
ho had been sent to Washington to inspect Bay State troops
by, and composed completely of laymen. In November, the
1 the area. She returned one evening from a visit to an army
state once again cast all of its electoral votes for Lincoln and
amp in the company of her minister and a band of soldiers
the Republicans.
ho all joined in singing the popular anti-slavery tune. The
1865
The General Court passed laws prohibiting discrim-
inister asked Mrs. Howe if she would not write "some good
ination against any race in public places and the employment
ords for that sturring tune." Her version became Lincoln's
of children under ten in factories. The state police finally got
vorite war song.
their start in the creation of a Constable of the Commonwealth
ECEMBER 8, 1862
The Right Reverend John Melville
who was granted deputies to aid him in the "suppression of
urgess was consecrated as suffragen bishop of Massachu-
liquor shops, gambling places and houses of ill-fame." As
tts, becoming the first American black bishop of the
many town governments grew inefficient, lax and corrupt,
rotestant Episcopal Church to serve a predominantly white
state interference increased. By now the state had 14 city
ocese.
governments. The Worcester Polytechnic Institute was
63
Boston College was founded at Newton and Massa-
founded and chartered this year in Worcester.
usetts Agricultural College was charted at Amherst, though
1866
As the country recovered from its bitter struggle,
e latter's classes did not open until 1867. In Sterling, Wor-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology introduced the first
ster County, tailor Ebenezer Butterick and his wife invented
course in architecture offered at an American college and
e first, standardized paper clothes patterns. Boston still
Boston welcomed the first American branch of the Young
sisted the question of state police, pleading traditional self-
Women's Christian Association. Boston machinist Ira
vernment and the authority of the local community. Boston
Steward developed his theory that an eight-hour work day
tive and pastor of South Congregational Church, Edward
would solve all problems between capital and labor, forming
verett Hale, published Man Without a Country while
his "Grand Eight-Hour League of Massachusetts" which was
ongfellow published his Tale of a Wayside Inn which included
copied by many otherstates. Haverhill native John Greenleaf
the first poem in the collection the soon-to-be-famous if
Whittier published what became his best-known poem,
mewhat inaccurate "Paul Revere's Ride." The "hour of
"Snowbound".
rkeness" referred to the present war as well as the past.
JANUARY 1866
Unionist Republican Alexander H.
o few men volunteered to fill the requirements of the Union
Bullock took office as governor to serve every year until 1869.
my, necessitating a draft. The law allowed those who could
Massachusetts would remain firmly Republican for some time,
ford a payment of $300 to the government, or the money
despite the growing number of Irish Democrats.
bribe a substitute, to purchase immunity from compulsory
1867
A report to the legislature once again addressed the
vice. This greatly angered the poor, a number of whom
problem of child labor, recommending restrictions and
ecipitated the Boston Draft Riots. Voters approved Article
improved working conditions. The Thirteenth Amendment
<VI, amending the Commonwealth's constitution by
to the U.S. Constitution had abolished slavery and now the
llifying Article XXIII. Passed in 1860, Article XXIII had
Fourteenth Amendment, ratified by the General Court,
hibited any immigrant from voting or holding office unless
guaranteed citizenship to native blacks. Boston saw the
it person had resided in the United States for two years
establishment of both the Boston Conservatory of Music and
er his naturalization. Abolitionist Colonel Robert Gould
the New England Conservatory of Music, both of which still
aw led a regiment of Boston blacks into battle, leading the
train from 450 to 550 students a year. In Swampscott, an
ack on Fort Wagner where Shaw and almost half of his
outpost of Saugus (which became Lynn), Mary Baker Eddy
iment fell. Charles Francis Adams II commanded a black
was already demonstrating the healing abilities that came, she
alry regiment and Oliver Wendell Holmes, SOA of the
believed, from "the infinite Mind," the one God. She began
ious doctor and writer of the same name, enlisted weeks
to explain to her first followers that everything is "infinite
ore his graduation from Harvard, becoming an officer in
Mind," matter is unreal and man as a race is spiritual, that
Twentieth Massachusetts regiment which saw much action.
healing emanates from advancements in spirituality, that evil
er he recovered from being shot through the chest, he was
is unreal and that Jesus, the "Way-shower," proved the superi-
t through the neck at Antietam in 1862. After once again
ority of "Mind" over the flesh. Also in Lynn, the center of the
urning to duty, he caught a ball of grapeshot in the heel,
nation's boot and shoemaking industry, the introduction of
NG THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
211
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
the sewing machine in 1848, and the ensuing mechanization of
Boston. A poet, O'Reilly would become editor in 1876.
what was formerly a cottage industry, led to the largest strike to
Though he had friends and sponsors among the literary elite
date in America, closing all shoe factories for seven weeks.
of Boston and Cambridge and his verse was used as part of
NOVEMBER 1868
George Frisbie Hoar was elected to
the rededication ceremony of Plymouth Rock, O'Reilly and
Congress from Massachusetts as a radical who opposed
all Irish Catholics would remain barred from the high-culture
slavery and its extension. He would work in Washington for
preserve of the wealthy Yankee protestants.
a complete reconstruction of government and society in the
JUNE-JULY 1870
When the shoemakers struck at North
South, including black civil rights. From a Concord family
Adams, the Boston Transcript reported that Chinese laborers
of Unitarians, Hoar had been active in the Free-Soil party
were transported to the town. Native laborers met in Boston
and helped to form Massachusetts' Republican party in 1855.
to protest the introduction "into the manufactories of this
A Harvard graduate, he settled his family at Worcester. In
state coolie labor from China in order to cheapen, and, if
the presidential election, Massachusetts went solidly
possible, degrade the intelligent, educated, loyal labor of
Republican for General Grant.
Massachusetts."
JANUARY 1869
Another Republican, William Claflin,
NOVEMBER 1870
Wendell Phillips joined the Labor
manned the governor's office, serving every year until 1872.
Reform Party and ran as their candidate for governor, losing
The state organized the country's first State Bureau of Labor
to Republican incumbent Claflin.
Statistics and created a Railroad Commission, naming Charles
1871
Smith College for women was charted at Northamp-
Francis Adams II as its commissioner. It also established
ton but classes did not begin until 1875. Worcester saw the
America's first State Board of Health and, though the board
founding of Worcester State College. At Boston, Henry
originally had no compulsory powers, its authority would be
Adams was the editor of The North American Review and had
steadily increased over the remainder of the century.
begun the previous year to teach courses in medieval history
MARCH 1869
Congressman Ebenezer R. Hoar, elder
at Harvard. Adams would inspire scholars there until 1877.
brother of George Frisbie, was appointed U.S. attorney-general
SEPTEMBER 4, 1871
The Labor Reform Convention met
by President Grant, who also appointed Groton resident and
at Worcester where Wendell Phillips drew up a platform
former Democratic Governor George S. Boutwell as secretary
demanding a ten-hour day "as a first step," and an eight-hour
of the Treasury. Boutwell had served as governor from 1851
day for all those hired thereafter by the factories, equal pay
to 1853, then had helped organize the Republican party. In
for women and an end to the importation of coolie labor.
Massachusetts, the General Court ratified the Fifteenth
JANUARY 1872
The Republicans had won again with
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution giving blacks the right
William B. Washburn who took office as governor to serve
to vote.
until his resignation on May 1, 1874. The year would also see
SUMMER-FALL 1869
The first summer university course
the founding of the Boston Globe newspaper by Maturin
was offered at Harvard by Dean Shaler. Consisting of lectures
Ballou. When the Globe was about to go under in 1877, it
on geology, the course was noncredit and taken for pure
would be taken over by General Charles H. Taylor who slashed
recreation. The year would also mark the ascendency of a
the price to two cents and joined the Democratic party.
revolutionary reformer to Harvard's presidency. Former
Circulation would then jump within a few years from 8,000
student Charles Wilson Eliot, professor of chemistry at Mass-
to 150,000. During the year, Dr. Susan Dimock held a nurse's
achusetts Institute of Technology, returned from two years
training school at New England Hospital for Women and
of studying European educational systems and accepted
Children, and West Dennis native Luther C. Crowell designed
election to the helm of Harvard. He began immediately to
the first, square-bottomed paper bag and the machinery to
develop the elective system of undergraduate courses as a
manufacture the new marvel.
solution to the controversy over classical versus practical
NOVEMBER 9, 1872
One year and a month following the
education. Meanwhile, Lucy Stone aided in forming the Amer-
terrible Chicago fire, a fire started in Boston that burned for
ican Woman Suffrage Association. In Boston, a new breed
three days, killed 13 people (300 died in Chicago) and
of dog called the Boston Terrier was recognized as the first
destroyed $75 million in property. The Old South Church
purebred dog developed in America. In Bristol County, an
barely escaped the flames which stopped at the opposite
era ended as the last real whaler sailed from New Bedford.
corner of Milk and Washington Streets. In Geneva, both
In the North American Review, Henry Adams, brother to
Charles Francis Adams Sr. and Caleb Cushing had served
Charles Francis Adams II and Brooks Adams, spoke out
during the year on the arbitration team that settled the
against the spoils system and called for civil service reform.
Alabama privateer claims against Great Britain stemming from
1870
The state was now populated with 1,457,351 residents
the Civil War. Now Charles Francis Adams vied for the
according to the census. The General Court created a
presidential nomination from the Liberal Republican party
corporation commission and the Massachusetts Woman's
but lost out to Horace Greeley. Massachusetts again cast all
Suffrage Association elected Julia Ward Howe as its president.
13 electoral votes for Grant and the Republicans.
Harvard President Eliot instituted the first comprehensive
1873
William A. Richardson of Massachusetts was
graduate program of studies at the school while Yale did the
appointed secretary of the interior by President Grant and
same. At Wellesley, an academic institution was founded and
the Massachusetts College of Art was established in Boston.
chartered for women and called Wellesley College. John Boyle
In the Bershires, between North Adams and Florida, 24 years
O'Reilly secured a job as reporter for the Boston Pilot after
of work culminated in the opening (November 27) of the
being shipped to Australia as a convict from Ireland and
4.7-mile Hoosac Tunnel which was the second longest tunnel
escaping on a Nantucket whaler in 1869. The paper, founded
in the world at that time. Almost 200 lives were lost in con-
in 1838, was the oldest and most popular Catholic paper in
struction of the project which was designed for the railroads
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and which employed the first practical use of nitroglycerin.
between Salem and Boston as well as between Chicago and
MAY 1, 1874
Republican Thomas Talbot stepped up to act
Milwaukee. Republican George Frisbie Hoar would be elected
as governor upon the resignation of Washburn, serving until
to fill the U.S. Senate seat formerly occupied by Charles
the next January. Harvard's commencement included Henry
Sumner, the abolitionist. An advocate himself of black civil
Cabot Lodge, grandson of George Cabot, who had earned
rights, Hoar came to the Senate as the reformist era of
his law degree. Lodge had also taken Henry Adams' courses
Republican politics drew to a close. He would serve in the
on medieval institutions.
Senate until his death on September 30, 1904.
DECEMBER 12, 1874
Harvard President Charles W. Eliot
1878
Bands of tramps infested the state, prompting the
argued for a tax-exempt status for educational institutions.
General Court to grant the new detective force the duty of
1875
The Democrats had ousted the Republicans
enforcing the vagrancy laws.
temporarily in the November 1874 elections, putting William
1879
Republican Thomas Talbot returned to the governor's
Gaston into the State House as governor. The year saw the
chair in January to serve for one year. In Boston, the year
repeal of the prohibition law while the police system was
would see the organization of the Archaeological Institute
allowed to assume the form of a state detective force. With
of America with Charles Eliot Norton as its first president.
only 15 men, the force would inspect nearly all of the large
The first paper mill west of the Connecticut River, Crane &
manufacturing firms in the state which totaled close to 1,300.
Company in Dalton, began manufacturing the stock on which
The men examined steam boilers, fire extinguishing equipment
U.S. currency is printed. Difficult to counterfeit, the paper
and other safety devices as well as noted the observance of
is capable of being folded 4,000 times in any one place. Since
child labor laws. The force made over 500 arrests, condemned
Zenas Crane founded his mill on the Housatonic River in 1846,
some 35,000 gallons of liquor and recovered a large amount
five generations of Cranes have been the sole suppliers of U.S.
of stolen property. There were now 19 cities in the state which
money paper. Radcliffe College would be organized at
together accounted for over 50 percent of the population. In
Cambridge as an adjunct to Harvard for the education of
Lynn, the Panic of 1873 caused financial losses that drove
women, and Mary Baker Eddy would lead 15 followers in
Lydia Estes Pinkham to her kitchen to mix and peddle her
voting to found a church based on her Christian Science
own home remedy for "Female Complaints or Disorders"
teachings. Northfield native Dwight L. Moody founded
in order to support her children. Her Vegetable Compound
Northfield Seminary, now Northfield School for girls, and
would be taken religiously by women everywhere as its fame
two years later, Mt. Hermon School for Boys. Uneducated,
spread rapidly around the world. The Lydia E. Pinkham
but financially successful, Moody had been converted in 1855
Medicine Company on Western Avenue in Lynn still manu-
and became one of America's most famous Christian
factures the remedy. A number of devoted consumers were
evangelists.
lost, though, when the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act required
NOVEMBER 1879
Having already established himself as
certain ingredient labeling. Members of the Women's Chris-
a prolific author of popular American history, Henry Cabot
tian Temperence Union and the Anti-Saloon Leagues were
Lodge ran for a seat in the General Court from Nahant
horrified to see that the fine print on the new label revealed
and won.
contents of almost 30 percent alcohol by volume. In Boston,
1880
John Davis Long became the Republican governor,
the first American Christmas card was printed by Louis Prang.
serving until 1883 while the Irish gained enough power in the
JANUARY 1876
The Centennial year dawned on a
Democratic party to possess a decisive veto in party councils.
Massachusetts that, for the first time in history, had a
Emerson College was founded and chartered at Boston and
Democratic representative in the U.S. Congress. The Repub-
a public art museum opened at Copley Square. The census
licans had regained the governor's office, though, with
would total the state's residents at 1,783,085.
Alexander H. Rice who took up his duties and served the state
DECEMBER 15, 1880
The suits filed by Washburn and
until 1879. The year would see the Old South Church, which
Moen Manufacturing Company of Worcester to protect its
was being used as a post office, saved at auction by Mrs. Mary
barbed wire patents resulted in a landmark decision, favorable
Hemenway and other ladies with civic and historic sentiments.
to the company, which defined the nature of a patentable
NOVEMBER 1876
Charles Francis Adams Sr. ran for
invention.
governor as a reform Democrat supported by Patrick Andrew
1881
Horace Gray of the state's Supreme Court, and
Collins, who had served in the state's General Court as a repre-
founder of the law firm Ropes & Gray, was named to serve
sentative. Adams was defeated by the Republican incumbent,
on the U.S. Supreme Court. Oliver Wendell Holmes published
Rice. On the 23rd of the month, delegates from Yale, Harvard,
his treatise on Common Law and Mrs. Helen Hunt Jackson
Rutgers, Columbia and Princeton were invited by Princeton
of Amherst published A Century of Dishonor, the time's most
to meet at Massasoit House in Springfield to discuss rules
scathing indictment of the U.S. government's treatment of
for football games. The year also saw the successful demon-
the American Indians. She would also write Ramona and other
stration of the telephone in Boston by Alexander Graham Bell.
popular novels. Former Union soldier Major Henry Lee
In the presidential election, the state cast almost 58 percent
Higginson, a native New Yorker, established the Boston
of its popular vote for Republican Rutherford-B. Hayes.
Symphony, supporting it financially until 1918.
MARCH 12, 1877
President Hayes appointed Charles
OCTOBER 22, 1881
The first concert of the Boston
Devens, Civil War general from Massachusetts, as the nation's
Symphony was held in Boston Music Hall with Sir George
attorney-general. The general's name would later be honored
Henschel the conductor. German music and influence would
with the naming of Fort Devens, a U.S. Army post in Ayer
be favored until the hysteria of World War I.
in Middlesex County. During the year, the first telephone
NOVEMBER 1881
Lawrence in Essex County became the
communication between American cities would be established
state's first major city to elect an Irish Catholic mayor.
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Undertaker John Breen had been a volunteer fireman and
and the Greenbackers while the Republicans paid for his
a city councilman in the city which was now 20 percent. Irish-
speaking tour, hoping he would take votes from Cleveland.
born. Breen served for three years and, through patronage,
Massachusetts gave over 48 percent of its popular vote and
opened public jobs to his fellow Irishmen.
all of its electoral votes to Blaine but Cleveland the Democrat
1882
Oliver Wendell Holmes was named to the Supreme
barely squeaked into the White House.
Judicial Court of Massachusetts, the county medical examiner
1885
By this time, there were 23 city governments that
system was established, and Radcliffe College received its
accounted for 60 percent of the population, 32 percent of
charter, being incorporated as The Society for the Collegiate
which was foreign-born. Some municipalities counted more
Instruction of Women. Atlantic Union College was founded
than 40 percent of their residents as born in other lands.
at South Lancaster and Patrick Collins was elected to the U.S.
American International College and Springfield College
Congress as a reform Democrat, serving for three terms.
would both be established this year at Springfield.
Cambridge recorded the death of Henry Wadsworth
MARCH 6, 1885
President Cleveland picked Massachusetts
Longfellow the same year that Concord mourned the passing
native William Crowninshield Endicott as secretary of war
of Ralph Waldo Emerson.
instead of Congressman Patrick Collins of Boston. Endicott
JANUARY 1883
Benjamin F. Butler of Lowell became only
was a Mugwump, a fact which, combined with the rejection
the second Democrat to hold the governor's office since the
of Irish Democrat Collins, alienated the Irish.
Republican ascendency in 1858. Butler had begun his career
JULY 4, 1885
Boston University-trained lawyer and
by supporting labor and the Irish Catholics in General Court.
Irishman Thomas Gargan was chosen to deliver Boston's
He had espoused the Union cause during the Civil War, served
Independence Day oration, establishing a tradition that lasted
as a radical Republican with Hoar in Congress, championed
for a generation of alternating the honor between the Yankees
the inflationary Greenback party, and then returned to the
and the Irish, a symbolic recognition that the city now
Democrats. His politics and antics infuriated the upper-class
belonged to both groups.
Republicans. Meanwhile in Worcester, the year would witness
JULY 11, 1885
The first Boston Pops concert was organized
the design of America's first continuous steel rolling mill by
by William Gericke and directed by Adolf Neuendorff to keep
Charles Morgan and the establishment of Morgan Construc-
the symphony musicians in top shape during the summer
tion Company which would make mills for every steel-
months.
producing country in the world. Mary Baker Eddy founded
1886
Amherst native Emily Dickinson died, having
the Christian Science Journal.
published only two poems during her lifetime, one with no
NOVEMBER 1883
Henry Cabot Lodge managed the
signature. Henry Cabot Lodge again ran for U.S. congressman
campaign for governor of Republican Congressman George
from the Bay Sate and finally won. Great Barrington resident
D. Robinson against Democratic incumbent Butler whom the
William Stanley invented an alternating-current transformer
Republicans so desperately wished to defeat. Although a
(Edison built a direct-current generator) and demonstrated
tough victory by a narrow margin, Lodge's accomplishment
its commercial feasibility by lighting 26 businesses on Main
greatly bolstered his reputation.
Street, making Great Barrington in the Berkshires the world's
JANUARY 1884
Governor Butler left the State House
first town lit by alternating current. Compulsory chapel and
alone through the middle doors, walking down the front steps,
Harvard's original Latin and Greek requirements were
establishing the tradition of the "Long Walk" Since then,
abolished under President Eliot.
the middle doors allow only the exit of a departing governor
1887
Republican Oliver Ames took over as governor and
or the entrance of a U.S. president. Robinson took office and
was re-elected every year until 1889. The Marine Biological
served every year until 1887. The Record newspaper would
Laboratory was founded at Woods Hole and the first
be founded this year in Boston and Charles Francis Adams
regulation board for a profession was created by the General
II would become president of the Union Pacific Railroad,
Court. Labor organizers formed a Massachusetts Federation
serving until 1890.
of Labor which was affiliated with the national organization.
JULY 4, 1884
James Monroe Trotter, son of a Mississippi
In Boston, the General Court consolidated the four remaining
slave owner and a black slave mother, delivered the
street railway companies (horsecars pulled over rails laid in
Independence Day oration in Hyde Park. Raised a free black
the street) under one management called the West End Street
in Ohio, Trotter served in Nathaniel Hallowell's black regiment
Railway. The legislature also passed the Employers' Liability
in the Civil War and led the struggle for equal pay for black
Act and declared Labor Day a legal holiday. Founded this
soldiers. Settling in Boston, he became the city's leading
year by Jonas Gilman Clark in Worcester, Clark University
Democrat, became recorder of deed for the District of
opened in 1889 to become the first titled "graduate school"
Columbia, and sent his son William first to Hyde Park High
in New England and the second in the country.
School and then to Harvard.
1888
Wheelock College was founded and chartered in
NOVEMBER 1884
Hugh O'Brien was elected the first
Boston and William Dean Howells, poet, novelist and editor,
Irish-born mayor of Boston. As a city alderman he had won
moved from Boston to New York City.
enactment of a two-dollar daily minimum wage for city
1889
The West End Street Railway of Boston turned from
employees. He was brought to Boston in 1832 and trained at
horsepower to electrically powered streetcars. Demands for
the Courier. He then established his own commercial paper. In
suburban housing helped develop a huge system of horsecars
the presidential election, Henry Cabot Lodge held the party line
and streetcars that stretched from New Hampshire to Rhode
and supported Republican James G. Blaine rather than bolt
Island. The creation of the Metropolitan Sewage Commission
to join the Mugwumps (reform wing). Former governor of
in Boston represented the nation's first metropolitan planning.
Massachusetts, Butler, was nominated by the Antimonopolists
Plymouth Rock was rededicated, the National Cotton Mule
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Spinners Union was organized, and Gordon College was
overseas expansion and strong application of the Monroe
established at Wenham. The cotton spinners' union was the
Doctrine. The year would see the opening of North Station
first attempt to organize the state's textile workers. The year
by the Boston and Maine Railroad and the founding of
also marked the passing of Chesterfield native Ebenezer
Fitchburg, Lowell, and North Adams State Colleges. Senators
Brown, America's first Methodist missionary and inventor
Hoar and Lodge divided over a number of issues, though both
of the detachable collar. In Cambridge, native Maria Louis
Republicans, as Hoar had strong reformist sentiments which,
Baldwin became, at the age of 33, the first black principal in
in some aspects, had grown less popular in Massachusetts.
the state's history. Her 40 years at Agassiz Grammar School
Lodge embraced the Immigration Restriction League formed
allowed her to influence many young blacks, including
this year in Boston but Hoar remained true to the Revolu-
Harvard students.
tionary ideals of a home for all oppressed. The General Court
1890
Republican John Q.A. Brackett took over as governor
authorized the incorporation of the Boston Elevated Railway
of a population grown to 2,239,947. Pittsfield, in the Berk-
(BERY) and the creation of the Boston Transit Commission,
shires, was now home to Stanley Electrical Manufacturing
both of which were to carry out the 1892 report of the
Company which supplied equipment for the some 1,500 power
legislative commission.
stations in America now using Stanley's alternating current
1895
Attorney General Richard Olney became secretary of
system. Stanley also invented the two-phase motor. In the U.S.
state in June in time to protect American interests in
Senate, George F. Hoar supported the Sherman Anti-Trust
Venezuela. Charles Francis Adams II was elected president
Act and guided it through to its passage.
of the Massachusetts Historical Society, as he was already
1891
With William E. Russell, the Democrats won three
known as an author of important historical works, and a
consecutive years in the State House. In Springfield, Canadian
Vermont native of English Puritan stock named Calvin
James A. Naismith was teaching physical education
Coolidge graduated from Amherst College. Lowell Tech-
instructors at the Young Men's Christian Assocation Training
nological Institute was established and, in Chicopee, the
College when he discovered a widespread need for a
Spaulding & Pepper Company was formed to make rubber
recreational game to be played indoors during the winter.
goods, especially pneumatic tires for bicycles and soon
Assigned by the head of the college to remedy the situation,
automobile tires. The Duryeas built their own automobile
Naismith took two peach baskets and invented basketball.
factory here and produced some 2,200 Duryea cars. In
1892
Charles and Frank Duryea were bicycle designers and
Cambridge, a Great Barrington native became the first black
toolmakers in Chicopee in Hampden County which would
to earn a doctorate at Harvard. W.E. Burghardt Du Bois
soon become America's manufacturing center for two-
studied philosphy under William James, Josiah Royce and
wheeled transportation. But the Duryeas were interested in
George Santayana and studied history under Albert Bushnell
four-wheel transport that moved on its own power. They
Hart. The same year, William Monroe Trotter, son of Boston's
developed the first gasoline automobile engine and the first
leading black Democrat, James Monroe Trotter, graduated
gas-driven "buggy" and made experimental runs over
magna cum laude from Harvard. Both men were defenders
Chicopee roads. The Mother Church of Christian Science,
of equal rights and foes of Booker T. Washington's philosophy
the First Church of Christ, Scientist, was established in
of accommodation.
Boston, which will one day oversee more than 3,200 churches
1896
This year in the Senate, Lodge supported intervention
in some 46 countries. P.J. Kennedy, now owner of three
in Cuba and pressed for immigration restriction and the
saloons, and a wholesale liquor dealer, went from state
implementation of a national literacy test which passed both
representative to state senator as an East Boston Democrat.
houses of Congress easily but was vetoed by President
APRIL 1892
The commission appointed by the General
Cleveland. The test had been intended to favor Anglo-Saxons
Court to investigate Boston's transportation needs recom-
and northwestern Europeans while it would effectively exclude
mended construction of four railway lines and a streetcar
southern and eastern Europeans. Because of Cleveland's veto,
tunnel down Tremont Street under the Public Garden and the
immigration continued from all parts of Europe and Asia.
Common.
In Massachusetts, the state Supreme Court denied workers
NOVEMBER 1892
Massachusetts continued to vote
the right to picket, no matter how peacefully. Justice Oliver
Republican and supported incumbent Benjamin Harrison but
Wendell Holmes dissented.
Cleveland and the Democrats regained the White House.
MARCH 5, 1896
Republican Roger Wolcott took over as
MARCH 1893
Massachusetts native Richard Olney was
governor upon the death of Greenhalge.
appointed attorney general by President Cleveland. Olney
NOVEMBER 1896
The Republicans elected Wolcott to
would break the Pullman strike in Chicago at the request of
the State House where he would serve from 1897 to January
the Railroad Trust. Within the state, the year would also see
4, 1900. In the presidential election, the state gave almost 70
the General Court establish the Massachusetts Highway
percent of its popular vote to Republican winner, William
Commission due to the deplorable condition of the state's
McKinley.
roads. The first state appropriation of $300,000 was made
1897
Former Governor John D. Long was appointed
the following year.
secretary of the Navy by President McKinley. Senator Hoar
1894
The Republicans regained the State House with
would stand by McKinley's policy in Cuba over the next few
Governor Frederick T. Greenhalge who took office and served
years but would oppose what he considered aggression in the
until his death on March 5, 1896. Henry Cabot Lodge was
Philippines. Boston became the first American city to have
elected to the U.S. Senate from the Massachusetts legislature
a subway as BERY began to expand and unite mass
and would remain there for nearly 32 years. Like his friend
transportation in the area. New Yorker Philip Hubert reported
Theodore Roosevelt, Lodge was a well-known advocate of
that steam was beginning to replace water power in New
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
England's textile mills, that electricity had not as yet appeared
include all textile workers regardless of craft but it progressed
as a motive power except in small industries and that record
slowly, due in part to the number of women and children in
shipments of American cotton goods were going to India and
the industry. The Dennison Paper Manufacturing Company
China. For designs, he said, "as yet we have to go to Paris."
in Framingham produced America's first gum labels, and in
The first Boston Marathon was run from Hopkinton to the
Boston, Patrick Collins, having lost the mayor's race in 1899,
Back Bay. The following year, and until 1969, it would be run
won the helm of the city to give Boston another Irish mayor.
every April 19, Patriot's Day.
Charles Francis Adams II became president of the American
1898
The Spanish-American War involved the Second
Historical Association while his brother Brooks published
Massachusetts Infantry which was attached to the Second
an article called "Reciprocity or the Alternative," discussing
Cavalry Brigade and fought at San Juan Hill in Cuba. The
suitable trade policies and America's recovery in 1897 from
Sixth Massachusetts Infantry Regiment received permission
the precarious position of 1896, by advocating adoption of
from the War Department to be transported through
a tariff and reorganization of industry to drive American
Baltimore on the same route as its ill-fated predecessor in 1861.
prices below those of Europe. He also carried on the family
This time the crowd threw flowers. These men saw only
tradition by advocating a strong navy.
occupation duty in Cuba and Puerto Rico. The Ninth
1902
Thrust from vice-president to president by an
Infantry, however, would lose 177 men during 18 days on the
assassin's bullet, Theodore Roosevelt appointed Massachu-
front lines. Northeastern University was founded and
setts native William H. Moody as secretary of the Navy.
chartered in Boston while young, college-educated reformers
Meanwhile, Roosevelt's old friend, Henry Cabot Lodge,
who worked in the South End House and other slum-area
pushed the president to appoint Oliver Wendell Holmes to
settlement houses wrote of their experiencies and observa-
the Supreme Court upon the death of Horace Gray. This was
tions. In The City Wilderness: A Settlement Study published the
done only after Roosevelt was assured that Holmes was
next year, the writers described the boys' street gangs, each
"sound" on such issues as imperialism, thus bringing the
having corners and leaders, which evolved into men's clubs
often-dissenting Holmes pragmatism to the Court.
as the boys grew up, fitting right into the political machine
1903
Republican Governor John L. Bates took office,
and the system of boss rule and ward politics. In November,
serving in the State House until January, 1905. William
a hurricane hit the Massachusetts coast which sent the Port-
Monroe Trotter was jailed for disrupting a speech given by
land-bound steamer Portland down with its crew. It was long
Booker T. Washington at the African Methodist Episcopal
remembered by residents as the worst storm they could recall.
Zion Church in Boston, initiating a lasting enmity between
1899
The United Shoe Machinery Corporation was
the two men. W.E.B. Du Bois published his famous The Souls
founded in Beverly and, in Boston, Simmons College was
of Black Folk, insisting that Negroes wanted and demanded
established and South Station opened. A group of Massa-
equal economic and social status. Boston Congregational
chusetts Negroes wrote a letter to President McKinley protest-
minister Edward Everett Hale became chaplain of the U.S.
ing the treatment of Southern blacks who were often the
Senate, serving until his death in 1909.
victims of lynch mobs and brutal violence as well as dis-
JULY 1904
Secretary of the Navy William H. Moody was
franchisement. The group argued that McKinley should pay
now appointed attorney general by President Roosevelt.
as much attention to this situation as to the problems in Cuba.
NOVEMBER 1904
Massachusetts remained loyally
Boston-born James Michael Curley, son of Irish Catholic
Republican, giving almost 58 percent of its popular vote to
immigrants, won a seat on the Boston common council.
the victorious incumbent, Theodore Roosevelt. During the
1900
At the turn of the 20th century, Massachusetts'
year, Boston Democrat James M. Curley was caught imper-
population had grown by another half a million to tally
sonating a friend at a civil service examination and briefly
2,805,346. This total now included 850,000 inhabitants of
imprisoned.
foreign birth, immigrants who were not just Irish and French
DECEMBER 1904
The East Boston tunnel under Boston
but Italian and East European. From Harvard philosophers
Harbor opened to become the nation's first underwater mass
William James and Charles Peirce to the textile workers,
transit tunnel. The year also saw the establishment of
machinists and farmers, Massachusetts citizens would develop
Assumption College in Worcester.
the pragmatism which would allow them to deal with the
JANUARY 1905
The Democrats having triumphed in
pluralistic society that time and events had brought to the
November, new Governor William L. Douglas took office
state. They would learn to reconcile the founding fathers'
serving for only one year until January, 1906.
idealistic uniformity with their society's realistic diversity. City
JULY 1905
W.E.B. Du Bois called 29 Negro leaders
government reform had become a major issue as many towns
together for a meeting held in the area of Niagara Falls
sought to develop a modified town system to avoid the
(actually in Buffalo) New York. The Niagara Movement as
problems of city organization. The Boot and Shoe Workers'
it came to be called issued a Declaration of Principles calling
Union began organizing the shoe trades. Massachusetts
for equal rights and opportunities for all Americans and
ranked fourth in the country in strikes and third in the number
pledging to pursue their goal with "Persistent, manly
of lockouts recorded since 1881. Eastern Nazarene College
agitation
Dissatisfied with the leadership and goals of
was founded in Quincy.
Booker T. Washington, the group declared the event an annual
JANUARY 1900
Dalton native and member of the Crane
meeting and the movement an on-going cause.
paper dynasty, Winthrop Murray Crane took office as
JANUARY 4, 1906
November had returned the State House
governor, giving the Republicans control for three years and
once more to the Republicans and Governor Curtis L. Guild
three elections.
Jr. took office, serving by annual re-election until January,
1901
The United Textile Workers union was formed to
1909. In Washington, D.C., noted trustbuster William H.
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Moody, attorney general and former secretary of the Navy,
actually received by the 21,922 employees, during a week late
would soon be appointed to the Supreme Court by President
in 1911, in which the mills were running full time, was $8.76"
Roosevelt.
The majority of the workers were still unorganized. The
JUNE 10, 1906
The first building of the Church of Christ,
United Textile Workers of 1901 had managed to gain 2,500
Scientist, was dedicated in Boston. The year would also see
members in Lawrence while the Industrial Workers of the
the establishment of the Boston Juvenile Court and Suffolk
World (I.W.W.) formed in 1905 had only recruited a few
University in the capital city, and the completion of Henry
hundred workers in the city.
Adams' work The Education of Henry Adams which was a study
JANUARY 1912
Nearly all of the unskilled and semiskilled
in power and the relationship of society to power. Boston
workers walked out of the Lawrence mills and Joseph Ettor
would elect an Irish Catholic mayor and the Irish Catholics
of the I.W.W. came to Lawrence to lead the strike with Arture
would henceforth control the position. The man chosen was
Giovanitti, editor of Il Proletario. Strikers picketed in mass
none other than John F. (Honey Fitz) Fitzgerald, the
on the 15th and the mayor called out the four local militia
grandfather of John F. Kennedy.
troops plus four others from other towns. On the 16th, the
1907
President Roosevelt appointed George von L. Meyer
mills were opened with the protection of local police and the
of Massachusetts to the office of U.S. Postmaster General.
militiamen. The president of American Woolen Company,
Within the state, the General Court ruled that savings banks
William M. Wood, refused to meet with a strike committee
could conduct life insurance business, and a young lawyer
and by the 19th, the skilled operatives had joined the strike.
from Northampton, Calvin Coolidge, won election to the
On the 20th, four sticks of dynamite were found in the strike
legislature.
district, seven strikers were arrested and four more companies
1908
In her 88th year, two years before her death, Mary
of militia brought to the scene. The dynamite had been planted
Baker Eddy founded the now-famous, international daily
by a leading businessman who was soon tried, convicted and
newspaper, the Christian Science Monitor. The paper is still
fined $500 while company president Wood was exonerated
edited and published in Boston. The national edition began
in court after failing to explain a payment made to the pur-
in 1911 and the international in 1913. In April, Worcester
chaser of the dynamite. On the 29th, a massive demonstration
citizens voted in local prohibition making Worcester the largest
was held that led to the death of a woman striker. Ten more
dry city in the nation.
companies of militia and two cavalry troops were requested
1909
The Republicans inaugurated Eben S. Draper as the
and the city council turned Lawrence over to the commander
state governor and he served until January, 1911. The
of the militia. Ettor and Giovanitti were both arrested and
presidential election of the preceding November had put
accused of the murder of the striker but were later acquitted.
Theodore Roosevelt's chosen successor, William H. Taft, in
Ettor's imprisonment brought I.W.W. leader William D. "Big
the White House. Massachusetts had supported the Repub-
Bill" Haywood to Lawrence to lead the strike. Strikers began
licans with over 58 percent of its popular vote. Taft would
sending their children on the train to New York City, out of
now name Frank J. Hitchcock of Massachusetts as postmaster
danger, where they were met by cheering crowds. When a third
general and move George von L. Meyer to the office of
group of children were brought to the station to board the
secretary of the Navy. In Cambridge, Lesley College was
train, 50 policemen and two companies of militia clubbed the
founded and A. Lawrence Lowell replaced Charles Eliot as
parents and dragged both children and parents to jail. The
president of Harvard, serving until 1933 and striving to
largest picket line ever organized in Massachusetts, comprised
produce students who were "intellectually well rounded."
of some 20,000 people under the leadership of Haywood and
1910
The census would show that Massachusetts had grown
Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, helped win the strike.
to a population of 3,366,416 and the Niagara Movement
MARCH 12, 1912
Management, represented by a priest,
founded by Du Bois would become officially the National
Father James T. Reilly, gave the workers a one-cent-per-hour
Association for the Advancement of Colored People
wage increase, time-and-a-quarter for overtime and guarantees
(NAACP). Social rebel Amy Lowell saw her first poems
of no discrimination against union members. This was con-
published in Atlantic Monthly though she would not live to
sidered a major victory. The strikers returned over $15,000
see the Pulitzer Prize that What's O'Clock would bring her
of the large sum raised to buy bread for the workers to the
in 1926. This same year, William James published the famous
attorney general because portions of the sum had been used
essay, The Moral Equivalent of War, espousing an antimilitarist
for other expenses. The sum was expended for "charitable
point of view and predicting the "gradual advent of some
purposes." The song "Bread and Roses" by James Oppen-
sort of a social equilibrium."
heim and Caroline Kohlsaat would memorialize the workers'
1911
New Democratic Governor Eugene N. Foss enjoyed
struggle.
the first of his three inaugurations, serving the state until
MAY 22, 1912
The General Court ratified the Seventeenth
January, 1914. The General Court passed a Workman's Com-
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution allowing the direct
pensation Act and two amendments to the state constitution,
popular election of senators. The year would also see the
allowing the use of voting machines at elections and the other
passage of the nation's first minimum wage law by the General
authorizing the legislature to purchase land to widen or
Court, a strike by the Boston street car operators, and the
relocate highways. The General Court also passed a labor law
creation of a state Department of Labor and Industry. Upon
lowering women's working hours to 54 per week. The
his graduation from Harvard, Joseph Patrick Kennedy
manufacturers, including the American Woolen Company in
became a state bank examiner. Born in 1888, he was the first
Lawrence, responded by slashing the workers' wages.
son of P.J. Kennedy and his wife, Mary Hickey.
According to an investigation by the U.S. commissioner of
AUGUST 2, 1912
The U.S. Senate approved what became
labor, of the situation in Lawrence, "the average amount
known as the Lodge Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, a
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217
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
resolution drawn up by Henry Cabot Lodge that declared
States entrance into the war, the two men were bitter enemies.
America's right and intention to protect the Panama Canal
At the state level, the General Court and the voters approved
or any other harbor or strategic position in the American
Amendment XLIV which allowed the Court to levy an income
continents from any threat to the communications or safety
tax. The Court also passed the Optional Charter Law which
of the United States.
gave those municipalities wishing a city government four
NOVEMBER 1912
In the presidential contest, though the
forms to choose from: mayor and council elected at large,
state's 18 electoral votes all went for Wilson, Massachusetts
mayor and council elected partially by wards and at large,
split its popular vote four ways with 35.5 percent cast for the
the commission form of city government and the city manager
victorious Democrat, 29.1 percent for Progressive Theodore
form. With a population approaching 34,000 and not wishing
Roosevelt, 32 percent for Republican incumbent Taft and 2.6
the complexities of a city charter, the town of Brookline
percent for Socialist Eugene Debs. For the first time in its
developed the limited town meeting form of town government
history, Massachusetts voted Democratic in a presidential
that became known as the Brookline plan. Any citizen could
election.
speak but only elected representatives could vote. A number
FEBRUARY 14, 1913
Lodge and others, supported by the
of other towns would pick either the Norwood or the Brook-
Progressives and the American Federation of Labor, once
line plan of government. In Cambridge, historian Samuel
more passed a bill for a literacy test for immigrants through
Eliot Morison joined the faculty of Harvard.
both houses of Congress but were again foiled by a presidential
1916
President Wilson named Louis D. Brandeis as the first
veto, this time from outgoing President Taft.
Jewish justice of the Supreme Court. Brandeis was a Kentucky
MARCH 4, 1913
The General Court ratified the Sixteenth
native, but a Harvard graduate and Boston lawyer, who had
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, allowing for a federal
been Wilson's advisor during the campaign of 1912. A Zionist
income tax. The town of Norwood in Norfolk County, having
and a noted liberal, Brandeis was a legal pragmatist and often
encountered financial embarrassments as early as 1908, issued
an ally of Oliver Wendell Holmes when the bench considered
a warrant for a town meeting to consider the advisability of
questions of individual and corporate rights. Brandeis would
creating the position of town manager or engineer. Investi-
serve on the Court for 22 years. Republican Governor Samuel
gations led by two committees resulted in the "Norwood
W. McCall of Winchester took office, serving three terms to
Plan" or the "Town Manager Form" of government.
retire in 1919. Senator Henry Cabot Lodge joined the League
JANUARY 1914
For the first time, a Democrat followed
to Enforce Peace but only because he envisioned it as a league
another Democrat in the State House as David I. Walsh was
of victor powers, a permanent alliance of the "good" powers,
inaugurated governor. A Leominster native and graduate of
and not a universal league.
Holy Cross College and Boston University, Walsh was the
NOVEMBER 1916
Now president emeritus of Harvard,
first acknowledged, practicing Irish Catholic to gain the state's
Charles W. Eliot published an article advocating the necessity
highest office. (Sullivan in 1807 was of Irish Catholic stock.)
of universal military service to protect the well-being of the
The same year, Joseph Kennedy would marry Rose Fitzgerald,
nation, as physical isolation was no longer a reality and
the daughter of former Boston mayor John F. (Honey Fitz)
industrial and commercial interests had completely changed
Fitzgerald. A graduate of Dorchester High School and a
following the Civil War. In the presidential election, Massa-
student at Convent of the Sacred Heart, Rose had been voted
chusetts gave all 18 electoral votes, but only 50.5 percent of
Boston's prettiest graduate. The first Irishman to break into
its popular vote, to Republican loser Charles E. Hughes.
the Yankee-held State Street banking and finance community,
President Wilson returned to the White House. In Massachu-
Joseph Kennedy succeeded his father P.J. as president of the
setts, Henry Cabot Lodge defeated John F. Fitzgerald (Rose
Columbia Trust Company, in which his father had long held
Kennedy's father) to retain the seat in the U.S. Senate that
an interest, and became one of the youngest bank presidents
Lodge had held since 1893. Their two grandsons would
in the country at the age of 25. In the General Court, Calvin
compete for the same seat in 1952.
Coolidge was elected president of the state senate. Coolidge
FEBRUARY 5, 1917
Lodge, minority leader in the Senate,
had also served as chairman of the Republican State Commit-
saw the literacy test finally pass. This time, Congress overrode
tee and would be elected to three terms as lieutenant governor.
President Wilson's veto, succumbing to war-generated fear
FEBRUARY 4, 1914
James M. Curley resigned his seat in
and the demands of those who did not want to compete with
the U.S. House, held since 1911, to run for mayor of Boston.
cheap, immigrant labor.
Elected, he would serve as mayor until 1918, consolidating
MAY 29, 1917
Joseph Kennedy had become assistant
all patronage in his own hands and nearly bankrupting the
general manager of Quincy's Fore River Shipyards where new
city by spending large sums on promised parks and hospitals.
ships were built by the Bethlehem Steel Company. On this
JULY 29, 1914
Cape Cod Canal opened, connecting Cape
day, Rose gave birth in Brookline to their second child, John
Cod Bay with Buzzards Bay and allowing ships to avoid the
Fitzgerald Kennedy.
dangerous waters around the Atlantic coast of Cape Cod.
1918
Orleans, in Barnstable County on Cape Cod Canal,
1915
At the national level, Lodge and the others concerned
was wide-eyed over the bombardment of a tug and three coal
about immigration passed another literacy test bill through
barges off its shores by a German submarine. As a result, U.S.
Congress only to be vetoed by President Wilson. A member
air forces were ordered to the Cape. Massachusetts sent some
of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Lodge urged a
200,000 men to fight the "war to end all wars," only 83,220
strong stand against German submarine attacks on neutral
of whom were draftees. Of the total, the state would lose over
shipping as Europe suffered the early skirmishes of what
5,200 to combat or disease. The 26th Division, called the
became the First World War. Lodge and Wilson would
Yankee Division, was mostly New Englanders and was com-
continually clash over issues until, by 1917 and the United
manded by Major General Clarence Edwards, a Bay State
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
resident. The division would suffer 25 percent casualties at
render." Coach Fisher of the Harvard gridiron was quoted in
Chateau-Thierry in France. The 401st Telegraph Battalion was
the press as saying, "To hell with football if men are needed."
organized by New England Telephone and Telegraph and the
Even the Physics Department's Professor Hall released a
state's own Dr. Harvey Cushing, a brain surgeon, commanded
statement to the press calling students back early from their
a 2,000-bed base hospital. More than 100,000 men were trained
vacations because "there is sport and diversion for you right
at Camp Devens and the shipyards at Quincy and Boston
here in Boston." Meanwhile, Governor Coolidge called out
were kept busy as were the armory and weapons plants at
100 state policemen and additional national guard troops.
Springfield. The armory manufactured several hundred
SEPTEMBER 11, 1919
Reminiscent of the long-ago Boston
thousand M1903 Springfield rifles and Smith & Wesson
Massacre, jeering crowds had gathered in support of the
produced more than 150,000 M1917 caliber .45 revolvers. The
striking policemen but the troops they faced, all men of their
U.S. Cartridge Company plant at Lowell supplied several
own state and neighborhoods, did not have the discipline and
hundred million rounds of caliber .30 cartridges. In a report
patience of a British soldier. In South Boston, guardsmen had
to the Smithsonian Institute, Professor Robert H. Goddard
opened fire with rifles and a machine gun, killing two boys
of Clark University in Worcester predicted that man might
and wounding several bystanders. In Scollay Square, cavalry
reach the moon via rocket by the year 2000. Most newspapers
had charged a crowd, killing a man and a woman. Metropol-
and their readers considered him insane. In the General Court,
itan Park state policemen had left their strike duty and joined
Massachusetts' hallowed annual elections went the way of
their compatriots. Sympathy was quickly rising for a general
the already forsaken spring elections. Voters approved
supportive strike, and hoodlums were pouring into Boston
constitutional amendment Article LXIV which inaugurated,
from the surrounding area. By this third day, seven people
beginning in 1920, biennial elections for state officers,
were dead and 60 wounded. A.F. of L. President Samuel
councillors, senators and representatives.
Gompers ordered the strikers back to work but the policemen
JANUARY 2, 1919
Republican Calvin Coolidge brought
were fired and replaced. When Gompers appealed to Coolidge
his Yankee Protestant practicality and business sense to the
to reinstate the strikers and remove Commissioner Curtis for
State House to serve as governor for two eventful years. Henry
requesting troops to break the strike, Coolidge replied that
Cabot Lodge became U.S. Senate majority leader, holding
"There is no right to strike against the public safety by
that position until his death in 1924, and Massachusetts
anybody, anywhere, any time." This statement and Coolidge's
Republican Congressman Frederick H. Gillett became
firm stand won him national attention as over 3,500 strikes
Speaker of the House, serving until 1925. Lodge's fellow
occurred that year across the country. This one would have
senator was now former governor David Walsh, Massachu-
its consequences the following year.
setts' first Democratic and first Irish Catholic Senator. Walsh
NOVEMBER 10, 1919
U.S. Supreme Court Justices Louis
would serve in the U.S. Senate from 1919-1925 and 1926-1947.
Brandeis and Oliver Wendell Holmes joined in dissenting in
JANUARY 16, 1919
The Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S.
favor of the right of freedom of speech in the case Abrams
Constitution went into effect and the era of Prohibition began
Et Al. vs. United States. The case grew out of the Espionage
in the same year that Joseph Kennedy entered the investment
Act of 1917, the circulation in America of Communist
business in Boston.
literature related to the Russian Revolution, and the general
JUNE 25, 1919
The General Court ratified the Nineteenth
"Red Scare" that took hold of the country.
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right
1920
One year into Prohibition, Massachusetts would tally
to vote. The amendment went into effect in August of the
3,852,356 residents, according to this year's census. By now,
following year.
more than two-thirds of the state's population were either
AUGUST, 1919
The Boston Social Club was an organiza-
foreign-born or had foreign-born parents. After 1890, the
tion of the Boston police and boasted 1,290 members.
floods of immigrants following the Irish included a large
Unsatisfied with their wages, uncompensated overtime and
number of Italians and Poles with groups of Portuguese,
unsanitary police stations, the officers who were members
Russians, Armenians and others from Southern and Eastern
of the club decided to affiliate the club with the American
Europe. The Irish now controlled Boston and much of the
Federation of Labor. The move was forbidden by Police
state and they initially turned as cold a shoulder to the Italians
Commissioner Edwin U. Curtis but the club ignored the order
and Poles as the Yankees had turned to them. In the house
and was chartered as the Policeman's Union with the backing
that had been Paul Revere's, an enterprising Italian had earlier
of the 80,000-member Boston Central Labor Union. Eight
established an Italian grocery. Today, Revere's house remains
policemen were singled out for punishment by the commis-
as the oldest wooden building in Boston. In Medford, the
sioner, prompting the new union to call a strike.
state's first radio station, WGI, began broadcasting to those
SEPTEMBER 9, 1919
Only 30 of the required 420
who could afford a radio. Massachusetts became the first state
patrolmen reported for evening roll call. A citizen's committee
to set up a statewide system of small claims courts handling
that had been appointed as an arbitrating body backed the
cases involving less than a set amount. (The Commonwealth
commissioner in his stand against the unionization of the force
would also be the first to provide public defenders to anyone
but supported the policemen in their demands for improve-
in the state unable to pay for a lawyer.) In his annual report,
ment of their wage and working conditions. Of a total police
Harvard President A. Lawrence Lowell addressed the problem
force 1,544 strong, 1,117 were now on strike and 20 pickets were
of wealthy businessmen on boards of trustees controlling or
placed at each station. While Boston's Mayor Peters called on
influencing the traditional freedom of the university scholar.
the citizens for cooperation, Harvard President A. Lawrence
The decade would also see an informal but deeply resented
Lowell called upon his student body "to prepare themselves
quota placed on Jewish students at Harvard.
for such services as the governor may call upon them to
MARCH 19, 1920
President Wilson's unwillingness to
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
compromise the League of Nations to meet Lodge's reserva-
final appeal to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
tions resulted in the Treaty of Versailles' second and final
Meanwhile, the case gained national prominence.
failure to win a two-thirds majority in the Senate.
1922
The first motorbus route was established in Boston
APRIL 15, 1920
At a shoe factory in South Braintree, a
and vice-president Coolidge began to build his "Silent Cal"
paymaster and a guard were murdered during a $13,000 payroll
image, seemingly relishing the anonymity of his position. In
robbery. Another robbery had occurred in Bridgewater. Two
The Delineator, he had written a series of articles in which
naturalized Italian immigrants who had come to the state in
he accused the colleges and universities of being hotbeds of
1908, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, were arrested
sedition. He had also expressed the simple philosophy that
three weeks later, both carrying loaded pistols. The men were
would carry him through the White House in coming years
acknowledged atheists, were "pacifists" and so had avoided
that "This is a business country and its wants a business
the draft in World War I, and were active in an Italian anarchist
government." Irishman James Curley once again gained the
group that was opposed to the idea of organized government.
mayor's office in Boston, remaining until 1926.
They were all these things in a state that was now largely Irish
AUGUST 3, 1923
At the remote Vermont farm of
Catholic, still stubbornly Yankee Protestant, largely opposed
Coolidge's father, Colonel John Coolidge, the vice-president
to additional immigration (especially from Southern and
received the news shortly after midnight of Harding's death
Eastern Europe) and firmly grounded in the ideas of property
by embolism in San Francisco. Two hours later, by the light
and government. Sacco lived with his wife and child in South
of a kerosene lamp, Coolidge's father, who was a notary public
Stoughton and was an edger in Kelley's shoe factory. Vanzetti
and local magistrate, swore his son in as president of the
peddled fish door to door in Plymouth. He was convicted
nation. Although a Northampton resident, Amherst graduate
on July 1 of the Bridgewater robbery and both remained in
and Massachusetts politician, Coolidge was seen as the simple
prison awaiting trial for the Braintree crime.
Vermont farm boy who came to the White House in the
JUNE 8, 1920
The Republican National Convention
tradition of Abraham Lincoln. Despite his often dour image,
opened in Chicago where temporary chairman Henry Cabot
Coolidge would be one of the most popular presidents while
Lodge formally denounced Wilsons' League of Nations, then
holding office.
repeated his message when he took the gavel as permanent
APRIL 19, 1924
Clarence DeMarr won his third consecutive
chairman. Former senator and governor Winthrop Murray
Boston Marathon, the first person to accomplish such a feat.
Crane of the Dalton paper dynasty led the internationalist
SEPTEMBER 1924
A proposed amendment to the U.S.
faction of the party in fighting for an endorsement of the
Constitution, which would have made illegal the hiring of
League with reservations, but was thwarted by the irreconcil-
any person under the age of 18, was vigorously opposed by
ables. Lodge was satisfied to accept an ambiguous com-
many in Massachusetts, including Mrs. Margaret C. Robin-
promise plank that pacified both sides. Tired of the senators
son, president of the Massachusetts Public Interests League,
who regularly controlled the choice of nominees, a delegate
and Felix Rackemann, a leading attorney of Boston who was
named Wallace McCamant nominated Calvin Coolidge from
also "known for his humanitarian activities." These facts were
the floor for vice-president and the convention jumped to
mentioned in the Manufacturers Record in an article
select him 674.5 to 146.
denouncing the possible amendment as dangerous to the
NOVEMBER 1920
Massachusetts cast almost 70 percent
young people who would become "idlers in brain and body.'
of its popular vote for Republicans Warren Harding and his
The article also noted that the one state which had fought
running mate Calvin Coolidge. The women turned out for
so long to remoye child laborers from the factories was now
their first presidential and state elections, raising the state
fighting such an amendment (though the National League
voting total from 521,882 in 1916 to 993,716 in 1920.
of Women Voters lobbied in its behalf). The article accused
Republican Channing H. Cox became the first governor to
Socialists, Communists and Bolsheviks of fathering the
be elected to a two-year term.
amendment to nationalize the children of the land. The
1921
Former senator from Massachusetts, John W. Weeks,
amendment was never ratified. The National Origins Act was
was appointed secretary of war by President Harding. In the
passed in Congress, restricting immigrants through a quota
General Court in Boston, Sylvia Donaldson and Susan Walker
system which was structured to discriminate particularly
Fitzgerald became the first women to serve in the state House
against the countries of Southern and Eastern Europe. In
of Representatives. In Brookline where four-year-old John
Massachusetts, the General Court and the voters would
Kennedy played, Hebrew College was founded and chartered.
approve, this same year, Article LXIX which amended the
The advent of the automobile now increased the availability
state constitution to protect women's right to hold political
of many doctors. Dr. Maurice H. Richardson of Boston, the
office in the state.
nation's foremost specialist in appendectomies, kept two
NOVEMBER 1924
Senator Henry Cabot Lodge died in
chauffeured limousines, manned day and night, to travel as
Nahant several months following the graduation from
far as 100 miles to perform an emergency operation, taking
Harvard of his grandson, Henry Cabot Lodge, who went on
a nurse, an assistant and his instruments. In a poor
to become a newspaperman first for the Boston Evening
neighborhood, he might drive home with only a barrel of
Transcript and later for the New York Herald Tribune.
apples to show for his efforts. The boom in manufacturing
Republican William Morgan Butler was appointed tempor-
and even farming in Massachusetts brought by World War
arily by Governor Cox to replace Lodge in the Senate. In the
I now slid into a post-war recession for much of the state.
presidential race, Massachusetts gave 62.3 percent of its
In a trial that lasted six weeks, Sacco and Vanzetti were both
popular vote to incumbent and former governor Calvin
convicted of the murders and robbery at Braintree and then
Coolidge. This would be the last presidential election for some
spent six years in prison, through torturous litigation and a
years in which the state would lean Republican.
220
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
1925
Republican Alvin T. H. Fuller took office as governor
Babson predicted an unusually good business year for 1929.
to serve the first of two, two-year terms. As president, Coolidge
Babson was a Gloucester native and MIT graduate with his
would continue the thrifty, low-tax, high-tariff, business-
own financial firm and a regular column in a New York
oriented policies that reflected his Yankee Puritan heritage.
newspaper. In 1919, he had founded Babson Institute in
He would oversee the reduction of both income and corporate
Wellesley, one of the first practical business colleges of its
taxes and the retirement of a major part of the national debt
kind. As the "Roaring Twenties" drew to a close, another
as the country experienced general prosperity and the
era dawned at MIT in Cambridge. Dr. Vannevar Bush devel-
somewhat reckless abandon of the "Roaring Twenties."
oped a non-electronic, "differential analyzer,' the world's first
Individual wages would rise and America would become
computer.
addicted to the installment plan. Divorces increased consid-
APRIL 9, 1928
Cheap labor in the South had created rival
erably across the nation, though the state rate remained below
textile mills, often owned by Northerners, that hurt many of
the national average. Republican Frederick Huntington
the established plants in Massachusetts. In New Bedford,
Gillett, speaker of the U.S. House from 1919 to 1925, defeated
owners cut the textile workers' wages by ten percent and 27,000
and replaced David Walsh in the U.S. Senate.
workers struck for six months, gaining nationwide press and
1926
As the first airmail service began between New York
sympathy. The settlement gave workers' back five percent as
and Boston, Joseph Kennedy entered the motion picture
soon as conditions warranted with a guarantee of 30 days
industry as president and chairman of the board of Film
notice of any future reductions while the workers agreed to
Booking Offices of America. Barred from the country club
take part in an efficiency study.
in Yankee-dominated Cohasset, Kennedy created his own
NOVEMBER 1928
Calvin Coolidge's statement "I do not
family resort at Hyannis Port on Cape Cod. Article LXX
choose to run" had led to the nomination of Republican
amended the state constitution to allow the General Court
Herbert Hoover for president. Massachusetts held a close
to establish limited town government in towns of 6,000 or more
contest but squeezed out 50.2 percent of its popular vote for
inhabitants. The Beverly shoe-machine manufacturing plant
the losing Democratic candidate, Irish Catholic Alfred Smith.
was the largest in the world.
Coolidge would return to Northampton in 1929 where he
MARCH 16, 1926
Dr. Robert H. Goddard of Clark Uni-
wrote, conducted his business interests and died at the age
versity launched the first liquid-propelled rocket on his aunt's
of 60 in 1933.
farm in Auburn. Burning gasoline and liquid oxygen, the
DECEMBER 11, 1928
President Coolidge appointed
rocket stayed up for 2.5 seconds and traveled 84 feet from
Massachusetts politician William F. Whiting as secretary of
the launch site. Goddard would become the "Father of
commerce. He had been the acting secretary since August.
Rocketry" and founder of the modern science of liquid-fuel
JANUARY 3, 1929
Republican Frank G. Allen took office
rocketry, but would attract little attention until World War II.
for his one term as governor. Allen was the last of a string
MAY 1926
Dr. George Richards Minot and Dr. William
of Republican governors in Massachusetts; ten of the next
P. Murphy presented a paper to the Association of American
16 governors would be Democratic.
Physicians entitled "The Treatment of Pernicious Anemia by
March 5, 1929
By appointment of President Hoover, an
a Special Diet," an effort which would win them a Nobel Prize
Adams descendant named Charles F. Adams became secretary
for medicine in 1934. Minot was a Boston native and Harvard
of the Navy, a salute to Massachusetts tradition.
graduate and had studied the properties of blood at Massa-
SEPTEMBER 5, 1929
Roger Babson, an economist and
chusetts General Hospital. This same year he was appointed
stock statistician, announced to the world from Wellesley Hills
professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director
that "There is a crash coming, and it may be a terrific one,"
of the Thorndike Memorial Laboratory. A diabetic, he was
with "a decline of from 60 to 80 points in the Dow Jones
also one of the first to be treated with insulin following its
barometer." Barron's Weekly called him a "scaremonger."
discovery in 1922.
OCTOBER 1929
The card house of Wall Street, built on
NOVEMBER 1926
David Walsh, defeated by Republican
overspeculation, overproduction and the overambitious
Gillett in 1925, was elected to fill the U.S. Senate post left
creation of new businesses, fell in a disastrous heap, signalling
by Henry Cabot Lodge, remaining in office until defeated by
the depression that many in the New England textile mills
Lodge's grandson of the same name in 1947.
had already begun to experience. Massachusetts would set
1927
Already a multimillionaire in the movie industry,
up and conduct its own unemployment-relief program until
Joseph Kennedy moved his family to New York, returning
the federal government took over with nationwide programs
to his home state only for summers at the Cape. Kennedy
under the New Deal. Joseph Kennedy was now chairman of
sought an environment that would accept an Irish Catholic
the board of Keith, Albee Orpheum Theaters Corporation
in the "best" circles. Meanwhile, a Catholic women's school,
and became chairman of the board of Pathe Exchange, Inc.
Regis College, was established and chartered at Weston.
In New York, he continued to build the family fortune
AUGUST 23, 1927
Though Sacco and Vanzetti's trial was
(Kennedy was one of those who sold his stocks in time),
reexamined this year, the verdict was sustained. The committee
coming to the attention of William Randolph Hearst through
had been headed by Harvard president Abbott Lawrence
an incident involving John D. Hertz's Yellow Cab Company.
Lowell, appointed by Governor Fuller. Despite the defendants'
Prior to the crash, unethical traders planned "bear raids"
pleas of innocence, and numerous protests and serious
on stocks that were doing well. Hertz, the soon-to-be rent-a-
questions raised by the investigation of Harvard law professor
car tycoon, appealed to Boston American editor Walter Howey
Felix Frankfurter, the two men were executed.
concerning a bear raid on Yellow Cab. Howey contacted
1928
In Chicopee, the College of Our Lady of the Elms
Kennedy, who installed special telephones and a ticker tape
was founded, while in Wellesley Hills, economist Roger
in a hotel suite, borrowed $5 million, and placed both buy
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
and sell orders from locations all over the country, thereby
Conant, another venerable name of Puritan days. Conant had
totally confusing the raiders and stabilizing the stock. In 1929,
taught at Harvard since 1917 and would remain as president
Massachusetts felt not only the tremors of the economic crash
until 1953. Conant would help organize scientific research
but the shaking of the very ground as an earthquake rocked
on the atom bomb during World War II and would actively
the state. It also quivered from the bitter struggle between
advise the Atomic Energy Commission. At Harvard, he
workers and bosses in the shoe factories of Lynn, Boston,
emphasized a "general education."
Chelsea, and Salem. The workers struck for six months
1934
Massachusetts textile employees of the United Textile
demanding recognition of their union, the United Shoe
Workers Union answered a general strike call but failed to
Workers of America, as opposed to the A.F. of L. affiliate, the
gain any significant concessions from an industry crippled
Boot and Shoe Workers' Union. Strike breakers were shipped
by the depression. Suffering a loss of prestige, the union left
in but the strike was broken by a court injunction. The strike
the A.F. of L. in a few years to join the Congress of Industrial
drove many plants from the state and into non-union areas.
Organizations (CIO). An important herald of the coming
1930
The area of the old Massachusetts Bay Colony was
industries in instruments, electronics and general high-tech,
now a ripe 300 years old and the state boasted a population
Edgerton, Germeshausen & Grier was founded and operated
of 4,249,614. Curley was again Boston's mayor, a conductor
by three men. An MIT professor, Edgerton invented the stroke
named Arthur Fiedler took over the Boston Pops, and the
flash to stop high-speed action. The firm would conduct a
economy continued to slide. The voters approved a constitu-
large number of America's early nuclear tests.
tional amendment, Article LXXI, which limited the state
JUNE 1934
Congress created the Securities and Exchange
House to 240 members and the state Senate to 40 members.
Commission and a grateful Roosevelt appointed Joseph Ken-
1931
Victorious Democratic gubernatorial candidate
nedy as its first chairman, an action which raised a number of
Joseph B. Ely took office in the State House, serving two terms
protests as Kennedy had been one of those who had success-
until January, 1935. Democrat Marcus A. Coolidge was
fully dumped a large amount of stock prior to the crash. But,
elected to the U.S. Senate, taking the seat formerly occupied
recognizing the need for reform, Kennedy worked to set regula-
by F.H. Gillett. For the first time in history, Massachusetts
tions, raise required margins, and obtain new financing, making
had two Democrats in the Senate, a situation which would
illegal the very practices that had strengthened his own fortune.
last until 1937, while only 44 percent of the state's workers
NOVEMBER 1934
Henry Cabot Lodge was re-elected to
were employed full time.
the state House of Representatives, later winning the
NOVEMBER 1932
In the state elections, the young
chairmanship of the Labor Committee.
newspaperman Henry Cabot Lodge gained a seat in the
1935
Irish-Catholic Democrat James Michael Curley, now
Massachusetts House of Representatives. Now married to
quite well known for his "Robin Hood" approach to politics,
Emily Sears of Beverly, he was the descendant of six U.S.
took office as a one-term governor, spending New Deal funds
senators and an important player in the long-standing rivalry
on public works. Joseph Kennedy resigned his chairmanship
between the Lodges and the Fitzgeralds/Kennedys. At the
of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Justice Oliver
Democratic convention that year, Mayor Curley, unable to
Wendell Holmes died at the age of 93. The Boston Public Latin
win a seat as a delegate, somehow showed up as a delegate
School, America's oldest public school, celebrated its 300th
from Puerto Rico, supporting New York's Governor Roose-
anniversary and the General Court passed the Teachers' Oath
velt. Joseph Kennedy had also picked Franklin D. Roosevelt
Bill which required all public school and college teachers to
as the man he thought should be in the White House and
take an oath of allegiance to the state constitution.
proceeded to raise money for his support. In order to get
1936
Joseph Kennedy was instrumental in recapitalizing
Roosevelt nominated, he called in the debt owed him by
both the Radio Corporation of America and Paramount
William Randolph Hearst as a result of the Yellow Cab Com-
Pictures. Harvard celebrated its 300th anniversary and the U.S.
pany incident. Hearst was in control of the California delega-
Army adopted the M1 semiautomatic rifle designed by
tion and Kennedy convinced the publishing tycoon to place
Springfield Armory employee John C. Garand. Boston opened
California's votes behind F.D.R. The move was successful and
its first trackless trolley line, becoming for a short time the
Roosevelt won the nomination and the November election,
nation's third largest operator of trackless trolleys. The year
though Massachusetts cast only 50.6 percent of its popular
also marked the advent of Massachusetts' first female state
vote for the Democrats. Massachusetts and Rhode Island were
senator, Sybil Holmes.
the only New England states that gave their electoral votes
MARCH 1936
New England's worst flood ravaged Spring-
to Roosevelt. On the economic scene, Roger Babson was
field, whose residents still remembered the overflow of the
quoted as saying, "Better business will come when the
Connecticut River in 1927. Property damage resulting from
unemployed change their attitude toward life."
the present flood totaled in the millions of dollars and only
1933
The state would ratify both the Twentieth and Twenty-
Yankee ingenuity prevented a larger loss of life.
first Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, setting new dates
NOVEMBER 1936
Massachusetts still did not give
for the accession of the president and Congress, and repealing
Roosevelt much of a plurality with only 51.2 percent of its
Prohibition. Convicts burned Charlestown State Prison, and
popular vote in the Democratic column. Democrat Charles
an attempt was made to unite all shoe workers into a national
F. Hurley replaced Curley in the State House, taking office
union, resulting in dissension and the loss to the state of a
in 1937, while Governor Curley ran for the U.S. Senate seat
number of factories. The troubled times were not without
vacated by Marcus Coolidge and lost to Republican Henry
humor as members of the Harvard Lampoon "codnapped"
Cabot Lodge. Lodge was the only Republican in the country
the sacred cod from the General Court on April 26. Harvard
to take a seat that had been held by a Democrat, defeating
President A. Lawrence Lowell was replaced by James B.
Curley by 135,000 votes.
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
1937
Massachusetts once again helped to defeat the
and MIT would conduct research during the war, proving their
national child labor amendment as it had broader national
capabilities to be economic gold mines for the state in years
implications. A bill to repeal the state's Teachers' Oath Law
to come. Boston suffered a tragic fire at its famous Coconut
passed the General Court but was vetoed by Governor Hurley.
Grove nightclub which left 499 people dead.
Resigning as chairman of the U.S. Maritime Commission,
NOVEMBER 1942
Democrat James Michael Curley
Joseph Kennedy accepted appointment by President Roosevelt
managed election to the U.S. House from Boston's 11th
to become the nation's first Irish-American ambassador to
district. He would serve two terms.
Great Britian.
1944
A hurricane would hit the coast and John Kennedy
1938
For the next four years, James Curley would lose bids
would undergo treatment at Chelsea Naval Hospital following
for U.S. Senator, state governor and Boston's mayor. Curry
the famous incident with his PT boat in the South Pacific.
College was founded and chartered in Milton and a hurricane
His boat cut in half by a Japanese destroyer, Lieutenant Junior
killed several hundred people and caused property damage
Grade Kennedy swam for 15 hours to save members of his
in the millions of dollars, even blowing the spire off of
crew, then swam from island to island for the next few days
Shrewsbury Church.
to effect the rescue of others. He was awarded the Navy and
1939
The Republicans had rallied to regain the State House
Marine Corps Medal. He would also find himself the political
the previous November, electing a name that harkened back
hope of his family because his older brother was killed as a
to the Mayflower. Leverett Saltonstall took office as governor
pilot in Europe. At Harvard, Howard Aiken developed the
and remained in that position for three terms. Austrian-born
first automatic digital computer. Justice Frankfurter con-
Harvard law professor Felix Frankfurter was named as an
curred with the Supreme Court's decisions to uphold the Con-
associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court by President
stitutionality of the government's Japanese detention camps.
Roosevelt. He would serve there until 1962. Justice Frankfurter
He had, the year before, dissented from the Court's ruling
was at Harvard from 1914 to 1939, chaired the War Labor
against the West Virginia Board of Education which had
Policies Board, advised both President Wilson and President
attempted to require Jehovah's Witnesses to salute the flag.
Roosevelt, helped found the New Republic and the American
FEBRUARY 4, 1944
Henry Cabot Lodge resigned his
Civil Liberties Union and defended Sacco and Vanzetti as
Senate seat to enter active service in the U.S. Army. Republican
victims of prejudice.
Sinclair Weeks was appointed to serve out the term by
1940
Massachusetts' population had grown very little over
Governor Saltonstall.
the past decade, showing 4,316,721 in the year's census report.
MAY 3, 1944
The production of synthetic quinine was
Joseph Kennedy became convinced that England was doomed
announced by two Harvard chemists, Dr. Robert B. Woodward
to be conquered by the encroaching Nazi Germany and
and Dr. William E. Doering.
returned home, a strong proponent of isolationism. His oldest
NOVEMBER 1944
Franklin Roosevelt managed 52.8
son, Joseph Jr., would also become an isolationist but the
percent of the popular vote in Massachusetts. Maine and Ver-
next eldest son, John, would develop strong beliefs that
mont remained New England's only two Republican holdouts.
America should be an active participant in world affairs. John
1945
While the Democrats had wrested the governor's
Kennedy graduated cum laude from Harvard and later
office from the strong hold of the Republicans, former
published his senior thesis on British appeasement of Nazi
Governor Leverett Saltonstall demonstrated the remaining
Germany under the title Why England Slept.
strength of the traditional Massachusetts Yankee Republicans
NOVEMBER 1940
Massachusetts offered a somewhat
by taking office as a U.S. senator and holding that seat until
stronger showing for Franklin Roosevelt in the presidential
1967. Thus Saltonstall retained his political prominence for
race, casting 53.1 percent of its popular vote for the Demo-
almost 30 years. Democrat Maurice J. Tobin would serve only
cratic leader. Roger Babson ran as the Prohibition candidate
one term as governor and the year would see the death of
but received only one percent of the state's vote.
Roosevelt and the release of hitherto unknown power in the
1941
St. John's Seminary was established in Boston and
atom bombs that fell on two Japanese cities. Much of the
America's entrance into World War II gave the Massachusetts
research for U.S. nuclear projects had been conducted by
economy the final boost it needed to pull out of the depression
Massachusetts' universities and businesses. The state con-
and regain full employment and prosperity.
tributed 550,000 citizens as volunteers or draftees during the
1942
The General Electric Company plant at Lynn began
War, reporting 16,500 casualties. The Cape's Camp Edwards
production of the first U.S. jet engine. The shipyards turned
(now Otis Air Force Base) was a training camp and German
out PC boats, landing craft and other war ships. Raytheon
POW camp. Outside of Boston were several Italian POW
made radar equipment, becoming one of the world's largest
camps. Always a supplier of ships and arms for war and peace,
electronics manufacturers from its base in Waltham, Mid-
Massachusetts emerged from this worldwide contest a leader
dlesex County. M1 rifles came from Springfield, as did Smith
in the technical aspects of defense and the coming space race.
& Wesson revolvers. Savage Arms at Chicopee manufactured
The report of a Harvard committee of arts and sciences faculty
Thompson submachine guns and Browning machine guns,
members drew as many broadsides as it did bravos as it
while Harrington and Richardson at Worcester produced
examined and promoted the establishment of a general
Reising submachine guns, M1 rifles, M14 service rifles and
education curriculum rather than the popular elective system
M16 rifle barrels. The Johnson semiautomatic rifle and the
of recent decades. The committee advocated a flexible
Johnson light machine gun were designed by Boston lawyer
foundation of common knowledge and common values in
Melvin Johnson and used by the U.S. Marine Corps, the Dutch
addition to the knowledge required by specialists.
and the Ranger battalions. MIT would soon begin research
NOVEMBER 1946
James Curley resigned his 11th District
in its radiation lab and work on Project Lincoln. Both Harvard
seat in the U.S. House to run for and win once again the
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
mayor's office in Boston. The Kennedys returned to
Massachusetts University would be founded during the year
Massachusetts, now to try John's hand at politics. Though
at North Dartmouth.
he could have just as easily and legally run for office ineither
1950
The Boston office of the well-known Brink's armored
New York or Florida, he chose the 11th District (now the 8th
cars was robbed by masked bandits, earning for a time the
District) as his goal and received help from Boston politician
unwanted distinction of America's biggest heist. The robbers
and cousin, Joe Kane. The district was basically Irish and
got away with a total of $2,775,395.12 of which $1,218,211.29
Italian working-class citizens with Harvard and all of
was in cash. Though the criminals were eventually caught and
Cambridge included. It was also the birthplace of both John's
convicted, only some $50,000 of the money was recovered.
grandfathers. He won the seat with a five-to-one margin over
In the U.S. Senate, Henry Cabot Lodge battled unsuccessfully
his Republican opponent. Taking office in 1947, he would
against the old Electoral College and for his proposed
serve three terms to 1953. Despite a Democratic president and
proportional system of electing the president and vice-
incumbent governor, Henry Cabot Lodge returned to win the
president. The census revealed the population swelled by some
U.S. Senate seat held since 1926 by Irish-Catholic Democrat
350,000 residents, totaling 4,690,514 for the entire state.
David Walsh. Lodge would hold the seat for one term, during
1952
Having joined the Harvard faculty in 1949, economist
which time the state would return to its traditional two
John Kenneth Galbraith developed his theory of counter-
Republican senators of venerable Yankee names. The Repub-
vailing power in the first of three major works, American
licans also regained the governor's office with an even older
Capitalism, asserting that other centers of power besides the
name, Robert F. Bradford. He would serve for one term.
great corporations would rise in a free enterprise system. He
1947
Republican Joseph W. Martin Jr. of Massachusetts
would publish The Affluent Society in 1958 and The New
began his first term as Speaker of the U.S. House, serving
Industrial State in 1967.
in that position until 1949 and then again from 1953 to 1955.
NOVEMBER 1952
Though Henry Cabot Lodge success-
The textile mills and shoe factories experienced hard times
fully managed the presidential campaign of General Dwight
once more as the war economy wound down and these
Eisenhower, he managed to alientate many Taft Republicans
industries fled to cheaper labor and more favorable conditions
in Massachusetts as Eisenhower took the nomination from
in the South. The looms of Massachusetts would also be
Robert Taft, a conservative from Ohio. He also neglected his
slowed in several areas by the development of machine tufting
own re-election campaign at a time when John F. Kennedy,
in Georgia and Tennessee. This major innovation would
Massachusetts congressman, decided to renew the 1916 Senate
change the face of the carpet and rug industry as well as
battle between the Lodges and the Fitzgeralds. Robert
bedspreads, bath sets and other textile products. But the Cold
Kennedy managed the campaign of his older brother.
War and the Korean War would bolster the new defense and
Although the state went for Eisenhower by more than 208,000
electronics industries. The post-war period would see a high
votes (54.2 percent of the total popular vote was cast Republi-
incidence of intermarriage between Irish and Italians and
can) and a Republican governor was elected, Kennedy defeated
many neighborhoods would begin to lose their ethnic purity.
Lodge by 70,000 votes. Republican Christian A. Herter won
The Public Control Act of 1947 allowed the Boston Elevated
the governor's office and would hold it for two terms.
Railway (BERY) to continue service despite the automobile
1953
Lodge would serve for the next seven and one-half
and increased costs. But the General Court decided to pur-
years as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and as a
chase all of BERY's outstanding stock and create the Metro-
member of President Eisenhower's cabinet. The innovation
politan Transit Authority (MTA) which they authorized to
of television would bring important U.N. debates regarding
serve 14 cities and towns with a combined population of 1.5
Hungary, the Suez Canal and other major issues into the
million. Boston Mayor James Curley spent five months in
homes of America, making Lodge a popular and familiar
federal prison for mail fraud and John Hynes served as interim
figure. This same year, John Kennedy married Jacqueline
mayor. Truman saw that Curley was released and later granted
Bouvier, and Robert Kennedy served as an assistant counsel
him a full pardon in 1950. Curley would continue to serve
to the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
as mayor until 1950 when he would lose the election to Hynes.
headed by Republican Senator Joseph R. McCarthy. Neither
In North Andover, Merrimack College was established.
Lodge nor Kennedy had mentioned McCarthy in the cam-
JUNE 5, 1947
Those present at Harvard's Commencement
paign of 1952, as the controversial senator had a significant
heard the speaker, U.S. Secretary of State George C. Marshall,
following in Massachusetts, including Joseph Kennedy who
propose the Marshall Plan which would allow European coun-
had invited McCarthy several times to Hyannis Port. Though
tries needing help to draw up their own reconstruction agenda.
a strong Democrat, Joseph Kennedy was still an isolationist
1948
Television came to Massachusetts by way of its first
and thus had close ties with the Taft wing of the Republican
two stations, WBZ-TV (Channel 4, NBC) and WNAC-TV
party, having contributed to one of McCarthy's campaigns.
(Channel 7, ABC). Brandeis University was established at
Nathan Marsh Pusey followed Conant as president of Har-
Waltham and Stonehill College was founded at North Easton.
vard. During this decade, the admissions policy would be
Massachusetts cast 54.7 percent of its popular vote for
deemed "need-blind" which theoretically rendered family
presidential candidate Harry Truman.
wealth completely irrelevant. The admissions door was now
JANUARY 6, 1949
Democrat Paul A, Dever took office
comparatively "wide open" and Pusey labored to reaffirm
as governor to serve for two terms, wresting the State House
the liberal arts.
back from the Republicans.
JUNE 9, 1953
Massachusetts' worst tornado wreaked havoc
FEBRUARY 1, 1949
Former Governor Maurice J. Tobin
in Worcester County, killing 86 people.
was appointed secretary of labor by President Truman. He
1954
A hurricane battered the coast. Along Route 128, the
had been serving ad interim since August 13, 1948. Southern
post-war high-tech electronics and defense boom began to
224
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
make itself evident, attracting a new breed of well-educated,
governor Christian A. Herter as secretary of state. Herter
well-paid employees, some from out of state, who would have
served until Kennedy took office in 1961.
an impact on the voting patterns and political views of
1960
Massachusetts' high-tech electronics and defense
suburban Boston and even the state. During the time that the
industries hlped spur the state's population to 5,148,578, an
Senate was voting to censure McCarthy, John Kennedy was
increase of about 450,000 residents. At Rowe, in Franklin
undergoing serious back surgery, after which he spent six
County, New England's first atomic-powered, steam-electric
months strapped to a board in his father's house in Florida.
plant began operations, owned by the Yankee Atomic Electric
During this recuperation, he wrote Profiles in Courage which
Company. The plant cost over $50 million and was designed
included his choice of courageous political leaders from John
to generate about 150,000 kilowatts of electricity. The national
Quincy Adams to Robert Taft. The book would earn him a
bodies of the Boston-headquartered Unitarians and the Uni-
Pulitzer Prize for biography upon its publication in 1956.
versalists joined to form the Unitarian Universalist Association.
AUGUST 20, 1955
President Eisenhower declared Massa-
NOVEMBER 1960
The Republicans won back the gov-
P.IH
chusetts a major disaster area because of floods along the
ernor's chair with Italian-American, liberal Republican John
Connecticut River. The river has since been tamed by flood
A. Volpe. Volpe served this first time for only one term, taking
control dams.
office in January, 1961. John Kennedy won the Democratic
NOVEMBER 1956
John Kennedy had successfully led the
nomination over Lyndon Johnson who then consented to be
fight against reform of the Electoral College in the Senate
Kennedy's running mate. Kennedy had projected a strong,
but had lost the nomination for vice-president to Senator Estes
young but capable image in the famous television debates with
Kefauver at the Democratic Convention. Actually this was
Nixon and had faced the issues of his religion and his father's
a favorable turn of events for him as the Republicans virtually
money head-on, sometimes with refreshing humor. His main
buried the Democratic ticket of Stevenson and Kefauver.
weakness was a lackluster record during eight years in the
Massachusetts cast 59.3 percent of its popular vote for Eisen-
Senate, with no major legislation passed that bore his name
hower and Nixon but, oddly enough, turned from a two-term
or outspoken stand taken on the more volatile issues of the
Republican governor to elect the nation's and the state's first
decade. Massachusetts cast 60.2 percent of its popular vote
Italian-American governor, Democrat Foster Furcolo.
for its native son and 39.6 percent for the Republicans, giving
1957
The General Court passed a law prohibiting dis-
all of its now-only 14 electoral votes to Kennedy. But across
crimination in public housing, and St. Hyacinth College and
the nation, of some 60 million votes cast, Kennedy received
Seminary was established at Granby. Musical prodigy Sarah
a plurality of only 114,673 votes. Electoral votes totaling 303
Caldwell, a product of the New England Conservatory of
gave him the victory, making him the youngest man ever
Music in Boston, founded the Boston Opera Group. Now
elected president, the first president born in the twentieth
known as the Opera Company of Boston the company has
century and the first Roman Catholic to hold the nation's
produced world premieres as well as other firsts, such as the
highest office. Two weeks later, John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr.
only American performance of Bellini's I Puritani. Caroline
was born. John F. Collins was elected mayor of Boston, a
Kennedy was born, the first child of Jack (John) and Jackie
post which he held every year until 1967. Collins would hire
Kennedy.
urban renewal director Ed Logue, would push through a law
JUNE 13, 1957
Having set out from Plymouth, England,
slashing the effective tax rate for new buildings in Boston and
54 days earlier, the reproduction of the Pilgrim's trusty ship,
would then oversee the planning of a 60-acre Government
the Mayflower II, landed at Plymouth, Massachusetts, dupli-
Center. The new tax law would also inspire Prudential to
cating the trip taken in 1620. The boat, built in England,
construct a 52-story tower complex in the Back Bay.
remains at the city's State Pier on Water Street, often shocks
1961
The year John Kennedy took the Oval Office, his
tourists with its small size.
brother Edward M. Kennedy, the youngest of Joseph
1958
E. Virginia Williams formed the New England Civic
Kennedy's children, became assistant district attorney of
Ballet Company in Boston while the town of Dudley wel-
Suffolk County. Bentley College was founded and chartered
comed the founding and chartering of Nichols College.
at Waltham while the recent election was chronicled by
Belmont, Massachusetts became national headquarters for
Harvard-educated historian Theodore H. White in his popular
the newly formed John Birch Society founded by retired candy
book, The Making of a President, 1960. The work won a Pulitzer
maker, Robert H.W. Welch, Jr.
Prize. White later published similar works for the elections
FEBRUARY 16, 1958
Boston was covered by a record
in 1964 and 1968.
19.4-inch snowfall. Atop the 600-foot-high Blue Hill 12 miles
JANUARY 20, 1961
John Kennedy set the style of his short
away, instruments measured 22.3 inches of snow.
term with his famous and often-quoted inaugural address.
NOVEMBER 1958
John Kennedy had made more than
The following day, his brother Robert Kennedy took a place
350 speeches throughout the country since the 1956 election,
in the president's cabinet as U.S. attorney general. The new
laying the foundation for his own bid for the presidency in
chief executive would also name Harvard economics professor
1960. Running for re-election to the U.S. Senate in Massa-
John Kenneth Galbraith as ambassador to India and Pulitzer-
chusetts, he won by the largest margin ever recorded in a Bay
Prize-winning Harvard historian Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.
State race for U.S. senator, tallying a plurality of 874,608 votes.
as a special presidential assistant.
1959
The U.S. Navy's first nuclear-powered surface ship,
MARCH 1, 1961
President Kennedy established the Peace
the cruiser Long Beach, slid forth from Quincy's Fore River
Corps on a temporary basis and pondered what he considered to
shipyard. The ship was built by General Dynamics which
be the proper U.S. role in an already planned invasion of Cuba.
continued to produce supertankers.
APRIL 17, 1961
With a qualified go-ahead from Kennedy,
APRIL 1959
President Eisenhower appointed former
about 1,400 Cuban refugees landed at the Bahia de Cochinos
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
(Bay of Pigs) on the southern coast of Cuba in order to
as the nation's attorney general and prepared to run for the
overthrow Fidel Castro. Kennedy took responsibility for the
U.S. Senate from New York State.
dismal failure as he had vetoed the involvement of U.S. troops
NOVEMBER 1964
Republican John A. Volpe was returned
or air support. There was also some question of intelligence
to the governor's office and a referendum was passed by voters
leaks regarding the ill-fated project.
which lengthened the term of the governor from two to four
MAY 1961
President Kennedy called for a national
years, taking effect with the election of 1966. Massachusetts
commitment to land men on the moon and return them safely
cast 76.2 percent of its vote for Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson,
to earth before the end of the decade.
returning Johnson to the White House. He had earlier stepped
SEPTEMBER 22, 1961
Congress approved the Peace Corps
up to serve the remaining time in President Kennedy's term.
Act and the agency became a permanent part of the U.S.
Robert Kennedy won a senate seat from New York State.
government. The president appointed his brother-in-law, R.
During the year, Colonial Press, New England's largest book
Sargent Shriver Jr., as head of the Peace Corps.
printer, printed at its plant in Clinton, 500,000 copies of the
1962
High-tech firms and university research labs in
Warren Commission's report on the murder of President
Massachusetts busied themselves with the space race, making
Kennedy. The copies were run in a record time of 45 hours.
such contributions as the space suits to be worn by the
1965
Massachusetts was divided, as it had always been, over
astronauts. Berklee College of Music was established in
issues of civil rights as the black citizen of America became
Boston, and a series of fatal strangulations began which would
a major focus of the 1960s. Boston minister Reverend James
plague the city for the next two years. In Plymouth, a U.S.
Reeb was murdered while taking part in a civil rights demon-
Mail truck gave up $1,551,277 to robbers in the largest cash
stration, representing the long list of Massachusetts citizens
theft to that date in the nation's history. Democrat John W.
who had championed the rights of minorities over several
McCormack of Massachusetts replaced the deceased Texan
centuries. In the Senate, Ted Kennedy led the passage of a
Sam Rayburn as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives,
major immigrant reform package.
holding that position until 1970.
APRIL 1965
The Massachusetts Board of Education's
OCTOBER 1962
President Kennedy was praised for his
Advisory Committee on Racial Imbalance and Education
handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis in which his naval
issued a report calling segregation harmful and charging that
blockade and firm stand turned back missile-laden Soviet
most of the Commonwealth's black children attended
ships and secured an agreement from the Soviets to dismantle
predominantly black schools. About 50,000 black people from
their Cuban missile bases. The drama of the incident helped
Roxbury marched to Boston Common to hear Dr. Martin
dim the memory of the Bay of Pigs.
Luther King deliver a speech protesting racial inequality in
NOVEMBER 1962
Edward (Ted) Kennedy defeated Repub-
both the North and the South. The same month, the state
lican George Lodge to win the senate seat previously held by his
Supreme Judicial Court declared John Cleland's book known
brother John and temporarily filled by Benjamin A. Smith II.
as Fanny Hill to be obscene literature. The decision was reversed
1963
The General Court made segregation illegal in the
in 1966 by the U.S. Supreme Court.
sale or rental of most private dwellings in Massachusetts and
AUGUST 1965
In Springfield, protests against alleged
ordered that all state school districts should no longer allow
police brutality in cases involving black citizens led to a series
prayer in public schools. A Ford Foundation grant allowed
of arrests and several burned buildings.
the Boston Ballet Company to be permanently established
OCTOBER 1965
Anti-Vietnam War rallies drew 750
from the New England Civic Ballet, begun in 1958 by artistic
people at Boston University and 2,000 people to Boston
director E. Virginia Williams.
Common.
JANUARY 1963
Having been elected governor the
NOVEMBER 9, 1965
An electricity "blackout" across the
preceding November, Democrat Endicott Peabody took office
Northeastern section of the country included all of Massa-
and served in the State House until January, 1965.
chusetts. Hitting Boston at the evening rush hour, the blackout
JUNE 1963
President Kennedy appointed his old rival,
lasted for five hours. Governor Volpe put the National Guard
Henry Cabot Lodge, as U.S. ambassador to South Vietnam.
on stand-by but the troops were not called to duty. Mrs. Louise
NOVEMBER 1963
Democrat Michael S. Dukakis, a Greek
Day Hicks won re-election to the Boston School Committee.
Orthodox native of Brookline, won a seat in the state House
Her stand against "shipping children all over the city" and
of Representatives, serving there until 1971.
her belief in the neighborhood school system mirrored the
NOVEMBER 22, 1963
The Kennedy family became victim
beliefs of the mainly Irish-Catholic board.
to another in a long string of personal tragedies. President
DECEMBER 1965
Under artistic director George Balan-
John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, ending an era
chine, the Boston Ballet Company put on a Nutcracker
labeled "Camelot" by historian Samuel Eliot Morison and
performance that was so popular it was made an annual event.
beginning a long investigation that would never be solved to
MARCH 1966
Draft-card burners and war protesters
the satisfaction of many Americans.
provoked clashes that put a number of people in the Suffolk
MARCH 1964
After enduring two years of terrible
County Jail.
murders, the city of Boston breathed easier as Albert Henry
MAY 10, 1966
The Commonwealth's 87-year-old ban on
De Salvo was finally caught, confessing to be the nationally
the dissemination of contraceptives or birth control informa-
known "Boston Strangler".
tion was lifted by a bill signed into law by Governor Volpe.
AUGUST 1964
Mass transit in Greater Boston was
The bill took effect on August 8 and restricted the administra-
reorganized in the form of the Massachusetts Bay Transporta-
tion of the new freedom to physicians and pharmacists, a fact
tion Authority (MBTA), serving a total of 78 cities and towns.
which would later be challenged. The last such law in the
SEPTEMBER 1964
Robert F. Kennedy resigned his post
country was finally repealed largely because Cardinal
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Cushing, Archbishop of the Boston diocese since 1949, did
U.S. Senate beginning his second six-year term in 1969. Though
not oppose it, though neither did he support it.
Richard Nixon won the presidency, Massachusetts gave him
JUNE 1966
The Amherst College commencement became
only 32.9 percent of its popular vote. The year also witnessed
the scene of an anti-Vietnam-policy demonstration as
the phasing out of the Federal Armory at Springfield.
Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara received an
1969
The LXXXVII Amendment to the state constitution,
honorary LLD from the college. Another protest took place
passed in 1966, allowed the governor to prepare and present
days later at Brandeis University.
plans to reorganize departments of the executive branch. This
NOVEMBER 8, 1966
Incumbent Governor John A. Volpe
year, the General Court approved a plan which created ten new
was re-elected to become the first Massachusetts governor to
state departments or secretariats, absorbing 150 smaller depart-
win a four-year term. One of the country's first independent
ments and agencies. This major reorganization of the executive
peace candidates, Thomas Boylston Adams, had lost the
branch went into effect in 1971. Boston also received a new City
Democratic primary earlier to Endicott Peabody who sought
Hall which was nationally acclaimed for its architectural design.
the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by retiring Leverett Salton-
JANUARY 1969
Governor John A. Volpe was appointed
stall. However, Peabody lost the election to liberal Republican
Secretary of Transportation by newly elected President Nixon,
Edward Brooke, the first black to win a Senate seat since
taking his place on the cabinet January 21. The following day,
Reconstruction (1880). Two important amendments to the
Lieutenant Governor Francis W. Sargent, also a Republican,
state constitution were passed by the voters. The first required
assumed the office of governor. Native Bostonian Charles
the governor and lieutenant governor to be elected jointly from
Colson would also be appointed by President Nixon as a
the same party and the second returned the right of local
special counsel to the president and would serve in that posi-
government to the towns and the cities. This Home Rule
tion until 1973. Harvard professor Henry Kissinger would be
Amendment, number LXXXIX, brought the Commonwealth
named assistant to the president for national security affairs.
full circle back to its strong heritage of town government.
Kissinger had received his masters and doctorate degrees from
DECEMBER 1966
The U.S. Labor Department reported
Harvard in the early 1950s. In the Senate, Democrat Ted Ken-
the cities of Fall River and Lowell as having substantial
nedy mounted a quick and powerful campaign that won him
unemployment.
the position of majority whip from Russell Long of Louisiana.
FEBRUARY 1967
The General Court raised the state's
MAY 29, 1969
John F. Kennedy's birthplace at Brookline
minimum wage to $1.40 and the Boston Strangler escaped
was dedicated as a national historic site.
from Bridgewater State Hospital but was soon recaptured.
JULY 11, 1969
The Boston Court of Appeals overturned
Snowstorms, high winds and floods struck New England in
the 1968 conviction of Dr. Benjamin Spock for conspiring
both February and March, taking the lives of 35 people.
to counsel draft evasion.
JUNE 1967
Predominantly black Roxbury in Boston was
JULY 18, 1969
A car driven by Ted Kennedy took a tragic
the scene of the city's first large-scale rioting in modern years.
plunge off of a wooden bridge into a tidal pond on
Started by a sit-in staged by Mothers for Adequate Welfare,
Chappaquiddick Island (Martha's Vineyard) where Kennedy
the looting and burning resulted in 60 to 75 injuries and 75
had been taking part in Edgartown's sailing regatta. The only
to 100 arrests.
passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, who had served as Robert
SEPTEMBER. 1967
Massachusetts' attorney general,
Kennedy's secretary, was drowned.
Elliot L. Richardson requested that Albert Henry De Salvo be
JULY 20, 1969
In fulfillment of John Kennedy's goal,
sent from the Bridgewater State Hospital to a state maximum
Apollo 11 landed on the moon and returned safely to earth
security prison.
four days later.
NOVEMBER 1967
Kevin White was elected the new mayor
JULY 30, 1969
Ted Kennedy announced that he would
of Boston and pledged to focus on neighborhood growth as
remain in the Senate. However, he would seek re-election in
opposed to the downtown sector. He would serve the city as
1970 as a mandate from the people even though his normal
mayor until 1983. Also during the year, the town of Maynard
term would not be up until 1975 (with the election in 1974).
joined the MBTA as the system's 79th member.
A poll reported by the Boston Globe concluded that 81 percent
JANUARY 15, 1968
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld
of the state's voters felt that Kennedy should keep his seat. He
congressional redistricting of Massachusetts. The Court also
also announced that he would not seek the presidency in 1972.
upheld the Commonwealth's school racial-balance law.
APRIL 2, 1970
Governor Francis Sargent signed a bill into
FEBRUARY 1, 1968
The General Court again raised the
law which allowed Massachusetts servicemen the right to
state's minimum wage which would now equal $1.60 per hour.
refuse to engage in armed hostilities in absence of a Con-
MARCH 6, 1968
Republican Congressman Joseph William
gressional declaration of war. This act was followed on April
Martin Jr. died, having served Massachusetts in the U.S.
30 by President Nixon's announcement that the United States
House from 1924 to 1966. Martin was Speaker of the House
had invaded Cambodia.
from 1946 to 1948 and from 1952 to 1954. A conservative,
MAY 6, 1970
The U.S. Court of Appeals barred Boston's
he opposed the New Deal policies of Franklin Roosevelt.
district attorney from prosecuting the producers and cast
JUNE 6, 1968
Robert F. Kennedy, U.S. senator from New
of the musical "Hair" under the state's obscenity laws.
York, who had announced in mid-March that he would run
JUNE 15, 1970
Former state attorney general and lieutenant
for President, was assassinated in California.
governor, Elliot L. Richardson, was appointed Secretary of
OCTOBER 1968
Professor George Wald of Harvard
Health, Education and Welfare by President Nixon.
received the Nobel Prize for medicine and a separate MBTA
AUGUST 24, 1970
Governor Francis Sargent signed the
police department was organized.
nation's first no-fault automobile insurance law.
NOVEMBER 1968
Ted Kennedy won re-election to the
SEPTEMBER 1970
Theaters were closed and some arrests
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227
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
made in Springfield, Pittsfield and Cambridge due to closed-
the state's public employees to swear that they would oppose
circuit showings of New York City's "Oh! Calcutta!" On
violent overthrow of the government was upheld by the U.S.
September 8, the Most Reverend Humberto Sosa Medeiros
Supreme Court. The Boston Marathon became the first such
was named to succeed the retiring archbishop of the Boston
race to admit women runners and the new Massachusetts State
diocese, Richard Cardinal Cushing. Medeiros had pastored
Lottery began generating revenues for local government and
a church in Fall River before assuming a pastorate in
regional school districts.
Brownsville, Texas in 1966. He had come to Massachusetts
FALL 1972
The teachers struck in Somerville and Kenneth
in 1931 from the Portuguese Azores.
Arrow of Harvard received the Nobel Prize for economics.
OCTOBER 1970
Paul Samuelson of MIT received a Nobel
NOVEMBER 1972
Not counting the District of Columbia,
Prize for economics, and a wave of bombings across the
Massachusetts was the only state to award its electoral votes
country included Harvard's Center for International Affairs.
to presidential candidate George McGovern and his Demo-
The bomb exploded in the early morning hours, hurting no
cratic running mate, Sargent Shriver. Massachusetts society
one. The act was claimed by the "Proud Eagle Tribe" who
and politics had evolved to the point that Yankee Republicans
billed themselves as a group of "revolutionary women."
and Irish Democrats were moving in the same general
NOVEMBER 1970
Richard Cardinal Cushing died in
direction, a phenomenon usually creditd to the influence of
Boston at the age of 75 on November 2. The following day,
Senator Edward Kennedy. It was also pointed out at the time
voters elected Francis Sargent governor over Boston mayor
that seven percent of the eligible voters in the state were
Kevin White. Ted Kennedy was re-elected to the Senate and
students. Although refusing to contribute to the Nixon/Agnew
the state voting age was lowered by the XCIV Amendment
Republican landslide, Massachusetts voters returned Repub-
from 21 to 19. The XCIII Amendment also passed which
lican Edward Brooke to the U.S. Senate and passed two state
removed length-of-residency requirements for state voters. The
constitutional amendments, giving state residents the right to
U.S. Census showed the state's population to be at 5,689,170.
a quality environment and lowering the state's voting age to 18.
Also during the year, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
EARLY 1973
Secretary of Health, Education & Welfare
chose the Right Reverend John M. Burgess as the first black
Elliot L. Richardson became Secretary of Defense and Henry
to head an American Episcopal diocese. Burgess was the son
Kissinger was named secretary of state. (Kissinger would
of a dining-car porter.
remain in the position until the new administration in 1977.)
1971
Early in 1971, Ted Kennedy lost his position of Major-
A research breakthrough concerning RNA at MIT laid the
ity Whip in the Senate to Robert Byrd. Some traditionalists
foundation for gene manipulation, and Pope Paul VI made
cringed as a graduate of Stanford University in California
Boston's Archbishop Medeiros a cardinal.
who had become dean of Harvard Law School also become
APRIL 1973
Massachusetts faced a job loss of 13,050 jobs
Harvard's president. Still at the helm in 1986, Derek Bok chose
when the Defense Department revealed its intentions to close
to make a "core curriculum" his emphasis. The year also saw
Boston Navy Shipyard, Westover Air Force Base at Chicopee
Bradford College established and chartered at Haverhill.
and three other installations in the Commonwealth.
MARCH 10, 1971
According to a federal government
MAY 1973
Harvard Law School professor Archibald Cox
agency report, Boston had 15.3 percent of its population on
was appointed an independent special prosecutor in the
welfare, the highest figure of the nation's 20 largest cities.
Watergate investigation by newly confirmed U.S. Attorney
MARCH 24, 1971
The General Court ratified the XXVI
General Elliot L. Richardson.
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lowering the voting age
SUMMER 1973
At Boston's Logan International Airport,
for federal elections to 18.
a Delta Airlines jet crashed, killing 88 people. Meanwhile,
JUNE 23, 1971
The Massachusetts Commission Against
Governor Sargent vetoed a bill authorizing silent prayer in
Discrimination ordered the Boston school system to fully
Massachusetts schools, citing that the state attorney general
integrate by the opening of the 1972 school year.
had found it to be unconstitutional.
SEPTEMBER 27, 1971
Massachusetts became the fourth
OCTOBER 1973
The Masschusetts Supreme Court
state in the Northeast to have an official state lottery when
upheld a state plan to redraw Boston's school districts in order
the General Court overrode Governor Sargent's veto. The
to achieve racial balance. In Chelsea, a fire rampaged through
lottery was designed to aid the state's cities and towns.
30 blocks, destroyed some 1,000 buildings and left 300
OCTOBER 1971
Simon Kuznets of Harvard received the
homeless. In Cambridge, a Harvard faculty member received
Nobel Prize for economics.
the Nobel Prize for economics for the third year in a row as
1972
Massachusetts faced a recession as the Vietnam
the honor went this time to Professor Wasily Leontief, director
conflict wound down, the government cut back the space
of the school's Economic Research Center. In the nation's
program and the Commonwealth's strong commitment to
capital, President Nixon dismissed Archibald Cox as special
social programs produced a strained and failing budget with
prosecutor, causing Attorney General Richardson to resign.
a tax burden so great that the state was nicknamed "Taxa-
NOVEMBER 1973
Massachusetts joined six other states
chusetts." The same year, a census survey showed Boston's
in dropping the state speed limit to 50 m.p.h., and prison
average number of municipal government employees per
guards found former Boston strangler Albert DeSalvo in his
10,000 residents to be 76 percent above the national average.
Walpole prison cell, dead from 16 stab wounds.
The General Court was one of the state legislatures to ratify
1974
The Vietnam controversy began to fade and a new
the unsuccessful Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S.
cast of protestors found their way into the headlines, as
Constitution. Numerous protests of the Vietnam War were
Massachusetts residents steamed over gas rationing, taxes and
staged in Boston and at Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee.
school desegregation. By June, the courts had ordered busing
APRIL 1972
A Massachusetts loyalty oath that required
plans for both Boston and Springfield. Edward (Ted) Kennedy
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CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
announced that, once again, he would not be a presidential
aid the renovation of mature industries and the growth of
candidate. The Bear Swamp Hydroelectric Project was begun
small businesses. In November, the state voted for a Demo-
on the Deerfield River near Rowe and Zoare and Boston Edison
cratic president and elected Ted Kennedy to a third term in
Company decided not to build a third nuclear power plant.
the U.S. Senate. Voters also approved an equal rights amend-
SEPTEMBER, 1974
The busing controversy centered in
ment to the state constitution while they defeated a graduated
mostly Irish South Boston and heavily black Roxbury.
income tax and a ban on the private ownership of guns.
Attempting to speak at an anti-busing rally, Ted Kennedy was
1977
Massachusetts fishermen reveled in the new, 200-mile
forced to retreat before rocks and jeers.
limit established the year before by federal legislation. This
OCTOBER, 1974
Busing demonstrations featured
protective measure would help revitalize the state's fishing
members of the Boston School Committee and the Boston
industry. Now serving as Secretary of Commerce, Elliot
City Council. Attendance dropped and violence escalated to
Richardson presided over a U.S. loan guarantee to General
the point that Governor Sargent mobilized 450 National
Dynamics for the construction of seven supertankers, a con-
Guardsmen and called on President Ford to send federal
tract which saved 5,000 jobs at the Quincy shipyards. Racial
troops. Ford declined. Meanwhile, someone stabbed a white
violence closed Hyde Park High School while, in the nation's
student at Hyde Park High School, and Boston Mayor White
capital, Massachusetts Congressman Thomas P. (Tip) O'Neill
criticized the troops in his city.
took over as Speaker of the House. The Cambridge City
NOVEMBER, 1974
Republican Governor Sargent lost the
Council lifted its ban on DNA research, a fire destroyed the
gubernatorial election to Michael S. Dukakis, a Greek
19th-century, transcendentalist commune called Brook Farm,
Orthodox Democrat. Thomas P. O'Neill III was elected
and Governor Dukakis officially vindicated Sacco and Vanzetti.
lieutenant governor and Democrat Paul Tsongas of Lowell
Though Radcliffe College women had received Harvard Uni-
gained entry to the U.S. House. Two new constitutional
versity degrees with a Radcliffe seal since 1963, the two insti-
amendments reduced the Massachusetts House to 160 mem-
tutions merged in 1977 and became completely coeducational.
bers and prohibited the use of public money for any private
1978
The Defense Department reported Massachusetts as
institutions. In Boston, residents defeated a referendum
4th in the nation with $2.4 billion in defense contracts. The
designed to abolish the anti-busing School Committee.
worst snowstorm in the state's history dumped 27 inches of
DECEMBER, 1974
Violence closed Roxbury and South
snow on Boston. The February blizzard halted business and
Boston schools, demonstrators from across the nation swelled
manufacturing for five days, resulting in a $441-million loss
the pro-busing ranks, and U.S. District Court Judge W. Arthur
to businessmen. The state was declared a federal disaster area.
Garrity held three School Committee members in contempt
In the state courts, land claims by the Wampanoag Indians
of court.
of Mashpee were dismissed and a Court Reorganization Act
1975
Faced with a growing state deficit coupled with rising
transferred most of the responsibility of the court system from
sentiment against what was considered to be burdensome tax
the counties to the Commonwealth. The counties would still
rates, the new governor, Dukakis, cut state spending. He rode
own their courthouses, collecting from the state a "fair and
the subway to work every day, and appointed Laurie Cabot
equitable" rent. Later called "Reagan's favorite Democrat,"
as Salem's official witch, also recognizing her work with
Edward King defeated Governor Dukakis in the Democratic
dyslexic children. A television producer challenged an MIT
primary and went on to win the November gubernatorial
undergrad to design a nuclear bomb using only publicly
election on a platform of massive tax cuts, generous business
accessible research material. Experts who later examined the
incentives, capital punishment and anti-abortion legislation.
design gave the five-week project a fair chance of successful
Congressman Paul Tsongas stepped up to the U.S. Senate,
detonation. In April, Boston College grad Bill Rodgers gained
defeating Republican Edward Brooke. An Eastern Orthodox
recognition as America's fastest-ever marathon runner in the
Democrat from Lowell, Tsongas worked with government and
79th running of the Boston Marathon. A month later, Boston
business to revive Lowell's economy. Wang Laboratories' move
acknowledged financial problems and admitted collecting the
this same year from Tewkesbury to Lowell would have a
highest combined state and local taxes of the nation's 30
significant impact on that city's economic health.
largest cities. The state as a whole ranked second in the country
1979
Boston welcomed the Pope and hosted the dedication
for taxes collected. In August, the Massachusetts Supreme
of the John F. Kennedy Library.
Court reinstated 70-year-old Alger Hiss to the state bar. A
1980
Summer's Operation Sail brought the world's tall
Communist Party member, Hiss had been convicted of
ships to Boston Harbor where tax rebellion was brewing once
perjury in 1950. September brought a Boston teacher's strike,
more. The new high-tech boom had created within the
continued violence over busing and the downgrading of the
population a significant segment of professionals who were
state's securities ratings. In November, voters re-elected Boston
socially liberal but economically conservative. Having formed
Mayor Kevin White to his third, four-year term and, in
their own Massachusetts High Technology Council in 1977,
December, Judge Garrity placed Boston High School in
they joined the majority of Commonwealth property owners
federal court receivership.
in a tax revolt sparked by California's Proposition 13. Mass-
1976
Four men were indicted for a series of 11 New England
achusett's Proposition 2 1/2 capped real-estate taxes at 2.5
bombings which included the Suffolk County Courthouse,
percent of assessed value and called for revaluation of property
the Essex County Courthouse in Newburyport and Logan
throughout the state to market value. Other taxes. were cut,
International Airport. Controversial genetic research at Har-
and unemployment, which had topped 14 percent in 1976,
vard was delayed for three months by a concerned Cambridge
began to drop. In addition, Proposition 2 1/2 would result
City Council. In April, Governor Dukakis and the General
in an incredible real-estate boom. Due possibly to John
Court established an industrial mortgage insurance fund to
Anderson's pull on the Democratic vote, Massachusetts barely
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
squeaked into Reagan's camp in November, giving the state's
Quincy Shipyards when the last of five Navy cargo ships were
electoral votes (reduced that year from 12 to 11) to a
completed. The closing affected 4,200 workers. Over the years,
Republican for the first time since Eisenhower.
more than 600 ships had been built in the yards. In September,
1981
As Proposition 2 1/2 took effect, property taxes
Judge Garrity ended his 11-year supervision over the Boston
declined significantly throughout the Commonwealth, but
schools while the city braced for Hurricane Gloria. Mature
so much so in Boston that the city's bond rating was first
industries legislation went into effect during the year and
suspended and then revised to a low "Ba" rating. A fire at
centers of excellence were established to unite private industry
Lynn destroyed four city blocks and disrupted a desperately
with higher education.
needed, $194-million urban renewal project. The counties of
1986
A federal jury in Boston sentenced four alleged
town-oriented Massachusetts received a measure of home rule
leaders of Boston's organized crime families to prison. Tele-
from the General Court when the legislature transferred
vision anchorwoman Maria Shriver, the daughter of Eunice
appropriating authority for county budgets to a County
Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver, married body builder
Advisory Board.
and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger in Hyannis. In May, the
1982
With promises to meet certain standards by 1986, the
state treasury showed a surplus of $575 million in comparison
Boston schools united with some 200 Boston businesses to
to a deficit of $500 million in 1975. The marriage of Caroline
provide entry-level jobs for graduates. This followed one year
Kennedy and Edward A. Schlossberg took place in Centerville
after the city hired professional school administrator Robert
in July. The reception in Hyannis was held by 95-year-old Rose
Spillane who cut spending and toughened requirements on
Kennedy. Meanwhile, a lean year and tight federal regulations
both teachers and students. In the Democratic gubernatorial
sorely pressed the fishing industry.
primary, Dukakis returned to defeat Edward King, going on
SEPTEMBER 1986
While Massachusetts doctors battled
to win in November with running mate John Kerry. Ted Ken-
a 10-month-old state law requiring that they bill no more than
nedy won his fourth full term in the U.S. Senate by beating
the Medicare-approved rate, W.R. Grace & Company settled
high-tech millionaire Republican Raymond Shamie, but by
with Woburn families over the pollution of Woburn's drink-
the senator's smallest re-election margin to date. Redistricting
ing-water supplies. Refusing to approve evacuation plans for
helped Democrat Barney Frank oust long-popular Republican
the Northeast, Governor Dukakis delayed the issuance of a
Congresswoman Margaret Heckler from the new 4th District.
federal operating license to the Seabrook I nuclear plant,
President Reagan later appointed Heckler as Secretary of
located on the New Hampshire coast just two miles north of
Health and Human Services but then removed her and named
Massachusetts. The plant, owned by 16 New England utilities,
her ambassador to Ireland. Massachusetts voters amended
received a fuel-loading license in October, despite the protests
the state constitution, repealing the prohibition of capital
of Dukakis and others. The state launched its own Immigra-
punishment.
tion/Asylum Project to aid undocumented aliens while
1983
Despite the recession of the early 1980s, Massachu-
Harvard University celebrated its 350th anniversary, an event
setts' low-tax, high-tech economy maintained one of the lowest
which included visits from Prince Charles of England and
unemployment rates in the nation. Back again, Governor
President Corazon Aquino of the Philippines. Awarded an
Dukakis began to take a pro-business stand. The ancient Blue
honorary degree from Boston University, Mrs. Aquino later
Laws were lifted, allowing retail sales on Sundays. Personalities
delivered an address at Harvard where her martyred husband
in the headlines included Congressman Gerry Studds of the
had studied. At the time of its anniversary, Harvard claimed
10th District who was censured by the U.S. House for sexual
29 Nobel Prize winners and six U.S. presidents.
misconduct, Carl Yastrzemski who retired from the Boston
NOVEMBER 1986
Joseph P. Kennedy 2nd, eldest son of
Red Sox after 23 years, and Cardinal Medeiros who died at the
Robert Kennedy, won the 8th District House seat vacated by
age of 67. Under heavy criticism for alleged corruption in his
the retiring Thomas P. (Tip) O'Neill Jr. The other ten
administration, Boston Mayor Kevin White announced that he
Massachusetts Congressmen were re-elected, including lone
would not run again. In November, the newly elected mayor was
Republican Silvio Conte. Governor Dukakis gained re-election
city councilman Raymond Flynn, a native of South Boston.
with a new running mate, former Massachusetts secretary of
1984
The controversial and shocking New Bedford rape
state, Evelyn F. Murphy. Voters said no to mandatory seat
incident, involving four men from the Portuguese Azores and
belt laws and to the idea of transforming predominantly black
victim Cheryl Araujo, drew national attention. Senator Paul
Roxbury into the independent city of Mandela, named for
Tsongas announced that he had a form of cancer and would
the South African activist. The voters agreed to consider hikes
retire after only one term. Many Republicans were surprised
in state tax revenues as long as they were tied proportionally
when Raymond Shamie defeated formidable office holder
to increases in workers' wages. Amy Carter, daughter of
Elliot Richardson in the primary election. In November,
former President Jimmy Carter, was arrested along with Abbie
Democrat John Kerry beat Shamie. Tsongas agreed to retire
Hoffman and others as they were protesting recruiting
one day early, giving Kerry tenure over other newly elected
activities of the Central Intelligence Agency on the Amherst
U.S. senators. Once again, the Commonwealth went for
campus of the University of Massachusetts.
President Reagan by a narrow_margin.
1987
The U.S. House approved a $20-billion clean-water bill
1985
Henry Cabot Lodge died in Beverly at the age of 82.
that included funds to clean up Boston Harbor. Brockton boxer
Former governor Edward J. King switched to the Republican
Marvin Hagler lost his World Middleweight Championship
Party and the Boston School Committee named Dr. Lavel
by decision to "Sugar" Ray Leonard in a title fight held at
S. Wilson to be the first black superintendent of Boston's
Caesar's Palace. Governor Michael S. Dukakis prepared to
public school system, the oldest school system in the nation.
battle other Democratic hopefuls in the 1988 round of
General Dynamics announced the closing of the 101-year-old
presidential primaries.
230
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
AMERICA THE
QUOTABLE
Mike Edelhart and
James Tinen
Facts On File Publications
460 Park Avenue South
New York, N.Y. 10016
short time, the city had developed a brawling, pugna-
State flower: Mayflower
modern world. History lies strewn across every Mas-
cious, and laissez-faire character it has never lost."
State bird: Chickadee
sachusetts road and highway. Many cities and towns
conviction, my view of the past, and my hopes in the
future.
Jules Witcover and Richard Cohen
State song: "All Hail to Massachusetts"
in the state have witnessed great events, and the
A Heartbeat Away
State tree: American elm
towns themselves often look like windows on the
President John F. Kennedy
1974
Nicknames: Bay State, Old Colony State
past. The eternal American images of Norman Rock-
Speech to the Massachusetts Legislature
Origin of state name: From a pair of Algonquin
well, for instance, grew from the modern, but un-
New York Times
"All the way back to the first of Baltimore County's
Indian words meaning "great mountain place"
changing, Massachusetts town of Stockbridge.
Jan. 10, 1961
post-Civil War political bosses, there stretched an
Massachusetts people retain much of the feisty
unbroken line of Democratic succession, older than
Though small in size, Massachusetts looms large in
individuality that has characterized them from the
"Sir, I confess it: the first public love of my heart is
some of the royal houses of Europe and, in its way,
the development of American democracy and ideas.
beginning. Massachusetts was the only state to sup-
the commonwealth of Massachusetts."
equally adept at plunder."
The state's principal export to the rest of the country
port George McGovern against Richard Nixon in
Josiah Quincy
Jules Witcover and Richard Cohen
has always been leaders and ideas. From its earliest
1972. Because of its importance as a port, Boston has
Speech in House of Representatives
A Heartbeat Away
days Massachusetts has been the place where the
become a deeply ethnic community with enclaves of
Jan. 14, 1811
1974
concepts that are now common in American life were
Irish, Italian and Black Americans in their own
enunciated and first put into practice. From Cotton
communities that view each other and the Brahmin
Baltimore-the state's only city of any
Mather to John Kennedy, the pronouncements of
power structure with unabashed suspicion.
importance-remained Maryland's unchallenged
Massachusetts politicians, preachers and scholars
Massachusetts commerce today relies largely on
THE LANDSCAPE
capital of political vertigo, a place where even ortho-
have carried a little more weight than those from
high technology industries tied to the state's superb
dox political activities seemed to be conducted before
anywhere else.
educational institutions. The old Massachusetts busi-
"The first of December was covered with snow,
a fun-house mirror. Even by Maryland standards the
Massachusetts got its name from Capt. John
nesses such as textiles and paper still hold important
so was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston,
city stood alone. It even had its own accent-or
Smith, who explored its coast in 1614 and selected
roles but are being overtaken by growth in other
the Berkshires seemed dream-like on account of
for a name the Algonquin phrase for what is now the
areas.
that frosting,
accents-and it was the city that saw no future in
Babe Ruth, that horrified even Edgar Allan Poe, and
Blue Hills Reservation at Milton. The area was
with ten miles behind me and ten thousand more to
whose major literary figures, H.L. Mencken and
settled by waves of European religious zealots or
THE STATE
go"
Ogden Nash, were eccentrics. The city was forever
malcontents. First came the Pilgrims, who landed at
James Taylor
playing the role of dead-end kid."
Plymouth Rock by mistake-they were headed to-
"Sweet Baby James"
ward New York. Other equally steadfast groups fol-
"The state has always been full of stimulating cross-
1970
Jules Witcover and Richard Cohen
winds. Life within its borders has never been condi-
A Heartbeat Away
lowed and then fled inland at the slightest doctrinal
or jurisdictional dispute with those already in resi-
tioned by the slow swing of the seasons, the easy
1974
dence. Some of these groups wandered far enough
tilling of an abundant earth. Marooned on a rocky
soil, Massachusetts men had to be ingenious to
WAY OF LIFE
"And Ross, Cockburn, and Cochran too,
away to form their own New England colonies.
which is why the entire region has, basically, a
survive, and they early became skilled at devising
And many a bloody villain more,
shrewd 'notions,' commercial and intellectual."
Massachusetts character.
"If you like the taste of lobster stew,
Swore with their bloody savage crew
The feistiness that marked Massachusetts settlers
Ray Bease
served by a window with an ocean view,
That they would plunder Baltimore."
Massachusetts
eventually turned against the English government
If spending an evening you'll want to stay,
"The Battle of Baltimore"
The American Revolution began at Lexington. fol-
1971 (A revision of the Federal Writers Project's
watching the moonlight on ole' Cape Cod Bay,
Folk song from the War of 1812
lowing the tea protest in Boston Harbor. And Massa-
1937 volume)
you're sure to fall in love with ole' Cape Cod,
chusetts thinkers such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and
In love with ole' Cape Cod"
Henry David Thoreau began challenging the assump
its driving energy sparked always by indepen-
Bette Midler
MASSACHUSETTS
tions of the new nation almost as soon as it got
dence and freedom of the spirit-can this be any-
"Old Cape Cod"
started. The state has always been a hotbed of trou-
Massachusetts? where so strong, so fascinating, so enduring, as in
1976
blemakers.
It has also become known as the home of the stiff.
Pearl S. Buck
proper Bostonian, a moneyed individual with a great
America
HISTORY AND POLITICS
sense of noblesse oblige and an overwhelming devo
1971
tion to the past and the status quo. The Lodges. the
"Polities, as a practice, whatever its professions, had
Richardsons and other Boston families sent their
II carry with me from this state to that high and
always been the systematic organization of hatreds,
starchy sons to serve the government and maintain
lonely office to which I now succeed more than fond
and Massachusetts politics had been as harsh as its
the proper way of life. Oddly, the rebellious scions of
memories and firm friendships. The enduring quali-
climate."
Capital: Boston
Massachusetts have created the closest thing Amer
ties of Massachusetts-the common threads woven
ica has to a genuine aristocracy.
by the Pilgrim and the Puritan, the fisherman and the
Henry Adams
Entered the union (with rank): Feb. 6, 1788 (6)
State motto: Ense petit placidam sub libertate
The wealth of history played out by Massachusetts
farmer, the Yankee and the immigrant-will not be
The Education of Henry Adams
1907
quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace
people and in Massachusetts places has left behind a
and could not be forgotten in this nation's executive
only under liberty)
state that is as much a museum as a part of the
They are an indelible part of my life, my
Thus out of small beginnings greater things have
240
241
been produced by His hand that made all things of
nothing. and gives being to all things that are; and as
"IN The Name of God, Amen. We, whose names
"The land to me seemed a paradise: for in my eye, it
"Spring's arrival brought little of its usual inspiration
one small candle may light a thousand, so the light
are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread
was
nature's
masterpiece
[I]f
this
land
be
here kindled hath shone unto many; yea, in some
Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of
not
to the province of Massachusetts in the year 1775.
rich, then the whole world is poor."
America's long-standing quarrel with England had
sort, to our whole Nation.
Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender
Thomas Morton
reached a point where an explosion seemed immi-
William Bradford
of the Faith &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of
New English Canaan
nent, and Massachusetts was'the powder keg."
History of Plymouth Plantation
God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and
1637
Richard Wheeler
Drk
the Honor of our King and Country, a Voyage to
American Heritage
plant the first colony in the northern Parts of Vir-
April, 1971
ginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually
"The character of the inhabitants of this province
in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and
"If one honest man, in this state of Massachusetts,
[Mass.] is much improved in comparison of what it
ceasing to hold slaves, were actually to withdraw
"No slave-hunt in our borders-no pirate on our
combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politic,
was-but Puritanism and a spirit of persecution is not
from this copartnership, and be locked up in the
strand!
for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Fur-
yet totally extinguished."
county jail therefore, it would be the abolition of
No fetters in the Bay State-no slave upon our
therance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof
Andrew Burnaby
slavery in America."
land!"
do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal
Travels Through the Middle Settlements of North
Henry David Thoreau
John Greenleaf Whittier
Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Offices,
America
"Civil Disobedience"
"Massachusetts to Virginia"
1775
from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and
1849
1834
convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto
which we promise all due Submission and Obedi-
"If we'd begun a few years ago shuttin' out folks that
ence. In WITNESS whereof we have hereunto sub-
"The voice of Massachusetts! Of her free sons and
wudden't mind handin' a bomb to a king, they
"The inhabitants seem very religious, showing many
daughters,
scribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of
wudden't be enough people in Mattsachoosetts to
November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King
outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual
Deep calling unto deep aloud, the sound of many
make a quorum f'r th' Anti-Impeeryal S'ciety."
James of England, France, and Ireland, the eight-
grace: But though they wear in their faces the inno-
waters!
Finley Peter Dunne
eenth and of Scotland, the fifty-fourth. Anno
cence of doves, you will find them in their dealings
Against the burden of that voice what tyrant power
Observations by Mr. Dooley
Domini, 1620."
as subtle as serpents. Interest is their faith, money
shall stand?
1902
The Mayflower Compact
their covet." God, and large possessions the only heaven they
No fetters in the Bay State! No slave upon her
land!"
1620
"I am glad to see [as the crisis over slavery mounted]
Edward Ward, writing in 1699
John Greenleaf Whittier
that the terror at disunion and anarchy is disappear-
Quoted by Ray Bearse
"Massachusetts to Virginia"
ing. Massachusetts, in its heroic day, had no
"The maritime history of Massachusetts, then, as
Massachusetts
1843
distinct from that of America, ends with the passing
government-was an anarchy. Every man stood on
1971 (A revision of the Federal Writers Project's
of the clipper. 'T was a glorious ending! Never, in
his own feet, was his own governor; and there was no
1937 volume)
CITIES, TOWNS
these United States, has the brain of man conceived.
breach of peace from Cape Cod to Mount Horse."
or the hand of man fashioned, so perfect a thing as
AND REGIONS
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Speech to Kansas Relief Mission
the clipper ship. In her, the long-suppressed artistic
"I shall enter on no encomium of Massachusetts; she
Boston
Cambridge, Mass.
impulse of a practical, hard-worked race burst into
Sept. 10, 1856
flower. The Flying Cloud was our Rheims, the Sov-
needs none. There she is. Behold her, and judge for
yourselves. There is her history; the world knows it
ereign of the Seas our Parthenon, the Lightning our
by heart. The past, at least, is secure. There is
"No doubt the Bostonian had always been noted for a
Amiens; but they were monuments carved from
Boston and Concord and Lexington and Bunker Hill;
certain chronic irritability-a sort of Bostonitis-
"I have heard it seriously proffered by a non-
snow. For a brief moment of time they flashed their
and there they will remain forever."
which, in its primitive Puritan forms, seemed due to
Irishman that the Boston Irish of the last century
splendor around the world, then disappeared with the
knowing too much of his neighbors, and thinking too
were the worst-treated white minority that has ever
Daniel Webster
much of himself."
sudden completeness of the wild pigeon."
existed. Not only could they not find jobs but they
Samuel Eliot Morison
Speech
Henry Adams
were forbidden actual entrance into whole districts;
The Maritime History of Massachusetts
January, 1830
The Education of Henry Adams
people said, 'So long as we live, no Catholic shall
1921
1907
enter here.'
John Gunther
"Puritan Massachusetts sturdily insisted that mar-
Inside USA
"The seaports of Massachusetts have turned their
riage and divorce were civil matters, permitted only
[On his birth in 1838]: "A hundred years earlier,
backs to the element that made them great, save for
justices of the peace to perform marriages until 1692,
such safeguards as his would have secured any young
1947
play and for fishing; Boston alone is still in the deep
and granted some 40 divorces prior to that date (when
man's success; and although in 1838 their value was
"Happy it is for those who dared insult us, that their
sea game. But all her modern docks and terminals
and dredged channels will avail nothing if the spirit
a dence)." new charter cut down on Massachusetts indepen-
not very great compared with what they would have
had in 1738, yet the mere accident of starting a 20th
naked bones are not now piled up in an everlasting
perish that led her founders to 'trye all ports.'
century career from a nest of associations so
monument of Massachusetts' bravery."
John Hancock
Samuel Eliot Morison
Bernard Weisberger
colonial-so troglodytic-as the First Church, the
Maritime History of Massachusetts
American Heritage
Boston State House, Beacon Hill, John Hancock and
Speech at memorial of Boston Massacre
1921
October, 1971
John Adams, Mount Vernon Street and Quincy, all
1774
crowding on 10 pounds of unconscious babyhood,
242
243
MASSACHUSETTS
was so queer as to offer a subject of curious specula-
"To work Boston fashion means, in the United
tion to the baby long after he had witnessed the
"Boston upper zones
States, to do anything with perfect precision and
scavenging filth in the back alley trash cans,
Are changing social habits,
solution."
without words."
has two children, a beach wagon, a helpmate,
And I hear the Cohns
Henry Adams
Michael Chevalier
and is a 'Young Republican.'
The Education of Henry Adams
Are taking up the Cabots."
Society, Manners and Politics in the United States
Robert Lowell
1907
Ira Gershwin
1839
"Memories of West Street and Lepke"
"Love Is Sweeping the Country"
Life Studies
1931
"Boston was cool toward sons, whether prodigals or
1958
other, and needed much time to make up its mind
"[When I first saw Boston] the air was so clear, the
what to do with them
houses were so bright and gay; the sign boards were
"Boston State-House is the hub of the solar system.
Henry Adams
painted in such gaudy colors; the gilded letters were
You couldn't pry that out of a Boston man, if you had
"Darkness has called to darkness, and disgrace
The Education of Henry Adams
so very golden, the bricks were so very red, the stone
the tire of all creation straightened out for a crow-
Elbows about our windows in this planned
was so very white, the blinds and area railings were
bar."
Babel of Boston where our money talks
1907
Oliver Wendell Holmes
And multiplies the darkness of a land."
so very green, the knobs and plates upon the street
doors so marvelously bright and twinkling; and all so
The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table
Robert Lowell
"Boston runs to brains as well as to beans and brown
slight and unsubstantial in appearance-that every
1858
"The Plane Tree by the Water"
bread. But she is cursed with an army of cranks
thoroughfare in the city looked exactly like the scene
Lord Weary's Castle
whom nothing short of a straitjacket or a swamp elm
in a pantomime."
1946
club will ever control."
Charles Dickens
Full of crooked little streets; but I tell you Boston
William Cowper Brann
American Notes
has opened and kept open more turnpikes that lead
Bartlett's Familiar Quotations
1842
straight to free thought and free speech and free
"Other American colleges have campuses, but Har-
deeds than any other city of live men or dead men."
vard has always had and always will have her Yard of
1914
Oliver Wendell Holmes
grass and trees and youth and old familiar ghosts."
David McCord
[On author William Dean Howells' arrival in Boston
"The people of Boston are puritans, grave, of e\
The Professor at the Breakfast Table
About Boston
in 1866]: "In the Western Reserve, where he had
treme austerity of behavior, they never laugh. Ac-
1860
1975
lived, Boston was a sort of holy city. The people had
cording to their laws a heavy fine is imposed, and
*
largely come from New England, and those who
even, for repeated offenses, imprisonment, for sing-
ing or playing cards or frequenting taverns on Sun-
And did not indeed the small happy accidents of the
cared for letters regarded Boston as many of the
"It comes at the close of evening-usually near a
Bostonians regarded London. It was the hub of the
day."
disappearing Boston exhale in a comparatively sensi-
ble manner the warm breath of history, the history of
fruit store or a flower shop-just when the office
universe, as Oliver Wendell Holmes had said, and
Denis-Jean Dobouchet, French volunteer in the
the intellectual world revolved around it."
Continental Army
something as against the history of nothing?"
buildings pour their life stream into the streets and
Henry James
people for the moment seem uniformly gay and
Van Wyck Brooks
Quoted by Morris Bishop
American Heritage
The American Scene
animated and kindly, and the lights come on with a
New England: Indian Summer
special brightness and twinkle. This above all is the
1940
1966
1907
time not only to talk about but to walk about Bos-
ton."
"There were many strains in the Boston mind, a
There would be no Boston Red Sox, for example, if
David McCord
"We say the cows laid out Boston. Well, there are
warm and chivalrous Tory strain, a passionate strain
there were no Charles River. Think about it. John
About Boston
worse surveyors."
of rebelliousness, a strain of religious fervor, a
Winthrop and the first Bostonians picked the Charles
1975
Ralph Waldo Emerson
marked and even general disposition to sacrifice
"The Conduct of Life: Wealth
because it offered easy access and the possibility of a
*
at other than mundane altars. The town abounded in
1860
quick getaway."
quixotic souls, 'unmanageable' Adamses, younger
Charles Kuralt
"By reason of her long, deep-channeled, and intri-
sons who refused the social uniform, visionaries,
Signature
cate harbor, Boston is a riparian city without really
exaltés, nonconformists. The future was to provide
"Don't speak the naked truth-
1981
enjoying in the larger sense an actual outlook on the
them with their causes."
What's naked is uncouth;
ocean; and because of this fact we sometimes forget
that she is a seaport city first of all. New York is so
Van Wyck Brooks
It may go in Duluth-
The Flowering of New England
But not in Boston
Parking spaces luxuriate like civic sandpiles in the
very nearly encircled by ships and tugs and barges
1937
Therefore, when all is said,
heart of Boston."
and ferries, and San Francisco so plainly indented by
the Pacific, that we think of them in the maritime
Life is so limit-ed,
Robert Lowell
"Indeed, nearly every house on the [Beacon] Hill has
You find, unless you're dead
sense first and last. Many of us in Boston today can
For the Union Dead
and do go about our business without so much as a
some precious association with letters or,art."
You never get ahead in Boston."
1964
Ira Gershwin
sight of any part of the waterfront for months at a
Abbie Farwell Brown
"The Back Bay Polka'
time. We know that the waterfront is there."
Christian Science Monitor
1946
a whole house on Boston's
David McCord
Dec.-23, 1923
hardly passionate Marlborough Street,'
where even the man
About Boston
1948
MASSACHUSETTS
"In Boston they ask, How much does he know? In
bunch-a frontier between mainland reality and the
"The Boston Custom House-the work of Ammi
New York, How much is he worth? In Philadelphia,
mystic fantasy of the Cape. A moat, as it were,
"Animal life had disappeared [in winter] into the
Young-was the first-magnitude star in the galaxy of
who were his parents?"
separating schools and jobs and responsibilities and
chill air, the heavy, lifeless sand. On the-surface,
Boston's Greek revival buildings. The monolithic
Mark Twain
troubles from our sandy make-believe-land, where
nothing remains of the insect world. That multiplic-
columns weigh 42 tons each. It stood, in 1849,
What Paul Bourget Thinks Of Us
fried clams and lobsters and steamers awaited; where
ity of insect tracks, those fantastic ribbons which
facing the waterfront, but its original charm is en-
1899
the waters of the bay were as warm as a bath; where
grasshoppers, promenading flies, spiders, and bee-
tirely lost today under the great tower rising above it.
booming surf and low-tide flats and a white cottage
tles printed on the dunes as they went about their
A few of its inner columns now form a kind of
"Boston in 1775 was no democratic Garden of Eden.
in the pines would make everything all right."
hungry and mysterious purposes, have come to an
modern Stonehenge out in Franklin Park."
There were many who believed in sharp distinctions
Charles N. Barnard
end in this world and left it all the poorer. Those
David McCord
in wealth, power, and privilege. There were unfree
The Winter People
trillions of unaccountable lives, those crawling,
About Boston
servants, traders in black gangs. There were rum
1973
buzzing, intense presences which nature created to
1948
shops, prostitutes, and violent street gangs. But there
fulfill some unknown purpose or perhaps simply to
were no leftover people. If a man wanted work, he
"We'll never get the old town [Provincetown] back.
satisfy a whim for a certain sound or a moment of
could find work, and by working he could support
It makes me bitter. If the old-timers could come back
"Marriage is a damnably serious business, par-
exquisite color, where are they now, in this vast
himself and his family according to the standards of
to life, I don't know what they'd think. There was
ticularly around Boston."
world, silent save for the somber thunder of the surf
decency for his day. One thing is clear. Boston was
one nice old place with a beautiful lawn and beautiful
John Phillips Marquand
and the rumble of the wind in the porches of the
The Late George Apley
not then, as it is now, a giant factory for the manufac-
Cape Cod garden with zinnias. What happened?
ears?"
ture of left-out people."
They filled the lawn with concrete slabs then let a
1937
Henry Beston
Sam Bass Warner Jr.
caricature artist work there. Took out the Cape Cod
The Outermost House
The American Experiment
windows, put in store windows. Take that place
1928
1975
across from the Methodist church they painted it
"Yet the old charm lingers on. You will find it in the
*
an off-pink!"
lovely old red brick homes of Beacon Hill, with
"When we think of the beach on Cape Cod, we mean
"I remember Boston as a quiet effect, as something a
Charles N. Barnard
cobblestoned Acorn Street and Louisburg Square,
the vast expanse of the back shore-the back side, as
little withdrawn, as a place standing aside from the
The Winter People
where a little green park is ringed by stately 19th
they call it here-facing the Atlantic. The gentler
throbbing interchange of East and West."
1973
century houses and gas lampposts."
side, nestled in the curve of the arm of the Cape, is
Neal R. Peirce
H.G. Wells
"The Future in America"
"Since Thoreau's visit [the early 19th century], the
never the beach; it is always the bay. And, though
The New England States of America
both are built of sand and both are subject [to] the
peninsula has been largely given over to the summer
1976
1906
holiday regime, but that regime ends at the outer
rhythm of the tides, yet they are utterly different.
Even the life upon their shores is different; horseshoe
beach. Those who go in search of Thoreau's Cape
"There broods over the real Boston an immense
crabs and scallops, oysters and clams cannot be
will find it if they use their eyes. A hundred years of
"The Bostonians are really, as a race, far inferior in
effect of finality. One feels in Boston, as one feels in
warring with the gales and the breakers, a hundred
found along the Atlantic at low water; they require
no other part of the States, that the intellectual
the shelter of the bay."
point of anything beyond mere talent to any other set
years of struggle with the tides have passed over the
upon the continent of North America. They are
movement has ceased."
Claire Leighton
rampart wall and made their natural changes, but it
decidedly the most servile imitators of the English it
H.G. Wells
Where Land Meets Sea
still fronts the unappeased, the insatiable sea with an
is possible to conceive."
"The Future in America"
1954
earthly strength of sand itself taken from the waves
Edgar Allan Poe
1906
[it is] a noble world
"
Letter
" 'Let's go down to the beach,' everyone says all
Henry Beston
Feb. 4, 1849
summer long. But it is the visitors who say this. Not
"The common, significant fact in all these cases
Introduction to Henry David Thoreau's Cape Cod
often do you see the real Cape Codders here. They
[Boston, and other cities that enshrine the past] is
1951
know too much about this mighty mass of water and
this, a blindness to the crude splendor of the possibil-
"In the middle of the 19th century the center of
A first glimpse of the great outer beach of Cape
carry within them unwilling memories. Sometimes,
ities of America now, to the tragic greatness of the
publishing and intellectual influence in the United
Cod is one of the most memorable experiences in all
after the summer people have left, they will go-
unheeded issues that blunder towards solution.
States was still Boston."
Frankly, I grieve over Boston-Boston throughout
America. As one looks from the height of the earth-
especially at the height of a storm. But they hold a
Barbara Rotundo
the world-as a great waste of leisure and energy, as
cliff which there confronts and halts the North Atlan-
strange proprietary respect for this Atlantic and are
American Heritage
tic, it is the immense and empty plain of ocean which
reluctant to share it with outsiders."
a frittering away of moral and intellectual possibili-
February, 1971
ties."
first seizes on the imagination, the ocean seen as one
Claire Leighton
H.G. Wells
of the splendors of earth, and ever reflecting the
Where Land Meets Sea
"The Future in America"
mood of the season and the day. One may gaze at a
1954
*
"Boston is a moral and intellectual nursery always
1906
mirror of summer blue ending at an horizon taut as a
busy applying first principles to trifles."
gleaming line; one may stare down into a vast and
"When I graduated from being classified as a sum-
George Santayana
leaden turbulence of storm roaring ashore under
mer person (I do not leave until November), I felt as
Cape Cod
if I had won the Medal of Honor.
I
violence of the sky."
state
without
Quoted by Daniel Cory
reservation that courteous, thoughtful, sensible visi-
Santayana: The Later Years
Henry Beston
"So it was that the canal [separating Cape Cod from
tors always find a welcome. But those who come and
1963
Introduction to Henry David Thoreau's Cape Cod
the mainland] had a great symbolic meaning for our
strew garbage along the roads, drop small kittens as
1951
they leave, pile up beer cans on the beautiful
MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS
beaches, walk barefoot in the stores and drive 50
to the fashionable world, and probably it will never
of Brewster; perhaps all its captains were at sea
miles an hour on the narrow streets build up an image
domesticated cat who rubs against the family and the
be agreeable to them."
during his brief visit."
furniture."
of invasion Cape Codders do not like. The typical
Henry David Thoreau
Donald Wood
Cape remark is, 'You must meet the Careys. Of
Henry James
Cape Cod
Cape Cod: A Guide
The American Scene
course they are summer people but they are the nicest
1855
1973
1904
couple-and someday they want to cross the bridge
for good."
Gladys Taber
"A man may stand here and put all America behind
"Provincetown-the first and last frontier on the
"What does our Concord culture amount to? There is
him."
My Own Cape Cod
1971
Henry David Thoreau
Cape-hasn't been tamed as yet! There is no place
in this town, with a very few exceptions, no taste for
Cape Cod
quite like it anywhere, an unending melodrama un-
the best or for very good books even in English
1855
folding on the sunny sands of the town. Everyone
literature, whose words all can read and spell."
"The caste system on the Cape is simple. If your
awaits the next curtain to see what Provincetowners
Henry David Thoreau
ancestors were here, you belong to the elite. Some
will do for an encore."
Walden
"Cape Cod is the bared and bended arm of Massa-
1854
people who have lived here all their lives and raised
Donald Wood
their children here may be an integral part of Cape
chusetts: the shoulder is at Buzzard's Bay; the elbow.
Cape Cod: A Guide
or crazy bone, at Cape Mallebarre; the wrist at
"I have traveled a good deal in Concord
"
society, but someone eventually says they come from
1973
Truro; and the sandy fist at Provincetown-behind
Henry David Thoreau
Boston or Springfield. They are from across the
which the state stands on her guard, with her back to
Walden
bridge. A third category consists of people who
the Green Mountains, and her feet planted on the
1854
spend much of the year here but go south with the
Concord
birds to escape the harsh winter. Then there are the
floor of the ocean, like an athlete protecting her
Bay,-boxing with northeast storms, and, ever and
summer people."
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Martha's Vineyard
anon, heaving up her Atlantic adversary from the lap
Gladys Taber
of earth-ready to thrust forward her other fist.
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
My Own Cape Cod
which keeps guard the while upon her breast at Cape
Here once the embattled farmers stood
"Every Nantucket fanatic knows that greed and real-
1971
Ann."
and fired the shot heard round the world."
estate speculation have turned Cape Cod into
Henry David Thoreau
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Calcutta-by-the-Sea, just as he knows that Martha's
Cape Cod
"Concord Hymn"
Vineyard is a nice place if you like the Pennsylvania
"The Cape sunlight has a clarity I have never seen
1855
1837
countryside. 'It's very pretty over there-sort of like
anywhere else. Perhaps the vast expanse of ocean on
the Pennsylvania Dutch country-but I could never
all sides and the countless small salt ponds may
find the ocean,' a friend told me last summer on
reflect extra light which woods and fields inland
"The people who are genuinely in love with it [Cape
Walden Pond was clear and beautiful, as usual. It
returning from the Vineyard after a two-day visit."
Cod] are Yankees who have been there for several
tempted me to bathe; and though the water was
swallow up. It is not a hard diamond-like light but
Russell Baker
reminds me of melted crystal (if that could be)."
generations. Other people say they've fallen in love
thrillingly cold, it was like the thrill of a happy death.
New York Times
Gladys Taber
with the Cape, usually soon after moving there. They
Never was there such transparent water as this
If
are generally retired people writing home to friends
I were to be baptized, it should be in this pond; but
June 13, 1982
My Own Cape Cod
1971
in Cleveland telling them how happy they are on the
then one would not wish to pollute it by washing off
his sins into it."
"A Vineyarder seems to require lofty hills to climb
Cape. I question this. I think it's a very boring place
Nathaniel Hawthorne
and look out from, as if still hoping as the pilots did
to be."
"We met with one of these wreckers [scavengers],-
Kurt Vonnegut
American Notebooks
in old times to catch first sight of ships needing
a regular Cape Cod man, with whom we parleyed,
Quoted by Charles N. Barnard
1932
pilotage into the port of Boston. He likes descending
slopes into good pasturage and. farming country
with a bleached and weather-beaten face, within
The Winter People
walled with weathered and lichened stone lifted out
whose wrinkles I distinguished no particular feature.
1973
may well be called Concord-the river of peace
and quietness; for it is certainly the most unexcitable
of the earth a couple of centuries ago. He is accus-
It was like an old sail endowed with life,- hanging-
cliff of weather-beaten flesh,-like one of the clay
and sluggish stream that ever loitered imperceptibly
tomed to brooks, which he likes to call rivers, and
"The first settlers in Sandwich came 'to worship
towards its eternity-the sea."
points to old mill dams as proof."
boulders which occurred in that sandbank. He had on
God and make money'-not a bad combination if
Henry Beetle Hough
a hat which had seen salt water, and a coat of many
done honestly on both counts. Sandwich men have
Nathaniel Hawthorne
New York Times
pieces and colors, though it was mainly the color of
never been known to shirk their responsibilities in
Mosses from an Old Manse
June 13, 1982
the beach, as if it had been sanded."
either regard, at times with a vengeance."
1846
Henry David Thoreau
Donald Wood
Cape Cod
Concord]: "The biggest little place in America."
"The better part of my life is spent on two islands:
Cape Cod: A Guide
Martha's Vineyard and Manhattan. It is difficult to
1855
1973
Henry James
believe that the former is four times as large as the
The American Scene
latter. But so it is
"Named for Elder William Brewster [Pilgrim father]
Manhattan, for all its splendors
1904
and wonders, reduces us by means of relativity to the
"The time must come when this coast will be a place
'for fear he would be forgotten else'-so wrote
size of insects in both body and spirit. The Vineyard,
of resort for those New Englanders who really wish
Thoreau as he hurried through the town. We fear that
the Concord River] draws along the woods and
to visit the seaside. At present it is wholly unknown
Thoreau completely missed the considerable charn)
conversely, places us again in proper perspective to
ciorchards
MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS
our battered human dignity. Manhattan takes my
Nantucket
what it had been 30 years before. In retrospect it is
"Most of the smart ones [small town residents] get
breath away. The Vineyard gives it back."
fortunate that the decline was so swift and thorough.
away."
Garson Kanin
On the Vineyard (anthology)
"Just getting there [Nantucket] is an adventure.
For the island was unable to experience even a small
Edith Wharton
There's a quixotic car ferry that comes in two or
measure of the industrial revolution and the accom-
Ethan Frome
1980
three times a day when it isn't broken down and
panying Victorian architecture that swept across the
1911
everybody's in the mood to make the trip and the
mainland. Now, much like Brigadoon, the island has
"Somerset Maugham, asked to describe life on Mar-
tha's Vineyard, declared, 'Well, there's ebsolutely
weather isn't acting up, but naturally they can never
returned off the coast of America after an absence of
"I was struck by the contrast between the vitality of
[sic] nothing to do and ebsolutely no time to do it!"
fit you on when you want to go.
When you finally
almost a hundred years."
the climate and the deadness of the community."
arrive you feel faraway, you feel you've really gotten
Robert Gambee
Garson Kanin
Edith Wharton
someplace, you feel you've survived an adventure.
Nantucket Island
On the Vineyard (anthology)
Ethan Frome
Nantucket evenings are spent listening to tales comic
1978
1980
1911
and hair-raising about getting there, and when we get
"Have you ever been to Nantucket? And when you
"I don't like cocktail parties anywhere, and on the
there we are proud of ourselves. It must be the way
"Day by day, after the December snows were over, a
got home did your friends ask you how you enjoyed
Vineyard I like them even less. The fault's my own. I
the pioneers felt when they finally got to Oregon."
blazing blue sky poured down torrents of light and air
the Cape? Or maybe they told you about a relative of
have illusions about the Vineyard. I think of it as an
Russell Baker
on the white landscape [of Western Massachusetts],
oasis for recollecting in tranquillity, as a spot for
New York Times
theirs who used to spend the summer on the Vineyard
which gave them back in an intenser glitter."
June 13, 1982
too. It's interesting how little known Nantucket really
getting away from urban artificialities. I've spent 25
Edith Wharton
is. Yet one of its greatest treasures is its isolation.
summers on the Vineyard, so I should know better,
Ethan Frome
Being just a little further away and harder to get to
but the island's beauty sustains the illusions and they
"On a deep winter night with all the visitors gone.
1911
has protected it over the years."
just won't go away. On the Vineyard, cocktail parties
stars glittering above like diamonds against black
Robert Gambee
strike me as faintly sacrilegious, especially since
velvet, wind howling through wires and naked trees,
Other Towns and Cities
Nantucket Island
they take place in the late afternoon
It's
then
you can walk the streets [of Nantucket] and feel like
1978
that, up-island, where I have a place, I can watch the
a passenger on a great abandoned ocean liner far out
Gloucester:
sun begin its slow descent into the waters of Menem-
in the North Atlantic, outward bound toward God
'You could cut the brackish winds with a knife
sha Bight, shedding fire on the Elizabeth Islands, fire
knows where. That's some feeling. And you can hear
And I think of the fleet that sailed
Here in Nantucket, and cast up the time
that pales the wheeling beams of the Gay Head
majestic thunder from the beach as the ocean claws
From the lovely Gloucester shore,
When the Lord God formed man from sea's slime
lighthouse; well after the sun has dipped below the
the land away, pounding and pounding, with nobody
I think of the fleet that sailed
And breathed into his face the breath of life."
horizon, the sky is left aglow-by whom, by what?-
there to book it on charges of trespassing."
And came back nevermore;
Russell Baker
Robert Lowell
with a lingering aftermath of unknown colors ar-
My eyes are filled with tears,
ranged in unknown patterns."
New York Times
"The Quaker Graveyard in Nantucket"
and my heart is numb with woe-
Daniel Lang
June 13, 1982
Lord Weary's Castle
It seems as if 'twere yesterday,
1946
On the Vineyard (anthology)
And it all was long ago!
1980
"Geologists assert that Nantucket has 'the most
Thomas Bailey Aldrich
remarkable terminal moraine anywhere in the world.
Nantucket! Take out your map and look at it. See
The Voice of the Sea
"Mostly I love the soft collision here [Vineyard
The last glaciers, feeling the rise in temperature from
what a real corner of the world it occupies; how it
1907
Haven, Martha's Vineyard] of harbor and shore, the
the Gulf Stream when they hit the New York area.
stands there, away offshore, more lonely than the
subtly haunting briny quality that all small towns
started to melt, releasing vast masses of ice, earth.
Eddystone lighthouse. Look at it-a mere hillock,
have when they are situated on the sea."
and stone. As these tons of debris-loaded ice stum-
and elbow of sand; all beach without a background.
Marblehead:
William Styron
bled east over the hills of what was then a vast coastal
There is more sand there than you would use in
On the Vineyard (anthology)
plain, they dumped their load. The melt water raised
twenty years as a substitute for blotting paper."
"Marblehead is a yachting center; its harbor gay with
1980
the sea level and what land was not drowned became
Herman Melville
snowy winged craft; its streets uneven, winding, full
Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, and Cape Cod."
Moby Dick
of surprises, and its back country appealing from its
"When I think of the Vineyard, my ankles feel
Patricia Coffin
1851
variety of roadsides."
good-bare, airy, lean. Full of bones. I go barefoot
Nantucket
1971
Western Massachusetts
Wallace Nutting
there in recollection, and the island as remembered
Massachusetts Beautiful
becomes a medley of pedal sensations: the sandy
1923
rough planks of Dutchers Dock; the hot sidewalks of
In Western Massachusetts,
Oak Bluffs, followed by the wall-to-wall carpeting of
"For this was an island that was once, and for almost
could almost feel the frontier
the liquor store; the pokey feel-of an accelerator on a
a hundred years held the honor of being, the greatest
crack and disappear.
Plymouth:
naked sole; the hurtful little pebbles of Menemsha
whaling center in the world (surpassing even England the
Edwards thought the world would end there."
Beach and the also hurtful half-buried rocks of
who long ruled the waves)
But
then
came
Robert Lowell
"The rock [Plymouth Rock] underlies all America: it
Squibnocket
decline
So rapid was the decline that by 1870 the
Jonathan Edwards in Western Massachusetts"
only crops out here."
John Updike
town was an empty shell. Houses had no market was
For the Union Dead
On the Vineyard (anthology)
value:
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
Quincy:
Entered the union (with rank): Jan. 26, 1837 (26)
held the ultimate power in Michigan, and even today
darkness-and in the morning that boat.came up the
State motto: Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam cir-
one senses a lack of strong forces challenging the
Detroit River, and the factories and pumping stations
"Quincy had always been right, for Quincy repre-
cumspice (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look
power system
Why aren't Michiganders fighting
on the bank suddenly made you realize that man had
sented a moral principle-the principle of resistance
around you)
and dreaming and thinking more about their future?
taken over nature and was trying to make something
to Boston."
State flower: Apple blossom
They are certainly more awake than they were a
out of it. Then, a little after breakfast time, the boat
Henry Adams
State bird: Robin
decade ago-events saw to that. But are they awake
docked along the Detroit waterfront, and no city in
The Education of Henry Adams
State song: "Michigan, My Michigan"
enough?"
America offered a more thrilling or exciting en-
1907
State tree: White pine
Neal R. Peirce
trance."
Nicknames: Great Lake State, Wolverine State
The Megastates of America
Bruce Catton
Origin of state name: From two Indian words mean-
1972
"Yet he [Adams] felt also that Quincy was in a way
American Panorama
inferior to Boston, and that socially Boston looked
ing "great lake"
1947
down on Quincy. The reason was clear enough even
THE LANDSCAPE
to a five-year-old child. Quincy had no Boston
Michigan is the heart of the Great Lakes region; four
"The only state in the Union boasting a spare part."
style."
of the five lakes touch it. It also stands among the
"First there was the ice; two miles high, hundreds of
Leonard Lanson Cline
Henry Adams
nation's foremost industrial centers: Detroit, the mo-
miles wide, and many centuries deep. It came down
These United States
The Education of Henry Adams
tor city, remains America's automotive center despite
1907
from the darkness at the top of the world, and it hung
1924
recent declines in that industry's vigor. Michigan
down over the eaves, and our Michigan country lay
ranks second in American copper and iron mining.
along the line of the overhang."
"Standing on the water bastion of Detroit, a pleasant
Technology even affects the state's geography: The
Stockbridge:
Bruce Catton
landscape spread before the eye. The river, about
finger-like upper peninsula is connected to the rest of
American Heritage
half a mile wide, almost washed the foot of the
Michigan only by the spectacular Mackinac Bridge,
"I want to tell you about the town of Stockbridge,
February, 1972
stockade; and either bank was lined with the white
at five miles one of the longest suspension spans in
Canadian cottages. The joyous sparkling of the
Massachusetts; they got three stop signs, two police
the world; farther north, Michigan's Sault Ste. Marie
bright blue water; the green luxuriance of the woods;
officers and one police car."
Canals link Lakes Superior and Huron.
Arlo Guthrie
"One of the interesting things to see up here is the
the white dwellings, looking out from the foliage;
With most of its industry concentrated in the south-
"Alice's Restaurant"
canal at Sault Ste. Marie, whose big locks connect
and, in the distance, the Indian wigwams curling
ern third, Michigan remains surprisingly rural, for all
Lake Superior with the lower lakes. The Soo, as
their smoke against the sky,-all were mingled in one
1966
its commercial clout. More than 11,000 inland lakes
dot the state's countryside; there are more than
everybody calls it, is a lively little city during the
broad scene of wild and rural beauty."
36,000 miles of streams. As a result, tourism is very
eight months of the navigation season; it boasts that
Francis Parkman
Worcester:
its canal handles more traffic than Panama and Suez
The Conspiracy of Pontiac
important in Michigan, especially fishing.
Michigan has been heavily influenced by the
combined. All day and all night the ships-enormous
1851
"All the buildings [of Worcester] looked as if they
French. The area was first explored by Frenchman
things, 500 and 600 feet in length-come majesti-
had been built and painted that morning, and could
cally in from the upper lake, floating high above your
"The lake country of Michigan handsome as a well-
Etienne Brulé in 1618. Marquette, Jolliet, La Salle
be taken down on Monday morning with very little
head, sinking slowly as the water burbles out of the
made woman, and dressed and jeweled."
and other French adventurers followed, and the first
trouble
The clean cardboard colonnades had no
permanent settlement was established at Sault Ste.
locks, and then gliding off for the great industrial
John Steinbeck
more perspective than a Chinese bridge on a teacup,
Marie in 1668.
region hundreds of miles to the south. In an average
Travels with Charley
and appeared equally well calculated for use."
It was not until 1763 that Great Britain took over
day, 80 or 90 of them will go through."
1962
Charles Dickens
the Michigan peninsula, only to give it up to the
Bruce Catton
American Notes
United States after the Revolution. British and Amer-
American Panorama
HISTORY AND POLITICS
1842
ican troops and various Indian allies battled over the
1947
state, however, right through the War of 1812.
"Here, perhaps more clearly than in most places, can
MICHIGAN
The boats came up from Lake Erie ports, Cleveland
be seen the enormous increase in the speed of socie-
and Buffalo and Sandusky, and they gave a theatrical
ty's movement, the pressures that come when a
THE STATE
touch to the whole business. Lake Erie is beautiful
society adjusted to one era is suddenly compelled to
shape itself to an entirely new one, the torment of
and shallow and treacherous, with a capacity for
"When all is said and done with Michigan, the whole
whipping up unexpected storms that would bother
modern man torn by the astounding discovery that
may be something less than the sum of the parts.
any mariner who ever lived, although mostly it is
the things he makes have taken charge of his life.
Pleasant enough; and the old side-wheelers came
Living in memory of an interesting past and imagin-
+
With its wealth and opportunities, Michigan should
night paddling down its length, usually in the middle of the
ing himself to be relaxing in the warmth of a long
`never have let [the] Detroit [riot of 1967] "happen.
afternoon, man finds himself facing a terrifying
or for that matter let Lansing or Flint happen quite
it was nice sleeping, in a snug stateroom on
dawn-and it seems to be a little too much for him.
the way they did. In race, housing, regional govern-
those boats, with an air-conditioned wind
coming
Without intending anything of the kind, he discovers
Capital: Lansing
ment, Michigan is a disappointment. For too long.
in at the open porthole, and the wash of the
that he is involved in an enormous revolution, simply
Became a territory: Jan. 11, 1805
men of much wealth but little breeding or culture
wheels beating a quiet rhvthm in the
PS507
N67
1989
Vil
WH
The Norton Anthology
of American Literature
nat the minacle.. le
THIRDEDITION
VOLUME 1
Nina Baym
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
that but the is wina a
Ronald Gottesman
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Laurence B. Holland
LATE OF THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
David Kalstone
LATE OF RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
Francis Murphy
SMITH COLLEGE
Hershel Parker
f.41:city hill. upon
UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
William H. Pritchard
AMHERST COLLEGE
Patricia B. Wallace
VASSAR COLLEGE
W
W
NORTON & COMPANY
New York
London
30
JOHN WINTHROP
A MODEL OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY
31
could not get to Ma-re Mount. Upon this island he stayed a month at least
and reminded all those on board that they would stand as an example to the world
and was relieved by savages that took notice that mine host was a sachem³ of
either of the triumph or else the failure of this Christian enterprise. When Cotton
Passonagessit, and would bring bottles of strong liquor to him and unite them-
Mather wrote his history of New England some fifty years after Winthrop's death,
selves into a league of brotherhood with mine host, so full of humanity are
he chose Winthrop as his model of the perfect earthly ruler. Although the actual
these infidels before those Christians.
history of the colony showed that Winthrop's ideal of a perfectly selfless community
From this place for England sailed mine host in a Plymouth ship (that came
was impossible to realize in fact, Winthrop emerges from the story as a man of
into the land to fish upon the coast) that landed him safe in England at Ply-
unquestioned integrity and deep humanity.
mouth; and he stayed in England until the ordinary time for shipping to set
forth for these parts, and then returned, no man being able to tax⁴ him of
anything.
A Model of Christian Charity¹
But the worthies (in the meantime) hoped they had been rid of him.
1
* * *
C. 1635
A MODEL HEREOF
1637
God Almighty in His most holy and wise providence, hath so disposed of
the condition of mankind, as in all times some must be rich, some poor, some
high and eminent in power and dignity; others mean and in subjection.
JOHN WINTHROP
1588-1649
THE REASON HEREOF
John Winthrop, the son of Adam Winthrop, a lawyer, and Anne Browne, the
First, to hold conformity with the rest of His works, being delighted to show
daughter of a tradesman, was born in Groton, England, on an estate which his
forth the glory of His wisdom in the variety and difference of the creatures; and
father purchased from Henry VIII. It was a prosperous farm, and Winthrop had all
the glory of His power, in ordering all these differences for the preservation
the advantages which his father's social and economic position would allow. He
and good of the whole; and the glory of His greatness, that as it is the glory of
went to Cambridge University for two years and married at the age of seventeen. It
princes to have many officers, so this great King will have many stewards,
was probably at Cambridge University that Winthrop was exposed to Puritan ideas.
counting Himself more honored in dispensing His gifts to man by man than if
Unlike Bradford and the Pilgrims, however, Winthrop was not a Separatist; that is,
He did it by His own immediate hands.
he wished to reform the national church from within, purging it of everything that
Secondly, that He might have the more occasion to manifest the work of
harked back to Rome, especially the hierarchy of the clergy and all the traditional
His Spirit: first upon the wicked in moderating and restraining them, so that
Catholic rituals. For a time Winthrop thought of becoming a clergyman himself,
but instead he turned to the practice of law.
the rich and mighty should not eat up the poor, nor the poor and despised rise
In the 1620s severe economic depression in England made Winthrop realize
up against their superiors and shake off their yoke; secondly in the regenerate,
that he could not depend upon the support of his father's estate. The ascension of
in exercising His graces, in them, as in the great ones, their love, mercy,
Charles I to the throne-who was known to be sympathetic to Roman Catholicism
gentleness, temperance, etc., in the poor and inferior sort, their faith, patience,
and impatient with Puritan reformers-was also taken as an ominous sign for Puri-
obedience, etc.
tans, and Winthrop was not alone in predicting that "God will bring some heavy
Thirdly, that every man might have need of other, and from hence they
affliction upon the land, and that speedily. Winthrop came to realize the he could
might be all knit more nearly together in the bonds of brotherly affection.
not antagonize the king by expressing openly the Puritan cause without losing all
From hence it appears plainly that no man is made more honorable than
that he possessed. The only recourse seemed to be to obtain the king's permission
another or more wealthy, etc., out of any particular and singular respect to
to emigrate. In March of 1629 a group of enterprising merchants, all sympathetic
himself, but for the glory of his creator and the common good of the creature,
believers, were able to get a charter from the Council for New England for land in
man. Therefore God still reserves the property of these gifts to Himself as [in]
the New World. They called themselves "The Company of Massachusetts Bay in
New England."
Ezekiel 16.17. He there calls wealth His gold and His silver. 2 [In] Proverbs
From four candidates, Winthrop was chosen governor in October 1629; for the
3.9, he claims their service as His due, honor the Lord with thy riches etc.³
next twenty years most of the responsibility for the colony rested in his hands. On
All men being thus (by divine providence) ranked into two sorts, rich and poor;
April 8, 1630, an initial group of some seven hundred emigrants sailed from England.
The ship carrying Winthrop was called the Arbella. Somewhere in the middle of
1. The text is from Old South Leaflets, Old South
my silver, which I had given thee, and madest to thy-
the Atlantic ocean Winthrop delivered his sermon A Model of Christian Charity.
Association, Old South Meetinghouse, Boston, Mas-
self images of men, and didst commit whoredom with
sachusetts, No. 207, edited by Samuel Eliot Morison.
them."
It set out clearly and eloquently the ideals of a harmonious Christian community,
The original manuscript for Winthrop's sermon is lost;
3. "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the
3. Ruling chief.
but a copy made during Winthrop's lifetime was pub-
firstfruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled
4. Charge. Morton was successful more than once in
having charges made against him by the Puritans dis-
lished by the Massachusetts Historical Society in 1838.
with plenty, and thy presses burst out with new wine."
missed.
2. "Thou hast also taken thy fair jewels of my gold and
32
JOHN WINTHROP
A MODEL OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY
33
under the first are comprehended all such as are able to live comfortably by
Corinthians: 2,8. 1 Likewise community of perils calls for extraordinary liber-
their own meanes duly improved; and all others are poor according to the
former distribution.
ality, and so doth community in some special service for the Church. Lastly,
when there is no other means whereby our Christian brother may be relieved
There are two rules whereby we are to walk one towards another: justice and
in his distress, we must help him beyond our ability, rather than tempt God
mercy. These are always distinguished in their act and in their object, yet may
they both concur in the same subject in each respect; as sometimes there may
in putting him upon help by miraculous or extraordinary means.
be an occasion of showing mercy to a rich man in some sudden danger of
This duty of mercy is exercised in the kinds, giving, lending and forgiving.-
distress, and also doing of mere justice to a poor man in regard of some partic-
Quest. What rule shall a man observe in giving in respect of the measure?
ular contract, etc.
Ans. If the time and occasion be ordinary, he is to give out of his abun-
There is likewise a double law by which we are regulated in our conversation
dance. Let him lay aside as God hath blessed him. If the time and occasion be
one towards another in both the former respects: the law of nature and the law
extraordinary, he must be ruled by them; taking this withal, that then a man
of grace, or the moral law or the law of the Gospel, to omit the rule of justice
cannot likely do too much, especially if he may leave himself and his family
as not properly belonging to this purpose otherwise than it may fall into con-
under probable means of comfortable subsistence.
sideration in some particular cases. By the first of these laws man as he was
Objection. A man must lay up for posterity, the fathers lay up for posterity
and children and he "is worse than an infidel" that "provideth not for his
enabled so withal [is] commanded to love his neighbor as himself. Upon this
own."
ground stands all the precepts of the moral law, which concerns our dealings
Ans. For the first, it is plain that it being spoken by way of comparison, it
with men. To apply this to the works of mercy, this law requires two things:
first, that every man afford his help to another in every want or distress; sec-
must be meant of the ordinary and usual course of fathers and cannot extend
ondly, that he performed this out of the same affection which makes him
to times and occasions extraordinary. For the other place, the Apostle speaks
careful of his own goods, according to that of our Savior. Matthew: "Whatso-
against such as walked inordinately, and it is without question, that he is worse
than a infidel who through his own sloth and voluptuousness shall neglect to
ever ye would that men should do to you. This was practiced by Abraham
and Lot in entertaining the Angels and the old man of Gibeah.
provide for his family.
The law of grace or the Gospel hath some difference from the former, as in
Objection. "The wise man's eyes are in his head" saith Salomon, "and fore-
these respects: First, the law of nature was given to man in the estate of inno-
seeth the plague, therefore we must forecast and lay up against evil times
cency; this of the Gospel. in the estate of regeneracy.⁷ Secondly, the former
when he or his may stand in need of all he can gather.
propounds one man to another, as the same flesh and image of God; this as a
Ans. This very argument Salomon useth to persuade to liberality, Eccle-
brother in Christ also, and in the communion of the same spirit and so teach-
siastes: "Cast thy bread upon the waters," and "for thou knowest not what evil
eth us to put a difference between Christians and others. Do good to all, espe-
may come upon the land.' Luke 6. "Make you friends of the riches of iniq-
cially to the household of faith: Upon this ground the Israelites were to put a
uity." You will ask how this shall be? very well. For first he that gives to the
difference between the brethren of such as were strangers though not of
poor, lends to the Lord and He will repay him even in this life an hundred
Canaanites.⁸ Third, the law of nature could give no rules for dealing with
fold to Him or his-The righteous is ever merciful and lendeth and his seed
enemies, for all are to be considered as friends in the state of innocency, but
enjoyeth the blessing; and besides we know what advantage it will be to us in
the Gospel commands love to an enemy. Proof. If thine Enemy hunger, feed
the day of account when many such witnesses shall stand forth for us to witness
him; Love your Enemies, do good to them that hate you. Matthew: 5.44.
the improvement of our talent. 5 And I would know of those who plead so
This law of the Gospel propounds likewise a difference of seasons and occa-
much for laying up for time to come, whether they hold that to be Gospel,
Matthew 6.19: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth," etc.⁶ If they
sions. There is a time when a Christian must sell all and give to the poor, as
they did in the Apostles' times. 9 There is a time also when a Christian (though
acknowledge it, what extent will they allow it? if only to those primitive times,
they give not all yet) must give beyond their ability, as they of Macedonia,
let them consider the reason whereupon our Saviour grounds it. The first is
1. "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace
or Geneva versions; his quotations therefore differ
4. Matthew 5.43; 19.19.
of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how
ing priest or Levite and defended him from enemies
occasionally from the King James version used in these
5. "All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men
from a neighboring city.
that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their
notes.
should do unto you even so do ye also unto them: for
7. Men lost their natural innocence when Adam fell;
joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of
4. The passage in Luke refers to the servant who,
this is the law of the prophets" (Matthew 7.12).
that state is called unregenerate. When Christ came to
their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea.
removed from his stewardship, resolves to be received
6. Abraham entertains the angels in Genesis 18: "And
and beyond their power they were willing of them-
in the houses of his master's debtors and cuts their bills
ransom man for Adam's sin, he offered salvation for
the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre:
those who believed in him and became regenerate, or
selves; praying us with much entreaty that we would
in half. "And I say unto you. Make to yourselves friends
and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; and
saved.
receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the
of the mammon of unrighteousness: that, when ve fail,
he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men
8. One who lived in Canaan, the Land of Promise for
ministering to the saints" (2 Corinthians 8.1-4).
they may receive you into everlasting habitations" (Luke
stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet
the Israelites.
2. Ecclesiastes 2.14. Solomon was the son of David
16.9).
them
(Genesis 18.1-2). Lot was Abraham's
9. In Luke, Jesus tells a ruler who asks him what he
and successor to David as king of all Israel.
5. Originally a measure of money.
nephew, and he escaped the destruction of the city of
must do to gain eternal life: "sell all that thou hast, and
"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find
6. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,
Sodom because he defended two angels who were his
distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure
it after many days. Give a portion to seven. and also to
where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
guests from a mob (Genesis 19.1-14). In Judges 19.16-
in heaven: and come, follow me" (Luke 18.22).
eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the
break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves trea-
21. an old citizen of Gibeah offered shelter to a travel-
earth" (Ecclesiastes 11.1-2). Winthrop either makes his
sures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth cor-
own translations from the Bible or uses the King James
rupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal."
34
JOHN WINTHROP
A MODEL OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY
35
that they are subject to the moth, the rust, the thief. Secondly, they will steal
Ans. Whether thou didst lend by way of commerce or in mercy, if he have
away the heart; where the treasure is there will the heart be also. The reasons
nothing to pay thee, [you] must forgive, (except in cause where thou has a
are of like force at all times. Therefore the exhortation must be general and
surety or a lawful pledge) Deuteronomy 15.2. Every seventh year the creditor
perpetual, with always in respect of the love and affection to riches and in
was to quit that which he lent to his brother if he were poor as appears-verse
regard of the things themselves when any special service for the church or
8: "Save when there shall be no poor with thee." In all these and like cases,
particular distress of our brother do call for the use of them; otherwise it is not
Christ was a general rule, Matthew 7.22: "Whatsoever ye would that men
only lawful but necessary to lay up as Joseph⁷. did to have ready upon such
should do to you, do ye the same to them also."
occasions, as the Lord (whose stewards we are of them) shall call for them from
Quest. What rule must we observe and walk by in cause of community of
us. Christ gives us an instance of the first, when he sent his disciples for the
peril?
ass, and bids them answer the owner thus, the Lord hath need of him. 8 So
Ans. The same as before, but with more enlargement towards others and
when the tabernacle was to be built he sends to His people to call for their
less respect towards ourselves and our own right. Hence it was that in the
silver and gold, etc.; and yields them no other reason but that it was for His
primitive church they sold all, had all things in common, neither did any man
work. When Elisha comes to the widow of Sareptah and finds her preparing
say that which he possessed was his own. Likewise in their return out of the
to make ready her pittance for herself and family, He bids her first provide for
captivity, because the work was great for the restoring of the church and the
Him; he challengeth first God's part which she must first give before she must
danger of enemies was common to all, Nehemiah exhorts the Jews to liberality
serve her own family. 9 All these teach us that the Lord looks that when He is
and readiness in remitting their debts to their brethren, and disposing liberally
pleased to call for His right in anything we have, our own interest we have
of his own to such as wanted, and stand not upon his own due, which he
must stand aside till His turn be served. For the other, we need look no further
might have demanded of them. 4 Thus did some of our forefathers in times of
than to that of John 1: "He who hath this world's goods and seeth his brother
persecution in England, and so did many of the faithful of other churches,
to need and shuts up his compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God
whereof we keep an honorable remembrance of them; and it is to be observed
in him," which comes punctually to this conclusion: if thy brother be in want
that both in Scriptures and later stories of the churches that such as have been
and thou canst help him, thou needst not make doubt, what thou shouldst do,
most bountiful to the poor saints, especially in these extraordinary times and
if thou lovest God thou must help him.
occasions, God hath left them highly commended to posterity, as Zacheus,
Quest. What rule must we observe in lending?
Cornelius, Dorcas, Bishop Hooper, the Cuttler of Brussells⁵ and divers others.
Ans. Thou must observe whether thy brother hath present or probable, or
Observe again that the Scripture gives no caution to restrain any from being
possible means of repaying thee, if there be none of these, thou must give him
over liberal this way; but all men to the liberal and cheerful practice hereof by
according to his necessity, rather than lend him as he requires. If he hath
the sweetest promises; as to instance one for many, Isaiah 58.6: "Is not this the
present means of repaying thee, thou art to look at him not as an act of mercy,
fast I have chosen to loose the bonds of wickedness, to take off the heavy
but by way of commerce, wherein thou art to walk by the rule of justice; but if
burdens, to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke, to deal thy bread
his means of repaying thee be only probable or possible, then is he an object
to the hungry and to bring the poor that wander into thy house, when thou
of thy mercy, thou must lend him, though there be danger of losing it, Deu-
seest the naked to cover them. And then shall thy light break forth as the
teronomy 15.7: "If any of thy brethren be poor," etc., "thou shalt lend him
morning, and thy health shall grow speedily, thy righteousness shall go before
sufficient. That men might not shift off this duty by the apparent hazard, He
God, and the glory of the Lord shall embrace thee; then thou shalt call and
tells them that though the year of Jubilee² were at hand (when he must remit
the Lord shall answer thee" etc. [Verse] 10: "If thou pour out thy soul to the
it, if he were not able to repay it before) yet he must lend him and that cheer-
hungry, then shall thy light spring out in darkness, and the Lord shall guide
fully: "It may not grieve thee to give him" saith He; and because some might
thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones; thou
object; "why so I should soon impoverish myself and my family," he adds
shalt be like a watered garden, and they shalt be of thee that shall build the old
"with all thy work," etc;3 for our Saviour, Matthew 5.42: "From him that
waste places" etc. On the contrary, most heavy curses are laid upon such as
would borrow of thee turn not away."
are straightened towards the Lord and His people, Judges 5.[23]: "Curse ye
Quest. What rule must we observe in forgiving?
Meroshe because ye came not to help the Lord," etc. Proverbs [21:13]: "He
7. Joseph. the son of Jacob and Rachel. stored up the
who shutteth his ears from hearing the cry of the poor, he shall cry and shall
harvest in the seven good years before the famine (Gen-
2. According to Mosaic law, every seventh year the lands
would lie fallow, all work would cease. and all debts
not be heard." Matthew 25: "Go ye cursed into everlasting fire" etc. "I was
esis 41).
8. Matthew 21.5-7.
would be canceled. The Jubilee year concluded a cycle
9. 1 Kings 17.8-24.
of seven sabbatical years.
hungry and ye fed me not." 2 Corinthians 9.6: "He that soweth sparingly shall
1. "If there be among you a poor man of one of thy
3. "The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand:
reap sparingly."
brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the
and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou
Having already set forth the practice of mercy according to the rule of God's
Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine
givest him nought; and he cry unto the Lord against
heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But
thee, and it be sin unto thee. Thou shalt surely give
law, it will be useful to lay open the grounds of it also, being the other part of
thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt
him. and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou
surely lend him sufficient for his need. in that which
givest unto him: because that for this thing the Lord
4. Nchemiah was sent by King Artaxerxes to repair the
no interest, and to think first of the common good. See
he wanteth."
thy Cod shall bless thee in all thy works. and in all that
walls of the city of Jerusalem; he saved the city as gov-
Nehemiah 3.
thou puttest thine hand unto" (Deuteronomy 15.9-10).
emor when he persuaded those lending money to charge
5. Christian martyrs.
so
JOHN WINTHROP
A MODEL OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY
37
the commandment, and that is the affection from which this exercise of mercy
of this body, and being knit with it in the bond of love, found such a native
must arise. The apostle⁶ tells us that this love is the fulfilling of the law, not
that it is enough to love our brother and so no further; but in regard of the
sensibleness of our infirmities and sorrows as He willingly yielded Himself to
death to ease the infirmities of the rest of His body, and so healed their sorrows.
excellency of his parts giving any motion to the other as the soul to the body
and the power it hath to set all the facilities on work in the outward exercise of
From the like sympathy of parts did the apostles and many thousands of the
this duty. As when we bid one make the clock strike, he doth not lay hand on
saints lay down their lives for Christ. Again, the like we may see in the mem-
the hammer, which is the immediate instrument of the sound, but sets on
bers of this body among themselves. Romans 9. Paul could have been con-
tented to have been separated from Christ, that the Jews might not be cut off
work the first mover or main wheel, knowing that will certainly produce the
from the body. It is very observable what he professeth of his affectionate par-
sound which he intends. So the way to draw men to works of mercy, is not by
force of argument from the goodness or necessity of the work; for though this
taking with every member: "who is weak" saith he "and I am not weak? who is
offended and I burn not;"7 and again, 2 Corinthians 7.13. "therefore we are
course may enforce a rational mind to some present act of mercy, as is frequent
comforted because ye were comforted." Of Epaphroditus⁸ he speaketh, Phil:
in experience, yet it cannot work such a habit in a soul, as shall make it prompt
2.30. that he regarded not his own life to do him service. So Phoebe⁹ and
upon all occasions to produce the same effect, but by framing these affections
others are called the servants of the church. Now it is apparent that they served
of love in the heart which will as natively bring forth the other, as any cause
doth produce effect.
not for wages, or by constraint, but out of love. The like we shall find in the
histories of the church in all ages, the sweet sympathy of affections which was
The definition which the Scripture gives us of love is this: "Love is the bond
of perfection." First, it is a bond or ligament. Secondly it makes the work
in the members of this body one towards another, their cheerfulness in serving
perfect. There is no body but consists of parts and that which knits these parts
and suffering together, how liberal they were without repining, harborers with-
together gives the body its perfection, because it makes each part so contiguous
out grudging and helpful without reproaching; and all from hence, because
to others as thereby they do mutually participate with each other, both in
they had fervent love amongst them, which only make the practise of mercy
strength and infirmity, in pleasure and pain. To instance in the most perfect
constant and easy.
The next consideration is how this love comes to be wrought. Adam in his
of all bodies: Christ and His church make one body. The several parts of this
body, considered apart before they were united, were as disproportionate and
first estate¹ was a perfect model of mankind in all their generations, and in
him this love was perfected in regard of the habit. But Adam rent himself from
as much disordering as so many contrary qualities or elements, but when Christ
his creator, rent all his posterity all so one from another; whence it comes that
comes and by His spirit and love knits all these parts to Himself and each to
other, it is become the most perfect and best proportioned body in the world.
every man is born with this principle in him, to love and seek himself only,
and thus a man continueth 'til Christ comes and takes possession of the soul
Ephesians 4.16: "Christ, by whom all the body being knit together by every
joint for the furniture thereof, according to the effectual power which is the
and infuseth another principle, love to God and our brother. And this latter
measure of every perfection of parts," "a glorious body without spot or wrin-
having continual supply from Christ, as the head and root by which he is
kle," the ligaments hereof being Christ, or His love, for Christ is love (1 John
united, gets the predomining in the soul, so by little and little expels the for-
4.8). So this definition is right: "Love is the bond of perfection."
mer. 1 John 4.7. "love cometh of God and every one that loveth is borne of
God," so that this love is the fruit of the new birth, and none can have it but
From hence we may frame these conclusions. 1. First of all, true Christians
the new creature. Now when this quality is thus formed in the souls of men,
are of one body in Christ, 1 Corinthians 27; "Ye are the body of Christ
and members of their part.' Secondly: The ligaments of this body which knit
it works like the spirit upon the dry bones. Ezekiel 37: "bone came to bone."
together are love. Third: No body can be perfect which wants its proper liga-
It gathers together the scattered bones, of perfect old man Adam, and knits
them into one body again in Christ, whereby a man is become again a living
ment. Fourth. All the parts of this body being thus united are made so contig-
soul.
uous in a special relation as they must needs partake of each other's strength
The third consideration is concerning the exercise of this love which is two-
and infirmity; joy and sorrow, weal and woe. 1 Corinthians 12.26: "If one
fold, inward or outward. The outward hath been handled in the former preface
member suffers, all suffer with it, if one be in honor, all rejoice with it. Fifth.
This sensibleness and sympathy of each other's conditions will necessarily infuse
of this discourse. For unfolding the other we must take in our way that maxim
into each part a native desire and endeavor to strengthen, defend, preserve and
of philosophy simile simili gaudet, or like will to like; for as it is things which
comfort the other.
are turned with disaffection to each other, the ground of it is from a dissimili-
tude arising from the contrary or different nature of the things themselves; for
To insist a little on this conclusion being the product of all the former, the
the ground of love is an apprehension of some resemblance in things loved to
truth hereof will appear both by precept and pattern. 1 John 3.10: "Ye ought
that which affects it. This is the cause why the Lord loves the creature, so far
to lay down your lives for the brethren." Galatians 6.2: "bear ye one another's
burthens and so fulfill the law of Christ." For patterns we have that first of our
as it hath any of His image in it; He loves His elect because they are like
Saviour who out of His good will in obedience to His father, becoming a part
7. 2 Corinthians 11.29.
lippians 2.25).
8. St. Paul tells the Philippians that he will send to
9. A Christian woman praised by St. Paul in Romans
them as a spiritual guide "Epaphroditus, my brother
16.1.
6. St. Paul in his Epistle to the Romans 9.31.
and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your
1. I.e., in his innocence.
messenger, and he that ministered to my wants" (Phi-
38
JOHN WINTHROP
A MODEL OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY
39
Himself, he beholds them in His beloved son. So a mother loves her child,
as was showed before, which the soul covets more than all the wealth in the
because she throughly conceives a resemblance of herself in it. Thus it is
world. Third: Nothing yields more pleasure and content to the soul than when
between the members of Christ. Each discerns, by the work of the spirit, his
it finds that which it may love fervently, for to love and live beloved is the
own image and resemblance in another, and therefore' cannot but love him as
soul's paradise, both here and in heaven. In the state of wedlock there be many
he loves himself. Now when the soul, which is of a sociable nature, finds
comforts to bear out the troubles of that condition; but let such as have tried
anything like to itself, it is like Adam when Eve was brought to him. She must
the most, say if there be any sweetness in that condition comparable to the
have it one with herself. This is flesh of my flesh (saith the soul) and bone of
exercise of mutual love.
my bone. She conceives a great delight in it, therefore she desires nearness
From former considerations arise these conclusions.
and familiarity with it. She hath a great propensity to do it good and receives
1. First, This love among Christians is a real thing, not Imaginary.
such content in it, as fearing the miscarriage of her beloved she ibestows it in
Secondly: This love is as absolutely necessary to the being of the body of
the inmost closet of her heart. She will not endure that it shall want any good
Christ, as the sinews and other ligaments of a natural body are to the being of
which she can give it. If by occasion she be withdrawn from the company of
that body.
it, she is still looking towards the place where she left her beloved. If she heard
Third: This love is a divine, spiritual nature free, active, strong, courageous,
it groan, she is with it presently. If she find it sad and disconsolate, she sighs
permanent; undervaluing all things beneath its proper object; and of all the
and moans with it. She hath no such joy as to see her beloved merry and
graces, this makes us nearer to resemble the virtues of our heavenly father.
thriving. If she see it wronged, she cannot hear it without passion. She sets no
Fourth: It rests in the love and welfare of its beloved. For the full and certain
bounds to her affections, nor hath any thought of reward. She finds recom-
knowledge of these truths concerning the nature, use, and excellency of this
pense enough in the exercise of her love towards it. We may see this acted to
grace, that which the Holy Ghost hath left recorded, 1 Corinthians 13, may
life in Jonathan and David. 2 Jonathan a valiant man endowed with the spirit
give full satisfaction, which is needful for every true member of this lovely
of Christ, so soon as he discovers the same spirit in David had presently his
body of the Lord Jesus, to work upon their hearts by prayer, meditation, con-
heart knit to him by this lineament of love so that it is said he loved him as his
tinual exercise at least of the special [influence] of his grace, 'til Christ be
own soul. He takes so great pleasure in him, that he strips himself to adorn
formed in them and they in him, all in each other, knit together by this bond
his beloved. His father's kingdom was not so precious to him as his beloved
of love.
David. David shall have it with all his heart, himself desires no more but that
he may be near to him to rejoice in his good. He chooseth to converse with
him in the wilderness even to the hazard of his own life, rather than with the
II
great courtiers in his father's palace. When he sees danger towards him, he
It rests now to make some application of this discourse by the present design,
spares neither rare pains nor peril to direct it. When injury was offered his
which gave the occasion of writing of it. Herein are four things to be pro-
beloved David, he would not bear it, though from his own father; and when
pounded: first the persons, secondly the work, third the end, fourth the means.
they must part for a season only, they thought their hearts would have broke
1. For the persons. We are a company professing ourselves fellow members
for sorrow, had not their affections found vent by abundance of tears. Other
of Christ, in which respect only though we were absent from each other many
instances might be brought to show the nature of this affection, as of Ruth and
miles, and had our employments as far distant, yet we ought to account our-
Naomi,³ and many others; but this truth is cleared enough.
selves knit together by this bond of love, and live in the exercise of it, if we
If any shall object that it is not possible that love should be bred or upheld
would have comfort of our being in Christ. This was notorious in the practise
without hope of requital, it is granted; but that is not our cause; for this love is
of the Christians in former times; as is testified of the Waldenses, from the
always under reward. It never gives, but it always receives with advantage; first,
mouth of one of the adversaries AEneas Sylvius⁵ " mutuo [ament] penè ante-
in regard that among the members of the same body, love and affection are
quam norunt," they use to love any of their own religion even before they were
reciprocal in a most equal and sweet kind of commerce. Secondly, in regard
acquainted with them.
of the pleasure and content that the exercise of love carries with it, as we may
Secondly, for the work we have in hand. It is by mutual consent, through a
see in the natural body. The mouth is at all the pains to receive and mince the
special overvaluing providence and a more than an ordinary approbation of
food which serves for the nourishment of all the other parts of the body, yet it
the Churches of Christ, to seek out a place of cohabitation and consortship
hath no cause to complain; for first the other parts send back by several passages
under a due form of government both civil and ecclesiastical. In such cases as
a due proportion of the same nourishment, in a better form for the strength-
this, the care of the public must oversway all private respects, by which, not
ening and comforting the mouth. Secondly, the labor of the mouth is accom-
only conscience, but mere civil policy, doth bind us. For it is a true rule that
panied with such pleasure and content as fare exceeds the pains it takes. So is
particular estates cannot subsist in the ruin of the public.
it in all the labor of love among Christians. The party loving, reaps love again,
2. The story of David and Jonathan is told in I Samuel
4. The Waldenses took their name from Pater Valdes,
II, was a historian and scholar. Solent amare is a closer
19ff.
refused to leave when her husband died. telling her,
an early French reformer of the Church. They still sur-
approximation of the Latin than Morison's suggestion
3. Naomi was the mother-in-law of Ruth, whom Ruth
"For whither thou goest; I will go; and where thou
vive as a religious community.
of ament.
lodgest, I will lodge" (Ruth 1.16).
5. Aeneas Sylvius Piccolomini (1405-64), Pope Pius
40
JOHN WINTHROP
A MODEL OF CHRISTIAN CHARITY
41
Third. The end is to improve our lives to do more service to the Lord; the
comfort and increase of the body of Christ whereof we are members; that
and our posterity, the Lord will surely break out in wrath against us; be revenged
ourselves and posterity may be the better preserved from the common corrup-
of such a perjured people and make us know the price of the breach of such a
tions of this evil world, to serve the Lord and work out our salvation under the
covenant.
power and purity of His holy ordinances.
Now the only way to avoid this shipwreck, and to provide for our posterity,
Fourth, for the means whereby this must be effected. They are twofold, a
is to follow the counsel of Micah,⁹ to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly
conformity with the work and end we aim at. These we see are extraordinary,
with our God For this end, we must be knit together in this work as one man.
therefore we must not content ourselves with usual ordinary means. Whatso-
We must entertain each other in brotherly affection, we must be willing to
ever we did or ought to have done when we lived in England, the same must
abridge ourselves of our superfluities, for the supply of other's necessities. We
we do, and more also, where we go. That which the most in their churches
must uphold a familiar commerce together in all meekness, gentleness, patience
maintain as a truth in profession only, we must bring into familiar and con-
and liberality. We must delight in each other, make other's conditions our
stant practice, as in this duty of love. We must love brotherly without dissi-
own, rejoice together, mourn together, labour and suffer together, always hav-
mulation; we must love one another with a pure heart fervently. We must bear
ing before our eyes our commission and community in the work, our com-
one another's burthens. We must not look only on our own things, but also
munity as members of the same body. So shall we keep the unity of the spirit
on the things of our brethren, neither must we think that the Lord will bear
in the bond of peace. The Lord will be our God, and delight to dwell among
with such failings at our hands as he doth from those among whom we have
us as His own people, and will command a blessing upon us in all our ways,
lived; and that for three reasons.
so that we shall see much more of His wisdom, power, goodness and truth,
1. In regard of the more near bond of marriage between Him and us, where-
than formerly we have been acquainted with. We shall find that the God of
in He hath taken us to be His after a most strict and peculiar manner, which
Israel is among us, when ten of us shall be able to resist a thousand of our
will make Him the more jealous of our love and obedience. So He tells the
enemies; when He shall make us a praise and glory that men shall say of
people of Israel, you only have I known of all the families of the earth, there-
succeeding plantations, "the lord make it like that of NEW ENGLAND." For we
fore will I punish you for your transgressions. Secondly, because the Lord will
must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill The eves of all people are
be sanctified in them that come near Him. We know that there were many
upon us, so that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have
that corrupted the service of the Lord, some setting up altars before His own,
undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall
others offering both strange fire and strange sacrifices also; yet there came no
be made a story and a by-word through the world. We shall open the mouths
fire from heaven or other sudden judgment upon them, as did upon Nadab
of enemies to speak evil of the ways of God, and all professors for God's sake.
and Abihu,⁶ who yet we may think did not sin presumptuously. Third. When
We shall shame the faces of many of God's worthy servants, and cause their
God gives a special commission He looks to have it strictly observed in every
prayers to be turned into curses upon us 'til we be consumed out of the good
article. When He gave Saul a commission to destroy Amaleck, He indented
land whither we are agoing.
with him upon certain articles,⁷ and because he failed in one of the least, and
And to shut up this discourse with that exhortation of Moses, the faithful
that upon a fair pretense, it lost him the kingdom which should have been his
servant of the Lord, in his last farewell to Israel, Deuteronomy 30.² Beloved,
reward if he had observed his commission.
there is now set before us life and good, death and evil, in that we are com-
Thus stands the cause between God and us. We are entered into covenant⁸
manded this day to love the Lord our God, and to love one another, to walk
with Him for this work. We have taken out a commission, the Lord hath given
in His ways and to keep His commandments and His ordinance and His laws,
us leave to draw our own articles. We have professed to enterprise these actions,
and the articles of our covenant with Him, that we may live and be multiplied,
upon these and those ends, we have hereupon besought Him of favour and
and that our Lord our God may bless us in the land whither we go to possess
blessing. Now if the Lord shall please to hear us, and bring us in peace to the
it. But if our hearts shall turn away, so that we will not obey, but shall be
place we desire, then hath He ratified this covenant and sealed our commis-
seduced, and worship other gods, our pleasures and profits, and serve them; it
sion, [and] will expect a strict performance of the articles contained in it; but
is propounded unto us this day, we shall surely perish out of the good land
if we shall neglect the observation of these articles which are the ends we have
whither we pass over this vast sea to possess it.
propounded, and, dissembling with our God, shall fall to embrace this present
9. The Book of Micah preserves the words of this
2. "And it shall come to pass, when all these things
world and prosecute our carnal intentions, seeking great things for ourselves
eighth-century-B.C. prophet. Micah speaks contin-
are come upon thee. the blessing and the curse, which
ually of the judgment of God on his people and the
I have set before thee, and thou shalt call them to mind
6. "And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took
necessity to hope for salvation: "I will bear the indig-
among all the nations, whither the Lord thy Cod hath
either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put
contract or agreement. Saul was instructed to destroy
incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord.
the Amalekites and all that they possessed. but he spared
nation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him,
driven thee, and shalt return unto the Lord thy God,
their sheep and oxen, and in doing so disobeyed the
until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me:
and shalt obey his voice according to all that I com-
which he commanded them not. And there went out
Lord's commandment and was rejected as king (1 Sam-
he will bring me forth to the light. and I shall behold
mand thee this day, thou and thy children, with all
fire from the Lord, and devoured them. and they died
uel 15.1-34).
his righteousness" (Micah 7.9).
thine heart, and with all thy soul: that then the Lord
before the Lord" (Leviticus 10.1-2). Winthrop's point
8. A legal contract; the Israelites entered into a cove-
1. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on
thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion
is that the chosen people are often punished more sev-
a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle,
upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the
erly than unbelievers.
nant with God in which he promised to protect them
7. I.e., made an agreement with him on parts of a
if they kept his word and were faithful to him.
and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it
nations, whither the Lord thy God hath scattered thee"
giveth light unto all that are in the house" (Matthew
(Deuteronomy 30.1-3).
5.14-15).
Therefore let us choose life,
Mr. Endicott being absent, the governor wrote to him and let him know
that we and our seed
what was done, and withal added divers arguments to confute the said errors,
may live by obeying His
wishing him to deal with Mr. Williams to retract the same, etc. Whereto he
voice and cleaving to Him,
returned a very modest and discreet answer. Mr. Williams also wrote to the
for He is our life and
governor, 8 and also to him and the rest of the council, very submissively,
our prosperity.
professing his intent to have been only to have written for the private satisfac-
1630
tion of the governor, etc., of Plymouth, without any purpose to have stirred
1838
any further in it, if the governor here had not required a copy of him; withal
offering his book, or any part of it, to be burnt.
From The Journal of John Winthrop¹:
At the next court he appeared penitently, and gave satisfaction of his inten-
tion and loyalty. So it was left, and nothing done in it.
June 8, 1630] The wind still W. and by S., fair weather, but close and
January 20, 1634] Hall and two others, who went to Connecticut Novem-
cold. We stood N. N. W. with a stiff gale, and, about three in the afternoon,
ber 3, came now home, having lost themselves and endured much misery.
we had sight of land to the N. W. about ten leagues, which we supposed was
They informed us that the small pox was gone as far as any Indian plantation
the Isles of Monhegan, but it proved Mount Mansell. 2 Then we tacked and
was known to the west, and much people dead of it, by reason whereof they
stood W. S. W. We had now fair sunshine weather, and so pleasant a sweet
could have no trade.
air as did much refresh us, and there came a smell off the shore like the smell
At Naragansett, by the Indians' report, there died seven hundred; but, beyond
of a garden.
Pascataquack, none to the eastward.
There came a wild pigeon into our ship, and another small land bird.
January 24, 1634] The governor and council met again at Boston, to con-
[July 5, 1632] At Watertown there was (in view of divers witnesses) a great
sider of Mr. Williams's letter, etc., when, with the advice of Mr. Cotton and
combat between a mouse and a snake; and, after a long fight, the mouse pre-
Mr. Wilson, and weighing his letter, and further considering of the aforesaid
vailed and killed the snake. The pastor of Boston, Mr. Wilson, a very sincere,
offensive passages in his book² (which, being written in very obscure and impli-
holy man, hearing of it, gave this interpretation: That the snake was the devil;
cative phrases, might well admit of doubtful interpretation,) they found the
the mouse was a poor contemptible people, which God had brought hither,
matters not to be so evil as at first they seemed. Whereupon they agreed, that,
which should overcome Satan here, and dispossess him of his kingdom. Upon
upon his retraction, etc., or taking an oath of allegiance to the king, etc., it
the same occasion, he told the governor, that, before he was resolved to come
should be passed over.
into this country, he dreamed he was here, and that he saw a church arise out
January 11, 1636] The governor³ and assistants met at Boston to consider
of the earth, which grew up and became a marvellous goodly church.
about Mr. Williams, for that they were credibly informed, that, notwithstand-
[December 27, 1633] The governor and assistants met at Boston, and took
ing the injunction laid upon him (upon the liberty granted him to stay till the
into consideration a treatise, which Mr. Williams (then of Salem) had sent to
spring) not to go about to draw others to his opinions, he did use to entertain
them, and which he had formerly written to the governor and council of Ply-
company in his house, and to preach to them, even of such points as he had
mouth, wherein, among other things, he disputes their right to the lands they
been censured for; and it was agreed to send him into England by a ship then
possessed here, and concluded that, claiming by the king's grant, they could
ready to depart. The reason was, because he had drawn above twenty persons
have no title, nor otherwise, except they compounded⁵ with the natives. For
to his opinion, and they were intended to erect a plantation about the Nara-
this, taking advice with some of the most judicious ministers, (who much
gansett Bay, from whence the infection would easily spread into these churches,
condemned Mr. Williams's error and presumption,) they gave order, that he
(the people being, many of them, much taken with the apprehension of his
should be convented⁶ at the next court, to be censured, etc. There were three
godliness). Whereupon a warrant was sent to him to come presently to Boston,
passages chiefly whereat they were much offended: 1, for that he chargeth King
to be shipped,⁵ etc. He returned answer, (and divers of Salem came with it,)
James to have told a solemn public lie, because in his patent he blessed God
that he could not come without hazard of his life, etc. Whereupon a pinnace⁶
that he was the first Christian prince that had discovered this land; 2, for that
was sent with commission to Capt. Underhill, etc., to apprehend him, and
he chargeth him and others with blasphemy for calling Europe Christendom,
carry him aboard the ship, (which then rode at Natascutt;) but, when they
or the Christian world; 3, for that he did personally apply to our present king,
came at his house, they found he had been gone three days before; but whither
Charles, these three places in the Revelations,⁷ viz., [blank].
they could not learn.
8. In 1633 Edward Winslow was governor.
December 27. 1633, rather than a published book.
1. The text used here is from Winthrop's Journal:
to New England in 1630 and refused a call to the First
9. Not further identified.
3. John Hays (1594-1654). Winthrop was re-elected
History of New England 1630-1649. edited by James
Church of Boston because he would not preach to "an
1. John Cotton (1584-1652) emigrated to Boston in
governor in 1637.
Kendall Hosmer (New York, 1908).
unseparated people."
1633 and from that time until his death was a major
4. Providence Plantation in Rhode Island received its
2. What Winthrop saw was Mount Desert. Maine.
5. Arranged to purchase.
figure in the hierarchy of the town. He was pastor of
patent in 1644.
named by the French explorer Champlain in 1604.
3. l.e., Winthrop himself.
6. Summoned to appear.
the First Church of Boston.
5. I.e., returned to Boston by ship.
+. Roger Williams (c. 1603-83). who had emigrated
7. I.e., the biblical Book of Revelation. Winthrop
2. Winthrop is referring to a now-lost Williams
6. A small, light vessel, usually with two masts.
never added the citations.
manuscript or treatise, mentioned in the entry for
E169
.C57
MA
More Than An Almanac
WH
MASSACHUSETTS
FACTS
A Comprebensive look at
Massachusetts today
County by County
Flying the-Colors
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
communications centers in the world. Visitors can walk the
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
beaches of the island counties, Dukes and Nantucket, or surf
When most Americans think of Massachusetts they think of
cast off the shores of Cape Cod, visit the museums in historic
history. Of Pilgrims, of Paul Revere, of a bridge at Concord,
Salem, or ski the slopes of several western mountains. One
of the Boston Tea Party. And why not? Massachusetts' history
can visit the land of the Plymouth Colony in the east or visit
is inextricable from American history. Today Massachusetts
the home of Herman Melville in Berkshire County and see
is writing a new and possibly just as "revolutionary" chapter
where he penned Moby Dick. Not forgetting some of the best
to its history, only this time the memorable phrases will be
seafood in the world, the ethnic diversity of the Bay State's
"Route 128,' and "Revitalization." Outlining the Boston
population makes it an epicurian's delight: Italian, Portuguese,
Metropolitan area, the Route 128 State Highway literally
French, and Irish. Visitors can walk the campuses of some
displays the rampant, pace-setting success of the state's high-
of the world's most famous universities, or see the homes of
tech industry, and industry is at the center of the dynamic
three U.S. Presidents born and raised in the Bay State.
economic resurgence that has transformed Massachusetts'
Wherever one goes, there are reminders of the storied past,
image from a state in trouble to the shining paradigm of
evidence of the prosperous present, and signals of a successful
modern prosperity. But Route 128 is also the symbolic ribbon
future.
that binds together the cooperative effort of business,
academia, state and local government, and a population both
THE LAND
deeply committed to a fascinating historical and ethnic past
Massachusetts' 8,284 square miles ranks it 45th in size among
and working toward a "state of the art" future. The
the 50 states. It lies between the parallels of 41° 10« and 42°
revitalization, though, has moved statewide, from the
55« north latitude and between 69° 57« and 73° 30« west
resurgence of mature industries in Worcester and Lowell to
longitude. At its widest parts the state runs 190 miles east-
stepped-up timber production in Hampshire County. Phrases
west and 110 miles north-south. While it is the third most
like "Centers For Excellence" and "Targets of Opportunity"
densely populated state, 56% of its area is still forestland.
vibrate across the state. Accentuating all of this are the rich
Known as the Bay State (though more because of the original
contrasts of the Bay State: the beaches of Nantucket and the
Massachusetts Bay Colony than because of its geography),
forest of Berkshire Hills; the Portuguese New Bedford
its 192 miles of coastline feature no less than 17 bays and
fisherman and the transplanted Cambridge electrical engineer;
untold numbers of inlets. If one were to trace the coastline,
the Hub-the flurry of activity in the heart of downtown
mileage would jump to between 1,500 and 2,000. This land
Boston and the quiet upland towns of Hampshire County.
left an indelible impression upon its first English settlers, many
Massachusetts today is the culmination of 380 years of
of whom in their writings described it as a paradise. Indeed,
pioneering, politicking, transitions, bravery, and artistry. The
the richly forested land supported game in abundance and
remarkable diversity of Massachusetts life today is inseparable
the seashore teemed with a variety of aquatic life. While the
from the ebbs and flows of its gloried past: the Puritan
coastal lands are not particularly suited to crop production,
rigidness of the Pilgrims, their refusal to be manipulated as
fruits and berries abound. Though small, Massachusetts is
a prelude to the sparks that fed the fire of the American
rich in natural beauty, diverse in flora and fauna, and offers
Revolution; the Irish potato famine of the 1830s resulting in
many geographic and geologic contrasts. If one were to take
a large influx of Irish Catholics; the establishment of the New
an aerial view of the state they would see that it is dominated
World's primary whaling and fishing port in New Bedford;
by several north-south geographic distinctions. The eastern
the creation of some of the world's finest institutions for
quarter is coastal lowlands which rise gradually as the
higher education; the high profile of Massachusetts politics
Commonwealth spreads west. The southern lowlands and
and its politicians; these are part of the past, the present, and
south shore include Cape Cod Peninsula, the state's most
surely the future of the Bay State. A visit to Massachusetts
obvious geographic feature. Sixty-five miles long, it juts into
today would belie the struggle of the recent past. Suffering
the Atlantic Ocean like an arm bent at the elbow. Not only
economically in the 1970s, Massachusetts was considered the
does it support a large part of the state's fishing industry, it
epitome of a high-taxation, mature-industry. But once again,
is also a major tourist area as well. Sand dunes are common
"Yankee Ingenuity,' the utilization of its natural, educational,
along the Cape, particularly along the north end of the narrow
and cultural resources, have put the Bay State back in the
peninsula. Scrub oak and pine dominate this area and the
driver's seat. From cranberry bogs in Plymouth County to
surrounding islands of Nantucket, the 16 Elizabeth Islands,
the production of medical instruments in Middlesex County,
and Martha's Vineyard, which is more heavily forested than
business is booming. Fun? Bay Staters thrive on it. With four
the other islands. This is one of the few areas of the state not
distinct seasons, islands, coastline, forests, and mountains,
part of the extensive northern hardwood forests. Buzzards
whatever strikes the imagination is possible. Massachusetts
Bay and southern Massachusetts Bay offer many good
is the third most densely populated state, and the sixth smallest
harbors. The southwest coastal lowlands, taking up much of
in land area, yet it has the sixth largest state park system.
Plymouth County, feature much of the marsh and bog areas
Massachusetts has professional sports teams in all major
leagues. The Bruins, Celtics, and Red Sox from Boston have
that support the state's substantial cranberry industry. The
long and storied histories. The Boston Symphony
rolling hills, or drumlins, that encompass Boston give way
to the northern coastline, which is noted for its rugged and
Orchestra/Boston Pops Orchestra is internationally known.
Massachusetts newspapers, public television stations, and
mountainous shoreline. The land has primarily high bedrock
writers ranging from the transcendentalists to masters of
which results in rock outcroppings being a common sight.
modern fiction, have made the state one of the most respected
Though heavily developed in many areas, the indigenous
vegetation consists of oak, maple, birch, and pine forests.
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
1
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
Elevations vary from sea level to 100 feet in the Cape Cod
Assawompsett Pond at 2,656 acres. The lake with the longes
region, though some points reach 300 feet. The northeast coast
name, in fact the longest name of any lake in the United States,
has many shallow troughs but rises to heights of 500 feet.
is Lake Chargoggagogmanchaugagogchaubunagungamaug
Southwest out of Boston lie the Blue Hills, the eastern most
(1,188 acres), meaning "You fish your side of the lake. I fish
foothills of the state's uplands, its primary geographic
my side. Nobody fishes the middle." There are over 4,230 miles
configuration and Massachusetts' contribution to the New
of river in Massachusetts. The Charles is the longest river
England Uplands. The state encompasses two interior
wholly within the state's borders, travelling a bit more than
lowlands, the Connecticut River Valley and the Berkshire
100 miles. The major river is the Connecticut, which runs the
Valley, and two distinct upland regions, the Eastern and
length of the state, north-south in the Connecticut River
Western. The Eastern Uplands, primarily Worcester County,
Valley. Once used to move huge logs to the Holyoke paper
are the southern extension of New Hampshire's White
mills, the Connecticut is now dammed in several places,
Mountains. They gradually slope to the east and the coastal
curbing flooding that once caused millions of dollars in
lowlands. The Western Uplands consist mostly of the
damage. The second largest river is the Housatonic, located
Berkshire Hills and represent the state's loftiest lands. To the
in the extreme western part of the state. Land use in 1982 broke
southwest of the hills, in a narrow northward line, lies the
down as follows: 56% forest, 5.6% cropland, 3.8% pasture-
Berkshire Valley, which goes as far north as Vermont. From
land, 16.7% urban, 6.8% water and 1.7% federal. The
Pittsfield north, it is only six miles wide. The very western
remaining 9.4% is made up of rural transporation and other
sliver of the state consists of the Taconic Mountains, making
minor land uses. Of the state's 5.3 million acres, 264,000 are
a rugged border frontier with New York. The uplands have
operated by the Division of Forest and Parks, making it the
nine peaks that reach over 2,000 feet. Eight of the nine are
sixth largest system in the nation. The largest amount of
located west of the Connecticut River. The larger of the two
privately-owned conservation land, more than 17,000 acres,
lowland regions, the Connecticut River Valley stretches north
is held by the Trustees of Reservation.
to Vermont, with its widest points in the south. The Valley
includes the state's most fertile soils as well as the city of
CLIMATE Massachusetts weather is noted for variety rather
Springfield. From the Eastern Uplands west to the Taconic
than monotony. With large ranges in temperature possible
Mountains, the vegetation is hardwood forest-oak, maple,
on a daily basis, having four distinct seasons in which, from
birch, and pine. The highest of the Berkshire Hills and Taconic
year to year, the weather may vary drastically, and enough
Mountains feature spruce and firs mixed with maple and birch
topographical influences to affect the weather to the point
where the elevation is routinely over 1,800 feet. According to
where a state of only 8,266 square miles can claim three
geologists, many of the physical features of Massachusetts
climatological regions, the adage about waiting five minutes
today can be traced to glaciation. For instance, the Connecti-
for the weather to change may hold true where the Bay State
cut River Valley is actually a great glacier furrow and was for
is concerned. Massachusetts' climate does not result from the
a time an enormous lake. As well, the nature of the various
predominance of any one controlling weather regime, but is
soils are a direct result of glaciers depositing the material in
the integrated effect of several weather patterns. Massa-
which the soils formed. The lower landscapes occupy the
chusetts lies in the "prevailing westerlies," the belt of generally
terrace soils, which formed in glacial meltdown deposits. The
eastward air movement which encircles the globe in the middle
terraces are usually intermingled with uplands and generally
latitudes. Most of the air masses affecting Massachusetts
near drainageways. These soils normally have evidence of
belong to three types: cold, dry air pouring in from subarctic
stratifications by water deposition in the substructure. The
areas of North America; warm, moist air streaming up from
upper part of the soil ranges from loamy to sandy with varying
the Gulf of Mexico and subtropical waters eastward; and cool,
amounts of gravel. Lowland slopes are moderate. Many
damp air coming in from the North Atlantic. Since the
upland soils formed in glacial till. Most of these soils are loamy
atmospheric flow is usually offshore, Massachusetts is
although some have sandy substrata. They usually have some
influenced by the first two types more than it is by the third.
sandy and some cobble-sized fragments throughout. Surface
In other words, the Atlantic Ocean affects Massachusetts'
stones and boulders are common features. Upland soils are
weather but does not dominate it. This procession of
predominantly sloping to steep. The more fertile soils in
contrasting air masses and the relatively frequent passage of
Massachusetts are the result of alluvial or floodwater
storm centers bring about a roughly twice weekly alternation
deposited material. They are minor in extent but locally
from fair to cloudy or stormy conditions, attended by often
important. The floodplains of the Housatonic and Connec-
abrupt changes in moisture, temperature, sunshine, and wind
ticut Rivers (making up the Berkshire and Connecticut Valleys
direction and speed. There is no regular rhythm to this
respectively) have excellent soils for farming. Slopes are nearly
sequence, and it is interrupted by periods of several days or
level in this feature. Massachusetts has over 250 square miles
even weeks during which the weather patterns remain the
of surface water made up of over 1,300 lakes and ponds, of
same. The three climatological zones are as follows: the
which over a quarter supply drinking water to neighboring
Western Region, made up of the western quarter of the state
communities. The two largest inland bodies of water are
and including the Berkshire Hills; the Coastal Region, a strip
manmade reservoirs. The largest is the Quabbin Reservoir,
roughly ten to twenty miles wide running up and down the
located on the eastern edge of the Connecticut River Valley,
eastern edge of the state; and the Central Region, simply the
taking up 38.6 square miles. The other is the Wachusett
middle of the state, comprising more than 50% of the
Reservoir, located north of Worcester and covering an area
Commonwealth's area. The average annual temperature
of 6.5 square miles. Both are major recreational sites as well
ranges from about 46°F in the Western Region to 49°F in the
as a source of water. The largest natural body of water is
Central Region, and about 50°F in the Coastal Region.
2
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
Averages will vary within the region depending upon elevation,
can be recorded at some Cape stations, while totals of over
slope, and other features. The Bay State's highest temperature
100 inches have been received in most areas of the Central
of record is 106°F, observed at several locations in many
and Western Regions. The average number of days with one
different years. The lowest temperature was a chilly -34°F,
inch or more of snowfall varies from about 8 to 15 in coastal
observed at Birch Hill Dam in north central Massachusetts
areas to between 20 and 30 in the Western Region. The heaviest
on January 18, 1957. For the most part, summer temperatures
amount recorded in a 24-hour.period was 28.2 inches at Blue
are comfortable, with averages nearly uniform across the state.
Hill Observatory in Milton, 12 miles southwest of Boston.
Averages for July range from 67°F to 70°F in the west and
In most areas of the state, melting is usually gradual enough
in the islands off the coast, and from 70°F to 74°F elsewhere.
to avoid serious flooding. The prevailing wind on a yearly
The number of days with maximum temperatures of 90°F
basis comes from a westerly direction. It is more northwesterly
or higher generally average from 5 to 15 per year, varying not
in winter and southwesterly in summer. Topography has a
only from place to place but from year to year. One year there
strong influence on the prevailing direction. Points in the
may be only a few days over 90°F and other years, 25 or more.
Connecticut Valley for instance may have prevailing north-
The Cape and offshore islands are exceptions, averaging less
south winds paralleling the direction of the valley. Coastal
than one day per year with temperatures over 90°F. Average
storms, called northeasters, are one of the state's most serious
daily temperatures may not reflect marked differences in day
weather hazards. They often generate very strong winds and
to night changes. The Islands and the Cape may have a daily
heavy rain or snow, producing abnormally high tides that can
range of 10°F to 15°F, while inland areas may vary 20°F to
cause heavy damage to coastal installations. While tornadoes
30°F. The diurnal range can be as much as 40°F to 50°F, during
are not a common phenomena, on a per unit basis Massa-
cool, dry weather in valleys and marshes, making frost a threat
chusetts ranks fairly high among states. One or more may
even in warmer months in these areas. Variances in average
occur in the state each year. The Bay State's coastline has
temperature from place to place are much greater in winter.
endured many hurricanes through the years. The percentage
They range from the low 20s for January in the Western
of possible sunshine averages from 50 to 60 in most sections
Region, to the middle and upper 20s in the Central Region,
with higher elevations in the Berkshires reducing their
and near in the Coastal region. The daily ranges, though
percentage to 45 to 50. The number of clear days averages
less in winter, are also greater inland than in the coastal areas.
between 90 to 120 per year for most of the state. Heavy fog
Days with subzero readings are rare on the offshore islands,
is frequent and sometimes persistant south of Cape Cod.
where the average is only a few per year. The frequency
Nantucket Island has heavy fog on nearly one day out of four.
increases as one goes farther inland, reaching 5 to 15 days
Fog frequently diminishes along the Massachusetts coast
annually in the Berkshire Hills. Mean number of days within
north of the Cape. Across the state the number of days with
periods of nonfreezing temperatures varies widely across the
fog varies from as low as 15 to nearly 100.
state. Over a 29-year period the station with the mean fewest
days between freezes was at West Cummington, near 2,080
ENVIRONMENT S. Russell Sylva, Commissioner of the
foot Bryant Mountain in the Berkshire Hills. Its nonfreeze
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality and
period registered only 102 days, compared to the longest
Engineering (DEQE), describes groundwater as what may be
period, 223 days, recorded in New Bedford in the southeast
the state's most critically threatened resource. As of 1985, 275
part of the state. Massachusetts is fortunate in that its
of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts relied upon
precipitation is evenly distributed through the year. In this
groundwater totally or in part for drinking water. Forty-six
respect, the state is located in one of the relatively few areas
communities have recently had their entire or a portion of
of the world that does not have "rainy" and "dry" seasons.
their public water supplies closed due to contamination. Forty-
The principal year-round moisture producers are storm
five of the incidents involved groundwater sources. The
systems. Total precipitation averages from 40 to 50 inches per
contaminants principally came from industrial activity,
year, stations having long-period records report, with most
accidental spills, road salting, landfills, overdevelopment and
in the 42 to 44 inch range. Local influences cause considerable
pesticides. To compound this, on June 1, 1986 it was reported
differences from station to station but regional differences
that the Quabbin Reservoir, which serves 43 cities and towns
vary only slightly. The Coastal Region (the driest) receives
in greater Boston, was at 82% capacity, which meets current
only about two inches of precipitation less per year than the
demands but poses severe long-term problems, since it can
Western Region (the wettest). The mountainous character of
take several years to replenish the reservoir. In the meantime
the west is an additional cause for the heaviest annual totals
it will be strained by continued growth in the metropolitan
being recorded in that part of the state. Measurable amounts
area. Eighteen communities had imposed mandatory water
of precipitation fall on an average of one day in three.
use restrictions as a result of the reservoir's status. Since the
Frequency is higher in upland areas. For example, Pittsfield
1972 Federal Pollution Control Amendments were enacted,
in the western uplands may see precipitation four days out
surface water quality has improved considerably in Massa-
of ten. Six inches of rain in one day is a rare occurance in
chusetts. Of the rivers and streams found to be partially
Massachusetts. In fact, some stations have never recorded that
supporting or non-supporting their classification (drinking
much in a single day. However, in 1955 Hurricane Diane
water, recreational, etc.), municipal pollution sources were
dumped 18.5 inches on Westfield in a single 24 hour period.
attributed to 26%, nonpoint sources (pesticides, for the most
Average amounts of snowfall increase rapidly as one moves
part) were attributed to 24%, combined sewer overflows to
inland. About 25 to 30 inches fall over the Cape Cod area
16%, natural conditions to 14%, in place sediment to 7%,
while between 60 and 80 inches are recorded in parts of the
industrial source to 6%, and other sources to 7%. The major
Berkshire Hills. Less than four inches for an entire season
pollutants in the rivers and harbors are bacteria/pathogens,
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
3
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, and nutrients.
clean-up of Boston Harbor. As a regional resource that
In 1972, only 27.5% of the tested surface water supported
supports commerce and provides unlimited recreational
its use classification. By 1986 this had improved to 48%, while
opportunities, the state has been investing heavily in the
the non-support classification had dropped from 45% to 18%.
Harbor's reclamation. Boston Harbor has long suffered from
In that time the Construction Grants Program of the Division
wastewater, originating throughout the metropolitan Boston
of Water Pollution Control had administered nearly $1.5
area, that is transported in one of the oldest sewer systems
billion in federal, state, and local grants for the design and
in the country. During periods of heavy rain and snow, the
construction of wastewater collection and treatment facilities.
more than 100 combined sewer outfalls in the metropolitan
A major piece of legislation became law in 1986, providing
area release raw sewage into numerous water bodies which
a $427 million water and sewer construction bond author-
ultimately flow into the harbor. Further fouling the harbor
ization allowing more Massachusetts cities and town to build
waters are the 70 tons of industrial sludge that are discharged
new much needed, wastewater treatment facilities and make
into it every day. In 1986, Boston Harbor flounder were found
vital repairs to their existing water and sewer systems. Other
to have the highest prevalence of liver lesions and tumors of
strategies in this area have been the administration of the
flounder taken from the state's sampled harbors and coastal
Clean Lakes Program and the overseeing of a $33 million state-
waters by the Division of Water Pollution Control. In 1984
funded grant program to build sewers in communities not
legislation was passed establishing the Massachusetts Water
targeted to receive federal assistance. The DEQE, within the
Resources Authority (MWRA), whose main task includes
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the Depart-
planning and management of a capital program to clean-up
ment of Environmental Management, was established in 1975,
Boston Harbor and rehabilitate the water works and sewage
and is the environmental regulatory agency for the Common-
collection disposal, and treatment systems for the 43 member
wealth. Among its authorities and responsibilities are the
communities. Boston Harbor is not the only coastal water
following: control and prevention of air and water pollution;
needing help. Many of the North Shore shellfish flats have
regulation of the drinking water supply; management of
been closed since the early 1930s. Added together, Boston
hazardous waste; regulation of disposal and storage of solid
Harbor and the North Shore have a total of 24,780 acres of
wastes; control of nuisance vegetation in recreational lakes
closed shellfish areas. The southeast region of the state has
and ponds; and testing for possible contamination of shellfish
an additional 25,298 acres of shellfishing flats closed due to
and shellfish harvesting areas. Considering the various types
pollution. In New Bedford Harbor, due to elevated PCB levels
of threats to the environment-hazardous waste, acid rain,
in the sediments and water, the catching of fish has been
development, industrial and auto emmissions-and the scope
banned. New Bedford Harbor and the accompanying
of what is being protected-all lakes, rivers, streams,
Acushnet River, also had the highest incidence of lobster
marsheds, coastal shores and waters, extensive forest lands,
disease and soft shell blood diseases. The inland water supply
as well as the air we breathe-protecting it now takes a
of greatest concern is the Housatonic River in the southwest-
sophisticated networking system, one allowed to implement
ern part of the state, where fishing for consumption has been
policy and invoke the law. Massachusetts recently took steps
banned. A major issue that is being addressed is the problem
to insure this power in the DEQE by passing a law which allows
of solid waste disposal. Massachusetts generates more than
the DEQE to levy fines of up to $25,000 a day against
6 million tons of garbage each year. Proper solid waste
environmental polluters. Governor Michael Dukakis called
disposal is a fundamental principle of public health, yet 75%
the bill a priority of his administration that will "serve notice
of the state's current landfill capacity will have been consumed
on those who would flout our environmental laws and the
by 1990. This problem is made worse by the fact that many
state's commitment to strict and constant enforcement." Until
older landfills are contaminating groundwater supplies.
this bill, which was signed in 1985, the DEQE had been limited
Falling rain percolates through the mixture of organic and
to notices of violation or asking the attorney general to take
inorganic trash. The water dissolves or leaches a great variety
cases to court. In 1974, an important step was taken in meeting
of chemicals, some of which are toxic. DEQE reports that
environmental problems head-on when the legislature
70% of the landfills which accept municipal and commercial
developed the Area of Critical Environmental Concern
solid waste do not comply with environmental regulations.
program (ACEC). This action was a recognition of the fact
Thirty facilities have never obtained DEQE's approval of the
that certain land and water resources are either of such limited
design and operating plans. Closing a landfill is always a last
nature or of central importance to the welfare, safety, and
resort as it can create other problems, forcing communities
pleasure of all Massachusetts citizens, that the protection and
to find alternative ways to dispose of their garbage. According
management of these resource transcends purely local
to the DEQE, the shortage of disposal space is becoming a
concerns. In the first 12 years of the program more than 20
critical problem, the agency estimating that by 1988 the
sites have been investigated, and nine have been designated
landfills which are being used by 118 communities will have
ACEC's. Seven of these are in the coastal zone, and thus were
reached the maximum capacity for which they were designed.
designated through the Coastal Zone Management office,
Other communities will face the problem of finding alternative
another regulatory branch of the Department of Environ-
ways to dispose of their garbage in the immediate future. For
mental Management, and two were inland. Thus far the
example, 2,000 tons of garbage each day were shipped from
program has been used primarily as a tool to protect wetlands.
Massachusetts communities to a Rhode Island landfill which
The largest coastal ACEC is the Parker River Essex Bay zone
was scheduled to close in early 1986. Solutions are varied.
in Essex County, with 23,793 acres of barrier beach, dunes,
One solution is an attempt to reduce the need for additional
saltmarsh, and water bodies. The Coastal Zone Management
landfill capacity through the promotion of resource recovery
office, along with other agencies, is also involved in the
and recycling. Eastern Massachusetts should see the opening
4
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
of three resource recovery facilities which will convert solid
Council on Acid Rain prepared a comprehensive agenda for
waste into steam and electricity. However, these plants take
fesearch, funded at over $1.5 million. Included will be damage
a long time to plan and build and are often subscribed at or
assessments to forests, lakes, and streams. Massachusetts
near their capacity even before they open. With regard to
began its lobbying efforts on acid rain by sponsoring annual
capping and properly closing existing landfills, the legislature
Acid Rain Awareness Weeks in 1983, trying to force federal
in 1985 set aside $10 million for financial assistance to
action rather than wait for it. An environmental problem
communities. The governor has proposed to establish a $60
feceiving recent attention has been the loss of wetlands in
million Waste Management Incentive Loan program which
Massachusetts, most noticably salt marshes that cannot be
would allow the payment of up to 75% of project costs to
festored. Wetlands form a natural flood plain and their filling
municipalities of multi-municipal districts who agree to
for developmental or agricultural purposes increases flooding
cleanup, phase out, or expand their landfills in accordance
and erosion. Air quality standards have been achieved for most
with state approved regional plans. According to the 1986
pollutants, though carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon
Governor's Budget Recommendations, improper hazardous
#tandards were still violated at some locations. Among the
waste disposal represents one of the greatest concerns to our
five Massachusetts cities with monitoring stations that figured
society. Between 750 and 1,000 spills of hazardous materials
the air Pollutant Standard Index in 1984, only the city of
and oil are reported to DEQE each year. A hazardous waste
Springfield showed a level that reached "unhealthful," and
site is a place where waste have been deposited in a manner
this was for one-quarter of the year. Neither Worcester nor
which threatens or can potentially threaten public health,
Boston came close to an "unhealthful" reading.
safety, and the environment. Hazardous waste landfills can
contaminate water supplies with cancer-causing chemicals,
THE PEOPLE
and poorly engineered incinerators can cause toxic air
Massachusetts' 1980 population of 5,737,037 ranked the state
pollution. Massachusetts industries produce 190,000 tons of
11th nationally and showed less than a 1% increase from 1970,
hazardous waste each year. The DEQE has implemented a
compared to an 11.4% national increase. For the decade of
four phase program to deal with hazardous waste site cleanup.
the '80s, Massachusetts is projected to decrease in population
Phase I is an initial determination of the hazardous waste
by 0.8% and another 3.7% in the 1990s, at which time it will
or non-hazardous waste condition of the site. Phase II consists
have become the 15th most populated state. The Bay State
of a detailed site assessment for the sites deemed hazardous.
tanked number three in population density, with 733 people
Cleanup options are detailed in Phase III and the actual site
per square mile. Nearly 5 million of its citizens, over 86%,
cleanup is conducted in Phase IV. As of 1986, a total of 217
inhabit the eastern two-thirds of the state. Over 90% live
sites were in some phase of the clean-up process. Since March
within 95 miles of Boston. More than 2.65 million people,
of 1985, 41 sites have progressed forward at least one phase
46% of the population, live in either Suffolk, Middlesex, or
and, most significantly, 18 sites entered Phase IV. Over 200
Essex County. More than 56% of the people live in population
new sites have been confirmed since 1983. Almost 50% of
centers of 25,000 or more. Massachusetts ranks eighth
those were identified in FY 1986. Intermediate remedial
nationally in the percentage of its population living in
measures such as fencing, removal of noxious wastes, or
metropolitan areas. Only 16.2% live in rural areas, though
leakage containment have been taken at seven sites since 1983.
this is an increase from 15.4% in 1970. Boston is the state's
These measures, which minimize the public health risks, were
largest city, with a 1980 population of 562,994, making it the
expected to be completed at 20 sites in FY 1987. Final cleanup
nation's 20th largest. It has shown a steady decline in
has been completed at 57 sites. Each year, 90,000 tons of
population since 1950 when it claimed 801,444 residents. In
hazardous waste must be sent out of state because appropriate
the decade of the '70s, Boston's population dropped 12.2%
disposal technology is not available in the Commonwealth.
from 641,071. Census provisional projections show that its
This creates the added hazard of moving the materials. To
population was on the rise in the early 80s, up 1.4% in the
better insure a safe transport, the state has been developing
period between 1980 and 1984. Even with its gradual loss in
tougher licensing standards. Not only have there been no
population, Boston holds more than a 3 to 1 advantage over
major accidents involving hazardous waste on Massachusetts
the second largest city, Worcester, at 161,799 in 1980.
highways since the licensing program was begun in 1972, but
Worcester, too, had seen its population decline. In 1960 its
there are approximately 40 fewer companies eligible to haul
population was 186,587. Worcester also is experiencing growth
the waste. To add to this, the DEQE now has a computerized
in the early '80s with a 2% increase projected from 1980 to
manifest tracking system. Currently the state is trying to
1985. Springfield is the third largest city, with a 1980 census
encourage the reduction of waste generated by Massachusetts
of 152,319. The increase in people moving to rural areas is
industries and expand in-state disposal capacity. Acid rain,
reinforced by the fact that, between 1970 and 1980, nine out
a complicated and not yet fully understood environmental
of the state's 10 largest cities, and 18 out of the top 20,and
problem, is currently showering Massachusetts with its adverse
32 of the top 40 cities showed a decrease in population. The
effects. It is related to the change in chemical composition
only top-ten city to gain in population was Brockton, the
of rainfall associated with long distance transport of the air
state's sixth largest. Massachusetts' slow growth tendencies
pollutants from the combustion of fossil fuels. The damages
are further reflected in its major SMSAs, especially when
of acid rain were first seen in the decline of the state's
compared to national trends. In a ranking of 305 SMSAs
freshwater fish population. Effects of acid rain are now
nationwide, the Boston SMSA ranked 287th in growth
showing up in forest and cultural resources. Massachusetts
between 1970 and 1980, actually losing in population, though
takes pride in its efforts to be a leader in combating and
at a lesser rate than the city of Boston. Springfield, the
researching acid rain. In 1984, the Governor's Advisory
second largest SMSA in Massachusetts, ranked 282 in growth.
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 19987
5
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
Worcester came in at 263. In the west, Pittsfield SMSA ranked
increase in the decade of the '70s, after a mild 6% increase
297th. Factors vary as to the reasons for the slow growth.
in the 1960s. It, too, will see more growth in the 1980s, with
Massachusetts was particularly hard hit by the economic
a 17% jump forseen for the first half of the decade. The two
recession of the 1970s, causing many citizens to leave for
inland counties to experience noticeable growth in the 1970s
greener pastures. Another consideration is Massachusetts' low
were Hampshire at 12% and Franklin at 8.6%. Several
birth rate, ranking 50th in the nation, which causes a small
counties saw a significant slowdown in growth in the 1970s
natural increase in population. For instance, the national rate
from the 1960s, particularly Norfolk County which dropped
for natural increase (births vs. deaths per 1,000 people) was
dramatically from a rate of 18.5% in the 1960s to .3% in the
7.1 in 1980 compared to a very low 3.1 in Massachusetts. From
1970s. It is projected to lose population at a rate of 0.3% in
1970 to 1980 the national rate dropped from 8.7 to 7.1, while
the first half of the 1980s. Two other counties which
the Massachusetts rate fell from 6.4 to 3.1. In 1984 the state
experienced similar slowdowns were Plymouth, dropping from
rate was still markedly lower than the national rate, 4.0 to 7.0.
34.2% to 21.6% and Hampshire, going from 20.1% to 12.1%.
The low birth rate is connected to a significant and long-term
Statewide Massachusetts slowed from 10.5% growth in the
problem-the aging of the population. As of July 1, 1984,
'60s to 0.8% in the '70s. The densest areas in population are
Massachusetts ranked eighth in the percentage of its
in the counties along the north shore. By far the county with
population over age 65, with 13.4% (the national average was
the highest density is Suffolk, which manages to find room
11.9%), reflecting a total of 777,000 people. This shows a sharp
for 11,406 people per square mile. This rate easily outdistances
rise from 12.7% in 1980 when the number was 727,000.
Middlesex County, which fits 1,663 people per square mile
Between 1970 and 1980 the percentage of the population over
within it borders. No Massachusetts county falls below the
the age of 60 rose from 15.6% to 17.5%. Between 1980 and
national density rate of 64 person per square mile. The county
1984 there was also a 13.1% decrease in the number of residents
with the lowest population density is Dukes, the third smallest
between the ages of 5 and 17. The largest concentration of
in area, with 87.7 people per square mile. Nantucket County,
persons over the age of 60 is located in the Boston SMSA
the other island county, ranks third lowest with 108.2 people
where, in 1980, 475,013 resided, making up 17% of the
per square mile, while the upland county of Franklin is second
population. The city of Fall River in Bristol County has 33,922
lowest with 91.6 persons per square mile. The percentage of
residents over age 60, comprising 22% of the population. Of
people living in urban areas varies widely. In the western
Quincy's 84,743 inhabitants, where the median age is 34.3,
region, Berkshire County has only 34.8% and Franklin
23% were over age 60. The median age statewide in 1980 was
County only 35% of its population living in urban areas. On
31.2 compared with 30 nationally. The county with the highest
the other hand, 100% of Suffolk County's and 92.1% of
median age is Barnstable (Cape Cod) with 37.3. The island
Middlesex County's population lives in urban areas.
counties, Dukes and Nantucket, follow with 34.6 and 34.8.
Statewide, only 14% of the population live outside designated
Hampshire is the county with the youngest median age, 27.5.
SMSAs. Massachusetts' population shows substantial racial
Ironically, Suffolk County, the heart of the Boston SMSA
diversity, consisting of 5,362,836 Whites, 221,279 Blacks (3.9%
and the most elderly by number in the state, has the second
of the population), 49,501 Asians, and 7,743 American
lowest median age at 29.3. Though containing Boston, Suffolk
Indians and Eskimos in 1980. The state's percentage of Blacks
County cannot claim the title of the most populated county.
ranks it 29th nationally. Two cities, Springfield and Boston,
That goes to Middlesex County, whose 1,367,034, was more
are home to 69% of the state's Black population. The Boston
than double that of the 650,142 claimed by Suffolk County.
and Springfield SMSAs contain 85% of the Black population.
Seven of the state's seventeen largest cities are located in
The city of Boston has 126,229 Blacks, which comprises 22%
Middlesex County, whose largest city, Cambridge with 95,172,
of its total population, ranking it 172nd nationwide among
is the state's fifth largest. The smallest counties by population
cities of 25,000 or more residents. The Boston SMSA has
are the island counties. Nantucket's 1980 population was only
160,434 Blacks, which makes up 72% of the state total.
5,959 in 1980 and Dukes County had but 10,023 residents.
Springfield has 25,219 Black residents, 16% of its population.
The inland county with the least population was Franklin
With the exception of Springfield, the Black population is
County, located in the Berkshire Hills, with 64,849. Other
centralized in the eastern cities. Of the state's 25,015 Chinese,
than Boston, Suffolk County contains only three cities or
the largest Asian Group in Massachusetts, 21,541 live in the
towns: Winthrop, Chelsea, and Revere. Because all cities and
Boston SMSA, while 3,156 of the total of 4,483 Japanese also
towns are contiguous there are no unincorporated areas in
live within the Boston SMSA. Suffolk County (Boston),
Massachusetts. Worcester, the county with the third largest
though making up 11% of the state's population, contains
population, has the most cities and towns, 60. Middlesex
48% of its non-white residents. In an overlapping non-racial
County is second with 54. The county with the fewest cities
category, the state contains 141,043 people of Spanish origin
and towns is Nantucket, where the town and the county are
(people of Spanish origin can be of any race), of which 66,417
one and the same. The largest population growth by
live within the Boston SMSA and 36,068 within the city of
percentage has taken place in the Cape Cod area and on the
Boston. Of the state's major cities, Springfield has the highest
island counties. Barnstable County (Cape Cod) showed the
percentage of this group, with a total of 13,804 or 8% of its
most growth in the 70s with a 53% jump. From 1980 to 1985
population. The median age of the Springfield group is a very
another 10% increase is projected. Dukes County (Martha's
low 17.2. The highest percentage statewide, over 50%, are
Vineyard) increased in population by 46.2% between 1970
Puerto Rican. Suffolk County is home to 28% of the Spanish
and 1980, after experiencing only a 4.9% rise in the previous
in the state. Massachusetts, for good reason, is know for its
decade. It is expected to have another 12% influx in the 1980
ethnicity. No less than six distinct single ancestry groups claim
to 1985 period. Nantucket County experienced a 34.8%
more than 160,000 residents. The largest number are Irish,
6
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
with 666,567 (almost 12% of the state's population), then the
from 14 in 1980) went to Ronald Reagan, who defeated Walter
English with 460,687, and the Italians with 430,412. Almost
Mondale, 1,310,936 (51.4%) to 1,239,606 (48%). Reagan's
two-thirds of the Irish live in the Boston SMSA, and 14% live
51.4% of the Massachusetts vote ranked 49th nationwide in
in the city of Boston. Thirty-seven percent of the state's English
a year when Walter Mondale would win only his home state
live in the northeast counties of Middlesex and Essex. Over
and the District of Columbia. The 51.4% figure showed an
half the Italian population lives in the Boston SMSA. Strong
increase of nine percentage points over 1980 when Reagan
pockets still exist for several ancestry groups. For example, the
collected 42%, but was still able to beat Democrat Jimmy
largest number of Polish descendants reside in Hamden
Carter by 2,500 votes. Statewide, Reagan carried nine of the
County, the seventh most populated county in the state.
Bay State's 14 counties in 1984, showing the largest margin
Worcester County has the largest concentration of Swedes
of victory in Plymouth and Worcester Counties. Of the five
containing 11,949 of the state's total of 44,900. Worcester
counties carried by Mondale, only Suffolk, where he won by
County also has the largest number of people with French
61,000 votes, showed a significant margin of victory. Third
ancestry, claiming 75,075 of the state's 312,515. Perhaps the
party influence had no real affect on 1984 presidential
most distinctive settling of one ancestry group is in Bristol
elections in the Bay State, as opposed to 1980 when Inde-
County where 119,846 of the state's 190,298 Portugese reside.
pendent candidate John Anderson garnered 15% of the vote,
New Bedford and Fall River (not surprisingly, both are port
possibly costing Jimmy Carter the state. In 1984, only 8,911
cities), the county's two largest cities, have concentrations of
votes were cast for candidates other than Reagan and
Portuguese. Of New Bedford's 98,478 citizens, 37,462 claim
Mondale. Of these, 7,998 were cast for the Massachusetts
Portuguese decent, and of Fall River's 92,382 people, 36,821
Independence Alliance ticket of Serrette and Ross. Since 1952,
are Portuguese. Ninety-one percent of the people living in
Massachusetts has voted for the winning presidential ticket
Massachusetts in 1980 were native to the United States or
seven of nine elections. The Massachusetts presidential
Puerto Rico. Current residents born within the state make up
primary is one of the nation's earliest, occurring on "Super
71.7% of the total population. Of the 500,982 foreign born
Tuesday" in mid-March. The state's large constituency draws
residents, 299,929 are naturalized citizens.
heavy media usage by the primary candidates. The Massa-
chusetts primary has not been without its surprise winners;
VOTER PARTICIPATION Bay Stater's have always had a
witness Henry Jackson in 1976 and Gary Hart in 1984. In
keen interest in presidential elections. Three U.S. Presidents,
the 1984 presidential Democratic primary, Hart gathered
John Adams, his son John Quincy Adams, and John F.
243,943 votes (38.4%), Mondale collected 160,893 (25.1%),
Kennedy were born and raised in Massachusetts. Another,
George McGovern had 134,341 (21%), and John Glenn and
Calvin Coolidge, spent most of his youth there. With respect
Jesse Jackson managed less than 10% each. On the
to voter turnout in the post-World War II era, this interest
Republican side, it was the only state primary in 1980 in which
peaked in 1960, the year John Kennedy (a Democrat) ran for
Ronald Reagan failed to finish ahead of either George Bush
president. That year, 91.7% of those registered to vote did
or John Anderson. Reagan ran unopposed in the 1984 Massa-
so, though, interestingly, the 39.6% who voted Republican
chusetts primary. State politics lean heavily towards the
represented the highest percentage voting Republican in any
Democrats. As of 1986, the governor and lieutenant governor,
of the three presidential election of the 1960s. Since 1960, there
the secretary of state, both U.S. Senators, and 10 of the state's
has been a steady decrease in the percentage of registered
11 members of the U.S. House of Representatives were
voters turning out (with the exception of 1976 when there was
Democrats. In the Massachusetts General Court, 32 of the
less than a 2% increase from 1972) for presidential elections,
40 senate seats and 128 of the 160 house seats were won by
reaching a low of 79.8% in 1984. This was still well above
Democrats in the fall of 1986. This reflected no change from
the national average of 72.9% and ranked Massachusetts 10th
1984 in the state senate and a Democratic gain of four seats
in the nation. The actual number of Massachusetts votes cast
in the House. On a county level, 10 of the 11 district attorneys
in presidential elections has stayed between 2.5 million and
and 12 of the 14 county sheriffs were Democrats. As of
2.6 million since 1972. Following national trends, a much
February 1984, of the 3,054,129 registered voters in
higher percentage of registered voters turn out for presidential
Massachusetts, 1,475,942 (48.5%) were Democrats, 391,072
elections than for "off-year" elections (election years between
(12.7%) were Republicans, and 1,187,115 (38.7%) were
presidential elections), when many state elections are held.
unenrolled. The city of Boston and Suffolk County remain
In Massachusetts, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor,
a Democratic stronghold where 226,711 voters are registered
the Attorney General, and the State Treasurer are elected every
Democrats compared with 19,837 Republicans. Middlesex
four years in off-year elections. Representatives and Senators
County also has over a four to one ratio of registered
in the state General Court are elected every two years. The
Democrats to Republicans. Two counties, Dukes and Nan-
total of 3,253,785 registered voters in October 1984 represented
tucket, which are also the two smallest in population, had
an all-time high. Registered voters have steadily increased since
more registered Republicans than Democrats. In several parts
1948, when the total was 2,484,938. Off-year voter registration
of the state, party affiliations are so strong that winning the
has also steadily increased during the same time period,
primary can be a more formidable task than winning the
topping three million for the first time in 1982. Off-year
general election. In the general election, nine of the 11 U.S.
turnout reached a low in 1974 when only 64.8% of registered
House seats were won by a wide margin (at least 60% to 40%)
voters showed up at the polls, a significant decrease from 1970
or were unopposed in 1984. In four of the nine, the Congress-
when 76.1% of registered voters participated. In 1982, there
man won a smaller percentage of the vote in their primary
was a 69.5% turnout among registered voters, a less than 1%
than in the general election. In 1986, ten of the 11 races for
increase from 1978. Massachusetts' 13 electoral votes (down
U.S. House were unopposed in the general election, as were
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
7
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
27 of the 40 state senate races. In 1982, Massachusetts returned
mail applicable to all qualified voters, and would have
a former governor to the state's highest office. Democrat
eliminated statutory provisions permitting certain persons to
Michael Dukakis, who has held the governorship from 1975
vote only for presidential electors. This measure failed, 966,229
through 1979 before losing in the 1978 Democratic primary
to 603,370. The existing law that requires all drivers and
to Edward King (who went on to win the general election),
passengers towear safety belts and imposes a fine on violators
defeated King in a close primary race in 1982, 631,911 to
was approved by a referendum, 892,580 to 769,806.
549,335. Dukakis went on to handily defeat Republican John
Sears in the general election. In 1986, Dukakis ran unopposed
THE ECONOMY
in the Democratic primary and won a clear victory against
Massachusetts' dynamic economy has become a model for
Republican George Kariotis in the general election, 1,157,786
other states. Diverging from its historical role as a leading
to 525,364. The lieutenant governor runs on the same ticket
manufacturer of textiles and durable goods, the state has
as the governor in Massachusetts, but must win separately
promoted a cooperative effort among government, business,
in the primary. The office was vacant from 1983 through 1986,
and academic institutions to develop industries on the leading
when John Kerry, who was elected as part of the Dukakis
edge of high technology. This effort has created a domino
ticket in 1982, ran for and won the U.S. Senate seat held by
effect, impacting construction and housing, services, and retail
Paul Tsongas, who had retired for health reasons. Kerry was
and wholesale trade. Rebounding from a high mark of 14%
re-elected to the Senate in 1984. The lieutenant governor
unemployment in 1976, the rate had stabilized at around 4%
position was filled in 1986, when Evelyn Murphy, who had
in 1986. Between 1985 and 1986, employment in construction
finished second to Kerry in the 1982 primary, won on the ticket
increased by approximately 7,000 jobs, trade employment was
with Governor Dukakis. Only one U.S. Representative
up by 22,000 jobs, and services employment improved by
election, in the eighth district, produced a new winner in 1986.
almost 31,000. These increases offset declines in the manu-
Since 1946, the eighth district had been represented by either
facturing of durable goods, down 18,000, and non-durable
John F. Kennedy or by Thomas B. (Tip) O'Neill. O'Neill, who
goods, a decrease of 7,000 jobs. Overall, the Massachusetts'
had been Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives,
economy posted a 3.1% increase in total employment sig-
resigned effective January, 1987. This seat was won by Joseph
nificantly above the United States average of 2.5%. Other
Kennedy, II, the nephew of both John Kennedy and current
leading economic indicators also reflect continued growth and
United States Senator (Massachusetts) Edward Kennedy, and
prosperity. Personal income increased 11.6% between 1983
the son of former United States Senator (New York) Robert
and 1984, and per capita income grew 10.9%. Nominal income
Kennedy. Winning a seat in the U.S. House can lend itself
grew by 8.3% in 1986, and is expected to grow 8.7% in 1987.
to job security. Among Massachusetts Congressmen holding
A 4.6% increase in the number of total housing permits
office in 1986, the average length of stay was just under 16
authorized between 1985 and 1986, provided the impetus for
years. Two had been in over 30 years (one of which was
the increase in employment in that sector. A primary con-
O'Neill) and another for 28 years. Kennedy's eighth district
tributor to the economic boom has been the reduction of the
win was the first time a seat had changed hands since 1980.
tax burden to individuals and business. State and local taxes
The lone Republican U.S. Representative is Silvio Conte from
and fees, as a percentage of personal income, are among the
District One in the Berkshire Hills, who has held the seat since
ten lowest in the nation. Proposition 2 1/2, a 1980 ballot
1958. Massachusetts voters have the right to vote on both
initiative, slashed property taxes, reducing the property tax
inactive and referendum questions. Eleven questions were
burden to a low of $40.30 per $1000 in 1984. This is 41% below
included on the 1986 state ballot: two constitutional
its 1979 level. At the same time, the state did not raise taxes
amendments, one referendum on an existing law, three laws
in other areas. In 1977, the business tax burden ranked fourth
proposed by initiative petition, two nonbinding question, and
highest among 17 large industrial states. By 1984, reductions
three public policy questions. Question No. 1 was a constitu-
in unemployment insurance and reform in workers'
tional amendment that would have allowed the legislature to
compensation regulation had improved the state's ranking
prohibit or regulate abortions to the extent permitted by the
to 12th. Further changes in unemployment insurance reduced
U.S. Constitution, and in effect would have allowed the state
the overall business tax burden from 4.44% of business income
not to require public or private funding for abortions beyond
in 1984 to 4.06% in 1986. This was sufficient to drop Massa-
what is required under the U.S. Constitution. This measure
chusetts to 14th nationally. The 1985 Places Rated Almanac
was rejected by 959,311 to 689,908. The second constitutional
measures economic indicators, taxes, and several other factors,
amendment, Question No. 2, would have allowed the
to evaluate 329 metropolitan areas. The Almanac rated the
expenditure of public funds for private schools and private
Boston metropolitan area as the second-best in which to live
school students. This measure also failed, 1,154,069 to 502,170.
in the nation, and the rankings of Lawrence-Havervill,
Question No. 3 was a law proposed by initiative petition that
Springfield, Worcester, and Salem-Gloucester were rated
would reduce, then repeal, the 7 1/2% surtax on state income
above average. Overall, eight of ten metro areas improved in
taxes, and limit state tax revenue growth to the level of growth
the rankings from 1981. With continued growth and a stable
in total wages and salaries of the state's citizens. This measure
climate for business opportunity, the future of the Massa-
passed, 866,583 to 726,684. A proposal to require the State
chusetts economy is very positive.
Department of Environmental Quality Engineering to search
for oil or hazardous spill sites and then clean up those sites,
EMPLOYMENT The men and women who labor in Massa-
was the second law proposed by initiative petition, passing
chusetts have a history of turning difficult employment cycles
1,174,676 to 404,521. The third proposed law by initiative
into economic rebirth and technological advancement. When
petition would have provided a system of voter registration by
the emerging nation relied on overseas trade for its economic
8
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
survival, it turned to Massachusetts workers for the building
during this period from 14,900 to 13,900, a decline of 1,000
of ships, canvas, and rope. Later, when the War of 1812
(-6.7%) employees. The lumber and furniture workforce
prohibited a reliance on England and France for finished
declined from 12,000 to 11,200 (-6.7%), affecting 3,000
products, and the U.S. was forced to become more of a manu-
workers. Fabricated metals lost 3,000 jobs (-6.3%), declining
facturing center, workers in Massachusetts delivered once
from 47,500 to 44,500. Among non-durable goods manufac-
again-in textiles, leather products, apparel, and machinery.
turers, leather and leather products manufacturers lost 2,200
Massachusetts eventually became the birthplace of the
workers (-17.2%), from 12,800 to 10,600. Employment in the
nations's first telephone, railroad, transformer, and gasoline-
service industries jumped by 35,700 (4.6%) from September
powered automobile. Massachusetts was hit hard during the
1985 to the same month in 1986, from 781,000 to 816,800
recessionary cycles of the 1970s, but successfully moved into
workers. Within this sector, educational services employment
the 1980s with job growth in high technology, services, and
increased by 4,100 workers (4%), from 102,900 to 107,000.
trade industries. This contributed to a boom in the construc-
Retail trade employment gained 15,900 workers (3%), going
tion industry, and a favorable employment outlook in the
from 193,400 to 204,500. Employment in finance, insurance
mid-1980s.T state lost thousands of manufacturing jobs and
and real estate jumped by 11,000 (5.7%). In wholesale trade,
watched its unemployment rate climb above the national
employment increased from 153,300 to 157,400 (2.75%)
average, beyond 10%, by the mid-1970s. Forced to harness
adding 4,100 workers. In response to a building boom, con-
its resilience, Massachusetts successfully revamped its
struction employment increased by 7,500 workers (6.3%),
economy, boosting the training and educational aptitude of
going from 118,300 in September 1985 to 125,800 for the same
its workers, and emerged victorious a decade later. During
month in 1986. Employment in transportation, communica-
a 10-year period from 1975 to 1985, Massachusetts brought
tions and public utilities expanded from 126,800 to 130,600,
its unemployment rate down from nearly 11% to under 4%.
an increase of 3,000 (1.2%) workers. The Massachusetts labor
By 1985, Massachusetts had the lowest unemployment rate
market is dominated by the Boston Primary Metropolitan
(3.9%) of any of the nation's top 10 industrialized states.
Statistical Area (PMSA). With a labor force of 1,515,540, the
Economists point to limited growth in the state's population,
Boston PMSA accounts for 49.3% of the Commonwealth's
coupled with job growth in high technology industries,
total labor force of 3,077,100. More than 30% of the state's
aggressive state economic development programs, and low
labor force is found within five of the state's remaining
relative production costs as the major contributing factors
statistical areas: the Springfield Metropolitan Area (MSA),
in the state's reduction in unemployment. Yet stiff competition
242,630-7.8% of the state's total; the Worcester MSA,
from overseas manufacturers continued to cause strife for this
206,150-6.7%, the Lawrence-Haverhill PMSA, 185,210-
sector of the employment force, as manufacturing in
6%; the Lowell PMSA, 152,210-4.9%; and the Salem-
Massachusetts, as well as the rest of the United States,
Gloucester PMSA, 151,210-4.9%. Unemployment rates in
continued to decline during the mid-1980s. Within the span
September 1986 were recorded at the following levels in these
of one 12-month period, from June 1985 to June 1986, the
major metropolitan statistical areas: Boston (3.9%),
state lost 27,000 manufacturing jobs. But while the manu-
Springfield (4.4%), Worcester (4.9%), Lawrence-Haverhill
facturing sector continued to decline, service and high
(5.3%), Lowell (4.9%), and Salem-Gloucester (3.8%). A
technology jobs increased. Massachusetts also experienced
review of average hourly earnings among Massachusetts
a significant improvement in its level of average hourly
workers in the manufacturing sector in September 1986
earnings, especially when compared to national averages. In
showed some of the Commonwealth's top hourly wage earners
1980, Massachusetts was a low wage state, with average hourly
to be employed in industries most vulnerable to unemploy-
wages at only 89.4% of the U.S. average. But by 1985, the
ment woes. These included hourly wage-earners in special
state's wage rate climbed to 94.5% of the U.S. average. In
industry machinery ($11.73); transportation equipment
September 1986, Massachusetts showed a total nonagricul-
($11.58); stone, clay, and glass ($11.35); and metalworking
tural labor force of 2,299,300, including 816,800 in services
machinery ($10.79). Other manufacturing workers earning top
and 625,600 in manufacturing. The remainder of the state's
hourly wages were in communications equipment ($10.73);
employed labor force included 554,100 in retail trade; 157,400
cutlery, hand tools, and hardware ($10.67); and instruments
in wholesale trade; 204,500 in finance, insurance, and real
($10.00). In nondurable goods manufacturing, top hourly
estate; 125,800 in construction; 130,600 in transportation,
wage earners were employed in chemicals ($10.73), printing
communications, and public utilities; and 1,400 in mining.
and publishing ($9.67), food and kindred products ($9.38),
Government employees totaled 374,100. While economic
and paper and allied products ($9.37). A governor's executive
indicators showed a continuing trend of employment growth
summary has projected a 15.8% growth rate in new jobs from
in the Commonwealth, the distinction between the ups and
1984 to 1995, with more than half of these new jobs in the
downs in the overall job market was clear. Industries suffering
service sector. Top growth industries within the services sector
the biggest losses in employment during this period were in
include business services, expected to grow by 87,500 (60%)
durable goods manufacturing, which had 443,500 employed
during the 10-year period. Health services are projected to
workers in September 1985, but witnessed a loss of 23,800
grow almost 23%. The outlook in education services was
jobs (-5.4%) during the next 12 months. Transportation
mixed. Elementary and secondary schools are estimated to
equipment had a loss of 4,100 (-10.1%) workers, from 40,400
experience a 13% growth in employment, while colleges and
to 36,300 during the period. Measuring and controlling devices
universities will decline by 5%. Manufacturing is expected
lost 2,300 employed workers (-10%), from 23,000 to 2,700.
to grow approximately 6%, providing an additional 38,400
Metalworking machinery lost 1,300 workers (-8.7%), declining
jobs. This overall increase includes an 11.8% growth in durable
from 14,900 to 13,600. Special industries machinery dropped
goods and a 6.5% decline in nondurable goods. Wholesale
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
9
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
and retail trades are expected to maintain 23% of the
In 1985, the average farm size in Massachusetts was 113 acres,
Commonwealth's employment during the period. Construc-
compared to the national average of 445 acres. In 1982, 4,541
tion employment is predicted to show an 18% increase in
of Massachusetts' farms were owned by individuals or
residential and operative construction, and 33% in both public
families, while 377 were owned in partnership and 413 were
works and special trade construction. Government employ-
corporately owned. In 1982; those farmers pursuing agricul-
ment is projected to decline from 6.2% to 5.4% of the total
ture as their principal occupation numbered 2,941, while 2,460
employment force during the period.
farmers were primarily engaged in non-farming occupations.
Over 78% of farm operators in 1982 resided on the farms
UNIONS As of 1986, Massachusetts had not legislated a
which they operated. In 1982, the state's hired farm labor force
Right-to-Work law. The Labor Relations Commission is the
totaled 17,458 workers. As of April 1, 1985, the total value
state counterpart to the National Labor Relations Board
of farmland and buildings in Massachusetts was $1.613 billion,
(NLRB). The Commission administers the Public Employee
with buildings comprising $597 million of this total. Total
Bargaining Law and the "Baby Wagner Act," General Laws
value of farmland and buildings increased 31.6% from 1981
150E and 150A, respectively. The laws give employees of state
to 1985. The average value of state farmland and buildings
and local government, and employees in private business
per acre in 1985 was $2,372, compared to the national average
which do not come within the jurisdiction of the NLRB, the
of $679. The state's cash receipts from farming in 1984 totaled
right and protection to form unions, enter into collective
$389.1 million, including $3.1 million representing home
bargaining, or not to participate in a union if so desired. The
consumption. Crop production brought in $251.1 million,
Commission has existed since 1937, and its jurisdiction has
accounting for 66% of the total cash receipts, while livestock
evolved as the legislature has granted full collective bargaining
grossed $131.8 million. In 1984, total farm assets in Massa-
rights to government employees. Currently, 98% of the
chusetts were reported as $1.15 billion, with proprietors'
Commission's caseload involves labor matters affecting public
equities at $945 million. Total liabilities equaled $207 million.
employees and 2% of the caseload concerns employees of
Massachusetts' gross farm income for 1983 totaled $420.4
private employers. Pursuant to its responsibility for timely
million, a decrease of 1.2% from 1982, but a 4.0% increase
resolutions of labor disputes, the Commission performs five
from the 1981 figure. The value of farm inventory increased
primary functions. The Commission investigates and adjudi-
$8.5 million from 1982 to 1983. With a large increase in
cates charges of unfair labor practices, determines the
inventory value and a relatively small increase in production
organization which represents employees as a bargaining unit,
expenses, Massachusetts' agriculture had a net farm income,
and pursues litigation in the Courts when a party to a dispute
after inventory adjustment, of $102.6 million in 1983. This
does not comply with an order. The Commission also has
figure reflected a 3.4% increase from 1982, and a 73% increase
the authority to prevent and terminate strikes by public
from the 1980 low of $59.3 million. Cash receipts from all
employees and to determine levels for an agency service fee.
crops and products sold in 1984 totaled $384.9 million, not
Chapter 150E allows public employees to enter into collective
including government payments and the value of home
bargaining agreements which require non-union employees
consumption, a 4.2% increase from 1983. Cash receipts from
covered by the agreement to pay an agency service fee to the
greenhouse/nursery products were $107.5 million, or 28% of
union, to aid in covering the cost of collective bargaining and
the total, while cash receipts from cranberries totaled $84.955
contract administration. As of October 1982, over 65,510 state
million, or 22% of the total, and cash receipts from dairy
employees (74.8% of all state employees) and 139,649 public
products equaled $83.9 million, also 22% of the total. Total
employees on the local level (65.0%) were members of
livestock cash receipts decreased 3.9% from 1983 to 1984,
bargaining units. A total of 2,152 bargaining units existed in
while total crop cash receipts increased 9.1%. The state
the public sector. Of 797 state and local governments,
livestock totals for 1984 were 100,000 head of cattle and calves,
including special districts, 395, or 49.6% had collective
11,000 head of sheep and lambs, and 40,000 head of hogs and
bargaining obligations.
pigs. The number of cattle and calves was up 2% from the
previous year due to the largest number of calves born since
AGRICULTURE Although relatively small compared to
1978. The cattle and calf inventory included 47,000 milk cows,
other states, the farm industry has been and is an important
9,000 beef cows, 19,000 heifers, 5,000 bulls and steers over
economic activity in Massachusetts. In 1984, the state ranked
500 pounds, and 20,000 calves. Value per head for sheep and
first in the production of cranberries, accounting for 50.1%
lambs in 1984 was $121, higher by $12 than the previous record
of the national total. Massachusetts also ranked eighth in the
set in 1982. Sheep and lamb production equaled 801,000
production of sweet corn. According to 1985 agricultural
pounds, with 720,000 pounds being marketed in 1984. Gross
figures, Massachusetts had 214,000 acres in crops; 52,000 acres
income from sheep and lambs was $644,000, an increase of
in pastures; 48,000 acres in grassland, 2,811,000 acres of forest;
42% from 1983. Wool production during 1984 totaled 73,000
525,000 acres in specialties, such as federal and state areas
pounds, with a value of $49,000. Hog and pig production in
used primarily for recreation and wildlife purposes, and
1984 totaled 9.7 million pounds, a decrease of 16% from 1983.
military areas; 1,342,000 acres classified as "other"; and
The gross income from the 9.6 million pounds marketed was
16,000 acres idle, for a total of 5,008,000 acres. Although
$4.7 million, the lowest gross income since 1971. In 1984, dairy
Massachusetts, like many other states, experienced a decrease
products accounted for 22% of the cash receipts from farm
in the number of farms during the period from the end of
marketing in Massachusetts. According to the 1982 county
World War II to the mid-1970s, the number has stabilized in
figures, Worcester, Franklin, and Berkshire were the state's
the 1980s. In 1985, there were 680,000 acres of land in 6,000
top three counties in the sale of dairy products. In 1984, milk
farms in Massachusetts, an increase of 500 farms since 1974.
production totaled 575 million pounds, of which 565 million
10
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
pounds were marketed and 10 million pounds were used on
Massachusetts. Middlesex and Bristol Counties led the state
the farms where produced. Total cash receipts from milk
in greenhouse and nursery production in 1982. Franklin,
marketed was $83.9 million, down 7.6% from the record high
Hampshire, and Berkshire Counties were among the state's
set in 1983. Of the 565 million pounds of milk marketed in
top five counties in Christmas tree production in 1986. Mass-
1984, 540 million pounds were sold to processing plants, and
achusetts is one of the several Northeastern states that produce
11.6 million quarts were sold directly to consumers. Cash
maple syrup. The production of maple syrup in the state
receipts from milk sold to processing plants totaled $77.8
during the 1985 season totaled 24,000 gallons, a decrease of
million, while cash receipts from milk sold directly to
7.6% from 1984. The total value of maple syrup production
consumers totaled $6.2 million. The 1984 production of
in 1985 was $509,000. In 1986, Franklin County led the state
manufactured dairy products in Massachusetts was below the
in the production of maple syrup, with Hampshire second
1983 levels in all commodities except ice cream. A total of
and Berkshire third. Honey producers also experienced a poor
11.7 million pounds of cheese was produced in 1984, down
season in 1985. The combination of poor weather conditions
8% from the 1983 production. Massachusetts' egg production
and low nectar secretion by honey plants caused no significant
in 1984 totaled 268 million eggs, an increase of 3 million from
honey crop to be produced. In 1985, Massachusetts reported
the 1983 total. Poultrymen received a record high $1.09 per
3,695 beekeepers and 18,711 owned bee colonies. Worcester
dozen eggs in 1984. The gross income from egg production
County had the most beekeepers with 834, while Middlesex
equaled $24.3 million, 21% higher than the previous year's
County led the state in owned colonies with 3,927. Agri-
gross. The 1984 inventory of chickens on farms (excluding
business in Massachusetts in 1984 was valued at several billion
broilers) totaled 1.5 million birds. Poultrymen marketed 3.9
dollars, while food stores, the largest retail business in the
million pounds of poultry during 1984, for a total gross
state, generated sales of over $4.5 billion. Roadside stands
income of $651,000. Crop production in Massachusetts
have become a vital marketing tool in Massachusetts over the
accounted for 66% of the cash receipts from farm marketing
past several years. In 1985, there were close to 1,000 roadside
in 1984. Corn silage production from the .40,000 acres
stands, with an annual volume of more than $100 million of
harvested totaled 620,000 tons in 1984, the smallest output
produce. This direct marketing approach has been profitable
on record since 1977. The value of the corn silage crop was
for local growers as well as consumers, who save food dollars
$18.7 million. In 1984, 126,000 acres of hay were harvested,
by buying products at these roadside stands. In 1985, Massa-
producing 300,000 tons valued at $28.95 million. Hay
chusetts' agri-business firms earned $71 million from agri-
production was down 4% from 1983, but the crop value of
cultural exports. Emphasis has been placed on the importance
hay in 1984 was slightly above the 1983 value. Massachusetts
of adding value to products by processing them before they
farmers produced 785,000 pounds of tobacco in 1984: 490,000
are sold abroad. These value-added products have signif-
pounds of shade type and 295,000 pounds of Havana Seed.
icantly increased export earnings in Massachusetts in recent
Fruit and vegetable crops accounted for 35% of the cash
years. Massachusetts has also been involved in developing
receipts from farm marketing in Massachusetts in 1984.
overseas markets for its agri-technologies. In 1985, Massa-
Cranberry production amounted to 22% of this figure. In
chusetts had the second largest bio-technology program in
1984, cranberry production surpassed all its previous records.
the nation, with over $500 million invested in bio-technology.
Growers harvested 11,200 acres, producing 1.7 million barrels,
Several million dollars worth of research was being done on
an increase of 242,000 barrels from 1983. Of the barrels
commercial applications of agricultural bio-technology, for
produced in 1984, 170,000 were utilized for fresh sales, 1.442
which foreign markets were being developed. Massachusetts
million were sold to processors, and 51,000 were paid for by
has also received the support of several computer companies
processors but lost because of dehydration and berry break-
in integrating computer technology with agriculture in
down after delivery. The value of the utilized cranberry
overseas marketing. Agri-computer technology has become
production in 1984 totaled $90.5 million, a 23% increase in
a viable part of Massachusetts' agricultural exports.
value from 1983. According to the 1982 county figures, Ply-
mouth ranked first in production of cranberries, with Barn-
INDUSTRY Following the deep recession of the late 1970's
stable second and Bristol third. The value of both apple and
and early 1980's, Massachusetts rebounded strongly as a
tomato production increased in 1984. The production of
leader in industrial growth. In 1976, the state's unemployment
apples totaled 2.3 million, 42-pound units, with a total value
rate was 14%. The rate in June of 1986 was 3.6%, nearly 50%
of $18.1 million, the highest on record. Tomato growers har-
below the national average of 7.1%, and the second lowest
vested 660 acres, producing 152,000 cwt., at a total value of
rate of any state. Between 1983 and 1984, the workforce
$4.1 million, nearly a 46% increase in value from 1983. Sweet
increased by 7.7%, from 2,337,339 to 2,516,528. The number
corn and potato growers experienced decreases in both
of establishments grew by 5.4%, from 135,809 to 143,163.
production and crop value in 1984. Total sweet corn produc-
Much of this growth occurred in manufacturing and construc-
tion was 713,000 cwt., down 87,000 cwt. from 1983, while the
tion. Manufacturing employment increased 7.3%, from
value of production declined from $10.6 million in 1983 to
618,517 to 663,507. A significant proportion occurred in the
$10.3 million in 1984. Spring floods in 1984 destroyed many
technology sector of the industry. Electric and electronic
potato fields in Massachusetts, reducing the number of acres
equipment expanded by 10.8%, from 96,950 to 107,409, while
harvested to 2,900, the fewest on record. Total potato
instruments and related products increased 8.9%, from 46,910
production was 580,000 cwt., down 66,000 cwt. from 1983,
to 51,069. Modest gains were recorded in the textiles and
while the total value of production declined 32% from 1983
apparels industries, 7.2% and 4.5%, respectively. However,
to 1984. In 1984, greenhouse and nursery production
a decrease in the number of establishments in these industries
accounted for 42.5% of the cash receipts from crop sales in
continued a trend of decline (textiles: 237 to 234; apparels:
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
11
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
659 to 641). According to the report of the Governor's Com-
targeted areas for state assistance and initiated several
mission on the Future of Mature Industries, the greatest
programs to help industries modernize and remain compe-
number of plant closings in 1983 occurred in the apparel and
titive in the world market. The Governor's Commission on
leather products industries (22), accounting for 32% of all
the Future of Mature Industries, formed in 1983, was assigned
plant closings in the state. Value added by manufacture totaled
the task of analyzing traditional manufacturing industries and
$27 billion in 1983, placing Massachusetts eleventh in the
providing public policy recommendations to stabilize this
nation as compared to twelfth in 1977 at $16.3 billion. Con-
sector of the economy. The areas of primary concern included
struction employment expanded at a higher rate than manu-
the development of public and private resources for moderniz-
facturing, improving 9.3%. The number of employees
ing viable industries, effectively addressing the plight of
increased to 93,332 from 85,397 while the number of estab-
troubled firms, methods to cushion the impact to communities
lishments increased by more than 500, from 11,407 to 11,956.
of plant closings, and developing policies to aid in the
Housing starts were up by more than 6,000 in 1983, from
transition of "mature industries" to modern, "high-tech"
16,000 in 1982 to 22,800, an increase of 40%. Improvements
industries. The policies recommended by the Commission
in manufacturing and construction employment provided the
attempted to address each of these issues. The first recom-
impetus for increases in the service sector of the economy.
mendation encourages quasi-public financing for moderniza-
Retail trade employment improved 6.2%, from 454,986 to
tion and growth through the Massachusetts Industrial Finance
483,101. Wholesale trade increased 8.6% in 1983, from 136,200
Agency (MIFA). Specific firms were targeted in cities where
to 147,899. Service industries expanded their number of
the unemployment rate was 50% above the state rate.
employees to 795,055 from 729,573, a difference of 9%. Retail
Establishment of the Product Development Fund and an
sales for the state in 1982 were $28 billion. Wholesale trade
upgrading of the MIFA Insurance Fund were also recognized
accounted for $49.8 billion in sales for 1982. Finance,
as important components. Next, the Massachusetts Industrial
insurance, and real estate yielded the smällest increase in
Service was directed to coordinate on a case-by-case basis, to
employment between 1983 and 1984, only 0.6%. Transporta-
evaluate, and when appropriate, to assist troubled firms which
tion, communication, and public utilities increased its number
are potentially viable. If a firm cannot be saved, MIS assists
of employees 4.1%, from 112,346 to 116,910. Agricultural
in the re-employment of workers and in finding ways to reuse
services, forestry, and fisheries employed 6.8% more workers
plant facilities. An important component of the Commission's
in 1984 than in 1983. However, the number of persons
recommendation package is the voluntary Social Compact
employed in fishing, hunting, and trapping decreased 8.3%,
between business and the state. The Compact encourages
from 2,734 to 2,506. Tourism has a significant impact on the
businesses to notify workers well in advance of plant closings;
Massachusetts economy. Tourism is the state's second largest
provide income maintenance and health insurance, and
industry, with travel-generated employment estimated at
establish re-employment assistance programs. The final
91,223 jobs in 1985. These include 10,920 in Barnstable
recommendation directs the state to create an Industrial
County, 17,149 in Middlesex County, and 36,858 in Suffolk
Advisory Board to analyze economic trends and provide
County. In 1985, travelers spent almost $6 billion in Massa-
guidance to industries in transition. In addition, the Board
chusetts. These expenditures generated $1.2 billion in payroll,
oversees the implementation of the Commission's recom-
$208 million in state tax revenue, and $43.8 million in local
mendations. In 1984, the state legislature enacted seven bills
tax revenue. A primary factor for Massachusetts' recovery
which represented a major addition to the state's array of
has been the significant reduction in the tax and fee burden
development finance tools. The MIFA Guaranteed Loan
on individuals and business. Since 1977, the overall tax and
program was established to provide financial assistance to
fee burden has fallen 20.3%, and in 1984 was 10.3% below
small businesses. Previously, MIFA had been important for
the national average. In 1985, Massachusetts ranked 42nd in
downtown revitalization projects and the expansion of large
total tax and fee burden. For business, the tax and fee burden
companies. The Thrift Fund for Economic Development
has fallen 36% since 1977, and in 1984 was 3% below the
created a $100 million fund for target projects in communities
national average. Although the state as a whole has recovered
with an unemployment rate 50% above the state average. The
dramatically, some areas have lagged behind. Southeastern
Massachusetts Government Land Bank, originally created to
Massachusetts has been particularly slow in achieving
manage the conversion of closed military bases, was
economic stability. One of the region's greatest assets, its
transformed to aid cities and towns with a broad range of
orientation to the Atlantic Ocean, also is one of its greatest
development opportunities. Community Development Action
weaknesses. The jagged shoreline and its southern and eastern-
Grants (CDAG), established in 1982, had used up its bond
most settlements have placed the southeast region out of the
authorization. One of the seven bills created new funding for
mainstream of growth along the northeastern corridor. Recent
CDAG, which had provided $17.5 million to 38 communities
expansion of state and federal highway systems in southeastern
since its inception. Two bills under the heading of the
Massachusetts has greatly improved opportunities for
Massachusetts Housing Partnership are also important tools
industrial growth. Unemployment rates in this area were
for revitalization. These bills are the Abandoned Housing Act,
approximately 7.5% in 1984, a significant improvement from
which encourages and expedites the procedures for reusing
the 10.5% experienced in 1983. Economic trends indicate a
abandoned housing, and the State Housing Assistance for
continued decline in the manufacturing of durable goods and
Rental Production (SHARP), a program to help meet the
textiles in this region. However, employment in electrical
housing needs of low and moderate income households. The
machinery and metal working have shown improvement which
final bill signed by the Governor also formalized the Centers
should continue. To ensure economic growth and stability
for Excellence program, an administrative initiative designed
throughout the state, the Massachusetts government has
to forge a new partnership between industry, government, and
12
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
academic institutions. The primary goal of the Centers for
accounted for 18.3% of the state's total sales by all whole-
Excellence is to develop specific emerging technologies in
salers. This is down slightly from the 21.2% share this group
communities with outstanding universities and a need for new
held in 1977. Other leading wholesale groups in 1982 included
industry. The Center for Polymer Sciences was established
machinery, equipment and supplies products (14.9%, $7.4
at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, in conjunction
billion), petroleum and petroleum products (13.1%, $6.5
with Monsanto and General Electric. In 1983, the first
billion), and motor vehicles and automotive parts and supplies
polymer-related firm to locate in Amherst opened its doors,
(10.7%, $2.5 billion). Sales per establishment for all whole-
joining the more than 400 polymer firms in Massachusetts.
salers was $5.1 million. The leaders in this category were
Combined sales for these companies equaled $3.5 billion and
petroleum and petroleum products, $40.5 million per estab-
provided more than 33,000 jobs. The Center for Biotech-
lishment; beer, wine, and distilled beverages, $15 million; and
nology was established in Worcester at the University of
groceries and related products, $7.8 million. Massachusetts
Massachusetts Medical School. This center has been
had retail sales of $28.8 billion for 1982, a 55.7% increase
instrumental in bringing research and development firms to
since 1977. During this same period, the number of estab-
the Worcester Bio-Tech Park. The Marine Sciences Center,
lishments increased to 47,312 from 47,183. Grocery stores
located at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the
accounted for $5.3 billion, or 18.7%, of all retail sales. This
Marine Biology Laboratory, was established in an effort to
reflects an increase of 39.5% from 1977, up from $3.8 billion.
make Southeastern Massachusetts University a leader in
Motor vehicle dealers-new and used cars-accounted for $3.92
marine research. This center will have a significant impact
billion, up from $2.44 billion, a 13.9% share of all retail sales.
on fishing industries, ocean mining, marine electronics, and
Eating and drinking establishments had sales totaling $3.06
aquaculture. As recognized leaders in research and develop-
billion, representing 10.0% of all retail sales. In 1982, sales
ment of industrial technology, Massachusetts Institute of
per establishment was $609,000, compared to $391,000 in 1977.
Technology and the University of Lowell were chosen for the
This is an increase of 55.8%. The 1982 Census of Service
Center for Photovoltaics, an emerging technology which
Industries shows 33,947 establishments of firms with payroll
transforms the sun's rays directly into electricity. This industry
subject to Federal income tax. These firms had receipts
will be vitally important to Massachusetts economy for many
totaling $13.3 billion. Receipts of engineering, architectural,
years to come. In 1983, sales of photovoltaic industrial
and surveying services totaled $2.1 billion, up from $828
products in Massachusetts were $30.3 million. This is 51%
million in 1977. Other leading service businesses included
of the U.S. market and 28% of worldwide production. The
offices of physicians, $1.1 billion; legal services, $885 million;
most important component of the Centers for Excellence plan
and management, consulting, and public relations services,
is the Massachusetts Microelectronics Center in Westboro.
$805 million. Receipts per establishment were $392,000 in
Developed and operated by the Massachusetts Technology
1982 for all service industry establishments. Research and
Park Corporation, a quasi-public agency of the state, this
development laboratories averaged $3 million per establish-
center will assist in linking together the other centers and
ment; data processing services, $1.9 million; and engineering,
providing computer support. The Centers have served as
architectural, and surveying services, $1.6 million. Service
catalysts for new job creation in Western, Central, and South-
industries with payroll exempt from Federal income tax totaled
eastern Massachusetts, and the Merrimac Valley. Additionally,
5,022 establishments, and had revenue of $2.6 billion.
they have strengthened Massachusetts' traditional industries,
Noncommercial educational, scientific, and research organi-
providing opportunities for modernization and worker train-
zations had revenue of $484 million, and individual and family
ing to meet future needs. The Industrial Service Program
social services accounted for $277 million. Massachusetts was
provides firms with consulting services and financial assist-
effected less severely than most states by the recession of
ance, allowing firms to capitalize on profit-making oppor-
1980-82, due to efforts to diversify the economy and expand
tunities. The Massachusetts Division of Employment Security
high-tech and service related industries. Another business
projects that between 1984 and 1995 the fastest growing
which has experienced significant growth has been the
industries will include computer and data processing services
construction industry. The commitment of business and
(109%), outpatient care services (82%), and miscellaneous
government leaders during the late 1970s to revitalize Boston
electrical equipment and supplies (65%). Largest gains in
and expand office and plant facilities across the state led to
employment for the same period will include business services
a boom in construction. (See Construction and Housing.)
(87,500), health services (60,500), eating and drinking
Between 1985 and 1986, filings for new corporate charters
establishments (51,750), and electric and electronic equipment
for commercial corporations increased 10%, with 19,461 new
(39,900). The agency also predicts continuing trends in
charters filed. During this same period, the number of filings
declining industries such as textiles (-27.%), primary metals
for new corporate charters for nonprofit corporations
(-121%), and garments (-12%).
decreased slightly, from 1,359 to 1,339. As of December 31,
1986, there were a total of 290,280 filings for incorporation.
BUSINESS The business climate in Massachusetts is robust,
The number of filings for limited partnerships totaled 96,000.
with the state very receptive to new entrepreneurial initiatives.
During 1986, a total of 72,000 corporate dissolutions occurred.
Sales in retail and wholesale trade and service industries have
The economic outlook for Massachusetts over the next five
increased significantly as the state has prospered. In 1982,
years appears to be as bright as the last five years have been.
a total of 9,709 wholesale trade establishments accounted for
Between 1985 and 1995, projections show expected growth
$49.8 billion in sales. This is an increase of 602 establishments
in most sectors of business. The service industries are projected
(6.6%) and $19.6 billion (64.9%) in sales since 1977. Sales
to grow 25.1%. Manufacturing, although expected to have
of $9.1 billion by groceries and related products wholesalers
a shrinking share of the total economy, is projected to grow
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
13
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
5.7%. High technology industries are expected to increase at
statewide, $1.7 billion was for residential building construction
a rate of 38.3%. For business and labor, the future looks
(43%), $1.6 billion was for nonresidential building
positive in Massachusetts.
construction (41%), and $615 thousand was in nonbuilding
construction (16%). New private housing-units authorized
CONSTRUCTION/HOUSING The mid-1980s found the
by building permits increased from 15,400 in 1982 to 22,800
Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the midst of a dynamic
in 1983, a 48.1% increase. Total valuation of construction
building boom as the state's residential and commercial
contracts in 1983 was $1.2 billion, a 67% increase from $720
construction markets expanded during a period of economic
million in 1982. The construction cycle showed a continuing
revitalization. This heavy growth in construction brought
increase during the following year, with 27,500 new private
about a strong increase in property values, which encouraged
housing-units authorized by building permits, valued at $1.5
the state to implement a home-buying program for moderate-
billion. This marked a 20.6% increase in the number of units
income citizens. The boost in housing construction in Massa-
authorized and a 25% increase in total valuation for new
chusetts from 1980 to 1986 contributed to the Northeastern
contracts. In 1980, 47.3% of the state's year-round housing-
sector of the United States becoming the nation's "hot spot"
unit structures were built prior to 1940, while 15.4% had been
for builders and developers, while many markets in the South
constructed between 1970 and 1980. Of all the state's year-
and West experienced a curtailment of building. In particular,
round housing unit structures, 84.7% were classified as urban.
the Boston metropolitan area became one of the nation's
Of all housing structures inside urbanized areas, 39.3% were
leading growth markets for real-estate development. From
in central cities and 60.7% were in urban fringe areas. Of the
1983 to 1985, Boston's median price for existing single-family
state's urban housing structures in 1980, 7.8% were located
homes increased from $82,600 to $144,000. As a result, Boston
outside urbanized areas. Among these, 37.3% were in places
had not only the greatest one-year increase in real-estate values
of 10,000 population or more, and 62.7% were in places of
from 1984 to 1985, but reached the highest median sale price
2,500 to 10,000 population. The state's rural housing
for single-family homes in the nation. Massachusetts tax-
accounted for 15.3% of total housing structures. Of these,
payers, meanwhile, benefited from a 3.8% decline in property
1% were classified as rural farms and 12.9% were located in
taxes from 1980 to 1984. The per capita tax level from state
places of 1,000 to 2,500 population. Middlesex County had
and local governments in the state dropped to $534 in 1984.
more year-round housing units than any other county in the
Although this was 30.9% above the $408 United States
state, with 23% of all housing units in Massachusetts in 1980.
average, the state's decline in property taxes over the four-
Suffolk County, with 12.9% of the state total, was second,
year period compared favorably with the national average,
and Essex County, with 11.2%, was third. The median number
in which a 35.1% increase was shown. As the state was on
of persons living in an owner-occupied home in Massachusetts
the verge of its housing construction boom, in 1982, 33,177
in 1980 was 2.8. Of total owner-occupied units in 1980, 13.3%
establishments operated as general contractors or operative
were inhabited by one person, 30.4% by two persons, 18.6%
builders, special trade contractors or subdividers, and
by three persons, 19.2% by four persons, 10.9% by five
developers in Massachusetts. The number of construction
persons, and 7.6% by six or more persons. Among owner-
industry establishments increased 13.5% from 1977 to 1982,
occupied homes in 1980, 59.3% had no air conditioning,
an indication of the significant growth in the state's
36.3% had one or more individual air conditioning units, and
construction industry. During the same five-year period,
4.4% had central air conditioning systems. Fuel oil and
business receipts for construction industry establishments
kerosene were used by 59.8% of all owner-occupied homes
increased 82.5%, and the number of employees increased by
for heating. Utility gas was used by 30.4% of owner-occupied
10.1%. Business receipts among these establishments totaled
homes, while 5.4% used electricity, 1% used bottled tank or
$8.4 billion, and during 1982, average employment for
LP gas, and 3.4% used another form of energy for home
construction establishments with payroll in Massachusetts was
heating. The median number of persons living in a renter-
96,300 employees. These employees earned a total payroll of
occupied housing unit in 1980 was 1.9. Of total renter-occupied
$1.7/billion. Of total construction receipts in 1982, 77.3% was
housing units in 1980, 39.5% were inhabited by one person,
for new construction, with the following breakdown for
30.2% by two persons, 14.2% by three persons, 9% by four
building construction receipts: single-family houses (19.5%);
persons, 4.3% by five persons, and 3% by six or more persons.
apartment buildings with two or more apartments (9.7%);
Among renter-occupied housing units, 66% had no air
other residential buildings (4%); industrial buildings and
conditioning, 27.9% had one or more individual air
warehouses (17.8%); and other nonresidential buildings,
conditioning units, and 6.1% had central air conditioning
including stores, restaurants, public garages, automobile
systems. Fuel oil and kerosene were used by 46.1% of renter-
service stations, religious buildings, hospitals, institutional
occupied homes for heating. Utility gas was used by 36% of
buildings, amusement, social, and recreational buildings
renter-occupied homes, while 15.2% used electricity and 1%
(25.3%). Nonbuilding construction accounted for 21.5% of
used some other form of energy for home heating. In 1980,
total construction receipts in the Commonwealth in 1982.
of all year-round housing units, 93.6% had a source of water
Busiest nonbuilding construction categories included heavy
supplied by a public system or private company, and 73.9%
industrial facilities, power plants, highways and streets, power
were serviced by a public sewer. Of total owner-occupied
and communication transmission lines and lines and facilities
housing units, 0.6% were mobile homes, and of these, 78.2%
related to each of these. In value, residential building
were dwner-occupied, and 17.2% were renter-occupied. The
construction contracts in 1983 reflected the highest percentage
top 10 cities for new housing units from 1980 to 1984 in
of the overall building market. With the total value of
Massachusetts were: Boston (3,634), Barnstable (3,607), Wor-
construction contracts for the year reaching $3.9 billion
cester (2,447), Falmouth (1,938), Mashpee (1,875), Yarmouth
14
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
(1,372), Brewster (1,347), Plymouth (1,337), Quincy (1,246)
Massachusetts ports. The Salem, New Bedford and Fairhaven,
and Sandwich (1,208). To assist moderate income citizens in
and Fall River Harbors handled the remaining 10%. Primary
becoming eligible to purchase homes, the state initiated the
export goods included iron and steel scrap, lumber, and
Massachusetts Housing Partnership Homeownership Oppor-
machinery and equipment. The primary import goods were
tunity Program. This program included infusing $20 million
gasoline and residual fuel oil. The Massachusetts Port
of the state's Home Partnership Fund into the production
Authority (Massport). in 1979 began a five-year plan to gain
of single family homes and condominiums for homeowner-
a larger share of the region's trade. By 1984, Massport had
ship. This new program was to provide mortgage rates as low
spent more than $50 million on the development and
as six to nine percent for homes with below-average selling
improvement of its public terminals, and had implemented
prices, with mortgages provided through local banks by the
programs offering New England shippers better services at
Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. The mortgages
more competitive rates. Results of this five-year plan included
would be available for projects submitted by cities and towns
a 9.5% increase in tons of cargo handled by Massport's
and approved by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership.
terminals from 1983 to 1984, a new container service to
Construction of these homes was scheduled to begin in the
Northern Europe, and an increased carrier service between
spring of 1986, as cities and towns began to submit
Boston and Far East ports. The total value of exports and
applications.
imports which passed through Massachusetts ports in 1984
was $10.9 billion. Import goods totaled $8.1 billion, with
FOREIGN INVESTMENT Increases in foreign investment
export goods equaling $2.8 billion. In 1983, the Common-
during the early 1980s have contributed to the resurgence of
wealth signed an exchange agreement with the Guangdong
Massachusetts' economy. One of the functions of the Massa-
Province in the People's Republic of China. To help aid in
chusetts Office of International Trade and Investment, estab-
the state's expansion in overseas markets, the governor created
lished in 1984, is to promote the continuation of foreign
in 1984 the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and
investment into the state. The office provides potential foreign
Investment. The office's major responsibility is to oversee the
investors with various reports containing information on tax
state's international trade activities, and to promote plans,
liability, industry wages, labor availability, and community
such as the Trade Development Program. This program,
profiles. Efforts are made to attract foreign companies which
funded in part by grants from the U.S. Department of
are compatible with Massachusetts' regional development
Commerce, brings small- and medium-sized companies in
opportunities and emphasis on new technologies. During
contact with new overseas markets. Information technology,
1985-86, the office was involved in finding joint venture
health care and bio-medical supplies and equipment, and data
partners from Great Britain, Germany, Sweden, and Japan
processing services are among the major industry areas served
for interested machine tool companies in Massachusetts. The
by this program, while the Far East, Latin America, and West
office's 1985-86 list of foreign firms showed 25 foreign
Africa are the primary targeted market areas. Massachusetts
countries owning 326 companies in Massachusetts. Great
also promoted its two foreign trade zones. These zones are
Britain led all countries with 103 companies, followed by
portions of U.S. territory designated by the federal government
Japan with 56, and West Germany with 35. The federal figures
as "outside" the United States for purposes of customs and
on foreign investment in Massachusetts for 1984 indicate the
tariffs. American firms are allowed to process, assemble,
gross book value of foreign investors' property, plants, and
display, test and store imported goods in these zones without
equipment at $2.8 billion. Foreign investors employed 67,997
paying import duties or observing quotas. There are foreign
individuals in Massachusetts, which was 2.5% of the foreign
trade zone licenses for facilities around the Port of Boston,
investors' national employment total. Manufacturing
and at the New Bedford Port. Exports account for an
accounted for $1 billion, or 41%, of the book value of foreign
estimated 13% of yearly gross state production, totaling
investments, and 31,827, or 47%, of the jobs provided by
approximately $9 billion in revenues. In 1986, 15% of all
foreign investors in Massachusetts. Foreign investors owned
manufacturing jobs in Massachusetts were export related.
20,000 acres of farm and non-farm land, with 12,000 acres
in agriculture, fishing, and forestry. Foreign investors also
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS The dominant force in New
owned 1,000 acres of mineral rights in Massachusetts. More
England banking, Massachusetts had $42.7 billion in assets
current figures for agricultural landholding show that foreign
in its commercial banks in 1983. This represented a 17.9%
investors owned eight parcels totaling 1,707 acres with a total
increase in assets over the previous year, and accounted for
value of $1,341,000 in 1985. More than 92% of this land was
some 52% of total assets in commercial banks in the six New
in forests, while 71 acres were non-agricultural lands, and 62
England states, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont,
acres were in crop and pasture land. Great Britain and the
Rhode Island, and Connecticut. In December 1983, the state's
Netherlands together held 26% of the foreign owned
domestic deposit market shares totaled $63.1 billion in
agricultural land in Massachusetts in 1985. There were six
deposits. Of this total, 49% was held by FDIC-insured
foreign banks located in Boston in 1986, including Sanwa
commercial banks, 6.4% by FSLIC-insured savings and loans,
Bank of Japan, and Barclays and Lloyds of London, both
20.4% by mutual savings banks, and 5.2% by credit unions.
of Great Britain.
Deposits in commercial banks for the year totaled $30.9
billion, a 21% increase from the previous 12-month period.
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS In 1983, the Port of Boston,
Of these deposits, 72.8% were held by multi-bank holding
which includes the Main Waterfront, Chelsea River, Mystic
companies. Loans by insured commercial banks in 1983
River, and Weymouth Fore River Ports, accounted for 90%
totaled $21.7 billion, excluding those from foreign branches
of the import/export tonnage which passed through
of United States banks. These included $9.6 billion in loans
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
15
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
for commercial and industrial projects and $5.7 billion for
overall by 6% from the $109.2 million reached in 1983. The
real estate. Equity capital in insured commercial banks in the
net increase over the four-year period was 24%. At New
Bay State in 1983 totaled $2.6 billion. Mutual savings banks
Bedford, landings reached 94.9 million pounds in 1982, then
had $15.9 billion in total assets for the year and $9.5 billion
took an 18% leap to 111.8 million pounds in 1983, before
in gross loans. Savings and loan associations had $8.7 billion
beginning a two-year cycle of decline. In 1984, 99.5 million
in assets for the year, a 5.5% increase from 1982. Mortgage
pounds were recorded, for a one-year drop of 11%. The decline
loans outstanding for these institutions totaled $5.9 billion.
continued in 1985, as landings fell 9% to 90.6 million pounds.
Savings capital totaled $7.6 billion, a 7% increase from the
The net decline at this port over the four-year period was 5%.
previous year. The state's savings and loan associations showed
In commercial fish landings quantity, Gloucester ranked first
a net worth of $517 million in 1983. The state had 323 federally-
among Massachusetts ports in 1985, with 116.5 million
insured credit unions in 1986. These had a total of $3.7 billion
pounds. This landings quantity recorded for the year placed
in assets. The Massachusetts Government Land Bank emerged
the port seventh in the United States. Fishing lands dollar
in 1975 as a major source of financing for various development
volume at Gloucester declined by 13% from 1982 to 1983,
and redevelopment projects. Originally, the Land Bank was
then dropped by 2.1% in 1984, reaching the $37.1 million level,
established to assist communities in acquiring portions of
which it retained the following year. The net decline over the
federal military basses selected for commercial, industrial,
four-year period was 15%. Landings at Gloucester showed
and residential development. The process involved engaging
a net decline from 1982 to 1985 of 22%. At Boston, landings
private enterprise and public agencies in the conversion and
showed a net 28% decline over the four-year period, with 19.8
redevelopment of lands used by the federal government and
million pounds in 1985, compared to 27.6 million pounds in
developing them for non-military uses. The Land Bank was
1982. In 1983, landings dropped by 12.3% to 24.2 million
first authorized to issue general obligation bonds. Presently,
pounds, then dropped by 17% in 1984, to 20.2 million. The
the Land Bank can work with any type of deteriorating land,
port of Boston ranked 39th nationally in 1985 in dollar
or surplus federal or state properties. These loans are made
volume, with landings valued at $12.1 million, an 8% increase
generally at 80% of the prime rate. In its tenth anniversary
from the 1984 total of $11.2 million. Massachusetts' record
report in 1985, the Land Bank showed a total of 27 projects
catch was achieved in 1948, when Bay State commercial
in its portfolio, including six commercial, four industrial, 14
fishermen landed 650 million pounds. In 1982, the state had
residential and three mixed use. Total Land Bank funds for
203 fishing plants, including processors and fish wholesalers,
these projects amounted to $25.7 million, with $197.2 million
who employed a combined average of 5,143 workers, reaching
in other funds leveraged. Regional interstate banking laws in
a seasonal high of 6,332 during peak periods. Known
the eastern part of the United States permitted reciprocal
particularly as a center for lobster fishing, the Commonwealth
privileges between states. Massachusetts, Connecticut, and
of Massachusetts issued 13,982 lobster licenses of all types
Rhode Island allow reciprocity with other New England states,
in 1985. Of these, 2605 (19%) were commercial and 11,377
following action by Massachusetts to allow procedures that
(81%) were non-commercial. Among commercial lobster
would strengthen state banks and keep out so-called big
licensees, 1,744 (67%) were coastal commercial, 188 (7%) were
money center banks. By the mid-1980s, supporters of
seasonal commercial, and 673 (26%) were offshore commer-
reciprocity were concerned that Congress would mandate full
cial. Among commercial licensees, 1,643 (63%) reported
interstate banking.
lobster fishing in 1985. Lobsters reported landed in 1985
totaled 14.6 million pounds, including 357,024 pounds by
NATURAL RESOURCES Massachusetts' wealth in natural
recreational fishermen and 14.2 million pounds by commercial
resources stems primarily from its busy seaports and mag-
fishermen. Based on $2.47 per pound, the commercial catch
nificent forests. Commercial fishing has a major impact on
for the year was valued at $35.1 million. Essex County ranked
both the economy and international identity of the Common-
first in total pounds of lobsters landed during the year with
wealth of Massachusetts. Although its territorial water bound-
5.5 million pounds. Plymouth County ranked second, with
aries are considerably smaller than those of many other states,
2.8 million pounds and Suffolk County ranked third, with
Massachusetts ranks among the nation's leaders in dollar
1.8 million pounds. Among Massachusetts ports, Boston
volume and pounds of commercial fish landings. In 1985,
recorded the most lobsters landed, with 1.5 million pounds,
Massachusetts ranked second in the nation with $231.5 million
Gloucester ranked second, with 1.2 million pounds, and
in volume for commercial fish landings, and sixth nationwide
Plymouth ranked third, with 1.1 million pounds. Lobster
in landings, with 233.5 million pounds. Commercial fish
fishing in 1985 peaked in July, August, and September, and
landings in 1980 reached 438 million pounds, valued at a total
recorded lowest landings levels in February and March. The
of $179 million. In 1984, the state recorded 375.5 million
state's coastal waters yield a wide variety of saltwater fish
pounds, valued at $233.5 million. Commercial fishery
species, including striped bass, giant tuna, school tuna, white
landings at Massachusetts' ports in 1985 showed New Bedford
marlin, swordfish, bluefish, snapper bluefish, bonito, pollock,
to have the highest dollar volume for landings among major
squeteague, mackerel, blackfish, seabass, scup, winter
reporting ports in the United States. At $103.2 million, New
founder, summer flounder, kingfish, cod, haddock, shad, and
Bedford's dollar volume far outdistanced its nearest
smelt. Trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain
competitors. In sixth place nationwide for commercial fishery
pickeral, white perch, yellow perch, northern pike, tiger
landings volume was Gloucester, which had landings valued
muskie, and brown bullshead are among the state's major
at $37.1 million. New Bedford's productivity in 1985 allowed
freshwater fish species. With timberland accounting for
that port to retain its top dollar-volume ranking for the third
approximately 60% of the Commonwealth's total land area,
consecutive year, although total dollar-volume had declined
Massachusetts' economic profile is significantly affected by
16
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
the state's forest industries. The state's timberland resources
recorded 1.2 billion ncf of growing-stock of all kinds,
include its logging, forestry services and sawmill industries,
including 808 million ncf of sawtimber, 340.1 million ncf of
lumber, paper and allied products manufacturers, wholesale
poletimber, and 13 million ncf of sapling-seedling. Berkshire
and retail lumber, furniture and brokerage houses, and
County had 785.3 million ncf of total growing-stock, including
domestic and export marketing firms. Featuring a steep,
584.2 million ncf ,of sawtimber and 197.6 million ncf of
forested landscape, the Northeastern Forage and Forest Land
poletimber. Franklin County recorded 624.4 million ncf of
Resource Region extends throughout most of New England,
growing-stock, including 524 million ncf of sawtimber.
and includes virtually all of Massachusetts' interior areas.
Hampshire was among the leading counties in poletimber
Lumber and pulpwood are important products, as well as
growing-stock in 1985, with 106.2 million ncf. Sapling-seedling
Christmas trees, maple syrup, and small fruits where the
growing-stock leaders included Middlesex County, with 18.6
climate is favorable. Wildlife habitats and recreation common
million ncf, and Plymouth County, with 16 million ncf. The
to the environs of the woodlands also flourish in this region.
Commonwealth's "island" counties, Dukes and Nantucket,
Major land resource areas which encompass portions of
and portions of Barnstable and Plymouth Counties lie within
Worcester, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire
a resource region characterized by land that is 25% forested.
Counties include areas which are 40% to 60% forested in
Urban development, recreational shorelines, and farms that
hardwood and pine, though in some areas, the land is 90%
produce potatoes, cauliflower, and cabbage are predominant.
forested, especially within the Northeast Mountains land
Approximately 5% of all manufacturing employees in Massa-
resource area in the western third of the state. The three leading
chusetts in 1984 worked for firms manufacturing lumber and
counties in timberland acreage are: Worcester County (650,537
wood products, and paper and allied products. There were
acres), Berkshire County (454,890 acres) and Franklin County
5,719 employees working for 383 lumber and wood products
(355,624 acres). At the hub of the state's productive timberland
manufacturers in 1984, earning $96.7 million in total annual
region, Worcester County lies within a resource area that
payroll. These included 32 logging camps and logging
supports a mixture of northern and central hardwoods, with
contractors employing 95 workers earning a total of $1.1
major species including sugar maple, birch, beech, oaks, and
million in annual payroll; and 84 sawmills and planing mills
hickory. The dominant conifers are hemlock and white pine,
employing 813 workers earning a total of $11.2 million in
while red pine and pitch pine grow on sandy outwash soils,
annual payroll. A breakdown of other lumber and wood
and red maple grows on wetter sites. Northern white cedar
products manufacturing establishments in 1984 reveals:
is also significant. Fruit-bearing trees make this a popular
millwork, plywood and structural members (123 establish-
area for apples and small fruits. The woodlands are used for
ments), wood containers (39), wood buildings and mobile
growing wood used in products and for hunting and other
homes (8), and miscellaneous wood products (90). Paper and
recreational activities, although the use of woodland for
allied products manufacturers totaled 304 establishments
residential development is becoming increasingly popular.
employing 27,128 workers earning a total of $590.1 million
Farther to the west, in Berkshire County, northern hardwood
in annual payroll. These establishments included 37 paper
and spruce-fir forest vegetation emerges. On the better drained
mills, seven paperboard mills, 145 miscellaneous converted
soils of the hills and ridges, sugar maple, yellow birch,
paper products manufacturers (envelopes, sanitary paper
American beech, red spruce, and eastern hemlock are also
products, paper coating, and glazing, etc.), and 110 paper-
common. Total growing-stock for all species of timber in
board containers and boxes manufacturers. The value of
Massachusetts in 1985 was 4.7 billion net cubic feet (ncf),
nonfuel mineral production in Massachusetts in 1985 was
produced on some three million acres of timberland. The
$114.5 million, setting a record-high for the third consecutive
growing-stock total included 3.3 billion ncf of sawtimber, 1.3
year. The state's leading commodities were construction sand
billion ncf of poletimber, and 6.8 million ncf of sapling-
and, gravel and crushed stone. Their combined output
seedling. This total included three billion ncf in hardwoods
accounted for approximately 80% of the total value of nonfuel
and 1.7 billion ncf in softwoods. Leading hardwoods in
mineral commodities in 1985. From 1982 to 1985, nonfuel
Massachusetts in 1985 were: soft maples (900.2 million ncf),
mineral production increased overall by 28.2%, from $89.3
northern red oak (573.8 million ncf), sugar maple (190.3
million in 1982 to $95.7 million in 1983, and $107.3 million
million ncf), and white ash (150.1 million ncf). Among
in 1984. The 1984 total marked the first time the value of
softwoods the most abundant in growing-stock were: white
nonfuel mineral output in the state exceeded $100 million.
pine (1.1 billion ncf), hemlock (372 million ncf), pitch pine
During the 1970s, the combined production of construction
(78.2 million ncf), spruce/fir (75.2 million ncf), and red pine
sand and gravel and crushed stone averaged 25 million tons
(17.6 million ncf). Hardwoods included 1.9 billion ncf in
per year. However the annual average declined to about 20
sawtimber, 1.1 billion ncf in poletimber, and 42.2 million ncf
million tons during the first five years of the 1980s. Production
in sapling-seedling. Softwoods produced 1.4 billion ncf in
of construction sand and gravel increased by 24.2% from 1982
sawtimber, 242.2 million ncf in poletimber, and 21.5 million
to 1985, while the total production value for this commodity
ncf in sapling-seedling. Statewide, timberland growing-stock
was up by 37.8% over the same period. Crushed stone
included 1.7 million acres of sawtimber, 1.1 million acres of
production value showed a 26.6% increase from 1982 to 1985,
poletimber, and 210,540 acres of sapling-seedling. Of all
while production increased 2.9% over the four-year period.
classes, oak/hickory accounted for 921,711 acres of timberland
Crushed stone production in 1982 was 6.9 million tons, and
to lead the state. Other predominant classes were white/red
increased to 7.7 million tons in 1983 and 8.4 million tons in
pine (790,607 acres), northern hardwoods (677,547 acres),
1984. In 1985, production of this commodity declined by
oak/pine (258,548 acres) and elm/ash/red maple (131,169
15.4%, to 7.1 million tons. Production value continued to
acres). In the state's leading timberland counties, Worcester
increase each year during the period, however, from $33.5
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
17
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
million in 1982 to $36 million in 1983, $39 million in 1984,
income tax) in Massachusetts, showing receipts of almost $696
and $42.1 million in 1985. Sand and gravel construction
million and a total annual payroll of nearly $184 million. An
reached 14.9 million tons in 1985, after reaching levels of 12
additional 100 such establishments existed but were exempt
million tons in 1982, 10.4 million tons in 1983, and 14.2 million
from federal income tax. Of the 904 taxable establishments,
tons in 1984. The total value of construction sand and gravel
212 were listed as hotels, 47 as trailer parks or campsites for
produced increased steadily from $34.4 million in 1982 to $36.2
transients, and 112 as rooming and boarding houses. Since
million in 1983, $42.1 million in 1984 and $47.4 million in
1985 and the beginning of the "Spirit" campaign, the Division
1985. Clay production in 1985 reached 264,000 tons, valued
of Tourism has published a guide listing some 130 bed-and-
at $1.3 million. The 1985 production total was 26% above
breakfast establishments, guest houses, and small inns
the level reached in 1982, with total value up 18.1%. Lime
throughout the state. For skiers, another state guide lists 59
production increased by 26.7% from 1982 to 1984, then
downhill and cross-country ski areas. Whale watchers may
experienced a slowdown in production, dropping from 171,000
request a listing of 21 whale-watch operators. Transportation
tons in 1984 to 108,000 tons in 1985. Similarly, the value of
in Massachusetts is readily available by land, sea, and air. The
total lime produced increased from $9.4 million in 1982 to
state is served by 11 foreign air carriers, 19 national air carriers,
$10.7 million in 1983 and $12.4 million in 1984, before
and 12 regional air carriers. Some seven ferry lines operate
dropping to $7.8 million in 1985. Estimates for dimension
as the seasons permit to provide convenient travel between
stone production show 1985's output of 65,000 tons to be
the mainland, the Cape, and the various islands. In addition
27.5% above the 1982 total of 51,000 tons. Total value of
to the expected car rental agencies, bus lines, and commuter
dimension stone produced in Massachusetts in 1985 reached
trains, the state offers three special excursion trains and
$14.6 million, which is 39% above the $10.5 million value
Boston's subway system. According to the Greater Boston
reached in 1982. Massachusetts had no operating coal mines,
Convention and Visitors Bureau, Boston is one of the nation's
oil wells, or natural gas wells in 1983.
top five visitor destinations. It is also a worldwide center for
conventions and tradeshows that relate to the sophisticated
TOURISM Visitors and vacationers, responding to the
arenas of medicine, higher education, and high technology.
historical and recreational charms of Massachusetts, provide
The city added 5,000 new hotel rooms from 1981 to 1985,
the state with its second largest industry. According to a
bringing Greater Boston's total to more than 19,000. The city,
University of Massachusetts report, the Bay State hosts over
home to some 1,900 restaurants, opened its World Trade Center
20 million travelers every year (early to mid-1980s). The
in January 1986 and plans to open its new Hynes Convention
Massachusetts Division of Tourism is part of the Department
Center in January 1988. The facility, a complete renovation
of Commerce and Development, which is under the state's
and expansion of the older Hynes Auditorium, is designed
Executive Office of Economic Affairs. The division launched
to accommodate 22,000 visitors.
its "Spirit of Massachusetts" campaign in fiscal year 1984
to promote tourism in the state through media ads, tourism
GAMBLING The state of Massachusetts is involved in
guides, a variety of other printed materials, mini-vacation
gambling through two agencies: the State Racing Commission
packages, nine tourist information booths, and financial aid
and the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. Regulation
to the state's local tourist councils. The division's budget
of all horse, dog, and harness racing in the state, including
totaled over $7.7 million in fiscal year 1984, placing it third
the regulation of calculation on odds for payment of winnings,
in the nation among state appropriations for tourism. The
is the responsibility of the State Racing Commission. It also
budget remained third in 1985, increasing 22.8% to just over
licenses the track, the jockeys, the trainers, and the horses.
$9.5 million, but dropped to seventh in 1986, decreasing 2.7%
The Lottery Commission is under the chairmanship of the
to $9.29 million. Of the 1986 total, $1.8 million was appropri-
State Treasurer, and administers the state's lottery games,
ated for use by local tourist councils. The governor's 1987
including the Weekly Game, the Numbers Game, and the
budget recommends an appropriation of $2 million. For fiscal
Instant Game. Within the Lottery Commission is the
year 1986/87, the state lists 13 regional tourist councils. The
Charitable Gaming Division which supervises the conduct
"Spirit" campaign is thus conducted at statewide, regional,
and operation of Beano (bingo) games across the state.
and local levels, promoting springs and summer travel,
Funding for the Arts Lottery is raised through revenues from
downhill and cross-country skiing, seasonal lodging packages,
the Megabucks Game and is handled by the Lottery
international fly/drive packages, holiday shopping and events,
Commission. In 1985, the State Racing Commission directly
cooperative programs with private industry, group travel, and
supervised thousands of individuals and collected over $39
special events and activities such as fall-foliage tours and
million in revenue while expending $2 million. Racing exists
whale-watching trips. As a result, from the bays to the
at five commercial tracks in Massachusetts. Harness racing
Berkshires, tourism represented just over $5.65 billion in travel
can be found at the Foxboro Raceway (Commonwealth Sports
expenditures, almost $1.195 billion in travel-generated payroll,
Properties, Inc.) in Foxboro, running horse racing (thorough-
and 91,223 travel-generated jobs in 1985. State and local tax
bred) at Suffolk Downs in East Boston, and dog racing at
receipts generated by tourism in 1985 totaled $252.5 million.
Wonderland Greyhound Park in Revere, Massasoit Grey-
Of total tax revenue from tourism, room occupancy taxes
hound Park in Raynham, and Taunton Greyhound Park in
represented $29.6 million in 1984, rose to $31.9 million in 1985,
Taunton. Racing fairs were held at two locations in the 1985
and promised to reach an estimated $40.2 million in 1986 and
summer months. The Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden
$51 million in 1987, according to the 1986/87 governor's
Agricultural Society sponsored racing in Northhampton in
budget. The 1982 U.S. Census of Service Industries reported
the western part of the state, and the Marshfield Agricultural
904 hotels, motels, and other lodging places (subject to federal
and Horticultural Society provided racing in Marshfield.
18
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
Statewide racing attendance fell slightly from 1984 to 1985,
Most cities and towns which allow the sale of alcoholic
from 4,466,002 to 4,363,834. Suffolk Downs had the highest
beverages have established boards or commissions which act
attendance in 1985 with 1,279,553. Wonderland Greyhound
as local licensing authorities. The Massachusetts Alcoholic
Park had the second highest attendance in 1985 with
Beverage Control Commission has final approval for all retail
1,057,285. Greyhound racing as a whole, drew more than half
license applications in the state. The Commission licenses and
the state's racing fans in 1985, the three tracks having a
regulates all manufacturers, distillers, wholesalers, importers,
combined attendance of 2,441,772. Suffolk Downs had a
and liquor transportation companies which operate in
considerably higher pari-mutuel handle in 1985 than any other
Massachusetts. The legal drinking age in Massachusetts was
racing facility in the state, with a total of $204.6 million.
changed by law from 20 to 21 on June 1, 1985. The taxation
Wonderland Greyhound Park had the second highest pari-
of alcoholic beverages is regulated by the Massachusetts
mutuel handle with $137.7 million. Though overall attendance
Department of Revenue. In 1985, malt was taxed at a rate of
had dropped slightly, the 1985 pari-mutuel handle was higher
$3.30 per 31 gallon barrel; cider, 3% to 6% alcohol by volume,
than the 1984 handle, $565.2 million to $540.7 million. The
at the rate of .03 cents per wine gallon; still wine, 3% to 6%
$39.9 million Racing Commission revenue total in 1985
alcohol by volume, at the rate of 55 cents per wine gallon;
showed a clear gain from the $37.5 million earned in 1984.
sparkling wine, at the rate of 70 cents per wine gallon;
A large part of the Racing Commission's responsibilities are
alcoholic beverages, 15% or less alcohol by volume, at the
in the area of maintaining standards and regulations, which
rate of $1.10 per wine gallon; and alcoholic beverages more
in turn ensure public trust. In the period of 1983 to 1985, a
than 15% alcohol by volume, at the rate of $4.05 per wine
marked increase in regulatory activity took place. Board of
or proof gallon. The net tax collected on alcoholic beverages
Judges/Stewards hearings rose from 626 to 852, and Racing
during fiscal year 1985 totaled $83,195,000, which was a .4%
Commission hearings rose from 36 to 90 in this time span.
decrease from 1984. A total of 1,202 tax returns were filed
Sanctions rose as well. The number of fines issued went from
on alcoholic beverage excise in calendar year 1985.
429 to 594 and suspensions from 197 to 250. The first
Massachusetts State Lottery was drawn on April 6, 1972 and
DEFENSE The state's Military Division serves as the militia
has since seen a prolific gain in popularity. The Lottery
of the state and consists of the Army National Guard and
achieved a significant landmark in 1985, when for the first
the Air National Guard. The Military Division comes under
time total sales topped the $1 billion mark, attaining a final
the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth's Executive Office of
total $1,003,788,786. This was a 38% increase over 1984. These
Public Safety. Total authorized strength for the state's militia
sales enabled the Lottery to return a record $341 million to
is 15,000, including 12,000 for the Army National Guard and
the Commonwealth's cities and towns. In 1985, the Massa-
3,000 for the Air National Guard. The militia is organized
chusetts Lottery was number one in the nation in per capita
for state defense, national defense, and other emergencies.
sales. Highlights were found in Instant Games sales, which
War records may be obtained from the Military Division,
increased more than 100% in 1985, the Megabucks Game,
which has an archives division that maintains records up to
the most successful "lotto" games in the country in 1985 with
and including the American Revolution. The Massachusetts
average sales of nearly $9 million per week, and the Numbers
Army National Guard has 64 armory locations throughout
Games, which had a sales increase of $1 million per week over
the state. Divisional units and their respective headquarters:
1984. Contributing factors for this success can be seen in the
the 26th (Yankee) Infantry Division (Boston); 1st Squadron,
Lottery Commission's strategy to make the Lottery more
26th Cavalry (Reading); 101st Engineer Battalion (Reading);
accessible to the public and to create more attractive games.
126th Signal Battalion (Reading); 26th Infantry Division
In 1985, the 4,000th on line computerized terminal was
Support Command (Boston); 114th Medical Bata Battalion
installed (1,119 installed in '85 alone), along with a new point-
of-sale program. Development and implementation of a direct
(Boston); 726th Maintenance (Natick); 26th Supply Transport
distribution and telemarketing system for the disbursement
Battalion (Framington); 1st Brigade, 26th Infantry Division
of Instant Games to the sales agents greatly facilitated rapid
(Westover Air Force Base); 1st Battalion, 101st Infantry
ticket delivery in 1985. In response to constant requests from
(Dorchester); 1st Battalion, 104th Infantry (Chicopee); 1st
avid players, a Megabucks Season Ticket subscription pro-
Battalion, 181st Infantry (Worcester); 1st Battalion, 182nd
Infantry (Melrose); 1st Battalion (Worcester); 2nd Battalion
gram was introduced in October, 1985. In 1985, more than 80
players collected jackpot prizes of $1 million or more. The Lot-
(Mech), 181st Infantry (Whitinsville); 26th Infantry Division,
tery has seen an increase in revenue every year since it began
Artillery (Rehobeth); 1st Battalion, (105 mm Towed) 101st FA
operation. The Lottery's Beano Control Division was renamed
(Boston); 1st Battalion (105 mm Towed) 102nd FA, (Lynn);
the Charitable Gaming Division in 1985. This Division is in
and 1st Battalion (155 mm 8 inch SP) 211th FA (New Bedford).
charge of regulation and control of Beano, the collection of all
Non-divisional units include: the STARC, Detachment 1
taxes imposed on charitable wagering, sale of Charitable Game
(Camp Edwards); 215th Army Bank (Fall River); 685th Mili-
Tickets, and regulation and control of certain Las Vegas Nights.
tary Police Battalion (Buzzards Bay); 181st Engineer Co, CSE
Gross receipts for 1985 totaled $264 million. The number
(Whitman); 1059th Medical Detachment, Air Ambulance
of Beano games remained relatively the same from 1984. Dur-
(Westover); 65th Medical Detachment, Field Ambulance,
ing any one week in 1985 over 175,000 players were attending
(Camp Edwards); 1058th Transportation Company (Hing-
games at one of the state's 875 licensed Beano organizations.
ham); 704th Transportation Detachment (Boston); 426th ATC
Platoon (Camp Edwards); the 180th Engineers Detachment
ALCOHOL Each town and city in Massachusetts has the
(Camp Edwards); and the Massachusetts Military Academy
option to allow or to prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages.
(Reading). The Massachusetts Air National Guard population
includes a total of 308 officers and 2,492 enlisted personnel.
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
19
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
Additionally, the various bases, stations and support centers
encompass a total of 149 acres of land. Four Air Force
have a combined full-time work force of 948 personnel. The
installations are engaged in research and development
state's Air National Guard is headquartered at the Otis Air
activities: the 10-acre Sagamore Hill Research Annex in
National Guard Base, located on Cape Cod, and the Wessesley
Hamilton, the 60-acre Maynard Research Site in Maynard,
Air National Guard Station. Headquarters for the 102nd
the 10-acre Sudbury Research Site in Sudbury, and the six-
Fighter Wing is located at Otis ANGB, with two runways and
acre Prospect Hill Research Site in Waltham. Two installations
ramp space capable of serving all USAF aircraft. Head-
function primarily as communications centers: the 100-acre
quarters for the 104th Tactical Fighter Group is located at
Westover Communications Annex in Granbury and the
Barnes Municipal Airport, with two runways at Westfield.
97-acre North Truro Communication Annex in North Truro.
Headquarters for the 253rd Combat Information Systems
The North Truro Air Force Station in North Truro is a 134-acre
Group and the 267th Combat Information Systems Squadron
radar electronics site. Its authorized manpower includes eight
is located at the Wessesley Air National Guard Station. The
military and six civilian personnel. Three contractor-operated
101st Tactical Control Squadron and the 212th Engineering
Air Force production installations operate in Massachusetts:
Installation Squadron are both located at the Worcester
the 49-acre Air Force Plant 28 in Everett, producing jet
ANGS in Worcester. Other Air National Guard units stationed
engines; the 18-acre Air Force Plant 29 in Lynn, producing
at Otis ANGB include the 567th Air Force Band, with one
jet engines; and the 232-acre Air Force Plant 63 in North
officer and 35 enlisted personnel; the 102nd Weather Flight,
Grafton, producing aircraft forgings.
with three officers and 10 enlisted personnel; and the 202nd
Weather Flight, with three officers and 16 enlisted personnel.
VETERANS According to the federal government, the
number of veterans living in Massachusetts in 1983 totaled
FEDERAL DEFENSE The U.S. Army has four active
714,000. Of these, 9,000 were veterans of World War I, 312,000
military installations in Massachusetts. Also, Camp Edwards,
were veterans of World War II, 132,000 were veterans of the
classified as an "inactive" federal military base, is currently
Korean conflict, and 172,000 served in the Vietnam era.
utilized by the state's Army and Air National Guards, as well
Peacetime veterans totaled 122,000. Twelve percent of the
as by the U.S. Coast Guard. Including Camp Edwards, these
state's population have served in the armed forces. Registered
five military installations have a total of 20,205 acres of land,
veterans were paid a total of $803 million in benefits in 1983,
with 17,835 total military and civilian personnel in fiscal year
including $450 million in compensation and pensions.
1985. Fort Devens, in Ayer, is a 9,380-acre intelligence training
Education and training for veterans totaled $30 million and
facility. Its authorized manpower includes 5,632 military and
$267 million was spent on their medical services. Insurance
1,761 civilian personnel. The South Boston Support Activity
and indemnities for veterans totaled $42 million in 1983. On
installation in Boston is a 14-acre reserve training and defense
the state level, Veterans Services is a division of the Executive
logistics agency supply facility, with an authorized manpower
Office of Human Services. It is a financial assistance program
of 195 military and 1,690 civilian personnel. The Army has
which provides medical, financial, and service benefits based
two research and development activities installations in
on need. Most of the medical and financial assistance is
Massachusetts. The Natick Research and Development Center
administered locally by veterans agents stationed in each city
is an 81-acre facility with an authorized manpower of 175
and town in the state. As of 1987, the cities and towns are
military and 1,237 civilian personnel. In Watertown, the
reimbursed by the Commonwealth for 75% of their expendi-
Materials Technology Laboratory is located on 48 acres, with
tures. In fiscal year (FY) 1986, approximately 5,800 veterans
an authorized manpower of 16 military and 664 civilian
received these benefits. A second benefit program provides
personnel. The U.S. Naval Air Station at South Weymouth
a $500 annual annuity to veterans who are blind, paraplegic,
is a 2,248-acre reserve air training installation, with an
or double amputees. Veterans Services offices also provide
authorized manpower of 895 military and 194 civilian
referrals, counseling, and assistance in obtaining Federal
personnel. Two contractor-operated naval installations also
compensation and home loans. In FY 1985, Massachusetts
operate in Massachusetts. The Naval Weapons Industrial
veterans were assisted by Veteran Services staff in obtaining
Reserve Plant at Bedford is a 79-acre research and develop-
$65 million in federal funds. Between July, 1983 and December
ment facility for missiles and aircraft. The Naval Industrial
1986, Veterans Outreach Centers were opened in seven
Reserve Ordnance Plant at Pittsfield is a 31-acre production
locations around the state. Each center is designed to provide
facility for missile components. Sixteen installations operating
a wide range of services, including group therapy, drug and
in Massachusetts on a total of 10,017 acres have connections
alcohol counseling, crisis assistance, and treatments for post-
to various U.S. Air Force operations. Hanscom AFB in
traumatic stress disorders. Each center serves about 3,000
Bedford is a 790-acre electronics systems division of the Air
veterans per year. An Agent Orange Program was funded in
Force Systems Command. Its authorized manpower includes
1984, and administered by Veterans Services. An estimated
2,120 military and 2,924 civilian personnel. Westover AFB in
70,000 Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans were exposed to the
Chicopee is a 3,188-acre Air Force Reserve Tactical Airlift
herbicide. The program was expanded in each of the two
Wing facility. Its authorized manpower includes 31 military
following years. The program has two main components. The
and 662 civilian personnel. The Otis Air National Guard Base
first is funding for medical and statistical research. According
in Granby is a 5,151-acre reserve training base installation.
to the governor's Budget Report, this funding in 1985 helped
Air National Guard activities are the main function at
establish for the first time a statistical relationship between
Wellesley Air National Guard Station in Wellesley, the Barnes
death due to certain types of cancer and Vietnam Veterans.
Municipal Airport in Westfield, and the Worcester Air
The second component is direct services to Vietnam veterans
National Guard Station in Worcester. These three facilities
who were exposed to Agent Orange. Additional support is
20
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
being given to veterans through job training programs. A
Staters were paying 5.6% above the national average in 1970,
federal grant is matched by state funds in an effort to help
and by 1979 were paying a whopping 24% over the norm.
some 30,000 unemployed or underemployed veterans in
Between 1981 and 1984, the tax burden dropped from being
Massachusetts. Pre-vocational and vocational assessment,
the nation's seventh highest to the 22nd highest. By 1984, the
vocational counseling and aptitude testing are part of the
tax burden was one percent below the national average. The
program. More than $13 million was appropriated to Veteran
Commonwealth collected a grand total of $8.6 billion in
Services in FY 1987, including close to $100,000 to develop
revenues in budgetary funds in fiscal year 1985, 75% of which
a new program that will serve the estimated 50,000 Bay State
were collected through taxes. The income tax alone amounted
veterans who may be suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress
to over 33% of total revenues. Sales tax and income tax
Disorder as a result of combat.
together made up 53% of the total. Massachusetts state
individual income tax collections are higher than other states.
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES In 1985, the federal govern-
In 1984, income tax amounted to $384.23 per person,
ment had direct expenditures or obligations in the state of
compared to the national average of $199.54. It was the fifth
Massachusetts of $22.5 billion, $3,695 per capita. This
highest in the nation. While Massachusetts income tax
included $8.6 billion by the Department of Defense. The
provided 50 cents for every tax dollar in 1984, the national
federal government provided $3.3 billion in grant awards and
average was 30 cents. The Tax Reform Act of 1985 was
paid $1.95 billion in salaries and wages. Direct payment to
legislated to provide a significant cut of lower and middle
individuals totaled $8.9 billion, including $6.4 billion in
income taxpayers, and also to simplify the tax system. The
retirement and disability payments. Massachusetts' businesses
reform was made possible, in part, by the economic boom
were awarded $8.3 billion in federal procurement contracts.
enjoyed by the state in the 1980s, creating a situation of higher
The federal government also provided $85.7 million in direct
income, thus more revenues. The major reform in the Act
loans, $1.2 billion in guaranteed loans and insurance, and
ended the 7.5% state surtax on wages, salaries, and other
$65.5 million in other expenditures or obligations.
"earned income", reducing tax rates to a flat 5%. The schedule
of tax cuts was such that the surtax was cut in half in fiscal
TAXES From the early days when "No taxation without
1986 (making the rate a flat 5.185%), and then completely
representation," erupted from Bay State citizens, Massachu-
eliminated in 1987 and thereafter. This component alone is
setts has been deeply involved in tax issues. In the first half
estimated to save taxpayers $285 million when fully effective.
of the 1980s, this involvement took the form of two major
The tax reform package was also aimed at lessening the income
pieces of tax legislation: Proposition 2 1/2, and the Tax
tax burden on those with limited ability to pay. This was done
Reform Act of 1985. Since peaking in 1977, when $138.19 of
by replacing uniform personal exemptions with a system of
every $1,000 of Massachusetts personal income was siphoned
declining exemptions. The declining personal exemption
into state and local coffers, the individual tax burden has
schedule, which took effect in fiscal 1987, was meant to ensure
dropped in each successive year. By 1984, $104.81 out of every
that the benefits of tax relief would be distributed more in
$1,000 of personal income went toward state and local taxes.
proportion to need than the surtax repeal would have allowed.
The turning point in these reductions came in 1980, when,
For instance, instead of having a standard across-the-board
by state referendum, Proposition 21/2 was passed. Though
amount for personal exemptions, regardless of income, the
the bill touched several areas of taxation, it most strongly
new law allows larger personal exemptions for those with lower
affected property tax and motor vehicle excise tax. Under
incomes than for those with higher incomes, who, theoreti-
Proposition 2 1/2, cities and towns cannot impose prop-
cally, are not as affected by such items. Under the old law,
erty taxes that exceed 2.5% of full property values. By
all single filers were entitled to a $2,200 personal exemption
1986, all cities and towns had achieved this level. Auto excise
when making out their tax forms, regardless of whether the
tax was reduced from $66 per $1,000 of valuation to $25 per
individual made $10,000 or $50,000 per year. Under the new
$1,000. These two taxes had combined for 50% of the total
law, single filers who make up to $6,000 per year can claim
state and local tax revenue in 1970, but amounted to only 34%
an exemption of $3,800. The exemption amount gradually
in 1984. From 1981 to 1982, the first year the Proposition took
decreases as income levels increase, to where a filer who makes
effect, revenue from property and auto excise taxes dropped
$40,000 or more reaches the minimum level of a $600 personal
a significant 6%. It is estimated that between fiscal 1982 and
exemption. For the very poor, the state also doubled the
1984 (the last year of property tax reductions for cities and
minimum "no tax" thresholds. This will exempt an additional
towns), Massachusetts taxpayers had their property taxes
(over the 1983 figure) 250,000 low income filers from paying
lowered by $488 million. Under the terms of Proposition 2
state income tax in 1987. The Tax Reform Act of 1985 also
1/2, the tax can now be increased by 2.5% of the prior year's
simplified the tax form for some groups. Married-filing-
levy plus 2.5% of the value of new properties. In the first year
jointly taxpayers were given a much simpler formula with
of institution, Bay State taxpayers saved $145 million in auto
which to figure their deduction for second incomes, deter-
excise tax. One unique feature of Proposition 2 1/2, included
mination for the no tax status became much simpler, and the
to gain renters' support when the bill was put on the state
package spared a significant number of individuals who owed
ballot, is the renter's deduction on state income taxes. Tax
no taxes the trouble of filing at all. When the tax reform
filers may deduct half of the rent they pay on their primary
package was put into full force, the tax group ticketed to save
residence, up to a maximum of $2,500. Between 1981 and 1982,
the most by percentage was the single filer making between
the overall state and local tax burden on individuals dropped
$10,000 and $20,000; that filer would save 33.4%. Second to
a sharp 7.7%. This reform has dramatically shifted Massa-
income tax in generating state revenues is the sales and use
chusetts' tax standing in comparison to other states. Bay
tax. The Commonwealth imposes a 5% tax on retail sales and
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
21
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
a 5% use tax on storage, and use or other consumption of
television station, NBC affiliate WBZ Channel 4, commenced
certain tangible properties brought into the Commonwealth.
operations in 1948, only seven years after the inception of
Exempt from sales and use taxation are water, electricity, gas,
commercial television. Boston's WMEX had had experi-
steam, telegraph and telephone, most clothing, food,
mental television as early as the mid-1930s. Today, the state
prescribed medicine, produce and materials used in food
has 12 commercial television broadcasters and three noncom-
production, machinery, tools, materials and fuel used in
mercial/educational broadcasters. Among these are two
certain industries, and property subject to other excises. Sales
Public Broadcasting Stations (PBS), WGBY in Springfield,
and use tax made up 23.3% of the Commonwealth's revenues
and its parent station, WGBH in Boston. Though the state
in fiscal 1985. Sales tax income increased nationwide from
is home to many prestigious and respected media institutions,
1970 to 1984 by 117%, while in the Bay State it more than
the standard bearer in Massachusetts today might well be
tripled. However, sales tax makes up far less of Massachusetts'
public television. In 1982, WGBH (whose call letters are an
tax revenue (22% in 1984) compared to the nation's average
acronym for the Great Blue Hill where the station's first
per state (34%). Collections of regular sales tax were fore-
transmitter was located), won ten Emmy Awards for excellence
casted to increase by 14.6% in fiscal year 1986 and another
in television broadcasting. In 1964, WGBH won an Oscar for
11.2% in fiscal 1987, both signs of a robust economy. The
its film production of the life of poet Robert Frost, "A Lover's
third highest percentage of tax dollars is brought in through
Quarrel With The World". In 1983, after six years of work,
corporate income tax. Business corporations, other than
WGBH finished the highly acclaimed "Vietnam: A Television
banks, trust companies, insurance companies, public utilities,
History", which became the most watched public affairs series
railroads, and safe deposit companies, are subject to an excise
in the history of public television. WGBH is responsible for
that has an income and a property measure. The real estate
the production of many of PBS' best known, nationally run
measure was (in 1986) $2.60 per $1,000 of value, and the
programs: "Master-piece Theatre", "Nova", "Evening at
income level was 9.5% on gross income for federal taxes. There
Pops", "Frontline", "Mystery!", "The Victory Garden"
is a minimum tax of $228, and a surtax of 14%, that includes
(formerly "Crockett's Victory Garden"), and "The Living
both the income and property rates. Tax on business corpora-
Planet: A Portrait of the Earth". Four of 1985's ten-most-
tions brought the state $667.4 million in 1985, and was
watched PBS programs nationwide were produced by WGBH.
expected to increase over 20% in 1986, to $804 million. Fiscal
Public television's highest recognition of merit, the Ralph
1987 was expected to top the $900 million mark. The three
Lowell Award, is named in honor of the founder of WGBH.
growth taxes-income, sales, and corporate-accounted for
As of April 1, 1984, Massachusetts had 74 cable television
82% of all tax revenue in fiscal 1985. The $758 million increase
systems serving 174 communities and 659,000 basic sub-
in tax collections in 1985 represented the largest increase in
scribers, up substantially from September 1, 1975 when the
Commonwealth history. Since this growth occurred without
state had 42 systems serving 76 communities and 160,000 basic
a tax increase, it is seen as the result of a strong economy and
subscribers. Radio, too, has a long history in the state, with
stepped up efforts on the part of the Department of Revenue
Medford being the home of the state's first station, WGT, in
(DOR) to promote tax compliance. The DOR estimates that
1920. Boston's first radio station was founded on September
$331 million of 1985 tax collections stemmed from enforce-
19, 1921, and, as with television, it began at WBZ (AM). In
ment of the Revenue Enforcement and Protection Program
1922, WEZE (AM) was founded. Both are still in operation.
(REAP). Tax enforcement and a one time Amnesty program
As of 1985, there were 68 commercial AM and 45 commercial
(which resulted in $67 million in FY 85) are responsible for
FM stations in the state, along with 55 educational FM
an estimated 27% of the cumulative tax revenue increases in
stations. Newspapers have long been a major concern in
fiscal years 1984 and 1985, which total $564 million. The
Massachusetts. The staidness went out of Massachusetts
DOR's efforts to improve the rate of voluntary compliance
journalism in the early 18th century when James Franklin,
is based on a three-part strategy: raising the stake for tax
the brother of Benjamin Franklin, founded the New England
evaders, improving customer service for compliant taxpayers,
Courant, in which James contributed the satiric "Silence
and changing the taxpayer's attitude about evasion. Proof
Dogwood" papers. Much of the Courant's energies were spent
of these stepped up efforts are found in the 150 seizures of
jeering the dullness of its contemporaries. William Randolph
property in fiscal 1985, a 69% increase over 1984. Over 300
Hearst learned much of his early newspaper sense in the
other delinquent accounts were paid after being turned over
offices of the late-19th-century Boston Globe, where he worked
to the Seizure Unit and given 10-day warning notices. The
while a student at Harvard University in Cambridge. Hearst
longest jail sentence ever given in Massachusetts for state tax
returned to Boston in 1904 and launched the American. He
evasion was imposed in 1985, as was the highest fine (in a
later bought the then-100-year-old Advertiser. Today, three
separate case) ever for a state tax crime.
major papers are generated from Boston: the Globe, the Boston
Herald, and the Christian Science Monitor. The Globe has the
COMMUNICATION
largest circulation of any paper in New England, with a daily
With the establishment of the first printing press in the New
subscription of approximately 450,000 and a Sunday audience
World by Stephen Daye in Cambridge in 1640, the Bay State
of more than 750,000. Founded in 1872 by Martin Ballou,
began its distinguished history as a pacesetter in American
the Globe was purchased in 1877 by Charles H. Taylor whose
communications. From its earliest hymn books, to the
family still owns it today. The Herald became New England's
incendiary broadsides of the American Revolution, and the
first Sunday paper in 1826. Its circulation runs over 325,000
Transcendentalist writings of the 19th Century, to the
Monday through Friday, with a Sunday printing of over
sophisticated, high-tech media productions of the 1980s, the
275,000. The Christian Science Monitor was established in 1908
state has remained a leader. The Bay State's first commercial
by 87-year-old Mary Baker Eddy. With a daily international
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FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
circulation of over 148,000, the Monitor has earned a
1630, between Boston and Charlestown, the Commonwealth
worldwide reputation for highly regarded reporting. The paper
has developed a well-integrated infrastructure of road, rails,
has had a national edition since 1911 and an international
and ports to serve the needs of its people and industries.
edition since 1913. In accordance with the principles of
Massachusetts' early history began with fishing ventures and
Christian Science, the Monitor carries no drug, liquor, or
trade from its many harbors and ports. In 1631, the first
tobacco advertising. As of February 1984, Massachusetts had
Massachusetts-bujlt ship, "The Blessing of the Bay", was
45 daily newspapers, down from 48 in 1980. Total paid
launched by Governor John Winthrop from the new shipyard
circulation was over two million, 36% of the state's popula-
at Medford on the Mystic River. Today, there are five major
tion. Ten papers ran Sunday editions with a combined
ports through which imports and exports are handled, and
circulation of more than 1.6 million. According to the New
over 60,000 passengers travel. The state has a full complement
England Press Association, in 1986 there were 257 twice
of 14 Regional Transit Authorities (RTA). Formed in 1973 to
weekly, weekly, or bi-weeekly newspapers in Massachusetts.
establish transit organizations for cities and towns outside
One of Massachusetts' greatest contributions to modern
of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), RTAs
journalism may be Harvard's Nieman Fellowships. Agnes
have the power to contract with private operators to provide
Wahl Nieman, widow of Lucius W. Nieman who founded the
services within the region. MBTA serves the metropolitan
Milwaukee Journal, left her share of the paper to Harvard
Boston area, including cities and towns in adjoining counties.
University. In a remarkably creative use of funds, Harvard
Along the coast, several year-round ferry services are offered
established the Nieman Fellowships. The recipients of these
to Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cuttyhunk Island.
fellowships are working newsmen who gain a year-long leave
Summer ferries serve Boston Harbor Islands, Nantasket, and
from their jobs to attend Harvard and pursue the study of
Gloucester. Due to the state's relatively small geographical
their choice. Though they receive no credit, their regular
size, travel by commuter rail is a popular and efficient mode
salaries are paid by the Nieman Foundation. Having had
of transportation within the state. In 1984, Logan Interna-
America's first printing press, Massachusetts gained an early
tional Airport was ranked the 11th busiest airport in the world
place in the New World's publishing industry. By 1982, the
in passenger volume. In accordance with its commitment to
Bay State had 1,473 printing and publishing establishments,
infrastructure, the state has sponsored ground transportation
employing over 490,000 with an annual payroll of $8.86
and terminal improvements at a cost of over $2 billion. Today,
million. The Atlantic magazine (founded as The Atlantic
as during the colonial period, Massachusetts transportation
Monthly in 1857) is a Massachusetts publication respected in
system serves the needs of its citizens, the nation, and the
all quarters for its literary quality. Major publishers in the
international community.
state include the Harvard University Press (one of the largest
American university presses), Little and Brown, G.&C.
WATERBORNE COMMERCE Five major ports in Massa-
Merriam (publishers of Merriam-Webster dictionaries), and
chusetts moved 36.3 million short tons of freight and 61,060
the Houghton Mifflin Company. From William Bradford
seabourne passengers in 1983. These ports include the Port
("Of Plymouth Plantation") to Jack Kerouac ("On The
of Boston, the Cape Cod Canal, Fall River Harbor, New
Road"), the state's literary cup has flowed over with such
Bedford and Fairhaven Harbor, and Salem Harbor. The state's
notables as Ralph Waldo Emerson ("The American Scholar",
busiest waterborne commercial port is the Port of Boston,
"Self Reliance"), Henry David Thoreau ("Walden", "Civil
which handled just over 17 million short tons during the year.
Disobediance"), Nathaniel Hawthorne ("The Scarlet Letter",
Boston's imports totaled 5,397,293 short tons, with exports
"Twice Told Tales", "The House Of The Seven Gables"),
recorded at 623,046 short tons. Domestic tonnage at Boston
Horatio Alger ("Ragged Dick" and 118 other novels), Harriet
had the following breakdown: local freight, 356,932; internal
Beecher Stowe ("Uncle Tom's Cabin"), the poet Emily
receipts, 12,562; coastwise receipts 9.7 million; and coastwise
Dickinson, who put no titles on her work), Herman Melville
shipments, 921,883. The port's Main Waterfront handled
("Moby Dick"), John Dos Passos ("The U.S.A. Trilogy"),
49,420 passengers, accounting for all movement in this cate-
and John Cheever ("The Wapshot Chronicle", "Falconer").
gory in Boston in 1983. Leading products handled through
The Telecommunications Division of the Department of
Massachusetts' ports during the year were gasoline, distillate
Public Utilities is responsbile for the regulation of all common
fuel oil, residual fuel oil, coal and lignite, and other coal and
carriers that provide transmission of intelligence by electricity
petroleum products.
within the Commonwealth. Regulated carriers include all
intrastate telephone companies, telegraph companies, radio
ROADS AND STREETS Massachusetts had 33,796 miles
common carriers and other specialized common carriers. As
of highways in 1983, including 20,600 urban and 13,200 miles
of 1985 there were 13 regulated telephone companies offer-
of rural highways. Jurisdiction for these roadways was 89%
ing service within the state. Of these, American Telephone and
local, 10.7% state, and 0.3% federal. The state's percentage
Telegraph was the largest, offering service to every city and
of highways under local control is considerably higher than
town. Persons employed in the communications industry in
the national average, which is 69.6%. Massachusetts, Rhode
Massachusetts totaled 365,000 in 1982, representing 537
Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey are the only states in
establishments and an annual payroll of $934.5 million.
the United States that have more urban than rural highway
mileage. The state had 562 miles of interstate highways, and
TRANSPORTATION
5,810 miles of federal-aid highway system roads in urban areas.
Massachusetts has maintained its traditional role as a major
The state received $890 million in highway receipts from all
transportation hub for international and national commerce
government sources in 1982, a 2.1% increase from the previous
and passenger travel. Beginning with the first ferry route, in
year. Of this total, 49.6% was from road-user taxes. Highway
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
23
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
disbursements totaled $747 million in 1982, with the following
State train service, reinstituting passenger service between Ne
breakdown, by percentages: capital outlay, 33.1%; mainte-
Haven, Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts, with
nance, 26.6%; and highway police and safety, 11.9%. As of
some trains extending to New York and Washington, D.
December 31, 1985, Massachusetts had an estimated 4,551
Most of the state's railroad freight is interstate, as the poin
bridges, of at least 20 feet in length. Of these, 31.5% had
to-point distances within the Commonwealth are relative
structural deficiencies, and 2% were functionally obsolete.
short-no towns being farther than 250 miles apart-makir
In August, 1985, the state's gasoline tax rate was $.11 per
truck service advantageous to many shippers. Ten operatin
gallon, compared to the nation's $.124 average. Massachusetts'
freight railroad companies were serving Massachusetts i
outstanding highway debt in 1983 was $930 million. On June
1986. Two of these were classified as Class I Railroads (annu:
14, 1986, the state had a total of 4,328,878 motor vehicles of
gross revenues exceeding $50 million). Also, two Class ]
all classes registered. Among these were 3,334,873 registered
Railroads (between $10 million and $50 million per year) an
passenger vehicles, 388,484 trucks, 226,077 trailers, 9,146
six Class III Railroads (under $10 million annually) operat
buses, 92,524 motorcycles, and 277,774 other motor vehicles
within the state. Five of these 10 railroads operate within state
(fire apparatus vehicles, hearses, taxis, ambulances, police
outside the Commonwealth. The Boston and Main
vehicles, etc.). New car registrations in 1984 totaled 296,000,
Corporation operation is the busiest Class I carrier, operatin
a 12% increase from the previous year. Licensed drivers in
530 route miles. The other Class I Railroad, the Consolidated
Massachusetts totaled 3,679,000 in 1983, a level of 638.2 per
Rail Corporation (Conrail), operates 428 route miles. Clas.
1,000 resident population. State officials estimated some 40
II carrier operations include Providence and Worcester (7'
billion miles traveled by motor vehicle drivers in Massachusetts
route miles) and Central Vermont (55 route miles). Class III
in 1984, with 2.5 billion gallons of fuel consumed. Traffic
Railroad carriers operate a total of 192 route miles, bringing
deaths increased 12% from 1984 to 1985. In 1984, the traffic
the state's total freight railroad miles to 1,282.
death count included 637 adults and 26 children. Among
these, 121 were pedestrians. In 1985, the state recorded 687
PUBLIC TRANSIT The state had 14 Regional Transit
fatal accidents and 742 deaths. Police-reported motor vehicle
Authorities (RTAs) in October, 1985, with a membership of
accidents totaled 111,622 in 1984, including 607 fatal injury
170 cities and towns in both urban and rural areas. These RTAs
accidents and 663 deaths, 36,491 non-fatal injury accidents,
were formed following legislation passed in 1973 to establish
and 74,131 property damage accidents. Among the Common-
locally based organizations of cities and towns outside the
wealth's 2,623,000 workers age 16 and over, 80.2% traveled
Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), for the purpose
to work in a car, truck, or van. Among these, 61% drive alone.
of joining together to contract with private operators to
Of all workers in Massachusetts, 19.1% participate in a car
provide transit services within their districts. These included
pool to travel to work, and 9.3% use public transportation.
the Berkshire RTA, the Cape Ann RTA, the Cape Cod RTA,
The state's percentage of workers using public transportation
the Franklin RTA, the Greater Attleboro-Taunton RTA, the
to journey to their place of employment is above the national
Greenfield-Montague Transportation Area, the Merrimack
average, which is 6.4%. The Massachusetts Turnpike extends
Valley RTA, the Montachusett RTA, the Pioneer Valley Transit
135 miles from the New York border, west of West Stockbridge,
Authority, the Southeastern RTA, the Martha's Vineyard
and eastward through the state's southern areas to downtown
Transit Authority, and the Worcester RTA. Each community
Boston. The Turnpike has 24 interchanges within the state's
within an RTA pays the full local share for service provided
boundaries.
by the Authority within the community. The state's Intercity
Bus Capital Assistance Program (IBCAP) is a program imple-
RAIL The use of rail as a mode of transport in Massa-
mented by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transporta-
chusetts is affected by the state's relatively small geographical
"tion and Construction (EOTC). The IBCAP legislation
size, its proximity to other major industrial centers in New
provides authorization for the EOTC to buy intercity coaches
England and the Northeastern United States, and the heavy
and establish seven-year lease agreements with private bus
use of rail for commuter passenger service. Approximately
carriers based in the Commonwealth to operate regular route
35% of the rail route mileage operating within the state has
transit service. The MBTA services 78 cities and towns, with
commuter or inter-city passenger trains operating on a daily
an overall population of 2,608,638, based on the 1980 U.S.
basis, as well as freight operations. The responsibility assumed
Census. In 1984, MBTA had an active fleet of 1,002 buses,
by passenger operation authorities for capital investment and
229 streetcars, 354 rapid transit cars, 50 trackless trolleys, and
maintenance costs of rail lines is helpful in keeping many
225 commuter rail vehicles. Routes included 153 bus, five
freight services in operation without major rate increases or
streetcar, three rapid transit, four trackless trolley, and eight
external financial assistance. During the late 1800s, about 98%
commuter rail routes. Weekly passengers using MBTA totaled
of the railroad route mileage in the Commonwealth was used
589,500, with an estimated 548,200 using the basic MBTA
by passenger trains on a regular basis. Commuter service
system and 41,300 using the Commuter Rail System. Annual
within the MBTA in the Boston area, was transferred from
passengers totaled 171,200,000, including an estimated
the Boston and Maine Corporation to Amtrak on January
160,000,000 using the basic MBTA system and 11,200,000
1, 1987 in a three-year contract. Amtrak's intercity service in
using commuter rail. The system has 16.7 subway track miles
Massachusetts includes the Boston to New York/Washington
(one-way) and 48.2 track miles (one-way) of bridges (surface
and the Springfield to New Haven routes operated by the Penn
and elevated). The MBTA complies with planning and
Central Transportation Company at the time Amtrak was
programming requirements established by state and federal
established. Other lines within the "Northeast Corridor"
law. The system operates in the metropolitan Boston area,
service were discontinued in 1971. Amtrak initiated the Bay
including cities and towns in adjoining counties. The general
24
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
area served by the MBTA ranks fourth among metropolitan
administering regulations, and by setting standards. In fiscal
areas in the United States for public transportation use, with
year 1986, the state appropriated $1.38 billion to the Depart-
12.6% of its population opting for mass transit modes of travel
ment of Education, up from $1.32 billion in 1985. The state
to work. Boston is referred to as the "birthplace of American
also received $226 million in federal funds for education. The
mass transportation" by some historians, who note that such
1987 Governor's Budget requested $1.53 billion. The state also
a system was first developed in the city in 1631. The Authority
received $249 million in federal funds in 1987. In July of 1985,
operates approximately 170 local bus and express bus routes,
the Massachusetts legislature enacted a sweeping education
four trackless trolley routes, and contracts with the Boston
reform program, the Public School Improvement Act
& Maine Railroad to provide commuter rail service to outlying
(Chapter 188 of the Acts of 1985). The emphasis of the act
communities. MBTA's basic rapid transit fare in 1984 was $.60,
is divided into several components, covering equal oppor-
with additional zone fares applying to some long-distance
tunity and voluntary segregation, student achievement
routes. Bus system fare was $.50, with some suburban and
(including, for the first time, the administering of a standard
express routes up to $1.50 for longer distances. Senior citizens,
equivalency test), involvement of parents and the community,
students, school-age children, and handicapped persons have
adult education, and the upgrading of certification require-
some fare reduction rates available, and children under five
ments for teachers and administrators. Until the mid-1980s,
accompanied by an adult ride free. The system operates 20
the Commonwealth had escaped the worst effects of the
hours each day, from approximately 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., with
growing national shortage of teachers. By 1986, though,
some routes operating for limited hours. The state's
shortages in some subject areas were arising, and it was
CARAVAN commuter vanpooling program offers a statewide
projected that by 1989 shortages would be evident in most
fleet of more than 150 vans servicing thousands of Bay State
areas. The Public School Improvement Act authorizes a
commuters. This project was created in 1978 under the
number of programs designed to attract and retain higher
authority of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Trans-
caliber teachers. In 1986, the state funded $4 million to fulfill
portation and Construction. A major feature of the state's
its commitment of an $18,000 minimum salary for every
mass transit network is the variety of water transportation
teacher in the Commonwealth. Any district that accepts this
services available that allow commuting between the island
provision of the Act will receive state assistance in 1987 to
counties and mainland employment centers. A number of
bring all their teachers to this minimum level. The eligible
private ferry companies offer roundtrip commuter boat
districts totaled 291, of which 120 (40%) applied in the
service throughout the Boston Harbor area. Also, there are
program's first year. Teachers earned the $18,000 minimum
several year-round ferries offering service to Martha's Vine-
in 196 school districts in 1986. To recognize career teachers,
yard, Nantucket, and Cuttyhunk Island, as well as summer
the legislature budgeted $31.4 million for Professional
ferries to Boston Harbor Islands, Nantasket, Provincetown,
Development Grants. Districts participating are to award
and Gloucester.
funds through collective bargaining to supplement teacher
compensation. The Horace Mann Teachers Program, which
AVIATION Massachusetts had 130 United States civil and
was initiated in fiscal 1987, offers teachers the opportunity
joint-use airport facilities in operation in 1983, including 76
to take on additional responsibilities, such as curriculum
private airports. Boston's Logan International Airport,
development and the training of other teachers, for additional
ranked the 11th busiest in passenger volume in the world,
pay. As of 1984-85, the average public teacher salary in the
served 18.4 million passengers in 1984. Hanscom Field, located
Commonwealth was $24,618. This is up from $17,253 in
18 miles northwest of Boston, serves nearly 400 corporations
1979-80 and from $23,000 in 1983-84, when that state ranked
and is considered the state's premier general aviation airport
15th nationwide in teacher salaries. From 1973-74 to 1983-84,
serving the high technology industry. Takeoffs and landings
teacher salaries rose 106.7% in the Bay State, the 28th highest
at these airports totaled 1.6 million for the year, a 1% decline
state growth in that time. From 1982-83 to 1983-84 salaries
from operations in 1980. Passenger enplanements on all air
rose from $19,900 to $23,000, but the state ranking dropped
carriers totaled 8 million in 1983, compared to 7.1 million in
from 12th to 15th, reflecting the nationwide push to make
1982 and 7 million in 1980. Freight and mail shipments reached
teaching salaries more attractive. Total full-time professional
135.3 million tons in 1983, compared to 125.7 million in 1982
instructional personnel totaled 65,617 in 1983-84, down 2.4%
and 123.8 million in 1980. Active based aircraft in 1985 totaled
from 1981-82. Out of every 100 school district employees in
3,219 statewide. In 1983, there were 12,010 active pilots in the
1981-82, 60.3 were classroom teachers, the seventh highest ratio
Commonwealth. Among these, 45% were licensed as private,
nationwide. Public school enrollment in 1983 represented
26.8% as student, and 17.6% as commercial pilots.
89.29% of the school age population. Between 1982-83 and
1983-84, enrollment dropped in every grade except kinder-
COMMUNITY SERVICES
garten and first. Nonpublic school enrollment dropped as well
EDUCATION The Department of Education is governed
between 1970 and 1986, falling from 198,700 to 144,620,
by a 12-member board, and is the agency in charge of admin-
though the 1985 figure showed an increase from 138,300 in
istering laws relative to elementary and secondary education,
1980. While the number of elementary and secondary students
the distribution of federal and state funds, and the improve-
were declining, the cost of educating them was rising. From
ment of education for all public school students in the
fiscal 1972, when the per pupil cost in public schools was $964,
Commonwealth. Local and regional school committees are
through fiscal 1985, when the costs reached $3,143 per pupil,
primarily responsible for the actual operation of individual
the amount went up yearly, totaling 226%. The largest single
school districts. The department fulfills its responsibilities
year jump occurred in 1975, when costs rose 19.8%. Between
by collecting data on the condition of education, by
1984 and 1985 the costs went up 9.7%. The 1985 average
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
25
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
amount of $3,143 represents a wide range between some cities
Massachusetts degree-granting institutions of higher learning
and towns. In 1985 29 cities or towns spent under $2,500. On
totaled 125. This broke down as follows: 15 state supported
the other end of the spectrum, five cities or towns spent
two-year colleges, nine four-year state colleges, five state
between $5,001 and $10,080 per pupil. In order to create a
universities (counting the University of Massachusetts at
more even balance, the Equal Educational Opportunity (EEO)
Amhurst, the University of Massachusetts/Boston and the
Grant Program (part of the Public School Improvement Act)
University of Massachusetts Medical Center at Worcester),
was developed. For fiscal 1987, the governor's budget request
20 independent two-year institutions, 64 four-year indepen-
was for $30 million in EEO grants. The idea is to fund grants
dent colleges, and nine independent universities. The state's
for the 143 school districts in Massachusetts that were
29 institutions are under the governance of the Board of
spending less than 85% of the per pupil average on direct
Regents, a 12 member panel. The Board of Regents develops
educational services. While these 143 districts enroll 50% of
and maintains systemwide policies and standards, administers
the state's public school students, they also include 82% of
the system's budget, and approves or discontinues academic
the state's low income pupils. Eligibility is determined by
programs. Tuition levels, the setting of admissions standards,
comparing spending between similar types of school districts.
administering the state's scholarship programs, and enforcing
Districts that include only elementary schools are compared
systemwide policies on affirmative action are responsibilities
with all other elementary districts. Any district that is spending
of the Board of Regents. Enrollment in the fall of 1985 for
less than 85% of the per pupil average for its type of district
118 of the 123 public and independent institutions (five
is eligible. The 85% figure is based on a state law that requires
independent institutions chose not to respond to the state in
all districts to be within this percentage by 1989. Although
both 1984 and 1985) totaled 419,631, less than a 1% increase
EEO is designed to be a continuing program, it is expected
from the fall 1984 total of 417,339. Of that number, 185,915
that over time the new costs will diminish as communities
(44.3%) were enrolled in public institutions and 233,716
at the low end of the spending scale are brought closer to the
(55.7%) were in independent institutions. Graduate students
average and disparities between districts decrease. In 1985,
made up 15.7% of the 1985 enrollment, totaling 65,930. Of
62% of Massachusetts graduates attended some sort of post-
this amount, 73.8% were attending independent institutions.
secondary institution. The highest percentage, 21.7%,
Of the state's students seeking their first professional degree,
attended four-year private colleges. Graduates attending four
97% were enrolled in independent institutions. Of the overall
year public colleges amounted to 10.5%. Over a five-year
student population in both public and independent colleges,
period, from 1981-1985, the percentage of graduates attending
the largest number of students are undergraduates at indepen-
post-secondary schools rose gradually, while the percentage
dent universities, where 87,102 were enrolled. Fall 1985
of those who went into the work force gradually declined.
enrollment figures show that 14% more females were enrolled
Of the three types of high schools on which the study was
in higher education than males, 223,888 to 195,743. Between
based-academic school for general studies and college
July 1, 1984 and June 30, 1985, Massachusetts institutions
preparatory courses, vocational schools, and comprehensive
granted 75,714 degrees, 24,542 from the public institutions
high schools that offer academic courses and at least five
and 51,172 from the independent institutions. This compares
occupational programs-the highest percentage of graduates
to a total 74,388 the previous year. These totals show a
attending college approximately 65%, came from academic
significant increase over a 15 year period. The 1970-71 fiscal
schools. The highest percentage of graduates entering the
year produced 55,812 graduates from Massachusetts colleges
work force, more than 70%, came from vocational schools.
and universities. The 1985 breakdown of degrees is as follows:
Massachusetts high school students taking the Scholastic
14,867 associate' degrees; 39,780 bachelor's degrees; 14,470
Aptitude Test (SAT) in 1986 had a mean score of 909, slightly
master's degrees; 1,782 doctorates; 2,298 first professional
above the national mean of 906. Since 1976, Massachusetts
degrees; 2,067 post-secondary certificates or diplomas (less
students have scored very close to the national mean, scoring
than an associate's degree). The highest number of bachelor's
a 901 in 1976 (national mean of 903), an 888 in 1981 (national
degrees, 8,225, were awarded in business and management.
mean of 890), and equaling the national mean of 906 in 1985.
More master's degrees were awarded in business, 4,209, than
Though the percentage of Commonwealth residents 25 years
any other discipline, and the second highest number in
of age or older with at least four years of high school increased
education, 2,606. Independent institutions granted 12,445
from 58.5% in 1970 to 72.2% in 1980, the Governor's budget
master's, while 2,025 were awarded at public institutions.
reported that in 1986 there were as many adults lacking high
Education departments awarded the most Ph.D's, 284, while
school diplomas in Massachusetts as there are students in
the physical sciences and engineering awarded 250 and 248
school. In 1984-85, 77 programs (65 instructional and 12
respectively. Among the first professional degrees awarded,
special projects) served 28,000 adults who lacked a high school
1,366 were law degrees and 1,232 were in the health sciences.
diploma or its equivalent. Of that number, 22,400 (80%)
All but 103 were granted by independent institutions. From
lacked an eighth grade education. An average of 10,000 adults
1984 through 1986, Massachusetts increased its financial
pass the high school equivalency examination each year.
support for higher education more than any other major
industrial state. While state support for higher education
HIGHER EDUCATION Higher education in Massachusetts
nationwide increased by an average of 31% over this period,
is of statewide, national, and international significance. With
the Commonwealth increased its commitment by 51%. This
several prestigious independent institutions on both the
benefited many areas of the Board's domain, including tuition
university and college level and the state-run University of
at the state colleges and universities. Though tuition rose
Massachusetts system, the Bay State is highly rated where post-
12.5% from 1984 through 1986, Massachusetts personal
secondary education is concerned. In 1985, the number of
income grew by over twice that amount. More than 50,000
26
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
Massachusetts students yearly receive state assistance to meet
libraries at state institutions; 10 client libraries operated
all or part of their educational expenses at both independent
by the Department of Corrections, 10 client and 12 staff
and public colleges and universities. Between 1983 and 1986,
libraries operated by the Department of Mental Health, and
scholarship appropriations tripled, going from $19 million
four client and eight staff libraries operated by the Department
to $57.5 million, resulting in a yearly increase in both the
of Public Health: Three of the state's 16 county jails also
number and size of awards. By 1986, 49% of the applicants
provide library services. There are 18 Trial Court law libraries,
for General Scholarship grant awards received some financial
funded by the state through the Office of the Trial Court's
aid, as opposed to 29% in 1983. Individual recipients attend-
Chief Administrative Justice, located in 12 counties in Massa-
ing a Massachusetts state university received an average of
chusetts. The State Library, organized in 1826, is an indepen-
$610 in 1986, compared to $300 in 1983. Grants to students
dent state agency governed by a board of trustees. It provides
attending independent institutions increased 63% in the same
informational and research requirements of the state's
period. Though the General Scholarship Program is the
executive and legislative branches, and serves as a depository
primary source of aid to undergraduate students, other
for state and federal government printed documents, and
programs exist in an attempt to target specific groups of
principal resource materials on the state and local history of
students. The Adult Learner Program and the Commonwealth
Massachusetts. There are four state document depository
Scholars Program are designed to assist welfare recipients and
libraries in Massachusetts; Boston Public Library, Worcester
meritorious high school seniors respectively. A graduate level
Public Library, Springfield City Library, and the University
grant program, a state-assisted loan program for low income
of Massachusetts/Amhurst. The Massachusetts State
students, and state-funded work-study program have recently
Archives, located on land adjoining the University of Mass-
been implemented by the state. Another issue in recent years
achusetts/Boston, houses executive and legislative records
has been faculty salaries at state schools. Collective bargaining
dating back to 1629.
agreements from 1984 to 1986 helped raise salaries at state
schools to a more competitive level. In the early 1980s, salary
levels at four-year institutions were well below national
CHILD CARE As of January 1, 1987, the Office of Children
averages for similar colleges, but by 1986, these had risen to
(OFC) reported a total of 113,000 licensed day care placements
the top 20%. Also below average at the beginning of the
in the state, with 9,523 family day care homes providing care
decade were salaries at community colleges. These institutions
for more than 44,000 children and 1,855 day care centers for
saw a systemwide average increase of 27% from 1984 to 1986.
more than 69,000. This represents a rise in capacity of 2,000
The main campus of the state university system is the
places since July 1986. OFC has also developed and funded
University of Massachusetts at Amhurst. The University also
several programs offering day care for children from low-
has campuses in Boston and Worcester, the site of the
income families. In March of 1987, OFC completed its
University of Massachusetts Medical Center. The medical
network entitled Child Care Resource and Referral Program
school was established in 1962 and accepted its first class in
(CCR&R) to help parents find day care. Through this system
1970. The other two state universities are the University of
parents in any part of the state can call one of the regional
Lowell and Southeastern Massachusetts University. The origin
sites for information on day care in their area. CCR&R also
of independent colleges and universities in the Commonwealth
provides information on how parents can evaluate and
is also the origin of higher learning in America. Harvard
recognize quality day care programs. This program has served
University in Cambridge, founded in 1636, is our country's
Greater Worcester, Springfield, New Bedford, and the North
oldest post secondary institution. Three existing colleges
Shore since 1985. Greater Lowell and Boston began service
or universities in Massachusetts were founded before
in 1986. The final six programs, initiated in March of 1987,
1800.
will serve the South Shore, Hampshire and Franklin Counties,
the Berkshires, Greater Fall River, Taunton, northern
LIBRARIES The Massachusetts Board of Library Com-
Worcester County, and Brockton/Attleboro/southern Norfolk
missioners is the agency responsible for providing technical
County. Day care programs have been identified as an
assistance and distributing state and federal aid to the public
important component of the Employment and Training (ET)
libraries in the state. The Board also establishes and improves
program instituted in 1985. The average annual cost of day
library services for residents of state correctional, mental
care in 1987 is estimated to be $2,800. For a child with special
health, and public health institutions. As of January 1, 1987,
needs or an infant/toddler the cost could rise to $5,000
there were more than 422 public library facilities serving 347
annually. In order to make day care affordable and accessible,
of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. The four towns
the Department of Social Services provided $18 million for
without public library facilities receive bookmobile services
day care programs for 5,258 children. The Voucher Day Care
from the state's Regional Public Library System. Academic
program provides funding to persons involved in ET and ET
libraries are operated by 31 state-supported universities and
graduates for one year. Clients participating in the program
colleges, and 86 privately supported institutions. Special
must pay a small fee determined on a sliding fee scale. This
libraries, which are defined as those libraries maintained by
fee varies with a client's ability to pay, the type of care needed,
individual corporations, associations, government agencies,
family size, and number of children receiving care. The average
or other groups for the purpose of collecting, organizing, and
Aid to Families with Dependent Children client participating
disseminating information devoted primarily to special
in ET paid $3.85 per week, and the average client placed into
subjects, numbered 357 in 1983, according to the Boston
a job through ET paid $12.55 per week in 1986. As of April
Chapter of the Special Libraries Association. State agencies,
1985 over 80% of the children receiving voucher day care were
as of January 1987, maintained 24 resident and 20 staff
infants, toddlers, and pre-school age.
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
27
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
CHURCHES Religion and churches have played an
reduce infant deaths. A Statewide Childhood
important role in the development of Massachusett's culture
Prevention Program (SCIPP) was allocated $750,0
and society. Seeking religious freedom, a small band of
three-year grant from the federal governments' Mater
immigrants, known as "Separatists", left England aboard the
Child Health Special Projects of Regional and N
Mayflower in the fall of 1620. Establishing a settlement in
Significance, to reduce injuries among childre
Plymouth, the pilgrims formed their governmental structure
addiescents. The Services to Handicapped Children's
and way of life around their religious beliefs. From this
section served 10,000 children, from infancy to age 21, t.
beginning, a rich diversity of religious followings have become
three of the division's units: the Community Service
prevalent in Massachusetts today. Baptists, Catholics,
the Clinical Services Unit, and the Early Childhood
Methodists, Quakers, and Episcopalians are but a few of the
opment Services Unit. Combined with its programs to
religions represented. In Worcester there are 140 places of
communicable diseases, health maintenance and prev
worship with 34 denominations. In Salem alone, services can
programs, dental health services, and drug and a
be heard in French, Italian, Russian, Polish, and Spanish.
treatment programs, state health officials sought to
Churches have historical significance, also. The Old North
the Department of Health's legislative mandate, "to ma
Church-Christ Church in Boston, built in 1723, is the oldest
protect and improve the health and well-being of the pe
standing church still in use in the United States. It was from
Massachusetts had 20,000 registered licensed physici
this church that Sexton Robert Newman hung two lanterns
fiscal year 1985-86, of whom 17,500 were active. Regi
on April 18, 1775 to signal patriots across the river that the
dentists numbered 6,200, while registered dental hygi
British were coming. King's Chapel in Boston, built in 1754,
totaled 4,200. The Commonwealth had 154,251 total ni
was the first Anglican Church in America. After the
licensees registered for the year. In 1985-86, the state lic
Revolution, it became America's first Unitarian Church. In
4,634 R.N.s and 993 L.P.N.s. The state registered 7,154 lic
1980, Massachusetts had 2,945 churches with an estimated
allied health professionals, including: 4,115 physical thera
membership of 516,218 communicants, confirmed full
683 physical therapist assistants, 1,645 occupational thera
members. There were a total of 3,709,251 religious adherents.
451 occupational therapy assistants, 260 athletic trainer
The largest denominations are Catholic, Episcopalian, and
97 licensed chiropractors. In other health-related field
United Church of Christ.
state's Division of Registration reported the folld
licensing totals for the fiscal year: 1,116 dispensing optic
HEALTH CARE The Commonwealth expanded its Division
203 certified health officers, 1,979 nursing home admin
of Family Health Services programs to place a greater priority
tors, 1,466 optometrists, 8,000 pharmacists, 618 podiat
on assisting mothers and children in 1985. The Department
4,044 psychologists, and 2,051 veterinarians. The Massa
of Health's Maternal and Infant Care (MIC) Prenatal Projects
setts Department of Public Health allocated a total of $
provided medical care, social services, nutrition counseling,
million for its various programs and operations in fiscal
health care, family planning, and other preventive services
1984-85. This total included $167.3 million in state funds
to 4,000 high-risk pregnant women of low-income status in
$47 million in federal funds. Of this total, $4.4 millior
19 high-risk areas of the state. During 1985, the number of
in state funds, went for combined allocations to the C
women, infants, and children under five years of age who
missioners Office, Management Services and Ger
received supplemental nutritious food, nutrition counseling,
Counsel. The state's Center for Health Promotion
and health care referrals under the Federal Special Supple-
Environmental Disease Prevention received $1.7 mill
mental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children
including $997,916 in state funds. The Office of Local
(WIC) increased from 48,000 to 63,000. Under its Children
Regional Health was allocated $790,218, of which $715
and Youth Projects, the state screened more than 200,000
were state funds. The Commonwealth's community he
school children for postural defects, and certified more than
services received $97.9 million, including $55 million in S
900 for psychotropic drug use. The High-Risk Infant
funds. Of the $97.9 million, $55.5 million went for de
Identification Program became fully operational in 1985, and
health, $1.1 million for community health centers, $:
more than 4,000 infants born with low birthweight, congenital
million for treatment of alcoholism, and $10.5 for d
anomalies, or other high-risk conditions were identified.
rehabilitation. Environmental Health Services were alloca
Approximately 12,000 high-risk infants and members of their
$3.5 million, including $1.6 million for lead poisor
families were the recipients of community-based support,
prevention, $303,596 for radiation control, $1.3 million
education, counseling, and referral services. A Sudden Infant
food and drugs, and $244,721 for community sanitati
Death Syndrome (SIDS) Program provided a 24-hour, on-
Health care systems were allocated $8.1 million, including
call, medical and nursing counseling services network to some
million for health statistics and research, $489,514
100 families who had lost an infant from this syndrome. The
determination of need, $1.5 million for emergency med
program paid for the infant's autopsy, and developed training
services, and $4.6 million for health care quality. The Cei
and educational programs for health professionals studying
for Laboratories and Communicable Disease Control
this mysterious health problem. All of the state's Neonatal
allocated $14 million, including $5.7 million for the sta
Intensive Care units were allocated funds from the Division
Laboratory Institute, $5.8 million for communicable
of Family Health to provide discharge planning and follow-up
venereal diseases, and $2.8 million for tuberculosis cont
with community hospitals and service providers, for more than
The state operates seven hospitals equipped with a broad ra
1,500 infants and their families. A 19-member Task Force on
of clinical services intended especially to meet the needs
the Prevention of Low Birthweight and Infant Mortality made
long-term disabilities. These had a total of 5,709 admissi
a number of recommendations for the state to implement to
in 1985, with patient days totaling 663,334. Cushing Hospi
28
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
a chronic disease hospital for the elderly, was allocated
SOCIAL SERVICES Due to a resurging economy and a new
$12.7 million, while Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, which treats
employment training and placement program, the number
patients with chronic health problems having acute epi-
of Massachusetts families on welfare declined to its lowest
sodes, received $21.2 million. The Massachusetts Hospital
level in 12 years in 1985. In the Executive Office of Human
School, which offers comprehensive health and educa-
Services are the Department of Public Welfare and the
tional services to the physically handicapped, was allocated
Department of Social Services (DSS). The mission of the
$7.6 million. The state disbursed $8.3 million to Lakeville
Department of Public Welfare is to alleviate poverty through
Hospital, a facility for second offender driving under the
cash-assistance programs, shelters for the homeless, and job
influence patients, and $7.4 million to Rutland Heights
training for any recipient deemed able to work. The
Hospital, also a DUI second offender treatment facility, which
department also administers Medicaid and health services for
enlarged its facilities for an inpatient treatment plan for
the poor, the elderly, and the disabled, serving through all
adolescent drug and alcohol patients. The Tewksbury Hospital
of its services over half a million citizens of the Common-
opened a treatment center in 1985 for second offense DUI
wealth every month. Cash assistance was rendered to an
offenders and received $20.6 million. The Western
average of 237,664 recipients a month, representing a monthly
Massachusetts Hospital operates inpatient and outpatient
average of 85,356 low-income families during fiscal year 1986
programs for adults and children, seriously and terminally
through the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
ill, a palliative care unit for AIDS patients, and also, a Kamp
program. In fiscal year 1983, average monthly recipients
for Kids for able and multi-handicapped children. This
totaled 262,312, from an average monthly caseload of 91,355
hospital received $6 million during the fiscal year. The
families, showing a significant decrease over the four-year
department's network of mental health and mental
period. Another slight decrease is predicted for 1987.
retardation facilities and services includes: inpatient facilities,
Expenditures, however, have increased from $419.3 million
community residential and outpatient services, 24-hour
in fiscal year 1983 to $477.3 million in fiscal year 1986 with
emergency services, case management, family support
a prediction of $529.9 million needed for 1987. For 1984
services, and transitional housing for the homeless mentally
through 1986, benefit levels were increased by 16%, while a
ill. The department's budget for mental health services in
10% cost-of-living increase has been requested for 1987. This
fiscal year 1986 totaled $260.2 million, while $452.8 was
increase is said to be more than offset by savings due to the
allocated for its mental retardation programs. The state
employment training program, which is also credited for
operated seven mental health hospitals with a capacity to treat
producing the largest caseload decline of any industrial state
about 2,000 patients. These are located at Northampton,
during the period, 1983 to 1986. In addition, the department
Worcester, Danvers, Medfield, Westborough, Taunton, and
has lowered the AFDC error rate (measure of administrative
Metropolitan State at Waltham. The total budget for inpatient
accuracy) from one of the nation's highest in 1983 at 11.6%
services in fiscal year 1986 was $70.5 million. Other adult
to only 3% in 1985. While AFDC is a 50% federally funded
inpatient services are offered at the state's 10 community
state program that aids low-income families with an absent,
mental health centers, which had a combined inpatient census
deceased, disabled, or unemployed parent, General Relief is
of approximately 400, and a fiscal year 1986 operating cost
100% state funded and available only to those who are
total of $62.8 million. The department opened seven new
ineligible for other cash-assistance programs. These people
inpatient units in fiscal year 1986 to treat severely emotionally
are often unable to work due to a physical or mental disability.
disturbed adolescents. A variety of other mental health
The permanent residency requirement was removed in 1983,
services for adults and children are purchased through
opening the program for the first time to the homeless. The
contracts with private providers, which include counseling
caseload increased 28% between FY 1981 and FY 1984, then
programs, group homes, and day and vocational services. For
decreased from 27,931 in FY 1984 to 24,869 in FY 1986, but
the fiscal year, the department had 827 contracts for services
an increase to 25,627 is predicted for 1987. The average
worth $88.6 million. The department arranges services
monthly grant in May 1986 was $249.79, an increase of $16.49
through affiliations with community agencies to operate
over the same month in 1985. Total expenditures of $83.2
partnership clinics, and assigns agency personnel to approx-
million are predicted for FY 1987. The department's second
imately 40 clinics and their satellite offices to create
largest cash-assistance program is Supplemental Security
counseling, and emergency and case management services
Income (SSI), a federally funded program to which the state
throughout the state. The department also operates the
has elected to add its own grants (the fourth highest state total
Gaebler Children's Center in Waltham, which provides
in the nation) to the aged and disabled. The average monthly
inpatient services to 70 children under age 16, and the
caseload has increased from 103,526 in FY 1984 to 107,512
Bridgewater Treatment Center for Sexually Dangerous
in 1986. Expenditures of $107 million in FY 1984 were expected
Persons. The first state mental hospital in the country was
to increase to $114 million in 1986 and $115 million in 1987,
established in Worcester in 1833. By 1986, the state's hospital
as benefits are maintained at or above the poverty level. The
census of mentally ill patients was 2,000, with 9,000 persons
federally funded Food Stamp Program administered by the
treated in community day and residential programs. The
department issued benefits of $183 million in FY 1984 to an
department offers respite care to assist the mentally retarded
average monthly caseload of 151,789. Predictions for 1987
in periods of crisis, and allows for relief coverage for the
set benefits at only $155 million for a reduced caseload of
primary provider. Respite care is primarily directed at
136,425, though state expenditures have remained fairly steady
facilitating the placement of mentally retarded persons in the
for the làst four years at just over $11 million. The Food Stamp
least restrictive, and most "normal," living situation consistent
error rate has been reduced from 16.6% in 1982 to 6.3% in
with their individual needs.
1985. In 1982, the Department of Public Welfare funded two
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
29
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
shelters for the homeless, both in the Boston area. By 1986,
firefighter injuries, and 107 civilian deaths. November through
the department funded 51 shelters across the state, with plans
March showed the heaviest volume in 1983-84. Seventy percent
to add 10 more in 1987. Previously drawing from General
of all structure fires occurred in residential properties. Since
Relief funds, the program gained its own account in 1985,
1975, the number of reported fires in Massachusetts has
raising expenditures from over $3.5 million in FY 1984 to a
almost doubled while arson rose 154%. However, during the
predicted $12.3 million in FY 1987. The Massachusetts Office
same period, fire related fatalities have remained fairly
of Refugee Resettlement, part of the Welfare Department,
constant. There were 28,613 fires and 113 fatalities (including
provided cash and medical assistance totaling close to $17
one firefighter) in 1984, while the 14,811 fires in 1975 caused
million to an average monthly caseload of 2,519 in FY 1984.
99 deaths. Fire officials in the State Fire Marshal's Office
Predictions set 1987 expenditures at about $23.6 million to
attribute the lower rate of deaths per fire to better and more
an average caseload of 2,225. The largest single item in the
prevalent detecting devices and better public awareness on
state's budget is Medical Assistance (Medicaid) administered
ways to quickly evacuate a fire area, particularly a residence.
by the Welfare Department. In FY 1984, Medicaid recipients
The highest incidence of fatalities falls into the age groups
totalled 442,600 from a monthly caseload of 259,900, and
that are over 60 years and under 10 years of age. These groups
accounted for expenditures of over $1.077 billion. Predictions
comprised 35% of the total fire fatalities in 1984. Estimated
for 1987 totaled 435,800 recipients from a caseload of 261,400
loss due to fires in 1984 totaled $116 million. Of the 100 deaths
and expenditures over $1.237 billion. The error rate for
that occurred in fixed property fires, 100 occurred in resi-
Medicaid has been reduced to only 1.2%. The pride of the
dences. The leading cause of these fires was the careless use
Welfare Department is its Employment and Training Choices
and disposal of smoking materials, with electrical malfunc-
program which, since its inception in October, 1983, has placed
tions being the second leading cause. The highest incidences
more than 23,000 AFDC clients into unsubsidized, private-
of fires occur between Thursday and Saturday from 10 p.m.
sector, full-time or part-time jobs provided by more than 8,000
and 2 a.m. This is consistent with national trends. Forest and
state employers, and has saved the state taxpayers some $69
brush fires are an ongoing concern in Massachusetts. Due
million. Total state expenditures for the entire department in
to low precipitation levels, the Fall of 1984, in which there
FY 1985 were $1.9 billion, with predictions in the governor's
were 40 consecutive days with no rain, and the Spring of 1985
budget of $2.2 billion for 1987. Concerned with providing
were busy for the Bureau of Fire Control within the Division
protective care and services for children and families, the
of Forest and Parks. All areas of the state experienced more
Department of Social Services reported total state expendi-
fires, some of which were more difficult to extinguish due
tures of $189.1 million for FY 1985, and predicted needs of
to their deep burning character caused by the low water table
$219.7 million for 1987. Aside from providing day care for
that left the forest floor devoid of moisture. The two largest
some 23,000 children from low-income or abusive families
fires, at Monson and at Mt. October, consuming 300 to 500
in FY 1986, the department provided about 3,500 families
acres respectively, took several days to extinguish. In October
with respite care to ease the burden of caring for a
1984, 1,007 wild fires burned 2,351 acres. March and April
developmentally disabled child at home. The department
of 1985 combined for 5,434 fires consuming a total of 8,781
cooperates with the Welfare Department to serve the homeless,
acres. For fiscal year 1985, over 9,000 fires burned 14,666 acres
and funds 28 programs for battered women. Reports of child
costing $1,208,671. In an effort to help control rural wild fires,
abuse or neglect to the DSS increased by 61% from FY 1981
the Federal Rural Fire Protection Act provides additional
to FY 1985, requiring the department to expand its staff. The
funding to fire departments protecting communities of 10,000
department also handles foster care, adoption, sexual-abuse
and under. Prior to 1980-81, this funding was being spent
cases, and treatment of seriously troubled adolescents.
toward the maintenance and/or purchase of equipment. Since
1981, the emphasis has been on training personnel through
FIRE PROTECTION Arson and, in particular, automobile
an agreement with the Massachusetts Fire Academy. The
fires caused by arson, is a major concern to fire officials in
Academy provides fire training for the 198 communities in
Massachusetts. Twenty percent of all structure fires and 40%
the Commonwealth with a population of under 10,000. In
of all motor vehicle fires were attributed to arson in 1984.
1985, 79 programs in 105 communities were conducted with
Arson by type of situation showed that 65% were motor
1,575 students successfully completing the course. The Bureau
vehicle fires. Arson caused 79 civilian and 459 firefighter
maintains 43 active fire towers, from which observers detected
injuries and 24 fatalities in 1984. Overall there were 6,857
3,662 fires in fiscal 1985. Fire prevention efforts are increasing.
incidents of arson (arson defined as the combination of
In fiscal 1985, 617 Smokey Prevention Programs were
incendiary and suspicious fires), 24% of the total number
administered, reaching every Bureau district in the state. A
of fires reported to the 359 Massachusetts fire chiefs
growing concern of the State Fire Marshal's office is the
participating in the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting
number of smoke detectors and sprinkler systems in use, as
System (MFIRS) in 1984, down from 27% in 1983. Forty-
well as the maintenance of existing systems. In 98% of
four percent of Massachusetts' arson fires occurred in Suffolk
structure fires there was no sprinkler system, including 100%
County. Total structure fires numbered 10,586 in 1984, while
in residential fires. The Fire Marshal's office reports the
total motor vehicle fires numbered 11,002, of which 8,905 were
chances of surviving a fire are more than double if a smoke
automobile fires. From 1982 through 1984, the number of
detector is present and in working order. Fourteen deaths
motor vehicle fires has been higher than that of structure fires.
occurred in fires where the smoke detector was present but
Thirty-nine percent of all automobile fires were arson related.
not operational. MFIRS data indicates there is a growing
The 10,586 structure fires, 37% of total fire incidents, caused
problem with people not maintaining their smoke detectors.
$82.1 million in property damage, 688 civilian injuries, 1,468
As of August 1, 1986 there were 365 Public Fire Services in
30
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
Massachusetts. Of those departments, 61 were comprised of
1,988 men and 105 women, and 189 civilians. The state has
all career personnel, while 45 were departments consisting
21 campus police agencies, with 529 sworn officers, including
of 50% or more career personnel. The remaining 259 depart-
477 men and 52 women, and 86 civilians. The state's largest
ments were either all volunteer or had less than 50% career
campus police force is at Harvard University, which has 70
personnel. The city of Boston has one all career fire depart-
sworn officers. The Metropolitan Police are responsible for
ment. Franklin County in western Massachusetts has 30 fire
more than 300 miles'of parkways and highways. In addition,
career personnel staffed. Worcester County has the most
they patrol and enforce more than 300 recreational and
departments with 60. Every city and town has a forest warden,
historical sites. Metro Police operations include a bomb squad,
charged with the responsibility of putting out forest fires. In
a drug unit, a specially trained K-9 unit, as well as a detective
most cases the forest warden is also the chief of the fire
unit, a motorcycle patrol, harbor patrol and horse-mounted
department. The highest office of fire protection is the State
patrol. Charged with a wide range of responsibilities within
Fire Marshal's Office in the Division of Fire Protection, within
the realm of law enforcement, criminal justice and public
the Department of Public Safety.
safety, the Executive Office of Public Safety includes these
major agencies: the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner,
LAW ENFORCEMENT The Commonwealth of Massachu-
the Criminal History Systems Board, the Criminal Justice
setts, with a tradition of having one of the nations's top law
Training Council, the Department of Public Safety, and the
enforcement networks, counts on some 16,000 dedicated men
Registry of Motor Vehicles. This office also has administrative
and women to protect and serve the public safety. In 1985,
duties for the Massachusetts Civil Defense Agency, the
the state had 290 law enforcement agencies responding to the
Military Division, the Massachusetts Committee on Criminal
Massachusetts Department of Public Safety's Uniform Crime
Justice, the Governor's Highway Safety Bureau, and the
Report. These agencies were served by 14,442 sworn officers,
Capitol Police. Funding for these agencies was transferred
including 13,852 men and 590 women. In addition to sworn
from the Executive to the Public Safety in fiscal year 1986.
officers, 1,840 civilians serve the state's various police agencies.
The governor's proposed budget for fiscal year 1987 for the
The Massachusetts State Police was established on May 16,
Executive Office of Public Safety and its various agencies was
1865, making it the first statewide law enforcement agency
$110.9 million. This comprised 5.2% of the state's $10.2 billion
in the country. First known as the "State Constabulary," it
fiscal year budget. The recommended fiscal year budget for
was renamed the "State Detective Force" on February 13,
1987 included several proposals for boosting the state's agenda
1875, then named the "District Police" in 1879. The District
for law enforcement and public safety. The governor's
Police was eventually renamed the State Police, and became
recommended budget contained a proposed $8.3 million to
a major component of the state's Department of Public Safety,
relieve prison overcrowding. Another budget proposal
which was created in 1919. Today, this department is one of
recommended $3.7 million to increase and reorganize the
four divisions of the Executive Office of Public Safety, joining
Registry of Motor Vehicles' staff. Also, the governor's budget
the Military Division, the Registry of Vehicles, and Civil
plan called for 102 additional Registry officers to improve
Defense. The Commissioner of Public Safety, holding the rank
motor vehicle law enforcement at $2.79 million, with a 24 new
of superintendent, has responsibility for the executive
Registry police and 77 Registry law enforcement staff
leadership of the Division of State Police. The Massachusetts
reassigned from administrative duties to accomplish the task.
State Police enforces motor vehicle laws, fish and game
An increase in the State Police force with 100 new troopers
ordinances, and specializes in alcohol enforcements, arson
was also recommended at a cost of $2.3 million, while $100,000
investigations, accident reconstruction, and hazardous
was earmarked for roadblocks to assist police in curtailing
materials and motor carrier safety. During 1983, 1984 and
drunk driving. To help local law enforcement agencies, $160,000
1985, eight law enforcement officers were killed in the line
was recommended to continue a federal match funding
of duty in Massachusetts. Police departments from Saugus,
program, the Federal Justice Assistance Act. This program
Brockton, Barnstable, and Mansfield each recorded one
was set to provide $1.2 million in federal funds for innovative
officer killed, while two Springfield Police Department
local law enforcement programs. Additionally, the governor
officers were killed. Other agencies with officers killed in the
proposed $430,000 for a new fingerprint computer, as well
line of duty during this period were the Metropolitan Police
as $50,000 for specialized training for the Capitol Police.
and the Massachusetts State Police. During 1983, 1984, and
1985, assaults of officers totaled 6,529. With 2,261 assaults
CRIME Massachusetts had a total crime index of 254,903
of officers in 1985, the state experienced a 7.7% increase from
offenses reported to the Massachusetts Department of Public
the previous year's total. City and town police department
Safety's Uniform Crime Report in 1985, which represented
employees include 11,820 sworn officers, with 11,387 men and
a 2.6% increase from the previous year and reversed a declining
433 women, and 1,565 civilians. Capitol police has 79 sworn
crime trend that had continued for three consecutive years.
officers, with 73 men and six women. The Massachusetts Bay
The state's crime index included the following offenses: 29,699
Transit Authority has 127 sworn officers, with 113 men and
violent crimes, including 190 murders, 1,646 rapes, 10,646
14 women, and five civilians. The Metropolitan Police includes
robberies, and 17,217 aggravated assaults; and 225,204
566 sworn officers, with 554 men and 12 women, and five
property crimes, including 59,576 burglaries, 118,647 larceny-
civilians. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
thefts, and 46,981 motor vehicle thefts. The state's crime index
includes 279 sworn officers, with 262 men and 17 women.
in 1985 showed increases for the year in total violent crime
The Massachusetts State Police includes 1,042 sworn officers,
(2.6%), and total property crime (2.2%), rape (6.5%), robbery
with 986 men and 56 women, and 179 civilians. These account
(8.1%), burglary (0.5%), larceny (4%), and motor vehicle theft
for a total of 2,093 sworn officers among state agencies, with
(2%). Decreases were recorded in murder (-3.1%), and
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
31
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
aggravated assault (-1.4%). The state had 44.3 serious crimes
were male and 12.1% were female; 58.9% were white and
per 1,000 residents in 1985, showing a crime rate increase of
41.1% were non-white. Among victims, 29.1% were female
3.5%. During five years from 1981 to 1985, Massachusetts'
and 70.1% were male, while 65.4% were white and 34.6% were
rate of index crimes per 100,000 was 11.3% below the national
non-white. Of 75 murders in which males were the victim,
average. Over the five-year period, violent crime declined 3.4%
64 offenders were male and 11 were female. Of 32 murders
and property crime showed a 12.2% decrease. The state
in which females were the victim, 30 offenders were male and
recorded a 17.6% clearance rate of all index crimes in 1985,
two were female. In approximately 90% of murder cases,
compared to the 21% national rate. Approximately one-half
murder victims and offenders were of the same race. The risk
of all crime in Massachusetts in 1985 occurred in 10 of its
of being a victim of one of the seven index crimes in
largest cities. The city of Boston, with 68,073 crime index
Massachusetts is lower than the U.S. average. One in 30,267
offenses, accounted for 26.7% of the total crime reported in
inhabitants was a victim of forcible rape. One in 540
the Commonwealth in 1985. These cities recorded the
inhabitants was a victim of robbery, and one in 334 was a
following percentages of the state's total crime index offenses
victim of an aggravated assault. Among non-violent crimes,
during the year: Springfield (4.4%), Worcester (4.1%),
one in 97 inhabitants was a victim of burglary, one in 48 was
Cambridge (2.7%), Brockton (2.4%), Lynn (2.4%), New
a victim of larceny-theft, and one in 122 inhabitants (one for
Bedford (2.2%), Fall River (2.2%), Lowell (2%) and Quincy
every 86 motor vehicles registered) was a victim of motor
(1.6%). With an estimated population of 604,000 in 1985,
vehicle theft. The state's Uniform Crime Reporting Unit had
Boston's crime rate was 112.7 per 100,000 persons, with the
2,504 arson crimes reported during 1985, representing a 4.6%
following breakdown: 11,887 violent crimes, including 87
increase over the previous year. Total property loss reported
murders, 532 forcible rapes, 6,232 robberies and 5,036
from arson fires was $18.1 million, of which $12.4 million was
aggravated assaults; and 56,186 property crimes, including
structural, $5.5 million was mobile (motor vehicles, trailers,
11,470 burglaries, 26,938 larceny-thefts, and 17,778 motor
boats), and $107,039 was categorized of another type (crops,
vehicle thefts. The state's largest cities had the following crime
timber, fences, signs, etc.). Of all arsons reported, 12.7% were
index clearance rates in 1985: Boston (14.5%), Springfield
cleared by Massachusetts law enforcement agencies. Arson
(33.2%), Worcester (15.5%), Brockton (12.9%), New Bedford
cases included 1,413 (56.4%) involving mobile property, 785
(18.3%), Lowell (32.6%), Quincy (24%), Newton (9%), Fall
(31.3%) involving structures, and 306 (12.2%) involving other
River (15.3%), and Cambridge (11.6%). The state's "Crime
types of property and materials.
Clock," which is an aggregate representation of Uniform
Crime Report data reflecting the annual ratio of crime to fixed
ARRESTS Adult arrests in Massachusetts in 1984 totaled
time intervals, shows one crime index offense every two
128,568 for all offenses. Of these, 28,158 were classified as
minutes in Massachusetts. The "Crime Clock" also indicated
Part I violent crime (murder, rape robbery, aggravated assault)
the following for 1985: one violent crime every 18 minutes,
and Part I property crimes (burglary, larceny, auto theft,
including one murder every 46.1 hours, one forcible rape every
arson). The remainder were among offenses classified as Part
5.3 hours, one robbery every 49.4 minutes, one aggravated
II crimes (drug abuse violations, forgery and counterfeiting,
assault every 30.5 minutes; and one property crime every two
fraud, embezzlement, buying and receiving stolen property,
minutes, including one burglary every 8.8 minutes, one
vandalism, carrying and possessing weapons, prostitution and
larceny-theft every 4.4 minutes, and one motor vehicle theft
commercialized vice, sex offenses other than forcible rape,
every 11.2 minutes. A percent distribution of index offenses
gambling, offenses against family and children, driving under
in 1985 shows that larceny-theft accounted for 46.5% of the
the influence, liquor laws, drunkenness, disorderly conduct,
total. The remainder of index crimes as a percent of the total
vagrancy, curfew and loitering law violations, suspicion,
in 1985 were as follows: burglary (23.4%) or motor vehicle
runaways). Among violent crime arrests, 134 were for murder,
theft (18.4%), aggravated assault (6.8%), robbery (4.2%),
828 were for rape, 1,794 were for robbery, and 6,473 were for
forcible rape (0.7%), and murder (0.1%). On average, each
aggravated assault. Property crime arrests included 4,612 for
day in Massachusetts in 1985 there were 698 crime index
burglary, 12,085 for larceny-theft, 2,055 for auto theft, and
offenses, including 81 violent crimes and 617 property crimes.
177 for arson. The state had 13,408 adult arrests in 1984 for
Daily averages for particular crimes were: motor vehicle thefts,
drug abuse violations, with 12,266 arrests for the illegal sale,
129; larceny-thefts, 325; burglaries, 163; aggravated assaults,
manufacture, and/or possession of drugs. These included
47; robberies, 29; forcible rapes, five; and murder, 0.5. Murder
11,202 arrests for possession and 2,164 for sale and/or
represented 0.6% of all violent crimes reported in Massa-
manufacture of drugs. Possession arrests had the following
chusetts in 1985. Of the state's 190 murders in 1985, 29
breakdown: for opium or cocaine and their derivatives, such
occurred in June, and 20 occurred in July, making these the
as heroin and codeine (3,606); marijuana (6,254); addictive,
two months in which the most murders were committed.
synthetic drugs, such as demerol and methodones (247); and
Firearms were used in 38.4% of the murders, with handguns
other dangerous, non-narcotic drugs, such as barbiturates and
used in 31.6%. Knives or other cutting instruments were the
benzedrine (995). The state had 33,426 adult arrests for driving
weapon in 28.9%, while arson was the instrument in 4.7%.
under the influence, 1,796 for prostitution and commercialized
The state's clearance rate for murder was 71.1%, the highest
vice, 3,176 for other assaults, 1,111 for forgery and counter-
for any crime. Comparing 1985 with 1975, the state showed
feiting, 460 for fraud, three for embezzlement, 2,234 for
a 21.5% decrease in murder. The murder rate in Massachusetts
buying, receiving or possessing stolen property, 2,263 for
in 1985 was 3.3 per 100,000, which is far below the nation's
vandalism, 1,144 for weapons violations, and 996 for sexual
7.9 rate. Of all murder victims in Massachusetts in 1985, 64.7%
offenses, other than forcible rape and prostitution. In the
were between the ages of 15 and 39. Among offenders, 87.9%
state's largest city, Boston police recorded 27,629 adult arrests.
32
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
These included 2,538 for Part I violent crimes and 3,848 for
income tax. Established in 1692, the Massachusetts Supreme
Part I property crimes. Part I violent crime arrests in Boston
Judicial Court (SJC) is the oldest court in the United States,
included 59 for murder, 239 for rape, 791 for robbery, and
consisting of one Chief Justice and six Associate Justices.
1,449 for aggravated assault. Part I property crime arrests
The SJC may "hold sittings" in other places, but it is located
included 622 for burglary, 2,379 for larceny-theft, 810 for auto
at the Suffolk County Court House in Boston. The Court
theft, and 37 for arson. A grand total of 3,197 adult drug abuse
has final authority of the interpretation of the State Consti-
violation arrests were made by Boston police during the year.
tution and laws enacted by the Legislature. The Appeals Court
These included 3,194 for possession and three for sale and/or
is an intermediate court created to relieve some of the SJC's
manufacture of illegal drugs. Possession arrests included 849
caseload of final appellate decisions. This court consists of
for opium or cocaine and their derivatives; 1,502 for
a Chief Justice and nine Associate Justices, and has the same
marijuana; 76 for addictive, synthetic narcotics; and 767 for
jurisdiction as the SJC. It presently serves as the court of final
other dangerous, non-narcotic drugs, such as barbituates and
resort in Massachusetts, except in cases involving constitu-
benzedrine. Sale and/or manufacturing arrests included three
tional questions, and other deemed to be of "major signif-
for opium or cocaine and their derivatives. Boston police
icance." The Supreme Judicial Court and the Appeals Court
recorded 1,095 adult arrests for driving under the influence,
disposed a combined total of 1,163 appeals during the 1984-85
1,024 for prostitution and commercialized vice, 657 for other
court year. The Justices of the Supreme Court wrote 311
assaults, 62 for forgery and counterfeiting, 21 for fraud, 474
opinions, including 33 rescript opinions and 278 full opinions.
for buying, receiving or possession of stolen property, 363
The Appeals Court disposed of 481 appeals and published
for vandalism, 226 for weapons violations, and 125 for sexual
340 full or rescript opinions. The state's Trial Court has seven
offenses other than forcible rape and prostitution. Juvenile
departments and 92 divisions, plus a Probate Commissioner.
arrests in Massachusetts in 1984 totaled 21,928 for all offenses.
The District Court department is the largest, with 153, Justices
Of these, 1,646 were for Part I violent offenses and 7,736 were
and some 2,400 Clerk-Magistrates, Chief Probation Officers
for Part I property offenses. Among Part I Juvenile violent
and support staff working in its 69 divisions. This court is
crime arrests, 16 were for murder, 12 were for rape, 600 were
known generally as the "People's Court," and handles
for robbery, and 905 were for aggravated assault. Part I
criminal, civil and small claims matters, operating in all parts
juvenile property crime arrests included 2,720 for burglary,
of the Commonwealth, except for the central part of the city
3,674 for larceny-theft, 1,225 for auto theft and 117 for arson.
of Boston. The District Court Department disposed of 503,130
The state had 1,720 juvenile arrests in 1984 for drug abuse
criminal complaints in fiscal year 1985, of 689,748 total
violations, with 1,709 arrests for the illegal sale, manufacture,
complaints entered. The department's caseload for the fiscal
and/or possession of drugs. These included 1,429 arrests for
year had the following breakdown: total motor vehicle
possession and 280 for the sale and/or manufacture of drugs.
complaints, 442,050 (64%), including operating under the
Possession arrests had the following breakdown: 56 for opium
influence, 43,035 (6%), serious motor vehicle, 26,245 (4%),
or cocaine and their derivatives; 203 for marijuana; 14 for
and other motor vehicle complaints, 372,770 (54%); non-
addictive, synthetic narcotics; and 10 for other dangerous,
support, 13,993 (2%); larceny and fraud, 60,221 (9%); nar-
non-narcotic drugs. Sale and/or manufacture juvenile arrests
cotics, 29,503 (4%); negligent homicide, 352 (less than 1%);
had the following breakdown, statewide: 163 for opium or
disturbing the peace, 19,546 (3%); and other complaints,
cocaine and their derivatives; 1,181 for marijuana; 18 for
78,996 (12%). Total criminal complaints entered for the
addictive, synthetic narcotics; and 67 for other dangerous,
District Court increased by 38,373, or 5.9% from the previous
non-narcotic drugs. Boston police recorded 337 juvenile drug
year. The department had 235,942 new cases entered for all
abuse violations, all for possession. These included 240 for
types of non-criminal case categories for fiscal year 1985, with
marijuana; 56 for opium or cocaine and their derivatives; two
the following breakdown: civil claims cases, 51,302 (22%);
for addictive, synthetic narcotics; and 39 for other dangerous,
transfers received, 1,348 (less than 1%); small claims, 123,101
non-narcotic drugs.
(52%); violent crime victims, 463 (less than 1%); mental
commitments, 4,062 (2%); summary process cases, 1,349
COURTS The Commonwealth of Massachusetts boasts the
(8%); civil supplementary process cases, 15,686 (7%);
nation's oldest court, and currently operates with a court
Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement Support Act (federal law
system revamped and unified in 1978. In 1977, the state's
to collect child support from violators crossing state lines),
courts were decentralized in authority, and operated with 417
4,902 (2%); and spousal abuse, 16,160 (7%). District Court
separate budget systems among nine departments. Respond-
Department dispositions of non-criminal cases totaled
ing to recommendations made by the Cox Commission in
183,365 for the fiscal year. Law enforcement agencies issued
1976, the courts were unified with a single budget and a
790,609 citations for decriminalized motor vehicle violations,
consolidation of their administrative processes. The courts
and there were 104,086 clerk-magistrate hearings to dispose
are now guided and directed by the Trial Court and divided
of contested decriminalized motor vehicle complaints during
among seven departments: the District Court, the Boston
the year. Juvenile related business before district courts in
Municipal Court, the Housing Court, the Juvenile Court, the
Massachusetts include three categories: juvenile delinquency,
Land Court, the Probate and Family Court, and the Superior
children in need of services, and care and protection cases.
Court. The revised courts network calls for 279 Trial Court
During the fiscal year, juvenile delinquency complaints filed
Justices, plus retired judges working on a recall basis. The
totaled 30,834, with motor vehicle related delinquency
Trial Court also has a Chief Administrative Justice and an
complaints comprising some 24% of the total. Disposition
Administrative Justice for each of its departments. The Com-
of delinquency cases declined 9.9% from the previous year,
monwealth's courts are now financed through the statewide
with dispositions in this category continuing at near the 2,000
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
33
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
per year mark for the fourth consecutive year. Care and
increase of 56 cases from the beginning of the fiscal year
protection petitions totaled 993, with 575 of these disposed
Among the 97 active requests pending, 43.3% had beer
of by the division's courts. The District Court Division has
pending for less than 60 days. The Superior Court Department
three regional Appellate Division locations, each composed of
conducts sessions for civil and criminal cases and cases in
five justices. The Boston Municipal Court Department has
equity, on a circuit basis in 21 locations throughout the state.
the same function as the Commonwealth's district courts. Its
The department began fiscal year 1985 with 4,248 cases
criminal caseload consists of motor vehicle, domestic
pending, and ended the year with 4,037. The Superior Court
relations, and other criminal complaints, while its non-
disposed of 5,490 cases during the year. The department's
criminal caseload is comprised of civil cases, small claims,
Appellate Division, which reviews state prison sentences from
and small claims supplementary process cases. During fiscal
the several criminal sessions of the Superior Court, began the
year 1985, 9,093 criminal complaints at trial were disposed
fiscal year with 429 sentences pending review. During the fiscal
of by this court. At the beginning of the fiscal year, 542 active
year, there were 1,100 sentence reviews entered and 965
jury requests were awaiting trial, and at the end of the fiscal
sentènce reviews heard. At the fiscal year's end, 57.9 sentence
year, the pending caseload was up to 679 defendants. The
reviews were pending. There were 78,413 civil actions pending
department received 2,799 additional requests for jury trial,
before the department at the beginning of the fiscal year. At
compared to 2,588 the previous fiscal year. Dispositions for
the end of the fiscal year, the pending civil caseload was
the fiscal year totaled 2,454 defendants, with 63% of initial
75,905, a decrease of 2,508 cases. The Office of the Commis-
jury requests disposed of at a nonjury, or bench trial. Non-
sioner of Probation maintains the state's central file of
criminal matters initiated during the fiscal year totaled 43,268,
criminal records and performs supervisory tasks for the Trial
of which 22,815 were disposed. The Probate and Family Court
Court's probation departments. The office's data base had
Department had 118,460 original entries filed in fiscal year
31,733 full and complete active criminal records on-line at
1985, including all partitions, accounts, and complaints, an
the end of 1985, with partial information on 203,785 active
increase of 5,168 filings, 4.6% above the previous year. Probate-
offender records, and another 353,284 inactive offender
related matters accounted for 58,024 filings, 49% of the total,
records cross-referenced.
with increases in filings occurring in five of eight categories
handled by probate and family courts. Wills accounted for
JAILS AND PRISONS The Department of Corrections
27% of the total, with 15,896 filed. Other matters filed
(DOC) within the Executive Office of Human Services
included: administrations, 10,585; trusteeships, 877; guardian-
operates 21 state facilities that provide custodial care, health
ships for minors, 1,785; guardianships for the mentally ill,
and mental-health services, educational services, vocational
2,154; guardianships for the mentally retarded, 738; conservat-
training and counseling to individuals committed by the courts
orships, 1,641; accounts and distributions, 20,967; partitions,
to the DOC. Where possible, the system is structured to
193; and real estate sales, 3,188. Equitable relief cases included
process the individual through a succession of security levels,
1,305 complaints filed, 196 preliminary injunctions issued,
rehabilitating and reintegrating the individual into society.
348 temporary restraining orders issued, 21 default judge-
The 21 Massachusetts Correctional Institutions (MCI) consist
ments, and 503 final judgments after hearings. Separate
of one maximum facility, five medium facilities, four
support and maintenance cases included 1,128 complaints
minimum facilities, two minimum pre-release facilities, two
filed, desertions and "living apart" cases totaled 83, and there
prison camps, four pre-release centers, and three specialized
were 204 petitions filed for custody of minors. Original entries
facilities, one of which is a maximum-security hospital. In
for divorce totaled 23,720, with 20,355 divorce decrees granted.
addition, the Contract Pre-Release Program utilizes the
Adoption cases in fiscal year 1985 totaled 2,428, and 17
services of four private agencies representing a total of eight
petitions were filed for elder abuse protection. For fiscal year
centers. As of January 1, 1986, the entire system housed 5,390
1985, the Commonwealth's Land Court Department had a
individuals with 715 under maximum security, 3,063 under
total caseload available for action of 32,464 cases. This total
medium security and 1,612 under minimum security or in a
included 23,263 cases awaiting action at the beginning of the
pre-release center. One month prior, on December 1, 1985,
fiscal year, and an additional 9,101 cases entered during the
the DOC housed 5,404 inmates in facilities with a rated
12-month period. The department disposed of 8,716 cases and
capacity of 3,257, representing a 166% occupancy rate. The
had the following breakdown among cases entered: land
occupancy rate was 90% in 1975. The number of
registration and confirmation, 217 (2%); subsequent land
commitments during the year rose 9% from 2,202 in 1984 to
registration, 2,789 (31%); tax liens, 3,070 (34%); and equity
2,409 in 1985, the largest number of inmates ever committed
and miscellaneous cases, 3,025 (33%). The Housing Court
in one year to DOC. Since 1981, total commitments have
Department received 17,891 new entries during the fiscal year,
increased 26%, while commitments to MCI Concord (the
in four case categories: summary process cases, 7,163 (40%),
medium-security entry facility for males) decreased 10% and
criminal cases, 6,600 (36%), civil cases, 2,094 (12%), and small
commitments to MCI Cedar Junction (the maximum-security
claims cases, 2,034 (12%). The Juvenile Court Department,
facility for males) increased 48%. Female commitments to
composed of four divisions, collects and reports data in five
MCI Framingham (the medium-security entry facility for
case types. In fiscal year 1985, there were 6,954 juvenile
females) increased 49%. These statistics indicate an increase
delinquency complaints, 2,110 Children in Need of Service
in overall crime as well as an increase in violent crime. The
(CHINS) filings, 538 care and protection petitions, 130 cases
most common offense during 1985 was armed robbery but
for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The depart-
the largest increases were in drug offenses and sex offenses.
ment disposed of 208 requests during the year. There were
The median age of individuals committed during 1985 was
97 cases actively pending at the end of the fiscal year, an
26.8 years, with 48% of the commitment population from
34
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
the Boston SMSA. The median educational level was eleventh
ATTORNEYS The Supreme Judicial Court is the state entity
grade. Of the population incarcerated on January 1, 1986, a
authorized to determine who may practice law in the
total of 43% had completed a high school education, 63%
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each year, the Supreme
were single, 63% were white, 31% black, and 10% Hispanic,
Court Justices appoint one of a five-member Board of Bar
with the total being 94% male and 6% female. Of all commit-
Examiners for a five-year term. It is the responsibility of this
ments made during 1985, 56% were facing their first adult
board to administer oral and written law examinations at least
incarceration with the median age of those making a first court
twice a year. Applicants must show proof of passing the
appearance only 17. From the first day of 1985 to the first
Multistate professional Responsibility Examination within
day of 1986, the number of inmates serving life sentences
two years of passing the law examination and must provide
increased by 40. At the beginning of 1985, the DOC employed
information regarding their moral character, acquirements
a staff of about 3,000 and served an inmate population a little
and qualifications. Those who qualify for admission are then
over 4,900. The DOC report published in July, 1986 indicated
recommended by the board to the Court. As of February 1987,
the inmate population had grown to over 6,700 with a rated
the Massachusetts Bar Association estimated its membership
capacity of 4,238. Appropriations for fiscal year 1985 totaled
at 17,500 out of approximately 32,000 practicing lawyers in
$112,288,000 and rose to $132,078,000 in 1986. The budget
the Commonwealth. Suffolk and Middlesex Counties have
recommendation for 1987 totaled $146.8 million with $6.9 mil-
the highest numbers of bar association members in the state,
lion earmarked for facility expansion and $2.1 million for staff
with 6,095 and 3,211 respectively. There are some 60 bar
expansion. Of the 14 counties in the state, all but Nantucket
associations in the state. Matters of conduct and discipline
have at least one county facility administered by a county
are handled by the Board of Bar Overseers which is also
sheriff. Usually the jail is used for pre-trial detainees while
appointed by the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court. The
the house of correction is for sentenced inmates though both
board then appoints a chief Bar Counsel and assistants and
may be in one facility. On December 1, 1985, the total county
administers discipline according to the Canons of Ethics, the
inmate population was 3,856 in facilities rated at a capacity
Disciplinary Rules Regulating the Practice of Law and the
of about 2,500 beds, representing an occupancy rate of 154%.
Disciplinary Rules Applicable to Practice as a Prosecutor or
The average population during 1985 totaled 3,770 with an
as a Defense Lawyer, all of which are included in the Supreme
average of 2,578 inmates in houses of correction, 1,001 inmates
Judicial Court Rules. There are six disciplinary district. The
in jails, 10 inmates awaiting booking into a DOC facility, 88
Rules also provide for the periodic registration of all attorneys
DOC inmates (the DOC rents beds from the counties as one
able to practice law in the Commonwealth. For the fiscal year
remedy for the overcrowding problem), and 93 Federal
ending June 30, 1984, the Department of the Attorney General
inmates. The Middlesex County facilities had the highest
reported appropriations of $12,962,291, expenditures of
average daily population at 640 (though Suffolk County's
$11,042,915 and total income of $2,683,581. The Office of the
two separate facilities totaled 721) while Dukes County had
Attorney General is charged with representing the Common-
the lowest at 12. Operating expenditures for county facilities
wealth in all legal proceedings in state or federal courts. The
totaled $45,084,117. During 1985, commitments to all county
Attorney General is directly elected for a four-year term.
facilities reached 9,511, a 1% increase over 1984 and a 1%
Within the Attorney General's office is the Civil Bureau, the
decrease from the 9,617 inmates committed in 1983. Of the
Criminal Bureau, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the
1985 commitments, 87% were for non-violent offenses.
Executive Bureau, the Public Protection Bureau, the Western
County sentences range from fines, with 11% of those com-
Massachusetts Division and the Government Bureau. Money
mitted in 1985 serving in lieu of payment, up to sentences
recovered for the Commonwealth treasury totaled $4,538,336
of two and one half years. In 1985, the median sentence length
in fiscal year 1984 while money recovered and saved for
was two months. In 1985, there were 16 standard county
Commonwealth citizens came to $208,399,790. Also elected
facilities and three alternative centers. The state's juvenile
for four-year terms are the state's eleven District Attorneys,
correction agency is the Department of Youth Services within
one for each of the eleven regional districts. A Massachusetts
the Executive Office of Human Services. Unlike the situation
District Attorney prosecutes on behalf of the Commonwealth
in most states, this agency is responsible both for holding
at all levels in all criminal and civil matters. The number of
youth in pre-trial detention and for committing youth sen-
legal service establishments with payroll in Massachusetts in
tenced by the courts. The average daily population of com-
1984 totaled 3,460 as opposed to 3,232 in 1982. The number
mitted youths totaled over 1,800 in 1986 with over 350 awaiting
of employees reported by these establishments totaled 18,516
court action. The department provides secure detention,
in 1984 and 14,795 in 1982. The annual payroll of $294,332,000
secure treatment, shelter care, group care, foster care,
in 1982 increased to $438,571,000 in 1984. Receipts reported
diagnostic testing, family counseling, vocational training and
in 1982 equalled $885,443,000, an increase of 88.1% over 1977.
casework supervision. The number of juvenile commitments
in 1985 rose an unprecedented 16% from 756 to 879, though
INSURANCE The Division of Insurance is under the
partly due to fluctuating commitment practices. Between 1982
Department of Banking and Insurance within the Executive
and 1985, white offenders declined 7% while black juvenile
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations, and
offenders increased 21.5% and Hispanics 27%. The youths
is the body that regulates all aspects of the insurance industry
committed for offenses against the person increased 32%.
in the Commonwealth. This includes the licensing of agents
Burglary continues to be the most common offense though
and brokers and the monitoring of both foreign and domestic
commitments for armed, unarmed and sexual assault are on
insurance companies. Complaints concerning all aspects of
the increase. The Federal Bureau of Prisons has no facilities
insurance are the responsibility of this office. The Division
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
is made up of Administration, the Consumer Service Section,
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
35
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
the Financial Surveillance Section, the Legal Section, the
in premiums and $388,479,000 in losses were paid by the
Licensing and Field Audit Section, the State Rating Bureau,
companies. The highest non-auto property and casualty totals
and the Policy Forms Section. As of December 31, 1982, there
were in workers compensation where $510,160,000 were paid
were 879 insurance companies and 16 health maintenance
in premiums while insurance companies paid losses of
organizations authorized to do business in the Common-
$338,565,000. Overall, more than $3 billion were paid in
wealth. The number broke down into various categories as
property and casualty premiums in 1982.
follows: Domestic Life, 17; Domestic Property and Casualty,
47; Domestic Title, 2; Foreign Life, 325; Foreign Property and
UTILITIES Massachusetts ranked 23rd in 1983 in total
Casualty, 376; Foreign Title, 12; "b" Reinsurers, 60; and
energy consumption among the fifty states and the District
Surplus Lines, 40. The Financial Surveillance Section
of Columbia. However, individual Bay Staters proved to be
estimated that on September 1, 1986 there were between 1,000
quite frugal in their application of this energy, as their per
and 1,100 authorized insurance companies in the state. During
capita use was 47th with 208 million Btus (British thermal
1982 the Legal Section, which includes the Special Investiga-
units) per person per year. Residential and transportational
tion staff, acted as prosecutor in 35 administrative actions
uses were the highest, taking 346 trillion (the country's 15th
against companies, agents, brokers, and motor vehicle damage
highest total, yet 39th on a per capita basis) and 367 trillion
appraisers. These actions sought the suspension of licenses
(the country's 18th highest total, 44th on a per capita basis)
and the levying of fines. The Legal Section referred eight
Btus respectively. The third highest usage was for commercial
criminal and civil cases to county, state, and federal law
purposes, totaling 261 trillion BTUs and ranking 12th
enforcement agencies and helped in their preparation. In 1982,
nationally, 25th on a per capita basis. Massachusetts' total
a lengthy investigation into alleged deception and misrepre-
of 224 trillion Btus for industrial use ranked it 32nd overall
sentation in the sale of certain policies by a large foreign
and 51st on a per capita basis. For residential use, heating
insurer (one that is not based in the state) resulted in the largest
is much more of a consideration to Bay Staters than cooling,
settlement agreement ever negotiated between the Division
particularly in the central and western uplands. Degree-days
and an insurer. Along with the $50,000 the insurer paid the
are standardized, relative measurements of outdoor air
Division for the cost of the investigation, refunds to policy
temperature showing the amount of deviation above (cooling)
holders filing complaints approached $1 million. The Con-
and below (heating) 65 degrees Fahrenheit. One degree-day
sumer Service Section is designed to educate the citizens of
is counted for each degree the mean temperature varies from
the Commonwealth as to their rights, help them understand
the 65°F base temperature. In a 29-year period from 1951 to
policy language, and provide a forum for dissatisfied cus-
1980, Massachusetts had 6,322 normal heating degree-days
tomers, even to the point of making restitution when war-
per year, ranking it 16th in the nation in need of heat in the
ranted. This section has two offices, one in Springfield and
winter. The upland regions may have as many as 7,451 heating
one in Boston, and in 1982 had contacts with members of
degree-days in a year. The highest ranking state has 9,481
the public on 74,562 occasions. As a result, Bay State policy
heating degree-days and the lowest has 720. Massachusetts
holders received restitution totaling $1,679,363: $11,144 in
has a moderate 451 normal cooling degree-days, ranking it
premium refunds; $905,218 in additional recovery; and
38th in the nation in need of cooling in the summer. The
$763,000 in expedited claim payments. Over 50% of the
Chatham weather station, located on the outer southeastern
complaints involved disputes over claim amounts, denials
edge of Cape Cod reported the state's lowest count at 254.
made by the company, or delays. A total of 23,642 new
The island of Nantucket had a comfortable 286 cooling
applications for agents and brokers licenses were processed
degree-days. Obviously air conditioning is not a major priority
and issued in 1982. In that same year, 85,539 agents' licenses
in the Bay State, shown by the fact that of the 2.1 million year
were renewed, 16,125 agent's licenses were cancelled, and a
around occupied housing units within the state in 1980, 1.35
total of 216 new Fraternal Agents licenses were issued. Of the
million had no air conditioning whatsoever. All but 2,388 had
total of 9,676 tests taken by 7,023 potential agents and brokers
some sort of heating unit. The highest ranking state in cooling
in 1982, passing marks were shown on 62.3%, with the highest
degree-days had 3,348 while the lowest had 175. The U.S.
passing percentage in the life insurance area, 74%. The lowest,
average is 4,694 heating and 1,173 cooling degree-days. In a
60.5%, was in casualty insurance. As of December 31, 1982,
breakdown of consumption by energy source in comparison
there were 40 fraternal benefit societies, operating under the
to the rest of the nation, Massachusetts ranks highest in its
Lodge System, licensed to do business in Massachusetts. Of
use of petroleum, being the tenth heaviest user. In terms of
these, three were Domestic Fraternals and 37 were Foreign
hydro-electric power, the Bay State's 3 trillion BTU usage in
Fraternals. By September, 1986 the number of Foreign
1983 was 42nd in the country, though this may increase in
Fraternals had dropped to 35. Premiums received for major
the future since many of the state's utility companies have
lines of life insurance in 1982 totaled $1,487,039,000
recently contracted with Hydro-Quebec of Montreal, Canada
throughout the state. This reflects payments on 20,605,261
to purchase up to 10% of New England's electric energy need
new policies and 109,337,635 policies in force. Within the
beginning in 1990. This power source is being generated from
major groups, ordinary life insurance collected the most,
the immense hydro-electric project in James Bay, Quebec.
bringing in $790,405,000 on 13,034,428 new policies and
Massachusetts ranked 19th nationwide in resourcing nuclear
51,597,536 policies in force. The second highest amount came
power for its energy needs. Depending upon developments
in group life policies in which $229,103,000 were collected on
at the near completed Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant in
6,667,006 new policies and 54,546,092 policies in force. The
southern New Hampshire, the state's usage of nuclear power
highest property and casualty totals occurred in the area of
may change significantly. Massachusetts was the 36th highest
private passenger auto liability, where $667,952,000 were paid
user of coal. With no operating coal mines or oil or natural
36
FLYING
THE
COLORS:
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
gas wells, the state must import the great majority of its power
at a very high 84% of its capacity. This had a strong affect
resources. In 1983 the state had 65 operable electrical
on the company. 1984 saw the plant on outage status for
generating plants, the 14th highest total in the country,
virtually the entire year for refueling and maintenance. The
generating the 25th highest amount of electricity. Because
state's other nuclear plant is located in Rowe. It is the Yankee
these plants are generated by out of state resources, utility
Atomic Electric Plant, owned by the Yankee Atomic Electric
companies are working hard to diversify their output so as
Company, and is the oldest operating nuclear plant in the
not to be left vulnerable in the event of a major shortage of
country, first going on line in 1960. Not located within the
a given supply. The move is basically away from petroleum,
state though strongly influencing Massachusetts utility
a source which in 1973 constituted 81% of the state's electricity
companies is the Seabrook 1 Nuclear Power Plant in Sea-
supply. As recently as 1978 it was 83% of the total. In 1983
brook, New Hampshire, within ten miles of the Massachu-
this percentage had dropped to 48, indicating significant
setts-New Hampshire border. The Seabrook plant was
success in their diversification efforts. Many of the state's oil
originally scheduled to go on line in October of 1986, and
generated electric plants have been converted to coal fired
was reportedly 95% complete on December 31, 1985. However,
plants. While in 1978 less than .5% of the state's electricity
in the wake of the May, 1986, Soviet nuclear disaster at
came from coal, by 1983, 25% was coming from coal
Chernobyl, near Kiev, many questions concerning emergency
generated plants. From 1978 to 1983 the use of natural gas
response, and more specifically, evacuation of nearby
to generate electricity had grown from less than .5% to 7%,
communities, had yet to be satisfactorily addressed for
while nuclear power grew from 16% to 19%. Hydropower was
Massachusetts citizens and most notably Governor Michael
still one percent in 1983, indicating the impact the Canadian
Dukakis. A major concern is the north shore communities
power will have on these ratios. The cost of energy is relatively
of the Bay State where many of the roads are not suitable
high in Massachusetts compared to the rest of the country.
for heavy traffic. The latest estimates (as of September, 1986)
Natural gas rates in 1983 were the fifth highest nationwide,
are that it will optimistically be at least the fall of 1987 before
while electricity was also in the top ten at number eight. The
the plant becomes operable. Three Massachusetts investor-
state body in charge of regulating electric, gas, telephone, and
owned companies are among the 16 participating investors
water utilities is the Department of Public Utilities. Included
in Seabrook 1 (all plans for the proposed Seabrook 2 have
among its responsibilities are an analysis of company rate
been halted). If the plant fails to go on line, the affects due
requests, which result in decisions concerning allowed revenue,
to loss of investment capital and the absence of an expected
cost allocation, and rate structures; ongoing analysis and
power source could be long-term for Bay State electric
review of fuel adjustment charges; review and approval of
consumers. Of the state's 351 cities and towns, just over 115
longterm gas and electric power supply contracts; review and
do not have access to natural gas utility service. The rest of
approval of securities issuances (i.e. stock offerings and bond
the state is serviced by 14 gas companies, the largest of which
placements) of the regulated companies; and regulation of
is the Boston Gas Company serving close to 70 cities and towns
billing and termination procedures for electric, gas, telephone,
and over 450,000 customers. The second largest company,
and water companies. All but 55 cities and towns are served
Commonwealth Gas Company, serves 191,873, of which
by six retail electric utility companies in the state. Forty-nine
Worcester is the largest community, just 2,000 more than the
of these 55 communities are served by their own municipal
third largest, the Bay State Gas Company, which has
electric departments. In 1984, 34 of these communities were
Springfield as the largest city in its area. In 1983 there were
members of the Massachusetts Wholesale Electric Company,
a total of 1,019,000 residential gas customers in the state and
a public sector planning and supply agency. In addition to
75,000 commercial gas customers. The residential price of
forecasting demand and helping its member communities in
$8.01 per million Btus of natural gas was the fifth highest
planning, this company generates its own power as well as
in the country. Of 1.9 million occupied housing units in 1980,
purchases joint ownership shares in power plants built by other
797,422 used utility gas to heat their water, while 678,976 used
utility companies. The electric company serving the largest
kerosine or fuel oil, and 375,333 used electricity. Over 980,000
area of the state is the Massachusetts Electric Company
use electricity to cook and over 827,000 used utility gas.
(MEC), providing electricity to 829,000 customers in 146 cities
Following national trends, Massachusetts is using significantly
and towns in 1985. MEC is a subsidiary of the New England
less energy today than in the early 1970s. The total Btu
Electric System. Western Massachusetts Electric Company
consumption for the state in 1973 was 1,611 trillion. This had
(WMEC) serves much of the western uplands and the
decreased to 1,220 trillion in 1982, and as of 1983 stood at
Connecticut Valley, and is a subsidiary of Northeast Utilities.
1,138 trillion Btus. The drop registered in the ten year period
It provides power to approximately 176,000 customers in 63
of 1973 through 1982 was 24.52%, the second highest in the
cities and towns. Boston Edison, which was organized in 1886,
country. Per capita usage dropped from 279 million Btus per
has over 600,000 customers in over 40 cities and towns
year to 211 Btus in the same period. Bay Staters use a variety
encompassing the city of Boston. The other two companies
of methods to heat their homes. Of the 2.141 million housing
which provide a substantial area of the state with electricity
units surveyed in 1980, 1,169,570 used steam or hot water,
are Commonwealth Electric Company and Eastern Edison
529,912 used central warm air furnaces, 30,635 used an electric
Company, both of which operate the southeast part of
heat pump, 160,411 used other built in electric units, 127,075
Massachusetts. The state is served by six wholesale electric
used room heaters with flue, and 63,766 heated their homes
companies who sell much of the power used by the retail
with fireplaces, stoves, or portable room heaters. The public
companies. Massachusetts currently has two nuclear power
water supply system in Massachusetts consists of 217
plants within its borders. Boston Edison owns the Pilgrim
municipal water departments, 78 fire and water districts, and
Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, which in 1985 operated
68 private water companies. These systems are located in 290
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
37
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
of the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns. The citizens
The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) is an organiza-
in the remaining towns rely almost totally on individual private
tion unique to Massachusetts. It is a state commission that
wells for their water supply. Bay Staters consumed 90 million
serves mostly local functions. It was founded in 1889, with
gallons of fresh water per day in 1980.
a Parks Division founded in 1892. Today, MetroParks pre-
serves, maintains and interprets more than 14,700 acres in ten
RECREATION
reservations around Greater Boston, as well as additional sites
Variety and abundance are the keys to describing outdoor
which include parkways, rivers, streams, beaches and play-
recreation in Massachusetts. The extensive coastline and island
grounds. These sites offer a place of escape from the city, while
communities provide easy access for sailing and fishing
actually being within the city. This is evident in MetroParks'
enthusiasts, along with an abundance of beaches for swim-
maintenance of 400 miles of foot trails and bridle paths in
mers and surfers. Winter activities are popular throughout
their major reservations. MetroParks operates 17 ocean
the state, especially as one moves west and begins to ascend
beaches from Nahant to Nantasket, three fresh water lakes,
the Berkshire Hills. Though it is not entirely surprising that
three sailing programs, 19 swimming pools, 24 skating rinks,
the Bay State offers this seasonal variety, given that it does
two ski areas, two historic forts, two museums, three zoos
have seashore and mountains within its borders, the quantity
and two overnight campsites. The National Park Service, a
will raise eyebrows among the uninitiated. While Massachu-
Division of the U.S. Department of Interior, operates ten
setts ranks 42nd among the 50 states in land area, it has the
historic parks or historic sites in the Commonwealth. Many
sixth largest state park system with 144 forests and parks
of these, such as the Minute Man National Historic Park,
encompassing more than 264,000 acres. Over 5.7 million
which was the scene of the fighting that opened the American
visitors took advantage of Massachusetts' state parks in fiscal
Revolution, are connected with figures or events that are
year 1985, with 635,821 using the camping facilities offered
strongly imprinted in American history. The Cape Cod
therein. The busiest park in 1985 was Wompatuck State Park
National Seashore, located on the outer arm of Barnstable
in Hingham, whose 2,877 acres were visited by 367,573 people.
County, is by far the largest area in the Bay State maintained
Walden Pond State Reservation was used by 351,010 in 1985,
by the National Park Service, having a federal acreage of
the second highest number at a state facility. The largest state
27,319, and a total acreage of 43,526. The Seashore offers a
park is October Mountain State Forest in western Massachu-
unique blend of ocean beaches, dunes, woodlands, freshwater
setts, covering 15,710 acres. Though the largest park, October
ponds and marshes. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Mountain was visited by a relatively few 38,477 in 1985. Myles
winds its way through the entire north-south length of the
Standish State Forest in southeastern Massachusetts is the
state. It enters the state at the northwest corner and serpentines
second largest facility (14,635 acres), and also the second most
its way south, never leaving Berkshire County until it enters
camped at park in the state, with 100,854 campers in 1985.
Connecticut. The Trail is one of two original units of the
Twenty-six state facilities, offering interpretive programs which
National Trail System. The National Forest Service owns no
provide guided hikes, slide shows, occasional folk music
land in Massachusetts.
performances and edible plant demonstrations, drew 50,935
participants to 2,264 programs. Winter activities are plentiful
SPORTS Massachusetts, and the Boston area in particular,
at state facilities: 31 parks offer cross-country skiing and two
is a major center for professional and amateur athletics, field-
parks offer downhill facilities. Swimming is available at 46
ing professional teams in all major league sports, hosting
forests and parks and canoeing at 28. Fall sportsmen can hunt
events of worldwide notoriety, and participating at the upper
in 83 state forests and parks. With 4,320 miles of rivers and
levels of college competition. Just as significant as its current
more than 1,300 lakes and ponds, outdoor activities are never
standing is the role the Bay State has played in the develop-
far away. Of course, not all citizens are necessarily sports or
ment, and even the invention, of "games" which have
outdoor enthusiasts, and not all have access to the hinterlands
developed into billion dollar industries commanding interna-
of Massachusetts. In 1979, the Heritage Park Program was
tional attention among sports enthusiasts. As well, Massa-
initiated to expand recreational opportunities to urban
chusetts teams and individuals have gained national
residents, and to provide higher levels of assistance to cities
prominence, and in effect, helped "set the standards" by
and towns in managing their urban natural, historical and
which the games are now played. From having a team compete
recreational park resources. The parks include natural
in the first World Series, to holding the oldest marathon event
resource and architectural improvements, as well as visitor
in the nation, to having developed one of the great dynasties
centers to house multi-media exhibits which reflect each park's
in professional sports, the Bay State has invariably found
interpretive theme. The parks are also intended to help spark
itself, aptly, in the hub. BASEBALL Massachusetts and the
economic revitalization in the areas in which they are located.
city of Boston are inextricably connected with the past and
The first park to be completed was the Lowell Heritage State
present of professional baseball, "America's Pastime."
Park, a celebration of water power which helped provide the
Though interpretations vary, it is generally believed that the
stimulus for the early textile industry that was centered there.
first legitimate professional baseball league was formed on
More than five miles of canals can be toured on foot or by
March 17, 1871, in New York City. It was called the National
barge, taking visitors through historic settings. Each park has
Association of Baseball Players. Among its charter members
its own theme, benefitting the local atmosphere. As early as
was the Boston Red Stockings. The league disbanded, and
1987, eight Heritage State Parks were in place, with three more
on February 2, 1876, the current National League was formed,
under development. The finished parks are in Lynn, Lawrence,
its rosters dotted with players from the Red Stockings. Again,
Lowell, Gardner, North Adams, Holyoke, Springfield and Fall
a Boston team, the Braves, was a charter member of the league.
River, a dispersion that has them spread throughout the state.
The Boston Braves would play in Bean Town for 76 years
38
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CI EMENTS
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
before moving the franchise to Milwaukee. Worcester also
named for William H. Sullivan, the founder and longtim
fielded a National League team from 1880 to 1882. The
owner of the club. Sullivan family members occupy severa
National League enjoyed a virtual monopoly until the forma-
management positions with the team. College football il
tion of the American League in 1901. Boston's only current
Massachusetts dates to the 1870s, when Harvard University
major league team, the Red Sox, were a charter member of
was integral in developing the modern game. In the 1980s
the American League, though until 1907 the team was known
Boston College enjoyed considerable success on a nationa
as the Pilgrims. In 1903, more out of public pressure than
level. Behind quarterback Doug Flutie, who in 1984 won th
any real desire to do so, the National League agreed to have
Heismann Trophy as the best college player in the country
its champion play the American League champion in what
(the only Massachusetts college player ever to win the award)
was the first World Series. With 28-game winner Cy Young,
the Eagles went to three successive post-season bowl games
the pitcher who in his career won more games than any other
BASKETBALL The game of basketball was invented by Dr
in history (512), the Red Sox not only won the American
James A. Naismith in December, 1891, in Springfield, Mass
League Pennant that year, but surprised the sporting world
achusetts. Basketball is often referred to as the only majo
by knocking off the powerful Pittsburgh Pirates in the first
sport originated and developed in the United States. Ironically
World Series, five games to three. Through 1986, the Red Sox
the focal point of the game on a professional level has beer
had competed in nine World Series, winning five. The Boston
and still is centered in the Bay State. The Boston Celtics are
Braves competed in two World Series, winning one. Some of
the most successful franchise in the National Basketbal
the games great players have been closely associated with
Association's (NBA) 40 year history, winning the NBA title
Boston. Baseball's most legendary hero, Babe Ruth, began
16 times, including the 1985-86 championship. From 1957 to
his major league career as a pitcher with the Red Sox. He was
1969, the Celtics garnered 11 NBA crowns, including eigh
sold to the New York Yankees in 1920 for $125,000. Ruth would
in a row, and established one of sport's most dominating
return to Boston in 1935, the final year of his career, and play
dynasties. The star of the team during this period was their
for the Braves. The Red Sox star of the 1940s and 1950s was
center, Bill Russell, who was the league's MVP five times, anc
Ted Williams, who was twice named the American League's
is generally considered to be the game's all-time greates
Most Valuable Players. Williams was the last player in the
defensive player. Still, Russell was far from being a one mar
Major League to bat over .400. Boston's most celebrated
team. In his years with the Celtics he played along side Bot
player since Williams was Carl Yastrzemski, who retired in
Cousey, Sam Jones, Bill Sharmen, and John Havlicek, al
1983. Through 1986, Red Sox players had been named
members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
American League MVP nine times. Fourteen baseball greats
In all, 13 former Celtic players or coaches have been inducted
who played all or a significant part of their careers with the
into the Hall of Fame. Among those is Red Auerbach, who
Red Sox are enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Two long
coached the team from 1950 through 1966, and is currently
time Red Sox executives and ten managers, who at one time
the team president. He is the man most associated with the
managed the Red Sox, are also enshrined there. The Red Sox
image and success of the Celtic organization. That the Celtics
have played their games in historic Fenway Park since its
are once again on top in the NBA is due in large part to the
construction in 1912. Fenway Park was named for the Fenway
presence of forward Larry Bird, who has been voted the
section of Boston, in which it is located. It was rebuilt in the
league's MVP three consecutive years and has won many polls
winter of 1933-34. In 1947, the left field wall was painted,
rating him as the game's best player today. The Celtics play
covering several advertisements, and has since become known
their home games in historic Boston Garden, which seats
by the infamous title of the "green monster.' Fenway Park
14,890 and features a distinctive parquet floor. Two other
seats 33,583. FOOTBALL The New England Patriots of the
professional teams are based in Massachusetts, the Bay State
National Football League are currently the Bay State's only
Bombadiers out of Worcester, who play in the Continental
professional football franchise. Over the years, several teams
Basketball Association, and the Springfield Fame of the
have come and gone out of Boston, including the Boston
United State Basketball League. In the 1985-86 season, the
Yanks, (1944-48) who moved to New York, then eventually
Fame gained national attention by signing Nancy Lieberman,
became the Baltimore Colts and finally the Indianapolis Colts,
the only woman professional player not in a women's league.
as well as the Boston Redskins (1932-37) who moved from
College basketball is a major attraction in Massachusetts. The
Boston to Washington where they remain today. The Patriots
1980s saw the development of the Boston College program
were founded as the Boston Patriots in November 1959 and
as one of the country's best. One of basketball's all-time great
were charter members of the American Football League
players, Julius Erving (Dr. J), played his college basketball
(AFL). They played their first season in 1960. The team
at the University of Massachusetts, where he still holds several
became part of the National Football League (NFL) when
records. The Naismith Memorial basketball Hall of Fame is
the AFL and NFL merged in May 1969. The Patriots officially
located in Springfield, where, in 1985, a new facility was
moved their headquarters to Foxboro, Massachusetts in April
opened. Housed there are memorabilia and artifacts showing
1970 and changed their name to the New England Patriots
the following year. Through 1986, the Patriots have been in
the development of the game and great moments in its history.
As of 1985, there had been 141 coaches, players, referees, and
post-season play in six different seasons. The first was fol-
contributors inducted into the Hall, along with four historic
lowing the 1963 season when they were defeated in the AFL
teams. HOCKEY Hockey is a game of wide popularity in
championship game. In 1986 (following the 1985 season) New
Massachusetts at both the professional and amateur levels.
England played in its first Super Bowl, losing 46-10 to the
Chicago Bears. The Patriots play their home games at Sullivan
The Boston College hockey program is one of the country's
Stadium in Foxboro, which seats 61,000. Sullivan Stadium is
most successful, and the Boston Bruins of the professional
National Hockey League (NHL) have a long tradition. The
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
39
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
Bay State is also partly responsible for the origin of the sport's
HUNTING AND FISHING Though relatively small in size,
nationwide popularity. The NHL was formed in 1917, growing
the diverse landscape and wildlife of Massachusetts offer
out of the former National Hockey Association. At the time,
outdoor sportsmen a variety of activities ranging from trout
all the franchises were located in Canada. The Boston Bruins
fishing to bear hunting. With most of the state's population
became the first American franchise of the NHL in 1924, thus
living in the eastern quarter, the central and western uplands,
making it the oldest American franchise as well. The Bruins
as well as much of the Connecticut Valley, provide true
have won five Stanley Cups (NHL Championships) in their
wilderness and a natural habitat for the many types (up to
long history, the last being in the 1971-72 season. Many hockey
75) of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians traditionally
greats have played for the Bruins, including Eddie Shore in
hunted. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife manages all
the 1930s (4-time NHL MVP), Bobby Orr in the 1960s and
hunting, trapping, and fishing activities in the state. Seeking
1970s (3-time NHL MVP), and Phil Esposito, also in the 1960s
to insure quality game hunting, the division also manages
and 1970s (2-time NHL MVP). Boston players have been
several hatcheries and fisheries, as well as over 50 Wildlife
named the league's MVP on 12 occasions. Through 1985, 27
Management Areas (WMAs). The WMAs were established
individuals who were Bruin players or administrators had been
to offset lands lost to hunting due to posting, development,
inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Bruins play their
and the construction of new highways. Deer, black bear,
matches in the Boston Garden, which seats 14,451. Profes-
coyote, red and gray fox, and bobcat are among the larger
sional hockey is also played in Springfield, where the Indians
game available, while small game, including various types of
are a member of the minor league American Hockey League.
rabbit, squirrel, and raccoon, are in abundance. Both water
The team has been in existence for over 50 years, and is
fowl-wood duck, mallard, blue and green wing teal-and
currently an affiliate of the Minnesota North Stars of the
inland fowl-pheasant, quail, ruffed grouse-are actively
NHL. Collegiate hockey is played at both university and
sought by sportsmen. Trapping seasons for otter, muskrat,
college levels in the Bay State. Massachusetts has four
mink, fox, oppossum, skunk, weasel, fisher, and bobcat are
collegiate teams in the powerful Hockey East Conference:
open yearly. License and fees for trapping, hunting, and
Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern, and Lowell.
fishing for 1986 were as follows: fishing-$12.50 resident,
In February 1987, Boston College coach Len Ceglarski became
$17.50 non-resident; hunting-$12.50 resident small game and
the winningest hockey coach in NCAA history. The only
big game, $19.50 non-resident small game, $48.50 non-resident
coach to win 250 games at two different institutions, Ceglarski
big game; sporting-combined hunting and fishing $19.50,
broke the record when he recorded his 556th career win. He
available only to residents; trapping-$20.50 resident, $300
has coached at Boston College since the 1972-73 season.
non-residents. All resident licenses are half price for
Boston College won the Hockey East Championship in both
individuals age 65-69, and are free to individuals age 70 and
1984-85 and 1985-86. BOSTON MARATHON The Boston
over. Non-resident seven day fishing licenses are $11.50 and
Marathon, probably the world's most recognized single
non-resident three day hunting licenses are $19.50. With the
running event, was first run in 1897 and was won by a New
exception of non-resident trapping, which must be purchased
Yorker named J.J. McDermott in two hours, 55 minutes, and
at the Boston Fisheries and Wildlife office only, all licenses
ten seconds. An indication of the change in status marathon
are issued by city and town clerks, the Boston office of the
running has achieved over the year, McDermott, at one point,
division, or at selected outlets. Special permits for bear, wild
became tangled up in a funeral procession, forcing him to
turkey, and antlerless deer ($5 each) must be purchased in
walk a part of the race. Fortunately, he was comfortably ahead.
order to hunt the species. Stamps for waterfowl ($1.25) and
That first year there were 15 runners taking part in what was
archery/primitive firearms ($5.10) must be purchased for these
only the second marathon ever run in the United States. By
activities. Stamps and permits are available only after
1985 there were 5,595 official entrants. The Boston Marathon
appropriate hunting licenses have been purchased. In fiscal
is the world's oldest annual marathon. Since its inception,
year 1983 the state sold 288,465 hunting and fishing licenses,
the race has been sponsored by the Boston Athletic Associa-
20,773 archery/primitive firearms stamps, and 26,630 water-
tion. The first woman to run in the Boston Marathon did so
fowl stamps (of which 343 were to collectors) totaling 335,868
as an official entrant in 1967, though it wasn't until 1972 that
sold for the intention of hunting or fishing. Of these, the
the Boston Athletic Association received permission from the
largest number was 121,239 for resident fishing licenses. Resi-
Amateur Athletic Union to accept women as competitors. The
dent trapping licenses totaled 1,057. The gross revenue from
women's record of 2:22:42, set in 1983 by Olympic gold
the sale of licenses was $3,831,711. Firearms restrictions affect
medalist Joan Benoit, would have won the men's division in
hunting in several communities in the state. There are three
54 different years. The men's record through 1985 was 2:08:51,
separate seasons for hunting deer in Massachusetts: archery,
set in 1982 by Alberto Salazar of Wayland, Massachusetts.
shotgun, and primitive firearms. All one needs to hunt deer
The first 89 Boston Marathons were strictly amateur events,
with a shotgun is a valid Massachusetts hunting license. A
but with the rise of large cash prizes in competing events, the
license and an archery/primitive firearms stamp are required
Marathon, in 1986, offered prize money for the first time.
in those seasons. Hunting is restricted to bows with at least
The most inspirational runner through the years has been two-
40 pounds pull at 28 inch draw. Arrows must have a well-
time winner Johnny Kelley, who first ransin 1928. Kelly won
sharpened steel broadhead not less then 7/8" and not more
the Marathon in 1935 and 1945, but his significant achieve-
than 1 1/2" in width. Shotgun hunters may hunt with a
ment is that through 1987 he has missed only one, in 1968,
shotgun not larger than 10 gauge. Anyone hunting with bow
since he first entered. The course for the Boston Mara-
and arrow or primitive firearm during shotgun season must
thon-with its infamous Heartbreak Hill in Newton-is know
adhere to all of the shotgun season regulations. Dates for the
as one of the toughest marathon layouts in the world.
primitive firearms season begin on the third Monday
40
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
MASSACHUSETTS TODAY
in December and end the following Wednesday. A primitive
60 towns, for a mean take of 2.3 otter per successful trapper.
firearm is defined as a flintlock or caplock similar to those
The 1982 fisher take was 140. Inland game bird seasons are
in use circa 1865. Limits for all types of deer hunting are two
in the fall, with the longest for ruffed grouse. To hunt
deer per calendar year, except in Cape Cod and the island
waterfowl, a Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp is required along
counties where the limit is one. A second deer permit can be
with the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp. Quail
obtained only at the check station where the first deer is
hunting is limited to Nantucket, Dukes, Barnstable, Plymouth,
checked. Only one deer may be taken on any one calendar
and Bristol Counties. Bag limit is five, possession limit is ten,
day and only one deer per year may be anterless. An antlerless
and season limit is 25. Pheasant hunting is broken into two
deer is defined as a deer with no antlers or one with antlers
zones; the eastern zone (a north-south line east of Worcester)
less than three inches in length. Anyone killing a deer shall
allows only cocks to be taken, while both cocks and hens can
immediately fill out the deer tag portion of the license and
be taken west of the line. Bag limit is two, possession limit
attach it to the deer. The tag can be removed only by the
is four, and season limit is six. Limits on ruffed grouse are
authorized person at the check station. Anyone hunting deer
bag, three; possession, six; and season, 15. Turkey season runs
or entering the woodlands for the purpose of hunting must
for three weeks in May and is broken into two parts. Permits
wear 500 square inches of hunter orange on his chest, back,
are required. Only bearded turkeys may be hunted. Hunting
and head. The exception to this is for bow hunters who are
turkeys is allowed with shotguns no larger than 10 guage or
not required to wear any hunter orange. During shotgun
bows with 40 pounds pull or greater. Hunting hours for bear,
season it is prohibited to hunt with a rifle, revolver, or pistol,
deer, grouse, quail, crow, and pheasant is one-half hour before
or with the aid of a dog, except when the dog is used for
sunset to one-half hour after sunset. With 190 miles of
migratory fowl on coastal waters. Any deer being transported
coastline and a plentiful supply of inland rivers, lakes, ponds,
in a motor vehicle must be open to view. In 1982, the statewide
and streams, Massachusetts offers prospective anglers
deer harvest for all seasons combined was 4,002 deer, showing
bountiful fishing in tremendous variety. The most popular
a decrease of 1,009 over the 1981 harvest. Seventy-six percent
inland fish are of the trout variety: lake, brown, rainbow, and
of the deer harvested were reported in the four western
brook. Also available are large and smallmouth bass, pickerel,
counties of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden.
American shad, landlocked salmon, and a variety of the large
A total of 3,265 deer were taken during the shotgun only
northern fighting gamefish, including walleye, northern pike,
season, including 2,210 antlered males and 1,055 antlerless
and tiger muskie. The state can boast the presence of no less
deer. Archers took 446 (264 bucks, 182 does), and primitive
than 132 lakes and ponds that support either northern pike
firearm hunters bagged 282 (116 bucks, 166 does). In 1986,
or large and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel or white and
the season for hunting black bear was in two parts, from
yellow perch, over half of which have better than average
September 29 to October 4, and from November 17 to
fishing. Though found all across the state, the majority are
November 22. The addition of the second week was started
located from Worcester County west. The exception is Middle-
in 1982 when the prohibition of radio telemetry devices and
sex County which has a large supply of fishing waters. Trout
the restricting of dog pack size (to six or less) were also
streams are in abundance, especially in the central and western
instituted. In that year a total of 823 bear hunting permits
upland regions. Over 250 cities and towns in 13 counties have
were received, while a total of 13 bears were taken. That
trout-stocked water. The largest and most used inland fishing
represented the greatest kill on record. Nine males and four
spot is the Quabbin Reservoir, which lies on the border of
females were taken from Berkshire (1), Hampden (1), Franklin
Worcester and Hampshire Counties. In 1983, an estimated
(5), and Hampshire (6) counties. Bear can only be hunted with
55,158 anglers tested the waters catching over 45,000 fish.
rifles .23 caliber or larger, muzzleloader .44 to .775 caliber,
Quabbin supports most of the state's variety of gamefish. In
bows with 40 pounds pull or greater, or .357 Magnum revolver.
1983, 17,300 landlocked salmon yearlings were released into
Dogs and revolvers are allowed in the first week only. All bears
Quabbin. The freshwater season is year around (except as
must be checked within 24 hours of the kill. All hunting and
posted) for lake trout, landlocked salmon, bass, pickerel,
trapping of bobcats must take place west of highway 31,
northern pike, tiger muskie, walleye, and American shad.
located in Worcester County. In 1982-83 a total of 37 bobcats
Brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout seasons vary by
were taken, including 18 by hunting, 14 by trapping, and five
type of body of water, as do daily limits. Saltwater fishing
by road kills. The Fisheries and Wildlife director closes the
is extremely popular in the Bay State. The Cape Cod area alone
season when the total harvest reaches 50. The value of raccoon
offers 12 access points for surf casting. Gamefish that can
pelts increased in Massachusetts from $1,147 in 1964 to
be encountered less than an hour from shore are striped bass,
$558,840 in 1981, while the harvest had increased from 965
fin tuna, bluefish, mackerel, pollock, and bonito. The Cape
to 23,000. There is a bag limit of three raccoon from the sunset
Cod shoreline is the most plentiful for bottom fish. Anglers
of one day to the sunset of the next by one person, and six
who want to bring them up can find sea bass, tautog, scup,
by two or more persons hunting in the same group. In 1982-83,
halibut, ocean perch, cod, flounder, and haddock. Many of
in a season that ran from November 23 to February 28, a total
these will bite on artificial lures, allowing light tackle
of 548 beaver were taken by 71 trappers in 83 towns. Kit beaver
enthusiasts to test their skill. Fish available by surf casting
accounted for slightly more than one-third of the harvest.
are striped bass, squeateague, tautog, summer flounder,
Average pelt prices were the lowest since 1970-71.
whiting or kingfish, and cod. The Division of Fisheries and
Massachusetts law is very specific about protecting houses.
Wildlife is involved in the unique Urban Angler Program. In
It is illegal to trap within ten feet of the waterline of a beaver
1983, eight fishing clinics were conducted, exposing 240 novice
house or tear open or disturb a beaver house or dam. During
anglers to the art of fishing. That same year certificates were
1982-83, 47 successful trappers took a total of 106 otter in
awarded to 75 new fishing instructors within the program.
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
41
Ref.
PN6081
C27
WH
The Harper Book of
AMERICAN
QUOTATIONS
Gorton Carruth and Eugene Ehrlich
A Hudson Group Book
1817
Harper & Row, Publishers, New York
Cambridge, Philadelphia, San Francisco
London, Mexico City, São Paulo, Singapore, Sydney
64
65
14. AMERICAN REVOLUTION
f greater
70 It is now nearly three years since the tyranny of
77 A more impudent, false, and atrocious Proc-
County, a
Britain received its first repulse by the arms of
lamation was never fabricated by the hands of
nt-of at
America. A period which has given birth to a new
man.
obe.
world and erected a monument to the folly of the
AMBROSE SERLE, secretary to Lord Howe, writing
old.
about the Declaration of Independence in his
Ibid.
journal, c.1776, quoted in George F. Scheer and
leads for
Hugh Rankin, Rebels and Redcoats, 1957.
weeping
71 America has surmounted a greater variety and
combination of difficulties than, I believe, ever fell
78 We beat them today or Molly Stark's a widow.
to the share of any one people in the same space
COL. JOHN STARK, addressing his troops before
of time, and has replenished the world with more
the battle of Bennington, August 16, 1777.
e oppose,
useful knowledge and sounder maxims of civil
nd forth!
79 I can answer but for three things, a firm belief
government than were ever produced in any age
h oppres-
in the justice of our Cause, close attention in the
before. Had it not been for America there had
he globe.
prosecution of it, and the strictest integrity.
been no such thing as freedom left throughout the
, Europe
whole universe. England hath lost hers in a long
GEORGE WASHINGTON, following his
ath given
chain of right reasoning from wrong principles,
appointment as commander-in-chief of the
itive, and
Continental Army, June 19, 1775.
and it is from this country now she must learn the
resolution to redress herself, and the wisdom
80 Let us therefore animate and encourage each
how.
other, and show the whole world that a Freeman,
uls. The
Ibid.
contending for liberty on his own ground, is supe-
rior to any slavish mercenary on earth.
t will, in
72 Stand your ground. Don't fire unless fired upon,
country;
but if they mean to have a war let it begin here.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, general orders,
love and
Headquarters, New York, July 2, 1776.
CAPT. JOHN PARKER, addressing his men at
Lexington Green, April 19, 1775.
81 The time is now near at hand which must proba-
No. 1,
bly determine whether Americans are to be free-
December
73 If I were an American, as I am an Englishman,
men or slaves; whether they are to have any prop-
er 23,
while a foreign troop was landed in my country, I
erty they can call their own; whether their houses
never would lay down my arms-never, never,
and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and
never!
nd, but a
themselves consigned to a state of wretchedness
er we de-
WILLIAM PITT, the Younger, in a speech in the
from which no human efforts will deliver them.
rees, the
House of Commons, November 18, 1777.
The fate of unborn millions will now depend,
74 It is a most accursed, wicked, barbarous, cruel,
under God, on the courage and conduct of this
unnatural, unjust, and diabolical war.
army. Our cruel and unrelenting enemy leaves us
No. 4,
only the choice of brave resistance, or the most
WILLIAM PITT, the Younger, 1781.
abject submission. We have, therefore, to resolve to
I country
75 Don't one of you fire until you see the whites
conquer or die.
or honest
of their eyes.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, address to the
Attributed to Col. William Prescott, and also to
Continental Army before the battle of Long
Gen. Israel Putnam, at the Battle of Bunker Hill,
Island, August 27, 1776.
June 17, 1775.
it honor-
82 There is nothing that gives a man consequence,
since the
76 Under God we are determined that whereso-
and renders him fit for command, like a support
a is now
ever, whensoever, or howsoever we shall be called
that renders him independent of everybody but the
to make our exit, we will die free men.
State he serves.
No. 5,
JOSIAH QUINCY, "Observations on the Boston
GEORGE WASHINGTON, in a letter to Congress,
Port Bill," 1774.
September 24, 1776.
240
241
95. FREEDOM
1 is not a difference of
50 Private property was the original source of free-
58 Our best hope, both of a tolerable political har-
lifferent names breth-
dom. It still is its main bulwark.
mony and of an inner peace, rests upon our ability
f there be any among
WALTER LIPPMANN, The Good Society, 1937.
to observe the limits of human freedom even while
ve this Union or to
we responsibly exploit its creative possibilities.
et them stand undis-
51 No! true freedom is to share
safety with which
REINHOLD NIEBUHR, The Structure of Nations
All the chains our brothers wear.
ted where reason is
and Empires, 1959.
JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, "Stanzas on Freedom,"
1843.
59 As long as men are free to ask what they must,
first inaugural address,
free to say what they think, free to think what they
52 And I honor the man who is willing to sink
will, freedom can never be lost, and science can
Half his present repute for the freedom to
never regress.
atitude the right of
think,
ion without imput-
And, when he has thought, be his cause
J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER, in Life magazine,
October 10, 1949.
too well the weak-
strong or weak,
reason to wonder at
Will risk t' other half for the freedom to
60 There can be no prescription old enough to su-
speak.
persede the Law of Nature and the grant of God
er to Abigail
JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, A Fable for Critics,
Almighty, who has given to all men a natural right
1848.
to be free, and they have it ordinarily in their power
53 Freedom needs all her poets: it is they
to make themselves so, if they please.
that we owe our
Who give her aspirations wings,
JAMES OTIS, The Rights of the British Colonies
oday we hate and
And to the wiser law of music sway
Asserted and Proved, 1764.
f the peace, men
Her wild imaginings.
Whitman called
61 Freedom hath been hunted round the globe.
JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL, "To the Memory of
'-in a word, free
Asia and Africa have long expelled her. Europe
Hood," honoring the English poet Thomas Hood,
chased at a great
regards her like a stranger, and England hath given
1848.
ing to pay it have
her warning to depart. Oh, receive the fugitive, and
54 What is freedom? Freedom is the right to
prepare in time an asylum for mankind!
choose: the right to create for oneself the alterna-
in Freedom and
THOMAS PAINE, Common Sense, 1776.
tives of choice. Without the possibility of choice
and the exercise of choice a man is not a man but
62 Those who expect to reap the blessings of free-
illy grounded in
a member, an instrument, a thing.
dom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of sup-
government, no
ARCHIBALD MACLEISH, in "A Declaration of
porting it.
0 the defense of
Freedom."
THOMAS PAINE, The American Crisis, No. 4,
ers, communica-
55 Freedom is the right to one's dignity as a man.
September 12, 1777.
responsibility it
Ibid.
63 Blandishments will not fascinate us, nor will
ain the human
threats of a "halter" intimidate. For, under God,
edom.
56 Since the general civilization of mankind, I be-
we are determined that wheresoever, whensoever,
lieve there are more instances of the abridgment of
Iress to the
or howsoever we shall be called to make our exit,
Vashington,
the freedom of the people by gradual and silent
we will die free men.
encroachments of those in power than by violent
and sudden usurpations.
JOSIAH QUINCY, Observations on the Boston Port
I with the des-
Bill, 1774.
JAMES MADISON, in a speech in the Virginia
T part of the
Convention, June 16, 1788.
64 Cabal is the necessary effect of freedom. Where
vill be a com-
57 We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty.
men are left free to act, we must calculate on their
being governed by their interests and passions.
EDWARD R. MURROW, in a report on Sen. Joseph
N York City,
McCarthy, on the television program See It Now,
JOHN RANDOLPH, in a letter to Littleton Waller
March 7, 1954.
Tazewell, April 21, 1804.
101. GOVERNMENT
258
99 All hereditary government is in its nature tyr-
106 No system of government was ever so ill de-
anny. An heritable crown, or an heritable throne,
vised that, under proper men, it wouldn't work
or by what other fanciful name such things may be
well enough.
called, have no other significant explanation than
Ibid.
that mankind are heritable property. To inherit a
government, is to inherit the people, as if they were
107 Republics exist only on the tenure of being
flocks and herds.
constantly agitated.
THOMAS PAINE, The Rights of Man, 1791-1792.
WENDELL PHILLIPS, in a speech in Boston,
January 28, 1852.
100 Every age and generation must be as free to act
for itself, in all cases, as the ages and generations
108 Everybody knows that government never
which preceded it. The vanity and presumption of
began anything. It is the whole world that thinks
governing beyond the grave, is the most ridiculous
and governs.
and insolent of all tyrannies.
WENDELL PHILLIPS, in a lecture in Boston,
October 4, 1859.
Ibid.
109 Governments exist to protect the rights of
101 Government in a well-constituted republic, re-
minorities. The loved and the rich need no protec-
quires no belief from man beyond what his reason
tion,-they have many friends and few enemies.
can give. He sees the rationale of the whole sys-
tem, its origin, and its operation; and as it is best
WENDELL PHILLIPS, in a speech in Boston,
supported when best understood, the human facul-
December 21, 1860.
ties act with boldness, and acquire, under this form
110 "Tis a political maxim that all government
of government, a gigantic manliness.
tends to despotism, and like the human frame
Ibid.
brings at its birth the latent seed which finally shall
destroy the constitution. This is a melancholy
102 Great part of that order which reigns among
truth-but such is the lot of humanity.
mankind is not the effect of government. It has its
JOSIAH QUINCY, in a letter to the Boston
origin in the principles of society and the natural
Gazette, 1767.
constitution of man. It existed prior to government,
and would exist if the formality of government was
111 Government, to be safe and to be free, must
abolished.
consist of representatives having a common interest
Ibid.
and a common feeling with the represented
No
government extending from the Atlantic to the
103 In fine, society performs for itself almost every-
Pacific can be fit to govern me or those whom I
thing which is ascribed to government.
represent. There is death in the pot, compound it
how you will.
Ibid.
JOHN RANDOLPH, speaking in Congress, January,
104 All the monarchical governments are military.
1822.
War is their trade, plunder and revenue their ob-
jects. While such governments continue, peace has
112 Bureaucracy does not take kindly to being as-
sailed and isn't above using a few low blows and a
not the absolute security of a day.
knee to the groin when it fights back. Knowing this,
Ibid.
I have become extremely cautious in dealing with
government agencies.
105 Let the people think they govern and they will
be governed.
RONALD REAGAN, Where's the Rest of Me? 1965.
WILLIAM PENN, Some Fruits of Solitude,
113 Government exists to protect rights which are
1693.
ours from birth; the right to life, to liberty, and the
146. MARYLAND
376
every lane, every field looked like a cherry orchard,
Into a world unknown,- the corner-stone of
offering an inexhaustible profusion of fruit to all
a nation!
who would take the trouble to gather it.
HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW, on
FRANCES TROLLOPE, Domestic Manners of the
Plymouth Rock, in The Courtship of Miles
Americans, 1832.
Standish, 1858.
8 Nantucket! Take out your map and look at it-a
mere hillock, and elbow of sand; all beach, without
a background. Some gamesome wights will tell you
147. MASSACHUSETTS
that they have to plant weeds there, they don't
grow naturally; that pieces of wood in Nantucket
are carried about like bits of the true cross in Rome;
1 Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem. (By
that one blade of grass makes an oasis, three blades
the sword she seeks peaceful quiet under liberty.)
in a day's walk a prairie.
State motto.
HERMAN MELVILLE, Moby-Dick, 1851.
2 It shall be the duty of the legislatures and magis-
9 The rock underlies all America: it only crops out
to countenance and inculcate the princi-
here.
trates
ples of humanity and general benevolence, public
WENDELL PHILLIPS, in a speech at Plymouth,
and private charity, industry and frugality, honesty
Massachusetts, December 21, 1855.
and punctuality in their dealings; sincerity, good
10 The first public love of my heart is the Com-
humor, and all social affections and generous senti-
monwealth of Massachusetts.
ments among the people.
JOSIAH QUINCY, in a speech in the House of
Constitution of Massachusetts, 1780.
Representatives, January 14, 1811.
3 Have faith in Massachusetts!
11 I shall enter on no encomium upon Massachu-
CALVIN COOLIDGE, in a speech in the
setts; she needs none. There she is. Behold her, and
Massachusetts legislature, January 7,
judge for yourselves. There is her history; the
1914.
world knows it by heart. The past, at least, is se-
cure. There is Boston and Concord and Lexington
4 [The Puritans] were a very wonderful people.
and Bunker Hill; and there they will remain
If they were narrow it was not a blighting and
forever.
destructive narrowness, but a vital and productive
DANIEL WEBSTER, in his second reply in the
narrowness.
Webster-Hayne debate, January 26, 1830.
CALVIN COOLIDGE, in a speech in Watertown,
Massachusetts, 1930.
12 No slave-hunt in our borders,- no pirate on
our strand!
5 the Cambridge ladies who live in furnished
No fetters in the Bay State- no slave upon
souls
our land!
are unbeautiful and have comfortable minds.
JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER, "Massachusetts to
E.E. CUMMINGS, "Realities," 1923.
Virginia," 1843.
6 Massachusetts is Italy upside down.
RALPH WALDO EMERSON, quoting William
Ellery Channing in a journal entry dated
November 19, 1848, Journals, 1909-1914.
7 Down to the Plymouth Rock, that had been
to their feet as a doorstep
560
561
237. TRUTH
like
60 Nine times out of ten, in the arts as in life, there
67 Such is the irresistible nature of truth that all it
is actually no truth to be discovered; there is only
asks, and all it wants, is the liberty of appearing.
und,
error to be exposed.
Ibid.
H.L. MENCKEN, Prejudices, Third Series, 1922.
68 Mystery is the antagonist of truth. It is a fog of
the
61 The smallest atom of truth represents some
human invention that obscures truth, and repre-
man's bitter toil and agony; for every ponderable
sents it in distortion.
the
chunk of it there is a brave truth-seeker's grave
THOMAS PAINE, The Age of Reason, 1794-1795.
upon some lonely ash-dump and a soul roasting in
hell.
69 Truth never yet fell dead in the streets; it has
such affinity with the soul of man, the seed however
Ibid.
broadcast will catch somewhere and produce its
62 Truth is not a diet
hundredfold.
the
But a condiment.
THEODORE PARKER, A Discourse of Matters
CHRISTOPHER MORLEY, "Veritas vos Damnabit,"
Pertaining to Religion, 1842.
ever
in Translations from the Chinese, 1922.
70 Truth stood on one side and Ease on the other;
63 Half-truths to which men are accustomed are so
it has often been so.
much easier to pass than the golden mintage they
Ibid.
rarely encounter!
71 Inquiry is human; blind obedience brutal.
CHRISTOPHER MORLEY, Religio Journalistici,
Truth never loses by the one but often suffers by
1924.
the other.
64 The truth is America's most potent weapon.
WILLIAM PENN, Some Fruits of Solitude, 1693.
ery-
We cannot enlarge upon the truth. But we can and
all
must intensify our efforts to make that truth more
72 Truth is one forever, absolute; but opinion is
shining.
truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the
disposition of the spectator.
RICHARD M. NIXON, The Challenges We Face,
1960.
WENDELL PHILLIPS, "Against Idolatry," an
address given in Boston, October 4, 1859.
65 The People have a right to the Truth as they
have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happi-
73 It is the nature of truth in general, as of some
ns,
lf.
ness. It is not right that they be exploited and
ores in particular, to be richest when most superfi-
deceived with false views of life, false characters,
cial.
8.
false sentiment, false morality, false history, false
EDGAR ALLAN POE, "The Rationale of Verse,"
on
philosophy, false emotions, false heroism, false no-
published in The Pioneer magazine, March, 1843.
ts,
tions of self-sacrifice, false views of religion, of
74 Man passes away; generations are but shadows;
1.
duty, of conduct and manners.
there is nothing stable but truth.
FRANK NORRIS, The Responsibilities of the
JOSIAH QUINCY, JR., in a speech in Boston,
Novelist, 1903.
to
September 17, 1830.
up
66 The mind, in discovering truths, acts in the
75 Truth is given the eternal years of God because
to
same manner as it acts through the eye in discover-
she needs them every one.
ne
ing objects; when once any object has been seen, it
ch
is impossible to put the mind back to the same
THOMAS BRACKETT REED, in a speech at
condition it was in before it saw it.
Bowdoin College, Maine, July 25, 1902.
THOMAS PAINE, The Rights of Man, 1791-1792.
76 The best of us only pass from one inaccuracy
to another, and so do the worst, but on the whole,
More Than An Almanac
MASSACHUSETTS
FACTS
A Comprebensive look at
Massachusetts today
County by County
Flying the-Colors
by
JOHN CLEMENTS
PUBLISHED BY
CLEMENTS RESEARCH, INC.
DALLAS, TEXAS
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
FEBRUARY 6, 1788
When Massachusetts' ratifying
lished The Power of Sympathy, the first American novel.
convention met early in the year, it was obvious that the
1790
Almost 379,000 people lived in Massachusetts. In a
majority was Anti-Federalist and thus opposed to the new
period of 20 days, Salem's custom house recorded three ships
federal Constitution. State Federalists were led by Rufus King,
from Canton, seven from the West Indies and seven from
Nathaniel Gorham, Caleb Strong, Fisher Ames, Theophilus
Lisbon and Cadiz. England could never enforce its ban on
Parsons and James Bowdoin. Sam Adams was Anti-Federalist
America's trade with the British West Indies so the channels
and John Hancock waited to see which way the most favorable
began to open wider. In Newburyport, Jacob Perkins con-
wind would blow. John Adams was still in England but would
trived a machine that would cut and produce two hundred
resign in disgust later in the year without his desired com-
thousand nails a day. He went on to revolutionize the cot-
mercial treaty, and return home. Several leading Federalists
ton-printing industry with a process for transferring engraved
convinced Hancock that his support of the new government
patterns from a small, steel cylinder to copper.
might very well gain him the vice-presidency, and Federalist
1791
Harvard graduate, historian and Congregational
shipwrights who had been promised contracts by Federalist
minister Jeremy Belknap founded America's first historical
merchants convinced their old friend Sam Adams to change
association, the Massachusetts Historical Society, in Boston.
his mind. Though elected president of the convention, Han-
DECEMBER 15, 1791
As suggested by Massachusetts and
cock waited for three weeks to take his seat, offering as he
a number of other states, ten amendments to the federal
did a proposal for immediate ratification with an accompany-
Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, officially became
ing recommendation for amendments that would secure the
the law of the land.
rights of the people. Sam Adams approved and the U.S. Con-
1792
Paul Revere, designer of the first issue of Continental
stitution was ratified 187 to 168. Massachusetts entered the
currency, the first official seal of the colonies and the Mass-
Union on this day as the sixth state. All but one of the states
achusetts State Seal, opened the Boston bell foundry with
that eventually followed the Bay State in ratification also
his son Joseph Warren Revere. Between the two, they would
suggested the same basic amendments.
cast almost 400 church bells, "powerful and mellow." In 1911,
JUNE 1788
The legislature (still called the General Court)
there were 78 Revere bells still in use. In the tower of King's
granted official pardons to the recent rebels, Daniel Shays
Chapel, the largest and most famous bell, weighing over 2,000
and Eli Parsons.
pounds still hangs. Joseph Harper, manager of The New
NOVEMBER 2, 1788
A former French chaplain performed
Exhibition Room on Hawley Street in Boston, was arrested
the first Catholic mass openly celebrated in Boston.
but released on a technicality for holding a variety show and
This year, George Richard Minot would publish his History
performances of Shakespeare's plays. Despite the law, Boston
of Shays's Rebellion while Nicholas Pike at Newburyport
theater was finally off to a start. Meanwhile, John Adams
contributed A New and Complete System which became the
was re-elected vice-president and the first layman was elected
standard American arithmetic text.
to the Board of Overseers at Harvard.
APRIL 30, 1789
George Washington took the oath of office
1793
Samuel Adams became acting governor upon the
as president of the United States and John Adams, with 34
death of John Hancock. In Williamstown, in the northwest
of the 69 second votes of the presidential electors, took office
corner of the state, Harvard received its first competition.
as the vice-president.
Williams College was chartered and supported by a grant in
SEPTEMBER 1789
President Washington named Major
the will of Colonel Ephraim Williams. Eli Whitney, born in
General Henry Knox, the former Massachusetts bookseller
Westboro in 1765, invented the cotton gin and later devised
who had tried to calm the crowd of the Boston Massacre and
a system of manufacturing interchangeable gun parts.
who had brought the artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to
Religion and politics were still a holy union in Massachusetts
bombard Boston, as the nation's first secretary of war. Massa-
and the conservative political posture supported a desire to
chusetts citizen Samuel Osgood was chosen the first post-
return to older, Puritan religious values. The religious con-
master general. William Cushing of Scituate would be the
sciousness of the times was manifested in several directions.
first associate justice appointed to the new Supreme Court.
One was a Second Great Awakening called the "Revival"
During the year, the new president visited Boston as part of
which would last for several decades. The Baptists enjoyed
a general tour of the new nation. Governor Hancock refused
tremendous growth during this period and eventually became
to call on Washington, insisting that the governor (His Excel-
the nation's largest Protestant denomination.
lency) of Massachusetts was a more important personage than
the president of the United States. In the realm of world trade,
NORFOLK COUNTY
Boston's Atlantic sailed to Bombay and Calcutta and the
Named for Norfolk County, England. Created: March 26,
Franklin became the first American ship to reach Japan.
1793 from Suffolk County as the twelfth county in the state.
Nathan Reed had invented a steam-propelled paddle boat
County Seat: (Shire Town) Dedham. Major Events: Wey-
which began trips between Danvers and Beverly. In West
mouth became the state's second oldest settlement in 1622
Springfield, a horse was born to owner Justin Morgan who
as a small fishing and farming outpost. Quincy began in 1625
was a schoolteacher and singing master. Named "Figure" by
on Massachusetts Bay and quickly evolved into Thomas
his owner, the dark red bay stallion with black points grew
Morton's Merrymount. Settlers established themselves to the
to be a mere 14 hands tall but could outwork, outpull and
west on the Charles River in 1635, petitioning to incorporated
outrun (in a quarter-mile race) all comers. Taken to Vermont
as a town called Contentment in 1636. It would later be called
at the age of two, the horse became known as "Justin
Dedham. Jonathan Fairbanks built his house there the same
Morgan," the foundation sire of the Morgan horse, a truly
year and it still stands today as America's oldest home.
American breed. In Worcester, William Hill Brown pub-
Reverend John Eliot established a Praying Indian Town on
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
197
CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Pegan Hill, named for the Pegan Indians, in present-day
to elect the church ministers. This ruling opened the doors
Dover. The area that would become Brookline was settled in
wide for encroaching Unitarianism. In 1833, China trader
1638 and, in 1640, Franklin Street was laid out in Quincy as
Robert Bennet Forbes built a mansion for his mother in Milton
a road from Boston to Plymouth. This was the same year that
which is now the Museum of the America China Trade. Forbes
the Old Colony Boundary Line was marked between the
had gone to sea at the tender age of 13 and was captain of
colonies of Massachusetts Bay and Plymouth Bay. The
an opium storeship by the time he was 19. Opium became
nation's second oldest boundary line, it apparently ran from
the product Yankees found to be most effective in bartering
just south of Cohasset to just south of Plainville, approxi-
for Chinese tea and silks. In 1834, the Canton viaduct was
mating today's southern boundary of Norfolk County. John
constructed by artist James Whistler's father. James Clapp
Winthrop, Jr. built the nation's first iron furnace in Quincy
established the Clapp Shoe Company in Weymouth in 1853
in 1644 and the townspeople of Dedham established the
and the company lasted four generations. Beginning in 1870,
nation's first free public school and supported it with general
Boston tried unsuccessfully for the first of six times to annex
taxation of Dedham's residents. During King Philips' War
the wealthy, residential community of Brookline as a plum
of 1675 to 1676, more than half of Medfield was burned as
for its tax coffers. Brookline remains the state's largest town,
was Wrentham. Many colonists fled to the safety of towns
refusing to convert to city government. First called Muddy
like Dedham. The Baker house was built in Westwood which
River Hamlet, Brookline became the "Town of Millionaires"
was first called Clapboard Trees or the Third Parish of
in the early 1900s and the birthplace of John F. Kennedy in
Dedham. Several generations of Bakers would occupy the
1917. In 1871, Henry Fowle Durant founded a Female Sem-
house including Betsey Metcalf Baker who, it is claimed,
inary which opened in 1875 for "the glory of God" in what
devised a way of splitting and braiding straw to make bonnets,
was still Natick and the massive estate of Samuel Welles.
producing the nation's first straw bonnet and inaugurating
Welles' grandson-in-law, H. Hollis Hunnewell, bought the
what started as a popular cottage industry but grew into one
estate in 1881, incorporated it as a town and named it Wellesley.
of the area's staple factory products. When Medway was
Developing an expertise with marine engines in the late 1880s,
incorporated as a town in 1713, Jacob Bartlett moved further
the Quincy Fore River Shipyards turned out 36 destroyers for
south to settle No Man's Land or what later became
World War I and the carrier Lexington for World War II.
Bellingham in 1719. Medway was so isolated that it refused
General Dynamics would build the first surface nuclear ship
to send representatives to the General Court for 13 years. In
here. Wall Street economist Roger Babson of Wellesley Hills
1721, Dr. Zabdiel Boylston of Brookline inoculated his son
founded Babson Institute in Wellesley in 1919 as a specialized
and two slaves for smallpox, the first doctor to use the
business college. In 1925, Howard Johnson bought a local
controversial procedure as a protection against the often fatal
drugstore in Quincy to begin making "an ice cream I can call
illness. Abigail Smith was born in Weymouth in 1744 the
my own." Quincy is the modern-day headquarters for Howard
daughter of the Reverend William Smith. She would later
Johnson Corporation.
become Abigail Adams, the wife of the future president who
was born in Quincy. Quincy would also be the birthplace of
FEBRUARY 3, 1794
The new Boston Theater opening
John Hancock and John Quincy Adams and the site of a
included "a grand symphony by Signor Haydn."
world-famous granite quarry. The granite was transported by
SPRING 1794
Samuel Adams was elected governor of the
horse-drawn railway to the Neponset River on what is thought
Commonwealth while the "Federal era" and the war between
to be the nation's first commercial railway. In 1763, the state's
France and England brought prosperity flowing into Massa-
first known census was taken in Medway. When Medfield was
chusetts and Boston as never before, creating vast new oppor-
chosen to be the county seat, it refused the honor as the
tunities for shipping and trading. The newly appointed U.S.
townspeople thought the distraction of the court house would
Armory at Springfield would become the major source of
distrupt the industry of the town. Dedham became the county
U.S. military rifles and a center for weapons design and manu-
seat and Brookline left Suffolk County to join Norfolk. Two
facturing. In Hampshire County, a canal was constructed to
years later, Brookline petitioned the state Supreme Court to
bypass South Hadley's Falls on the Connecticut River. George
rejoin Suffolk County but the petition was denied, leaving
Washington appointed John Quincy Adams as the U.S.
Brookline an "island" member of Norfolk. Canton became
minister to the Netherlands.
the site of Paul Revere's foundry in 1808 and later his powder
JUNE 26, 1794
The General Court ratified the Eleventh
mill. During the Revolution and the War of 1812, Canton
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, curbing the power of
would provide muskets and powder to American soldiers.
the federal judiciary in relation to the states.
Plymouth Rubber today occupies the original site of the
1795
The Haymarket Theater was constructed and even
Revere foundry. The name Canton was a result of the active
though the Boston Theater was bankrupt after its first year,
China trade carried on by the area merchants. In 1803,
lively competition would continue between the two theaters
Cohasset, Hingham and Hull were to be annexed to Norfolk
until the Haymarket was torn down in 1803.
County from Suffolk but Hingham and Hull refused and won
1796
Two-term Vice-President John Adams was elected the
entrance to Plymouth County, leaving Cohasset the second
second president of the United States, to take office in the fol-
"island" member of Norfolk. Because of the many ship-
lowing spring. In Massachusetts, each congressional district
wrecks off Cohasset's rocky coast, the first U.S. lifeboat
voted for two citizens as presidential electors. Any candidate
station was established on Pleasant Beach in 1807. Minot's
receiving the majority of the popular vote automatically became
Light would follow in 1850. A significant decision was handed
the district's single elector. If a majority was not achieved
down by the Massachusetts Supreme Court in 1818 awarding
in a district, the legislature chose between the two persons
the Dedham Parish rather than the church fellowship the right
with the highest number of votes. In Boston, the Boston
198
FLYING THE COLORS: MASSACHUSETTS FACTS ©JOHN CLEMENTS 1987
E169
C45
v.
WH
A MAIN STREET TRAVEL GUIDE
Other Guides in the
t;
DISCOVERING
scovering Historic America Series
HISTORIC
CALIFORNIA AND THE WEST
Portland
THE MID-ATLANTIC STATES
Portsmouth
Boston
THE SOUTHEAST
Cape Cod
AMERICA
Text:
NEW ENGLAND
Vicki Brooks
Michael Fiore
Martin Greif
Lawrence Grow
Design:
General Editor: S. Allen Chambers
Frank Mahood
11
Donald Rolfe
illustration: First Church of Belfast, Maine; Historic
American Buildings Survey. Cortlandt V.D. Hubbard,
E.P. DUTTON & CO., INC. . NEW YORK
photographer.
1982
140
141
MASSACHUSETTS
OUND,
which serves as the museum's headquar-
Major Timothy Jackson took the deterio-
This former private school houses the of-
Ave. on
ters. Other kinds of objects made in
rating saltbox built by his ancestor Ed-
fices, library, and museum of the Quincy
80. The
China-lacquerware, silver, textiles-are
ward Jackson in 1679 and recycled parts of
Historical Society. A Victorian Gothic
ily cem-
also on exhibit. The museum's archives
it for his new home. Six of the fireplaces
building of rough-faced granite ashlar with
ymbolic
contain thousands of documents and other
have hand-carved 17th-century mantels;
brick trim, it served until 1908 as a boy's
ngland.
printed matter, including photographs,
there are also many original doors from the
school and then was used for various civic
im, and
which relate to the American trade with
earlier house. NR. Open July-Aug, Tu-F
purposes before being leased to the society.
ouches.
the Far East. NR. Forbes House is open
10-4; Sept, M-F 10-4; Oct-June, M-F
A fund started by President John Adams
d are in
Tu-Su 1-4; group tours are available from
10-4; 1st Sunday of month, 10-4. $1
led to the establishment of the school, and
of Med-
1-4. $3 adults, $1.50 children.
adults, 50c senior citizens, 25¢ children
Ware and Van Brunt, Boston's leading late
g fami-
(617) 696-1815.
6-17. (617) 552-7238.
19th-century architectural firm, was
Close by the Forbes House is the Dr.
responsible for the design. NR. Open M-F
Amos Holbrook House (1800), 203
9:30-3:30, Sa 12:30-3:30. Free.
Adams St., which is also maintained by the
Quincy
(617) 773-1144.
museum. Wings were added to this Federal
RICAN
residence in 1872 and 1907, but such
Quincy is a relatively new town- as New
1833.
England towns go. Not until the area had
ADAMS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE,
original neo-classical details as the
135 Adams St., 1731. Four generations of
ica and
pedimented center entrance and porch
been recognized as the home ground of the
Revolu-
with a balustraded deck still predominate.
Adams family and the center of a growing
the eminent Adams family occupied this
he Civil
granite industry in the 1790s was the town
handsomely appointed house from 1788
Newton
incorporated separately from Braintree.
to 1927 John Adams, John Quincy
olved in
e head-
From that time on it grew much more
Adams, Charles Francis Adams, and
Massa-
JACKSON HOMESTEAD, 527 Washing-
rapidly than the neighboring town and
Henry Adams. Henry's brother, Brooks,
ton St., 1809. The history of the many set-
eventually became one of the major manu-
was the last family member to live at what
Bennet
tlements which make up the sprawling
facturing cities of the state.
became known as the "Old House." John
trading
Os. The
town of Newton is the primary focus of at-
Despite its close proximity to Boston,
Adams called it "but the farm of a patriot."
the ex-
tention in this historic house museum.
Quincy - like Cambridge- has main-
It was, considered a mansion house, how-
Forbes's
How the early 19th-century residents
tained a separate cultural identity. This in-
ever, when purchsed by Adams in 1787,
| design
might have lived is displayed in fur-
dependent historical viewpoint is based on
although not as large as Mrs. Adams
nishings, clothing, and the toys provided
the distinguished contributions of the
would have liked. It was almost doubled in
int fur-
children. The Jackson Homestead, how-
Adams and Quincy families to the area and
size in following years. Surrounding the
n made
ever, has a history beginning long before
to the nation.
house were some 40 acres. Approximately
utifully
five acres remain.
House
1809, its date of construction. At that time
ADAMS ACADEMY, 8 Adams St., 1872.
The visitor to the historic site can tour
Adams National Historic Site
EAST CENTRAL
142
the house, a stone library building built by
(Unitarian), 1226 Hancock St., 1827-28.
Elizabeth
Charles Francis Adams in the 1860s, a
Considered the finest Greek Revival
stable, and well-tended gardens. The fur-
style buil
church in New England, it was designed by
work on
nishings are, for the most part, Adams
Alexander Parris along monumental lines
thedral 0
family pieces. NR, NHL. Open Apr
with a projecting Doric portico made up of
City, bui
19-Nov 10, daily 9-5. 50c adults,
25-foot-high columns. The granite edifice
European
chaperoned children under 16 free.
might well be called the St. Peter's of
regular C
(617) 773-1177.
Unitarianism. Buried in a crypt within are
The adjoining Beale House and property
four of the parish's leading members: John
of 3½ acres is also included in the historic
Adams and John Quincy Adams and their
site. This building, however, is occupied
wives. NR, NHL. Open for tours Apr
and is not open to the public.
19-Oct 12, M-F 9-5. Write or call in ad-
vance for tour reservations.
THOMAS CRANE PUBLIC LIBRARY,
(617) 773-1290.
Coddington and Washington Sts., 1881.
One of Henry Hobson Richardson's most
successful buildings, the library is granite
Shirley
with red sandstone trim; the broadly
arched entrance and pitched roof em-
SHIRLEY SHAKER VILLAGE, S of
phasize the Romanesque style. John La
Shirley on the Harvard Rd., 1793-1900.
Farge was commissioned to produce
The Massachusetts Correctional Institu-
tion is located at the site of the former
WAYSII
opalescent panels for windows. NR. Open
M-F 9-9, Sa 9-5; closed Sa, July and Aug.
Shaker settlement founded in 1793. Most
Old Bos
of the buildings have been greatly altered
Henry F
QUINCY HOMESTEAD, 34 Butler Rd.,
and some of them moved from their origi-
style vill
nal sites. The Meeting House was taken
tant bu
1706. The home of John Hancock's wife,
down and transported to Hancock Shaker
under the
Dorothy Quincy, this mansion house was
Village (see Pittsfield vicinity listing).
which V
partially built in the 1600s, 1706, and in
the mid-18th century. The kitchen dates
There were once some 26 buildings ar-
fellow il
from the 1600s. It has now been opened as
ranged along Harvard Rd.; there are now
building
a museum by the Colonial Dames of Mass-
14. The village- made up of three Shaker
be the
"families" dissolved in 1908, the remain-
was firs
achusetts. NR. Apr 19-Nov 1, Tu-Su 10-5.
$1 adults, 50c for chaperoned children
ing members moving on to nearby Har-
rename
vard village. Applesauce making had been
Also
under 12.
the main industry here on a tract that com-
stone Si
COL. JOSIAH QUINCY HOUSE, 20
prised over 2,000 acres. NR.
Martha
Muirhead St. (Wollaston), 1770. The
structic
Quincy family continued for several
other t
generations to provide leaders for the
Sudbury
open di
greater Boston community. Col. Quincy
childre
and his son, Josiah, Jr., were close allies of
SUDBURY CENTER HISTORIC DIS-
(617) 4
the Adamses; grandson Josiah III was pres-
TRICT, Concord and Old Sudbury Rds.
ident of Harvard and mayor of Boston.
17th-20th centuries. The principal historic
Walth
The handsome Georgian clapboard house
buildings in the village are grouped around
was resided in by members of the family
the triangular town green. The setting is
GORE
until the late 1800s. The property is now
customary, with the colonial First Parish
This is
maintained by the SPNEA as a museum.
Church (1797) at the west side; the Greek
Christ
The fireplaces, surrounded by English
Revival Town Hall (1846, 1932) facing
home
tiles, are especially noteworthy. The
the church; and, the clapboard Greek
The sit
rooms are furnished with antique objects
Revival Grange Hall (1846) next to the
as cou
associated with the Quincy family. NR.
Town Hall. Located at 427 Concord Rd.,
prised
Open June 1-Sept 30, T, Th, Sa 1-5. 50c
an avenue off the green, is architect Ralph
French
admission. (617) 227-3956.
Adams Cram's estate, "Whitehall" (1815
plans,
with a 1915 addition). The most interest-
The re
UNITED FIRST PARISH CHURCH
ing part of the estate, however, is the St.
along
VOLUME 23
Pumps to Russell
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA
AMERICANA
INTERNATIONAL EDITION
COMPLETE IN THIRTY VOLUMES
FIRST PUBLISHED IN 1829
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International Headquarters: Danbury, Connecticut 06816
FASCH STUDIO, MILTON MASS
Four generations of the Adams family, including two presidents, lived in the "Old House" in Quincy, Mass.
QUINCY, kwin'zē, a city in eastern Massachu-
as a lookout for Gen. George Washington during
setts, in Norfolk county, is on the Atlantic Ocean
the siege of Boston in the Revolutionary War.
just southeast of Boston. It is the birthplace of
A trading post called Mount Wollaston was
Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams
established here in 1625. It soon became known
and of John Hancock, first signer of the Declara-
as Merry Mount because of the licentious be-
tion of Independence.
havior of its head, Thomas Morton, who was ul-
Quincy's largest industry is shipbuilding.
timately run out of Massachusetts as a "pagan"
Printing and publishing are also important, as
because he celebrated May Day. In 1634 the
are the manufacture of transportation equipment,
community was made part of Boston, but in
electrical and nonelectrical machinery, and
1640 it was incorporated as the town of Brain-
chemicals. The city's 30 miles (48 km) of coast-
tree. In 1792 the North Precinct of Braintree
line make it a popular recreation area. Wolla-
was incorporated as the town of Quincy, named
ston Beach, Shell Beach, and Houghs Neck are
for Col. John Quincy, an eminent citizen.
all in Quincy. The Quincy Bay Race Week
Quincy was incorporated as a city in 1888. It
Regatta draws large crowds every summer.
has a mayor-council form of government. Popu-
A number of buildings in Quincy are asso-
lation: 84,743.
ciated with the Adams family. Chief of these is
the Adams National Historic Site, which pre-
QUINIDINE, kwin'a-den, is an alkaloid drug ob-
serves the house occupied between 1787 and
tained from the bark of several species of South
1927 by four generations of the Adams family,
American trees of the genera Cinchona and
including John, John Quincy, and Henry Adams,
Remijia. Its chemical formula is the same as
author of The Education of Henry Adams
that of quinine, which comes from the same
(1907). Also in Quincy are the John Adams
trees, but the structure of the quinidine molecule
Birthplace (built in 1681), the John Quincy
differs from that of the quinine molecule.
Adams Birthplace (1663), and the Quincy
Like quinine, quinidine was once used to
Homestead (1706), home of Dorothy Quincy,
treat malaria, reduce fever, and speed childbirth.
who married John Hancock. The Quincy Home-
Its principal use today, however, is to treat
stead is one of the few houses in Massachusetts
cardiac arrhythmias (irregularities of the heart-
in which the elements of a 17th century building
beat), for which it is more effective than qui-
incorporated in a later structure (1706) are
nine. Quinidine acts as a cardiac muscle de-
clearly visible. John Adams and John Quincy
pressant, tending to slow down and regulate a
Adams and their wives are buried in the crypt of
heart that is beating rapidly and irregularly. It
the First Parish Church.
is a potentially dangerous drug that should be
The United First Parish Church (Unitarian)
used only under medical supervision.
of Quincy (1827-1828) is a remarkable example
of New England Greek Revival church architec-
QUININE, kwi'nin, a bitter alkaloid drug that
ture. The granite church has a two-story Doric
was once widely used to treat malaria. Quinine
portico surmounted by a stone tower topped by
is obtained from the bark of cinchona trees,
an open wooden cupola. Also of interest are the
which are native to the slopes of the Andes
excavated remains of the John Winthrop Jr. Iron
Mountains in South America. Quinine is now
Furnace of 1644, where the first commercial iron
commonly replaced by synthetic drugs that are
in the United States was made, and the Col.
more effective antimalarials and that have less
Josiah Quincy Homestead (1770), which served
serious side effects.
100
Ref.
ISSN 1045-2621
D11
.6.34
1990
WH
Holidays and
Anniversaries
of the World
A Comprehensive Catalogue Containing Detailed Information
on Every Month and Day of the Year, with Coverage of 23,000 Holidays,
Anniversaries, Fasts and Feasts, Holy Days, Days of the Saints, the Blesseds,
and Other Days of Heortological Significance, Birthdays of the Famous,
Important Dates in History, and Special Events and Their Sponsors
SECOND EDITION
Jennifer Mossman, Editor
Gale Research Inc.
DETROIT
NEW YORK
FORT LAUDERDALE
LONDON
Holidays
U.S.
Flag Day
Commemorates Continental
June 14
Congress's adoption of flag for
the 13 United States, consisting
of 13 stripes, 7 red and 6 white,
and 13 white stars arranged in
a circle on a field of blue, 1777.
Birthdates
1736
Charles Augustin de Coulomb, French
1909
Burl Ives (Burl Icle Ivanhoe), U.S. folk
physicist; known for work on friction, elec-
singer, character actor.
tricity, and magnetism. The electrical unit,
1918
Dorothy McGuire, U.S. actress; known for
the coulomb, is named for him. [d. August
her starring role in Claudia, 1941.
23, 1806]
1798
Frantisek Palacký, Czech historian, politi-
1925
Pierre Salinger, U.S. politician, journalist;
cal leader; worked for creation of autono-
Press Secretary to President John F. Ken-
mous Czech nation. [d. April 26, 1876]
nedy, 1961-63.
1811
Harriet (Elizabeth) Beecher Stowe, U.S.
1928
Che Guevera (Ernesto Guevera de la
writer; best known for her novel, Uncle
Serna), Latin American guerrilla, revolu-
Tom's Cabin, 1852, which stimulated anti-
tionary theoretician and tactician; served
slavery sentiment prior to U.S. Civil War. [d.
as aide to Fidel Castro (August 13) during
July 1, 1896]
Cuban Revolution, 1959. [d. October 9,
1967]
1820
John Bartlett, U.S. editor, bookseller; com-
piler of Familiar Quotations, a classic refer-
1958
Eric Heiden, U.S. speed skater; winner of
ence work. [d. December 3, 1905)
five gold medals in 1980 Winter Olympics.
1838
Yamagata Aritomo, Japanese prince, army
1961
Boy George (George O'Dowd), British
general; Premier of Japan, 1889-91, 1898-
singer; member of the rock group, Culture
1900. [d. February 1, 1922]
Club; known for his avante-garde appear-
ance.
1855
Robert Marion La Follette, Sr., U.S. public
official, political leader; U.S. Senator, 1907-
25. Introduced resolution calling for investi-
Historical Events
gation of Teapot Dome Scandal. [d. June
18, 1925]
1800
Napoleon defeats Austrians at Marengo.
1862
John Joseph Glennon, U.S. Roman Cath-
1846
Bear Flag Revolt begins with proclama-
olic cardinal. [d. March 9, 1946]
tion of Republic of California by a group
1868
Karl Landsteiner, U.S. physician born in
of settlers. California is annexed to U.S. on
Austria; Nobel Prize in physiology or medi-
August 17, 1846.
cine for discovery of human blood
1900
The Hawaiian Islands become the Terri-
groups, 1930. [d. June 26, 1943)
tory of Hawaii, part of the United States.
1895
José Carlos Mariátegui, Peruvian writer,
1918
The Battle of the Metz ends in the failure
reformer. [d. April 16, 1930]
of the German offensive (World War I).
1906
Margaret Bourke-White, U.S. photogra-
1934
Max Baer knocks out Primo Carnera for
pher; noted for her photographs of numer-
world heavyweight boxing title.
ous world events, including U.S. cam-
paigns into North Africa, Italy, and Germa-
The U.S. Congress creates the Federal
ny during World War II, and photo-essays
Communications Commission.
on Russia, India, the American South. A
1940
Auschwitz, the largest of the Nazi concen-
founding editor of Life magazine. [d. Au-
tration camps, opens near Krakow,
gust 27, 1971)
Poland.
Ref.
D11
C45
1991
WH
CHASE'S
ANNUAL
EVENTS
and
11/30/90
Special Days, Weeks & Months in 1991
An Almanac and Survey of the Year:
A Calendar of Holidays, Holy Days, National and Ethnic Days,
Seasons, Astronomical Phenomena, Festivals and Fairs,
Anniversaries, Birthdays, Special Events and
Traditional Observances of all kinds, the World over.
CB
CONTEMPORARY
BOOKS
June
Chase's Annual Events
1991
DETROIT GRAND PRIX. June 14-16. Detroit, MI. Fifth Stop
NATIONAL FLAG DAY USA: PAUSE FOR THE PLI
on the Cart/PP6 Indy Car World Series Championship. Spon-
June 14. Held simultaneously across the country
sor: Valvoline. Info from: Detroit Renaissance, Keith Kaminski,
EDT. Public law 99-54 recognizes the Pause for the Paty they
Media Relations Mgr, 100 Renaissance Ctr, Ste 1760, Detroit,
Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance was conceived
part of National Flag Day ceremonies. The concept of " &
MI 48243.
FIRST NONSTOP TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT: ANNI-
VERSARY. June 14-15. Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shine
all citizens to share a patriotic moment. National cetember as, iss 11
Arthur W. Brown flew a Vickers Vimy bomber 1,900 miles
PINE COUNTRY PRO RODEO. June 14-16
nonstop from St. Johns, Newfoundland, to Clifden, County
County Fairgrounds, Flagstaff, AZ. PRCA pro rodeo Comminer to
Galway, Ireland, June 14-15, 1919. In spite of their crash land-
the skills of our American cowboy. Info from: Pine County your
ing in an Irish peat bog, their flight inspired public interest in
Rodeo Committee, Marshall Knoles, 2708 N 4th St.
aviation and led to many other flights. See also: "Lindbergh
AZ 86004.
Flight Anniversary" (May 20).
POTOMAC RIVER FESTIVAL. June 14-16. Colones Beach
FLAG DAY. June 14. Presidential Proclamation. Issued each
VA. To promote the attractions of Colonial Beach and have
year for June 14. Proclamation 1335, of May 30, 1916, covers all
Westmoreland County. Sponsor: Chamber of Commers
succeeding years. Has been issued annually since 1941.
Boundary St, Colonial Beach, VA 22443.
(PL81-203 of Aug 3, 1949.) Customarily issued as "Flag Day
SPACE MILESTONE: MARINER 5 (US). June 14 Intergions
and National Flag Week," as in 1986; the president usually
tary probe of Venus established 72½1/287½ percent carbon Seca
mentions "a time to honor America," Flag Day to Independence
ide content of atmosphere on Oct 18 flyby of plane:
Day (89 Stat. 211).
June 14, 1967.
SPACE MILESTONE: VOSTOK 5 (USSR). June 14 Less
ant Colonel Valery Bykovsky orbits Earth 81 times. 2,04g
miles. Landed June 19. Launched June 14, 1963.
FLAG DAY: ANNIVERSARY OF THE STARS AND
STRIPES. June 14. On this day in 1777, John Adams intro-
SPAIN: FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE MUSIC
duced the following resolution before the Continental Con-
DANZA. June 14-July 3. Granada. Info from: Festival internal
gress, meeting at Philadelphia, PA: "Resolved, That the flag of
cional de Musica y Danza, Aptdo Correos 64, E-18009 Green
the thirteen United States shall be thirteen stripes, alternate red
ada, Spain.
and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field,
STERNWHEELER DAYS. June 14-16. Marina Park, Cascalo
representing a new constellation." Legal holiday in Pennsylva-
Locks, OR. Return of the replica sternwheeler "Columns
nia.
Gorge" to home port for the summer. Wine and cheese carron
FLAG DAY CEREMONIES. June 14. Betsy Ross House, Phila-
crafts, salmon feed, live music, 10K run. Sponsor: Port a Con
delphia, PA. 11:00 AM program followed by band concert in
cade Locks, PO Box 307, Cascade Locks, OR 97014
Atwater Kent Gardens of Betsy Ross House. Info from: Rosen-
STOWE, HARRIET BEECHER: 180TH BIRTH ANNIV
Coren Agency, Inc, 902 Benjamin Fox Pavilion, Foxcroft Sq,
SARY. June 14. American writer, Harriet Beeche: Store
Jenkintown, PA 19046.
daughter of the Rev Lyman Beecher and sister of Henr, Any
INTERNATIONAL FAN CLUB ORGANIZATION
Beecher. Author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, an antislavery Date
DINNER AND SHOW. June 14. Tennessee State Fair
that provoked a storm of protest and resulted in fame for Pa
Grounds, Nashville, TN. Participation in the annual Fan Fair.
author. Two characters in the novel attained such importance
Sponsor: Intl Fan Club Organization, Loudilla, Loretta and Kay
that their names became part of the English language the
Johnson, Box 177, Wild Horse, CO 80862.
Negro slave, Uncle Tom, and the villainous slave owner. Sence
Legree. The bitter reaction to Uncle Tom's Cabin and do :-
JAPAN: RICE PLANTING FESTIVAL. June 14. Osaka. Cer-
found political impact are without parallel in American Insue
emonial transplanting of rice seedlings in paddyfield at Sumiya-
ture. It is said that during the Civil War, when Harriet Beacher
shi Shrine, Osaka.
Stowe was introduced to President Abraham Lincoln, his wonts
LAKEFRONT FESTIVAL OF ARTS. June 14-16. Milwaukee
to her were "So you're the little woman who wrote the boxe
Art Museum, Milwaukee, WI. To stimulate interest in the visual
that made this great war." Stowe was born at Litchfie's CT
arts. A fund-raiser for the benefit of the museum's Art Acquisi-
June 14, 1811. The last ten years of her life were clouded
tion Fund. Info from: Friends of Art, Beth Hoffman, 750 N
ailment which may have been Alzheimer's disease. She :
Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Hartford, CT, on July 1, 1896.
LOUISIANA BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL. June 14-16. Mans-
SUMMERFEST ART FAIRE. June 14-15. Tabernacle Sour
field, LA. Arts, crafts, food booths, street dance, live entertain-
Logan, UT. A celebration of the arts. Events include have
ment and parade. Info from: Don Frazier, PO Box 1436, Mans-
theater, a fine arts exhibit, benefit evening and a two Co. &
field, LA 71052.
faire, featuring various arts demonstrations, exhibiting
MICROBREWERY FESTIVAL-MIDWEST. June 14-15.
a jazz festival and children's activities. Annually, the thire area
Hyatt Regency, Chicago, IL. 1991 will be the debut year of
end in June. Info from: Cache Valley Health Care Foundation
"Microbrewery Festival-Midwest," a consumer exposition fea-
c/o Logan Regional Hospital, Logan, UT 84321.
turing malt beverages produced by micro-breweries worldwide.
TECUMSEH!: THE EPIC OUTDOOR DRAMA. June
Special events and activities relating to beer will include cooking
14-Aug 31. Chillicothe, OH. Witness the spectacular remain
with beer, beer and fitness and beer paraphernalia. Info from:
ment of the life and death of the great Shawnee leader Tecam
Cheryl Zwierzynski, Production Contractors, Inc, 1711 W Ful-
seh. Held in the large, tiered amphitheater nestled in the hand
lerton, Chicago, IL 60614.
wood forest of Sugarloaf Mountain. Take a backstage tow. 1
the Prehistoric Museum, dine in the open-air Tecumseh Resear
rant Terrace. Info from: Tecumseh, PO Box 73, Chillicothe. OH
S M T W T F S
45601.
1
UNIVAC COMPUTER: 40TH BIRTHDAY. June 14. United
June
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
the world's first commercial computer, designed for the
1991
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Bureau of the Census, was unveiled, demonstrated and ánd
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
cated at Philadelphia, PA, June 14, 1951. Though this missure
30
of the computer age was the first commercial electrons (om
160
National Security Resources Board
Library
Law Collection
UNITED STATES
STATUTES AT LARGE
CONTAINING THE
LAWS AND CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS
ENACTED DURING THE FIRST SESSION OF THE
EIGHTY-FIRST CONGRESS
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
1949
AND
PROCLAMATIONS, TREATIES, INTERNATIONAL
AGREEMENTS OTHER THAN TREATIES,
AND REORGANIZATION PLANS
VOLUME 63
IN THREE PARTS
PART 1
PUBLIC LAWS, REORGANIZATION PLANS, PRIVATE LAWS,
CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1950
+3845
01
District of Columbia Circuit, including fees and fines, if any, collected the
Appeals
for
by the office of the clerk of that court, as the amount paid by the
District of Columbia toward the salaries and expenses of such court
bears to the total amount of such salaries and expenses."
Repeal.
SEC. 8. That the last sentence of the second paragraph of section 2
of the Act of June 8, 1938, entitled "An Act to provide for insanity pro-
D. C. Code 21-308.
Post, p. 889.
ceedings in the District of Columbia" (52 Stat. 625, 626), which reads
as follows: "The Commissioners shall include in their annual esti-
mates such amounts as may be required for the salaries and expenses
herein authorized," is hereby repealed.
Repeal
SEC. 9. That the Act of April 24, 1926, entitled "An Act providing
for expenses of the office of Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills
of the District of Columbia" (44 Stat. 322; title 19, sec. 404 and sec.
405; D. C. Code, 1940), insofar as it relates to the office of the Register
of Wills, and any other provisions of law inconsistent with the pro-
visions of this Act are hereby repealed.
Effective date.
SEC. 10. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 1949.
Approved August 2, 1949.
[CHAPTER 384]
August 3, 1949
AN ACT
IS. 1742]
[Public Law 202]
Removing certain restrictions imposed by the Act of March 8, 1888, on certain
lands authorized by such Act to be conveyed to the trustees of Porter
Academy.
Porter Academy.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary
of the Army is authorized to release to the trustees of Porter Academy
by an appropriate written instrument the restriction placed upon that
land in Charleston, South Carolina, which was conveyed to the trustees
of Porter Academy pursuant to the provisions of the Act of March
8, 1888, entitled "An Act authorizing the Secretary of War to transfer
25 Stat. 45.
to the trustees of Porter Academy certain property in the city of
Charleston, South Carolina", sections 1 and 2 of which required that
the property should be inviolably dedicated to educational purposes
and no other and required that the deed of conveyance contain a condi-
tion to that effect.
Approved August 3, 1949.
[CHAPTER 385]
JOINT RESOLUTION
August 3, 1949
[H. J. Res. 170]
Designating June 14 of each year as Flag Day.
[Public Law 203]
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
Flag Day.
States of America in Congress assembled, That the 14th day of June
of each year is hereby designated as "Flag Day", and the President
of the United States is authorized and requested to issue annually a
proclamation calling upon officials of the Government to display the
flag of the United States on all Government buildings on such day,
and urging the people to observe the day as the anniversary of the
adoption on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress of the Stars
and Stripes as the official flag of the United States of America.
Approved August 3, 1949.
124
FASHION-FATHER
FAULTS
125
FASHION
2195 A father is a banker provided by nature. French Proverb
2175 A fashionable woman is always in love-with herself. François
2196 One father can support twelve children, but twelve children cannot
de La Rochefoucauld
support one father. Ibid.
2176 Change in fashion is the tax which the industry of the poor levies
2197 As fathers commonly go, it is seldom a misfortune to be fatherless;
on the vanity of the rich. Nicolas Chamfort
and considering the general run of sons, as seldom a misfortune to
2177 Fashion: a despot whom the wise ridicule and obey. Ambrose
be childless. Earl of Chesterfield
Bierce
2198 It is a wise child that knows its own father, and an unusual one
2178 Fashion is what one wears oneself. What is unfashionable is what
that unreservedly approves of him. Mark Twain
other people wear. Oscar Wilde
2199 When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could
2179 Fashion is that by which the fantastic becomes for a moment uni-
hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be
versal. Ibid.
twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven
2180 Fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it
years. Ibid.
every six months. Ibid.
2200 My father and I were always on the most distant terms when I was
2181 We smile at the women who are eagerly following the fashions in
a boy-a sort of armed neutrality, so to speak. At irregular intervals
dress whilst we are as eagerly following the fashions in thought.
this neutrality was broken, and suffering ensued; but I will be candid
Austin O'Malley
enough to say that the breaking and suffering were always divided
2182 Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously
with strict impartiality between us-which is to say, my father did
the new. Henry D. Thoreau
the breaking and I did the suffering. Ibid.
2183 I see that the fashion wears out more apparel than the man.
2201 Father: a kin you love to touch. Anonymous
William Shakespeare
2202 Nearly every man is a firm believer in heredity until his son makes
a fool of himself. Herbert V. Prochnow
2184 Fashion is gentility running away from vulgarity, and afraid of being
overtaken. William Hazlitt
2203 Many a man spanks his children for things his own father should
2185 When a man is once in fashion, all he does is right. Lord Chester-
have spanked out of him. Don Marquis
field
FAULTS
2186 He who goes against the fashion is himself its slave. Logan Pearsall
2204 The first part of the night, think of your own faults; the latter part,
Smith
think of the faults of others. Chinese Proverb
2187 For an idea ever to be fashionable is ominous, since it must after-
2205 She's generous to a fault-if it's her own. Arthur "Bugs" Baer
ward be always old-fashioned. George Santayana
2206 The greatest of faults, I should say, is to be conscious of none.
FASTIDIOUSNESS
Thomas Carlyle
2188 Fastidiousness is the ability to resist a temptation in the hope that
2207 Always acknowledge a fault frankly. This will throw those in
a better one will come along. John A. Lincoln
authority off their guard and give you opportunity to commit more.
Mark Twain
FAT
2189 A fat man is no good in war. He can neither fight nor run away.
2208 People who have no faults are terrible; there is no way of taking
American Proverb
advantage of them. Anatole France
2190 Nobody loves a fat man. Ibid.
2209 If you wish to be loved, show more of your faults than your virtues.
2191 All fat man are jolly, or if here and there a fat man doesn't find
Edward G. Bulwer-Lytton
himself so terribly jovial by nature, he is compelled to assume an
2210 We confess to small faults only to convey the impression that we
air of jollity, because it is expected of him, sort of noblesse obese.
have no big ones. François de La Rochefoucauld
Frank Case
2211 Most of our faults are more pardonable than the means we use to
2192 She had a lot of fat that did not fit. H. G. Wells
conceal them. Ibid.
FATHER
2212 If we had no faults of our own, we should take less pleasure in
2193 Fathers should be neither seen nor heard. That is the only proper
noticing the faults of others. Ibid.
basis for family life. Oscar Wilde
2213 We give ourselves credit for the opposite faults of those we have:
2194 Diogenes struck the father when the son swore. Robert Burton
when we are weak, we boast of being obstinate. Ibid.
Research M 2
Familiar
Quotations
A collection of passages, phrases and
proverbs traced to their sources in
ancient and modern literature
FIFTEENTH AND 125TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
REVISED AND ENLARGED
John Bartlett
Edited by EMILY MORISON BECK
and the editorial staff of Little, Brown and Company
LB
LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY
BOSTON
TORONTO
S Morelos
Smithson - Adams
417
James Smithson
8 Gude nicht, and joy be wi' you a'.
Ib. Gude Nicht
1765-1829
ttlements and
1
To found at Washington, under the name
9 A penniless lass wi' a lang pedigree.
of the Smithsonian Institution, an establish-
Ib. The Laird o' Cockpen
eceive me,
ment for the increase and diffusion of knowl-
10 I'm wearin' awa'
S through the
edge among men.¹
To the land o' the leal.
Bequest [1829] with which the
Ib. The Land o' the Leal
Smithsonian Institution was estab-
Idolpho [1794],
11 There's nae sorrow there, John,
lished [1846]
There's neither cauld nor care, John,
motto
The day is aye fair,
In the land o' the leal.
Ib.
[arper
Isaac D'Israeli
1766-1848
Madame de Staël
ot one cent for
2
Whatever is felicitously expressed risks
being worse expressed: it is a wretched taste
[Germaine, Baronne de Staël-Holstein]
inquet for John
to be gratified with mediocrity when the ex-
1766-1817
[June 18, 1798]
cellent lies before us.
12
Love is the whole history of a woman's life,
Curiosities of Literature [1834].
it is but an episode in a man's.³
On Quotation
De l'Influence des Passions [1796]
tosh
13
A man must know how to defy opinion; a
woman how to submit to it.
Thomas Robert Malthus
talizes itself.
Delphine [1802]
Gallicae [1791]
1766-1834
14
The sight of such a monument is like a
3
heir system, re-
Population, when unchecked, increases in
continuous and stationary music.⁴
rly inactivity.
a geometrical ratio. Subsistence increases
Corinne [1807], bk. IV, ch. 3
Ib.
only in an arithmetical ratio. A slight ac-
15
quaintance with numbers will show the im-
To understand everything makes one toler-
shed idleness.
mensity of the first power in comparison of
ant.⁵
Ib. XVIII, 5
ical Philosophy
the second.
16 I would gladly give half of the wit with
Thomas Brown
An Essay on the Principle of
which I am credited for half of the beauty you
Population [1798]
possess.
Letter to Madame Récamier
volution in En-
88 [1834], ch. 7
Ernst Friedrich Herbert von Münster
John Quincy Adams⁶
1766-1839
1767-1848
y Pavón
Absolutism tempered by assassination.
17
I can never join with my voice in the toast
Description of the Russian
which I see in the papers attributed to one of
operly devolved
Constitution
our gallant naval heroes. I cannot ask of
on, which has
heaven success, even for my country, in a
S, natives of the
cause where she should be in the wrong.⁷
: exercise of sov-
Carolina Oliphant, Baroness Nairne
Fiat justitia, pereat coelum. 8 My toast would
main in govern-
1766-1845
be, may our country be always successful, but
whether successful or otherwise, always
March 23, 1813]
5 Better lo'ed ye canna be,
right.
Will ye no come back again?
Letter to John Adams [August I,
r Spain, and not
Life and Songs [1869]. Bonnie
1816]
Charlie's Now Awa"²
capulco [August
³L'amour est l'histoire de la vie des femmes, c'est un
20, 1813]
6 Charlie is my darling, the young Chevalier.
episode dans celle des hommes.
'See Goethe, 396:6.
Ib. Charlie Is My Darling²
⁵Tout comprendre rend très indulgent.
leyrand told Charles
Attributed to Madame de Stael are similar phrases:
7
the French republic,
We'll up an' gie them a blaw, a blaw,
Comprendre c'est pardonner [To understand is to forgive].
in Paris to protest
Wi' a hundred pipers an' a', an' a'.
Tout comprendre c'est tout pardonner [To know every-
uld be received only
Ib. The Hundred Pipers
thing is to forgive everything].
le a large loan to the
⁶Known as "Old Man Eloquent."
ply was: "Not a six-
'Quoted by John Quincy Adams in the Committee Re-
See Milton, 282:6.
k was attributed to
port on the Smithson Bequest [March 5, 1840].
⁷See Charles Churchill, 375:13; Decatur, 445:19; and
See John Quincy Adams, 418:10.
Schurtz, 603:4.
²Also attributed to JAMES HOGG [1770-1835].
⁸See Anonymous Latin, 133:25.
002
Woodrow Wilson
11
Armed neutrality is ineffectual enough at
1856-1924
best.
/
Address to Congress, asking for a
1
The United States must be neutral in fact
declaration of war [April 2, 1917]
as well as in name.
We must be impar-
12 The world must be made safe for democ-
tial in thought as well as in action.
racy.
2
Ib.
Message to the Senate [August 19,
1914]
13
It is a fearful thing to lead this great peace-
2
You deal in the raw material of opinion,
ful people into war, into the most terrible and
and, if my convictions have any validity,
disastrous of all wars, civilization itself seem-
opinion ultimately governs the world.
ing to be in the balance. But the right is more
Address to the Associated Press
precious than peace, and we shall fight for
[April 20, 1915]
the things which we have always carried
3
There is such a thing as a man being too
nearest our hearts-for democracy, for the
proud to fight.
right of those who submit to authority to
Address to Foreign-Born Citizens
have a voice in their own governments, for
[May 10, 1915]
the rights and liberties of small nations, for
[The Civil War] created in this country
a universal dominion of right by such a con
4
what had never existed before-a national
cert of free peoples as shall bring peace ano
consciousness. It was not the salvation of the
safety to all nations and make the world itsel
at last free. To such a task we can dedicate
Union; it was the rebirth of the Union.
Memorial Day Address [1915]
our lives and our fortunes, everything tha
we are and everything that we have, with th
5
The flag is the embodiment, not of senti-
ment, but of history. It represents the experi-
pride of those who know that the day ha
come when America is privileged to spen
ences made by men and women, the experi-
her blood and her might for the principle
ences of those who do and live under that flag.
Address [June 14, 1915]
that gave her birth and happiness and th
peace which she has treasured. God helpin
6
We have stood apart, studiously neutral.
her, she can do no other. 3
Ib
Message to Congress [December 7,
14
1915]
1. Open covenants of peace, openly arrive
at.
7
America cannot be an ostrich with its head
2. Absolute freedom of navigation upon th
in the sand.
seas.
Speech at Des Moines
5. A free, open-minded, and absolutely in
[February I, 1916]
partial adjustment of all colonial claims.
8
There must be, not a balance of power, but
Address to Congress (The Fourtee
a community of power; not organized rival-
Points) [January 8, 1918]
ries, but an organized common peace.
Address to the Senate [January
15 14. A general association of nations must }
formed
for the purpose of affording m
22, 1917]
tual guarantees of political independen
9
It must be a peace without victory.
and territorial integrity to great and sma
Victory would mean peace forced upon the
states alike.
I
loser, a victor's terms imposed upon the van-
16 Sometimes people call me an idealist. We
quished. It would be accepted in humiliation,
under duress, at an intolerable sacrifice, and
that is the way I know I am an America
would leave a sting, a resentment, a bitter
America is the only idealistic nation in tl
world.
memory upon which terms of peace would
Address at Sioux Fat
rest, not permanently, but only as upon
[September 8, I9I
quicksand. Only a peace between equals can
last.
Ib.
17 The highest and best form of efficiency
10 A little group of willful men, representing
the spontaneous cooperation of a free peop
From BERNARD BARUCH, Americ
no opinion but their own, have rendered the
great Government of the United States help-
Industry at War: A Report of 1
War Industries Board [March 192
less and contemptible.
Statement made in reference to cer-
tain members of the Senate [March
bill authorizing the arming of American merchant
sels.
4, 1917]¹
"See James Harvey Robinson, 703:2.
The
Oxford Dictionary of
Quotations
THIRD EDITION
Oxford New York Toronto Melbourne
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS
1979
QUOTATIONS
ames mostly, but
riters sometimes
PETER ABELARD 1079-1142
JOSEPH ADDISON 1672-1719
nd usually in the
1 o quanta qualia sunt illa sabbata,
11 Pray consider what a figure a man would make in the
ngal O'Flahertie
Quae semper celebrat superna curia.
republic of letters.
o how great and glorious are those sabbaths which the
Ancient Medals, 1
Bible, the Mass
heavenly court for ever celebrates!
Hymnus Paraclitensis
12 There is nothing more requisite in business than
dispatch.
rder of the titles
2 Quis rex, quae curia, quale palatium,
5
Quae pax, quae requies, quod illud gaudium.
: printed in bold
What a king, what a court, how fine a palace, what
13 'Twas then great Marlbro's mighty soul was prov'd.
peace, what rest, what rejoicing is there!
The Campaign, 1.279
onstitute part of
14 And, pleas'd th' Almighty's orders to perform,
n given in bold
ACCIUS 170-c.90 B.C.
Rides in the whirl-wind, and directs the storm.
1.291
Γ, are given in
3 Oderint, dum metuant.
quoted. Poetry
Let them hate, so long as they fear.
15 And those who paint 'em truest praise 'em most.
Atreus. Seneca, De Ira, I, 20, 4
1.476
most of whose
16 'Tis not in mortals to command success,
iters' works are
DEAN ACHESON 1893-1971
But we'll do more, Sempronius; we'll deserve it.
4 Great Britain has lost an Empire and has not yet found
Cato, I.ii.43
nally with titles
a role.
17 Blesses his stars, and thinks it luxury.
Speech at the Military Academy, West Point, 5 Dec. 1962
iv.70
tation, by, e.g.,
18 'Tis pride, rank pride, and haughtiness of soul;
LORD ACTON 1834-1902
section or verse
I think the Romans call it stoicism.
5 Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts
82
on. The use of
absolutely.
19 Were you with these, my prince, you'd soon forget
Each quotation
Letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton, 3 Apr. 1887. See Life and
Letters of Mandell Creighton (1904), i.372. See 373:23
The pale, unripened beauties of the north.
134
r. If no source
20 The woman that deliberates is lost.
from the same
CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS 1807-1886
IV.i.31
red one.
6 It would be superfluous in me to point out to your
21 Curse on his virtues! they've undone his country.
: work cited.
lordship that this is war.
Such popular humanity is treason.
Dispatch to Earl Russell, 5 Sept. 1863. C.F. Adams, Charles
iv.35
atin. Through-
Francis Adams, p.342
22
What pity is it
glish writers of
That we can die but once to serve our country!
HENRY ADAMS 1838-1918
81
7 A friend in power is a friend lost.
23 Content thyself to be obscurely good.
ng a section on
The Education of Henry Adams, ch.7
When vice prevails, and impious men bear sway,
e).
The post of honour is a private station.
PRESIDENT JOHN QUINCY ADAMS 1767-1848
139
vels, under the
8 Think of your forefathers! Think of your posterity!
24 It must be so-Plato, thou reason'st well!-
habetically -
Speech, 22 Dec. 1802
Else whence this pleasing hope, this fond desire,
ys and poems.
This longing after immortality?
SAMUEL ADAMS 1722-1803
Or whence this secret dread, and inward horror,
Of falling into naught? Why shrinks the soul
9 A nation of shop-keepers are very seldom so
Back on herself, and startles at destruction?
disinterested.
Oration said to have been delivered at Philadelphia, 1 Aug. 1776.
'Tis the divinity that stirs within us;
See 359:15. 509:12
'Tis heaven itself, that points out an hereafter,
And intimates eternity to man.
SARAH F. ADAMS 1805-1848
Eternity! thou pleasing, dreadful thought!
V.i.1
10 Nearer, my God, to thee,
25 From hence, let fierce contending nations know
Nearer to thee!
What dire effects from civil discord flow.
Nearer My God to Thee
iv.111
1
AMERICA THE
QUOTABLE
Mike Edelhart and
James Tinen
table
Facts On File Publications
460 Park Avenue South
New York, N.Y. 10016
"America lives in the heart of every man everywhere
***
America every morning when we
us whether we will it or not. The
who wishes to find a region where he will be free to
"
as Europe comes to admit, which it will soon
work out his destiny as he chooses."
e sum of many small changes-a
have to, that the United States is now the ranking
President Woodrow Wilson
ere, a new school there, a new
world power, its customs and gadgets and manners
Speech in New York
re had been swampland-changes
and literature and ways of doing business will power-
road transformation of our lives.
May 17, 1915
fully influence the young."
***
Alistair Cooke
uide these changes. For, though
le, change for the better is a full-
"One comes to the United States-always, no matter
Talk About America
how often-to see the future. It's what life in one's
1968
own country will be like five, ten, twenty years from
***
Adlai Stevenson
ampaign speech in Miami, Florida 1956
now."
"Is the U.S. a great power-or merely a large coun-
Ehud Yonay, Israeli
try?"
New York Times
Editorial
***
Nov. 26, 1972
he states themselves form a chorus
Dong-A Ilbo (South Korean newspaper)
lost romantic vocables: Delaware,
February, 1968
America and the World
***
Florida, Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming,
the Carolinas."
"What we call foreign affairs is no longer foreign
Robert Louis Stevenson
"Whenever the standard of freedom and indepen-
affairs. It's a local affair. Whatever happens in Indo-
Across the Plains
dence has been or shall be unfurled, there will be
nesia is important to Indiana."
1892
America's heart, her benedictions, and her prayers.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
But she goes not abroad in search of monsters to
Speech to graduating class of Foreign Service
***
destroy."
Institute
$ when the fleet of Columbus sailed
John Quincy Adams
1959
of the New World, America has been
Fourth of July Speech
***
or opportunity, and the people of the
1821
ave taken their tone from the incessant
"There can be no such thing as Fortress America. If
***
:h has not only been open but has even
ever we were reduced to the isolation implied by that
Europeans
are
forced to observe the labor of
term we would occupy a prison, not a fortress."
them."
Frederick Jackson Turner
American statesmen somewhat in the way that de-
President Dwight D. Eisenhower
nificance of the Frontier in American
crepit Alpine guides, in the village square, might
State of the Union address
History"
follow through a telescope the progress of a group of
Jan. 9, 1959
1893
young. willing, bold and inexperienced climbers on
***
the smooth face of a mountain."
***
"From the moment of its discovery America has
is always stronger than we know in our
Luigi Barzini
been, sometimes quite literally, the creation of Euro-
Americans Are Alone in the World
moments."
pean wishful thinking."
E.B. White
1953
J. Martin Evans
New York Times
***
America: The View From Europe
Dec. 30, 1967
It is ours to set the world its example of right and
1976
honor. We cannot fly from our world duties; it is ours
***
***
1 States themselves are essentially the
to execute the purpose of a fate that has driven us to
"Instead of the ugly Americans we should be labeled
be greater than our small intentions. We cannot
the childish Americans, who think that by sharing a
n."
Walt Whitman
retreat from any soil where Providence has unfurled
half-licked lollypop in our favorite democratic flavor
111 banner
Leaves of Grass
we can make people love us."
1855
Albert Beveridge, U.S. senator
Grace Nies Fletcher
Speech in the Senate
In Quest of the Least Coin
***
1900
1969
ashing that this America is only you
***
***
What makes America unique in our time is that
weapons, testimony, are you and me,
"We are well on our way to becoming a traditional
lies, thefts, defections, are you and
confrontation with the new is part of the daily Ameri-
great power-an imperial nation if you will-
411 experience. For better or worse, the rest of the
engaged in the exercise of power for its own sake,
Walt Whitman
learns what is in store for it by observing what
exercising it to the limit of our capacity and beyond,
in the United States."
"By Blue Ontario's Shore" 1856
filling every vacuum and extending the American
Zbigniew Brzezinski
'presence' to the farthest reaches of the earth. And,
Between Two Ages
as with the great empires of the past, as the power
***
1970
grows, it is becoming an end in itself, separated
7
A TREASURY
For Speakers, Writers,
OF HUMOROUS
and Home Reference
QUOTATIONS
HERBERT V. PROCHNOW, Jr.
HERBERT V. PROCHNOW and
NEW YORK, HAGERSTOWN, SAN FRANCISCO, LONDON
HARPER & ROW, PUBLISHERS
1817
DEMOCRATIC PARTY-DEPRESSION
87
DEFEND-DEMOCRACY
DEFEND
1536 Democracy
is a condition where people believe that other
d; when it is attacked, it defends itself.
people are as good as they are. Stuart Chase
1537 Strip the human race absolutely naked, and it would be a real
democracy. But the introduction of even a rag of tiger skin, or a
DELAWARE
cow tail, could make a badge of distinction and be the beginning
unties when the tide is out, and two when
of a monarchy. Mark Twain
1538 Democracy down here is like a baby-and nobody gives a baby
DELICATESSEN
everything to eat right away. I'm giving 'em liberty, but in my style.
a delicatessen just once. We never could
Anastasio Somoza
rl Warren
1539 When everybody is somebody, then nobody is anybody. Anonymous
atessen. I hate eating alone, except things
1540 Democracy is liberty plus economic security. We Americans want
P on the couch with
like potato salad.
to pray, think as we please-and eat regular. Maury Maverick
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
DELINQUENCY
1541 The Democratic Party is like a mule. It has neither pride of an-
ery boy, in his heart, would rather steal
mobile. Tom C. Clark
cestry nor hope of posterity. Ignatius Donnelly
ise children with angels. David Maxwell
1542 The Democratic Party is like a man riding backward in a carriage.
It never sees a thing until it has gone by. Benjamin F. Butler
1543 I never said all Democrats were saloonkeepers. What I said was
DEMAGOGUE
that all saloonkeepers were Democrats. Horace Greeley
also worthless always charms the rabble.
DENOMINATIONS
who preaches doctrines he knows to be
1544 It is becoming impossible for those who mix with their fellowmen
S to be idiots. H. L. Mencken
to believe that the grace of God is distributed denominationally.
William R. Inge
DEMOCRACY
election by the incompetent many for ap-
DENTIST
t few. George Bernard Shaw
1545 Dentists and solicitors. These are the people to whom we always
show our best side. Samuel Butler
government of bullies tempered by editors.
1546 Dentist: a prestidigitator who, putting metal in your mouth, pulls
m of religion; it is the worship of jackals by
coins out of your pocket. Ambrose Bierce
ken
1547 A dentist at work in his vocation always looks down in the mouth.
ho lead follow; those who follow lead. Hol-
George D. Prentice
1548 For the dental association we suggest the slogan, "Be true to your
an attempt (like that of a jolly hostess) to
teeth or they will be false to you." Anonymous
:. G. K. Chesterton
DENUNCIATION
rnment by the uneducated, while aristocracy
1549 The denunciation of the young is a necessary part of the hygiene of
the badly educated. Ibid.
older people, and greatly assists the circulation of their blood.
emocracy makes democratic institutions im-
Logan Pearsall Smith
sell
DEPENDABLE
rrent suspicion that more than half of the
1550 Grant stood by me when I was crazy, and I stood by him when he
an half of the time. E. B. White
was drunk, and now we stand by each other. William Tecumseh
ply the bludgeoning of the people, by the
Sherman
Oscar Wilde
say this because other systems are worse.
DEPRESSION
1551 Once upon a time my political opponents honored me as possessing