Aerial view of town of Southbridge, MA and the American Optical Company from Notre Dame Church during construction
Aerial view of town of Southbridge, MA and the American Optical Company from Notre Dame Church during construction
Item Information
Title:
Aerial view of town of Southbridge, MA and the American Optical Company from Notre Dame Church during construction
Description:
Aerial view from Notre Dame Church, Main Street, Southbridge, Massachusetts during construction (pre-1916), looking in a south east direction. The Main Plant of the American Optical Company is to the left background and the Lensdale Plant to the right with the large chimney stack, near the Power Plant (1910). A glimpse at the Quinebaug River is possible to the right of the Lensdale Plant. In the left foreground the New York New Hampshire and Hartford Railroad Station house, LaRochelle Way, is visible. Quoting from the 1928 Southbridge Directory (page 46), this is how Southbridge was described: "Southbridge: The Eye of the Commonwealth One of the most prosperous and attractive towns in Massachusetts. Finely located for business or residence. Population about 16,000. Incorporated in 1816. State Road Leading from two directions [stet.] Fine electric and gas service. Adequate water supply. 16 miles of sewers. 25 miles of sidewalks. Fine Town Hall. $75,000 Public Library. $100,000 Post Office. $75,000 High School Building. $75,000 Cole Trade School Building. Fine churches. Fine public school system. Quinebaug River fine water power crossed by four beautiful stone arch bridges. Center of population of 25,000. Several excellent clubs. The leading manufactured products of Southbridge are as follows, details of which will be found in this department, optical goods, lens, worsted dress goods, cutlery, tools, shuttles and shuttle irons, cotton finishing, augers and bits, toys iron castings, radio and display cabinets, sheet metal work, roofing equipment, wooden boxes, mattresses, etc. For any information regarding our town for business or residence purposes address Southbridge Manufacturers and Merchants Association: Elmer L. Schumacher, President, Richard P. Lennihan, 1st V-Pres., John J. O'Shaughnessy, 2nd V-Pres., Winfield F. Van Ornum, Secretary, George A. Litchfield, Treasurer" foreground the New York New Hampshire and Hartford Railroad
