How West Lynn Has Grown and Evolved Since Colonial Times

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage mitigation is a keystone of SERVPRO services for West Lynn and Lynn

As one of the earliest European settlements in the state, (West) Lynn has a rich history and culture.

Lynn has a truly remarkable history that has helped to shape its future. From the settlements of Pilgrims and early European farmers to the role Massachusetts and Lynn would play in the American Revolution, there is a long and illustrious history. It is challenging to consider the changes and evolution that shaped the present and future versions of the city without taking the time to appreciate the stages that led to Lynn as many know it today. This population growth would also help services like our SERVPRO restoration professional recovery develop and grow at the same time.

Colonial Lynn

There is an entire era of Lynn's history and growth before reaching the United States going to war with global superpower England. Pre-colonial settlements began in 1629, though at this time, Lynn would be known as Saugus based on the indigenous word for the area. Five prominent families pushing out from this development and Salem would ultimately create the start of present-day Lynn. These families operated and sustained a large mill devoted to timber, grains, and even alcoholic beverages placed in casks and sent to England for the enjoyment of King George. It would be until 1850 for Lynn to be incorporated as its own town.

In the years leading into the Revolutionary War and during this turmoil and strife, Lynn would become necessary for the union. The city held some of the most significant shoe manufacturing facilities. It would be the residents' hard work in these buildings that would ensure that the Continental Army had boots for the ongoing conflict. This trade would ultimately bring about a prosperous age for the town spanning into the 19th century. Our homage to this vital service Lynn provided is on our city seal, where you can see a colonial boot.

Historic Locations in Lynn

Lynn and its surrounding areas have dozens of structures that have been accredited as historic and significant by a national database. While we do have buildings in the region that can date back even before the formation of the United States, some of the most prominent and well-known of these historical properties include: 

• Capitol Diner – This site is believed to be the final diner of its type by this company still in operation. It has been a staple restaurant on Union Street in Lynn since 1928.
• Lynn Armory – This facility has been in Lynn since 1893 and has seen many functions and owners from that time to the present. The armory has recently been approved for a project to convert the space into apartments for veterans.
• High Rock Tower – This is an 85-ft tall tower in the middle of the park of the same name in Lynn. The massive stone building was built by Jesse Hutchinson, famed in the area as one of the members of a renowned abolitionist singing group from the 1840s to the 1880s.
• Grand Army of the Republic Hall/Museum – This hall is now a museum dedicated to the Grand Army of the Republic – an organization for American Civil War veterans. This hall is the last of its kind in Massachusetts and has maintained its appearance and functionality as living on as a museum.
• Fabens Building – Lynn was ravaged by a fire in 1889 that forced many properties to get reconstructed from the rubble. William Fabens would take the opportunity to construct a massive building to accommodate the need for large office space and storefronts.

Growing from Strong Roots

As the largest city in Essex County, Lynn has been steadily growing in population and through its industry and commercial offerings since accurate records were first kept in 1790. What was once a population of roughly 2300 after the Revolutionary War, Lynn has grown to accommodate nearly 95,000. The city had to work hard to overcome a bad reputation as an area that was crime-ridden for several decades as a more affordable subcommunity of Boston. Instead of the moniker "The City of Sin," officials spent much of the 1990s campaigning the municipality as the "City of Firsts."

Though many of these proposed 'firsts' were difficult to substantiate, it was enough to help put Lynn in a different light. City officials would suggest that Lynn, MA would be the first place that several of these events or circumstances first occurred:

• First tannery in the United States
• First American jet engine
• Lydia Pinkham - First woman in advertising
• First fire engine
• First electric streetcar operating in Massachusetts
• First iron works facility
• Birthplace of the roast beef sandwich

When Water Removal is Necessary for Lynn Businesses

Between the thousands of homes and businesses throughout the Greater Lynn area, water disasters can often be one of these structures' direst circumstances. As such, our SERVPRO professionals stay prepared to address these concerns with a prompt response that utilizes many of our top-tier tools and equipment. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster is more than just our motto.

Water removal for West Lynn businesses is a foundational element to restoring and regulating the structure's damage. Extraction can happen at various levels, from addressing surface pooling of standing water to releasing trapped moisture within porous materials exposed. Depending on the present water threat's severity, multiple removal tools are necessary, including wet vacuums, submersible pumps, and other specialty extractors.

Content management and inventory is a vital element of water restoration and removal for Lynn homes and businesses. With the substantial investment, you make in your merchandise and wares, the time spent cataloging damage and relocating items away from the compromised areas is critical. For belongings and stock that require more direct attention, drying, and cleaning, they can get removed and taken to our nearby SERVPRO facility.

Our business is to get you back in business, and that starts with a fast and confident response by our SERVPRO of Saugus / West Lynn team. Give us a call anytime that water disasters strike at (978) 744-0409.