Founding of Woburn

Nine years after the Pilgrims founded Plymouth Colony in 1620, Puritans from England settled in Charlestown and established the First Church of Charlestown. As more families migrated from England, the Church needed to expand their territory to provide additional land for farming to accommodate their growing congregation. After petitioning the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the Church was awarded a large tract of land to the North encompassing an area including present day Winchester, Burlington and Woburn and parts of Stoneham, Reading and Wilmington. The Court stipulated that the new settlement would be named Charlestown Village and be maintained as a civil and religious society. The leaders were required to build houses, lay out streets and build a church within two years.

In November of 1640, seven members of the Church were commissioned to explore this vast territory and find a suitable site for the new town. Led by Captain Edward Johnson, Thomas Richardson, Samuel Richardson, Ezekiel Richardson, Thomas Graves, Edward Converse and John Mousall set out into the wilderness. Edward Johnson was an established leader of the Charlestown community and well known throughout the colony. Published in England in 1654, Johnson was the author of The Wonderworking Providence of Zion’s Saviour in New England, the first printed history of New England.

By 1642, the town of Woburn was incorporated by an act of the General Court making it the twentieth town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Also in 1642, the First Parish/meetinghouse was built, the first roads were established, and the First Burial Ground was laid out. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ancient map of Massachusetts Bay, 1667

Captain Edward Johnson went into the wilderness along with six other brave men and settled Woburn in 1640.

Aberginian, a term used by early settlers for the tribes of the north. One of these tribes in the Horn Pond area were the Abenaki, “people of the dawn.”

The First Meetinghouse (church) located on what is now the Woburn Common.

Battle Road 4-19-1775

This is right in your own backyard Woburnites. History and exercise for all. Beautiful dedication .

This is primarily an old carriage road that once ran from Four Corner’s to Lexington. The main trail follows the carriage road between 2 old stone walls, past a vernal pool and over gently rolling hills and through oak and hickory woods, with red cedars and white pines mixed in. There are many side trails that lead to small open meadow’s, and one clearing with a view of the Blueberry Hill. I am not aware of the walking trails this year. Info provided a few years back.

Blueberry hill

History of Blueberry Hill

A trivia question that likely most people would not be able to answer is, what is the Massachusetts state mineral? It’s Babingtonite, and the small black crystals could be found among the crushed rock that was the primary product of the quarry at USGS-listed Blueberry Mountain (272 ft.) in Woburn.

In operation from 1913 until the mid-1960s, the quarry was not a good neighbor because of blasting involved. Efforts were made to close it in the late 1920s and then again in March of 1950 when the company quarrying there made the front page of the Boston Globe when they set of seven tons of dynamite. The blast shook houses and buildings up to three miles away. In an official statement made the next day, the president of the company said the stone was needed for construction of Route 128, was done in accordance of state rules and regulations, and was supervised by a professor in charge of a seismological station at Harvard University.

The hill has gone through a number of name changes, though none related to Native Americans. It was labeled Blueberry Mountain on the 1903 USGS topographic map, but Mount Pleasant on an 1893 map. An earlier name was Brooks Mountain in honor of John Brooks (c.1623-1691). He was the son of the immigrant Henry Brooks (1591-1683), who called the area English Hills in his will. It was thought the name was changed when it became unpopular during the Revolutionary War.

Salem Street Bridge named for Woburn Marine Angie Piazza

Construction worker’s will take the better part of 3 year’s to replace the steel girders that form the backbone of the bridge traversing over the MBTA track’s by Salem Street in Woburn.

But as for the path way leading to the unfinished structure being memorialized after Woburn’s Angelo Piazza, those event’s spanned just shy of an entire lifetime.

In mid April, thanks to legislation sponsored by State Rep. Richard Haggerty and Governor Charles Baker signed into law an act that will officially designate the reconstructed $4.3 million dollar Salem Street bridge in East Woburn after the decorated Korean War veteran.

Considered one of Woburn’s most decorated war veteran’s, city leader’s say the state would be hard-pressed to find a more deserving person to honor. And unlike the case for many other bridge and public construction project naming ceremonies, the 88 year old Piazza, a retired police officer who still resides in his hometown, fully expects to be around to partake in the ribbon-cutting.

“It has been said, ‘A nation revels itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honor’s. So is true today as we honor Mr. Piazza for his heroism at war and his distinguished service at home,” said Haggerty after the bill was signed. “We are grateful to Angelo for his love of country and his love of Woburn.”

“The Piazza family is honored that this dedication admires and respects not only ‘Angie’s’ service in the US Marine Corps, but also his 34 + year’s of service as a police officer to the community of Woburn. “The bridge will serve as a permanent reminder of the sacrifice made by Angie and the other veteran’s.”

Though his parent’s resided in Everett at the time, Piazza lived with his older sibling in Woburn and was educated in the city’s school system before he enlisted in the U.S. Marines at 19 year’s old. Known for his athletic powerness the 3 sport varsity athlete at Woburn High School was a star fullback for the football squad and outfielder for the Tannner’s league champion baseball squad accomplishments that Woburnites proudly remembered as word 1st emerged about his service overseas during the Korean War.

In fact, before making his name as a war hero and popular member of the city’s police force, local newspaper accounts detailing Piazza’s early day’s in the 3 year conflict often referenced the high school standout’s earlier athletic exploits.

In one such 1952 newspaper article, which described high casualties sustained by Piazza’s 2nd Marine Division combat unit as it assaulted an enemy-held artillery position atop an elevated position known as Hill 139, one local journalist familiarized reader’s with the young Marine by summarizing his former feats during the 1950 Thanksgiving football game with rival Winchester.

“Angie scored the equalizing Touch down in the 1950 Winchester Woburn game that saw a plucky Tanner underdog tie a great Winchester 11 in a sea of mud at the Woburn High Stadium. Angie drilled hole’s in the Winchester line all morning and finally climaxed an 85 yard march with a thrilling 24 yard off tackle touchdown jaunt,” the newspaper article read.

By the time Piazza would step off Korean soil in the winter of 1953 and return to the U.S. to finish out his enlistment term in North Carolina, the Woburnite’s heroism during the war featured much more prominently in news account’s about his military service.

Wounded in action in the winter 1953, word quickly reached Piazza’s hometown about the Purple Heart recipient’s bravery and subsequent awarding of a Bronze Star, an honor given for heroic and meritorious service.

In a later newspaper account detailing the Bronze Star ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Piazza’s commanding officer’s noted that Piazza “displayed exceptional courage, initiative, and professional skill in the performance of his duties.”

“On 1 occasion, during a raid on a strongly fortified hostile position, he dauntlessly led his men into the enemy frontline and engaged with enemy troops in close fighting. When the order to withdraw was given, he assisted in the evacuation of his wounded comrades,” read a newspaper article at the time.

According to Woburn Veterans Agent Larry Guiseppe, who asked Haggerty in the fall of 2019 to consider filing legislation renaming the bridge in the retired police officer’s honor, he has long been impressed by the city resident’s commitment to the community’s former servicemen and soldier’s.

The Korean War veteran has tried to ensure that those who served in the 3 year war, sometimes referred to as America’s “Forgotten War”, are instead remembered for the sacrifices they made.

As a result of a partnership with Woburn Historical Society member’s Kathy Lucero and Brian Oulette, Piazza and many of his fellow Korean War veteran’s in 2010 participated in the production of a documentary entitled, ‘Chronicle’s of War: Korea”.

“He is one of our most decorated Korean War veteran’s, a strong advocate of veteran’s services and a patriotic member of the Woburn community. In His year’s of service to our city as a police officer show a sincere commitment to his dedication as a servant of the people,” said Guiseppe.

Dating back to 1928 — just 3 years before Piazza was born — the old Salem Street bridge was 1st identified as in need of replacement by state official’s back in 1999. Nearly two decades later, state transportation officials valued the cost of the replacement project at $5.56 million, but by the time the services contract was inked, winning bidder Kodiak Corporation agreed to complete the replacement for $4.3 million.

Located in East Woburn towards the Washington Street side of Salem Street, the elevated structure is perched over the MBTA commuter rail tracks that run from Anderson Regional Transportation Center towards Wedgemere Station in Winchester. Construction, which just entered its 2nd year, is expected to continue until 2021.

According to federal transportation record’s, as of 2014, an estimated 25,000 commuters crossed the structure annually, and by 2031, that traffic is expected to jump to 47,221 vehicle trips.

Though Piazza retired from the Woburn Police Department after 34 years of service, his 2 sons carried on the family’s law enforcement tradition. Michael Piazza recently retired from the force, but his namesake, Woburn Police Detective Angelo Piazza Jr., is still wearing the uniform.

According to Haggerty, though happy that the bill was finally signed after its near 2 year trek through Beacon Hill’s legislative chamber, his efforts wouldn’t have been possible without the help of fellow State Rep. Michelle Ciccolo Lexington and State Senator Cindy Friedman.

The Woburn state representative also praised the effort’s of Mayor Scott Galvin, who also joined in the lobbying campaign.

“We don’t make these decision’s lightly, and this is just another example of the terrific job Woburn does recognizing the sacrifices of our veterans. Larry Guiseppe and Mayor Galvin did a great job advocating for this honor for Angie, and it makes it even more special knowing he served our city as a police officer,” said Haggerty.

Gypsies in woburn year 1917

In 1917 a band of gypsies set up camp on New Boston Street. 2 gypsy tribe’s camped together and then clashed. The camp’s ’ queen, Marcia Mock had an alliance with the Johnson Tribe of Whitman, MA through a marriage with the son of Johnson Tribe leader, Steve Johnson. Steve Johnson gave the Queen a treasure for a safe keeping that she would not give back. He then showed up at the Woburn Police Station requesting a warrant secured by his lawyer.
The police responded by raiding the Queen’s camp. There they found bags of gold and 10 thousand dollars in cash. He then stated there was $3,500 missing which he produced documentation from the Rockland Trust Company. Later that same night Woburn’s Judge Johnson held a court session for Steve Johnson feared for his life. The Queen offered the court a bag of gold necklaces in lieu of bail. That’s when Judge Johnson came forward and offered to make arrangements for the safe keeping of Queen Mock’s unusual bond. Judge found in favor of Steve Johnson. To show his appreciation to both police and the court. Steve Johnson presented everyone with boxes of premium cigars. The very next morning Queen Mock alongside with her tribe they were forced out of Woburn.

1918 Boston Edison building

Green Street Boston Edison Building Built in 1918. This substation was constructed by the Boston Edison Company between 1918 and 1926. On March 20th 1917 the Woburn Daily Times reported that the Company had commenced the laying of conduits from the power plant on Lake Avenue to a transforming station at the corner of Green and Eastern Avenue. The conduit which carried heavy voltage was laid along Arlington Road, Hudson Street, Fowle Street, Prospect Street, Green Street to Eastern Avenue. The building is still owned by Boston Edison Today. The windows are now boarded.

The cowl of the battleship Maine

The Cowl of the Battleship Maine arrived in Woburn at noon March 25, 1912. It was 1st displayed on the sidewalk at 379 Main Street, Witcher’s Pill Box (Murphy Drug). This scene was taken at Witcher’s. Gentleman Center right is Mr. Witcher. (Last Photo Murphy Drug Store on right)

In 1898 the battleship USS Maine was sent to Cuba to protect American interests in Cuba from the Spanish government. This piece is all that returned.

On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine sank as a result of an explosion in the ship’s powder magazine. The tragic accident claimed 260 lives and shocked the nation. Remember the Maine became the slogan that propelled the U.S. into war with Spain in 1898. This ventilation cowl was recovered from the wreckage and now stands in Woburn Center as a memorial to the ship and the lives lost.

This scene was taken at Witcher’s. Gentleman Center right is Mr. Witcher.

(Last Photo Murphy Drug Store on right)

the wreckage and now stands in Woburn Center

1939 Woburn Massachusetts Fire Chief Michael Kane

This Photo was printed with the following: Fire Department Reforms – In answer to the filing of suits by 19 Firemen for $200 each in back pay in a budget reduction controversy Mayor William E. (Cage ‘EM) Kane has decreed if the City’s 200 Firemen want to hold their jobs; that they will have to climb to the top of a 165-foot water tower and leap into a net; That all beds are to be removed from fire stations; and that the department institute a rotary keep-awake system whereby the firemen walk a triangular route, one by one, all night long around the three stations on individual relays. Mayor Kane feels there are “overweight, pot-bellied firemen in the department. Fire Chief Michael Kane’s brother is Mayor Kane.

19 Pleasant St. – Interesting History Woburn 5 Cents Savings Bank

going originally located on the second floor of the building. Various commercial tenants including a druggist and a grocery occupied the 1st floor storefronts. The Woburn Post Office was located in the bank block from 1893 until 1912. When the post office moved out, the bank moved to the 1st floor and new vaults and modern equipment were installed. The 3rd and 4th floors of the building housed the Y.M.C.A., the St. Charles Catholic Total Abstinence Society, Post 161 of the Grand Army of the Republic and other social and patriotic organizations. The Concert Hall on the 3rd floor was occupied by the Eastern Middlesex 4th District Court beginning in 1915. In March of 1930 a special meeting of the Trustees of the bank was called to decide whether to construct a new building or reconstruct the old building. The Thomas M. James Company was retained as architects and the top two stories of the Victorian structure were removed. When the new building was nearing completion in 1931 the local paper boasted no semblance of the original block can be seen today. The Swenson Pink Granite used for the foundation was quarried at North Berwick, Maine and the sandstone for the exterior came from Glenmont, Ohio. The new bank was dedicated on September 22, 1931.

Woburn Memorial High School

The History

In 1852: The 1st Woburn High School opened above a store on Main Street

In 1906: The original building, known to most as building # 7, of the “old Woburn High” was constructed

In the 1930’s The wings on building # 7 was constructed

In 1954: The Football team captured the Massachusetts State Class C Championship.

^{In 1975: The Football Team becomes Massachusetts East Division 1 Super Bowl champions.}

In 1978: The Girl’s Varsity Field Hockey Team wins Division 1 State Championship

^{In 1979: The Football Team reclaims Massachusetts East Division 1 Super Bowl crown.}

In the year’s 1975, 1979, 1981, 1982 & 1987 & 1991 & 1994 & 2002: Woburn High School’s Football Team was Middlesex League Champions in 1991-1992; 2002-2003: Boy’s Hockey wins Middlesex League title.

In 1986: The Girl’s Varsity Basketball Team wins Middlesex League Title

In 1999: The Boy’s Golf Team wins State Championship

In 2000 and 2001: The Boy’s Soccer and Golf Team’s win State Championships; Boy’s Wrestling Team win Middlesex League, Middlesex Tournament, Sectional, State and All-State Title’s.

In 2002: The Boy’s Golf Team wins the State Championship

In 2005: The Boy’s Hockey Team are the Division 1 North Champions and State Finalists and the Football Team became the Super Bowl Champions and the Girl’s Hockey team wins Middlesex League Champions Division 1 and State Finalists

In 2005 and 2006: The Boys Indoor Track Team wins the State Relays with dominant hurdle performance.

In 2006: The new Woburn Memorial High School building opens in September for the year 2006-2007 school year. The Boy’s varsity Cross Country team wins the Middlesex League, Girl’s Hockey wins Division 1 State Championship in the 2007 The Boy’s Hockey became the Division 1 North Champions and State Finalists

In 2007: The new football stadium opens up with a moderate win over Winchester on Thanksgiving Day and The Boy’s Outdoor Track team became the tri-team champions by defeating Reading by a close margin of 2 points. That same year the Golf and Outdoor Track Team’s became the Middlesex League Champions and the Girls Hockey and football team becomes the co-Middlesex league champions

In 2008: The Indoor Track Team become the Undefeated Middlesex League Champions and the Division 2 State champions also the All-State Champions and the Boys’ 4 x 400 relay team wins the national title.

In 2009: The Boy’s Outdoor Track Team became the Duel-Champs of the Middlesex League.

In 2011: The Boy’s Outdoor Track Team become Undefeated Middlesex League Champions.

In 2016: The Girl’s varsity Cross Country team wins the Division 2 State Championship & the Middlesex League, Girl’s Hockey wins the Division 1 State Championship.

In 2017: The Girl’s Cross Country team wins the Middlesex League. The Girl’s hockey team becomes the State Champions. The Boy’s indoor track team wins the Middlesex League.

In 2018: The Girl’s hockey team becomes the State Champions for 2nd straight year in a row. The Girl’s indoor track team win the Middlesex League and the Division 2 State Relay Championship.The Boy’s indoor track team wins the Middlesex League.