On Sunday May 3rd 2026 in Memorial Hall, Bob Arnold gave a presentation called “RoadTrip-18,000 miles in a Model T Ford”. It was about his grandparents’ road trip around the U.S. in a Model T in 1927. This event was sponsored by the Yankee Ingenui” T” s Model T Club of Townsend, MA and the…
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The History of Sheep in Townsend
Written by Rob Morin Inspired by the THS photograph “Boynton Sheep” Over the past few weeks I’ve focused with my facebook posts on the Sawmill, Gristmill, Cooperage, Tanneries, and the resultant commercial improvements such as trains, churches, commercial buildings, bridges, roads, etc. Prior to Townsend becoming the Cooperage Capital of New England, we had 40…
Author Talk and Potluck Dinner
Thanks to all who attended our author talk and potluck dinner on Sunday, April 12th at St. John the Evangelist Parish Hall in Townsend. We heard Gary Entwistle, author of ‘April’s Breeze’ speak about the start of the American Revolution and local historian, John Barrett, speak about Townsend’s 250th Parade and Old Home Day celebration…
Spring 2026 cleanup at the Reed Homestead
Thanks to our great volunteers!
The Reed Family and Homestead – The Start of the Story
Written by Eileen Barnacoat Have you ever wondered about the history of the Reed House and the family who lived there? I hope in this article to provide a look back at the 5 generations of the Reed family who resided in the house at 72 Main Street, Townsend, MA, that we now call the…
The History of the Townsend Historical Society, part 2
By Sharon Lacasse As I was helping Eileen Barnacoat in the Vault at the Reed House, I stumbled upon this list of information. Activities from October 1972 through September 1977 Did you know? that in October 1972 the Historical Society voted to purchase the Reed House for $22,500 with $500 paid atsigning and $6,500 was…
The Model “T” Ford and “Snowmobiles”
By John Barrett In the early days of the automobile, towns did not plow their roads. If anything after heavy snow, a town would “roll” the streets, compacting the snow to form a “snow road” that horse drawn sleighs could travel on. A review of Townsend town report from 1911, indicates an appropriation for “snow…
In the Beginning – the Townsend Historical Society
By Sharon Lacasse Have you ever wondered when and why the Townsend Historical Society formed? Since becoming a member, I have been curious about where the vision originated. To answer this question, I needed to turn back to the nineteenth century. Townsend was a different place. The Fessenden Cooperage was working at full capacity and…