ARIOCH WENTWORTH

Arioch Wentworth

Background

Arioch Wentworth was born on June 13, 1813, in Somersworth, New Hampshire. He moved to Boston, Massachusetts at the age of 20, opened his own soapstone shop at the age of 24, and proved over the course of his life to be a successful businessman. Among his accomplishments was the development of new methods and machinery to use in the manufacturing of soapstone which propelled the development of household countertops, tubs, and stoves.

In 1850, while Boston began development of the Back Bay and its surrounding marshlands, Wentworth expanded his horizons and began working with marble. His first manufacturing facility was located at 19 Hawley Street and contributed greatly to the marble that was used for many adornments of the thousands of houses, schools, and institutions constructed in the Back Bay neighborhoods during the time.

From 1850 up until his retirement in 1886, Wentworth was one of the largest suppliers of marble in the city of Boston. His retirement led him into the real estate business and by the time of his death in 1903 he had owned approximately 50 commercial properties earning him a fortune worth over $6 million.

The Wentworth Institute

Arioch Wentworth was known to take interest in his own work force, and believed that those who earn a living working with their hands should receive formal education in the trade they choose to pursue. Many of his laborers, prior to being hired, had received little to no education. This inspired Wentworth to envision the creation of a new trade school, and bequeathed much of his estate to this purpose.

Following his death there were legal disputes among his family members in regard to his will and the distribution of his fortune. In his will it is written that “As soon as may be after my death [the trustees] shall, unless I have already done so, organize a corporation to be known as the Wentworth Institute, for the purpose of furnishing education in the mechanical arts." Wentworth’s dream would came to fruition after $2.7 million was delegated to the construction of the Wentworth Institute, today known as the highly acclaimed Wentworth Institute of Technology.

The Wentworth Institute

April 24, 1920

Arioch Wentworth's Residence

Front Doors of 332 Beacon Street, Residence of Arioch Wentworth

332 Beacon Street, Residence of Arioch Wentworth

On October 1, 1886 Arioch Wentworth purchased 332 Beacon Street after previously residing at 140 Beacon for a number of years. In addition to his home in Swampscott, Massachusetts, 332 Beacon was the home of Wentworth and his family from the time of his retirement up until his death. After his death, Wentworth’s daughter-in-law and grandson continued to live in the home until it was later purchased from Arioch’s estate.

81-91 Haverhill Street before ownership by A. Wentworth

HAVERHILL STREET PROPERTY

Among the over 50 properties Arioch Wentworth owned between the years 1886 and 1903 was 89 Haverhill Street, Boston. The building housed manufacturers of marble shelves, scrolls and moldings, tables, and furniture.

FIRE ON HAVERHILL STREET

On April 28, 1877 an article was published in the Boston Daily Globe documenting the destruction from a fire that occurred at 89 Haverhill Street. The building was owned by Arioch Wentworth, the marble worker, who was forced to face the challenges of restoration.

This article is titled "FIRE IN HAVERHILL STREET" and details a list of shop owners and damage expenses.

O. M. Wentworth

O. M. Wentworth was born in Kennebunk, Maine, on June 25, 1833. In February of 1851 he left his hometown and moved to Boston to learn the trade of marble cutting. He served his apprenticeship with Arioch Wentworth, and began his own business in 1854 where he leased a property on Haverhill Street. His business went on for over 50 years until January of 1908 when he retired and sold his business to former employee Robert H. Grace.