"Wakefield's history has been captured by many individuals over the years, one of whom was Joseph C. Payro of 17 Curtis Street. Mr. Payro was well informed on the history of Wakefield and sought to capture the town's history through the paintbrush and the camera lens. Although not a native of Wakefield, he was a resident for over 70 years. He grew to love the community and became a student of its past. As a member of the Wakefield Historical Society, he created oil paintings of old buildings and landmarks, many of which are no longer standing, to preserve for future generations. He painted his pictures with photograph-like attention, paying close attention to detail. Mr. Payro was employed as a reed worker for the Heywood-Wakefield Company and took many photographs of the company products which now serve as a historical reference source. Following Mr. Payro's death in 1953 his family donated several of his paintings to the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library's permanent art collection. Mr. Payro's family and family friend Louis Picardi have been generous contributors of photographs for this calendar." -- Text from calendar by Jayne M. D'Onofrio. Image from the Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department annual calendar, 1990 Photos courtesy of Louis Picardi and the Payro family.
