Alfred M. Bessette Memorial Highway History
The portion of Route 140 that starts at Route 6 in New Bedford and goes to Route 24 in Taunton is also called the Alfred M. Bessette Memorial Highway.
Who is Alfred M. Bessette (1876-1944) ?
Mr. Bessette was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and moved to New Bedford in 1877. Starting at age 14, he slowly worked his way up to becoming a pharmacist. On December 13, 1894 he married Ellen Ross (1877-1924) and had three (3) children; Irene Ellen (1898-ukn) Alfred S. (1900-1960) Leopold (1906-1948)
In 1915 he ran for the Massachusetts House of Representatives, 7th Bristol District, however he lost the election by 26 votes. In 1916 Alfred ran for the same seat and served from 1917 to 1924.
In 1925 to 1928 he served in the Massachusetts Senate. In 1931 to 1936 Alfred again served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, this time the 6th Bristol District.
On January 6 1944 Alfred Bessette now age 66 “dropped dead crossing a street in his home town New Bedford.”, according to a newspaper brief in the Berkshire Evening Eagle. Alfred was laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
On July 1, 1956 Route 140 was named after Alfred Bessette.
The portion of Route 140 that starts at Route 6 in New Bedford and goes to Route 24 in Taunton is also called the Alfred M. Bessette Memorial Highway.
Who is Alfred M. Bessette (1876-1944) ?
Mr. Bessette was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts and moved to New Bedford in 1877. Starting at age 14, he slowly worked his way up to becoming a pharmacist. On December 13, 1894 he married Ellen Ross (1877-1924) and had three (3) children; Irene Ellen (1898-ukn) Alfred S. (1900-1960) Leopold (1906-1948)
In 1915 he ran for the Massachusetts House of Representatives, 7th Bristol District, however he lost the election by 26 votes. In 1916 Alfred ran for the same seat and served from 1917 to 1924.
In 1925 to 1928 he served in the Massachusetts Senate. In 1931 to 1936 Alfred again served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, this time the 6th Bristol District.
On January 6 1944 Alfred Bessette now age 66 “dropped dead crossing a street in his home town New Bedford.”, according to a newspaper brief in the Berkshire Evening Eagle. Alfred was laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery.
On July 1, 1956 Route 140 was named after Alfred Bessette.
Palmer's Island History
Palmer's Island History
The island is named after one of the first settlers of Dartmouth (now New Bedford), William Palmer. The 6-acre island was used as an internment camp for Native Americans during the King Phillips War. Those captured were later sold into slavery in the West Indies.
In the 1860s, a hotel and dance hall were constructed on the southern side of Palmer's Island, and visitors came by steamer from New Bedford. The hotel became a favorite stop for returning whalers, and predictably illegal activity became rampant. The hotel closed about 1890 and an amusement park was built. This park failed after a few years, and the hotel burned down in 1905.
Palmer's Island Lighthouse
In 1843 a survey of lighthouses along the east coast was conducted and it was determined there was a need for a lighthouse on Palmer’s Island. The land was purchased and a lighthouse was constructed, cost was $1,951 and was activated on Aug 30 1849, by William Sherman, the first keeper. The 24-foot tower was built of rubblestone, with wooden windows and floors. A walkway connected the lighthouse to the higher part of the island.
From 1888 to 1891, a red light on the nearby Fairhaven Bridge served as a range light with Palmer Island Light. This arrangement helped mariners past Butler Flats before the lighthouse was established there.
The early part of the 20th century saw a number of changes at Palmer Island Light. A new fog bell and striking mechanism were installed in 1900 in a pyramidal wooden tower. Later the 1,260 pound fog bell was removed from this tower and placed in a structure that was attached to the lighthouse, with a door cut in the tower to provide access. In 1901 75 tons of rip-rap stones were placed on the beach to afford some protection in storms. In 1902 a covered walkway was built to the tower, and an oil house was added in 1905.
Arthur Small came to Palmer Island as keeper in 1922, moving with his wife Mabel from Boston Harbor's Narrows ("Bug") Light. Small, one of three lighthouse keeper brothers, had been a seaman and lighthouse keeper since the age of 14.
'38 Hurricane Fatality
On September 21, 1938, the worst hurricane in New England history battered the south-facing coast. During the storm, Arthur Small decided to light the lighthouse. Small was in the base of the lighthouse tower when a gigantic wave swept him out the door into the harbor. The following account is in Arthur Small's own words, cobbled from various interviews.
"I was in the water, halfway between the island and Fort Phoenix. I'm a strong swimmer, and I began to work my way back toward Palmer's Island, using an
overhand reach. But before I could get there I found myself surrounded by so much flotsam, broken boats, and house material that I could not reach land except by diving beneath the wreckage. I dove down, but I was badly injured by the floating debris before I reached shore.
I was hurt and she knew it. Seeing the wave hit the boathouse was about the last thing I remember. I must have been hit by a big piece of timber and knocked unconscious. I never saw my wife again, but I think she saw me washed overboard, and she ran to the boathouse and tried to unlash our boat which I had securely fastened. She was an expert boatswoman, but in her attempt to save my life she lost her own.
I finally made the island and crawled up the stairs to the light, for I was so badly hurt I could not walk. My only thought was that the light must be kept burning. I was able to turn it on and to start the foghorn. I hoped I would attract attention, for there was no fog that night. Men in the Pierce and Kilburn Boat Yards at Fairhaven heard the fog horn and rowed over to see what was the matter. They found me lying in the tower, and even though the oilhouse was the only building remaining on the island, except the lighthouse, they found no trace of Mabel. They rowed me back to their boat yard, and I was taken from there to St. Luke's Hospital in an ambulance."
The damage form the hurricane was severe, all of the structures on the island, except the lighthouse, were washed away. Arthur Small was a talented painter who often painted scenes of Palmer Island. Many of Small's paintings were lost in the hurricane, along with his large library of several hundred books. Sadly it was later determined that Mabel Small had grabbed their life-savings, about $7500, before attempting to save her husband's life. The money was lost.
Arthur Small was granted a two-year absence with pay, after which he became the keeper at Hospital Point Light in Beverly MA. On March 7 1958 Arthur Small died, he was honored by the U.S. Coast Guard with burial at Arlington National Cemetery section 32 grave 432 in Washington D.C.
Lighthouse Continued to Shine
Upon the departure of Arthur Small, Franklin Ponte, formerly an assistant at Boston Light, went to Palmer's Island Light as a temporary keeper. Ponte's nephew, Joseph Ponte, served as an assistant. All that was left was the lighthouse tower and the oil house, and Joseph Ponte said that he and his uncle lived for a almost a month in the lighthouse before the Coast Guard sent a garage that was converted into living quarters. The light was automated in 1941. In 1963, with the construction of the hurricane barrier, the lighthouse was deemed useless.
Ownership, Vandalism, Restoration.
Palmer's Island became more easily accessible to lighthouse seekers and vandals alike. The island passed through various owners. In 1966, the tower was burned by arsonists, gutting the interior and destroying the lantern room.
In 1978, the City of New Bedford took ownership, and local resident Dr. John O'Toole mounted a preservation effort. Twenty (20) tons of trash and debris from the island was removed. A new fiberglass lantern was constructed to replace the badly burned one, and a 500-pound steel door was installed. The New Bedford Fire Department contributed a new iron spiral staircase.
On July 20 1999 the badly damaged lantern room was removed and taken to the city's wastewater division. Welder Jose Pereira rebuilt the lantern, while preserving the original metal frame. The four-foot-high, seven-foot-diameter lantern was reinstalled on August 25 1999. The tower was repainted by a crew provided by the Bristol County Sheriff Department's Pre-Release Program. A new solar-powered beacon was installed, visible for eight nautical miles. The new lighting apparatus was paid for with donated funds.
The lighthouse again fell into disrepair in the ensuing years, but another renovation was carried out in 2014. The work included the removal and restoration of the lantern, the cleaning of debris from inside the lighthouse, the repointing of the interior and exterior walls, repair of the stairs, the installation of new windows, and the installation of new solar powered lighting apparatus.
Lighthouse Keepers:
William Sherman (1849-1853)
Charles D. Tuell (1853-1861) Buried Peckham West Cemetery New Bedford
His son Joseph Tuell (1858-1935) was born on Palmer's Island, when he died in 1935 his ashes were spread over the island.
George Cowie (1872-1891)
Arthur Small (1922-1938)
Franklin Ponte (1939-1940)
Martin Maloney (1941)
Palmer's Island History
The island is named after one of the first settlers of Dartmouth (now New Bedford), William Palmer. The 6-acre island was used as an internment camp for Native Americans during the King Phillips War. Those captured were later sold into slavery in the West Indies.
In the 1860s, a hotel and dance hall were constructed on the southern side of Palmer's Island, and visitors came by steamer from New Bedford. The hotel became a favorite stop for returning whalers, and predictably illegal activity became rampant. The hotel closed about 1890 and an amusement park was built. This park failed after a few years, and the hotel burned down in 1905.
Palmer's Island Lighthouse
In 1843 a survey of lighthouses along the east coast was conducted and it was determined there was a need for a lighthouse on Palmer’s Island. The land was purchased and a lighthouse was constructed, cost was $1,951 and was activated on Aug 30 1849, by William Sherman, the first keeper. The 24-foot tower was built of rubblestone, with wooden windows and floors. A walkway connected the lighthouse to the higher part of the island.
From 1888 to 1891, a red light on the nearby Fairhaven Bridge served as a range light with Palmer Island Light. This arrangement helped mariners past Butler Flats before the lighthouse was established there.
The early part of the 20th century saw a number of changes at Palmer Island Light. A new fog bell and striking mechanism were installed in 1900 in a pyramidal wooden tower. Later the 1,260 pound fog bell was removed from this tower and placed in a structure that was attached to the lighthouse, with a door cut in the tower to provide access. In 1901 75 tons of rip-rap stones were placed on the beach to afford some protection in storms. In 1902 a covered walkway was built to the tower, and an oil house was added in 1905.
Arthur Small came to Palmer Island as keeper in 1922, moving with his wife Mabel from Boston Harbor's Narrows ("Bug") Light. Small, one of three lighthouse keeper brothers, had been a seaman and lighthouse keeper since the age of 14.
'38 Hurricane Fatality
On September 21, 1938, the worst hurricane in New England history battered the south-facing coast. During the storm, Arthur Small decided to light the lighthouse. Small was in the base of the lighthouse tower when a gigantic wave swept him out the door into the harbor. The following account is in Arthur Small's own words, cobbled from various interviews.
"I was in the water, halfway between the island and Fort Phoenix. I'm a strong swimmer, and I began to work my way back toward Palmer's Island, using an
overhand reach. But before I could get there I found myself surrounded by so much flotsam, broken boats, and house material that I could not reach land except by diving beneath the wreckage. I dove down, but I was badly injured by the floating debris before I reached shore.
I was hurt and she knew it. Seeing the wave hit the boathouse was about the last thing I remember. I must have been hit by a big piece of timber and knocked unconscious. I never saw my wife again, but I think she saw me washed overboard, and she ran to the boathouse and tried to unlash our boat which I had securely fastened. She was an expert boatswoman, but in her attempt to save my life she lost her own.
I finally made the island and crawled up the stairs to the light, for I was so badly hurt I could not walk. My only thought was that the light must be kept burning. I was able to turn it on and to start the foghorn. I hoped I would attract attention, for there was no fog that night. Men in the Pierce and Kilburn Boat Yards at Fairhaven heard the fog horn and rowed over to see what was the matter. They found me lying in the tower, and even though the oilhouse was the only building remaining on the island, except the lighthouse, they found no trace of Mabel. They rowed me back to their boat yard, and I was taken from there to St. Luke's Hospital in an ambulance."
The damage form the hurricane was severe, all of the structures on the island, except the lighthouse, were washed away. Arthur Small was a talented painter who often painted scenes of Palmer Island. Many of Small's paintings were lost in the hurricane, along with his large library of several hundred books. Sadly it was later determined that Mabel Small had grabbed their life-savings, about $7500, before attempting to save her husband's life. The money was lost.
Arthur Small was granted a two-year absence with pay, after which he became the keeper at Hospital Point Light in Beverly MA. On March 7 1958 Arthur Small died, he was honored by the U.S. Coast Guard with burial at Arlington National Cemetery section 32 grave 432 in Washington D.C.
Lighthouse Continued to Shine
Upon the departure of Arthur Small, Franklin Ponte, formerly an assistant at Boston Light, went to Palmer's Island Light as a temporary keeper. Ponte's nephew, Joseph Ponte, served as an assistant. All that was left was the lighthouse tower and the oil house, and Joseph Ponte said that he and his uncle lived for a almost a month in the lighthouse before the Coast Guard sent a garage that was converted into living quarters. The light was automated in 1941. In 1963, with the construction of the hurricane barrier, the lighthouse was deemed useless.
Ownership, Vandalism, Restoration.
Palmer's Island became more easily accessible to lighthouse seekers and vandals alike. The island passed through various owners. In 1966, the tower was burned by arsonists, gutting the interior and destroying the lantern room.
In 1978, the City of New Bedford took ownership, and local resident Dr. John O'Toole mounted a preservation effort. Twenty (20) tons of trash and debris from the island was removed. A new fiberglass lantern was constructed to replace the badly burned one, and a 500-pound steel door was installed. The New Bedford Fire Department contributed a new iron spiral staircase.
On July 20 1999 the badly damaged lantern room was removed and taken to the city's wastewater division. Welder Jose Pereira rebuilt the lantern, while preserving the original metal frame. The four-foot-high, seven-foot-diameter lantern was reinstalled on August 25 1999. The tower was repainted by a crew provided by the Bristol County Sheriff Department's Pre-Release Program. A new solar-powered beacon was installed, visible for eight nautical miles. The new lighting apparatus was paid for with donated funds.
The lighthouse again fell into disrepair in the ensuing years, but another renovation was carried out in 2014. The work included the removal and restoration of the lantern, the cleaning of debris from inside the lighthouse, the repointing of the interior and exterior walls, repair of the stairs, the installation of new windows, and the installation of new solar powered lighting apparatus.
Lighthouse Keepers:
William Sherman (1849-1853)
Charles D. Tuell (1853-1861) Buried Peckham West Cemetery New Bedford
His son Joseph Tuell (1858-1935) was born on Palmer's Island, when he died in 1935 his ashes were spread over the island.
George Cowie (1872-1891)
Arthur Small (1922-1938)
Franklin Ponte (1939-1940)
Martin Maloney (1941)
"County Bill" History In January 1978 "Country Bill", who's birth name is Charles Williams White, buried himself in New Bedford. He buried himself and managed to miss the blizzard of '78. He constructed a plywood chamber and had it buried six (6) feet underground on Popes Island for about six months. He emerged from the chamber on June 12 1978.
His goal was to remain "buried alive" inside the chamber for 219 days and beat a world record. He ended up needing just 144 days until mid-June of that year which was enough to make it into the "Guinness Book of World Records" which had disqualified his competitor.
His chamber measured three by three by six feet and had only an eight-inch opening. He had electricity, a television set a citizens band two-way radio and a telephone. During his time underground on Pope's Island Mr. White received more than 10000 paid visits. Visitors paid 50 cents each to see him trough a small window. He also appeared on the "Good Morning America" television show.
Before the New Bedford adventure, Mr. White had already lived underground for periods up to 134 days. After leaving New Bedford he repeated his act in other parts of the country. In 1981 he stayed underground in Killeen Texas for 140 days.
His goal was to remain "buried alive" inside the chamber for 219 days and beat a world record. He ended up needing just 144 days until mid-June of that year which was enough to make it into the "Guinness Book of World Records" which had disqualified his competitor.
His chamber measured three by three by six feet and had only an eight-inch opening. He had electricity, a television set a citizens band two-way radio and a telephone. During his time underground on Pope's Island Mr. White received more than 10000 paid visits. Visitors paid 50 cents each to see him trough a small window. He also appeared on the "Good Morning America" television show.
Before the New Bedford adventure, Mr. White had already lived underground for periods up to 134 days. After leaving New Bedford he repeated his act in other parts of the country. In 1981 he stayed underground in Killeen Texas for 140 days.
Griffin Street Cemetery 1802-1881 History
The Griffin Street Cemetery (1.69 acres) was also known as Old South Burying Grounds and Common Burying Grounds.
In March 1802 Asa Smith and Roger Haskell, acting as appointed trustees, acquired the land from James Davis for $500. There were 185 people who contributed funds for the purchase.
In October 1850, unidentified petitioners asked the city to extend South Second Street over a portion of the cemetery. City officials noted the cemetery was legally owned by the descendants of trustees Roger Haskell and Asa Smith. Additionally state law prevented constructing any street over a private burial ground without the consent of its owners. In August 1853, the city's Committee on Laying out and Widening Streets advised against extending South Second Street.
In 1854 the city had reconsidered the idea to extend South Second Street through the burial ground. "The work of exhuming the bodies interred in the old Burial Ground, preparatory to building the extension of South Second street through the premises, will be commenced immediately," the city's Republican Standard reported. The city purchased lots for those who wished to move friends and relatives, a process that may have taken some time; by early April 1855 the lots in other cemeteries had been procured, but the article does not indicate if the exhumations occurred. According to one city document, burials continued at Griffin Street Cemetery until 1881. According to burial records, only 20 of the 185 subscribers were themselves interred in this ground or had wives or children buried there
City of New Bedford Attempts to Dissolve Cemetery 1889
The New Bedford City Council petitioned the Massachusetts Legislature to allow the city to removed all bodies, secure its legal title to the burial ground and give the authority to either convert the cemetery to public use or sell it. Advertisements went out seeking information of relatives buried in the cemetery, but no response was received. The city solicitor told the judiciary committee that "the city desires is to have authority to remove the bodies from the cemetery, and to be plain about the matter, the city desires to get the burial ground out of the way." The Massachusetts legislature never responded to the city's request.
Superintendents Report 1893, City Takes Charge 1902
The superintendent of the city cemeteries voiced his opinion that the cemetery should be removed, or kept in such condition as will inspire respect. In 1896 the Cemetery Board was permitted to take down the unoccupied and decaying tomb of the Pope and Greenleaf families, which had been built in the burial ground in 1803 and was designed to hold fourteen bodies. A severe Nor'ester on November 26-27 1898 caused extensive damage to the cemetery. Twenty-three (23) trees were blown down and twenty-seven (27) headstones were toppled.
In 1902 the Board of Cemetery Commissioners was placed in charge of the Griffin Street cemetery. During this year the earliest known attempt to record burials at Griffin Street Cemetery took place. What became of this record is unknown, though an undated and partial list from the New Bedford Free Public Library scrapbook collection might be this list. The scrapbook list was clearly compiled from markers, and it is the only one that shows full inscriptions as well as the existence of rows within Griffin Street Cemetery.
Attempts to Dissolve Cemetery 1903, 1909
The heirs of James Davis petitioned the city to discontinue Griffin Street Cemetery on the grounds that "the area could then be developed for industrial purposes," a very odd request considering that Davis had sold the cemetery tract to Haskell and Smith more than a century earlier; both the city and the Davis heirs appeared unaware that the heirs had no legal title to the ground. The Davis heirs offered to cover the cost of removing all of the bodies there to another cemetery and resetting all the headstones. However, then-mayor Charles Ashley discovered that no cemetery that had existed for a century or more could be discontinued without a special act of the state legislature; in addition, relatives of people interred at Griffin Street continued to oppose the move. Mayor Ashley rejected the Davis heirs' request.
In 1909, only five years after the matter was already addressed, city missionary Charles F. Hersey suggested that Griffin Street Cemetery be converted into a park on the grounds that "small breathing spaces in the congested district along the water front and in the lower portions of the city" were more urgently needed than large parks on the city's outskirts. Hersey stated that "a large part of this cemetery is not covered with graves and many of these there are those of people who have no relatives living or interested in the preservation of these graves." But, as was the case with earlier proposals to relocate the Griffin Street bodies elsewhere, Hersey's suggestion was rejected.
There are approximately 230 gravestones, but its estimated there maybe at least 1,000 or more unmarked graves. The high number of unmarked graves was a result of a city-ordered cleanup of the cemetery. During this cleanup old fieldstone markers were removed and were supposed to be replaced by concrete flat markers. There is no evidence these new markers were installed. No complete record of interments exists, estimates of the number of people buried at the cemetery varies considerably. It's probable that more than 1,000 individuals were buried at Griffin Street before it became officially closed cemetery in 1881. Historical research has determined a large number of the burials were children, many were people of color.
The Griffin Street Cemetery (1.69 acres) was also known as Old South Burying Grounds and Common Burying Grounds.
In March 1802 Asa Smith and Roger Haskell, acting as appointed trustees, acquired the land from James Davis for $500. There were 185 people who contributed funds for the purchase.
In October 1850, unidentified petitioners asked the city to extend South Second Street over a portion of the cemetery. City officials noted the cemetery was legally owned by the descendants of trustees Roger Haskell and Asa Smith. Additionally state law prevented constructing any street over a private burial ground without the consent of its owners. In August 1853, the city's Committee on Laying out and Widening Streets advised against extending South Second Street.
In 1854 the city had reconsidered the idea to extend South Second Street through the burial ground. "The work of exhuming the bodies interred in the old Burial Ground, preparatory to building the extension of South Second street through the premises, will be commenced immediately," the city's Republican Standard reported. The city purchased lots for those who wished to move friends and relatives, a process that may have taken some time; by early April 1855 the lots in other cemeteries had been procured, but the article does not indicate if the exhumations occurred. According to one city document, burials continued at Griffin Street Cemetery until 1881. According to burial records, only 20 of the 185 subscribers were themselves interred in this ground or had wives or children buried there
City of New Bedford Attempts to Dissolve Cemetery 1889
The New Bedford City Council petitioned the Massachusetts Legislature to allow the city to removed all bodies, secure its legal title to the burial ground and give the authority to either convert the cemetery to public use or sell it. Advertisements went out seeking information of relatives buried in the cemetery, but no response was received. The city solicitor told the judiciary committee that "the city desires is to have authority to remove the bodies from the cemetery, and to be plain about the matter, the city desires to get the burial ground out of the way." The Massachusetts legislature never responded to the city's request.
Superintendents Report 1893, City Takes Charge 1902
The superintendent of the city cemeteries voiced his opinion that the cemetery should be removed, or kept in such condition as will inspire respect. In 1896 the Cemetery Board was permitted to take down the unoccupied and decaying tomb of the Pope and Greenleaf families, which had been built in the burial ground in 1803 and was designed to hold fourteen bodies. A severe Nor'ester on November 26-27 1898 caused extensive damage to the cemetery. Twenty-three (23) trees were blown down and twenty-seven (27) headstones were toppled.
In 1902 the Board of Cemetery Commissioners was placed in charge of the Griffin Street cemetery. During this year the earliest known attempt to record burials at Griffin Street Cemetery took place. What became of this record is unknown, though an undated and partial list from the New Bedford Free Public Library scrapbook collection might be this list. The scrapbook list was clearly compiled from markers, and it is the only one that shows full inscriptions as well as the existence of rows within Griffin Street Cemetery.
Attempts to Dissolve Cemetery 1903, 1909
The heirs of James Davis petitioned the city to discontinue Griffin Street Cemetery on the grounds that "the area could then be developed for industrial purposes," a very odd request considering that Davis had sold the cemetery tract to Haskell and Smith more than a century earlier; both the city and the Davis heirs appeared unaware that the heirs had no legal title to the ground. The Davis heirs offered to cover the cost of removing all of the bodies there to another cemetery and resetting all the headstones. However, then-mayor Charles Ashley discovered that no cemetery that had existed for a century or more could be discontinued without a special act of the state legislature; in addition, relatives of people interred at Griffin Street continued to oppose the move. Mayor Ashley rejected the Davis heirs' request.
In 1909, only five years after the matter was already addressed, city missionary Charles F. Hersey suggested that Griffin Street Cemetery be converted into a park on the grounds that "small breathing spaces in the congested district along the water front and in the lower portions of the city" were more urgently needed than large parks on the city's outskirts. Hersey stated that "a large part of this cemetery is not covered with graves and many of these there are those of people who have no relatives living or interested in the preservation of these graves." But, as was the case with earlier proposals to relocate the Griffin Street bodies elsewhere, Hersey's suggestion was rejected.
There are approximately 230 gravestones, but its estimated there maybe at least 1,000 or more unmarked graves. The high number of unmarked graves was a result of a city-ordered cleanup of the cemetery. During this cleanup old fieldstone markers were removed and were supposed to be replaced by concrete flat markers. There is no evidence these new markers were installed. No complete record of interments exists, estimates of the number of people buried at the cemetery varies considerably. It's probable that more than 1,000 individuals were buried at Griffin Street before it became officially closed cemetery in 1881. Historical research has determined a large number of the burials were children, many were people of color.
Rural Cemetery 1837-Present History
In 1832, a local brass craftsman Timothy Dyre obtained a number of acres that became the original section of what would become Rural Cemetery. Dyre, on his own, cleared the land, drafted the layout and subdivided the tracts into lots. Dyre wasn't affiliated with any committees and his interest in creating the project remains unknown.
In 1834 Town Clerk and Treasurer Henry H. Crapo (1834-1869) had joined Dyre in the cemetery project. Crapo assumed control of the project in 1835 when Dyre moved out of New Bedford. By 1835 at least one hundred (100) lots were available to be sold at auction, but there is no evidence that burials took place before 1837. 83 residents had become proprietors of the burial ground.
In April 1837 Rural Cemetery was incorporated, and in June, the 83 proprietors transferred their title to the New Bedford Rural Cemetery Corporation. By 1843 the cemetery contained 330 lots on seven acres, part of it subdivided but not yet sold as lots, and another part entirely undeveloped.
On January 20, 1848, the 224 lot owners conveyed the burial ground to city, which had incorporated as a city the year before (1847). The city acquired all unoccupied land, bought an adjacent parcel, built an iron gate, graded the avenues, and repaired what fencing existed around the cemetery. The existing Dartmouth Street entrance, was constructed to avoid conflicts with the city street railway, was built about 1907. The Rural Street entrance is a second automobile entrance further west at the intersection of Grape and Rural Streets and was constructed in 1939.
Society of Friends Cemetery 1849
In 1849 the City of New Bedford sold a tract of land slightly more than two acres (2.27 acres) to the Dartmouth Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends, which reinterred the bodies from the 1793 Quaker Burial Ground on the waterfront, which was dissolved. In 1944 it was documented that 91 gravestones were moved here from the The Friends Burying Ground between 1844 and 1849. It's very likely this section contains unmarked graves.
Veteran's Section 1869
In 1869 Section 0 was set aside for the burial of Civil War veterans and their families. The triangular section has three entry curbs, a flagpole at center, and a monument to the " Unknown Dead," placed there in 1892. At each point of the triangular is a cannon and in front of the cannons a cement pad with sixteen indentations that at one time held pyramids of cannonballs.
Most Spanish-American War and World War I veterans were interred in Pine Grove Cemetery, but veterans of later wars are for the most part buried in Rural Cemetery. In 1941, work began to prepare three sections for World War II veterans and their wives. Other adjacent sections have been developed for veterans of later wars.
Public Grounds "Pauper's"
By 1896 there were five "public grounds" in which indigent persons were buried at low or no cost. Most of these areas were on the margins of the cemetery. One ranged between South Circuit Avenue and the Friends Cemetery, a second on the south side of the pond between East Circuit Avenue and the Dartmouth Street boundary, and a third along the curve where North Circuit becomes West Circuit Avenue, just northeast of the 1896 receiving tomb.
A fourth, runs along Pine Avenue between Coffin and Oak Avenues, and was the northern half of a section occupied almost entirely by people of African descent; most if not all of those interred in this section were also of African descent. In 1907, another public ground was developed between Matthew and former Stephen streets and the curve at the south end of Springvale Avenue in the new section. Between 1894 and 1896 the cemetery board began its efforts to systematize the public grounds by counting graves, recording the names of those buried there "as far as can be ascertained," The board identified 3,115 public graves.
In 1897 the Cemetery Board announced a new public section with the capacity for 487 graves would soon be laid out. In 1901-2 the board replaced all of the markers in the public grounds with "white-top terra cotta markers," few of these have survived.
Herman Grumbt (1859-1933)
Herman Grumbt came to the United States from Germany in 1890 along with his wife and two (2) daughters. He lived and worked as a butcher in Providence, R.I. for several years before moving to New Bedford. While living in New Bedford his family expanded by two (2) more daughters and he became a sausage manufacturer and earned a significant income, which he invested in the stock market.
Grumbt spent $50,000 to construct a mausoleum for his family, however six (6) months after its completion Grumbt shot himself inside the mausoleum after loosing millions of dollars in the 1929 stock market crash. He is buried with his wife and four (4) daughters.
In 1832, a local brass craftsman Timothy Dyre obtained a number of acres that became the original section of what would become Rural Cemetery. Dyre, on his own, cleared the land, drafted the layout and subdivided the tracts into lots. Dyre wasn't affiliated with any committees and his interest in creating the project remains unknown.
In 1834 Town Clerk and Treasurer Henry H. Crapo (1834-1869) had joined Dyre in the cemetery project. Crapo assumed control of the project in 1835 when Dyre moved out of New Bedford. By 1835 at least one hundred (100) lots were available to be sold at auction, but there is no evidence that burials took place before 1837. 83 residents had become proprietors of the burial ground.
In April 1837 Rural Cemetery was incorporated, and in June, the 83 proprietors transferred their title to the New Bedford Rural Cemetery Corporation. By 1843 the cemetery contained 330 lots on seven acres, part of it subdivided but not yet sold as lots, and another part entirely undeveloped.
On January 20, 1848, the 224 lot owners conveyed the burial ground to city, which had incorporated as a city the year before (1847). The city acquired all unoccupied land, bought an adjacent parcel, built an iron gate, graded the avenues, and repaired what fencing existed around the cemetery. The existing Dartmouth Street entrance, was constructed to avoid conflicts with the city street railway, was built about 1907. The Rural Street entrance is a second automobile entrance further west at the intersection of Grape and Rural Streets and was constructed in 1939.
Society of Friends Cemetery 1849
In 1849 the City of New Bedford sold a tract of land slightly more than two acres (2.27 acres) to the Dartmouth Monthly Meeting of the Society of Friends, which reinterred the bodies from the 1793 Quaker Burial Ground on the waterfront, which was dissolved. In 1944 it was documented that 91 gravestones were moved here from the The Friends Burying Ground between 1844 and 1849. It's very likely this section contains unmarked graves.
Veteran's Section 1869
In 1869 Section 0 was set aside for the burial of Civil War veterans and their families. The triangular section has three entry curbs, a flagpole at center, and a monument to the " Unknown Dead," placed there in 1892. At each point of the triangular is a cannon and in front of the cannons a cement pad with sixteen indentations that at one time held pyramids of cannonballs.
Most Spanish-American War and World War I veterans were interred in Pine Grove Cemetery, but veterans of later wars are for the most part buried in Rural Cemetery. In 1941, work began to prepare three sections for World War II veterans and their wives. Other adjacent sections have been developed for veterans of later wars.
Public Grounds "Pauper's"
By 1896 there were five "public grounds" in which indigent persons were buried at low or no cost. Most of these areas were on the margins of the cemetery. One ranged between South Circuit Avenue and the Friends Cemetery, a second on the south side of the pond between East Circuit Avenue and the Dartmouth Street boundary, and a third along the curve where North Circuit becomes West Circuit Avenue, just northeast of the 1896 receiving tomb.
A fourth, runs along Pine Avenue between Coffin and Oak Avenues, and was the northern half of a section occupied almost entirely by people of African descent; most if not all of those interred in this section were also of African descent. In 1907, another public ground was developed between Matthew and former Stephen streets and the curve at the south end of Springvale Avenue in the new section. Between 1894 and 1896 the cemetery board began its efforts to systematize the public grounds by counting graves, recording the names of those buried there "as far as can be ascertained," The board identified 3,115 public graves.
In 1897 the Cemetery Board announced a new public section with the capacity for 487 graves would soon be laid out. In 1901-2 the board replaced all of the markers in the public grounds with "white-top terra cotta markers," few of these have survived.
Herman Grumbt (1859-1933)
Herman Grumbt came to the United States from Germany in 1890 along with his wife and two (2) daughters. He lived and worked as a butcher in Providence, R.I. for several years before moving to New Bedford. While living in New Bedford his family expanded by two (2) more daughters and he became a sausage manufacturer and earned a significant income, which he invested in the stock market.
Grumbt spent $50,000 to construct a mausoleum for his family, however six (6) months after its completion Grumbt shot himself inside the mausoleum after loosing millions of dollars in the 1929 stock market crash. He is buried with his wife and four (4) daughters.
Oak Grove Cemetery 1843-Present History
As mentioned previously, In 1832 there were concerns the Griffin Street cemetery would become full and began planning for other options. A committee was appointed to consider purchasing property for a burial ground.
Oak Grove Cemetery was established as a result of a group of New Bedford residents pushing to create the first public burial ground. At the end town meeting, the town authorized the purchase of a five (5) acre tract of land for a public cemetery, but a committee appointed by town meeting in 1834 found the site unsuitable and could not agree on a better site. While site selection was on hold, The Rural Cemetery (1837) was founded on the southwestern edge of the town. Rural Cemetery was also initially privately owned and operated.
In 1841 the idea of a public cemetery was revived, several sites were surveyed and a committee recommended two (2) parcels of land near the "Wheat-fields", west of the settled section of town. The first parcel was six (6) acres and owned by Doctor Alexander Read; the second parcel, two (2) acres was owned by butcher Bethuel Penniman. Between the tracts of land was a private way leading to County Street ending opposite the mansion of whaling merchant John Avery Parker, today called Parker Street. The town continued to debate the cemetery's location, and deferred acting upon the matter until the next year's meeting. A committee appointed in 1842 again recommended the "Wheat Fields" site.
Dr. Reed and Mr. Penniman agreed to open streets to the proposed cemetery; Read's right-of-way became Smith Street, and Penniman's became Parker Street. The committee told the town meeting the total project expense was $3,000. In 1843 Town meeting authorized the funding, buy later that year 200 burial lots had been laid out, which was less than one quarter of the cemetery. Consecration of the Oak Grove Cemetery took place on October 6, 1843. No record has been found that specifically identifies its landscape architect. In 1844 a public receiving tomb was constructed. Dr. Alexander Reed and his wife are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, while Bethuel Penniman and his wife are buried in Rural Cemetery.
African American Section - Section J
Burial records, gravestones, and censuses establish that Section J in the old part of Oak Grove Cemetery is exclusively African American. This section ranges roughly along the north half of the eastern section, between the main road and the cemetery's eastern border, in what was the old section's original back corner.
Cemetery records indicate that 480 graves exist within Section J. Of those 480 interments, names are identified for only 216 persons, and markers were recorded on only 120 graves. Whether the city's African Americans chose this segregation or cemetery officials intended it that way remains unknown, because there is no individuals of African descent are buried elsewhere in the old section.
In an interesting note, the only group of African American burials outside Section J are those of the family of abolitionist Nathan Johnson (1795-1880). Johnson is best known for having provided Frederick Douglass not only the name by which he was later known, but his first home in the free states.
Reinternments
A notable early group of interments includes the remains of Diah Trafford, one of three men killed in the British raid on New Bedford in September 1778, and some of the 22 sailors killed in the May 1779 battle between the U.S. Naval sloop Providence and the British brig Diligent during the Revolutionary War.
Originally interred at "Burying Ground Hill" north of the former Friends Cemetery on the waterfront, an untold number of skeletons were unearthed in 1830 when William Coffin built a carpenter shop on the site. Coffin reinterred them a few feet north of the new shop, and moved them again in 1841 when he built an addition onto the building. In September 1889 they were dug up yet again when Edmund Grinnell excavated the site for an addition to his iron foundry, and they were then permanently reinterred at Oak Grove Cemetery; the location of these graves is unknown.
North Section Established 1871
In 1871 the City of New Bedford obtained two (2) acres south of Parker Street, as well as acreage on the north side of Parker Street. In 1895 the New Bedford Cemetery Board was founded. The Cemetery Board's 1896 report noted that it had purchased the William H. Caswell farm, slightly more than thirteen (13) acres with its buildings, to expand Oak Grove further north. In 1892 the first public tomb was constructed.
In 1899 the city constructed a greenhouse at the southwestern end of the new section of Oak Grove, the first of several built to supply plantings for New Bedford cemeteries and open spaces. In 1955 the greenhouse at Oak Grove was recommended to be closed in order to save city funds. By this point all the flowers needed each year for the decoration of soldiers and sailors graves on Memorial Day could be grown at the greenhouse in Buttonwood Park. In 1956, at the mayor's urging, the Oak Grove greenhouse was demolished.
Some historic cemetery maps show a large public section between the public tomb and the entrance. However, whether this section, just north and east of the Parker Street entrance, was never used for the burial of indigent people or contains unmarked graves remains unknown.
The racial divide that exists in the southern section of Oak Grove Cemetery is not replicated in the northern section. Just as Oak Grove's northern section is more integrated in racial terms, it is more diverse in ethnic terms, representing the post-1890 city, just as the old section represents the character of New Bedford before its post-Civil War textile boom. The northernmost section includes markers for people of Polish, Irish, Greek, German, Austrian, Scandinavian, and Portuguese descent.
As mentioned previously, In 1832 there were concerns the Griffin Street cemetery would become full and began planning for other options. A committee was appointed to consider purchasing property for a burial ground.
Oak Grove Cemetery was established as a result of a group of New Bedford residents pushing to create the first public burial ground. At the end town meeting, the town authorized the purchase of a five (5) acre tract of land for a public cemetery, but a committee appointed by town meeting in 1834 found the site unsuitable and could not agree on a better site. While site selection was on hold, The Rural Cemetery (1837) was founded on the southwestern edge of the town. Rural Cemetery was also initially privately owned and operated.
In 1841 the idea of a public cemetery was revived, several sites were surveyed and a committee recommended two (2) parcels of land near the "Wheat-fields", west of the settled section of town. The first parcel was six (6) acres and owned by Doctor Alexander Read; the second parcel, two (2) acres was owned by butcher Bethuel Penniman. Between the tracts of land was a private way leading to County Street ending opposite the mansion of whaling merchant John Avery Parker, today called Parker Street. The town continued to debate the cemetery's location, and deferred acting upon the matter until the next year's meeting. A committee appointed in 1842 again recommended the "Wheat Fields" site.
Dr. Reed and Mr. Penniman agreed to open streets to the proposed cemetery; Read's right-of-way became Smith Street, and Penniman's became Parker Street. The committee told the town meeting the total project expense was $3,000. In 1843 Town meeting authorized the funding, buy later that year 200 burial lots had been laid out, which was less than one quarter of the cemetery. Consecration of the Oak Grove Cemetery took place on October 6, 1843. No record has been found that specifically identifies its landscape architect. In 1844 a public receiving tomb was constructed. Dr. Alexander Reed and his wife are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, while Bethuel Penniman and his wife are buried in Rural Cemetery.
African American Section - Section J
Burial records, gravestones, and censuses establish that Section J in the old part of Oak Grove Cemetery is exclusively African American. This section ranges roughly along the north half of the eastern section, between the main road and the cemetery's eastern border, in what was the old section's original back corner.
Cemetery records indicate that 480 graves exist within Section J. Of those 480 interments, names are identified for only 216 persons, and markers were recorded on only 120 graves. Whether the city's African Americans chose this segregation or cemetery officials intended it that way remains unknown, because there is no individuals of African descent are buried elsewhere in the old section.
In an interesting note, the only group of African American burials outside Section J are those of the family of abolitionist Nathan Johnson (1795-1880). Johnson is best known for having provided Frederick Douglass not only the name by which he was later known, but his first home in the free states.
Reinternments
A notable early group of interments includes the remains of Diah Trafford, one of three men killed in the British raid on New Bedford in September 1778, and some of the 22 sailors killed in the May 1779 battle between the U.S. Naval sloop Providence and the British brig Diligent during the Revolutionary War.
Originally interred at "Burying Ground Hill" north of the former Friends Cemetery on the waterfront, an untold number of skeletons were unearthed in 1830 when William Coffin built a carpenter shop on the site. Coffin reinterred them a few feet north of the new shop, and moved them again in 1841 when he built an addition onto the building. In September 1889 they were dug up yet again when Edmund Grinnell excavated the site for an addition to his iron foundry, and they were then permanently reinterred at Oak Grove Cemetery; the location of these graves is unknown.
North Section Established 1871
In 1871 the City of New Bedford obtained two (2) acres south of Parker Street, as well as acreage on the north side of Parker Street. In 1895 the New Bedford Cemetery Board was founded. The Cemetery Board's 1896 report noted that it had purchased the William H. Caswell farm, slightly more than thirteen (13) acres with its buildings, to expand Oak Grove further north. In 1892 the first public tomb was constructed.
In 1899 the city constructed a greenhouse at the southwestern end of the new section of Oak Grove, the first of several built to supply plantings for New Bedford cemeteries and open spaces. In 1955 the greenhouse at Oak Grove was recommended to be closed in order to save city funds. By this point all the flowers needed each year for the decoration of soldiers and sailors graves on Memorial Day could be grown at the greenhouse in Buttonwood Park. In 1956, at the mayor's urging, the Oak Grove greenhouse was demolished.
Some historic cemetery maps show a large public section between the public tomb and the entrance. However, whether this section, just north and east of the Parker Street entrance, was never used for the burial of indigent people or contains unmarked graves remains unknown.
The racial divide that exists in the southern section of Oak Grove Cemetery is not replicated in the northern section. Just as Oak Grove's northern section is more integrated in racial terms, it is more diverse in ethnic terms, representing the post-1890 city, just as the old section represents the character of New Bedford before its post-Civil War textile boom. The northernmost section includes markers for people of Polish, Irish, Greek, German, Austrian, Scandinavian, and Portuguese descent.
Oak Grove Cemetery William H. Carney History
William H. Carney (1840-1908) was born a slave in Norfolk, Virginia. His father, also named William, escaped slavery, reaching freedom through the underground railroad. The family settled in New Bedford in the second half of the 1850s. William learned to read and write, and by age 15 he was interested in becoming a minister. He gave up his pursuit of the ministry to join the Army.
On February 17, 1863, Carney (23), along with forty five (45) other black men from New Bedford enrolled in a local militia unit, the Morgan Guard, which later became Company C of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment to take part in the Civil War. The Massachusetts 54th Regiment was the first black army unit from the Northern States. The new regiment, commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, was all black unit except for the senior officers and a few non-commissioned sergeants.
On July 18, 1863, these black soldiers led the charge and attack on Fort Wagner in South Carolina. During the battle the color guard, John Wall, was struck by a fatal bullet. He staggered and was about to drop the American flag. Carney saw him; he threw down his gun, seized the flag and held it high throughout the battle. Carney, twice wounded in his leg and right arm, and hardly able to crawl, Carney clutched that flag until he finally reached the parapets of Fort Wagner. There he planted the American flag, still clutching it until he was rescued almost lifeless from loss of blood. Carney still refused to give up the flag to his rescuers but grasped it even tighter. Then he crawled on one knee, assisted by his comrades until he reached the Union barracks. Recognizing men of his own regiment, he stated : "The old flag never touched the ground, boys.” These actions resulted in his promotion to the rank of Sergeant.
Due to his injuries, Carney was discharged from the Army on June 30, 1864. For his bravery, Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor on May 23, 1900, nearly thirty-seven (37) years later.
On October 11 1865 he married Susannah Williams, also of New Bedford. They had one (1) child who later became an accomplished music teacher in the New Bedford area.
In 1866 William Carney was appointed superintendent of streetlights for the City of New Bedford. He then went to California to seek his fortune but returned to New Bedford in 1869 and took a job as a letter carrier for the Postal Service. He worked at that job for 32 years before retiring.
After retirement he was employed as a messenger at the Massachusetts State House, where on December 9 1908 he would be fatally injured in an accident that trapped his leg in an elevator. He is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford.
William H. Carney (1840-1908) was born a slave in Norfolk, Virginia. His father, also named William, escaped slavery, reaching freedom through the underground railroad. The family settled in New Bedford in the second half of the 1850s. William learned to read and write, and by age 15 he was interested in becoming a minister. He gave up his pursuit of the ministry to join the Army.
On February 17, 1863, Carney (23), along with forty five (45) other black men from New Bedford enrolled in a local militia unit, the Morgan Guard, which later became Company C of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment to take part in the Civil War. The Massachusetts 54th Regiment was the first black army unit from the Northern States. The new regiment, commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, was all black unit except for the senior officers and a few non-commissioned sergeants.
On July 18, 1863, these black soldiers led the charge and attack on Fort Wagner in South Carolina. During the battle the color guard, John Wall, was struck by a fatal bullet. He staggered and was about to drop the American flag. Carney saw him; he threw down his gun, seized the flag and held it high throughout the battle. Carney, twice wounded in his leg and right arm, and hardly able to crawl, Carney clutched that flag until he finally reached the parapets of Fort Wagner. There he planted the American flag, still clutching it until he was rescued almost lifeless from loss of blood. Carney still refused to give up the flag to his rescuers but grasped it even tighter. Then he crawled on one knee, assisted by his comrades until he reached the Union barracks. Recognizing men of his own regiment, he stated : "The old flag never touched the ground, boys.” These actions resulted in his promotion to the rank of Sergeant.
Due to his injuries, Carney was discharged from the Army on June 30, 1864. For his bravery, Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor on May 23, 1900, nearly thirty-seven (37) years later.
On October 11 1865 he married Susannah Williams, also of New Bedford. They had one (1) child who later became an accomplished music teacher in the New Bedford area.
In 1866 William Carney was appointed superintendent of streetlights for the City of New Bedford. He then went to California to seek his fortune but returned to New Bedford in 1869 and took a job as a letter carrier for the Postal Service. He worked at that job for 32 years before retiring.
After retirement he was employed as a messenger at the Massachusetts State House, where on December 9 1908 he would be fatally injured in an accident that trapped his leg in an elevator. He is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford.
Richard A. Canfield History
Richard Canfield (1855-1914) was the son of Julia Ann Aiken (1820-1884) and William Canfield (1809-1865). Richard worked in various jobs prior to running a small gambling parlor in Pawtucket RI which eventually led to his arrest. He established a gambling parlor and had been a well-known gambling operator in Providence RI before moving to New York in the 1880s, operating Canfield's Clubhouse at 5 East 44th Street.
During the next twenty (20) years, his high-stakes gambling resorts would become popular in New York's underworld until repeated raids would force Canfield to close his New York casinos in 1904.
In 1882, Canfield married Genevieve Wren Martin (1869-1957) of Providence, RI. The Canfields had two children, a daughter, Grace Martin Canfield Althaus (1893-1938) and a son, Howland D. Canfield (1899-1922).
In 1893, Richard Albert Canfield took a partnership in the Saratoga Clubhouse in Saratoga Springs, NY and bought it outright in 1894 for $250,000. It was his Casino at Saratoga Springs that "invented" the Club Sandwich and the solitaire game "Canfield" was named for him.
Richard became an extremely wealthy man. However, gambling was illegal in the United States and in 1885 he served a six-month sentence jail sentence in Rhode Island for violating gaming laws.
Richard was recognized as the King of the Gamblers; Saratoga Springs was seen as the American Monte Carlo. In Saratoga Springs, he kept the Clubhouse going until 1907 when reformers succeeded in banning gambling in the city. Canfield retired and sold the hotel and grounds to the city in 1911.
Art Collector
Richard's fellow businessman, Charles Freer introduced Richard to James Abbott McNeill Whistler in 1899. As a personal friend and patron of Whistler's, Richard possessed the second largest and most important Whistler collection in the world prior to his death. A few months before his death, he sold his collection of etchings, lithographs, drawings and paintings by Whistler to American art dealer M. . Knoedler Company for $300,000 in 1914. Three of Richard's Whistler paintings hang in the Frick Museum in NY.
Whistler's last oil portrait, which was unfinished, was of Richard titled "His Reverence."
Death
On December 11, 1914, Richard was seriously injured in a New York City Subway station on 14th Street and, later that night, died from a fractured skull sustained in the fall. Richard was cremated and his ashes brought back to New Bedford and was interred in the family plot in the Old Section of Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford.
Genevieve and their children, Grace and Howland, lived comfortably on the fashionable East Side of Providence, through the benefit of her late husband's will.
Richard Canfield (1855-1914) was the son of Julia Ann Aiken (1820-1884) and William Canfield (1809-1865). Richard worked in various jobs prior to running a small gambling parlor in Pawtucket RI which eventually led to his arrest. He established a gambling parlor and had been a well-known gambling operator in Providence RI before moving to New York in the 1880s, operating Canfield's Clubhouse at 5 East 44th Street.
During the next twenty (20) years, his high-stakes gambling resorts would become popular in New York's underworld until repeated raids would force Canfield to close his New York casinos in 1904.
In 1882, Canfield married Genevieve Wren Martin (1869-1957) of Providence, RI. The Canfields had two children, a daughter, Grace Martin Canfield Althaus (1893-1938) and a son, Howland D. Canfield (1899-1922).
In 1893, Richard Albert Canfield took a partnership in the Saratoga Clubhouse in Saratoga Springs, NY and bought it outright in 1894 for $250,000. It was his Casino at Saratoga Springs that "invented" the Club Sandwich and the solitaire game "Canfield" was named for him.
Richard became an extremely wealthy man. However, gambling was illegal in the United States and in 1885 he served a six-month sentence jail sentence in Rhode Island for violating gaming laws.
Richard was recognized as the King of the Gamblers; Saratoga Springs was seen as the American Monte Carlo. In Saratoga Springs, he kept the Clubhouse going until 1907 when reformers succeeded in banning gambling in the city. Canfield retired and sold the hotel and grounds to the city in 1911.
Art Collector
Richard's fellow businessman, Charles Freer introduced Richard to James Abbott McNeill Whistler in 1899. As a personal friend and patron of Whistler's, Richard possessed the second largest and most important Whistler collection in the world prior to his death. A few months before his death, he sold his collection of etchings, lithographs, drawings and paintings by Whistler to American art dealer M. . Knoedler Company for $300,000 in 1914. Three of Richard's Whistler paintings hang in the Frick Museum in NY.
Whistler's last oil portrait, which was unfinished, was of Richard titled "His Reverence."
Death
On December 11, 1914, Richard was seriously injured in a New York City Subway station on 14th Street and, later that night, died from a fractured skull sustained in the fall. Richard was cremated and his ashes brought back to New Bedford and was interred in the family plot in the Old Section of Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford.
Genevieve and their children, Grace and Howland, lived comfortably on the fashionable East Side of Providence, through the benefit of her late husband's will.
Pine Grove Cemetery 1890-Present History
In May 1852 Andrew B. Grinnell, a tailor who lived on Tarkiln Hill Road, petitioned the city with other unnamed individuals to create a burial ground “at the Head of the River,” a request the city approved and for which it appropriated five hundred dollars to purchase suitable land. In March 1853 the city acquired slightly more than ten (10 acres “in the vicinity of Tarkiln Hill Road” from the farmer Philip T. Davis. Davis sold the tract for $512.50. The city named the new burial ground Pine Grove Cemetery at the end of that month and transferred $1500 from the Oak Grove Cemetery fund to develop the tract as a cemetery. By 1890 Pine Grove Cemetery had expanded to accommodate the increase of population after the Civil War.
In 1903 the cemetery commissioners recommended that the cemetery entrance be moved from Pine Grove Street, which, its report stated, was not in proper condition for use to Acushnet Avenue so that the burial ground was nearer the city’s electric railway. The city apparently did not follow the board’s lead, for in 1909 it again asked for funding to make a roadway from the avenue and its rail line to the cemetery.
In 1910 the New Bedford Board of Cemetery Commissioners reported due to the unprecedented growth of the northern section of the city, requested to acquired seventy-three (73) acres of new territory. That made the cemetery eighty-three (83) acres, only less than four (4) acres smaller than Rural Cemetery. The exact date of the purchase is unknown.
In 1933, laborers employed under the Civil Works Administration (CWA), Emergency Relief Admininstration (ERA), and, in 1935, Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a the wall enclosure and a wall along the Ashley Boulevard side, and they extracted stumps, roots, and stones, dug to grave level, and graded nearly 245,000 square feet of “wild land.” The Ashley Boulevard wall project was approved in 1939.
Beginning in the 1960s, more than half of the eighty-three (83) acres then composing Pine Grove Cemetery began to be carved away for various municipal projects. In 1967 the city took nineteen (19) acres for public housing, and within the next decade it transferred all of the cemetery land on the east side of Ashley Boulevard, more than forty (40) acres, to the Greater New Bedford Regional Technical High School, which opened in 1977. Today, Pine Grove Cemetery (34 acres) is an irregular shaped cemetery. The oldest section of the cemetery in the southernmost section of the cemetery.
At north center is a pond, with roadways curving along all sides. This area is occupied by the graves of veterans of the Spanish-American War and the First World War; flush, plaques marking the graves of World War II veterans are throughout the cemetery.
Pine Grove Cemetery is the last of New Bedford’s public burial grounds to be created.
In May 1852 Andrew B. Grinnell, a tailor who lived on Tarkiln Hill Road, petitioned the city with other unnamed individuals to create a burial ground “at the Head of the River,” a request the city approved and for which it appropriated five hundred dollars to purchase suitable land. In March 1853 the city acquired slightly more than ten (10 acres “in the vicinity of Tarkiln Hill Road” from the farmer Philip T. Davis. Davis sold the tract for $512.50. The city named the new burial ground Pine Grove Cemetery at the end of that month and transferred $1500 from the Oak Grove Cemetery fund to develop the tract as a cemetery. By 1890 Pine Grove Cemetery had expanded to accommodate the increase of population after the Civil War.
In 1903 the cemetery commissioners recommended that the cemetery entrance be moved from Pine Grove Street, which, its report stated, was not in proper condition for use to Acushnet Avenue so that the burial ground was nearer the city’s electric railway. The city apparently did not follow the board’s lead, for in 1909 it again asked for funding to make a roadway from the avenue and its rail line to the cemetery.
In 1910 the New Bedford Board of Cemetery Commissioners reported due to the unprecedented growth of the northern section of the city, requested to acquired seventy-three (73) acres of new territory. That made the cemetery eighty-three (83) acres, only less than four (4) acres smaller than Rural Cemetery. The exact date of the purchase is unknown.
In 1933, laborers employed under the Civil Works Administration (CWA), Emergency Relief Admininstration (ERA), and, in 1935, Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a the wall enclosure and a wall along the Ashley Boulevard side, and they extracted stumps, roots, and stones, dug to grave level, and graded nearly 245,000 square feet of “wild land.” The Ashley Boulevard wall project was approved in 1939.
Beginning in the 1960s, more than half of the eighty-three (83) acres then composing Pine Grove Cemetery began to be carved away for various municipal projects. In 1967 the city took nineteen (19) acres for public housing, and within the next decade it transferred all of the cemetery land on the east side of Ashley Boulevard, more than forty (40) acres, to the Greater New Bedford Regional Technical High School, which opened in 1977. Today, Pine Grove Cemetery (34 acres) is an irregular shaped cemetery. The oldest section of the cemetery in the southernmost section of the cemetery.
At north center is a pond, with roadways curving along all sides. This area is occupied by the graves of veterans of the Spanish-American War and the First World War; flush, plaques marking the graves of World War II veterans are throughout the cemetery.
Pine Grove Cemetery is the last of New Bedford’s public burial grounds to be created.
Pine Grove Cemetery "Sweet Daddy Grace" History
Sweet Daddy Grace, was born Marcelino Manuel da Graça on January 25, 1881. He immigrated to New Bedford from the Island of Brava, Cape Verde in 1903, and through “a calling” he received to preach the gospel, became a preacher at a young age. In 1919, he built his first church on County Road in West Wareham with his own hands for a meager $39 and founded the United House of Prayer for All People
He built his second church on Kempton Street in New Bedford in 1922 and he conducted group baptisms in Clark’s Cove and at Mattapoisett beaches. A new church was erected on the property in 1951, which was torn down in 1995 with another church built on the adjoining property. A stained glass window on the front of the new church tells the story of Daddy Grace’s voyage to America and his first simple church in West Wareham.
In the mid-1920s, Daddy Grace moved South, gathering followers at his tent revivals through his preaching, faith healing and mass baptisms, building more churches, his religion and amassing great wealth.
Millions of devout followers believed he was the coming of the Messiah, as the faithful were convinced that Sweet Daddy Grace possessed the power of God to heal the sick and raise the dead long before television provided evangelists with a public forum. By the 1950s, the religious sect Daddy Grace had founded, which is based in Washington, DC, then boasted 350 churches throughout the country with a congregation estimated at 3 million.
Daddy Grace lived and traveled in style. For travel, he had a Packard, a Pierce-Arrow, and a Cadillac, all chauffeur-driven, while he would be accompanied by bodyguards, assistants, United House of Prayer elders, staff, and secretaries. Grace collected up to 42 very large and expensive mansion homes, filled with expensive furniture, works of art, and amenities in various states across the USA, as well as a 25-room mansion in Havana, Cuba that he purchased in 1936. He also accrued several income properties across the USA. Grace culminated his real estate purchases with a massive palatial 85-room home in the historic Berkeley Square, an exclusive part of the West Adams, Los Angeles, California, area for the very wealthiest African Americans in 1958.
It's been suggested that Daddy Grace had profited from underpaid and underprivileged people, selling them Daddy Grace Soap which would cleanse the body and heal, Daddy Grace writing paper and even the monthly Daddy Grace magazine, which was a paper elixir when “if placed over the chest of the patient, will cleanse him of his pain and fever.” And there was toothpaste, tea, coffee, hair straightener, face powder, talcum powder, lemon cream, cold cream and shoe polish, among other household products, all with the Daddy Grace name — even Daddy Grace cookies.
"Can Raise the Dead"
According to researcher Marie W. Dallum, in her book Daddy Grace, Daddy Grace claimed that by the power of the Holy Ghost he could raise the dead. One such person who claimed that he did was his younger sister Jeannie (Eugenia), who reportedly died and was raised again by Grace. She would accompany Grace in his missionary tours and testify to the fact. This account and others by followers of Daddy Grace and recorded in the United House of Prayer publications were picked up and reported by the outside press.
Daddy Grace was an early prototype of what is now understood as a “celebrity preacher”. "There are so many myths and untruths out there about Daddy Grace, One myth was that he sold seats to heaven and another was that he sold bricks to the stairway to heaven, but they were myths. It was well-documented that he wasn’t a phony. He was a genuine faith healer and miracle worker. He was the predecessor to today’s TV evangelists, and he was a true evangelist.”
Fingernails
One unusual characteristic was his fingernails, cultivated to lengths several inches long and painted red, white and blue. Many thought it was out of patriotism, however the real reason was - the red was symbolic of the blood of Christ, the white for holiness and purity and the blue was for the water of baptism.
Life of Extravagance...Not quite
Daddy Grace was married twice. His first wife was Jane “Jennie” Lomba, a Cape Verdean woman also known as Jennie Lombard. They were married in 1909. She bore Grace a daughter, Irene (1910-Unknown) and son, Norman (1912-1947). Whether they officially divorced was disputed. His second wife was Angelina (Montano) Grace, of Mexican descent, whom he married in 1932. She bore him a son, Marcelino (1935-Unknown). They divorced in 1937.
His residence was broken into and robbed several times. Standard-Times archive articles detailed paternity suits, a disavowed son, IRS investigations, tax evasion, alimony suits and in a March 21, 1934 article, Daddy Grace was sentenced to prison for a year and a day after being tried in Brooklyn, NY where he was found guilty on a charge of violating the Mann Act, involving a 20-year old pianist, Minnie Lee Campbell of Harlem, whom he had transported illegally across state lines. The Mann Act of 1910 made it a felony to transport “any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose.”
Death & Burial in New Bedford
On January 12 1960 Sweet Daddy Grace died in California. The funeral procession took his body by train across the country, then driven up the East Coast to New Bedford, often with as many as 500 cars in the motorcade. It made seven stops at major cities before coming to an end in front of the church on Kempton Street where a detail of ten (10) New Bedford police officers was controlling traffic.
His funeral was held on January 26 1960 and according to a Standard-Times article, there was a steady stream of mourners filing by the $20,000 glass-topped coffin. During the service, with 750 packed into a church designed to hold 250, the bishop had delivered his own eulogy, which had been tape-recorded shortly before his death.
Following the service, approximately 5,000 people crowded around the receiving vault at Oak Grove Cemetery, where Sweet Daddy Grace was temporarily laid to rest. A lavish marble mausoleum was to be built for him in Pine Grove Cemetery, but the project had been stalled because of the IRS sifting through records trying to decide what belonged to him and what belonged to the church. After the estate was settled, the project was completed and his body interred in its new tomb in October of 1964 located in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Following his death, an article by the Boston Globe on Feb. 8, 1960 revealed that Sweet Daddy Grace had amassed a wealth to the tune of $25 million.
Sweet Daddy Grace, was born Marcelino Manuel da Graça on January 25, 1881. He immigrated to New Bedford from the Island of Brava, Cape Verde in 1903, and through “a calling” he received to preach the gospel, became a preacher at a young age. In 1919, he built his first church on County Road in West Wareham with his own hands for a meager $39 and founded the United House of Prayer for All People
He built his second church on Kempton Street in New Bedford in 1922 and he conducted group baptisms in Clark’s Cove and at Mattapoisett beaches. A new church was erected on the property in 1951, which was torn down in 1995 with another church built on the adjoining property. A stained glass window on the front of the new church tells the story of Daddy Grace’s voyage to America and his first simple church in West Wareham.
In the mid-1920s, Daddy Grace moved South, gathering followers at his tent revivals through his preaching, faith healing and mass baptisms, building more churches, his religion and amassing great wealth.
Millions of devout followers believed he was the coming of the Messiah, as the faithful were convinced that Sweet Daddy Grace possessed the power of God to heal the sick and raise the dead long before television provided evangelists with a public forum. By the 1950s, the religious sect Daddy Grace had founded, which is based in Washington, DC, then boasted 350 churches throughout the country with a congregation estimated at 3 million.
Daddy Grace lived and traveled in style. For travel, he had a Packard, a Pierce-Arrow, and a Cadillac, all chauffeur-driven, while he would be accompanied by bodyguards, assistants, United House of Prayer elders, staff, and secretaries. Grace collected up to 42 very large and expensive mansion homes, filled with expensive furniture, works of art, and amenities in various states across the USA, as well as a 25-room mansion in Havana, Cuba that he purchased in 1936. He also accrued several income properties across the USA. Grace culminated his real estate purchases with a massive palatial 85-room home in the historic Berkeley Square, an exclusive part of the West Adams, Los Angeles, California, area for the very wealthiest African Americans in 1958.
It's been suggested that Daddy Grace had profited from underpaid and underprivileged people, selling them Daddy Grace Soap which would cleanse the body and heal, Daddy Grace writing paper and even the monthly Daddy Grace magazine, which was a paper elixir when “if placed over the chest of the patient, will cleanse him of his pain and fever.” And there was toothpaste, tea, coffee, hair straightener, face powder, talcum powder, lemon cream, cold cream and shoe polish, among other household products, all with the Daddy Grace name — even Daddy Grace cookies.
"Can Raise the Dead"
According to researcher Marie W. Dallum, in her book Daddy Grace, Daddy Grace claimed that by the power of the Holy Ghost he could raise the dead. One such person who claimed that he did was his younger sister Jeannie (Eugenia), who reportedly died and was raised again by Grace. She would accompany Grace in his missionary tours and testify to the fact. This account and others by followers of Daddy Grace and recorded in the United House of Prayer publications were picked up and reported by the outside press.
Daddy Grace was an early prototype of what is now understood as a “celebrity preacher”. "There are so many myths and untruths out there about Daddy Grace, One myth was that he sold seats to heaven and another was that he sold bricks to the stairway to heaven, but they were myths. It was well-documented that he wasn’t a phony. He was a genuine faith healer and miracle worker. He was the predecessor to today’s TV evangelists, and he was a true evangelist.”
Fingernails
One unusual characteristic was his fingernails, cultivated to lengths several inches long and painted red, white and blue. Many thought it was out of patriotism, however the real reason was - the red was symbolic of the blood of Christ, the white for holiness and purity and the blue was for the water of baptism.
Life of Extravagance...Not quite
Daddy Grace was married twice. His first wife was Jane “Jennie” Lomba, a Cape Verdean woman also known as Jennie Lombard. They were married in 1909. She bore Grace a daughter, Irene (1910-Unknown) and son, Norman (1912-1947). Whether they officially divorced was disputed. His second wife was Angelina (Montano) Grace, of Mexican descent, whom he married in 1932. She bore him a son, Marcelino (1935-Unknown). They divorced in 1937.
His residence was broken into and robbed several times. Standard-Times archive articles detailed paternity suits, a disavowed son, IRS investigations, tax evasion, alimony suits and in a March 21, 1934 article, Daddy Grace was sentenced to prison for a year and a day after being tried in Brooklyn, NY where he was found guilty on a charge of violating the Mann Act, involving a 20-year old pianist, Minnie Lee Campbell of Harlem, whom he had transported illegally across state lines. The Mann Act of 1910 made it a felony to transport “any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose.”
Death & Burial in New Bedford
On January 12 1960 Sweet Daddy Grace died in California. The funeral procession took his body by train across the country, then driven up the East Coast to New Bedford, often with as many as 500 cars in the motorcade. It made seven stops at major cities before coming to an end in front of the church on Kempton Street where a detail of ten (10) New Bedford police officers was controlling traffic.
His funeral was held on January 26 1960 and according to a Standard-Times article, there was a steady stream of mourners filing by the $20,000 glass-topped coffin. During the service, with 750 packed into a church designed to hold 250, the bishop had delivered his own eulogy, which had been tape-recorded shortly before his death.
Following the service, approximately 5,000 people crowded around the receiving vault at Oak Grove Cemetery, where Sweet Daddy Grace was temporarily laid to rest. A lavish marble mausoleum was to be built for him in Pine Grove Cemetery, but the project had been stalled because of the IRS sifting through records trying to decide what belonged to him and what belonged to the church. After the estate was settled, the project was completed and his body interred in its new tomb in October of 1964 located in Pine Grove Cemetery.
Following his death, an article by the Boston Globe on Feb. 8, 1960 revealed that Sweet Daddy Grace had amassed a wealth to the tune of $25 million.
Mr. Steadfast History This large brownstone eagle statue once perched atop the old New Bedford Post Office, which was built between 1891 and 1893. When that facility was torn down in 1955, a business owner, Hyman Krivoff, bought the statue for $200 and for its removal. Mr. Krivoff later sold the the statue to Basil Brewer, the publisher of the New Bedford Standard Times newspaper.
The name "Mr. Steadfast" was the winning entry in a "Name the Eagle" contest started by Mr. Brewer in 1955. The contest was open only to children in grades 1 through 8. A New Bedford student, J. Gordon Edge Jr., submitted the name. It was selected from over 1,000 entries. Mr. Edge, now resides in Houston, Texas.
After no suitable location could be found that could support the bird's 2,400 pounds, Mr. Brewer moved Mr. Steadfast to the former Channel 6 building. WLNE-TV closed the County Street studio and donated the eagle back to the city after officials promised to repair and display the statue.
Shortly after the New Bedford historic district's designation as the Whaling National Historical Park, then-Mayor Rosemary S. Tierney designated a new mission for Mr. Steadfast. In 1997, city masons and Department of Public works employees constructed a fluted pedestal with a granite and marble base at the entrance to the park. On his new perch, Mr. Steadfast provides the official welcome to The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park at the intersection of the JFK Highway and Elm Street.
The name "Mr. Steadfast" was the winning entry in a "Name the Eagle" contest started by Mr. Brewer in 1955. The contest was open only to children in grades 1 through 8. A New Bedford student, J. Gordon Edge Jr., submitted the name. It was selected from over 1,000 entries. Mr. Edge, now resides in Houston, Texas.
After no suitable location could be found that could support the bird's 2,400 pounds, Mr. Brewer moved Mr. Steadfast to the former Channel 6 building. WLNE-TV closed the County Street studio and donated the eagle back to the city after officials promised to repair and display the statue.
Shortly after the New Bedford historic district's designation as the Whaling National Historical Park, then-Mayor Rosemary S. Tierney designated a new mission for Mr. Steadfast. In 1997, city masons and Department of Public works employees constructed a fluted pedestal with a granite and marble base at the entrance to the park. On his new perch, Mr. Steadfast provides the official welcome to The New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park at the intersection of the JFK Highway and Elm Street.
Frederick Douglass History
The Frederick Douglass Monument at New Bedford City Hall. The monument was dedicated on October 17, 1996. The dedication honored the 100th anniversary of his death (1895). The City of New Bedford and the New Bedford Chapter of the NAACP sponsored the memorial.
The plaque reads:
FREDERICK DOUGLASS 1818-1895
'FOR MY PART, I SHOULD PREFER DEATH TO HOPELESS BONDAGE.'
NEW BEDFORD 1838-1841 DEDICATED OCTOBER 1996
Frederick Douglass (c.1818-1895)
Frederick Douglass was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. He was the son of Harriet Bailey and was born into slavery in Talbot County, Maryland. Frederick never knew the exact date of his birth but eventually chose to celebrate it on February 14th.
In 1837, Frederick met and fell in love with Anna Murray (1813-1882), free black woman in Baltimore. Her free status strengthened his belief in the possibility of gaining his own freedom. Murray encouraged him and supported his efforts by aid and money.
On September 3, 1838 Frederick successfully escaped by boarding a northbound train. Dressed in a sailor's uniform provided to him by Anna, who also gave him part of her savings to cover his travel costs, he carried identification papers and protection papers that he had obtained from a free black seaman. They were married on September 15, 1838, just eleven (11) days after Frederick had reached New York. At first they adopted Johnson as their married name, to divert attention.
Frederick & Anna Arrive In New Bedford - Changes Last Name to Douglass
Frederick and Anna left New York after they got married, they first went to Newport, RI. Here, they met two abolitionists who told them about New Bedford, which was one of the significant destinations of the Underground Railroad. Frederick and Anna were welcomed into the home of Nathan and Polly Johnson, African American abolitionists living at 21 Seventh Street in New Bedford. It was here, in New Bedford, that Frederick and Anna were encouraged by Nathan Johnson to take the last name Douglass.
In 1839 Frederick and Anna moved to 157 Elm Street, their first home located in an African American neighborhood in the West End of New Bedford. In 1841, Douglass moved his growing family to larger quarters in the northern end of town. Their new home at 111 Ray Street (now Acushnet Avenue) was located near the wharves where Douglass often worked.
Three (3) of Douglass’ five children were also born in New Bedford. Rosetta Douglass (1839-1906), Lewis Henry Douglass (1840-1908)
Frederick Douglass Jr. (1842-1892). The family moved from New Bedford to Lynn MA. While residing in Lynn, Charles Remond Douglass (1844-1920) was born and when the Douglass family finally settled in Rochester NY, Annie Douglass (1849-1860) was born.
Frederick Douglass & President Abraham Lincoln
Two years into the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln was still unwilling to allow Black men in the United States Military.
Once Black men were permitted in the military, Douglass served as a recruiter – most notably of the 54th & 55th Massachusetts Infantry. Two of his sons – Lewis & Charles – were among the recruits. Unfair treatment of Black soldiers persuaded Mr. Douglass to halt his efforts.
White soldiers were paid more. Promotions for Black soldiers were non-existent. Black men did not receive POW protections most white men benefitted from. Hoping to fix these wrongs, Mr. Douglass traveled to Washington hoping to meet with President Lincoln.
Meeting President Abraham Lincoln August 10 1863
On August 10, 1863 Frederick Douglass was in Washington D.C. His oldest boy Lewis was lingering in a hospital from a devastating wound in that battle. His youngest boy Charles was fighting disease and illness. When the father of these wounded warriors arrived, he was immediately taken to see the President.
Douglass explained why he was here. He told the President he was no longer recruiting due to unequal pay, no promotions, and no protections. These two titans of history had a robust conversation. They agreed on some things; they disagreed on others. Douglass left and resumed recruiting. He also left with the belief he was about to commissioned as an Officer in the United States Military. Douglass shut down his newspaper in anticipation of his military service, but the orders never arrived.
Meeting President Abraham Lincoln August 19 1864
President Lincoln invited Frederick Douglass back to the White House. On August 19, 1864 Douglass and Lincoln were together again. The President was facing re-election soon and told Douglass he did not expect to win. If he lost, there would be a new President. With this in mind, Lincoln wanted Douglass to help with a special mission. Secretly, a revolution was afoot. Since the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln hoped for a mass exodus of enslaved individuals out of the states in rebellion. This had not happened on the scale he hoped. Now, Lincoln asked Douglass to lead a network of folks into the rebellious states to help every last soul possible escape enslavement.
Meeting President Abraham Lincoln March 1865
President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass had one final meeting in March 1865. Douglass attended the inauguration, positioned very close to the President. At the end of the day, Douglass went to an inaugural event at the White House. After a few issues with police, Douglass got into the East Room where the President was. A little over a month later, President Lincoln was murdered.
Frederick Douglass Continues On
Douglass went on to become a well known orator, speaking nationally against slavery, sometimes even risking his life for this. He endured insults and threats, was often tired and lonely, but he never forgot his end goal. Douglass also became an advisor, political ally. He worked with and was a friend to abolitionists, women’s suffrage leaders, such as Susan B. Anthony, and authors, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was a writer, publisher, speaker, preacher and political activist; from his selfless work others after him have felt the impact of the blessings he brought to the framework of America.
Douglass published three autobiographical books. The first and most influential of these is Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself (1845). The book focuses on the victims of slavery and the barbaric crimes inflicted upon them. It was an immediate success and today is considered a classic slave narrative.
Frederick Douglass Moves to Washington D.C.
In 1877 Frederick bought the house that was to be the family's final home in Washington, D.C. He and Anna named it Cedar Hill. They expanded the house from 14 to 21 rooms, and included a china closet. One year later, they purchased adjoining lots and expanded the property to 15 acres.
In 1881, he was appointed Recorder of Deeds for the Washington D.C. Anna Murray Douglass dies in 1882, leaving the widower devastated. After a period of mourning, Frederick marries again in 1884, to Helen Pitts (1838-1903), a white suffragist and abolitionist from New York. The marriage of Frederick and Helen provoked a storm of controversy, since Helen was both white and nearly 20 years younger. Many in her family stopped speaking to her; his children considered the marriage a repudiation of their mother. Frederick responded to the criticisms by saying that his first marriage had been to someone the color of his mother, and his second to someone the color of his father.
When President Rutherford B. Hayes was elected president, he named Douglass as United States Marshal for Washington D.C., the first person of color to be so named. The Senate voted to confirm him on March 17, 1877.Douglass accepted the appointment, which helped assure his family's financial security.
Death & Burial Mount Hope Cemetery - Rochester NY
On February 20, 1895, Douglass attended a meeting of the National Council of Women in Washington, D.C. During that meeting, he was brought to the platform and received a standing ovation. Shortly after he returned home, Douglass died of a massive heart attack.
Douglass's coffin was transported to Rochester NY. He was buried next to Anna in the Douglass family plot.
The Frederick Douglass Monument at New Bedford City Hall. The monument was dedicated on October 17, 1996. The dedication honored the 100th anniversary of his death (1895). The City of New Bedford and the New Bedford Chapter of the NAACP sponsored the memorial.
The plaque reads:
FREDERICK DOUGLASS 1818-1895
'FOR MY PART, I SHOULD PREFER DEATH TO HOPELESS BONDAGE.'
NEW BEDFORD 1838-1841 DEDICATED OCTOBER 1996
Frederick Douglass (c.1818-1895)
Frederick Douglass was born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. He was the son of Harriet Bailey and was born into slavery in Talbot County, Maryland. Frederick never knew the exact date of his birth but eventually chose to celebrate it on February 14th.
In 1837, Frederick met and fell in love with Anna Murray (1813-1882), free black woman in Baltimore. Her free status strengthened his belief in the possibility of gaining his own freedom. Murray encouraged him and supported his efforts by aid and money.
On September 3, 1838 Frederick successfully escaped by boarding a northbound train. Dressed in a sailor's uniform provided to him by Anna, who also gave him part of her savings to cover his travel costs, he carried identification papers and protection papers that he had obtained from a free black seaman. They were married on September 15, 1838, just eleven (11) days after Frederick had reached New York. At first they adopted Johnson as their married name, to divert attention.
Frederick & Anna Arrive In New Bedford - Changes Last Name to Douglass
Frederick and Anna left New York after they got married, they first went to Newport, RI. Here, they met two abolitionists who told them about New Bedford, which was one of the significant destinations of the Underground Railroad. Frederick and Anna were welcomed into the home of Nathan and Polly Johnson, African American abolitionists living at 21 Seventh Street in New Bedford. It was here, in New Bedford, that Frederick and Anna were encouraged by Nathan Johnson to take the last name Douglass.
In 1839 Frederick and Anna moved to 157 Elm Street, their first home located in an African American neighborhood in the West End of New Bedford. In 1841, Douglass moved his growing family to larger quarters in the northern end of town. Their new home at 111 Ray Street (now Acushnet Avenue) was located near the wharves where Douglass often worked.
Three (3) of Douglass’ five children were also born in New Bedford. Rosetta Douglass (1839-1906), Lewis Henry Douglass (1840-1908)
Frederick Douglass Jr. (1842-1892). The family moved from New Bedford to Lynn MA. While residing in Lynn, Charles Remond Douglass (1844-1920) was born and when the Douglass family finally settled in Rochester NY, Annie Douglass (1849-1860) was born.
Frederick Douglass & President Abraham Lincoln
Two years into the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln was still unwilling to allow Black men in the United States Military.
Once Black men were permitted in the military, Douglass served as a recruiter – most notably of the 54th & 55th Massachusetts Infantry. Two of his sons – Lewis & Charles – were among the recruits. Unfair treatment of Black soldiers persuaded Mr. Douglass to halt his efforts.
White soldiers were paid more. Promotions for Black soldiers were non-existent. Black men did not receive POW protections most white men benefitted from. Hoping to fix these wrongs, Mr. Douglass traveled to Washington hoping to meet with President Lincoln.
Meeting President Abraham Lincoln August 10 1863
On August 10, 1863 Frederick Douglass was in Washington D.C. His oldest boy Lewis was lingering in a hospital from a devastating wound in that battle. His youngest boy Charles was fighting disease and illness. When the father of these wounded warriors arrived, he was immediately taken to see the President.
Douglass explained why he was here. He told the President he was no longer recruiting due to unequal pay, no promotions, and no protections. These two titans of history had a robust conversation. They agreed on some things; they disagreed on others. Douglass left and resumed recruiting. He also left with the belief he was about to commissioned as an Officer in the United States Military. Douglass shut down his newspaper in anticipation of his military service, but the orders never arrived.
Meeting President Abraham Lincoln August 19 1864
President Lincoln invited Frederick Douglass back to the White House. On August 19, 1864 Douglass and Lincoln were together again. The President was facing re-election soon and told Douglass he did not expect to win. If he lost, there would be a new President. With this in mind, Lincoln wanted Douglass to help with a special mission. Secretly, a revolution was afoot. Since the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln hoped for a mass exodus of enslaved individuals out of the states in rebellion. This had not happened on the scale he hoped. Now, Lincoln asked Douglass to lead a network of folks into the rebellious states to help every last soul possible escape enslavement.
Meeting President Abraham Lincoln March 1865
President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass had one final meeting in March 1865. Douglass attended the inauguration, positioned very close to the President. At the end of the day, Douglass went to an inaugural event at the White House. After a few issues with police, Douglass got into the East Room where the President was. A little over a month later, President Lincoln was murdered.
Frederick Douglass Continues On
Douglass went on to become a well known orator, speaking nationally against slavery, sometimes even risking his life for this. He endured insults and threats, was often tired and lonely, but he never forgot his end goal. Douglass also became an advisor, political ally. He worked with and was a friend to abolitionists, women’s suffrage leaders, such as Susan B. Anthony, and authors, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson. He was a writer, publisher, speaker, preacher and political activist; from his selfless work others after him have felt the impact of the blessings he brought to the framework of America.
Douglass published three autobiographical books. The first and most influential of these is Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself (1845). The book focuses on the victims of slavery and the barbaric crimes inflicted upon them. It was an immediate success and today is considered a classic slave narrative.
Frederick Douglass Moves to Washington D.C.
In 1877 Frederick bought the house that was to be the family's final home in Washington, D.C. He and Anna named it Cedar Hill. They expanded the house from 14 to 21 rooms, and included a china closet. One year later, they purchased adjoining lots and expanded the property to 15 acres.
In 1881, he was appointed Recorder of Deeds for the Washington D.C. Anna Murray Douglass dies in 1882, leaving the widower devastated. After a period of mourning, Frederick marries again in 1884, to Helen Pitts (1838-1903), a white suffragist and abolitionist from New York. The marriage of Frederick and Helen provoked a storm of controversy, since Helen was both white and nearly 20 years younger. Many in her family stopped speaking to her; his children considered the marriage a repudiation of their mother. Frederick responded to the criticisms by saying that his first marriage had been to someone the color of his mother, and his second to someone the color of his father.
When President Rutherford B. Hayes was elected president, he named Douglass as United States Marshal for Washington D.C., the first person of color to be so named. The Senate voted to confirm him on March 17, 1877.Douglass accepted the appointment, which helped assure his family's financial security.
Death & Burial Mount Hope Cemetery - Rochester NY
On February 20, 1895, Douglass attended a meeting of the National Council of Women in Washington, D.C. During that meeting, he was brought to the platform and received a standing ovation. Shortly after he returned home, Douglass died of a massive heart attack.
Douglass's coffin was transported to Rochester NY. He was buried next to Anna in the Douglass family plot.
Seaman's Bethel History
What is a Bethel ? The term “bethel” comes from two Hebrew words, “Beth” and “El.” Beth means “House” and El means “God”, so it is a Seamen’s House of God or a Seamen’s Church.
The church was constructed in 1831 at a cost of $5,000. It was designated as a place of worship before the whale men would go out to sea. The building was damaged by fire in 1866, the repairs incorporated several changes to the appearance of the building. It reopened in 1867.
On the walls of the main chapel hang thirty one (31) black framed cenotaphs which bear the names of whale men and fisherman lost at sea. The word "cenotaph" is a Greek word meaning "empty grave". When men were lost the families had no way to bury them so they paid to have a cenotaph with there name. The cenotaph would contain information on how the person died and a story about their life on the sea. Many men fell overboard, bitten by sharks, drowned, or suffered from disease.
Herman Melville's "Moby Dick"
Herman Melville came to New Bedford in 1840 and sailed out in January 1841. While in New Bedford he attended services at the Seamans Bethel, the pew he sat in is still marked today. After visiting New Bedford he authored the book "Moby Dick" in 1851. Ironically there is one element that made the Seamans Bethel famous, the pulpit. The pulpit as mentioned in the novel was created from Melville's imagination. The book describes the pulpit as the front (bow) of a ship. The pulpit in the Bethel today was created for the movie in 1956.
What is a Bethel ? The term “bethel” comes from two Hebrew words, “Beth” and “El.” Beth means “House” and El means “God”, so it is a Seamen’s House of God or a Seamen’s Church.
The church was constructed in 1831 at a cost of $5,000. It was designated as a place of worship before the whale men would go out to sea. The building was damaged by fire in 1866, the repairs incorporated several changes to the appearance of the building. It reopened in 1867.
On the walls of the main chapel hang thirty one (31) black framed cenotaphs which bear the names of whale men and fisherman lost at sea. The word "cenotaph" is a Greek word meaning "empty grave". When men were lost the families had no way to bury them so they paid to have a cenotaph with there name. The cenotaph would contain information on how the person died and a story about their life on the sea. Many men fell overboard, bitten by sharks, drowned, or suffered from disease.
Herman Melville's "Moby Dick"
Herman Melville came to New Bedford in 1840 and sailed out in January 1841. While in New Bedford he attended services at the Seamans Bethel, the pew he sat in is still marked today. After visiting New Bedford he authored the book "Moby Dick" in 1851. Ironically there is one element that made the Seamans Bethel famous, the pulpit. The pulpit as mentioned in the novel was created from Melville's imagination. The book describes the pulpit as the front (bow) of a ship. The pulpit in the Bethel today was created for the movie in 1956.
Rodman's Pond History
Rodman’s Pond is fresh water millpond, the body of water covers approximately 3.7 acres of the city block.
The pond is located within the site of Wamsutta Mills. Altered from its original appearance as the structures were constructed on the site, the pond is roughly square in shape abutting the north elevation of Mill No. 6 and the east elevation of the Weave Shed. Surrounded by chain-link fence, the pond, though overgrown, continues to provide secondary, gravity-fed fire protection to the main mill complex.
Rodman’s Pond is fresh water millpond, the body of water covers approximately 3.7 acres of the city block.
The pond is located within the site of Wamsutta Mills. Altered from its original appearance as the structures were constructed on the site, the pond is roughly square in shape abutting the north elevation of Mill No. 6 and the east elevation of the Weave Shed. Surrounded by chain-link fence, the pond, though overgrown, continues to provide secondary, gravity-fed fire protection to the main mill complex.
Clasky Common Park History
Common Park, originally constructed in 1822 and enlarged in 1853, is seven (7) acres in size and is the first public park to be constructed in New Bedford. The park served as a public meeting place prior to the construction of City Hall. Today the park serves as an open space for area residents, and has a children's play area that includes a spray fountain and basketball courts. It hosts community events, celebrations, and recreational activities.
On October 13 1969 Common Park was renamed Clasky Common Park to honor Harold H.J. Clasky (1896-1969). Russian-born Harold Clasky was a Jewish state senator noted for work he accomplished in the community. Clasky lived his early life in Brockton and moved to New Bedford in 1931. He served as a New Bedford Councilor-At-Large from 1952-1953 and 1956-1965 and as a Massachusetts State Senator from 1965 to 1969.
Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument 1866
The centerpiece of the park is the Soldier's and Sailor's Monument. The monument is to honor those soldier's and sailor's of the Civil War to ensure they were never forgotten. The monument was dedicated on July 4 1866, and bears the following inscription :
“Erected by the city of New Bedford as a tribute of gratitude to her sons who fell defending their country in the struggle with slavery and treason.” In the late 2000's vandals defaced the monument, at the time Mayor Scott Lang had the black iron fence constructed around the monument.
Korean War Memorial 2001
The monument, lists the 36 servicemen from New Bedford, Fairhaven and Acushnet who died in the war. It was designed by Stephanie Medeiros, a member of the class of 2000 at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School. In addition to the names, the monument has etchings of scenes from the war.
Common Park, originally constructed in 1822 and enlarged in 1853, is seven (7) acres in size and is the first public park to be constructed in New Bedford. The park served as a public meeting place prior to the construction of City Hall. Today the park serves as an open space for area residents, and has a children's play area that includes a spray fountain and basketball courts. It hosts community events, celebrations, and recreational activities.
On October 13 1969 Common Park was renamed Clasky Common Park to honor Harold H.J. Clasky (1896-1969). Russian-born Harold Clasky was a Jewish state senator noted for work he accomplished in the community. Clasky lived his early life in Brockton and moved to New Bedford in 1931. He served as a New Bedford Councilor-At-Large from 1952-1953 and 1956-1965 and as a Massachusetts State Senator from 1965 to 1969.
Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument 1866
The centerpiece of the park is the Soldier's and Sailor's Monument. The monument is to honor those soldier's and sailor's of the Civil War to ensure they were never forgotten. The monument was dedicated on July 4 1866, and bears the following inscription :
“Erected by the city of New Bedford as a tribute of gratitude to her sons who fell defending their country in the struggle with slavery and treason.” In the late 2000's vandals defaced the monument, at the time Mayor Scott Lang had the black iron fence constructed around the monument.
Korean War Memorial 2001
The monument, lists the 36 servicemen from New Bedford, Fairhaven and Acushnet who died in the war. It was designed by Stephanie Medeiros, a member of the class of 2000 at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational-Technical High School. In addition to the names, the monument has etchings of scenes from the war.
Northeast Flight #285 History
On September 15, 1957, at 8:19 PM Northeast Airlines Flight #285 departed Martha's Vineyard for New Bedford with 24 passengers. The plane was on a flight from Boston to Hyannis, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, New Bedford then New York.
Flight 285 contacted the New Bedford tower operator and thereafter, at 8:38, according to the controller, stated it was starting an approach. The controller gave the flight the latest weather conditions and cleared the flight to land, straight into runway 5, and requested that it call the tower when inbound at the outer marker. Flight 285 reported that it had completed the procedure turn and was inbound over the outer marker. The controller acknowledged this report which was the last communication with the flight. He logged the report at 8:46, shortly after it was received. The airplane clip trees and crashed in a dense wooded area located 4,000 feet short of runway 5. The Douglas DC-3 struck two (2) 45-50 feet high trees; some 4000 feet short of the runway. The right wing separated on impact, causing the aircraft to roll right, cutting a path through the dense growth of trees. The aircraft cartwheeled until the left engine struck a large tree trunk, causing the fuselage to break in two.
The two airport employees said they heard the plane crash at 8:50 p.m., but it was nearly three hours before rescuers could reach the scene. The only access to the crash site was by foot. The plane went down in a swamp just half a mile from the airport making it difficult for rescuers to reach them as they had to carry their equipment and trudge through the oil and gas-filled mud swamp on foot. Adding further delay was that responders had to make several attempts to find the safest, quickest path but had to track back when coming across impassable sections. Firefighters laid their ladders in spots where they plunged almost up to their waists. Time was also spent trying to free some of the firefighters, paramedics, and doctors who were stuck in the mud.
When the rescuers arrived, they came upon a horrific scene consisting of injured, bleeding and battered survivors – some stuck in the mud and still strapped into their seats. Those who were alive at the time of the crash recall hearing sirens for hours in the night. The investigation determined the cause of the crash was pilot error.
The Dead
Vincent Pitts, 35, Wellesley Massachusetts - Pitts was a veteran combat flyer during WWII and had flown and became a captain for Northeast Airlines in 1953.
Roger Sweetland Jr., 31, Arlington Massachusetts - Joined Northeast Airlines as a pilot in 1952 and was made flight captain in 1956.
Charles Chase, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Alan Melhado, Nantucket & New York
M.K. Schles, New York
David Chapman, 12, New York
Russell D. Bell, Monteal Canada
Phoebe Bradshaw, Long Island, New York
Althea Eccles, Long Island, New York
Mary Brownell, Jamestown, Rhode Island
The Injured
Nancy Lehan, 24, Brockton Massachusetts - Stewardess
George Danforth, 55, New York
Joan Von Koschembahr, 32, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Buford Rubin, 30, Washington
Gerald Bland, Newark, New Jersey
Nancy Blair, 14 Patterson, New Jersey and her mother Mrs Charles Blair, 41, New Jersey died several days later.
Buford Rubin, 30, Washington
James Jeffers, Red Bank, New Jersey
Helga Dudman, New York
Emilie Jacobson, New York
Charles Rose and his wife, New Rochelle, New York
Howard Morse, Edgartown Massachusetts
On September 15, 1957, at 8:19 PM Northeast Airlines Flight #285 departed Martha's Vineyard for New Bedford with 24 passengers. The plane was on a flight from Boston to Hyannis, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, New Bedford then New York.
Flight 285 contacted the New Bedford tower operator and thereafter, at 8:38, according to the controller, stated it was starting an approach. The controller gave the flight the latest weather conditions and cleared the flight to land, straight into runway 5, and requested that it call the tower when inbound at the outer marker. Flight 285 reported that it had completed the procedure turn and was inbound over the outer marker. The controller acknowledged this report which was the last communication with the flight. He logged the report at 8:46, shortly after it was received. The airplane clip trees and crashed in a dense wooded area located 4,000 feet short of runway 5. The Douglas DC-3 struck two (2) 45-50 feet high trees; some 4000 feet short of the runway. The right wing separated on impact, causing the aircraft to roll right, cutting a path through the dense growth of trees. The aircraft cartwheeled until the left engine struck a large tree trunk, causing the fuselage to break in two.
The two airport employees said they heard the plane crash at 8:50 p.m., but it was nearly three hours before rescuers could reach the scene. The only access to the crash site was by foot. The plane went down in a swamp just half a mile from the airport making it difficult for rescuers to reach them as they had to carry their equipment and trudge through the oil and gas-filled mud swamp on foot. Adding further delay was that responders had to make several attempts to find the safest, quickest path but had to track back when coming across impassable sections. Firefighters laid their ladders in spots where they plunged almost up to their waists. Time was also spent trying to free some of the firefighters, paramedics, and doctors who were stuck in the mud.
When the rescuers arrived, they came upon a horrific scene consisting of injured, bleeding and battered survivors – some stuck in the mud and still strapped into their seats. Those who were alive at the time of the crash recall hearing sirens for hours in the night. The investigation determined the cause of the crash was pilot error.
The Dead
Vincent Pitts, 35, Wellesley Massachusetts - Pitts was a veteran combat flyer during WWII and had flown and became a captain for Northeast Airlines in 1953.
Roger Sweetland Jr., 31, Arlington Massachusetts - Joined Northeast Airlines as a pilot in 1952 and was made flight captain in 1956.
Charles Chase, Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts
Alan Melhado, Nantucket & New York
M.K. Schles, New York
David Chapman, 12, New York
Russell D. Bell, Monteal Canada
Phoebe Bradshaw, Long Island, New York
Althea Eccles, Long Island, New York
Mary Brownell, Jamestown, Rhode Island
The Injured
Nancy Lehan, 24, Brockton Massachusetts - Stewardess
George Danforth, 55, New York
Joan Von Koschembahr, 32, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Buford Rubin, 30, Washington
Gerald Bland, Newark, New Jersey
Nancy Blair, 14 Patterson, New Jersey and her mother Mrs Charles Blair, 41, New Jersey died several days later.
Buford Rubin, 30, Washington
James Jeffers, Red Bank, New Jersey
Helga Dudman, New York
Emilie Jacobson, New York
Charles Rose and his wife, New Rochelle, New York
Howard Morse, Edgartown Massachusetts
St. Anthony's Church History
St. Anthony of Padua is a Roman Catholic church part of the Diocese of Fall River.
The church was founded in 1895 to serve the needs of the French Canadian Catholics
who lived in the North End.
The present church began construction in 1902. The cornerstone for the new building was laid in June 1904 and work began on shortly thereafter.
Fatal Construction Accident 1904
On September 20, 1904, several construction workers were seriously injured and one killed when a 50-foot wall collapsed at the construction site. Seven (7) men were involved in a collapse of the 55ft high clerestory wall. Vital Perra Gilbert Tremblay (59) a mason, died in the arms of his son Henry. Joseph Rondeau (24) was injured and transported to St. Luke's Hospital, however died on Sept 24 1904 from the injuries. Felix Lacroix, John Chase and Clement Savoie take to their homes by New Bedford Police Officer James McDonald.
Construction Continues
After the accident the original contractor, Michael J. Houlihan withdrew from the project and Fall River architect Louis G. Destremps was brought in as supervising architect. The church exterior was completed in December 1905 and the lower church was available for masses by 1908. The upper portion of the church, though not yet ready for religious service was opened for public viewing on January 17, 1909. The period of 1909-1912 was largely taken up by extensive interior decoration and the installation of a large Casavant pipe organ. The finished church was formally dedicated on November 28, 1912.
The spire is 256 feet high, the second-tallest in New England after the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut.
Father Hormisdas Deslauriers (1861-1916)
The first pastor was Fr. Deslauriers, a great leader leader who would have great influence on the parishes future development.
First pastor of the Saint Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford. Died on June 19 1916 in the rectory after a month long struggle with heart problems at age 55.
The board of Alderman (City Council) had met the previous night and granted permission to inter the body of Father Deslauriers in the garden plot on the Nye Street side of the church. He was buried in the churchyard with an iron fence surrounding him.
Fatal Construction Accident 1968
On July 25, 1968 Edward Dosh (61) fell to his death from a scaffolding 65 feet high. He was one of three painters working on the southeast section of the huge edifice.
St. Anthony of Padua is a Roman Catholic church part of the Diocese of Fall River.
The church was founded in 1895 to serve the needs of the French Canadian Catholics
who lived in the North End.
The present church began construction in 1902. The cornerstone for the new building was laid in June 1904 and work began on shortly thereafter.
Fatal Construction Accident 1904
On September 20, 1904, several construction workers were seriously injured and one killed when a 50-foot wall collapsed at the construction site. Seven (7) men were involved in a collapse of the 55ft high clerestory wall. Vital Perra Gilbert Tremblay (59) a mason, died in the arms of his son Henry. Joseph Rondeau (24) was injured and transported to St. Luke's Hospital, however died on Sept 24 1904 from the injuries. Felix Lacroix, John Chase and Clement Savoie take to their homes by New Bedford Police Officer James McDonald.
Construction Continues
After the accident the original contractor, Michael J. Houlihan withdrew from the project and Fall River architect Louis G. Destremps was brought in as supervising architect. The church exterior was completed in December 1905 and the lower church was available for masses by 1908. The upper portion of the church, though not yet ready for religious service was opened for public viewing on January 17, 1909. The period of 1909-1912 was largely taken up by extensive interior decoration and the installation of a large Casavant pipe organ. The finished church was formally dedicated on November 28, 1912.
The spire is 256 feet high, the second-tallest in New England after the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut.
Father Hormisdas Deslauriers (1861-1916)
The first pastor was Fr. Deslauriers, a great leader leader who would have great influence on the parishes future development.
First pastor of the Saint Anthony of Padua Church in New Bedford. Died on June 19 1916 in the rectory after a month long struggle with heart problems at age 55.
The board of Alderman (City Council) had met the previous night and granted permission to inter the body of Father Deslauriers in the garden plot on the Nye Street side of the church. He was buried in the churchyard with an iron fence surrounding him.
Fatal Construction Accident 1968
On July 25, 1968 Edward Dosh (61) fell to his death from a scaffolding 65 feet high. He was one of three painters working on the southeast section of the huge edifice.
Big Dan's Rape Case 1983 History
The "Big Dan's Rape Trial" made TV history for the City of New Bedford.
On March 6, 1983, Cheryl Ann Araujo (21) had just put her two (2) daughters to bed for the night. She left her home to purchase cigarettes, however the usual store was closed so she went into "Big Dan's" at 421-423 Belleville Avenue to make the purchase.
Once inside the bar, Araujo purchased a drink and was showing photos of her children to another woman. She then played a song on the jukebox and began to watch two (2) men play pool. At some point, two (2) men approached Araujo and asked if she would go home with them. She refused, a third man then grabbed her from behind and threw her onto the bar's pool table. She was striped below the waist and several men then took turns raping her. Araujo claimed during the assault she heard "laughing, cheering, yelling", but no one came to help her.
Eventually, Araujo fought off her attackers and ran half-naked into the street, screaming that she had been raped. Just after midnight, three men (Michael O'Neil, Daniel O'Neil, Bobby Silva) had just turned left onto Belleville Avenue from Collette Street when they saw a nearly naked woman running up the street. Araujo had told the three men that she had been raped by a group of men in the bar. The three (3) men gave up their coats so she could cover herself. The men thought about just driving her to the police station, but instead they chose to go to a payphone and call police.
After the incident the building was boarded up and Big Dan's Tavern ceased to exist. The structure remained and for twenty (20) years or so, the property has been home to a storefront Christian church. Prior to being a church, the building was housed a bakery thrift shop.
Arrests and Trial
Six (6) men were originally arrested and charged with the rape. On March 17, 1984, the jury convicted Daniel C. Silva (27) and Joseph P. Vieira (28) of aggravated rape. On March 22, 1984, the jury in the other trial convicted Victor Raposo (23) and John Cordeiro (24) of aggravated rape, while acquitting two other men of the same charge.
Cordeiro, Silva, and Raposo sentenced 9 to 12 years in prison, they were released from prison in 1989. Vieira was sentenced to 6 to 8 years and was released in 1988 however was deported due to his involvement in another crime.
Raposo was involved with Theresa Ann Cabral (41) of 248 Frost Street Fall River. Cabral, the former loan officer of the Espirito Santo Federal Credit Union located at 1645 Pleasant Street in Fall River had embezzled $7,360,570.00 and the credit union collapsed.
Cabral was married at the time and Victor Raposo was her boyfriend.
Media Disclosing Victims Identity
There were other dramatic moments throughout the trial, including the decision by some media outlets to name the victim.
Long before the victim even took the stand to testify, her name had become a household word. Soon, every media outlet covering the case -- newspapers, radio, and television -- abandoned long-held policies barring the publication of rape victim's names.
This case added to the debate of whether rape victims had a right to privacy because of the nature of the crime. Victims should be protected by having trials be closed, in order to protect their privacy. Publicity might discourage rape victims from trying to get justice. There was considerable controversy at the time over broadcasting the rape trial. The broadcasts received wide ratings. As one study later noted, "Publication of a rape victim's name severely invades the personal privacy interests of the victim and exposes the victim to a variety of social and psychological problems."
This case prompted national debate at the time over broadcasting of the trials. Some states have passed legislation to protect the names of rape victims. Many newspapers ran stories about rape trauma and the new rape shield laws. The shield laws protected a victim from having her sex life surfaced up in court.
Cheryl Araujo (1961-1986)
Araujo was essentially ostracized in New Bedford. Shortly after the trial, she moved to Miami, Florida along with her two daughters and their father.
On December 14, 1986, she lost control of her vehicle while on her way to a Christmas show with her daughters and struck a utility pole. Araujo was killed, her two daughters, although injured, did survive. Toxicology report indicated her blood alcohol was .29 at the time of the crash, that's nearly triple the legal limit of .10.
Outrage in Portuguese Community
Both verdicts sparked outrage in the Portuguese community, which sided with the rapists, even though Araujo was also of Portuguese heritage. Protesters held a candlelight vigil after the first verdicts and 8,000 of them held a march after the second verdicts were in.The trials attracted international attention, and the verdicts sparked outrage and protests in the Portuguese community, which sided with the rapists, even though Araujo was also of Portuguese heritage.
"The Accused"
In 1988 a film drama was released based on the facts of the "Big Dan's" case. The film starred Jody Foster and Kelly McGillis. Foster won an Academy Award for her role as the victim. Kelly McGillis played the Assistant District Attorney prosecuting the case. McGillis acknowledged that she had survived an assault and rape herself.
The "Big Dan's Rape Trial" made TV history for the City of New Bedford.
On March 6, 1983, Cheryl Ann Araujo (21) had just put her two (2) daughters to bed for the night. She left her home to purchase cigarettes, however the usual store was closed so she went into "Big Dan's" at 421-423 Belleville Avenue to make the purchase.
Once inside the bar, Araujo purchased a drink and was showing photos of her children to another woman. She then played a song on the jukebox and began to watch two (2) men play pool. At some point, two (2) men approached Araujo and asked if she would go home with them. She refused, a third man then grabbed her from behind and threw her onto the bar's pool table. She was striped below the waist and several men then took turns raping her. Araujo claimed during the assault she heard "laughing, cheering, yelling", but no one came to help her.
Eventually, Araujo fought off her attackers and ran half-naked into the street, screaming that she had been raped. Just after midnight, three men (Michael O'Neil, Daniel O'Neil, Bobby Silva) had just turned left onto Belleville Avenue from Collette Street when they saw a nearly naked woman running up the street. Araujo had told the three men that she had been raped by a group of men in the bar. The three (3) men gave up their coats so she could cover herself. The men thought about just driving her to the police station, but instead they chose to go to a payphone and call police.
After the incident the building was boarded up and Big Dan's Tavern ceased to exist. The structure remained and for twenty (20) years or so, the property has been home to a storefront Christian church. Prior to being a church, the building was housed a bakery thrift shop.
Arrests and Trial
Six (6) men were originally arrested and charged with the rape. On March 17, 1984, the jury convicted Daniel C. Silva (27) and Joseph P. Vieira (28) of aggravated rape. On March 22, 1984, the jury in the other trial convicted Victor Raposo (23) and John Cordeiro (24) of aggravated rape, while acquitting two other men of the same charge.
Cordeiro, Silva, and Raposo sentenced 9 to 12 years in prison, they were released from prison in 1989. Vieira was sentenced to 6 to 8 years and was released in 1988 however was deported due to his involvement in another crime.
Raposo was involved with Theresa Ann Cabral (41) of 248 Frost Street Fall River. Cabral, the former loan officer of the Espirito Santo Federal Credit Union located at 1645 Pleasant Street in Fall River had embezzled $7,360,570.00 and the credit union collapsed.
Cabral was married at the time and Victor Raposo was her boyfriend.
Media Disclosing Victims Identity
There were other dramatic moments throughout the trial, including the decision by some media outlets to name the victim.
Long before the victim even took the stand to testify, her name had become a household word. Soon, every media outlet covering the case -- newspapers, radio, and television -- abandoned long-held policies barring the publication of rape victim's names.
This case added to the debate of whether rape victims had a right to privacy because of the nature of the crime. Victims should be protected by having trials be closed, in order to protect their privacy. Publicity might discourage rape victims from trying to get justice. There was considerable controversy at the time over broadcasting the rape trial. The broadcasts received wide ratings. As one study later noted, "Publication of a rape victim's name severely invades the personal privacy interests of the victim and exposes the victim to a variety of social and psychological problems."
This case prompted national debate at the time over broadcasting of the trials. Some states have passed legislation to protect the names of rape victims. Many newspapers ran stories about rape trauma and the new rape shield laws. The shield laws protected a victim from having her sex life surfaced up in court.
Cheryl Araujo (1961-1986)
Araujo was essentially ostracized in New Bedford. Shortly after the trial, she moved to Miami, Florida along with her two daughters and their father.
On December 14, 1986, she lost control of her vehicle while on her way to a Christmas show with her daughters and struck a utility pole. Araujo was killed, her two daughters, although injured, did survive. Toxicology report indicated her blood alcohol was .29 at the time of the crash, that's nearly triple the legal limit of .10.
Outrage in Portuguese Community
Both verdicts sparked outrage in the Portuguese community, which sided with the rapists, even though Araujo was also of Portuguese heritage. Protesters held a candlelight vigil after the first verdicts and 8,000 of them held a march after the second verdicts were in.The trials attracted international attention, and the verdicts sparked outrage and protests in the Portuguese community, which sided with the rapists, even though Araujo was also of Portuguese heritage.
"The Accused"
In 1988 a film drama was released based on the facts of the "Big Dan's" case. The film starred Jody Foster and Kelly McGillis. Foster won an Academy Award for her role as the victim. Kelly McGillis played the Assistant District Attorney prosecuting the case. McGillis acknowledged that she had survived an assault and rape herself.