Text and photos: Everson Taveras
In honor and loving memory of the many shoe workers who defined and established Haverhill as one of the best cities in the world for shoe craftsmanship, the Haverhill Historical Commission, in conjunction with the Haverhill Cultural Council, dedicated a bronze plaque, along with several historic photos, on October 26 to a site near the west end of Granite Street.
The grand unveiling of the plaque, which took place nearby the MVRTA Parking Deck, was largely attended, despite the cold weather, which became amplified as time progressed by sharp winds.
Among the attendees were Haverhill city council members, elected officials, shoe workers, some of which approached the mic to share a few words about the hardship, cold winters and fierce summers of working in the shoe factories.
“Seeing people who couldn’t speak the same language helping each other contributed largely to Haverhill making some of the best shoes the world has ever seen,” said Joe Bevilacqua, a former shoe worker. “They took pride in what they did, in holding each other up in a time when money was scarce and comfort a luxury.”
Just below the bronze plaque gleamed historic photos of Haverhill’s shoe worker era, each one depicting the tumultuous yet passionate nature of the shoe workers, a time Shirley Campbell, 91, recalls well.
“I remember working in the shoe factories during World War 2 when I was 16, just grateful to work. We worked 48 hours, earning roughly 6 dollars a week, which was just enough for us to get by,” said Campbell.
The event was organized by the Haverhill Historical Commission, whose purpose and existence is in the service of preserving Haverhill’s history. Aided by a grant from the Haverhill Cultural Council, along with photos provided by the Haverhill Public Library and a space donated by Joe Costanza, administrator for MVRTA, the tribute was made possible by the same efforts that united the many immigrant shoe workers of that time.
“I am proud and honored to recognize the efforts of the hard working shoe workers who made Haverhill the great city it is today,” said Mayor James Fiorentini.
