A timeline of the history of Cape Ann Granite presented from the research life of Barbara H. Erkkila and the ongoing efforts of Leslie D. Bartlett.
The youngest son of Rev. Samuel Sewall, was born January 9, 1805, and died May 19, 1880. He went to Rockport, Massachusetts, when a young man, work first in the granite quarries, and afterward became a contractor and successful businessman.
The arc of G.R. Bradford's life
Stone from Gloucester to Cambridgeport, John Stimson actively involved
The Beacon Hill Water Reservoir, built entirely of Rockport granite
This is the life story of Levi Sewall
The Journeymen Stonecutters Association of North America, is the oldest, and perhaps the smallest, active union in North America. Based on a tradition dating back to the masons lodges of the middle ages, the International was founded in 1853. Many of the individual locals began in the 1820's and 30's, and the Washington Stonecutters are said to have marched as a body at the laying of the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol in 1792. In the late 1960's, due to changing architectural tastes and decreased interest in ornamentation, the union had become quite small. At that time it merged with the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA).
Incorporated as the Rockport Granite Company of Massachusetts
This is an amazing document which reveals the Rockport Granite Company as landowner; it is the written agreement between William L. Langsford (and Eli Morgan) and the Rockport Granite Company. The house purchase is for $225.00 outright, without title or ownership of land. The Rockport Granite Company reserves the right to give six months notice for the house to be moved off quarry property. The contract is dated September 13th, 1865; notice given January(?) 29, 1869.
Colonel French is encouraged by General Butler to form the Cape Ann Granite Company
The letterhead for all correspondence
The bridge is completed
Shipments from Granite Pier
“The Granite Cutters’ National Union was organized on Clark’s Island, Knox county, Maine, in 1877, the purpose being the advancement of the interests of the trade generally. The first thing to which the attention of the organization was directed was the abolition of the truck system of trading at stores owned and operated by the companies for which the cutters worked. When that was done the union turned its attention to the shortening of the hours of labor. Nine hours is now the maximum day’s work, and at Chicago and everywhere west of that city, except St. Cloud, an eight-hour day has been established. “The founder of the order was Thomas H. Murch, who was afterward chosen the Union’s first national secretary, resigning his office upon his election to congress from Maine.
Some week or more ago,,,
In the matter o contract...
Letter from PCU , strategy with James Vernon and code of contact for the Union workers ..
James Vernon list of Union Paving Cutters on Strike.
Note from Union to James Vernon re: the old bill of prices.
List of Tenants out on strike at Bay View
Warrant of names to appear in court brought by Rockport Granite Co.
Rockland Ma (Hurricane Isle Granite Co,)letter addressing need to meet and form an association to meet and aid in handling labor questions. This is followed by a letter listing paving clutters on strike and expressing wish that these men. It find employment at another quarry. "If all quarrymen decline to hire any new men for a month or until everything is settled on what is required in regard to hours and prices for the season..." W.S.White
Views of One Who Has Carefully Looked Over the Ground.
The Rockport Granite Company purchased in 1893 the property of the Cape Ann Granite company, located in Bayview, Gloucester, Mass., comprising land, tenements, tools and vessel property. Purchase price of $90,000.
In October 1894, the capitalize Rockport Granite Company purchased from Edward Caney his quarry and all the tools and equipment, located at Pigeon Cove, the North Village Of Rockport.
In the period from 1895 to 1915 the company purchased various parcels of land at Halibut Point, Pigeon Cove, which point comprises now 100 acres of valuable seashore property, a small portion of which has been operated as a quarry.
Quarries close so that all can go see Buffalo Bill Cody at Stage Fort Park
Numbers and Qualifications of men working in the Quarries for the Rockport Granite Company
The narrative of the April 27 March with names
Enter story info here
To the employees of the Rockport Granite co.
Master Teamsters Union notice of meeting at Scientific Hall. Followed by June 1902 Bill of Prices.
All union or non-union a not sent letter by
This is a key exchange between Mr. McCarthy and Charles Rogers.
In January 1909, the Company purchased the property formerly owned by the Lanesville Granite Company At Lanesville, Massachusetts Including tenements and equipment.
Enter story info here
The Custom House Eagles
Does the condition of business on Cape Ann warrant an increase in wages?
150 Stone Cutters No new conditions granted by RGCo.
The landmark case regarding noise in the environment
$100,00.00 purchase price
The Rockport Granite Company is liquidated &closes the life of quarrying on Cape Ann.
This is the basic story line
Cape Ann Granite Historian
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