History of Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts, including Lynnfield ...

ANNALS OF LYNN — 1
866. 21
Very destructive fires raged in the woods of Lynn, Lynnfield,
and Saugus, during September, the weather being unusually
warm and dry. The woodlands hereabout, as well as in other
parts of the country, have, from the period of the early settlements,
been occasionally swept over by fire, which sometimes
originated in the most unaccountable manner. In early colonial
years severe laws were made against smoking tobacco in the
woods, and various other precautions taken ;
yet the fires would
occur. Once in a while, it is possible, lightning may have been
the cause of the mischief But recently a French philosopher has
suggested that the globules of pitch which exude from the pines
may sometimes act as burning lenses and so concentrate the
sun's rays that they will produce flame. There is little doubt,
however, that in these days the careless use of friction matches
is the cause of many of these fires. Very few are aware of the
rapidity with which a fire once lighted in the dry litter of a pine
forest will spread and get beyond control.
An extraordinary drought prevailed this year. It continued
from July 25 to October 15 ;
and had not been equalled for
eighty-one years, as meteorologists claimed.
The corner stone of the new City Hall, at the east end of the
Common was laid on Tuesday, November 28, in presence of the
Mayor, a committee of the City Council, and a small number
of other spectators. There was no display. A proposition had
been made to have the event marked by grand masonic ceremonies,
but some of the old anti-masons energetically protesting,
they were dispensed with.
The number of deaths in the city during the year was 477.
1866
On the morning of February 5, Pranker's brick woolen factory,
in Saugus, was nearly destroyed by fire. The town having no
fire-engine, the flames had gained almost uncontrollable head-way
before one could arrive from Lynn.
Dr. Abram Gould, the oldest practising physician in Lynn,
died, February 27, aged 58. He was a man of thorough education
and much more than ordinary skill, and had gained an
extensive practice. His residence was on Boston street, nearly
opposite Cottage.
On the afternoon of June 25, there was a heavy shower, which
flooded the streets of Lynn, though Nahant and even Long Beach
escaped the visitation. And on the afternoon of the 30th a
copious shower took place in the eastern section of the city,
while in the western there was scarcely a sprinkling.
General Sherman passed through Lynn on the morning of
July 16. An enthusiastic crowd rapidly collected in Central
square, and most cordially greeted him. Some climbed upon