Skeletal Remains Mystery
On January 22, 2021, New Bedford police received a call from a man on Fish Island who said he could see a human skull on the ocean floor in around 3-4 feet of water. Police responded to the southwest shoreline of Fish Island, where fishing vessels were docked, and recovered the skull but found no other remains. The medical examiner confirmed it was a human skull but could not determine the race, sex, age or how long ago the person may have died.
On January 22, 2021, New Bedford police received a call from a man on Fish Island who said he could see a human skull on the ocean floor in around 3-4 feet of water. Police responded to the southwest shoreline of Fish Island, where fishing vessels were docked, and recovered the skull but found no other remains. The medical examiner confirmed it was a human skull but could not determine the race, sex, age or how long ago the person may have died.
Paranormal New Bedford Public Library Mystery
Whose spirit roams the library? In 1999 a library employee claimed to see an apparition of older woman with in dark gray streaked hair and wearing a navy-blue coat in the lower-level children's room. A tall man with reddish hair wearing a long tan coat has been reportedly see on the second floor near the microfilm section. Several attempts were made to locate this employee, and the specific area of the library. Many had heard of the story but have not seen anything.
The City of New Bedford has the second oldest library in the nation. The library was established in 1852. The building was used as City Hall from 1856-1906.
In 1906 a fire broke out during contested election between Mayor Charles Ashley and Thomas Thompson, the interior of the building was destroyed. The fire commissioner blamed the fire on an unknown rat (either two or four legged) that built a nest too near a steam pipe.
The large Greek Revival-style building started out in 1839 as the Town Hall. Only a decade later, New Bedford was large enough to be classified as a city, so the building became City Hall. The entire block was known as Market Square because of a produce and meat market once located on the lower floor.
Lewis Temple (1800-1854) Monument 1987
Mr. Temple was born into slavery in Richmond Virginia and lived in New Bedford from 1829-1854. One June 20, 1829, he married Mary Clark of Baltimore Maryland in New Bedford. Mary's brother and sister later moved their family to New Bedford as well.
Upon Temple’s arrival in New Bedford he began working as a blacksmith at Coffin’s Wharf at the foot of Walnut Street, where he worked until the last year of his life. In 1834 he was elected vice president of New Bedford Union Society, the village’s first antislavery society and one of the black auxiliaries to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, founded a year earlier.
In 1848 at his blacksmith shop at the foot of Walnut Street Mr. Temple designed a "new" harpoon that dramatically revolutionized whaling. The harpoon had a pivoting head that locked into the whales' flesh, preventing the harpoon from being dislodged by the whales' movements.
Mr. Temple never patented this successful invention. His success required a larger shop to be built at the foot of School Street in 1854. In late 1853, during a site visit during construction, Temple fell into an open hole left by a city worker digging the sewer, and he never fully recovered. In March 1854 Temple sued the city and won $2000 by the court but Temple died six (6) weeks later. His personal estate was valued at $2459.75, $2000 of which was owed his widow by the city; it was finally paid, with interest, in February 1857.
A monument to Temple-which, because no likeness of him exists is based on a photograph of his son, Lewis Temple Jr.-stands in front of New Bedford Free Public Library on Pleasant Street in New Bedford, and Temple toggle harpoons are in the collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Jim Toatley (1941-1986), a local African American sculptor, was commissioned by the city, in 1985, to create the memorial. He died after completing a maquette of the statue. His design was mechanically enlarged to a six-foot figure as originally created. It was dedicated on July 5, 1987
In 2011 the former "United Front" housing development (Kempton St) was demolished, and a new neighborhood was created and named "Temple Landing" in honor of Lewis Temple.
Whaleman Statue 1913
The inscription on the statue reads "A Dead Whale or a Stove Boat. In Honor Of The Whalemen Whose – Skill Hardihood And Daring Brought – Fame And Fortune To New Bedford – And Made Its Name Known In Every – Seaport The Globe – Gift Of W.W. Crapo,”
The monument is depicting a harpooner shown at the bow of a whaleboat. This statue is erected in remembrance of the energy and fortitude, the toil and enterprise of the men who laid the foundation of the prosperity of this community. It is a tribute to men who faced dangers, who grappled with difficulties, and who achieved success.
W.W. Crapo
The statue, cost $25,000 to construct, was a gift from William W. Crapo (1830-1926). Mr. Crapo was a lawyer, City Solicitor, Dartmouth resident and member of the US House of Representatives (1875-1883). The statue was presented to the City of New Bedford on June 20, 1913.
Richard L McLachlan
The sculptor was Bela L. Pratt (1883-1917) who used a local resident and whaler Richard Lewis McLachlan (xxxx-1919) as the model. McLachlan lived at 139 Hillman Street was a veteran of the sea and a whaleman he had sailed on every ocean.
Whose spirit roams the library? In 1999 a library employee claimed to see an apparition of older woman with in dark gray streaked hair and wearing a navy-blue coat in the lower-level children's room. A tall man with reddish hair wearing a long tan coat has been reportedly see on the second floor near the microfilm section. Several attempts were made to locate this employee, and the specific area of the library. Many had heard of the story but have not seen anything.
The City of New Bedford has the second oldest library in the nation. The library was established in 1852. The building was used as City Hall from 1856-1906.
In 1906 a fire broke out during contested election between Mayor Charles Ashley and Thomas Thompson, the interior of the building was destroyed. The fire commissioner blamed the fire on an unknown rat (either two or four legged) that built a nest too near a steam pipe.
The large Greek Revival-style building started out in 1839 as the Town Hall. Only a decade later, New Bedford was large enough to be classified as a city, so the building became City Hall. The entire block was known as Market Square because of a produce and meat market once located on the lower floor.
Lewis Temple (1800-1854) Monument 1987
Mr. Temple was born into slavery in Richmond Virginia and lived in New Bedford from 1829-1854. One June 20, 1829, he married Mary Clark of Baltimore Maryland in New Bedford. Mary's brother and sister later moved their family to New Bedford as well.
Upon Temple’s arrival in New Bedford he began working as a blacksmith at Coffin’s Wharf at the foot of Walnut Street, where he worked until the last year of his life. In 1834 he was elected vice president of New Bedford Union Society, the village’s first antislavery society and one of the black auxiliaries to the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society, founded a year earlier.
In 1848 at his blacksmith shop at the foot of Walnut Street Mr. Temple designed a "new" harpoon that dramatically revolutionized whaling. The harpoon had a pivoting head that locked into the whales' flesh, preventing the harpoon from being dislodged by the whales' movements.
Mr. Temple never patented this successful invention. His success required a larger shop to be built at the foot of School Street in 1854. In late 1853, during a site visit during construction, Temple fell into an open hole left by a city worker digging the sewer, and he never fully recovered. In March 1854 Temple sued the city and won $2000 by the court but Temple died six (6) weeks later. His personal estate was valued at $2459.75, $2000 of which was owed his widow by the city; it was finally paid, with interest, in February 1857.
A monument to Temple-which, because no likeness of him exists is based on a photograph of his son, Lewis Temple Jr.-stands in front of New Bedford Free Public Library on Pleasant Street in New Bedford, and Temple toggle harpoons are in the collection of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Jim Toatley (1941-1986), a local African American sculptor, was commissioned by the city, in 1985, to create the memorial. He died after completing a maquette of the statue. His design was mechanically enlarged to a six-foot figure as originally created. It was dedicated on July 5, 1987
In 2011 the former "United Front" housing development (Kempton St) was demolished, and a new neighborhood was created and named "Temple Landing" in honor of Lewis Temple.
Whaleman Statue 1913
The inscription on the statue reads "A Dead Whale or a Stove Boat. In Honor Of The Whalemen Whose – Skill Hardihood And Daring Brought – Fame And Fortune To New Bedford – And Made Its Name Known In Every – Seaport The Globe – Gift Of W.W. Crapo,”
The monument is depicting a harpooner shown at the bow of a whaleboat. This statue is erected in remembrance of the energy and fortitude, the toil and enterprise of the men who laid the foundation of the prosperity of this community. It is a tribute to men who faced dangers, who grappled with difficulties, and who achieved success.
W.W. Crapo
The statue, cost $25,000 to construct, was a gift from William W. Crapo (1830-1926). Mr. Crapo was a lawyer, City Solicitor, Dartmouth resident and member of the US House of Representatives (1875-1883). The statue was presented to the City of New Bedford on June 20, 1913.
Richard L McLachlan
The sculptor was Bela L. Pratt (1883-1917) who used a local resident and whaler Richard Lewis McLachlan (xxxx-1919) as the model. McLachlan lived at 139 Hillman Street was a veteran of the sea and a whaleman he had sailed on every ocean.
Paranormal New Bedford City Hall Mystery
There's been many reports of an underground tunnel that goes from City Hall to the Library. The location of the tunnel and what is stored in it remains a mystery. There are many unverified stories of safes being stored in the tunnel. The contents of the safes are unknown
On July 1st, 1910, McAuliffe noted the completed project in his order book: “Received an order from the Connecticut Steam Brownstone Company to execute modeling and carving on the Municipal Building of New Bedford, Mass. $1,790.00. Paid.”
The carving combines themes of the city’s maritime history and its major enterprises: the fisheries, manufacturing and transportation. The billowing smoke of mill chimneys form a flourish over the seal. To the east a train races off, as the engineer appears to be sounding the whistle, with factories crowded in the background. The locomotive’s side panel reads NHRR (New Haven Rail Road) and the date 1909. To the west whale ships cram the wharves, onto which the sculptor carved 75 whale-oil casks. In 1912, the sun was setting on whaling, while manufacturing and transportation looked toward the dawn of a new day.
Timothy McAuliffe (1856-1922) carved himself into the pediment; not as the engineer in the driver’s seat, but as a laboring immigrant coal stoker, in the steamer-tender behind the locomotive
New Bedford City Hall
The cornerstone of the building was laid in 1856 as New Bedford's first public library. In December 1906 a fire destroyed the original City Hall, which today houses the Free Public Library. In an early example of adaptive reuse, the City decided to switch the functions of these two buildings. City Hall will become the Library, and the Library will become City Hall.
The robust plan began in March 1907 when Mayor Charles S. Ashley committed $450,000 to the massive expansion project. Architect Samuel C. Hunt's alterations required almost completely rebuilding the original structure which was designed by Solomon K Eaton. Samuel C. Hunt died before the work was completed. Another local architect, Egbert Bullard took over the project which was completed in 1912. In later years Mr. Bullard would later confess to setting fire to seven (7) local buildings, including a school. On July 13 1912 the City Property Committee formally accepted the new City Hall from the contractors.
The construction of the current City Hall was hotly debated public works boondoggle that the time the mayor refused to occupy. Mayor Charles Ashley was opposed to the project from the beginning hoping to construct a grander structure for the municipal offices. The project, when finished was well over budget and was complicated by bickering contractors and a masons strike in 1910. In 1911 he refused to move his office into the City Hall, but finally gave in.
Inside the foyer of City Hall there is a custom-designed semicircle Otis elevator which was installed in 1906 at a cost $4,625. it is now the oldest operating elevator in the United States.
There's been many reports of an underground tunnel that goes from City Hall to the Library. The location of the tunnel and what is stored in it remains a mystery. There are many unverified stories of safes being stored in the tunnel. The contents of the safes are unknown
On July 1st, 1910, McAuliffe noted the completed project in his order book: “Received an order from the Connecticut Steam Brownstone Company to execute modeling and carving on the Municipal Building of New Bedford, Mass. $1,790.00. Paid.”
The carving combines themes of the city’s maritime history and its major enterprises: the fisheries, manufacturing and transportation. The billowing smoke of mill chimneys form a flourish over the seal. To the east a train races off, as the engineer appears to be sounding the whistle, with factories crowded in the background. The locomotive’s side panel reads NHRR (New Haven Rail Road) and the date 1909. To the west whale ships cram the wharves, onto which the sculptor carved 75 whale-oil casks. In 1912, the sun was setting on whaling, while manufacturing and transportation looked toward the dawn of a new day.
Timothy McAuliffe (1856-1922) carved himself into the pediment; not as the engineer in the driver’s seat, but as a laboring immigrant coal stoker, in the steamer-tender behind the locomotive
New Bedford City Hall
The cornerstone of the building was laid in 1856 as New Bedford's first public library. In December 1906 a fire destroyed the original City Hall, which today houses the Free Public Library. In an early example of adaptive reuse, the City decided to switch the functions of these two buildings. City Hall will become the Library, and the Library will become City Hall.
The robust plan began in March 1907 when Mayor Charles S. Ashley committed $450,000 to the massive expansion project. Architect Samuel C. Hunt's alterations required almost completely rebuilding the original structure which was designed by Solomon K Eaton. Samuel C. Hunt died before the work was completed. Another local architect, Egbert Bullard took over the project which was completed in 1912. In later years Mr. Bullard would later confess to setting fire to seven (7) local buildings, including a school. On July 13 1912 the City Property Committee formally accepted the new City Hall from the contractors.
The construction of the current City Hall was hotly debated public works boondoggle that the time the mayor refused to occupy. Mayor Charles Ashley was opposed to the project from the beginning hoping to construct a grander structure for the municipal offices. The project, when finished was well over budget and was complicated by bickering contractors and a masons strike in 1910. In 1911 he refused to move his office into the City Hall, but finally gave in.
Inside the foyer of City Hall there is a custom-designed semicircle Otis elevator which was installed in 1906 at a cost $4,625. it is now the oldest operating elevator in the United States.
Cemetery Disappeared Double Bank Building Mystery Who was buried here? How many were buried here?
In researching cemeteries in New Bedford, it has now been determined there were four (4) cemeteries in and around the downtown area. One of these cemeteries was on the site of the double bank building at the foot of William Street. This area was known as "Rotch's Hill", owned by William Rotch Jr., and was used as a burial ground before and after the Revolutionary War.
When the cemetery was dug up in 1831 for construction of the bank, a group of Native American women came to see William Rotch Jr. and begged for the return of their ancestors. According to legend they were handed over in a basket. However Old Dartmouth Historical Society reported when the hill was cut down, the bones were put in a box and interred in the 1793 Friend's Burial Ground.
The locations of the other three (3) cemeteries were :
1- Located in an area settled to the north of the downtown area, what is today part of Acushnet.
2- "Burying Ground Hill" located on the shoreline of the Acushnet River contained an unknown number of skeletons when 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. The cemetery contained the grave of Diah Tafford who was killed in the Sept 5 1778 British raid on New Bedford. Also interred here were 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.
3-"1793 Friends Burial Ground" was located south and east of Griffin Street Cemetery, on the foot of the Acushnet River shoreline. In 1802 when Griffin Street Cemetery was created only the Friends Burial Ground was still in use. The Friends Burial Ground remained at this site until 1853-1854 when the remains were exhumed and interred in a plot at the Society of Friends Cemetery located inside Rural Cemetery.
In researching cemeteries in New Bedford, it has now been determined there were four (4) cemeteries in and around the downtown area. One of these cemeteries was on the site of the double bank building at the foot of William Street. This area was known as "Rotch's Hill", owned by William Rotch Jr., and was used as a burial ground before and after the Revolutionary War.
When the cemetery was dug up in 1831 for construction of the bank, a group of Native American women came to see William Rotch Jr. and begged for the return of their ancestors. According to legend they were handed over in a basket. However Old Dartmouth Historical Society reported when the hill was cut down, the bones were put in a box and interred in the 1793 Friend's Burial Ground.
The locations of the other three (3) cemeteries were :
1- Located in an area settled to the north of the downtown area, what is today part of Acushnet.
2- "Burying Ground Hill" located on the shoreline of the Acushnet River contained an unknown number of skeletons when 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. The cemetery contained the grave of Diah Tafford who was killed in the Sept 5 1778 British raid on New Bedford. Also interred here were 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.
3-"1793 Friends Burial Ground" was located south and east of Griffin Street Cemetery, on the foot of the Acushnet River shoreline. In 1802 when Griffin Street Cemetery was created only the Friends Burial Ground was still in use. The Friends Burial Ground remained at this site until 1853-1854 when the remains were exhumed and interred in a plot at the Society of Friends Cemetery located inside Rural Cemetery.
Paranormal Zeiterion Preforming Arts Center Mystery
Guests and staff members have reported seeing an apparition of a male figure, feeling unexplained cold spots. For years rumors swirled claiming the theater is haunted by a former owner, Barney Zeitz (1882-1946), allegedly hung himself in the production room of the theater. The truth is Barney Zeitz died of a sudden heart attack on Cape Cod.
On the corner of Purchase and Spring Streets, the site was originally Nelson T. Fuller’s blacksmith shop before being sold to Brownell & Ashley Carriages who demolished it and erected their factory there in 1862.
By 1920, Stephen C. Lowe would take over the building and move the carriages into the future with an automobile business offering a line of Cleveland and Chandler cars. In 1922, the automobile shop would be bought by the Zeitz family comprised of Harry Zeitz (1892-1971) (president), Fisher Zeitz (managing director) and Morton Zeitz (treasurer). They owned a number of theaters including the New Bedford Theater and the Empire Theater locally, the Civic Theater in Maine, the Academy Theater in Fall River, and the Paramount Theater in Providence.
On March 14 1922 The factory was demolished and construction of the Zeiterion Theater began at a cost of $800,000. The venue for the theater was a place to for "live performances of vaudeville". The Zeiterion Theater name would only last a few months and the building was renamed the State Theater on April 2 1923.
The 1956 the world premier of "Moby Dick" was held at the State Theater, complete with actor Gregory Peck in attendance. In 1971 the State Theater was modernized. The marble walls were covered with wood paneling, chandeliers in the lobby were removed and contemporary rocking seats repaired the leather chairs.
In 1975 the theater was purchased by Tom Shire and retained ownership until 1982. Sadly, business continued to dwindle and the theater closed. The struggle to keep the historic building from being demolished for a parking lot began. In the 1981 the building was donated to WHALE (Waterfront Historic Area League) and WHALE donated $200,000 donation towards restoration. On Sept 25 1982 the Zeiterion Theater reopened and remains operating today.
Guests and staff members have reported seeing an apparition of a male figure, feeling unexplained cold spots. For years rumors swirled claiming the theater is haunted by a former owner, Barney Zeitz (1882-1946), allegedly hung himself in the production room of the theater. The truth is Barney Zeitz died of a sudden heart attack on Cape Cod.
On the corner of Purchase and Spring Streets, the site was originally Nelson T. Fuller’s blacksmith shop before being sold to Brownell & Ashley Carriages who demolished it and erected their factory there in 1862.
By 1920, Stephen C. Lowe would take over the building and move the carriages into the future with an automobile business offering a line of Cleveland and Chandler cars. In 1922, the automobile shop would be bought by the Zeitz family comprised of Harry Zeitz (1892-1971) (president), Fisher Zeitz (managing director) and Morton Zeitz (treasurer). They owned a number of theaters including the New Bedford Theater and the Empire Theater locally, the Civic Theater in Maine, the Academy Theater in Fall River, and the Paramount Theater in Providence.
On March 14 1922 The factory was demolished and construction of the Zeiterion Theater began at a cost of $800,000. The venue for the theater was a place to for "live performances of vaudeville". The Zeiterion Theater name would only last a few months and the building was renamed the State Theater on April 2 1923.
The 1956 the world premier of "Moby Dick" was held at the State Theater, complete with actor Gregory Peck in attendance. In 1971 the State Theater was modernized. The marble walls were covered with wood paneling, chandeliers in the lobby were removed and contemporary rocking seats repaired the leather chairs.
In 1975 the theater was purchased by Tom Shire and retained ownership until 1982. Sadly, business continued to dwindle and the theater closed. The struggle to keep the historic building from being demolished for a parking lot began. In the 1981 the building was donated to WHALE (Waterfront Historic Area League) and WHALE donated $200,000 donation towards restoration. On Sept 25 1982 the Zeiterion Theater reopened and remains operating today.
Paranormal New Bedford Armory Mystery
When it was still staffed by the National Guard, the guardsmen would often report seeing a black-hooded figure lurking about in the shadows, and an unseen force that would shove them from behind. Violently slamming of the heavy steel doors, doors open and close on their own, people see shadow figures. The military artifacts that once were inside the building are now missing.
Is the building haunted? The building was featured on an episode of the SyFy Channel show Ghost Hunters. Pilgrim Films sound-man Frank deAngelis was knocked to the ground. As a result, DeAngelis departed from the film crew.
Is it true that a Sergeant hung himself in his second-floor office? There is some controversy about this, some claim a Sergeant Delany hung himself from the rafter beam in the second-floor office in the 1920's. Some researchers have now come up with a different name, Sergeant Cuisse, a veteran of WWI.
The New Bedford Armory project was contentious and generated much debate. In 1898 Lt. Gardiner, a member of the Common Council, argued that the city should constrict a proper armory for the local militia, the New Bedford City Guards. Established in 1852 the New Bedford City Guards were stationed in Mechanic’s Hall (now Duff Building) at City Hall Square. The City Guards later became part of E Battery, Massachusetts 1st Heavy Artillery in 1898. Lt. Gardiner, advocated for the armory for three (3) years. Gardiner put forward a motion necessary to begin the work. On July 18 1901 the City Council approved a loan for $125,000 to acquire land and construct an armory.
Several sites around the city were considered and much debate about which location was best. The Mayor prevailed and Sycamore and Pleasant Streets was the final site. In 1902 the city appropriated $38,000 and in 1904 an additional $15,000 making the total expense $178,000. The building was constructed in 1903.
Pursuant to the Act of 1888, all existing and proposed armories came under the jurisdiction of the State Armory Commission. Nine armories had been built under the Act, and New Bedford was to be the tenth. The Commonwealth began its official occupancy of the armory on Thursday, March 10, 1904; just six weeks after President Theodore Roosevelt signed into law the Dick Act, which created a truly National Guard. Named for Senator Charles Dick, the legislation replaced the antiquated Militia Act of 1792 and declared the National Guard as the Army’s primary organized reserve.
The completed building built as a defensible battalion armory, it was constructed of the most durable materials. The exterior was of native granite, some of which was mined from the ledge upon which the armory stands. The woodwork and wainscoting were of solid cypress, and the staircases were of maple. The Drill Hall with an area of 12,876 sq. ft. it remains the largest uninterrupted floor space in the city.
In 2004 The Massachusetts National Guard vacated it for more efficient quarters, clearing its rooms of all contents, including artifacts. In 2005 The Commonwealth intended to auction the landmark, but days before the auction the Commonwealth imposed a "historic preservation restriction" on any reuse of the building. The auction was cancelled.
On March 20 2009 due to poor security, a two-alarm fire caused extensive damage to the building. The building remains empty and unused. The blaze destroyed the attic and third floor, and caused extensive smoke and water damage.
Armory Housing Proposal 2019
The New Bedford Armory, had a chance at a new life after sitting unused for nearly two decades. Winter Real Estate Investors had submitted a proposal with the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to turn the state-owned buildings into apartments and storage units, while maintaining their historical features. Due to lack of funding, the plan was withdrawn.
City of New Bedford Moves to Purchase Armory from State 2022
The City of New Bedford approached the state in 2016 to explore an arrangement in which the City could take ownership of the building. The City and ultimately negotiated a Purchase and Sale Agreement in which the state would complete necessary structural repairs to the building before transferring it to the City for a purchase price of $10. In April 2022, the City Council unanimously approved the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The state recently completed repairs to the facility including roof repair and structural stabilization, for $3.8 million. In the coming months, the city will solicit proposals to redevelop the site.
When it was still staffed by the National Guard, the guardsmen would often report seeing a black-hooded figure lurking about in the shadows, and an unseen force that would shove them from behind. Violently slamming of the heavy steel doors, doors open and close on their own, people see shadow figures. The military artifacts that once were inside the building are now missing.
Is the building haunted? The building was featured on an episode of the SyFy Channel show Ghost Hunters. Pilgrim Films sound-man Frank deAngelis was knocked to the ground. As a result, DeAngelis departed from the film crew.
Is it true that a Sergeant hung himself in his second-floor office? There is some controversy about this, some claim a Sergeant Delany hung himself from the rafter beam in the second-floor office in the 1920's. Some researchers have now come up with a different name, Sergeant Cuisse, a veteran of WWI.
The New Bedford Armory project was contentious and generated much debate. In 1898 Lt. Gardiner, a member of the Common Council, argued that the city should constrict a proper armory for the local militia, the New Bedford City Guards. Established in 1852 the New Bedford City Guards were stationed in Mechanic’s Hall (now Duff Building) at City Hall Square. The City Guards later became part of E Battery, Massachusetts 1st Heavy Artillery in 1898. Lt. Gardiner, advocated for the armory for three (3) years. Gardiner put forward a motion necessary to begin the work. On July 18 1901 the City Council approved a loan for $125,000 to acquire land and construct an armory.
Several sites around the city were considered and much debate about which location was best. The Mayor prevailed and Sycamore and Pleasant Streets was the final site. In 1902 the city appropriated $38,000 and in 1904 an additional $15,000 making the total expense $178,000. The building was constructed in 1903.
Pursuant to the Act of 1888, all existing and proposed armories came under the jurisdiction of the State Armory Commission. Nine armories had been built under the Act, and New Bedford was to be the tenth. The Commonwealth began its official occupancy of the armory on Thursday, March 10, 1904; just six weeks after President Theodore Roosevelt signed into law the Dick Act, which created a truly National Guard. Named for Senator Charles Dick, the legislation replaced the antiquated Militia Act of 1792 and declared the National Guard as the Army’s primary organized reserve.
The completed building built as a defensible battalion armory, it was constructed of the most durable materials. The exterior was of native granite, some of which was mined from the ledge upon which the armory stands. The woodwork and wainscoting were of solid cypress, and the staircases were of maple. The Drill Hall with an area of 12,876 sq. ft. it remains the largest uninterrupted floor space in the city.
In 2004 The Massachusetts National Guard vacated it for more efficient quarters, clearing its rooms of all contents, including artifacts. In 2005 The Commonwealth intended to auction the landmark, but days before the auction the Commonwealth imposed a "historic preservation restriction" on any reuse of the building. The auction was cancelled.
On March 20 2009 due to poor security, a two-alarm fire caused extensive damage to the building. The building remains empty and unused. The blaze destroyed the attic and third floor, and caused extensive smoke and water damage.
Armory Housing Proposal 2019
The New Bedford Armory, had a chance at a new life after sitting unused for nearly two decades. Winter Real Estate Investors had submitted a proposal with the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to turn the state-owned buildings into apartments and storage units, while maintaining their historical features. Due to lack of funding, the plan was withdrawn.
City of New Bedford Moves to Purchase Armory from State 2022
The City of New Bedford approached the state in 2016 to explore an arrangement in which the City could take ownership of the building. The City and ultimately negotiated a Purchase and Sale Agreement in which the state would complete necessary structural repairs to the building before transferring it to the City for a purchase price of $10. In April 2022, the City Council unanimously approved the Purchase and Sale Agreement. The state recently completed repairs to the facility including roof repair and structural stabilization, for $3.8 million. In the coming months, the city will solicit proposals to redevelop the site.
Paranormal Clark's Point-Fort Taber/Fort Rodman Mystery
Is it really haunted? by who ? Over the years many stories have been many rumors of spectral soldiers conducting running drills inside the fort. There have been claims of shadow figures being seen roaming throughout the fort and its numerous batteries, including the Battery Milliken, which stretches three stories underground. Ghostly lights and footsteps have been reported throughout the complex. No supportive evidence has ever been captured. The ScyFy Channel Ghosthunters (TAPS) conducted an investigation which aired on Aug 31 2016. Again, no solid evidence was documented.
Clark's Point Lighthouse
The first lighthouse at Clark's Point was a wooden structure built by local merchants in 1797. In 1798 the structure was struck by lightning and burned down. A new light was constructed and activated on Oct 12 1799.
In 1800 a bill was passed to support the lighthouse and placed authority into the hands of the U.S. government. On Aug 5 1803 lightning struck again and destroyed the lighthouse. In March 1804 Congress approved $2,500 to construct yet another lighthouse. This time a rubble stone tower was constructed and complete in 1804. The lighthouse underwent extensive renovations in 1818 including a 4-foot height increase, which raised it to 52 feet above sea level.
Edward W. Howland became the lighthouse keeper in 1835 replacing his father, Capt. Cornelius Howland. Capt. Howland was a Revolutionary War veteran and spent 15-months being a prisoner of war in Edinburgh Castle in England. Howland escaped and after many adventures he settled down on a farm at Clark’s Point, and then eventually being appointed as lighthouse keeper.
In 1851 renovations occurred which included new lamps and reflectors and in 1865 the lantern and lighting mechanisms were replaced.
Fort Taber Construction, Obstructs Lighthouse
In 1857 a new fort on the property began to be constructed next to the lighthouse. The high walls of the fort now created a problem, the walls blocked the view of the light. In 1869 a wooden tower was constructed on top of the fort. The lantern from the stone tower was relocated to the new roof-top structure. The new light was activated on Jun 15 1869 and was now 68 feet above sea level. The former stone tower was demolished in 1906.
In April 1898 the establishment of Butler Flats Lighthouse rendered Clark’s Point Lighthouse obsolete and was discontinued. Vandalism, lack of maintenance at the fort caused extensive damage thru the years. In 1997 The City of New Bedford drafted a plan to create a park around the fort, which included the restoration of Clark’s Point Light. The restoration was completed and on Jun 25 2001 Clark's Point Light was beaming. Sadly as of 2014, the light no longer functions.
Fort Taber History
On Sept 24 1857 the federal government purchased the Edward Wing Howland farm on Clark’s Point for $7,000 to establish a three tiered defensive military fort. Funding was set at $50,000 for a 70-gun defensive fort. On May 11 1861 a temporary earthworks defensive fort was completed and unofficially named “Ft Taber” after the then Mayor of the City of New Bedford Issac C. Taber. The Earthen Fort was equipped with and old battery of cannons from Ft Phoenix. The earthen fort boasted three 24-pound coastal cannons and two 12- pound rifled cannons. In 1863 the walls of the stone fort were complete and the cannons from the earthen fort were moved into new casemates and installed in the stone fort. Ft Taber was now dismantled; however locals saw this as a continuation of Ft Taber and not its demise. The end of the Civil War in 1865 rendered the stone fort obsolete and by the end of 1871 all construction had ended, leaving the fort incomplete. The unused granite blocks went into the construction of the seawall that lines the beach on its eastern side.
In 1898 the entire military property was officially renamed Fort Rodman in honor of Lt. Col. William Logan Rodman of New Bedford who was killed in the Civil War battle at Port Hudson, Louisiana in 1863.
After WW-II, Fort Rodman was declared surplus and the 12-inch guns along with the smaller guns were removed and scraped. The (2) 155mm semi-mobile rifles were moved to Fort Banks in Winthrop Mass. In the 1970’s a portion of the complex was sold to the City of New Bedford for use for educational purposes and park purposes. In 2015 information was presented indicating the possibility the cannons were buried and not scraped. Based on local knowledge the cannons were removed and buried in the proximity of the fort to coincident with the closing of the fort in 1872. Assuming the fort was fully armed, there would be at least 38 iron cannons buried.
Battery Names & Positions
Milliken Battery (1920) The Milliken Battery was named in honor of New Bedford native 2nd-Lt. Alfred S. Milliken (1891-1918).
Lt. Milliken was killed on March 30 1918 at Warfusse-Abancourt Villars in France during WWI. Lt. Milliken was the 1st officer from New Bedford to die while fighting in WWI.
The battery contained (2) 12-inch guns with a 16-mile range. In 1935 the battery was modified to meet bombproof specifications. It had well over 16 feet of re-enforced concrete and tons of earth over each gun.
Cross Battery (1902) Named in honor of Col. Charles Cross who was killed in action on June 5 1866 at the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg.
Craig Battery (1902) Named in honor of 2nd Lt. Presley O. Craig who was killed in action on July 21 1861 at the Civil War Battle of Bull Run.
Barton Battery (1899) Located on west side of Ft Taber, It's named in honor of Col. William Barton who served in the Revolutionary War.
Walcott Battery (1899) Located on the east side of Ft Taber, It's named in honor of Col. William Walcott who served in the Civil War
Gaston Battery: The battery had mounted guns for only a short period. Its primary purpose then became to house ammunition for the adjacent battery Walcott. It is named in honor of 2nd Lt. William Gaston who was killed in action on May 17 1858 while fighting the Spokane Indians on Snake River in Washington Territory.
Captain Henry Martyn Robert
During the Civil War, Captain Henry Martyn Robert was placed in charge of the construction of the fort. Around this time, after attending a chaotic church meeting in downtown New Bedford, he began writing the “Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure” which was first published in 1876. “Robert’s Rules” are still used today.
Is it really haunted? by who ? Over the years many stories have been many rumors of spectral soldiers conducting running drills inside the fort. There have been claims of shadow figures being seen roaming throughout the fort and its numerous batteries, including the Battery Milliken, which stretches three stories underground. Ghostly lights and footsteps have been reported throughout the complex. No supportive evidence has ever been captured. The ScyFy Channel Ghosthunters (TAPS) conducted an investigation which aired on Aug 31 2016. Again, no solid evidence was documented.
Clark's Point Lighthouse
The first lighthouse at Clark's Point was a wooden structure built by local merchants in 1797. In 1798 the structure was struck by lightning and burned down. A new light was constructed and activated on Oct 12 1799.
In 1800 a bill was passed to support the lighthouse and placed authority into the hands of the U.S. government. On Aug 5 1803 lightning struck again and destroyed the lighthouse. In March 1804 Congress approved $2,500 to construct yet another lighthouse. This time a rubble stone tower was constructed and complete in 1804. The lighthouse underwent extensive renovations in 1818 including a 4-foot height increase, which raised it to 52 feet above sea level.
Edward W. Howland became the lighthouse keeper in 1835 replacing his father, Capt. Cornelius Howland. Capt. Howland was a Revolutionary War veteran and spent 15-months being a prisoner of war in Edinburgh Castle in England. Howland escaped and after many adventures he settled down on a farm at Clark’s Point, and then eventually being appointed as lighthouse keeper.
In 1851 renovations occurred which included new lamps and reflectors and in 1865 the lantern and lighting mechanisms were replaced.
Fort Taber Construction, Obstructs Lighthouse
In 1857 a new fort on the property began to be constructed next to the lighthouse. The high walls of the fort now created a problem, the walls blocked the view of the light. In 1869 a wooden tower was constructed on top of the fort. The lantern from the stone tower was relocated to the new roof-top structure. The new light was activated on Jun 15 1869 and was now 68 feet above sea level. The former stone tower was demolished in 1906.
In April 1898 the establishment of Butler Flats Lighthouse rendered Clark’s Point Lighthouse obsolete and was discontinued. Vandalism, lack of maintenance at the fort caused extensive damage thru the years. In 1997 The City of New Bedford drafted a plan to create a park around the fort, which included the restoration of Clark’s Point Light. The restoration was completed and on Jun 25 2001 Clark's Point Light was beaming. Sadly as of 2014, the light no longer functions.
Fort Taber History
On Sept 24 1857 the federal government purchased the Edward Wing Howland farm on Clark’s Point for $7,000 to establish a three tiered defensive military fort. Funding was set at $50,000 for a 70-gun defensive fort. On May 11 1861 a temporary earthworks defensive fort was completed and unofficially named “Ft Taber” after the then Mayor of the City of New Bedford Issac C. Taber. The Earthen Fort was equipped with and old battery of cannons from Ft Phoenix. The earthen fort boasted three 24-pound coastal cannons and two 12- pound rifled cannons. In 1863 the walls of the stone fort were complete and the cannons from the earthen fort were moved into new casemates and installed in the stone fort. Ft Taber was now dismantled; however locals saw this as a continuation of Ft Taber and not its demise. The end of the Civil War in 1865 rendered the stone fort obsolete and by the end of 1871 all construction had ended, leaving the fort incomplete. The unused granite blocks went into the construction of the seawall that lines the beach on its eastern side.
In 1898 the entire military property was officially renamed Fort Rodman in honor of Lt. Col. William Logan Rodman of New Bedford who was killed in the Civil War battle at Port Hudson, Louisiana in 1863.
After WW-II, Fort Rodman was declared surplus and the 12-inch guns along with the smaller guns were removed and scraped. The (2) 155mm semi-mobile rifles were moved to Fort Banks in Winthrop Mass. In the 1970’s a portion of the complex was sold to the City of New Bedford for use for educational purposes and park purposes. In 2015 information was presented indicating the possibility the cannons were buried and not scraped. Based on local knowledge the cannons were removed and buried in the proximity of the fort to coincident with the closing of the fort in 1872. Assuming the fort was fully armed, there would be at least 38 iron cannons buried.
Battery Names & Positions
Milliken Battery (1920) The Milliken Battery was named in honor of New Bedford native 2nd-Lt. Alfred S. Milliken (1891-1918).
Lt. Milliken was killed on March 30 1918 at Warfusse-Abancourt Villars in France during WWI. Lt. Milliken was the 1st officer from New Bedford to die while fighting in WWI.
The battery contained (2) 12-inch guns with a 16-mile range. In 1935 the battery was modified to meet bombproof specifications. It had well over 16 feet of re-enforced concrete and tons of earth over each gun.
Cross Battery (1902) Named in honor of Col. Charles Cross who was killed in action on June 5 1866 at the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg.
Craig Battery (1902) Named in honor of 2nd Lt. Presley O. Craig who was killed in action on July 21 1861 at the Civil War Battle of Bull Run.
Barton Battery (1899) Located on west side of Ft Taber, It's named in honor of Col. William Barton who served in the Revolutionary War.
Walcott Battery (1899) Located on the east side of Ft Taber, It's named in honor of Col. William Walcott who served in the Civil War
Gaston Battery: The battery had mounted guns for only a short period. Its primary purpose then became to house ammunition for the adjacent battery Walcott. It is named in honor of 2nd Lt. William Gaston who was killed in action on May 17 1858 while fighting the Spokane Indians on Snake River in Washington Territory.
Captain Henry Martyn Robert
During the Civil War, Captain Henry Martyn Robert was placed in charge of the construction of the fort. Around this time, after attending a chaotic church meeting in downtown New Bedford, he began writing the “Robert’s Rules of Parliamentary Procedure” which was first published in 1876. “Robert’s Rules” are still used today.
Abraham Russell, Thomas Cook, Diah Tafford Mystery
The exact location of their graves remains unknown.
On September 5 1778 a detachment of British soldiers, approximately 4000, were led from Clark's Cove by a traitor, a Dartmouth Tory (pro-British) Joe Castle. Castle had worked for Joseph Russell and went to the British and acted as their guide. After spending most of the day disembarking, the soldiers marched down Brock Avenue and across the head of the cove then through a forest path to County Street up to Union Street. At this point, the troops divided, and one part marched down to the river to Bedford Village and proceeded to torch and plunder the abandoned village destroying warehouses and homes and equipment. Almost everything went up in flames ; 11 houses 20 shops, 7 ships, 7 schooners, and 10 sloops.
Murders on County Street
John Gilbert was hired by Joseph Russell to move his household goods and his wife to a place of safety. Gilbert arrived at the Russell home located at William and County Streets and discovered a note indicating Mrs. Russell had already left, but he should take Mrs. Peace Atkins instead. The horse and wagon was ready for Mrs. Atkins, when she decided she had forgotten an item in the house. Mrs. Akins was taking a significant amount of time, around the corner came the British soldiers. A soldier seized the bridle, and ordered Gilbert off the horse. Gilbert escaped leaving Mrs. Akins behind, although she was never harmed.
Gilbert, running for his life, fled up Smith Mills Road (Rt 6). Along the his way out of Bedford Village he encountered William Hayden and Oliver Payton. Gilbert informed them of the location of the British troops, and the two of them hid in a wooded area along County Street near North Street. As the British troops passed, shots were fired killing two soldiers.
Revenge by the British was swift. Abraham Russell, Thomas Cook (40) and Diah Tafford (21) were armed and trying to exit Bedford Village by walking up North Street towards County Street. The men were spotted by the British troops who fired at them and attacked them with bayonets.
Abraham Russell was taken to Joseph Russell's house, after laying in the street all night, where he died on September 6 1778 around 10 A.M. Thomas Cook was shot in the leg and bowels. He lingered in the street all night and also died in the morning of September 6 1778. Diah Tafford was shot in the chest and died instantly.
Historical records indicate Abraham Russell and Thomas Cook were buried in Dartmouth, on Jedediah Sherman's farm on the road to Russells Mills. Abraham's sister and wife of Jedediah, Susannah Sherman, wanted the remains of her brother close by so she could tend to the grave. It's possible this burial lot became Padanaram Cemetery
Diah Tafford was buried in the "Burying Ground Hill", a potter's field north of Griffin Street. The potter's field also contained the graves of twenty-two (22) sailors killed in the May 1779 battle between the U.S. Naval sloop Providence and the British brig Diligent during the Revolutionary War. In 1830 skeletal remains were unearthed during construction, but were reinterred. In 1841 the remains were unearthed again due to another construction project. In September 1889 the remains were again unearthed due to construction, but this time they were transported to Oak Grove Cemetery. The location of these graves is unknown.
The exact location of their graves remains unknown.
On September 5 1778 a detachment of British soldiers, approximately 4000, were led from Clark's Cove by a traitor, a Dartmouth Tory (pro-British) Joe Castle. Castle had worked for Joseph Russell and went to the British and acted as their guide. After spending most of the day disembarking, the soldiers marched down Brock Avenue and across the head of the cove then through a forest path to County Street up to Union Street. At this point, the troops divided, and one part marched down to the river to Bedford Village and proceeded to torch and plunder the abandoned village destroying warehouses and homes and equipment. Almost everything went up in flames ; 11 houses 20 shops, 7 ships, 7 schooners, and 10 sloops.
Murders on County Street
John Gilbert was hired by Joseph Russell to move his household goods and his wife to a place of safety. Gilbert arrived at the Russell home located at William and County Streets and discovered a note indicating Mrs. Russell had already left, but he should take Mrs. Peace Atkins instead. The horse and wagon was ready for Mrs. Atkins, when she decided she had forgotten an item in the house. Mrs. Akins was taking a significant amount of time, around the corner came the British soldiers. A soldier seized the bridle, and ordered Gilbert off the horse. Gilbert escaped leaving Mrs. Akins behind, although she was never harmed.
Gilbert, running for his life, fled up Smith Mills Road (Rt 6). Along the his way out of Bedford Village he encountered William Hayden and Oliver Payton. Gilbert informed them of the location of the British troops, and the two of them hid in a wooded area along County Street near North Street. As the British troops passed, shots were fired killing two soldiers.
Revenge by the British was swift. Abraham Russell, Thomas Cook (40) and Diah Tafford (21) were armed and trying to exit Bedford Village by walking up North Street towards County Street. The men were spotted by the British troops who fired at them and attacked them with bayonets.
Abraham Russell was taken to Joseph Russell's house, after laying in the street all night, where he died on September 6 1778 around 10 A.M. Thomas Cook was shot in the leg and bowels. He lingered in the street all night and also died in the morning of September 6 1778. Diah Tafford was shot in the chest and died instantly.
Historical records indicate Abraham Russell and Thomas Cook were buried in Dartmouth, on Jedediah Sherman's farm on the road to Russells Mills. Abraham's sister and wife of Jedediah, Susannah Sherman, wanted the remains of her brother close by so she could tend to the grave. It's possible this burial lot became Padanaram Cemetery
Diah Tafford was buried in the "Burying Ground Hill", a potter's field north of Griffin Street. The potter's field also contained the graves of twenty-two (22) sailors killed in the May 1779 battle between the U.S. Naval sloop Providence and the British brig Diligent during the Revolutionary War. In 1830 skeletal remains were unearthed during construction, but were reinterred. In 1841 the remains were unearthed again due to another construction project. In September 1889 the remains were again unearthed due to construction, but this time they were transported to Oak Grove Cemetery. The location of these graves is unknown.
Cemetery Disappeared Hathaway Burying Ground Mystery
The April 11 1907 edition of the Evening Standard printed and article on the taking of the old Hathaway Burying Ground. The burying ground, a gravel hill, was located at the foot of Whitman Street near Belleville Ave.
When Whitman Street was designed, a few feet of the southern end of the burying ground became part of the new street. In total the remains of six (6) graves were removed to a city owned cemetery, which was never named.
One person is identified as the daughter of Captain Peter Butler, who was buried in the burying ground in 1830 and had fieldstone markers indicating the grave location. Where the graves were moved to, and their identities remains a mystery.
The April 11 1907 edition of the Evening Standard printed and article on the taking of the old Hathaway Burying Ground. The burying ground, a gravel hill, was located at the foot of Whitman Street near Belleville Ave.
When Whitman Street was designed, a few feet of the southern end of the burying ground became part of the new street. In total the remains of six (6) graves were removed to a city owned cemetery, which was never named.
One person is identified as the daughter of Captain Peter Butler, who was buried in the burying ground in 1830 and had fieldstone markers indicating the grave location. Where the graves were moved to, and their identities remains a mystery.