Esther Howland BEnch
The Esther Howland Bench honors Worcester’s
Esther Howland (1828-1904)
at City Hall, Worcester, MA.
Esther Howland popularized Valentine's Day greeting cards in America. She saw the potential in these tiny lace tolkens, and created a female run, operated, and owned major business in her home of Worcester, MA. Her Harrington Corner business location once overlooked the site of the bench.
At first glance, the bench looks like an open lacework card. For those passing everyday, it provides a familiar seat near the bus stop. For visitors to City Hall it’s an opportunity to see a stranger or friend framed in a valentine.
Esther Howland Original Cards Provided Inspiration
Numerous Esther Howland Valentine’s Day cards provided inspiration for the bench’s cutout designs.
Wendy at the Worcester Historical Museum Library pulled out many, many, many cards from the archives! As did staff at Mount Holyoke College Archives and Special Collections.
Worcester Historical Museum executive director, William Wallace provided consultation on the bench signage.
The Fabrication Team:
Exceptional Laser Cutting: Jeff Gibson, Laser Process Mfg, Inc
Welding: Sincere Metal Works
Engineering: Balram Chamaria, B + AC, LLC
Finish: Chad, Central Mass Powdercoating
The Esther Howland Bench at Harrington Corner was commissioned by Worcester, MA as part of the Main Street Reimagined Project. City of Worcester team included Erin Williams, Che Anderson, Paul Morano, and Stephen Rolle.
The artwork was permanently installed in 2021 by UEL Contractors, Inc- a woman owned enterprise based in Clinton, MAs.
Photography by: Troy B Thompson