new railroad by the way of Andover connected Lowell with Boston in 1874.

[Illustration: OLD FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH,
Which stood on site of the Boston and Maine Railroad Station.]

The city celebrated the semi-centennial of its incorporation, March 1,
1876.

The Emperor Dom Pedro of Brazil visited the city in June of the same
year.

The Lowell Art Association was formed in May, 1878. In December of that
year the waters of the Merrimack rose nearly eleven feet on Pawtucket
Dam; in the same month the Merrimack Company introduced the electric
light.

[Illustration: JOHN DYNELY PRINCE.
Born in England, 1780. Died January 5, 1860.]

Merrimack Company introduced the electric light.

In August, 1880, Boston and Lowell were connected by telephone.

As one glances over the history of Lowell, he recognizes the fact that
the city has gained its prominence, its wealth, and its population,
chiefly through the great corporations, and the wisdom of their early
managers; accordingly the record of these corporate bodies is intimately
connected with the annals of the city. The reader has noted the fact
that the first impetus was given to the place by the acts of the
Merrimack Manufacturing Company. This company was incorporated February