I dedicate this book to the boys and girls of Winthrop, in the hope they will enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
TABLE OF CONTENTS. I. WHEN WINTHROP
BELONGED TO THE INDIANS 1 II. Early
Explorers 10 III Coming of the
First Settlers 12 IV Early History
of Winthrop 20 V Early
Industries 27 VI Winthrop's Old
Houses 29 VII
Transportation 39 VIII Newspaper in
Winthrop 43 IX Education in
Winthrop 46 X Winthrop in the
Revolution 51 XI Stories of Old
Winthrop 53 XII From Then to
Now 56
WINTHROP Winthrop is a
jolly place Almost surrounded
by the sea Beachers scattered
here and there It's fun to get
up early You gaze upon the
Islands Then there's the
wild north-easter You watch the
waves come roaring Then there's the
lovely flowers If I was asked to
choose the spot Written by Grade 4
CHAPTER I WHEN WINTHROP BELONGED TO THE INDIANS Many years ago, before the time of your great, great, great grandfather, and my great, great, great, grandfather, this town of ours belonged to a tribe of Indians called The Pawtucket·Tribe. These Indians came from New Hampshire and they settled all down the New England coast. The head of the tribe was Sagamore John, and he, with his two brothers, Sagamore James, and Sagamore George, hunted and fished along our shores. It was the younger brother, Sagamore George who came to live in Winthrop. Sagamore George was sometimes known as George Rumney Marsh. As this George Rumney Marsh wandered about in Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, this section is sometimes called the Rumney Marsh Section. Sagamore George was not always friendly with the white man so that the first settlers of Winthrop sometimes had trouble with the Indians. However, they were not all unfriendly and gave the white man many things to help him in the building of his new home in America. Sagamore George had three daughters and one son. Manatahqua was the son, the daughters were Petaqunsk, Wattaquattinusk, and Little Walnut. The settlers called them Cicely, Sarah, and Susannah. They were often seen playing on the rocks at Nahant. INDIAN LIFE Sagamore George and his family would be very much surprised if they were to visit Winthrop today. He would find it very hard to discover his tent and lands of 1615. He had no fine wooden house or cement garage in his year. He lived in a tent made of skins and poles. sometimes he covered the frame with bark from the trees. There was an opening at the top for the smoke to come out. He had no well built chimneys. Inside the wigwam was a fire in the center of the room. On rainy days all the cooking was done over this fire. On pleasant days the squaws did the cooking outside. They slept on the ground on mats woven from bark by the indian women and children. The squaws did not spend much time in the tent as they had to do much of the heavy work about. They took care of the garden, did much of the fishing, and cared for the children. The indians ate fish, fowl, and fresh meat that the braves killed in the forests. They had corn and beans from the gardens. INDIAN RELIGION The Great 5p1r1t K1chtan was the Ged of our Indian friends. They thought He·could do all for them. He had given them this land in which to live. He had given them fish in the sea and deer in the woods. It was He who kept them·well. If they were sick it was the evil spirit that they thought had come to visit them and they would call to the Great Spirit to come and help them. When an Indian died they said that he had gone to the land of the Hereafter with the other men of his tribe. He often took his peace pipe with him so that he could smoke it if he met any unfriendly Indians on the way. There was also the fear of meeting the white man. The Indians had great faith in their God and were always thinking of the Happy Hunting Grounds He had read for them when they left this land. When they died 3nd were buried they always took along a bow and arrow and stone knives es they could hunt. The Indians believed in being ready at all times. We found thia to be true when we dug up some Indian graves here in Winthrop. The Lord's Prayer in Indian Language "Noc-shun
Kes-up-cut, qut-tian-am-unch Indian Boys and Girls How strange it would be to us if we were to go to to Winthrsp Beach and found 1ttle Indian boys and girls at play. We w0uld if we had in 1620. Indian boys and girls ran on our beach and went swimming in cur water. They gathered shells and dug holes on the sand. Yes, Indian boys and girls did just the same things as Winthrop boys and girls do and they had just, as good a time. Indian boys were taught to hunt and fish when they were very young. In fact, a little Indian boy was not given a name until he had proved that he was going to be a great hunter. After he had killed his first deer the tribe gathered about a great fire and as the deer cooked, names were discussed for the little Indian boy. When the deer was done the boy served the meat and the Indiana gave him his name. Sometimes his name was Strong Heart, sometimes it was Brave One, and there were many others. Little Indian girls. stayed with their mothers and learned to cook and weave. It was their job to take care of the babies and keep the wigwam clean. They had time to play also and learned to swim and fish as well as their brothers. Indian Dances The Indians used dances to show their feelings on many occasions. They danced when they were happy, they danced when they were sad. And when they danced a War Dance everyone had to watch out. They had a Harvest Dance in the fall which they did to show their joy at the go0d corn that had raised for the long cold winter. They had a health dance which they did to keep away the evil spirt from their tent. They had a dance that they did in the spring when they planted the corn to help it get a good start. They had a Hunters Dance which they did before the hunt to bring them good luck, and after the hunt t© give thanks for the food. They had a War Dance which they did just bef0re going to war with other tribes or with the white man. They had a War Dance which they did after the fight was over. They danced for an evenings entertainment just as we do, except that they never danced 1ndoors. They liked to dance on the sand on a moonlight night, or in a clearing in the woods. They loved the green area for a floor. · Did you ever r play Indian and try to do their war dance? Here is one that you can learn to do some day when you are on Winthrop Beach. Indian War Dance Raise the arms
overhead and away the body forward. AN INDIAN CALENDAR The Indiana reckoned time by snows, moons, and sleeps. Two days would be two sleeps. A month would be a moon. They had different names for there moons, or months. January -- the cold month or moon February -- the snow month or moon March -- the green moon April -- the moon of plants May -- the moon of flower June -- the hot moon July -- the moon of the deer August -- the sturgeon moon September -- the fruit moon October -- the traveling moon November -- the beaver moon December -- the hunting moon A man's age was reckoned by snows. If he had seen twenty snows he was twenty years old. Time was told during the day by the sun casting shadows. If there was no sun they guessed the time by their want of food. If an Indian wanted to tell you how long he had been on a trip he would say seven sleeps, if he had been a week. A three day trip would be three sleeps. As he had no special day for certain things this worked out for him very well. Reading You May Like To De. How The Indians Lived- Deaborn, Ginn and Co. Indian Daye Of Long Ago - E.S. Curtise, World Book Basket Women Indian - Mary Austin, Houghton-Mifflin Child Life Indian - Charles Eastern, Little Brown Story Books American Indian Fairy Book - M. Compton, Dood, Mead Co. Indian Fairy Book - H.R. Schoolcraft, Frederick Stokes Co. The White Indian Boy - Wilson World Book Co. Star, and Indian pony - Hooper, Double-day Doran Magic Forest - White, Macmillan Co. Poems Hiawatha - Longfellow, Grosset, Dunlap Co.
Chapter II EXPLORERS OF OUR f5HORE3 We know from our history book that Leif Ericson sailed down the New England coast. We also know that 5ebadtian Cabot visited the coast or North America In 1605 Champlain explored the coast from the Bay of Fundy to Cape Cod, and made a map of it. There is no mention anywhere or these men landing on our shores, but from the maps we know that they saw Winthrop. Captain John Smith It has been definitely stated that in the year 1614 Captain John Smith visited our shores. He made a map of our coastline which was used by fishermen for over a hundred years. It was Captain John Smith who gave the name New England to our shores. He said the coast reminded him of England. "The Paradise or all these parts", is what he called our shores. CAPTAIN MYLES STANDISH In the year 1621, Captain Myles 5tandish, and ten other men from the Plymouth Colony, came to Winthrop. Five Indian guides came with them and showed them our harbor and lands. Captain Standish, and his friends decided that this was a fine place to start a colony. There was excellent fishing and good hunting. On returning to the Plymouth Colony, Captain Standish told his people of the beautiful lands in the north.
CHAPTER III THE COMING OF THE FIRST BETTLERS They knew there were dark skinned warriors here who would perhaps kill them, but they were brave and came. Came to this new country to build America. They settled along the coast when they first arrived, as it was safer for them. They probably lived on Washington Avenue, or Winthrop Street. They fished at Point 5hirley, and went swimming on our beach. They very likely climbed the hill on Quincy Avenue to look down the harbor. They didn't know then that you and I would be walking those same paths. They were not named then, nor did they look as they do to-day. But I like to think of Indians and Colonial children living perhaps on the very spot that I live on. How surprised they would be at our automobile and airplane. They even would be surprised at our old Narrow Gauage we loved to ride on. Things do change so fast. I think I am safe in thinking that even you do not remember the little train that ran around Winthrop. And the ferry. How I did love to ride that good ferry boat. Let's turn back the years for a few momenta and look into a colonial home. A Colonial Home The kitchen was the ma1n room 1n the little log house. It served as kitchen, dining room, living room, and sometimes bedroom. The big open fireplace was the most important part or the house. Around this the entire family would gather for the evening activities. Mother did all her cooking over the open blaze. A crane swung out from the side and it was on this that mother hung her pots and kettles. At the side of the fireplace was an oven in which she baked on Saturday. The furniture in the room was made from trees. There were no comfortable rocking chairs, no highly polished tables, and upholstered chairs. Just a plain slab or wood with crude legs for a table, and seats that were very hard. 5ornetirnee bunks were built along the walls for beds. These were curtained off from the rest of the room. CANDLE DIPPING The first candles were made from the knots of the pine tree. The Indians showed the white men how to take the resin from the knots and make it burn. This was not very satisfactory as the candle dripped black tar onto everything. As there were a great many bayberry bushes along the shore, the women soon discovered that candles could be made from the wax of these berries. This candle gave a soft yellow light which made the women very happy. Candles were also made from the tallow of sheep and cattle. They mixed the tallow with the fat from the bear and deer. SOAP MAKING The mak1ng of soap was a regular springtime duty in the colonial home. Everyone helped in the work. Father got the fire ready, Mother got the pots and pans, and the children ran here and there doing the errands. The fat had been saved from the meat for several weeks. When the fist warm day came the work began. Mother got some lye from the ashes and put it in with the grease. Then she hung it over the fire untill it boiled. She then put it to cool. It came out a jelly-like substance which she called soap. MAKING BUTTER Every little colonial girl learned to make butter. It was a long process and her arms would sometime5 get very tired before the butter was done. The milk was put into the churn and the pole was pulled up and down, up and down, until butter appeared. After it hardened it was salted and made into pats. Sometimes a family had a press to make a design, Little colonial girls were not afraid to work. COLONIAL DREBB When the settlers first came to America they brought with them many or the English customs. Men wore the curled and powered wig, the fancy waist-coat, and brightly colored stockings. The women and children wore hoop skirts, high heeled shoes, elaborate shawls, and velvet bonnets. However, they soon decided that this would never do. They had come to this country to start a new life. They must give up all that they had left behind them. It was at this time that laws were passed as to what the men, women, and children of America would wear. There was to be no more extravagant dress. Only the very plainest of clothing. Black suits for the men, and gray for the women and children. If a person was found to be wearing fancy clothing she or he were punished. If they disobeyed a second time they were taxed and sometimes sent back to England. This law was soon very easy to keep as the settlers were unable to secure fine clothing and were obliged to make everything they wore, It would seem strange to us now if we were told we couldn't have a red dress, or a blue suit. WEAVING When the boys and girls or early Winthrop wanted a new coat or dress they couldn't go into Boston for it as we do. It took much longer than that to get the new dress. Mother had to first weave the material for the dress on her loom. This sometimes took her all one winter. Sha usually made enough cloth so that all in the family could' have a new dress or suit. Your brother would have a coat, your father a suit, mother a new dress, and new dress, a11 from the same material. After the cloth was made it took another month or two to get the dress made. If you wanted a new dress to wear to a party you would have to start a year ahead to dress in time. But how proud you were when you did get the dress. Especially if you helped mother with the weaving. You all have learned, at some time, the story of Jack and Jill. This picture may remind you of that rhyme, but it isn't Jack and Jill, it is two little colonial children on their way to the spring for water. They couldn't turn on the faucet at the kitchen sink as we do. All the water they drank had to be carried some distance from their house. All the water mother cooked with also. Of course if you wanted to wash you just went into the ocean, and you took with you some of the soap mother has just finished making. There was a fine spring down near the Dean Winthrop house on Shirley Street, and probably there were many more about the town. EARLY HISTORY OF WINTHROP 1632 - 1943 Reference Books: Costumes of Colonial Times - Alice Earle, Empire State Book Co. A Day In A Colonial Home - Dana & Prescott, Marshall Jones Work and Play in Colonial Days - MacElroy, Macmillan Co. Colonial Life - Industrial Arts Teachers College, New York Colonial Life In America - Tillinghast & Colman, Owen Pub. Co. Story Books: Colonial Stories - St. Nicholas, Century Pub. Co. Little Pioneers - Otis, Rand McNally Co. Mary of Boston - Otis, American Book Co. Poems: A Little Maid Of Long Ago
Early History In 1632 Winthrop, or Pullin Poynte, as it was called then, was declared a part of Boston. The town was divided up among fifteen proprietors. Pullin Poynte got its name because of the swift current at Shirley Gut. Many fishermen had to be pulled ashore in order to land. One of the leading proprietors being Deane Winthrop, the youngest_ son of Governor Winthrop. He built a home, the Deane Winthrop house on Shirley Street, and lived here until he died in 1704, at the age of 81. Pullin Poynte remained a. part of Boston until 1738. At this time Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop were set apart from Boston and called Rumney Marsh, or Chelsea. In 1753 Pullin Poynte established a fishing business, inviting the Governor to the opening. It was at this time the it changed its name to Point Shirley. In 1846 Chelsea was again divided into, Chelsea and North Chelsea. North Chelsea being Revere and Winthrop. In 1852 we again separated and Winthrop became a town, named after the Winthrop's who first settled here. Winthrop adopted the usual town government with its selectmen and its town meetings. The first selectmen of the town were John Tewksbury and David Belcher. The first town treasurer being Edward Floyd. The population of the town at this time was about 407 persons. Since 1877 the town has grown rapidly. In 1884 the population had increased to 1,000 persons. The town had two churches, a High School, grammar, intermediate, and two primary schools. There were two mails a day, one of which was delivered. A telephone line had been put through to Boston, and Washington Avenue had three new lampposts which they lighted twenty times each month. William Tewksbury and William Floyd had milk routs, delivering every morning. They kept most of the cows down on Deer Island, although there was plenty of pasture land in the Court Park and Ingalls Park sections. They used to water their cows in the Center School yard, there being a fine pool there at that time. It is interesting to know that in 1690 the town of Winthrop belonged to two families, Deane Winthrop, and the Bill family. From then on, for a number of years, most of the town was made up of Tewksburys, Floyds, and Belchers. Their descendants still living here. THE FOUR SECTIONS OF WINTHROP Point Shirley Point Shirley was the first section to develop in Winthrop. The fishing industry brought many people from Boston to the Point. Then came the salt works and the Revere Copper works. The Taft Hotel, famous for its fine roods brought a summer group who built along·the shores. · Great Head, or Cottage Hill, as it is now called belonged to the Tewksbury family. They divided it into house lots and sold them for the summer people. The steamship landing was at the Point in the very early days. Winthrop Beach The discovery and development of Winthrop Beach is most interesting. Mr. George Woodman, on July 4th 1874, during a rain storm, set forth from the horse car station at Point Shirley, and went exploring along the coast. He climbed a hill, now Cottage Hill, and looked along the shore. The long stretch of beach looked very good to him and he decided that this was a good place for him to rest during the summer. Climbing down from the hill he selected a spot on the beach and pitched his tent. This was the starting of the beach summer colony. It grew rapidly and soon became one of the leading summer resorts along the coast. Winthrop Highlands Winthrop Highlands, or Fairview, as 1t was often called, was a large farm, with beautiful hills and valleys. It afforded a fine view of Boston Harbor, with its many famous lighthouses, Graves, Brewster, and Boston light. It was a favorite resort because of its grand view and its fine bathing. Some of the finest homes along the coast were built at the Highlands. Winthrop Center Winthrop Center had excellent farm and pasture lands. Many noted Boston families built here. The beautiful Cottage Park Hotel attracted the summer colony. It was a beautiful hotel situated on the shore at Cottage Park. It was built in 1895, O.F. Belcher being the owner. When Winthrop became a town in 1852 the center began to develop rapidly. Most of the town buildings being located 1n this section. Through The Ages When the sea rose and flooded the shore, after the Ice Age, it came into the valleys covering then with water, this forming bay. This the way Boston Harbor was formed. As the waves rolled. in they threw up the sand from the bottom of the valley and formed beaches. Beaches built in this way are called barrier beaches. They form barriers that protect the harbors. When a beach connects islands to the mainland they are called tied islands. Beachmont, Grovers Hill, Cottage Hill, and a small hill on Point Shirley were once islands. The sea attacked Grover's Cliff, in the Highlands, and washed part of it away. This dirt was scattered north and south and formed the beaches that connect Beachmont with Winthrop and Point Shirley. If you walk along the sea wall at Winthrop Beach will see how Cottage Hill has been washed away. The soil from this hill made Winthrop Beach. There is no better place than Winthrop to witness the ceaseless warfare of the sea. In time, it is said, the town will be washed away if man doesn't protect it. We need not fear for it will take a thousand years. There used to be a railroad following the shore around Cottage Hill but the sea wouldn't leave it alone and now nothing remains of it but a few old posts that once held up the tracks. If you walk along Winthrop Beach you will see the breakwater that has been built to protect the road from being washed away. There have been times when the sea. came over the road and people had to go to the store in a boat. The waves splashing above the lamposts on the drive. May the 14th 1698 Deare Brother I thought till today that I should have presented my person to you, instead of these lines; but I could by no menes perswade Goodman Wille of Goodman Lathern to help drive my cattle not your hogs which is the reason that now I do not come. I proferd them twenty shillings to help drive my cattle besides what you would have given him for driving your hogs. Please will you reserve that 40s of Goodman Lathern which he owes me? He is to pay it in commodities, in shoes and stockings. or cloth. Your hogs, I fear, they do more harm than they be worth. So I rest Your loving brother Deane Winthrop My mother remembers her love to you and to my sister. Your children be all well. Pray present my service to my sister. Thia is a letter that Deane Winthrop wrote to his brother in 1698.
CHAPTER V Early Industries Of Winthrop 1739 Because of the excellent location, it was decided to established a fishing business at Point Shirley, then called Pullin Poynte. Several wealthy men from Boston built homes along the shore and secured "fisher folk" to work for them. To make it more important, the men invited Governor Shirley down to the opening. It was a great occasion. It was at this celebration that Pullin Poynte was named Point Sh1rley. - The fishing industry didn't last. 1812 The salt works were started at the Point in 1812. The salt being taken from the ocean by wooden pipes and emptied into large wooden vats to dry. On the beach as you go down to the Point you will see some of the old wooden pipes still there. 1845 The Revere Copper Works were established at the Point in 1845. If you go down Bay View Avenue you will still find slag from the foundry. Two of the houses at the end of the street are the original houses 1n which the men lived. The copper factory might have been a success if the people of Point Shirley had not objected to it. When the wind came off the ocean it blew all the odors from the foundry inland thus spoiling the beauty of the Point.
Edward Gibbon's House CHAPTER VI The old Taft Hotel, at Point Shirley, was noted for the grand fish dinners it served. People came down from Boston, on the little steamer, just to have one of those dinners. Many important people have been entertained there. On an old register found at the hotel were these men: Lafayette Oliver Wendell Holmes Emerson James Russell Lowell Henry W. Longfellow
The Hotel is still standing at Pe1nt Shirley. If you are down at the Point stop and look at 1t. Try to picture to yourself a little steamer pulling in from Boston and Henry w. Longfellow walking down the gangplank.
Winthrop Town House 1856 Winthrop was made a town in 1852. It was set off from Chelsea. In 1856 it was decided that the town must have a Town Hall as the other towns about. The hall was built on the sight of the Post Office, at the corner of Winthrop Street and Pauline 8treet. It was a two story building, the entrance being on Winthrop Street. As there was no electricity in Winthrop at this time, the Hall was lighted by lamps The building was used for many town affairs. It was taken down when the new Town Hall was built in the present location. First School In 1636 Massachusetts passed a law that any town with fifty or more in it must have schools. This little school was built at·Polnt Shirley. There were seventeen pupils It didn't stay open long for there was no place for the teacher to live. First Church In 1834 the first permanent church was built. It was the Methodist Episcopal. It stood on Winthrop Street corner of Madison Madison A little church was built at Polnt Shirley in 1753 but it didn't last. The top story or the Market at the corner of Madison Avenue is the·old church. The Old Bill House On Beal Street stood the old Bill House. It was one or the oldest houses in Winthrop. It has been said that the land owned by the Bill family was given to them by the Indians. In 1779 the house was used for a school. In an old record names or the pupils were found. No record or the teacher appears. Here are some the children of the school. This day opened a school in the old Bill House, to teach Reading, Writeing, and Ar1thmetick. * Came this day: Jona Bill Tuksbery Sarah Tuksbery Thoe Tuksbery Hannah Tuksbery, and others *Notice how they spell Writing and Arithmetic. Tewksbury House The lovely old Tewksbury house was located on Siren 5treet. The house is not standing at this time. It was torn down to make room for new houses. It was in this old house that many of the Tewksbury's were born. Winthrop still has and I hope, always will have Tewksburys, to live in the town. It is said that when the attendance was taken at the first little school, out of forty-eight pupils, twelve were named Tewksbury. Also on Siren 5tree.:t, at Point Shirley, is a brick house, still standing, that was one of the first houses built on the Point. On Main 5trret stands the old Squire Floyd house, built in 1842. The house has been kept in it's original condition. Deane Winthrop House The Deane Winthrop House was built in l647. It was owned by Deane Winthrop, the youngest son or Governor Winthrop. The house stands on Shirley and is in the original condition. The Histor1cal Society having preserved it. You may visit this lovely old house, and in it you will find many treasures of our town. Be sure to see the hidden closet under the front stairs. This is where they hid when any danger was near. Judge Loring House Judge Loring, while sailing from Nahant to Boston, passed our shores and decided that this was the spot to build his home. With the help or Hon. George Emerson he selected a site on Court Road in the vicinity of 288, and built his home. * Picture of Dean Winthrop at front of book. The Old Bartlett House The Old Bartlett house was one or the meat important houses in Winthrop. The house was owned by General Francis Bartlett. Many noted people visited the General 1n his home. Among them being Garibaldi, the Father of Italy. At the closes of the war General Bartlett was presented a sword by Governor Andrew for being the most courageous soldier sent to the war by Massachusetts. The presentation was in the Old Town Hall. The Bartlett house stood on Bartlett Road and Orlando Avenue. Beacon Villa The Beacon Villa, on Villa Avenue, was built by Captain Moses Ingalls. · The house is beautifully located on a hill facing the sea. Captain Ingalls had the grounds around the Villa, which are now new homes, planted with trees, many of which he brought from one of his woodlots in Saugus. Many noted people have lived 1n the Villa, one being Postmaster Tobey or the city or Boston. The William Belcher House On the corner of Winthrop Street and Buchanan stands the old William Belcher house. It has been kept very much as it was in the early days. The main house with it's connecting buildings is the old New England style of architecture. Wood's House The large house, setting back from the street, at the corner of Pleasant and Woodside Avenue, is the old Wood's home. The Wood name first appears in Winthrop 1n 1779. We find the two wood children in the first school, as pupils. WINTHROP P08TOFFICE In 1853 Mr. Warren Belcher received the appointment of Postmaster, from Mr. James Campbell Postmaster General of the United States. Mr. David Belcher, on Winthrop Street, has the papers, which he has framed. Mr. Warren Belcher kept the postoffice own home at 159 Winthrop Street, for several years and then built a small building on Winthrop Street next to the Methodist Church and had the office there. This little old building is now at 155 Winthrop Street made into a house. After the retirement of Mr. Warren Belcher, his son Mr. David Belcher became Postmaster. The postoffice was then moved into the Masonic building on Winthrop Street and is now in it's new building. The new Postoffice was built in 1932. Mr. David Belcher retired as Postmaster in 1936 after serving Winthrop for thirty rears. WINTHROP LIBRARY In 1852 the citizens of Winthrop decided that their town should have a library. Mr. John Belcher was asked to secure books and the town's people gave the money for them. When the Town Hall was built these books were kept in a room ther. They had 615 volumns. Many valuable books were given by Hon. Robert Winthrop, and Mr. George Emerson. In 1855 the library was ready and opened to the public. Mr. Warren was the Librarian. Later Miss Judith Gardner, a teacher in the school, became the librarian. By 1882 a well equipped reading room was made in the back room of the Town Hall. As this soon proved to be too small the library was moved into two rooms 1n the old High School, now the Center School. In 1897, Mrs. Frost offered $10,000, for the building of a library in memory of her husband. 5he was to give $10,000. and the town was to raise $10,000. The Frost Public Library was built. The first trustees being Mr. Channing Howard, Mr. David Floyd, Mr. Frank Tucker, Mr. Isaih Whorf, Mr. Alfred Phinney, and Mr. Francis Ingersoll.
1632 - 1943 CHAPTER VII Transportation Although Winthrop is small in area it has one of the most romantic records in history of transportation. In this little town we find records or the Indian Trail, the Cart Path, the Stage Coach, the Horse Car, the Steam railroad, the Electric track, and most interesting of all, the steam boat. Up to 1699 there was but one road in the town. This was but a cart parth running from Johnson Avenue to Revere St, passing through the Highlands to Beachmont. Soon after a railroad was laid out from Winthrop Beach to Point Shirley. In 1839 a railroad ran between East Boston and Winthrop. Winthrop now had three roads, Winthrop Street to the Postoffice, Shirley Street to the Point, and Revere Street to Beachmont. In 1852 Main 5treet and Pleasant 3treet were added. In 1848 the first Stage Coach ran between Maverick Square and Point Shirley. It was driven by Albert Richardson, who had livery stables in Winthrop. 1861 started horse car, while 1860 found the stage coaches running from Boston to Winthrop. This coach line went down Pleasant St. 1875 the narrow gauge sent it's first little train into Winthrop. An electric car ran from Winthrop Beach Station to Point Shirley·for twenty years. The tracks were then removed and a bus put on. In 1940 our present system of transportation began. The Narrow Gauge having suspended 1t's service. The buses run from Winthrop to Maverick Stat1on where they connect with the subway for Boston. The Last of the Narrow Gauge On January 27, 1940, the Narrow Gauge suspended after continuous service since 1875, when the "Dinky" little engine hauled a couple of cars over the little track. The little train has carried the people to Winthrop to Boston for eixty-five years. It made a circle of the town through Orient Heights to the East Boston sheds where it connected with the ferry which took the passengers across the harbor. There was great excitement when the train made it's last trip. Many of the Winthrop people went in on her. The ferry boat Brewster, with Captain Albert Nielson at the helm, made the last boat trip across the harbor. The nine stations have been torn down and all the tracks removed. Winthrop now has a bus line from Maverick Square around the town. Rate of Toll on Main Street Bridge l cent for each toot person. 5 cents for each horse and rider. 10 cents for each horse and chaise, chair, or sulky. 17 cents for each coach, chariot or other four. wheeled carra1ges drawn by two or more horses. 10 cents if more than two horses. 6 cents for each cart and wagon drawn by two oxen. 8 cents if more than two oxen. 6 cents for each dray drawn by one horse. 8 cents if more than one horse. 8 cents for each sleigh with one horse. 10 cents if more than one horse. 6 cents for each sled drawn by two oxen. 5 cents for each sled or pung drawn by one horse. If more than one 2 cents for each extra horse. 2 cents each for horses and cattle. 6 cents per dozen for sheep and swine.
The original sign hangs in the Library, aver the stairs to the exhibition rooms.
CHAPER VIII 1880 "The Winthrop visitor" Published Weekly $1.50 yearly Winthrop's First Newspaper Editor Mrs. Crowell Asst. Editor Mrs. Pond Business Office at 173 Pleasant Street. Winthrop now has two papers, The Winthrop and 'The Winthrop Review." Published weekly. ALFRED TEWSBURY Dealer In Boots, Shoes, and Rubbers Gents Furnishings Ladies High boots Button Shoes Gents Fancy Sh1rtm Elegant patterns in silk shirts $.50 Wadsworth Block, Winthrop Center These advertisement. were in the paper. Read them and see how they compare with our stores. We do not wear high boots now, nor de we buy button shoes. We can't buy silk shirts for $.50. The Wadsworth Block is on Winthrop 3treet, corner of Jefferson 8treet. Verdi's 5tore is in the corner ream. "The Winthrop Visitor" In 1880, Winthrop published 1ts first newspaper. It was called "The Winthrop Visitor." The paper was published every Friday afternoon. The editor being Mrs. Crowell, and the assistant editor was Mrs. Pond. The office was located at 173 Pleasant Street. The cost of the paper being $1.50 a year, and $.05 a single copy. 5een in the Winthrop Visitor June 30, 1899 WINTHROP SHIOEING FORGE Prompt attention given to: Stumbling Knee-Knocking Interfering Over-reaching Tender Footed Horses Carriage repairing also. I.W. Mathews Revere 5t. Opp. Robbin's Coal Yard
1709 - 1943 CHAPTER IX Early Education Winthrop began it's education very early in the settling of the town. As early as the 1680's a little old school was built at Point Shirley. It didn't keep school very long for it was hard for the teacher to a place to live. In 1779 a school was opened in the Old Bill House, on Beale most of the children being named Tewksbury. Unlike our schools, the schools in those days were most uncomfortable. There were no books, no nice desks and chairs, and they were never warm. The people took turns bring wood to the school to pay for their children's schooling. The schools were taught by both men and women. A child could go to a lady teacher until he was seven, and then all the boys had to go to a man teacher. Sometimes they had to stay 1n school for eight hours. Having time off to0 eat the lunch they brought with them. I should think they would be very tired sitting at the high desk and. on the hard bench. The children were taught to'· Read, Write, and Cypher. As they had no books they read from a wooden board with the letters printed on it. Thia they called a horn book. In arithrnet1c they did, examples like this: 9814263987596648 X 4S23695846321 9648927.69758695484
Problem: Deduct the Tare and Trett. Divide the Suttle by amount given. The Quotient will be the Clo!f wh1ch subtract from the Suttle the Remainder w111 be the Neat. In 1805 the first permanent school was built on the site of the posterf1ce. There seems to be no record or the teacher's name but it is said that or the forty pupils, twelve were named Tewksbury, twelve were named Belcher, and nine were named Floyd. When the Town House was built this little old school was moved ento, Winthrop Street and made into a house. The house is still there. In 1856 the Town H0use was built and two rooms were used for a school. Mr. David Belcher who was the Postmaster for 30 years went to school in the town hall when a little boy and the room in which he studied was the same room he used for an office after the new Postoffice was built, 1t being on the same spot. Here is report card given to Amanda Floyd when she was in the Grammar School. Miss Floyd is still living in the big Floyd house on Maine Street. Report of Amanda Floyd for the term commencing September 13th, ending December 18th, 1869 1st 2nd 3rd Month month month Attendance 4.5 5 5 Tardiness 0 0 0 Deportment. 5 5 5 Scholarship 4.86 4.86 4.89 Judith Gardner Principal Examined by Edward Floyd As the town began to grow a larger school was needed. It was built on Pauline Street where the Edward B. Newton school now stands. It was called the Pauline Street 5chool and was, at that time, a very, fine school, being Winthrop's first large school. The school burned in 1906 and the Edward B. Newton wass built in its place. By 1884 Winthrop had a High School, a grammar school, an intermediate school, and two primary schools. The High School was built beside the Edward B. Newton School. The school is just as it was then. It is now called the Center School. Schools were built at the Beach and Highlands to take care of the children in those sections of the Town. There Being 1,000 inhabitants in 1884. The following is a list of some of Winthrop's early teachers: 1765 Mrs. Tuckebury 1770 Joseph Cummings 1778 Elizabeth Sargeant 1780 Richard Blanchard 1783 John Sale 1786 Abijah Hastings 1790 Abigail Belcher The Teachers were paid seven shillings·and six pence a week, Ll0-16-6, and were given a key to the school house door. This was good pay at- this time for in the very early schools the teacher received food, skins, and sometimes Indian Wampum. The Almont Street school was the first school in the Highlands. It stood on Almont Street. After it burned the new Highland 5chool was built on the present location which used to be Deacon David Floyd's cow pasture. In 1891 it was decided that Winthrop should have a Superintendent of Schools, the schools had developed se rapidly. In 1896 it was voted that Winthrop needed a new High School, the Center School not being large enough to accommodate the classes. The High School Principal being Rev. L. P. Frost. From 1900 on the Winthrop Schools have made great progress. Under the guidance of competent leaders the schools rank among the highest in the educational field. The High School, Junior High, and four Elementary Schools accommodate about 3600 children. Winthrop also has excellent Kindergartens for the very young child.
1775 - 1917 - 1943 CHAPTER X WINTHROP IN THE REVOLUTION By 1775, at the beginning of the Revolutionary war, Point Sh1rley had developed a good sized colony, and it was here that the war came to Winthrop. At the start of the fight General George Washington came to Winthrop, or Chelsea, as it was called then, and established the left wing of the Continental Army, to protect Boston. Many of the Winthrop men joined 1t. A Fort was erected at Point Shirley to protect the harbor. In 1776, at Shirley Gut, now filled in between Deer Island and the main land, a fierce battle was fought between the Americans and British. Captain Mugford was killed with several other men. The American ship was trying to slip out or Boston Harbor to attack a British Man of War. The British saw them and met them at Shirley Gut. ~ It is said that the famous Constitution once slipped through Shirley Gut on her way out to raid the high seas. WINTHROP IN THE CIVIL WAR Winthrop sent 30 of its brave young men to the Civil War. Among them being Maj. Gen. William Bartlett. He received honors for being the most outstanding man sent by Massachusetts. His home stood on Bartlett Road, the Road being named for him. WINTHROP IN THE WORLD WAR In 1917 we sent over 1100 boys to the first World War, many of which never returned. And now again in 1943 we are sending our boys to fight. Many have gone, and many will go, and to our sorrow, many will never return. But, as always, we are behind our boys 100 percent in every way. Every one, young and old, are working for the peace that will sometime come. Winthrop has its Civilian Defence, its Red Cross, its First Aid, its Motor Corps. The children in the schools are doing their bit also, with First Aid, Victory Corps, Bonds and Stamps, and Salvage. What rejoicing "When the lights come on again" and we have our boys back in Winthrop once more.
CHAPTER XI How Deer Island Got It's Name One bitter cold winter the animals of the northern part of Maine were having difficulty in getting food. They hunted the woods over for bits of moss and small animals on which to feed. By the time spring came they were very, very hungry. So hungry that they began to quarrel and to kill each other. Now the greatest trouble was caused by the wolves. They were so hungry they would kill everything that came their way. This was very bad for the deer. They were hungry too, but they didn't want to kill their friend., and they tried to tell the wolves how wrong it was to do so. The wolves would not listen and began eating the young deer. In great fright the deer rushed to the water and began swimming away from the wolves. They swam for days. But finally, too tired to go any farther, they climbed ashore on a lovely Island. When the Indians woke the next morning and looked across at the island it was covered with fine deer. "Ugh! Ugh! Deer. Island" said the Indiana. And from that day it has been known.as Deer Island. 5WUNK5U5 Among the first white men to live in Winthrop was Swunksus. He lived on Deer Island, and as he was the first man to dwell there he claimed the Island as his own. In Trimountain, now Boston, lived another man who was obliged to flee because he had proved he was not trustworthy. It was net stated where he should go so he came to Deer Island and begged Swunkus to let him live there on the Island. Now 5wunksus was a friendly person so he gave half of the Island to him. For a time all was well until the greedy visitor wanted all the Island. This Swunksus would not give him. The visitor waited until it was dark, and after Swunksus had gone to bed for the night, he went to his hut and killed him, then taking all the Island for himself. If you happen to be near Deer Island at mid-night on a moonlight night, you will see old Swunksus walking along the shore. In the day time, if you listen well, you can hear him snore, for he gets his sleep during the day. INDIAN BURYING GROUND When the digging began for the Narrow Gauge Railroad an old Indian burying ground was unearthed at the Center in the spot where the old Center Station once stood. It was thought that this was one of the oldest burying grounds in Massachusetts. From the graves were taken mats woven of birch bark, also large drinking cups made of metal as were used by the Indians in 1602. There were also glass and stone pots and dishes, as well as many tools and weapons. One Indian had a bag of tobacco and his pipe buried with him. He probably wanted to smoke the peace pipe when he reached the Happy Hunting Grounds. The relics were taken to the Peabody Museum and placed with other relics found in Massachusetts. You can see them at the Museum if you go to the Indian section.
CHAPTER 12 The important things about Winthrop 1614 - Captain John Smith visited our shores and made a map of Winthrop coast line. 1619 - Nanapashemet, last of our Indian Chief, died. 1621 - Captain Myles Standish, with ten men from the Plymouth Colony, and five Indians, visited Winthrop. 1631 - First Ferry to Boston. 1632* - Pullin Poynte, (Point Shirley), was declared part of Boston. 1637 - Winthrop was divided among fifteen proprietors. Deane Winthrop given land to built his house, now standing on Shirley Street. 1675 - All Christian Indians were banished to Deer Island during the King Philip War. 1699 - Indian trail and cartpath laid out by the shore from Revere Street to Highlands, then to Magee's corner up to Johnson Ave. 1709 - First free school in Boston. Me. Cheever the teacher. Seventeen pupils. 1739 - Pullin Point, Rumney Marsh, and Winnisimeet called Chelsea. 1739 - Fishing enterprsise at Point Shirley. ^ Pullin Poynte is now Point Shirley. 1757 - Arcadian refugees living on Point Shirley. 1775 - General Washington visited Chelsea. 1776 - Battle of the Revolution at Shirley Gut. Captain Mugford was killed. Fort erected at Point. Still there. 1805 - Winthrop's first school house on Winthrop Street corner of Pauline. Where the Post-Office now stands. 1812 - Salt works established at Point Shirley. 1813 - Battle between the Cheseake and Shannon in sight of our shores. 1834 - Bridge built from Winthrop to Noddle Island, now East Boston. 1834 - First church in Winthrop. Methodist Episcopal corner of Winthrop Street and Madison Avenue. 1845 - Revere Copper works at Point Shirley. 1848 - First Stage Coach. Winthrop to Maverick Square. Driven by Albert Richardson. 1852 - Town of Winthrop set off as separate town. 1856 - Winthrop Town Hall built on the sight of the Postoffice. School moved down on Winthrop Street. 1861 - Thirty men from Winthrop sent to the war. Gen. William Bartlett given sword as being finest soldier furnished by Massachusetts. 1872 - Horse railway built from East Boston to Point Shirley through Winthrop. Stopped in 1877. 1875 - Boston, Revere Beach and Lynn Railroad tan from Boston to Lynn. 1880 - Winthrop's first newspaper. The Winthrop Visitor. 1884 - Public water supply. 1888 - First electric lights in Winthrop. 1890 - Forts were begun at Banks and Heath. 1898 - Frost Public Library built. 1901 - Gas put into Winthrop. 1910 - Street railway built from Winthrop Beach to Point Shirley. 1917 - Eleven hundred of our boys went to World War 1. 1928 - Narrow Gauge electrified. 1929 - New town hall built where it now stands. 1940 - The closing of the Narrow Gauge. 1943 - Winthrop doing her part in the war work.
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