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TIMOTHY MERRICK : 1881 ORIGINAL, SIGNIFICANT MANUSCRIPT JOURNAL DETAILING THE MUNICIPAL ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES OF AMERICA'S FIRST PLANNED INDUSTRIAL CITY AND MODEL FOR THE LATE 19th CENTURY VISION OF A MODERN URBAN METROPOLIS

4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. On offer is a rare manuscript from late 19th century Massachusetts. This municipal record book details the matters pertaining to a vital municipal Board in America's first planned industrial city. Measuring 10.5 inches by 8 inches, it contains 143 pages and is 100% complete. The cover, binding and pages are in good condition. The handwriting is legible. There are also several pages of notes and correspondence tucked inside. Located on the Connecticut River, Holyoke MA was one of the first planned industrial communities in the United States. The city features rectilinear street grids which was a novelty in New England. In 1847, merchant investors began construction of dam and canal system along the Connecticut River. With this construction came an elaborate complex of mills and worker's housing, which evolved into the city of today. As an interesting side note, volleyball was invented here and Holyoke is home to the Volleyball Hall of Fame. To say that water and water management were important matters to the citizens of Holyoke would be an understatement. Its very existence, its jobs and its prosperity were totally reliant on it. This gives an inkling into the importance of its Board of Water Commissioners. Hence, this original ledger of the Holyoke Board of Water Commissioners is a vital piece of municipal history. Holyoke was home to numerous paper mills giving rise to its longtime nickname as the "Paper City." Among the many water-powered paper companies and mills referenced here include the Albion Paper Co., Union Paper Mfg. Co., Parsons Paper Co., Hampden Glazed Paper Co., Newton Paper Co., Excelsior Paper Co., etc. In 1888, Holyoke's paper industry spurred the foundation of the American Pad & Paper Company which is still one of the largest suppliers of office products in the world. Timothy Merrick, the Town Clerk, maintained this journal. The journal's entries chronicle all matters pertaining to the city's busy water board. At the time, the board was active in extensive affairs ranging from dealings with companies such as the Connecticut River Railroad and Holyoke's many paper mills to bodies of water throughout the city. "Voted and approved 19 bills including payroll for Frely amounting to $575.44" [p. 3]; "On motion, voted to allow Jolly Brothers to make connection with the City pipe and to use water, the work to be done at their own expense buy under the supervision of the Supt. of the Works" [p. 7]; "Voted that the Registrar notify George D. Robinson Atty for P. Dolan that a hearing on his claim for damages for diverting Tannery Brook be held over Dec 19th at 2:30 p.m." [p. 22]; "Voted to loan to V.J. O'Donnell $1,800 of mortgage on house on Price St." [p. 23]; "Voted to rebate to Parsons Paper Co on July $56.48, on August $14.03. Also to G Burnett $20.00 on Nov." [p 46]. The names of numerous Holyoke residents, businesses, landmarks, street addresses, intersections, etc. can be found throughout journal. Also many other Holyoke based companies from other industries can be found throughout the pages of this early volume such as the Jolly Brothers custom iron and steel forgings, Daniel O'Connell, Farr Alpaca textile mill, Tuttle Rubber Co., Valley Pipe Co., Crafts & Fraser Store, etc. Various local charitable and religious organizations are mentioned such as the Sisters of Charity at Mount Saint Vincent. This is a very important historical document as this Board was, for practical purposes, the most important government body in the city. Political scientists and historians would find this a treasure trove. It is a perfect view of local government in action. Its detailed recording of actions taken and events responded to provide a rich history of the city and a fascinating view of how it worked in the late 19th century. It is an excellent resource for genealogists as it provides complete name details and other identifying information such as addresses.. Illustr.: /. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good

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