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…
Category: Treasures from the Vault
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…
Winslow Homer and his family connection to Townsend
Numerous articles have been written about Winslow Homer and his connection to Townsend. Materials located in the THS Vault attest to the research and writings of local historian Lee McTighe. Lee has written extensively on the Homers and has given talks including one given in New Ipswich, NH at the Historical Society’s annual meeting in…
Townsend Time Capsules – An Old One and a New One Coming!
Did you know that Townsend has a Time Capsule buried in front of Town Hall? Yup, we do. It was buried on July 24,1982 in celebration of the towns 250th anniversary and it has a planned opening of July 2032. How old will you be then? The capsule supposedly contains newspapers, town reports, photographs and…
Mrs Clara Craig and Asa and Sarah Tyler…the rest of the story
I always find it interesting that when researching a topic it doesn’t take long for connections to emerge. While researching the old school bell from the No12 Schoolhouse, for the September 2024 ‘Treasures From the Vault” article, several connections emerged. Mrs Clara (Stearns) Craig was the teacher who rang the bell at the No12 schoolhouse,…
The Townsend Memorial Band and our Summer Band Concerts On The Common
Band Concerts It wouldn’t seem like summer in Townsend if there wasn’t a Thursday evening Band Concert on the Common. Concerts have traditionally begun in June and run through mid-August, every Thursday evening (weather permitting) from 7:30-9:30. Local organizations host a lawn party in conjunction with these concerts, and while the band plays there is…
Memorial Day Tribute to Townsend’s WW1 Soldier Boys
On Friday, July Twenty-five, 1919, Townsend honored her ‘Soldier Boys’ returning home from the World War 1917-1918. An official Souvenir Program was created “Given in Honor of the Return of the Boys who Served in the World War 1917-1918. “ The Program for the day lists a variety of activities to celebrate the returning soldiers.…