A Timeline of Melrose History...

1649- Malden (containing Melrose ) becomes separate town from Charlestown

May 3, 1850- town of Melrose incorporated with 1,260 population

1856- Melrose Common, town’s first park, established

1871- Melrose Public Library authorized

1897- YMCA building built on Main Street

January 1, 1900- Levi S. Gould takes office as Melrose ’s first mayor

1901- Melrose Free Press founded

1929- City ’s largest industry (Boston Rubber Shoe Company) closed

1930- Mt. Hood Memorial Park and Golf Course created

1950- Census: 26, 988

1970- Census: 33, 180

1976- City receives first Federal Grant for revitalizing downtown business district

1980- Census: 30, 055

1985- Oldest school, Washington School on Lebanon Street , closed and converted to condos

1992- Proposition 2 ½ override passed by voters allowing city to raise property taxes

2005- Census: 26, 635

July 4, 1849- B&M Railroad service begins from Boston to Melrose

1853- Melrose Highlands are annexed from Stoneham

1870- Disastrous fire between Foster & Essex

1874- Town Hall built

1899- Melrose is officially a city

1900- Population reaches over 12,000

1912- Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall Building dedicated

1930- Census: 23,170

1940- Census: 25,333

1960- Census: 29, 619

1975- Controversial Melrose High school built

1977- MBTA opens Oak Grove rapid transit station in Melrose

1980- Main Street Historic District established by National Register of Historic Places

1990- Census: 28,150

2000- Census: 27, 134

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