Cummings Center

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The considerable innovation that characterized the shoe industry of the late 1800s culminated in labor unrest of equal measure. As automation rapidly replaced traditional hand processes, skilled workers found themselves increasingly pushed out of high-paying jobs that could now be more efficiently completed by new technologies. Rising tensions prompted Massachusetts shoe industry workers to strike in 1895, with unions advocating for workers’ rights to retain their livelihoods, operating these fast new machines at a fair wage.

Sidney W. Winslow, head of United Shoe Machinery, sent in strikebreakers and offered to train laborers on the machines produced by his firm. In doing so, Winslow reportedly hoped to develop a self-sufficient United Shoe with a stable labor supply and the ability to produce all machinery needed to manufacture shoes.

Let's get local kids set up for success: Beverly Bootstraps' annual Back-to-School Backpack Program is officially open. 🖍️✏️📕

Visit the website to learn how you can support your neighbors in preparation for the next school year: https://beverlybootstraps.org/back-to-school-backpack-program/

Did someone say DONUT??? Find your favorite doughy pastry, panini, or pie right here at Cummings Center!

We are excited about the unanimous vote taken by the City Council last night to name the road leading into Beverly Golf & Tennis "Matzeliger Way" in honor of Jan Ernst Matzeliger. His revolutionary invention transformed the shoe industry and helped lay the foundation for one of Beverly’s most important industrial neighbors, the United Shoe Machinery Corporation. The designation also marks a historic milestone for the city: Matzeliger Way is the first street in Beverly named for a Black man.

Born in 1852 in what is now Suriname, Jan Ernst Matzeliger immigrated to the United States and settled in Lynn, where he worked in a shoe factory. Determined to solve shoemaking's biggest challenge, he spent years developing a machine that automated the labor-intensive lasting process. In 1883, he patented the first successful automatic shoe-lasting machine, increasing production from about 50 pairs of shoes a day to as many as 700 and revolutionizing the industry.

Although Matzeliger died in 1889 at just 36 years old, his invention became one of the foundational technologies of what evolved into the United Shoe Machinery Company, helping drive the growth of the New England shoe industry for decades.

That legacy is deeply connected to Beverly. For generations, United Shoe Machinery shaped the city's economy, workforce, and industrial identity. Naming this roadway Matzeliger Way honors a brilliant inventor whose innovation helped transform an industry and whose impact helped shape Beverly itself.

This is another step in creating Beverly's Black History Trail.

For the discerning homeowner seeking lush comfort and simple elegance, Beverly Landing offers a limited collection of well-appointed one-bedroom residences. Picture yourself at the North Shore’s most desirable new address, where luxury living meets thoughtfully right-sized functionality.

Contact our Sales Directors at 888-896-1662 to schedule your private tour.

Congratulations to the 40 local nonprofits awarded funding through Tufts Community Grants, a truly special program fueled by contributions from generous Tufts University faculty and staff! We are both delighted and humbled to support this wonderful initiative with a Cummings Foundation match.

Pictured: Tufts AVP, Gov’t & Community Relations Rocco Dirico and SVP & General Counsel Mary Jeka—this year’s most prodigious faculty donor—celebrate with Cummings Properties operations team members Kara Murphy and Robert Chihade.

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SOAR Management Consulting | Helping Greater Boston Non-profits Thrive SOAR Management Consulting Group helps Greater Boston nonprofits improve their community impact through collaborative, results-oriented pro bono management consulting.

🎼Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle 🎶🎵

This Wednesday is ! Plan your route, locate a rack, & review additional resources at cummings.com/cummingscenter/bike-to-cummings-center & cummings.com/dunhamridge/bike 🚴🏿🚴🏽‍♀️🚴‍♂️

Pictured: Cummings team members enjoy a ride to Cummings Center,

The weather this weekend looks like a perfect time to join Beverly Main Streets at Beverly High School to pay tribute to our veterans & see benefits the military has to offer.

This is a family friendly two-day event.

Visit https://www.beverlyma.gov/1019/Warrior-Weekend for more information and the event schedule.
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