AROUND WORCESTER
WORCESTER:The buzz is a renaissance spurred by the opening of the Blackstone Canal on Harding Street. Downtown will become a destination for people to stroll along the waterfront as in many other cities nationwide. But for today we have the following highlights to offer our visitors: TO EAT:
TO DO downtown Worcester:
Driving en route on 290 West:
Off I-190 North almost to Route 2:Sterling: get lost in the corn field maze designed by Brit, Adrian Fisher, a 7-time Guinness World Record holder for living sculpture maze designs around the world: www.davismegamaze.com About the Sprinkler Factory:Located at 38 Harlow Street, across from Hanneman Hospital, the Factory is a 225,000 sq.ft. complex with a rich history. Once a manufacturing plant, the expansive brick structure is now home to an eclectic mix of tenants: working artists in different media who find the space inspiring for painting, ceramics, music and dance. The gem of the building is the huge atrium in the center of the complex. Located on the 2nd floor, the large Gallery is available for exhibits, dancing and other performances. A Brief History of the Sprinkler Factory:"During WWII, only 23 years old, (Howard) Freeman was asked to go on a secret mission to Washington, D.C. The
job: to find a way to put out highly inflammable fires on ships at sea. Photo above: The cozy entrance to our beloved "Tango at the Factory." A Brief History of Worcester:Worcester was established as a town on June 14, 1722, chosen the shire town or county seat of Worcester County in 1731, and incorporated as a city on February 29, 1848 TRIVIA ABOUT WORCESTER:- Worcester Telegram, June 14, 1948 - The Declaration of Independence was first publicly read in Massachusetts by Isaiah Thomas in Worcester in July 1776. - The monkey wrench was invented by Loring Coes of the Coes Knife Company in 1840. - Worcester resident Charles Thurber patented the first modern-day typewriter in 1843. - The first national convention of women advocating women's suffrage was held in Worcester on October 23 and 24, 1850. - Elm Park became the first public park in the country when land was deeded to the city of Worcester in 1854. - Worcester resident Joshua Stoddard invented the steam calliope in 1855. - J. Lee Richmond of the Worcesters pitched the first perfect game in major league basball history on June 12, 1880. - Worcester resident Henry Perky became the first to mass produce shredded wheat in 1895. - Albert A. Michelson, chairman of Clark University's Physics Department, named America's first Nobel Prize Winner in 1902. - Dr. Robert H. Goddard of Clark University patented the first liquid fuel rocket in 1914. - Harvey Ball designed the world famous Smiley face in 1963. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WORCESTER: |
In a very short time (several weeks) Freeman invented the 'water fog nozzle' which as he is quoted, "...was
spectacularly successful and 100,000,000 went into production at the Sprinkler Factory."
Shortly thereafter, he invented a hose nozzle or 'fogfoam nozzle' to fight oil fires which later became the
basics for crash-rescue operations at airports around the world; still in use today.
While employed at Rockwood Sprinkler factory, Freeman produced 22 inventions."
