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10 City of Worcester: 300 Years As a center of higher education, Worcester lays claim to having the first women's "classical institution" in the country; in 1848, Eli Thayer founded the Oread Institute, which offered full classical and college courses for women. Additionally, academic superstars Holy Cross (1843), WPI (1865), Worcester State University (1874), and Clark University (1887) have their beginnings in Worcester. On the health front, Worcester again led by establishing the state's first insane hospital in 1833 and in 1885 created the first public health laboratory. A breakthrough in contraception occurred at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology when Drs. Gregory Pincus and Min-Chueh Chang developed the birth control pill in 1957. Athletics have always played a key role in shining the spotlight on Worcester. Today's baseball fans can enjoy minor league games at Hanover Insurance Park at Fitton Field or Polar Park, but spectators on June 12, 1880, witnessed J. Lee Richmond pitch the first perfect game at the Worcester Agricultural Fairgrounds. But sports in Worcester involved much more than just baseball. In 1880, Justin White, an avid bowler, designed a 12-inch-high pin and opened the first candlepin bowling lane in Worcester. The U.S. golf team won the first Ryder Cup at Worcester Country Club in 1927, defeating the British team. Cyclist Marshall "Major" Taylor, known as the fastest bicyclist in the world, set seven world records; a street bears his name, and a monument commemorates his incredible accomplishments. Additionally, the city currently has become a favorite stomping ground for basketball, hockey, roller skating, crew, and sailing. A vibrant arts scene began in the city in the 1800s and has expanded significantly since that time. Today, Worcester is home to local artisans who operate specialty galleries, a craft center, street art, live theater, and other creative arts. One of the most iconic works of art came from the drawing board of B. Harvey Ball in 1963 when he designed the Smiley Face for State Mutual Life Assurance Co., now Hanover Insurance Group. Worcester also played a role in the space race beginning with Dr. Robert Goddard who patented his devices in 1914 and launched the first liquid-fueled rocket in America in 1926. David M. Clark designed the first anti-G suit, which prevented blackouts during high-speed dives and has been used since World War II. Astronaut Edward Higgins White, II, who completed the first U.S. space walk in June 1965, wore a spacesuit made by the David Clark Company. These stories are just a small sampling of the city's accomplishments, milestones, and endeavors during the last 300 years. This photo- journal offers a glimpse of Worcester's evolution from farming village to influencer in academics, medicine, biotech, technology, manufacturing, arts, sports, and entertainment. While Worcester's past is rich with individuals, events and inventions that helped shape the city, the state, and, in some cases, the nation, the future holds the promise of many more important and exciting developments to come. Happy 300th Anniversary, Worcester! You've made us proud to be a part of this innovative, diverse, and historic city as it continues to grow. It's an incredible place to live, learn, and work! n Douglas S. Brown Thomas Doughton Phyllis Hanlon Dancers representing different ethnic groups perform at Worcester Memorial Auditorium's 25th anniversary celebration in 1958. source: Telegram & Gazette Summers World Hottentot, 1980. source: Telegram & Gazette First Night December 31,1988. source: Telegram & Gazette Summers World Common Drummers. source: Telegram & Gazette