An enthusiastic bunch organizing the
semi-centennial celebration marked the beginning
of the 20th century. Records and recollections
show city spirit enthusiastically displayed in
both speeches and participation. There was a
satisfaction in retrospect of the previous 50
years of Nashua progress.
Some statistics from 1900 include the population
at 23,898; The Nashua Trust Bank opening in the
Masonic Temple Building; The Library having 20,000
books to borrow and a circulation of 62,000 per
year.
In 1902, Electric Railways linked Nashua to Salem
and Nashua to Haverhill, Massachusetts. Tourists,
citizens and businessmen rode the trolley across
the old Taylors Falls Bridge fortified with iron
and tracks. Canobie Lake Park opened in Salem
providing Nashuans a pleasant retreat and a scenic
tour to the park. The whole trip took about 60
minutes and was very popular.
In 1903, the International Paper Box Machine
Company began. In 1904 Nashua Corporation,
previously known as Nashua Gummed and Coated Paper
Company began. Both companies are still in
business today with original revolutionary patents
of interest such as the first box folding machine
and the first bread-wrapping machine.
The Nashua Street Railway expanded in 1907
connecting Hudson to Manchester. This new line
created an all rail trip between Boston and
Concord. An interesting note was you could make
the 6 1/2 hour one-way trip for US$1.05. Three
years later, the travel enthusiasts of Nashua
would wane from the trolleys to their new love,
the newly introduced automobile.
Jackson Mills was established in 1828 on Canal
Street and started production of 'Nashua Woolnap
Blankets'. Nashua Manufacturing would purchase
their property, franchises, and trademarks along
with other mills in Massachusetts and Alabama, and
extend trade agreements throughout the world
including major routes in China and Africa.
Healthcare reached a pinnacle point in 1908 when
completion of Saint Joseph Hospital, the first
large-scale facility opened and received its
dedication. Supporters included Saint Louis De
Gonzague Church that provided the land, along with
donations from the Nashua Manufacturing Company
and many other local contributors. Monsignor
Jean-Baptist Henri Victor Milette, Pastor of Saint
Louis, invited the Sisters of Charity, the Grey
Nuns of Montreal, to administer the staff at the
Hospital. There, they would also run what is still
known as one of the best schools in nursing. In
the next decade, they would expand the facility to
include the medical advancement technologies of
pathological laboratories and x-ray facilities.
See photos of Saint Joseph Hospital
The still present and quite commercialized Daniel
Webster Highway opened on May 16, 1922. A great
ceremony included the unveiling of two historic
granite markers found at the south end on either
side of the road.
See the Marker
The J.F. McElwain Company found its way to Nashua
in 1923 from Boston. During its first year of
production an estimated 5.5 million pairs of shoes
hit the market. Another jewel in the crown of
Nashua's Heritage is the great Indian Head Bank
building that stands on the corner of East Pearl
and Main Street, built in 1923.
In the late 1920's, civic growth gained momentum
after receiving quite a substantial amount of
government funding. Nashua Business's found their
home with the newly formed Chamber of Commerce,
1926; and a New City Hall, built in 1939.
Nashua, like other cities throughout the US, saw
dramatic changes when the stock market collapsed
on October 29, 1929. Sixteen million shares and 35
billion US dollars were lost from the United
States economy. Adding to the impoverish
conditions that followed, Nashua suffered with
three natural disasters. A fire blaze out of
control burning almost 400 homes in 1930, a flood
of over 12 feet in some areas in 1936, and a
severe hurricane causing damages of an estimated
half million dollars in 1938. During this
difficult time, church, city, state and government
aid, help rebuild the city and its neighborhoods,
including an addition to City Hall for Nashua's
growing Police Department.
With the announcement of war in Europe in 1939,
Industry began to regain financial strength
preparing wartime supplies. By 1940, unemployment
was cut by 50%. In 1941, virtually everyone that
wanted a job had one. There were shortages
however; rations on sugar, gasoline, and fuel oil
made it difficult for all residents of Nashua. In
1943, can goods and butter almost disappeared and
meat cases were empty. 'Victory Gardens' were a
common sight as people grew their own vegetables
to help lessen the food shortage.
See photo of my grandfather, veteran of WWII
At least 13% of Nashuans served in WWII before the
peace treaty signing on September 2, 1945.
There are listings of many foreigners moving into
Nashua following the war. Many war brides returned
with their soldiers, still others migrated from
foreign lands in search of US freedom. The biggest
group to immigrate was from Canada. French
Canadians were listed as 45% of the population in
1945. By 1950, Nashua population now included
French, Irish, Polish, Jewish, Greek, Armenian,
Rumanian, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Albanian and
Russian heritage. Nashua's own melting pot!
Some well know citizens from some of the imported
cultures include Bishop George A. Guertin,
Superior Court Judge Henri A. Burque, Mayor Alvin
Lussier and Poet Leo Levesque, all
Franco-American; the Nash's, descendants of
Romania, and other cultural benefactors not yet
listed.
Continue to nH 1950 - 1980
