Source: Leominster, Massachusetts by William Andrew Emerson p.267 In 1863 Mr. F. A. Whitney purchase the entire business of the Leominster Worsted Company on Water Street - two buildings located where the depot stands. In 1865 he relocated to a tract of land known as "Paradise" - and accordingly erected at once the westerly of the present group of buildings. Mr. Whitney petitioned the town to build a bridge. There was much opposition by some of the leading citizens but after a time owing in a great measure to the influence of Alfred L. Burditt, chairman of the board of Selectmen and his associates, a bridge was built, which has since been replaced by a substantial iron structure. In the first two or three years, five or six hundred covered carriages were manufactured. In 1871 a joint company was formed and incorporated, known as the F. A. Whitney Carriage Company with F. A. Whitney, President, F. W. Whitney, Treasurer, William B. Whitney, Supt. of wood and iron. Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth Continued - p. 268 - Leominster, Historical & Picturesque - Google Books Online ************************************** AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.