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1854
The West Cambridge Gas Light Company was incorporated March 31, 1854, and the company allowed to lay pipes for gas through the streets of the town.
A legacy of $100 was received this year by the town for the benefit of the Juvenile Library, by will of the late Dr. Timothy Wellington.
In response to the gift, the town passed resolutions which are entered at length on the town records.
In these it is said that ‘the life and character of Dr. Wellington had become public property in the town long before the summons which called him hence’—‘that the whole people loved and revered him, and although he lived to a good old age, his death has been, and now is, most deeply deplored and lamented.’
1855
Act for establishing a fire department in the town accepted.
Act dated March 26, 1855.
1856
The town voted to furnish a clock to be placed in the tower of the new meeting-house, now proposed to be built by the First Congregational Parish of
West Cambridge, provided said parish will take charge of the same and keep it in repair.
1857
The West Cambridge Horse Railroad Company was incorporated May 28, 1857.
The town voted to aid the company to obtain its charter.
1859
The town first paid the expense of keeping the streets lighted with gas.
1860
A school house for the
Centre District was erected on a lot on Medford Street, formerly belonging to heirs of
James Russell, and named the Russell School House.
The Hon. James Russell presented to the town a bell, to be placed in the cupola of said school-house, and
Col. Thomas Russell presented a clock to be placed in the large grammar school-room of said house.
The
West Cambridge (now
Arlington) Five Cents Savings Bank was incorporated April 2, 1860.
The bounds of Mystic Street, from Joseph Wyman's house to Winchester line, were altered in 1860.
A destructive fire took place Oct. 21, on the
Walter Russell estate.
1861
There was a public meeting in the
Town Hall on Sunday evening, April 21, 1861, at which the inhabitants of
West Cambridge and many from
Belmont assembled.
A president, vice-presidents and secretaries were chosen, and resolutions
