The Shire of Worcester, Part the Fifth

From Dave Brigham:

Welcome back to Woo Town!!

Today's post concerns a relatively small triangle of South Worcester, between the Main South and Hadwen Park neighborhoods. I started at Breen's Cafe, an Irish bar located at 16 Cambridge Street that gets strong online reviews, is located in a cool building and has not one but two great signs.

Established in 1934, Breen's is known for its steak and cheese sandwich.

From there, I made my way southwest along Webster Street, skirting a two-car accident attended by police and EMTs at the intersection with Mill Street (not too serious-looking). I passed a handsome old firehouse and a few non-descript industrial buildings before finding some photo-worthy stuff.

Buildings flanking Webster Street were originally part of the Spencer Wire Company, and were built in the late-18th century and early 19th.

"The Spencer Wire Company, which began in [nearby] Spencer...in the early 19th century, built a new wire manufacturing complex on Webster Street...at the turn of the century," according to MACRIS. "This property's proximity to the Boston & Albany Railroad was a definite draw for a company seeking to expand the market for their product. The initial wire mill buildings were erected on the NE corner of Webster and Jacques Sts. in 1899; new buildings were added to (or, in a few cases, purchased for) this expanding complex over the next two decades.

"Mergers in 1918 and 1919 created the Wickwire-Spencer Steel Co., with headquarters in Buffalo, N.Y. The Webster Street plant, known as the Goddard Works, was closed in 1944 and sold to the Handy Pad Surgical Supply Company, which occupied much of the former wire-manufacturing complex in the 1940s-70s."

I wrote about Wickwire-Spencer in my post detailing my second visit to Clinton, Mass. (see August 5, 2023, "Clinton Redux: Mills and Industrial Sites").

As you can tell from the photos, there are numerous small businesses and organizations here, including New Star Bodywork, offering Chinese bodywork; Gold Star, Inc.,a builder; Austin Furniture; and Rae Town Missionary Church of Jesus Christ Mount Zion.

Around the corner on Jacques Street, I really liked the mural on the garage door of New England Engine & Parts Warehouse.

Heading south on Webster Street, next to the train tracks, is Worcester Chemical Distribution Corp., which is located in another former Spencer Wire building.

I continued on for a few minutes until I hit Hope Cemetery, where my eyes jumped out of my head when I saw the circa-1889 barn at the northwest corner of the burial ground.

"The barn, which replaced the earlier structure of 1876, retains its architectural integrity," according to MACRIS. "It is a fine Stick Style structure, characterized by its verticality, angularity, steeply pitched roof and cupola, and overhanging eaves which are pierced with dormers. The Queen Anne Style is seen in the shaped shingles on the second floor which wrap around the corners of the structure."

I made only one other photo here, of the H.H. King-Harding mausoleum, which dates to 1898.

I doubled back and headed east on Fremont Street, which is lined with old industrial buildings.

"David Gessner Machine Company...was started by David Gessner in 1882 on Union Street in Worcester and moved to this site in 1907 to expand the business of manufacturing cloth fInishing machinery," according to MACRIS. As of that report in 2001, the company was still in business. It is no longer a going concern. In 2019, real estate developer Norfolk Realty acquired the site for $1.2 million, according to this Worcester Business Journal article.

The property appeared to be vacant when I happened by.

Across the street is the former Worcester Bleach and Dye Works, which was most recently occupied by Valkyrie Company, a manufacturer of leather goods.

From MACRIS: "The Worcester Bleach & Dye Works was established in the mid 19th c. for the bleaching and dyeing of thread and yard. In 1888, Worcester Bleach & Dye Works moved from Grove Street to a (no longer extant) 2-story, wood-frame building at 61 Fremont Street. The plant was enlarged in 1909 with the construction of this brick building at 60 Fremont Street. The company occupied these two buildings until the mid-1930s. This building was subsequently occupied by the Economic Machinery Co. (labeling machine manufacturers) from 1944 to 1962, and by the Capitol Footwear Co. from 1968 to 1985."

Continuing east-northeast on Fremont, I crossed the street to check out a gate offering a view to the railroad tracks beyond.

The gate is marked "CF," which may have been for Consolidated Freightways, trucking company that "[a]t its height...possessed over 350 terminals, employing more than 15,000 truck drivers, dock workers, dispatchers and management," per Wikipedia.

The building next to this gate, currently home to Plastek Polybag, was originally a foundry operated by Fremont Casting Co., per MACRIS. This building was adjacent to the Worcester Consolidated Street Railway Power House, which has been demolished.

(Lovely scene at Plastek Polybag.)

To wrap up, I made my way to Cambridge Street, to the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center. There, a very faint, partial ghost sign caught my eye.

I can make out the word "PLACE" but not what comes before it. This building at 72 Cambridge Street rose in 1907 for the Reed & Prince Manufacturing Company, which was a tack manufacturing business. A subsequent business, Reed & Prince Screw Company, was located here more recently.

Below are links to the previous four installments in my ongoing Worcester series.

April 13, 2024, "The Shire of Worcester, Part the Fourth"

February 10, 2024, "The Shire of Worcester, Part the Third"

February 3, 2024, "The Shire of Worcester, Part the Second"

January 27, 2024, "The Shire of Worcester, Part the First"

The Backside is Coming! The Backside is Coming - to Revere! (Part VI)

From Dave Brigham:

Around the Backside office, the piece of prose you're currenty reading is known as the "outliers post." Whereas the previous installments in my series of shorts about Revere, Mass., were held together by geography, this one features destinations flung around the city. For links to the previous posts, see the bottom of this one.

Located just east of Route 1A on Butler Street, the Rumney Marsh Burying Ground is one of the oldest cemeteries in the country.

"The first known burial traces back to 1693 when the wife of Captain John Smith (a different Smith, not of Pocahontas fame) was buried in a plot at the cemetery," according to this blog post. "The Captain joined his wife there some years later. While burials continued at the site from that time forward, it was not until 1748 that the land was officially willed to the town for use as a cemetery by Joshua Cheever, son of the town’s first known teacher."

The cemetery is so called because the area now known as Revere was known to early European settlers as Rumney Marsh. While the burial ground is relatively small, it contains the remains of many well-known early residents of this area. Among those buried here are Deane Winthrop, son of the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony; Thomas Pratt, for whom the current day Prattville neighborhood in Chelsea is named; Revolutionary War hero Samuel Sprague; and Lewis Bullard, an Army veteran whose 1929 burial represents the last interment of the cemetery. This site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in February 2004.

Less than a mile away, along Route 16 hard by Mill Creek, is an old spice mill that's in pretty good shape.

The Slade Spice Mill buildings date to 1823, although, due to multiple fires, this place has been rebuilt (using some of the original timbers) a handful of times. The first structure erected on this site, in 1734, was a grist mill, according to MACRIS. "The 1734 mill was destroyed in 1795 and rebuilt c. 1823," MACRIS continues. "It was burned in 1895, 1901 and 1902, and each time was rebuilt on the same spot." It was a tide mill, which means the tide provided its power.

The mill was used over the centuries to grind corn, snuff, cinnamon and other spices. "By an ancient provision in the original charger (sic), it must at all times hold itself ready to grind corn for any citizen of Chelsea, provided the corn is Chelsea raised!" according to this blog post from the Tide Mill Institute.

The mill was in operation until 1976. In the early years of this century, a group undertook renovations. I'm not sure what's located here now.

Standing in front of the old mill and looking east over the Chelsea River and the railroad tracks, you can almost see my next destination on Railroad Street, a newer mill building.

Located in an industrial wedge of land between the railroad tracks, Winthrop Avenue, Route 1A and Chelsea Creek, this old factory building seems to be mostly vacant.

"The Mill Store Building, a large multi-story factory building, is the marquee feature of the Railroad District," according to Next Stop Revere, a draft master plan for the City of Revere by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. "While Air Freight Specialties is currently located in the building, it is unclear if all the building floors are in use and what condition they are in. Anecdotal reports indicate that the cell towers on the building's roof are its most valuable asset."

According to that 2020 report, this area has been designated by the City for marijuana cultivation and distribution. I've been unable to find out the industrial history of this place. At some point, there was a mill store located within.

A few miles away, at the northeast tip of Revere in the Point of Pines neighborhood, I sought out a place the likes of which I've never featured on the blog.

While I have featured boats, marinas and boat clubs, I have never showcased a boat yard on the Backside.

"The structure housing Fred A. Kittredge Boat Builders, 7 Thayer Avenue...is a steel-frame building with a brick exterior," according to MACRIS. "There are oversized steel, multi-light windows and tall wooden doors on the gable end."

I assume boats were stored and repaired here, and perhaps even built. There doesn't seem to be much marine-related activity here nowadays.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the final piece on Revere, which is about the world-famous beach. Below are links to the previous posts.

August 10, 2024, "The Backside is Coming! The Backside is Coming - to Revere (Part V)"

August 7, 2024, "The Backside is Coming! The Backside is Coming - to Revere (Part IV)"

August 3, 2024, "The Backside is Coming! The Backside is Coming - to Revere (Part III)"

July 31, 2024, "The Backside is Coming! The Backside is Coming - to Revere (Part II)"

July 27, 2024, "The Backside is Coming! The Backside is Coming - to Revere (Part I)"

Stafford Springs, Part II: Other Than the Mills

From Dave Brigham:

I decided to explore Stafford Springs, Conn., because it's a mill town (see August 27, 2021, "Stafford Springs, Part I: The Mills"). I love shooting photos of old factories and mills, as I think is evident if you've spent more than two minutes reading this blog. But I also love the homes, municipal buildings, commercial architecture and churches that were built around these manufacturing facilities during their heydays. So in this post, I will look at those types of buildings in this village that serves as the downtown for the town of Stafford.

The first place that caught my eye -- and did so like no other commercial building in town -- was Full Sail Tattoo on East Main Street.

Established in 1994, the inking business appears to have run dry, unfortunately. This beautiful painted lady (not in the traditional sense of a Victorian home, but still...) dates to, well, I'm not sure. I found the year 1900 online, but I don't believe it. I'm guessing this place was erected at least 10 years prior.

Steps away is the Paradiso Building, which dates to 1930.

The building is home to Paradiso Insurance. It is located across from the American Woolen mill complex, so I'm guessing there may have been related offices here, or retail outfits, back in the day.

Just up Furnace Avenue is what I believe is the former home of the Stafford Springs Press newspaper.

The newspaper was in operation from 1883 to 1935. This building appears to be a private home, or apartments.

Next door to the old Press office is a little building that rivals the tattoo shop for ornate beauty.

Home to Orchardworks, a hand-carved magic wand maker (!), this gem dates to 1900 allegedly, but again, I believe it's older. The shop is run by what I assume is a husband-and-wife team. "Ed is an aerospace engineer by day, moonlighting in the workshop handling wand design, custom shaping work, and overseeing all of the woods and tools that we use. Janet works full time shaping, finishing, & delivering our wands to delighted customers all over the world," per the web site.

How enchanting!

Heading south on River Road, I spied Hyde Autoworks, located in what appears to be a nicely restored building.

The company, which specializes in "wild custom hot rod restorations," per its web site, has been in business since 1996. I like that they kept a few old automotive signs (photo below) on the outside of the building, which dates to 1930.

Doubling back toward the main drag, I walked past Shamrock Laundry, which is unfortunately out of business.

Then I looked west, up Highland Terrace, and saw the gorgeous church pictured below.

Grace Episcopal Church dates to 1876. I love the red clapboard, the bell tower, the fact that this house of worship is built into the hill. And right next to the church is an equally fantastic building.

The Stafford Historical Society building dates to 1885. It was built as the town library, and has also servede as a judge's office, office for a woolen company and the bottling house of the Stafford Mineral Waters Company, according to this post from the CTMQ blog.

Behind the historical society building is a mineral spring house, a remnant of a once wildly popular business offering allegedly curative waters, and the inspiration for the village's name.

The mineral spring -- thought by some to have therapeutic value due to the existence of minerals or other dissolved substances -- was discovered by the Nipmuck tribe that preceded European colonists. Among the colonists who availed themselves of the spring water was John Adams, who later in life, of course, went on to become the second president of the United States.

Naturally, businesses grew up around the spring. "In 1767 a direct stage route was established from Boston to Stafford Springs to capitalize on this budding resort’s popularity and make it more easily accessible," according to this Connecticut Explored article. "Through the early 1800s, visitors to the springs would stay at small hotels such as Child’s, Colburn’s, and the Green. In 1802, Dr. Samuel Willard bought the property and built the Stafford Springs House to accommodate patrons of the miracle water. His clientele grew as the springs’ reputation continued to spread, enabling Willard to expand the hotel."

The whole affair began to go downhill as the Saratoga Springs area in New York began to grow in the late 19th century. I'm not sure when Stafford Springs mineral water dried up as a business venture.

Moving on....

Beyond the mineral house is Hyde Park, where I saw the impressive memorial below.

The Warren Soldiers Monument was dedicated in 1924, and honors those who, like the sculpture's donor, Col. Charles Warren, fought in the U.S. Civil War. Warren was born and died in Stafford. He "had a distinguished military career that extended for the entire four years of," the Civil War, according to this web site. "He enlisted as a private in October 1861, soon became a sergeant, and rose through the ranks of commissioned officers as he served in a continuous series of campaigns. He led his regiment into Richmond in April 1865. After the war, Warren opened a general store in Stafford...and engaged in other successful business activities. He was president of the Stafford Savings Bank, built the Warren Block downtown, and gave to the town Warren Memorial Hall, which was dedicated January 31, 1924."

The sculptor was Frederick Ruckstull, who created many similar monuments around the country, including some Confederate memorials, according to Wikipedia.

At the intersection of River Road and Main Street sits the former Stafford Springs train station.

Built by the Central Vermont Railroad, the depot is currently home to the town's police department. I've been unable to find out what year this station was built. Trains are still active through the village, as the New England Central Railroad runs freight through here between East Alburgh, VT, and New London, CT.

Next to the train station, in a building that also features an ice cream shop, is Hairy Karry's Barber Shop.

Originally I thought this place was called "Hairy Harry's," which I liked. But I dig the actual name even more. I have a thing for funny/clever barbershop and salon names.

Across Main Street is the neat little green building housing Makuch & Company, CPA, and Willington Financial, two related businesses.

I believe this building dates to 1930.

There are so many neat old buildings in Stafford Springs, many of them nicely restored. I didn't shoot everything on Main Street, but just about. I'll run down the north side first and then the south. First up after the financial building (after a few that I found unworthy) is the building housing Rustology Antiques and Oddities.

This place looks great, sort of a Nutmeg State version of the American Pickers shop in Le Claire, Iowa. This place dates to 1908. Below is a peek through the front window.

Next door is the home of Ocean Asian Restaurant.

The CRCOG Tax Parcel web site indicates this building dates to 1900. The siding makes it look newer, but also not as attractive as the Rustology building.

Heading west, I came to a site unlike any I've seen in the several old mill towns I've explored over the years.

Located in what's called the Main Street Fruit Tree Trail, which is maintained by the Stafford Garden Club, this art-filled park sits in the remnants of buildings that collapsed some years ago, according to a friend who lives in town. The park contains several shrubs, trees and plants that produce edible fruits, berries and herbs. The public is encouraged to help themselves to a small sampling.

As for the murals, I've been unable to find out who painted them. There are several, and they are all bursting with color and life and imagination. Also located in the park is a bench dedicated to "Mamma" Teresa Andreoli (1926-2019), who lived in Stafford. "Main Street was her life," the inscription says. There is also a picture of the Arizona Restaurant, which I assume Mamma owned.

Continuing west, we come to a nice stretch of old commercial buildings. A plaque at the roofline of the building below says "1936."

This place is home to Smoker's Emporium. Look closely at the top of the building, and you'll see a peaked roof. The brick of the storefront is an add-on to a modest apartment house that is obviously older.

Next door is the Palace Theater, which dates to 1900.

The theater hosts concerts (James Montgomery Blues Band, Riders On the Storm [Doors Tribute]) and other events (fundraisers, weddings). It was founded as vaudeville theater, and began featuring movies by 1941, per Cinema Treasures. This place closed in 1960, but reopened at some point as a bar. I'm not sure how long it's been a live-music venue.

(One of two horse heads flanking the front door of the theater. I'd love to know the story behind them.)

Next up is the Arizona building, which dates to 1922.

Now home to J&D Pizza, Pub & Grill, this building was once the home of the aforementioned Arizona Restaurant. To get a sense of that eatery, scroll down on this link.

The next building is small, but I love the cut of its jib.

Most recently (I think) the home of the Stafford Seamstress, this place is known as the L.H. Carvais Building. It dates to 1900. I couldn't find out anything about the Carvais clan.

The next place dates to 1933, and is home to the wonderfully named Blazing Saddles consignment shop and Laura Claman Equine Solutions.

Next door is an empty storefront...I think. I believe it was (or possibly is) home to Mocko's Propane Gas Service. The building dates to 1928.

Across Main Street, in what appears to be a long, narrow storage building (possibly formerly used by an appliance company), is a series of super-cool town-themed murals.

The one above shows, on the left, Hyde Park, location of the Civil War Monument mentioned previously, and Stafford Fairgrounds, also known as Stafford Springs Agricultural Park, where there was horse racing up until the end of World War II. This area is now known as the Stafford Motor Speedway. In my final Stafford Springs installment, I will write about the race track.

The mural above shows, on the left, the Baker Furniture Co. factory, as well as a streetcar; on the right people are shown fetching water from the aforementioned mineral spring. The furniture company was established in 1807, and closed in 2015.

Continuing east, on the south side of Main Street, I saw the obviously rejiggered building below.

Home to a Farmers Insurance agent, this building dates to 1900 (allegedly) and is owned by American Sleeve Bearing, an industrial company located on the other side of the train tracks from Main Street.

Next door to that odd building is the Bidorini Building, which dates to 1915 (here's why I always doubt the year "1900" when I see it in assessor's databases...this place is listed as being built in that year, but the building iteself says "1915" on it)

I'm assuming this was the former home of Bidorini Bakery & Grocery, references to which I found online. Currently occupying the space is the Stafford Cidery, home of Crazy Cock Cider. Cock-a-doodle-do!!

Next door at 58-64 Main Street is a pair of buildings also allegedly built in 1900.

To the right is #64; I'm not sure what's in that building. Like the Farmers Insurance building mentioned above, this place is owned by American Sleeve Bearing. On the left is #58, home to ESP Pottery. The store/gallery offers lessons. I dig the funky threshold, below.

The last building on this block is home to the Stafford Coffee Company and the Stafford Academy of Dance.

This place also dates to -- you guessed it -- 1900. Allegedly.

To wrap up this post, below are some photos taken of the backside of the last few buildings I wrote about. These shots were taken from a driveway leading to American Sleeve Bearing, looking across the railroad tracks.

That sign says, "FLAG OILER DO NOT SAND." A flag stop (or request stop or whistle stop) is a station at which trains will only stop if there are passengers or freight to pick up. I don't know anything about oiling or sanding flags that mark these stations.

This is the backside of the pottery store

I just love that little tableau above.

I'm a sucker for graffiti. As I mentioned above, I shot these on property owned by American Sleeve Bearing, a company that will come into play again for the final Stafford Springs post, coming soon.