The Story of Worcester


Book Description

Here are gathered many tales of the city and its inhabitants over the centuries: events and personalities from visiting monarchs to food riots, from a friar who was found up to no good in the Cardinal's Hat, to crowds flocking to see an amazing learned dog who could 'read, write and keep accounts'. This is history brought to life through the words and deeds of those long gone, and provides an inspiration to look for the past in Worcester's ancient street names, its mediaeval and later buildings, and even in its parks and open spaces.




Denholms


Book Description

When William Denholm and William McKay teamed up in 1870 to form a dry goods store in the factory town of Worcester, Massachusetts, they could not have imagined the 103-year legacy that would make their store a beloved New England landmark. Former customers may well recall the store's elaborate promotions that took shoppers to exotic locales, from an African holiday to a trip through the Italian fashion world. Join authors Christopher Sawyer and Patricia Wolf, daughter of a former Denholms president, as they take a behind-the-scenes view of the history and memory of Massachusetts's largest department store outside of Boston. With vivid descriptions of the festive holiday displays and personal recollections from former employees, this book is sure to make any reader nostalgic for the bygone days of shopping at Denholms.




The Boy From Worcester


Book Description

Worcester is the second largest city in the state of Massachusetts and was an industrial mill town—which made it the home to numerous mills, factories, three-deckers, and immigrants from different countries. Located in the central part of the state, this city thrives in harmony with its people where some of them are famous athletes, poets, actors, politicians and inventors. In this city, author Robert Pitchman was born and in his book, The Boy From Worcester, he honestly and unflinchingly relates his journey through life and survival. In this book, Pitchman reveals the story of his life with no holds barred. He is Worcester-born who, due to circumstances beyond his control and being an only child, was forced to survive on his own. At the age of six years old, his parents got divorced, which eventually led him to live in an orphanage just outside Worcester. When he was 15 years old, he went back to live with his mother and to survive by his own wits. In this city, he witnessed the various phases of development through the mills, factories, different enterprises, and cultural diversity—including the segregation that was apparent during that time. He had seen the city’s historical evolution, the success and fame of many individuals in various fields, and the invention of many useful things that are relevant to the world. This book is not an ordinary recounting of the author’s life of struggles growing up, it also highlights the people and culture of Worcester’s people, their unique norms and practices, the social interaction, and the numerous occurrences that help Pitchman shape his life. This was the city where he grew up, and became a man. Worcester is the city he loved, and, this is his story.




The Worcester Account


Book Description

A fond look back at a time gone by - a personal account of a writer's coming-of-age in immigrant America.




Swedes of Greater Worcester


Book Description

By the late nineteenth century, Swedish immigrants began arriving by the thousands in New England, attracted by the area's heavy industry. In particular, the steel and ceramic shops of Worcester provided a livelihood for many of them. As a result, new areas of Swedish settlements developed throughout the surrounding towns. Swedes of Greater Worcester captures the area's Swedish heritage through a collection of images that displays everything from vintage weddings to ski-jumping events and stories known only by the families of the Swedes who first traveled to Worcester. These images represent a time when the Swedish element was a vital and vibrant part of the identity of the greater Worcester area.




First Fruits of Freedom


Book Description

First Fruits of Freedom: The Migration of Former Slaves and Their Search for Equality in Worcester, Massachusetts, 1862-1900




Inventing Irish America


Book Description

An analysis of the Irish community of city of Worcester, Massachusetts around the turn of the 20th century. The author reveals how an ethnic group can endure and yet change when its first American-born generation takes control of its destiny.




Worcester's Forgotten Catacombs


Book Description

This book is about the secret catacombs, more than thirty rooms forty feet below the ground, that exist in the heart of the City of Worcester, Massachusetts. Discovered in the early 1900s, the time of origin and purpose are still in question. Read about the activities that took place in the rooms of the catacombs that were reported through stories told almost a century ago. Take this adventure into the past, where you will find more questions than answers about this secret underground labyrinth. The author presents his research in an effort to explain how the extensive catacombs could have come into existence. The reader is encouraged to continue the quest of bringing this story out of the darkness and into the light. This book may inspire you to join the search of uncovering missing information needed to solve this amazing puzzle.







The Ghosts of St. Ann's Past


Book Description

While visiting The Grotto of St. Ann's Orphanage Rosalie, Christine and Joseph meet the spirit of St. Bernadette. She sets them back to the early days of the orphanage where their journey begins. Come along as they encounter eighteen apparitions who take turns guiding the trio from 1889 through 1968. As you travel with them through each decade you will learn historical facts about the orphanage and that time period. Actual photos are presented in each chapter. The fact based stories and experiences of the children are told from different views and characters. You will read about the good, the bad and the indifference. Sadness will overcome you as you read about the plight of the orphaned. Yet, a smile, or even a chuckle will come forth as you see how the children cope with their situations.