2019.072.001

This is a scrapbook cataloging the life and rowing career of one William Caffrey who once lived on 16 Royal Street in Lawrence. Caffrey was a decorated rower, the national champion for two years in a row in both 1890 and 1891. This scrapbook contains photos of Caffrey, articles surrounding the sport of rowing, some even mentioning Caffrey as a hometown hero of the sport, and editorials from his friends and family regarding his skills as well as his character. The very first page in the book has a loose page from what looks like another scrapbook describing Caffrey as “A true man, well respected and loved by all”, and just underneath that statement, the date of his retirement as well as his time of death. Both occurred in 1937, Caffrey retired in March, and died in November. He was 70 years old. Most of the articles that include information about Caffrey are either praising him for his endurance and ability at rowing, particularly on Canobie Lake, a popular spot for the sport, or they are announcing his retirement. One article early in the book also points out that after winning his first championship Caffrey became the chief patrol officer of the boats on the Merrimack, and had a particular interest in travel, transportation and movement in general. To commemorate this, a transportation bulletin from 1964 that brings up Caffrey by name, due to his prior involvement with transportation on the Merrimack, is tucked into the scrapbook. The very last page of the book is a large painting of Caffrey holding his oar, standing in front of Canobie Lake.

Large. Green scrapbook with an ornate pattern on the front and back covers

Front cover comes off, no binding for the pages, loose articles