Rev. Charles Brooks, the able historian of Medford, Rev. D. A. Wasson, the radical preacher, Abner J. Phipps of the Board of Education, and Jefferson Hascall, D. D., were then also residents. Mr. Cross was the master at the Brooks school and Miss Ellen Lane one of the teachers. Of the women of the village I can say but little, but must allude to Miss Lucy Ann Brooks and Mrs. Usher, each in their own way rich in good works, and ‘Auntie’ Cheney, a veritable mother in Israel.
A little later comers were B. C. Leonard, H. B. Nottage, Gardner Chapin, Herman Judkins, and others whom time forbids to mention.
1872 marked the organization of churches, and the call for more school accommodations, while a few fires emphasized the need of something more than the ancient hose carriage for protection. New dwellings and churches were built, new residents came, stores were opened, and the growing village demanded new avenues of travel. The solid stone piers and abutments of the canal viaduct invited Boston avenue, while Auburn street put up a rival claim. The result was that the river was crossed in both places, opening the Hillside and Cotting street districts. Not a rapid, but a healthy growth has marked the section I have described and so gradually that only the flight of time brings it vividly to notice.
On the slope of the Hillside and on the level plain trees planted by private munificence and public expense (since Arbor Day obtained recognition) are rapidly adding shade and beauty to the growing section. The same giant sycamores stand guard before the Jonathan Brooks homestead, and reach out their arms in benediction upon the passers, while at Mystic street the vista of beauty seen as I looked all four ways in ‘70 is grown more beautiful by the lapse of years.
The city of Medford is estimated to have had in January, 1904, a population of 21,500, with number of voters registered, 3,659; or six inhabitants to one voter.
