text:
Middleborough, Massachusetts

Middleborough is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 24,245 at the 2020 census. The census-designated place of Middleborough Center corresponds to the main village and commercial center of the town. It is the second largest municipality by land area in Massachusetts and nineteenth largest in New England. Middleborough proclaims itself to be the "Cranberry Capital of the World". Cranberry production remains a significant part of the local economy. In 2015, approximately 1,400 acres of the town were used to grow the crop, accounting for 3% of all land used to harvest cranberry bogs in the United States.

History
The town was first settled by Europeans in 1661 as Nemasket, later changed to Middlebury, and officially incorporated as Middleborough in 1669. The name Nemasket came from a Native American settlement along the small river that now bears the same name. Nemasket may have meant "place of fish", due to the large amount of herring that migrate up the river each spring. There are no contemporary records that indicate the name Middlebury was taken from a place in England. The names Middlebury and Middleborough were actually derived from the city of Middelburg, Zeeland, the westernmost province of the Netherlands. Middelburg was an international intellectual center and economic powerhouse. The English religious dissenters known as the Brownists developed their governing institutions in Middelburg before emigrating on the Mayflower, and were the earliest settlers of Middleborough.

During King Philip's War (1675–1676), the town's entire populace took shelter within the confines of a fort constructed along the Nemasket River. The site is located behind the old Memorial High School (now a kindergarten), and is marked by a state historical commission marker along Route 105. Before long, the fort was abandoned and the population withdrew to the greater shelter of the Plymouth Colony. In their absence, the entire village was burned to the ground, and it would be several years before the town would be reestablished.

Western Middleborough broke away on May 13, 1853, and formed the town of Lakeville, taking with it the main access to the large freshwater lakes there, including Assawompset Pond.

Middleborough was once a large producer of shoes and is still home to the Alden Shoe Company, one of the last remaining shoe manufacturers in America. The local Maxim Motors manufactured fire engines from 1914 to 1989. Middleborough has since become the location of the corporate headquarters of Ocean Spray Cranberries.

Notable sights include the 1870s Victorian-style town hall and the Beaux Arts-style town library (1903). In the spring, the Nemasket River alewife and blueback herring run upstream to the Assawompset Ponds complex to spawn.

In the summer of 2007, Middleborough became the proposed location for a controversial future resort casino, sponsored by the Wampanoag Tribe of Mashpee, Massachusetts.

Teams from Middleborough have twice reached the Little League World Series (LLWS) the only Little League in the state to reach twice in the International Era (1958+). Middleborough reached the 1994 edition by defeating Milburn-Short Hills, New Jersey, to take the East Region title. In South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the team lost two games (to Virginia and California) and won one game (over Minnesota). They were one of only two Massachusetts Little League teams to win the East title (the other being from Andover in 1988) before it was split into the New England Region and Mid-Atlantic Region in 2001. Middleborough advanced to the 2022 edition of the LLWS with a 10–1 win over Maine. They were the first Massachusetts team to reach South Williamsport since Peabody in 2009. Middleboro lost each of its two games falling 5–3 to Southeast (Tennessee) and 7–5 to Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania).

Profanity ban controversy
On June 11, 2012, Middleborough made national headlines after residents approved an ordinance outlawing the use of profanity in public, making it punishable by a $20 fine. It passed 183–50 in the town of over 23,000 residents. Many legal experts said the law violates the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Dozens of residents on both sides of the issue attended a protest in front of the town hall. The Massachusetts state director for the American Civil Liberties Union said, "the Supreme Court has ruled that the government can't prohibit public speech just because it contains profanity." In October 2012, Massachusetts attorney general Martha Coakley blocked enforcement of the law, saying it was inconsistent with the Constitution, and the town ultimately backed off the profanity ban.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 186.9 sqkm, of which 178.9 sqkm is land and 8.0 sqkm, or 4.27%, is water. Middleborough is the second largest municipality in Massachusetts in terms of area, smaller only than Plymouth.

Middleborough lies on the western border of Plymouth County. It is bordered by Bridgewater and Halifax to the north, Plympton and Carver to the east, Wareham and Rochester to the south, and Lakeville, Taunton and Raynham to the west.

The town is approximately 15 mi west of Plymouth, 30 mi east of Providence, Rhode Island and 40 mi south of Boston.

Middleborough's rivers and brooks feed in two directions. The Taunton River, Nemasket River and their tributaries flow southwestward as part of the Taunton River Watershed, which empties into Narragansett Bay. The other waterways of the town, including the Weweantic River, flow southward into Buzzards Bay. Along Middleborough's border with Lakeville lie the Assawompset, Pocksha and Great Quittacas ponds. Tispaquin Pond, Woods Pond, and several other ponds make up the town's other bodies of water. Middleborough has four wildlife management areas, as well as the Beaver Dam and Great Cedar and Little Cedar Swamps. The town is also the site of several cranberry bogs, especially in the southeastern part of town along the Carver town line. Ocean Spray's headquarters are just over the town line in Lakeville.

Climate
According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Middleboro has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated Cfa"" on climate maps. The hottest temperature recorded in Middleboro was 99 F on July 10, 1911, and July 23, 2011, while the coldest temperature recorded was -26 F on January 5, 1904.

Road
Interstate 495 runs through the town on its way to Cape Cod. The town is also crossed by U.S. Route 44, as well as Massachusetts routes 18, 28, 105, and a short, 1000 ft section of Route 58 which passes through the southeast corner of town. Routes 18, 28 and 44 meet at a two lane rotary adjacent to I-495 just west of the center of town. Two of I-495's four interchanges are located there. I-495's interchange with Route 24 is located just 1.5 mi northwest of the town line.

The Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority provides public bus services along three routes in Middleboro, connecting to Wareham, Raynham, Taunton, and Lakeville, with stops including Morton Hospital, the Middleboro/Lakeville commuter rail station, and Onset beach.

Rail
Since the 1840s, Middleborough has served as a major rail transportation hub for southeastern Massachusetts; at one time, five rail lines radiated out from the town. Today, three rail lines extend from Middleborough, toward Boston, Taunton and Cape Cod. All three lines intersect at a junction near the center of town. Two rail freight companies serve Middleborough: CSX Transportation, which runs along the Boston and Taunton lines, and Massachusetts Coastal Railroad, which runs along the Cape Cod and Taunton lines.

The nearby Middleborough/Lakeville station of the MBTA's commuter rail system provides frequent direct rail service to Boston's South Station, and seasonal service to Cape Cod via the CapeFLYER train. Future expansion of commuter rail service to Buzzards Bay has been proposed, which would provide year-round direct connection between Middleboro and Buzzards Bay. A study investigating the feasibility of such service is being conducted by MassDOT as of fall 2020, and is expected to finish by summer 2021. It has been suggested that such expansions may warrant the construction of a new station in South Middleboro. Construction of a new train station in downtown Middleboro is also being planned as a major component of the first phase of the South Coast Rail project, which would provide direct connections from Middleboro to New Bedford and Fall River via Taunton by 2023. The current station would either be abandoned or reduced to shuttle service, which has drawn criticism from officials in both Middleboro and Lakeville. However, the connection would only last until 2030, at which point the second phase of the project would connect Fall River and New Bedford to the Providence/Stoughton Line instead.

The nearest inter-city (Amtrak) passenger rail stations are Providence, Route 128 station in Westwood, and Boston's South Station, and the nearest rapid-transit station is Braintree.

Air
The nearest regional airports are Taunton Municipal Airport and Plymouth Municipal Airport, the nearest primary commercial airport is New Bedford Regional Airport, and the nearest national and international airports are T. F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island, and Logan International Airport in Boston. From 1954 to 1959, a small runway called North Middleboro Airpark was constructed. It was a 3,000-foot-long paved runway, although it was not depicted in the November 1954 Boston Sectional Chart. Sometime between 1982 and 1994 it was closed, as it was depicted simply as "Landing Strip" on the 1994 USGS topographic map.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 19,941 people, 6,981 households, and 5,117 families residing in the town. The population density was 286.7 PD/sqmi. There were 7,249 housing units at an average density of 104.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.1% White, 1.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 6,981 households, out of which 38.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.4% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.7% were non-families. Of all households, 20.4% were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.23.

The population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $52,755, and the median income for a family was $65,173. Males had a median income of $60,854 versus $40,570 for females. The per capita income for the town was $75,000.

Government
Middleborough is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a part of three separate districts: the Tenth and Twelfth Bristol and Twelfth Plymouth. The town is represented in the Massachusetts Senate as a part of the First Plymouth and Bristol district, which also includes Berkley, Bridgewater, Carver, Dighton, Marion, Raynham, Taunton and Wareham.

The town is home to the Fourth Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police. On the national level, Middleborough is a part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, and is currently represented by William R. Keating.

Middleborough is governed by the open town meeting form of government, which is led by a town manager and a board of selectmen. The town's services are centralized downtown, with the fire and police headquarters being southeast, and the central post office being northwest of it. The town library is also located downtown.

A second part-time fire department is operated further south along Route 28 in South Middleboro. A third, temporary station was built in the 2000s as the surrogate home for the downtown facility, which was closed for substantial renovations. This third station, near the rotary north of the center of town, has subsequently been closed.

Construction on a new police station began in July 2017, with an estimated budget of $9.14 million. The police station was finished early 2019 and is now in use.

Education
Middleborough has its own school system, headed by a school committee and superintendent. There is one school for kindergarten children, the Memorial Early Childhood Center, housed in the old junior high (previously the old high school). It opened in September 2007 after a $13 million renovation. The Mary K. Goode Elementary and the Henry B. Burkland Elementary Schools serve grades 1 through 5. The John T. "Tiger" Nichols, Jr. Middle School (1999) serves grades 6 through 8, and the Middleborough High School serves grades 9 through 12. Middleborough High's mascot is the "Sachem", and their colors are black and orange. Other sports teams in town include the semi-pro football team the Middleborough Cobras and the middle school baseball team the Tigers.

Middleborough is also home to the Frederick L. Chamberlain School, a private institution that serves students from around the world struggling with learning disabilities.

In 1856, Middleborough-born, Baltimore businessman-wholesale hardware merchant, banker, and steamship line owner, Enoch Pratt, (1808–1896), established as one of his first philanthropies in The Pratt Free School, later adding additional bequests upon its incorporation in 1865. It later became a grammar school, preparing students for entering the Middleborough High School. Later in 1882–1886, he endowed the Enoch Pratt Free Library, the nation's first circulating, public library system (with a central library and five branches) and later further endowed a mental health institution, the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital.

The Middleborough campus of Massasoit Community College is also located here.

In November 2017, "Middleboro voters approved a $103 million dollar plan to construct a new Middleborough High School building and campus." The project started in February 2019 and was completed in the spring of 2021.

Notable people

 * Isaac Backus, Baptist pastor and founding father during American Revolution
 * Joseph Barker, minister and congressman
 * Samuel Breck, general
 * Ebenezer N. Briggs, Speaker of Vermont House of Representatives and President Pro Tem of Vermont Senate
 * Wayne Maurice Caron, sailor, Medal of Honor recipient KIA
 * Corey Carrier, child actor
 * Howard A. Coffin, congressman
 * Rick Fuller, professional wrestler
 * Daniel J. Kelleher, banker and businessman
 * Erik Lindgren, composer
 * Count Primo Magri, dwarf celebrity with entertainment shows and circuses of P. T. Barnum
 * Sean Newcomb, professional baseball player with Atlanta Braves, first-round selection (15th overall) in 2014 MLB Draft; made MLB debut June 10, 2017
 * Enoch Pratt, (1808–1896), businessman, industrialist, banker, founder 1856–1865 of Pratt Free School in Middleborough and Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore; endowed Sheppard-Pratt Hospital in Towson, Maryland
 * Patrick Regan, army officer
 * Deborah Sampson, female soldier of American Revolution who dressed as a man to serve in combat
 * Jay Allen Sanford, co-creator of Rock 'N' Roll Comics, Revolutionary Comics, Carnal Comics, and columnist/cartoonist for San Diego Reader
 * Ebenezer Sproat, Continental Army colonel, pioneer, surveyor and first sheriff of Northwest Territory and Ohio
 * Cephas Thompson, portrait painter
 * General Tom Thumb, stage name of Charles Sherwood Stratton, dwarf celebrity with P. T. Barnum
 * Glenn Tufts, pro baseball player and scout
 * Walt Uzdavinis, football player for the Cleveland Rams
 * Lavinia Warren, dwarf with P. T. Barnum who married Gen. Tom Thumb and later Count Primo Magri
 * Minnie Warren, dwarf with P. T. Barnum

Points of interest

 * Tom Thumb House, home of General Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren
 * Middleborough Historical Museum, with extensive collection of Tom Thumb and Lavinia Warren items
 * Robbins Museum of Archaeology, collections focused on the prehistory of New England's Native Americans

title: Middleborough, Massachusetts


text:
Middleborough Center, Massachusetts

Middleborough Center is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Middleborough in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 7,319 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Middleborough Center is located at 41.89417°N, -70.91917°W (41.894045, -70.919148).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.5 km$2$ (4.1 mi2), all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 6,913 people in 2,614 households, including 1,649 families, in the CDP. The population density was 657.4/km$2$ (1,700.7/mi2). There were 2,759 housing units at an average density of 262.4/km$2$ (678.8/mi2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.01% White, 1.71% African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.65% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01%.

Of the 2,614 households 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 15.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 29.3% of households were one person and 11.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.15.

The age distribution was 27.0% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% 65 or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median household income was $45,906 and the median family income was $52,340. Males had a median income of $38,422 versus $28,194 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,920. About 6.3% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Middleborough Center, Massachusetts


text:
North Lakeville, Massachusetts

North Lakeville is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Lakeville in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 2,630 at the 2010 census.

It is roughly bounded by the Middleboro-Lakeville town line to the east, Assawompset Pond to the south, Precinct Street to the southwest, and Rhode Island Road (Route 79) to the north/northwest.

Geography
North Lakeville is located at 41.86528°N, -70.945°W (41.865338, -70.944901).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 13.4 km$2$ (5.2 mi$2$), of which 13.3 km$2$ (5.1 mi$2$) is land and 0.2 km$2$ (0.1 mi$2$) (1.16%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,233 people, 821 households, and 640 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 168.1/km$2$ (435.2/mi$2$). There were 861 housing units at an average density of 64.8/km$2$ (167.8/mi$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.37% White, 0.22% African American, 0.18% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.90% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.03% of the population.

There were 821 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.5% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.0% were non-families. 18.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $11,176, and the median income for a family was $17,026. Males had a median income of $5,094 versus $3,813 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $4,906. About 72.2% of families and 84.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 51.0% of those under age 18 and 71.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: North Lakeville, Massachusetts


text:
North Pembroke, Massachusetts

North Pembroke is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Pembroke in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,292 at the 2010 census.

Geography
North Pembroke is located at 42.09556°N, -70.77806°W (42.095518, -70.777921).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.4 km$2$ (4.4 mi$2$), all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 2,913 people in 1,000 households, including 761 families, in the CDP. The population density was 255.6/km$2$ (661.8/mi$2$). There were 1,013 housing units at an average density of 88.9/km$2$ (230.1/mi$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.12% White, 0.45% African American, 1.00% Asian, 0.41% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72%.

Of the 1,000 households 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.6% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.8% were non-families. 19.2% of households were one person and 6.2% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.32.

The age distribution was 29.4% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median household income was $73,542 and the median family income was $78,635. Males had a median income of $55,938 versus $38,190 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $33,093. About 4.9% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.5% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: North Pembroke, Massachusetts


text:
North Plymouth, Massachusetts

North Plymouth is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Plymouth in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,600 at the 2010 census. It is best known as the location of Cordage Park, a small village where the Plymouth Cordage Company was once headquartered. The village is now home to Cordage Commerce Center, a large retail development that consists of offices and stores.

Geography
North Plymouth is located at 41.97139°N, -70.68694°W (41.971285, -70.686980).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.1 km$2$ (3.5 mi$2$), of which 3.3 km$2$ (1.3 mi$2$) is land and 5.8 km$2$ (2.2 mi$2$) (63.71%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,593 people, 1,506 households, and 884 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,092.3/km$2$ (2,832.7/mi$2$). There were 1,580 housing units at an average density of 480.3/km$2$ (1,245.7/mi$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 93.46% White, 1.95% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 1.03% from other races, and 2.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.00% of the population.

There were 1,506 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.2% were married couples living together, 16.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.3% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $35,561, and the median income for a family was $38,380. Males had a median income of $35,372 versus $26,920 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,508. About 11.2% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 15.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: North Plymouth, Massachusetts


text:
North Scituate, Massachusetts

North Scituate is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Scituate in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 5,077 at the 2010 census. It was formerly known as Gannet Corner.

Geography
North Scituate is located at 42.21222°N, -70.76639°W (42.212308, −70.766478).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 10.1 km$2$ (3.9 mi$2$), of which 10.0 km$2$ (3.9 mi$2$) is land and 0.1 km$2$ (0.1 mi$2$) (1.28%) is water.

The word "Scituate" is derived from the Native American word satuit, meaning "cold brook", referring to the river that runs into Scituate Harbor.

North Scituate has one freshwater pond, Hunter's Pond, which is fed by Bound Brook. Hunter's Pond flows into the saltwater Gulph River via a waterfall at Mordecai Lincoln Road.

Direct train service from North Scituate into Boston is available from North Scituate station on the Greenbush Line of MBTA Commuter Rail.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,065 people, 1,849 households, and 1,432 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 505.3/km$2$ (1,310.4/mi$2$). There were 1,901 housing units at an average density of 189.7/km$2$ (491.8/mi$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.81% White, 0.22% African American, 0.04% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.93% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.

There were 1,849 households, out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.8% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.5% were non-families. 19.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 27.5% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 25.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $79,556, and the median income for a family was $92,074. (These figures had risen to $90,082 and $116,263 respectively as of a 2010 estimate). Males had a median income of $65,385 versus $43,839 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $32,098. About 1.4% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.8% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: North Scituate, Massachusetts


text:
Norwell, Massachusetts

Norwell is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 11,351 at the 2020 United States census. The town's southeastern border runs along the North River.

History
Norwell was first settled in 1634 as a part of the settlement of Satuit (later Scituate), which encompassed present-day Scituate and Norwell. It was officially created in 1849 and soon became known as South Scituate. The town changed its name by ballot to Norwell in 1888, after Henry Norwell, a dry goods merchant who provided funds for the maintenance of the town roads. Early settlers were attracted to Norwell for agricultural reasons, with the town later developing a major shipbuilding industry, based on the North and Northwest rivers. Shipbuilding was a major industry in the 18th through the early 19th centuries. Some of the finest frigates, schooners, whalers, and merchant vessels were produced in Norwell. The Norwell Village Area Historic District is in the center of the town.

Today, Norwell is an affluent residential community with over 10,000 residents that has modern schools, shopping, churches, libraries, health facilities, a wildlife preserve, and other support facilities as well as three industrial parks.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 21.2 sqmi, of which 20.9 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi, or 1.37%, is water. Some 30% to 38% of the town is wetlands. Located on the South Shore of Massachusetts, Norwell is bordered by Hanover and Rockland on the west, Pembroke on the south, Marshfield and Scituate on the east and northeast, and Hingham on the north. Norwell is about 14 mi east of Brockton, 17 mi north of Plymouth and 20 mi south of Boston.

Much of Norwell's eastern border lies along the North River, where many shipbuilding companies once stood. There are many other brooks and ponds throughout the town, including Third Herring Brook, which constitutes much of the town's border with Hanover, Accord Pond at the junction of Norwell, Rockland and Hingham, and Jacobs Pond, along Route 123. The northern half of the town is hilly, and the southern end of Wompatuck State Park juts into the town.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,765 people, 3,250 households, and 2,710 families residing in the town. The population density was 467.8 PD/sqmi. There were 3,318 housing units at an average density of 158.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.58% White, 0.37% African American, 0.05% Native American, 1.16% Asian, 0.16% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population.

There were 3,250 households, out of which 42.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.6% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.6% were non-families. 14.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $113,944, and the median income for a family was $122,222. Males had a median income of $66,406 versus $40,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $48,440. About 1.4% of families and 1.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

Government
On the national level, Norwell is a part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, and is currently represented by Bill Keating. The state's Junior (Class II) member of the United States Senate, elected in 2013, is Ed Markey. The senior (Class I) senator, elected in 2012, is Elizabeth Warren.

On the state level, Norwell is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a part of the Fifth Plymouth district by Rep. David DeCoste, which includes the neighboring towns of Hanover and Rockland. The town is represented in the Massachusetts Senate by Sen. Patrick O'Connor as a part of the Plymouth and Norfolk district, which includes the towns of Cohasset, Duxbury, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Scituate and Weymouth. The town is home to the First Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police.

Norwell is governed on the local level by the open town meeting form of government, and is led by a Town Administrator and a board of selectmen. The town operates its own police and fire departments. In 2015 a new police headquarters building was added to the Fire Department Headquarters, originally built in 1999, located on Route 53 on the West side of town. Emergency Communications have been consolidated with the towns of Hingham, Cohasset, and Hull in a Hingham location. Norwell has an emergency services division within the Fire Department; all emergency room visits are brought to South Shore Hospital. The town has its own post office, located at the town's center.

There are three libraries throughout the town, two of which are independent. The Norwell Public Library, temporarily relocated to Route 53 in Hanover while a new facility is presently under construction behind the high school near Assinippi, belongs to the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN). The James Library and Center for the Arts is located near the town center, and is associated with the First Parish Church of Norwell. The James Library was founded by Josiah Leavitt James of Chicago, a former resident of South Scituate, who was persuaded by Rev. William Hamilton Fish, minister of First Parish Church, to fund a town library. The South Shore Natural Science Center, located next to Jacobs Pond, also has a small nature library.

Education
Norwell has a school department for its approximately 2,200 students. There are two elementary schools for students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade—the Grace F. Cole Elementary School in the western part of town and the William G. Vinal Elementary School in the east. The Norwell Middle School, near the Town Hall on Route 123, serves grades 6 to 8. It has two teams (sets of teachers) for each grade: Orange (6th), Purple (6th), Green (7th), Gold (7th), Red (8th) and Blue (8th).

Norwell High School is near Assinippi and serves students from ninth through twelfth grade. All high school and middle school students are provided with iPads by the district for school use. Norwell High School is a competitive school, known for its academic excellence.

Norwell High's teams are known as the Clippers, and their colors are blue and gold. The school's major rival is Hanover High School, whom the football team plays in their annual Thanksgiving Day game. At the high school, Norwell is very well known nationwide for their FIRST robotics team 348, which consistently performs well and won second place overall at the Florida Regionals in March 2015 in addition to other awards in the past few seasons. Norwell is also known for its extremely successful math team and award-winning theater company, the Fourth Wall Players. Norwell girls' lacrosse is well known on the South Shore, having won three Division II state championships.

Norwell's girls soccer team and boys soccer team also perform consistently well, with the boys team finishing as finalists in the Division III state tournament in 2017, and the girls soccer team winning their first Division III Massachusetts state title in November 2018. In 2021, both the Girls and Boys soccer teams won the Division III state championship title.

There are no private schools in the town. High school students have the option of attending South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School in neighboring Hanover free of charge. The nearest college is Massasoit Community College in Brockton.

Transportation
Massachusetts Route 3 passes through the town twice, across the southern portion of the town and another short portion near the west of the town. There are no exits in the town off this freeway, but there are exits, 13 and 14, in the interim space between the two portions and just north of the second portion. Both exits access routes which immediately enter the town. The major route through the town is Route 123, which passes from east to west through the town, just before its end at Route 3A in neighboring Scituate. Routes 53 and 228 also pass through the town, with Route 228 ending just over the town line in Rockland at its intersection with Route 3.

Norwell has no rail or air service within the town. The nearest rail service is the Greenbush line of the MBTA's commuter rail in neighboring Scituate, just one mile from the Norwell town line. The nearest regional airport is Marshfield Municipal Airport; the nearest national and international service can be reached at Logan International Airport in Boston.

Norwell began construction of their "pathways" in the summer of 2015. These mixed use pedestrian and cycling paths were designed to connect the high school, middle school, and the town center. The pathways were intended, according to the former town planner, to allow residents and students to travel without walking on the side of Norwell's busiest roads. "Pathway" planning in Norwell has not been without controversy between town boards and residents. Ironically, Norwell after a successful ten-taxpayer lawsuit that prohibited the use of Community Preservation funds from building what one town official called, instead of a sidewalk, a "pathwalk," along Norwell's busiest road (Route 123) only 600' parallel north of the pathway, voters regardlessly approved the necessary appropriations to build a portion of it. The pathway stretches from South Street to the town center near the state police barracks. Today. Norwell residents have the choice of walking along the preferred, beautifully serene and forested pathway or the less frequented, traditional sidewalk along Main Street. Main Street remains the only road in the town for which taxpayers have provided funding for both a pathway on one side and a sidewalk on the other for the convenience, safety, and enjoyment of its users.

Notable people

 * Gleason Archer, summer resident, Christian theologian
 * Gleason Archer, Sr., summer resident, founder of Suffolk Law School
 * Jan Brett, children's author/illustrator
 * William P. Brooks, American agricultural scientist
 * John Cheever, author of Falconer and The Wapshot Chronicle, is buried in Norwell
 * Drew Commesso, hockey player
 * Jennifer Coolidge, actress
 * Jeff Corwin, naturalist, television show host on Animal Planet
 * Charles N. Gardner, Medal of Honor recipient during the Civil War
 * Hannah Packard James (1835–1903), librarian
 * Eric Maleson, Olympic Bobsled Athlete, 2002 Olympics
 * Les Sampou, folk singer and songwriter
 * John R. Stilgoe, American historian. Stilgoe was born in Norwell.
 * Susan Tedeschi, blues musician
 * Dan Wetzel, sportswriter
 * Laura Wilson, photographer raised in Norwell. Her son is actor Owen Wilson

title: Norwell, Massachusetts


text:
Ocean Bluff-Brant Rock, Massachusetts

Ocean Bluff-Brant Rock is a census-designated place (CDP) in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States, composed of the neighborhoods of Ocean Bluff, Brant Rock, Fieldston, and Rexhame in the town of Marshfield. The population of the CDP was 4,970 at the 2010 census.

History
Brant Rock and Ocean Bluff were originally inhabited by Native Americans, including members of the Wampanoag tribe of the Algonquian peoples. Native American artifacts have been found extensively in the area. The main road through the area, known today as Ocean Street, is a Native American road, likely very ancient. The area at the end of Brant Rock village, known as Blackman's Point, was a Native American campground.

In the 1630s, the government of the Pilgrim settlers at Plymouth began to give out land grants in the area.

The Ocean Bluff area was first granted to the governor of the Pilgrims. It was known by about 1638 as "Governor's Island.” Later on in the 17th century, it became known as "Winter's Island". Christopher Winter was later tried in Plymouth Court for the crime of fathering his own grandchild. Eventually, his daughter married a man named John Hewitt, and he became the owner of Winter's Island. For many generations the area was known as Hewitt's Island, or Hewitt's Point. However, today most residents refer to the area as "Ocean Bluff.”

Brant Rock was originally known as "Branch's Island.” The name "Brant Rock" eventually came into use, because of the huge rock outcropping along the beach on which brant geese would tend to rest. From the 17th century through the late 19th century, the area was primarily used for salt marsh haying, cattle grazing, and for fishing and fowling. In the late 19th century, the area became populated by large summer resort hotels and tourist shops.

Hewitt's Island and Branch's Island were sometimes referred to as the "Spectacle Islands", because together the islands looked like a pair of spectacles or eyeglasses. After the Green Harbor Dyke was built following the Civil War, the tidal salt marshes in the area dried up. The Spectacle Islands were no longer surrounded by water from the tidal flooding of the marshes, and ceased to constitute "islands".

In January 1906, Reginald Fessenden achieved the first two-way transatlantic radiotelegraph transmission, exchanging Morse code messages between his stations in Brant Rock and Machrihanish, Scotland. (Marconi had only achieved one-way transmissions prior to his date). On Christmas Eve, December 24, 1906, Fessenden transmitted from Brant Rock Station the first audio radio broadcast of music and entertainment in history. Radio operators on ships in the Atlantic heard a broadcast that included Fessenden playing the song "O Holy Night" on the violin and reading a passage from the Bible.

Geography
Ocean Bluff and Brant Rock are located at 42.10167°N, -70.66083°W (42.101561, -70.660787), and are part of the town of Marshfield.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.3 km2, of which 5.3 km2 is land and 6.0 km2 is water, a total of 53.09%.

Ocean Bluff (02065) and Brant Rock (02020) contain five public beaches: Sunrise Beach, Ocean Bluff Beach, Brant Rock Beach, Blackman's Point, and Bluefish Cove. All of these beaches, as well as the rest of the Marshfield seashore from Green Harbor village to Rexhame village, were once known by the name of "Marshfield Beach". In 1832, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts ruled in the case of Briggs Thomas v. Inhabitants of Marshfield, 13 Pickering 240, that Rexhame Beach as well as all of the rest of "Marshfield Beach" was a "common,” open for use by all members of the public.

During the summer time, especially along Sunrise Beach and Ocean Bluff, skim boarding and surfing are very popular. Brant Rock is home to an annual lobster festival that takes place on September 12. Flooding is very common during high tide, and strong storms such as nor'easters waves rise high above the sea wall /.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,100 people, 2,004 households, and 1,320 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 960.5 /km2. There were 2,657 housing units at an average density of 500.4 /km2. The racial makeup of the CDP was 98.35% White, 0.29% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.29% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.53% of the population.

There were 2,004 households, out of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.2% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 33.0% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $56,840, and the median income for a family was $60,552. Males had a median income of $42,388 versus $35,902 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,292. About 3.1% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

Popular culture
The climax of the 2018 film The Equalizer 2, starring Denzel Washington, unfolds on Brant Rock. The protagonist, Robert McCall is a Defense Intelligence Agency operative, and the only reprised role in Washington's career.

title: Ocean Bluff-Brant Rock, Massachusetts


text:
Onset, Massachusetts

Onset is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Wareham, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 1,573 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Onset is located at 41.74639°N, -70.66333°W (41.746424, −70.663251).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.4 km$2$ (1.3 mi$2$), of which 2.8 km$2$ (1.1 mi$2$) is land and 0.6 km$2$ (0.2 mi$2$) (16.92%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 1,292 people, 568 households, and 323 families in the CDP. The population density was 461.9/km$2$ (1,192.7/mi$2$). There were 910 housing units at an average density of 325.3/km$2$ (840.1/mi$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 74.46% African American, 7.74% White, 0.23% Native American, 1.24% Asian, 13.08% from other races, and 3.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.78%.

Of the 568 households 22.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.2% were married couples living together, 17.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.0% were non-families. Of households, 35.0% were one person and 13.9% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.93.

The age distribution was 22.4% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% 65 or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.3 males.

The median household income was $31,250 and the median family income was $36,739. Males had a median income of $37,629 versus $26,903 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,088. About 13.0% of families and 23.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 43.8% of those under age 18 and 14.0% of those age 65 or over.

Onset is home to the highest percentage (per capita) of Cape Verdean Americans in the United States.

History
Onset was developed in the 1880s as a summer camp meeting for Spiritualists. Many of the existing cottages in Onset were built as second homes for individuals from Boston, Taunton, Brockton and other northeastern cities who gathered to hear mediums communicate with the dead. While it was run by the Spiritualists, the village was known as Onset Bay Grove.

It has fallen in line since its inception as a non-religious area with a large beachfront and some of the attractions that bring a summer vacationing crowd.

title: Onset, Massachusetts


text:
Pembroke, Massachusetts

Pembroke is an historic town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. Pembroke is a South Shore suburb of the Boston metropolitan area. The town is located approximately halfway between Boston and Cape Cod. The town is considered rural in character, with pockets of suburban neighborhoods. The population was 18,361 at the 2020 census, with a median household income of $119,827.

Neighborhoods include Bryantville (along the Hanson town line), North Pembroke and East Pembroke.

History
The earliest European settlers were Robert Barker and Dolor Davis, who settled in the vicinity of Herring Brook in 1650. It has been said that the Barkers were about to go down the Indian Head River, at "The Crotch" of the North River in modern day Pembroke/Hanover. However, the Barkers went down the Herring Run to the South, thus landing on Pembroke land. For thousands of year until that time, the Wampanoag and the Massachusett tribes lived on this land, fishing and farming along the rivers; they called the area Mattakeesett, which means "place of much fish", because of the annual springtime run of herring in the local rivers. The land was part of the Major's Purchase, a large tract of lands bought from Josias Wampatuck of the Massachusetts by a group of English investors. The area was once a part of Duxbury, before incorporating as a separate town in 1712, and was ultimately named for the town of Pembroke, Wales, the name of Brookfield being rejected because it was already in use by the town in Worcester County that still bears this name.

Most notable of the town's resources are its water resources, which include the North River and Indian Head River; its ponds, Oldham, Furnace, Great Sandy Bottom, Little Sandy Bottom, and Stetson Ponds; and Silver Lake. The town's ponds, streams and marshes are the home of herring that were prized so much that in 1741, the town began regulating the taking and preservation of the fish. The herring are celebrated each year at the town's annual "Grande Old Fish Fry".

The Pembroke Iron Works was established in 1720 and used bog iron taken from the surface of rocks on the bottom of the ponds, swamps, and bogs. Ice was cut from the ponds, stored in icehouses, and used in the summer months for food preservation. The ponds and streams also provided power for various mills, including grist, flour and sawmills. Later, shipbuilding and box manufacturing became important factors in the development of the town.

The town has large tracts of woodlands that provided timber for homes and industry, and provided cover for abundant wildlife. Because of its proximity to timber and location on the river, the town in its early years was known for its shipbuilding industry. The North River was the location of five shipyards—Brick Kiln Yard, Seabury Point, Job's Landing, Turner's Yard and Macy's. Between 1678 and 1871, 1,025 vessels were produced on the shores of the North River.

Just before the Revolution, Reverend Gad Hitchcock of Pembroke (who had served with the provincial troops as a chaplain in upstate New York during the French and Indian War) gave a sermon in Boston blasting the British, and was rewarded for this with a set of fine new clothes from Samuel Adams. Residents of Pembroke again served with honor from the first "alarm" sent out by Paul Revere and others on April 19, 1775, till the end of the war.

The town took its current form in 1820, when the western half of town known as the "West Parish" was separated and incorporated as Hanson. Shipbuilding was among the area's industries, with five yards along the North River. Famous among these were the Beaver, a vessel made famous for its role in the Boston Tea Party, and the Maria, memorialized on the Pembroke town seal. It was along the same river, on the Norwell side, that the Columbia, namesake of the Columbia River in Oregon, was launched. By the turn of the 20th century, mills had sprung up along the river, and the town's ponds and streams provided the water for cranberry bogs. Because of rail service from Brockton, the town's ponds also provided recreation and vacation spots for city dwellers.

A Massachusetts Historical Commission reconnaissance survey report dated June 1981 indicated that in the early 20th century the popularity of the cranberry spurred the construction of numerous bogs. By 1924 there were 17 cranberry growers in the Pembroke directory, with 14 producers listed as having Bryantville addresses. In the same year there were 14 poultry farmers listed, indicating that by that time poultry raising was well established in town. The E. H. Clapp rubber works, initiated on the Hanover side of the Indian Head River in 1871, expanded in 1873 to the Pembroke side of the river.

In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the ponds became an attraction for summer vacationers seeking relief from the heat in the cities. The Brockton and Plymouth Railway Co. initiated trolley service from Brockton and facilitated the development of Mayflower Grove in Bryantville as a popular summer recreation venue. The attractiveness of the ponds for summer recreation led to the development of numerous, dense cottage colonies built along their shores. The ponds are currently used for recreation, municipal water supplies and irrigation for cranberry bogs.

The town remained relatively stable in population from the end of the Civil War until the 1960s, when suburban migration from Boston and environs saw the town more than triple in population. Today, Pembroke is mostly a suburban community, with the majority of residents working in the Greater Boston area. In recent years Pembroke has developed into a fairly affluent and desirable community, with new home developments geared towards upmarket buyers.

As of 2009, Pembroke was a contender for CNN Money's "Best Places to Live", according to financial, education and quality of life statistics.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 23.5 sqmi, of which 21.8 sqmi is land and 1.6 sqmi, or 6.95%, is water. Statistically, Pembroke is slightly smaller than the state average in terms of land area. Pembroke is bordered by Norwell to the north, Marshfield to the northeast, Duxbury to the east, Kingston to the southeast, Plympton to the south, Halifax to the southwest, Hanson to the west, and Hanover to the northwest. Pembroke is approximately 12 mi east of Brockton, 13 mi northwest of Plymouth, and 27 mi southeast of Boston.

Pembroke's geography can be divided in half. The northern half is dominated by the rivers and streams of the area, flowing through thick forests which once provided the lumber for the North River's shipbuilding industry. The southern half is dominated by several ponds and Silver Lake, where the towns of Pembroke, Kingston, Plympton and Halifax come together. The town has its own municipal forest, which is divided into sections around town.

One notable water resource in Pembroke is Great Sandy Bottom Pond, the water of which is currently leased to the Abington-Rockland Water Commission. A website displays many pictures of the plants and animals of the area, for example, eagles, herons, egrets, turtles, raccoons and fox.

Transportation
Massachusetts Route 3 passes through the town's northeastern corner, skirting the irregular border with Marshfield. There is an exit from Route 3 in the town, which also grants access to Marshfield along Route 139. The town's other state routes include Routes 14, 27, 36, 53 and 139. Route 14 is in the town the longest, and passes through the town center. Route 36's northern terminus is at Route 14 just south of the town center.

There is no rail or air service in the town. The Kingston–Route 3 line of the MBTA's Commuter Rail passes just to the southeast of town, with the nearest stops being in Hanson and Halifax. Two public municipal airports are nearby: Cranland Airport in Hanson and Marshfield Municipal Airport. The nearest national and international air service is at Logan International Airport in Boston.

Demographics
As of the census of 2007, there were 18,549 people, 5,750 households, and 4,553 families residing in the town. The population density was 774.9 PD/sqmi. Statistically, the town's population and population density is slightly smaller than average, just below both averages. There were 5,897 housing units at an average density of 270.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.89% White, 0.50% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.53% of the population.

There were 5,750 households, out of which 40.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.7% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.8% were non-families. Of all households 16.7% were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 32.8% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males. As of 2009, Pembroke has a marriage percentage of 62.1 and a divorce percentage of 8.2.

As of 2020, the median income for a household in the town was $119,827. About 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line.

Government
On the national level, Pembroke is a part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, and is currently represented by William R. Keating. The state's senior (Class I) senator, elected in 2012, is Elizabeth Warren. The state's junior member of the United States Senate, elected in 2013, is Ed Markey.

On the state level, Pembroke is represented by Representative Josh Cutler in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a part of the Sixth Plymouth district, which includes the town of Hanson, and precincts 2–6 of the town of Duxbury. The town is represented by Senator Susan Moran in the Massachusetts Senate as a part of the Plymouth and Barnstable District, which includes Bourne, Falmouth, Kingston, Plymouth, Plympton, and Sandwich. The town is patrolled by the First (Norwell) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police.

Pembroke is governed by the open town meeting form of government, and is led by an executive secretary and a board of selectmen. Pembroke operates its own police and fire departments, with four stations located in the town center, Bryantville, North Pembroke and at Brimstone Corner. The town has its own emergency services; South Shore Hospital in Weymouth and Jordan Hospital in Plymouth are the nearest hospitals; the Pembroke hospital serves psychiatric patients in the area. There are post offices at the town center, Bryantville and North Pembroke. The Pembroke Public Library is located at the town center, and is a part of the SAILS Library Network. There are also two small private libraries, which are open to the public: the Lydia Drake Library near Brimstone Corner and the Cobb Library in Bryantville.

Education
In 1952, Pembroke was a founding community of the Silver Lake Regional School District, along with Kingston, Halifax, and Plympton. Due to chronic overcrowding which had led to split sessions by 1970 and double sessions by 1974, the town built its own campus of Silver Lake Regional High School in 1976, across from Hobomock Elementary School on Learning Lane. Flooding due to burst pipes delayed its occupancy until November 1976.

In 2002, with growing population again an issue, Pembroke separated from the other towns to reestablish its own school district; its students remained at Silver Lake RHS until 2004. The satellite campus, which had been in service as the Silver Lake district's middle school in recent years, was renovated to become Pembroke High School, and serves students from ninth through twelfth grade. Pembroke's athletics teams are known as the Titans (complete with a logo reminiscent of the Tennessee Titans logo), and their colors are blue and white. They compete in the Patriot League. Pembroke has established a Thanksgiving Day football rivalry with previously mentioned Silver Lake Regional High School.

The town has three elementary schools (Bryantville, Hobomock and North Pembroke), which serve students from kindergarten through sixth grades (North Pembroke also serves pre-kindergarten classes). The Pembroke Community Middle School, located in the former Silver Lake Regional Junior High School on Route 27, serves seventh and eighth grade students.

The town has no contract with any vocational schools, the nearest being South Shore Vocational Tech in Hanover. The nearest four-year college is Bridgewater State University; the nearest community colleges are Quincy College's satellite campus in Plymouth and Massasoit Community College in Brockton.

Arts and media
Pembroke is served by the Boston metropolitan media. Regional daily newspapers which cover the town include the Quincy Patriot Ledger and the Brockton Enterprise. For many years, the town was covered by the weekly Silver Lake News, based in Pembroke; it is currently served by one weekly, The Pembroke Mariner & Express.

The public access organization that serves the town is PACTV, located in Plymouth. Residents can watch a public access channel (13) shared with Plymouth, Duxbury, and Kingston, as well as the education channel (14) and government channel (15). The Pembroke Government Channel is where one can see gavel-to-gavel coverage of local government meetings held in Pembroke, Massachusetts, government shows with local, county and state officials and other government-related programming. PCN (PACTV Community News) is a local news program shown weekly on channel 13.PCN The education channel features all kinds of performing arts from Pembroke as well as Titan TV News, a monthly show produced by journalism students at Pembroke High School.

The town is supportive of many arts programs, including the Pembroke Imperials Drum & Bugle Corps, a corps active on and off since the 1960s.

The Pembroke Association of Performing Arts (PAPA) is dedicated to promoting and maintaining enthusiastic interest in all aspects of the performing arts programs in Pembroke schools.

Points of interest

Pembroke Country Club, purchased by former NHL player Jeremy Roenick, is an 18-hole course featuring 6,532 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 71.1 and it has a slope rating of 124. Pembroke Country Club was designed by Philip A. Wogan, ASGCA, and opened in 1973.

Pembroke Historical Society is a museum consisting of two former one-room school buildings. The former Bryantville School, built in 1847, was donated by Marcus L. Urann and moved to the site in 1952. The former "cedar Swamp Schools" was donated by Mrs. Oliver Amos and moved to the site in 1968. As part of the nation's 1976 Bicentennial celebration, a Tool Museum was established in the lower level of the Museum Building.

The Pembroke Friends Meetinghouse (1706) is located at Routes 139 and 53. The interior is divided in half, with women sitting on one side and men on the other. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many leading citizens were Quakers. Among the oldest Quaker sites in America, the structure was deeded to the Historical Society in 1973.

The Grand Old Fish Fry is usually held the first weekend in May at the Thomas Reading Herring Run Park on Route 14 (Barker Street). For 30+ years the Historical Society has invited the public to the herring run for a day of great food, music, duck races and much more. When the event first began herring were caught with nets and cooked right on site by Chef Bobby Hackett. Unfortunately, the state no longer allows the harvesting of herring due to the low numbers. Fish cakes have replaced the herring meal, and no one seems to be complaining. This is the primary fundraiser and one of the most popular for the Society. Funds raised go to the care and maintenance of the three properties (Friends Meeting House, Adah Hall House and the museum building) owned by the Historical Society.

Notable people

 * Gleason Archer, Sr., founder of Suffolk University, author
 * Thomas Humphrey Cushing, Revolutionary War officer and Adjutant General of the U.S. Army
 * Sammy Davis, professional ice hockey player
 * Ben Edlund, creator of The Tick and TV producer
 * Eric Flaim, Olympic silver medalist in speed skating
 * Stephen N. Gifford, politician and longtime Clerk of the Massachusetts Senate
 * Duane Joyce, professional hockey player
 * Joseph Leavitt, Revolutionary War conscientious objector
 * Alexander Parris, architect
 * Dwight E. Sargent, journalist
 * Pat Seltsam, Olympic speedskater, 1990 national champion and World Cup medalist in 1989
 * Dave Shea, former Boston Bruins play-by-play announcer
 * Josiah Smith, United States congressman
 * Kevin Stevens, National Hockey League All-Star left winger
 * Buddy Teevens, football coach for Dartmouth College
 * Harry Irving Thayer, United States congressman
 * Nora Vasconcellos, professional skateboarder for Adidas and Welcome brand skateboards
 * Luke Vercollone, professional soccer player
 * Harry M. Woods, lyricist and composer of "When the Red Red Robin Comes Bobbin' Along" and "Try a Little Tenderness"

title: Pembroke, Massachusetts


text:
Plympton, Massachusetts

Plympton is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 2,930 at the 2020 census. The United States senator William Bradford was born here.

History
Plympton was first settled in 1662 by Reverend Justin P. Daley as the western parish of Plymouth. Lands of the original town included all of Carver and Halifax, as well as small portions of Kingston and Middleborough. The town was officially incorporated in 1707 and named for Plympton, Devon, England. In 1734, the town of Halifax separated and incorporated, and Carver did the same in 1790. The current boundaries of the town were set in 1862.

Early residents of Plympton were mostly farmers, living off the land. The Industrial Revolution brought about factories, which made shoes and shovels, as well as lumber and cotton mills. Today, the town is mostly rural and residential, with very little industry.

The town's most famous resident was Deborah Sampson, born in the town in 1760. She is best known for pretending to be a man to fight in the American Revolution.

The town's newest addition is a Sysco distribution plant located near U.S. Route 44.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.1 sqmi, of which 14.8 sqmi are land and 0.3 sqmi (2.31%) is water. Plympton is bordered by Halifax to the northwest, Pembroke to the north, Kingston to the northeast, Carver to the southeast, and Middleborough to the southwest. Plympton is approximately 35 mi south of Boston and east of Providence, Rhode Island.

Plympton is mostly rural, with much of the land covered by forests. The northern tip of town lies along Silver Lake, which also extends into Kingston, Pembroke and along the Halifax border. The Winnetuxet River and many other brooks, as well as several smaller ponds, lie within the town. Plympton also has its own town forest and conservation area.

Transportation
The new highway portion of U.S. Route 44 clips the southeastern corner of the town. Routes 58 and 106 pass through the town, Route 106 passing across the northern portion of town, and Route 58 passing from southeast to northwest. Just south of Silver Lake, the Kingston/Plymouth Line of the MBTA's Commuter Rail service to Boston passes through the town, with the nearest stop being in Halifax. The nearest regional airport is Plymouth Municipal Airport; the nearest national and international airport is Logan International Airport in Boston, however the closest airport in general is Cranland Municipal Airport in Hanson, MA.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,637 people, 854 households, and 737 families residing in the town. The population density was 178.3 PD/sqmi. There were 872 housing units at an average density of 59.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.85% White, 0.99% African American, 0.61% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.53% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.42% of the population.

There were 854 households, out of which 43.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.5% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.7% were non-families. 10.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.09 and the average family size was 3.32.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 6.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $70,045, and the median income for a family was $75,000. Males had a median income of $45,531 versus $34,000 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,344. About 0.8% of families and 2.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.7% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Plympton is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a part of the Twelfth Plymouth District, which includes Kingston and portions of Duxbury, Halifax, Middleborough and Plymouth. The town is represented in the Massachusetts Senate as a part of the Second Plymouth and Bristol District, which includes the city of Brockton and the towns of East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Plympton, Whitman. The town is patrolled by its own full service Police department.

On the national level, Plympton is a part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, and is currently represented by William R. Keating. The state's senior (Class II) member of the United States Senate, elected in 2012, is Elizabeth Warren. The junior (Class I) senator, elected in a special election replacing John Kerry in 2013, is Ed Markey.

Plympton is governed by the open town meeting form of government, led by a board of selectmen. The Town has its own police and fire departments, both of which are headquartered next to the town hall at the center of town. The town's post office is just south of the center of town along Route 58. Adjacent to the town hall on its southern side is the Plympton Public Library, a member of the SAILS Library Network.

Education
Plympton is a member of the Silver Lake Regional School District, which also includes the towns of Kingston and Halifax. Each town is responsible for its own elementary school, with a middle and high school shared between all three towns. Plympton operates the Dennett Elementary School for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Both the Silver Lake Regional Middle School and the Silver Lake Regional High School are located in neighboring Kingston. The school's athletics teams are nicknamed the Lakers, and their colors are red and silver. There are no private schools in Plympton.

title: Plympton, Massachusetts


text:
Rochester, Massachusetts

Rochester is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 5,717 at the 2020 census.

Rochester is a part of the South Coast region of Massachusetts which encompasses the cities and towns that surround Buzzards Bay (excluding the Elizabeth Islands, Bourne and Falmouth), Mount Hope Bay and the Sakonnet River.

History
Rochester was settled in 1679 on the lands called "Sippican" by the local Wampanoags, along the coast of Buzzards Bay. (Sippican was the name of the local tribe. ) It originally included the lands of Mattapoisett, Marion and parts of Wareham (which was lost when Wareham was founded in 1739). The town was officially incorporated on June 4, 1686, as Rochester, and was named for Rochester, England, from which early settlers to the town came. The town originally thrived with the early shipbuilding and whaling trade in Mattapoisett Harbor. However, in 1852 and 1857 the towns of Marion and Mattapoisett, respectively, were separated and incorporated as separate towns, thus landlocking Rochester. Since that time, the town has become mostly rural-residential, with some farms located in town. Rochester is a "Right to Farm" community.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 36.4 sqmi, of which 33.9 sqmi is land and 2.5 sqmi, or 6.76%, is water. Rochester is located along the western border of Plymouth County, and is bordered by Lakeville and Middleborough to the north, Wareham and Marion to the east, Mattapoisett to the south, and Acushnet and Freetown to the west. The town's localities include Bisbee Corner, East Rochester, North Rochester and Varella Corner. The town is about 10 mi northeast of New Bedford, 40 mi east of Providence, Rhode Island, and 60 mi south of Boston.

The Mattapoisett and Sippican rivers flow through the town, emptying into Buzzards Bay. Most of the town's brooks also flow into these two rivers. The source of the Mattapoisett, Great Quittacas Pond and Little Quittacas Pond, lie on the border between the town and Lakeville. Other ponds include Snipatuit Pond, Long Pond, Snow's Pond, Hartley's Mill Pond, Mary's Pond, Leonards Pond,and Hathaway Pond, as well as several smaller bodies of water. The town has two wildlife management areas and a fish hatchery, as well as a small recreation area along Mary's Pond and two parks near the town center. The town is also the site of the Sippican Rod & Gun Club, near the Haskell Swamp Wildlife Management Area.

Transportation
A small, quarter-mile stretch of Interstate 495 passes through the northeastern corner of town, just before its exit on Route 58, which terminates along the town line at Route 28. Along with those two roads, Route 105 travels through town, passing through the town center. The town can also be accessed via Exits 19B (North Street, Mattapoisett) and 20 (Route 105, Marion) along Interstate 195.

The nearest regional bus and air service can be found in New Bedford. The nearest national air service is at T. F. Green Airport in Rhode Island, and the nearest international airport is Logan International Airport in Boston. A freight rail line operated by the Massachusetts Coastal Railroad passes through the northeastern corner of town. The nearest inter-city (Amtrak) passenger rail station is in Providence; however, the terminus of the Middleborough-Lakeville line of the MBTA's commuter rail is nearby, providing direct service to Boston.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,581 people, 1,575 households, and 1,294 families residing in the town. The population density was 135.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,634 housing units at an average density of 48.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.64% White, 0.63% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 1.16% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.37% of the population.

There were 1,575 households, out of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.6% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.8% were non-families. 13.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $63,289, and the median income for a family was $67,031. Males had a median income of $47,989 versus $31,196 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,630. About 2.4% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Rochester is represented by state Senator Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport) as a part of the First Bristol and Plymouth District of the Massachusetts Senate and by state Representative William M. Straus (D-Mattapoisett) as a part of the Tenth Bristol District of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. The town is patrolled by the Rochester Police Department and is also in the service area of the Seventh (Bourne) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police.

On the national level, Rochester is a part of Massachusetts's 9th congressional district, and is currently represented by William R. Keating. The state's senior member of the United States Senate is Elizabeth Warren. The junior senator is Ed Markey.

The town uses the open town meeting form of government, led by a board of selectmen. The town hall is located at the Town Common along Route 105. The town's police department, post office and the Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library (a part of the SAILS Library Network) are located nearby. The fire department is located closer to the geographic center of town. The town's Highway Department is located near Varella Corner, and is responsible for snow removal and road upkeep.

In 2012, the town adopted a "Right-to-Farm" bylaw which "encourages the pursuit of agriculture, promotes agriculture-based economic opportunities, and protects farmlands within the Town of Rochester by allowing agricultural uses and related activities".

Education
Rochester is a member of the 2,700-student Old Rochester Regional School District. The town, along with Marion and Mattapoisett, operate as a single school system with each town having its own school subcommittee. The town operates Rochester Memorial School for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Seventh- and eighth-grade students attend Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, and high school students attend Old Rochester Regional High School. Both regional schools are located on Route 6 in Mattapoisett, just over the Marion town line. The high school, affectionately known as "O.R.R.," competes in the South Coast Conference for athletics. Their mascot is the bulldog, and their colors are red and white. The town's Thanksgiving Day football rival is Apponequet Regional High School, in Lakeville.

In addition to public schools, high school students may also choose to attend Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, located in North Rochester. Their mascot is the Cougar, and they compete in the Pilgrim Conference for athletics. The curriculum includes shops such as welding, cosmetics, auto, wood work, and many more. The nearest private school is Tabor Academy in Marion.

Notable people

 * Joseph Bates, founder of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, born in Rochester
 * Tristam Burges (1770–1853), U.S. Congressman and professor at Brown University, born in Rochester
 * Selene Gifford (1901–1979), Assistant Commissioner, Bureau of Indian Affairs
 * David Wing Jr., Secretary of State of Vermont

title: Rochester, Massachusetts


text:
Rockland, Massachusetts

Rockland is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 17,803 at the 2020 census. As of December 31, 2009, there were 11,809 registered voters in the community.

History
Rockland was a part of territory given to one Timothy Hatherly in a land grant, later known as the Hatherly Grant, in 1654. It was then populated by European settlers as a northeastern region of the neighboring town Abington in 1673. The town separated and incorporated as Rockland on March 9, 1874. It is named for the town's rocky nature, which was better suited for mills and industry than for farming. During King Philip's War, the town was the site of an encampment during his raids on the town of Scituate.

Before the Civil War, Rockland was known as a major lumber producer for the shipyards in Hanover and Scituate. The town industry boomed during the 19th century and during the civil war due to its shoe factories, its timber export, and its sawmills but production declined after the Great Depression. Rockland experienced new business growth in the decades after World War II with suburban development along the Routes 123 & 139.

During the twentieth century, the town was the site of a portion of the landing strips of the South Weymouth Naval Air Station. The airstrip closed in 1996 as a part of the fourth round of closures under the Base Realignment and Closure Act.

In recent years, a growing number of artists have moved into the community, attracted by former factory buildings as a place to work and meet. These buildings are not designated for artist use as they are just commercial and storage spaces but they are popularly used by creatives. Buildings include the E.T. Wright Building and the Sandpaper Factory. There was once a third artist community known as the Codman Building, formerly the Emerson Shoe Company, but it was rezoned as residential in 2007 allowing developers to displace 30 to 40 artists in the community and build the luxury apartment building known as the Emerson Shoe Lofts. The building is the largest wood structure in Rockland and is on the national register of historic places.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 10.1 sqmi, of which 10.0 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi, or 0.79%, is water. Rockland ranks 307th out of 351 communities in the Commonwealth. Rockland is bordered by Weymouth to the northwest, Hingham to the northeast, Norwell to the northeast, Hanover to the east, Hanson to the south, Whitman to the southwest, and Abington to the west. Rockland is 8 mi northeast of Brockton and 22 mi south of Boston.

Rockland, as its name suggests, is dominated by rocky lands. There are several ponds throughout the town, including Accord Pond at the junction with Hingham and Norwell, and Studleys Pond (known to local residents as Reeds Pond) just south of Rockland Center, can be seen along Market Street. There are several brooks throughout town, one of which is sourced at the Abington-Rockland Reservoir near the northwest corner of town. Beech Hill lies at the south of town, and Wyman Fields lies to the north of it. There are several parks throughout the town, as well as a small town forest just south of the Naval Air Station.

A short stretch (2/3 of a mile long) of Massachusetts Route 3 crosses the northeast corner of town, granting access to Route 228, which terminates just south of the highway. Route 123 and Route 139 pass from west to east just south of the center of town, running coextensively for roughly 2/3 of a mile.

A spur of the Old Colony rail line formerly ran through the town; that line is now abandoned. The Old Colony Line does, however, pass through neighboring Weymouth, Abington and Whitman, as part of the Kingston-Route 3 line of the MBTA's commuter rail. There are stops in South Weymouth (alongside the Naval Air Station) and Abington (just south of Route 123), not far from the town line. There is no commercial air service in town; nearby national and international flights are available at Logan International Airport in Boston, or T. F. Green Airport in Rhode Island.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,670 people, 6,539 households, and 4,583 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,763.1 PD/sqmi. There were 6,649 housing units at an average density of 663.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 90.81% White, 5.71% African American, 0.15% Native American, 1.08% Asian, 0.79% from other races, and 1.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.02% of the population.

There were over 9,000 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 52.7% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.9% were non-families. 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $50,613, and the median income for a family was $60,088. Males had a median income of $41,361 versus $31,907 for females. The per capita income for the town was $23,068. About 6.1% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

Statistically, Rockland is the 103rd most populous community in the Commonwealth, just below the state average. Rockland is the 62nd most densely populated community in the Commonwealth, and the fourth most densely populated in Plymouth County.

Government
On the national level, Rockland is a part of Massachusetts's 10th congressional district, and is represented by Bill Keating. The state's senior (Class I) member of the United States Senate, elected in 2012, is Elizabeth Warren. The state's junior member, elected in a special election following the appointment of John Kerry to United States Secretary of State, is Ed Markey.

On the state level, Rockland is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a part of the Fifth Plymouth district, which includes the towns of Hanover and Norwell. The town is represented in the Massachusetts Senate as a part of the Norfolk and Plymouth District, which includes Abington, Holbrook, Quincy, and part of Braintree. The town is patrolled by the First (Norwell) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State Police.

The town has its own police and fire department; the police department is located near the eastern junction of Routes 123 and 139 and the fire department is located along Union Street, the town's main street. The fire department also has its own ambulance service, which brings emergency cases to South Shore Hospital in Weymouth or Brockton Hospital in Brockton. The Rockland Memorial Library is a member of the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) and the Southeastern Massachusetts Library System (SEMLS). Rockland is governed by an open town meeting form of government. Its board of selectmen has five elected seats, currently filled by:
 * Michael O'Loughlin 2023 (Chairman)
 * Tiffanie Needham, 2024
 * Larry Ryan, 2022
 * Kara Nyman, 2023 (Vice-Chairman)
 * Richard Penney, 2022

Education
Rockland operates its own school system for the town's approximately 2,500 students. There are two elementary schools (Phelps and R. Stewart Esten) which serve students from kindergarten to fourth grade. The Phelps Elementary school is new construction, completed in 2022, replacing both Memorial Park and Jefferson elementary schools. Both Memorial Park and Jefferson schools were demolished in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

The John W. Rogers Middle School is located adjacent to Memorial Park, in a new facility completed in 2012 and connected to the high school. It serves fifth through eighth grades. A newly renovated Rockland Senior High School serves ninth through twelfth grade students. In June 2021, Rockland Senior High School was placed into a state program for schools or districts that disproportionately suspend nonwhite students or students with disabilities.

Rockland High's athletics teams are known as the Bulldogs (sometimes just 'Dogs), and their colors are navy blue and white. They compete in the South Shore League and their rival is Abington. The Bulldogs have a strong basketball tradition, with their most recent state championships in 2004 (boys) and 2000 (girls). The football team last won a Super Bowl in 2021 by defeating Abington, 23–13, at Gillette Stadium.

In addition to the high school, students may attend South Shore Vocational Technical High School in Hanover free of charge. The town also has a private school, Calvary Chapel Academy. Calvary Chapel Academy is a Christian school serving from kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Children living in Rockland are also eligible to attend South Shore Charter Public School. Located in neighboring Norwell, the school offers entrance to neighboring towns on the South Shore.

Many students and their families also choose to attend private high schools in the area, including Cardinal Spellman High School in Brockton, Notre Dame Academy in Hingham, Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, Boston College High School in Boston, Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood, and more.

Economy
The town serves as the headquarters for several major companies:
 * The US headquarters of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical company EMD Serono
 * Rockland Trust Company, the largest publicly traded commercial bank headquartered in Massachusetts, with over 1,000 employees

Revitalization
Town officials and citizens have moved forward with efforts to revitalize Rockland Center. The stretch of Union Street is plentiful with mix-use buildings that reflect the heritage of Rockland Center's past vibrancy.

A comprehensive study conducted by BSC Group and McCabe Enterprises made recommendations to guide the Center's redevelopment while retaining historic aspects.

New sidewalks and crossing areas, paid for with a federal Community Development Block Grant, were installed in 2010.

Selectmen contracted the Iron Horse Preservation Society to remove the section of the Old Colony rail line that ran through town. Since the rails were removed, the line has been used for light recreation activities such as walking and bike riding.

Newspapers
In 1884, a local paper was founded and Hulda Barker Loud took the position of editor-in-chief, naming the paper The Independent.

Today, the town shares a weekly newspaper with neighboring Abington, The Rockland Standard. The Patriot Ledger and The Brockton Enterprise serve the greater South Shore area.

Radio and television
WRPS (88.3 FM) is a radio station owned by Rockland High School. The station is operated by the students and staff of the school. In addition, the studio offers two public access cable channels.

Historic buildings
Lower Union Street Historic District runs down southern Union Street from East Water to Market Streets. In addition, there are several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places:
 * Grand Army of the Republic Hall, built in 1899
 * Mckinley School, built in 1909 as Rockland High School and now the Rockland Community Center
 * Phoenix Building, built in 1929
 * Rockland Almshouse, built in 1876, now the home of the North River Collaborative educational organization
 * Rockland Memorial Library, built in 1903
 * Rockland Trust Company building, built in 1917
 * ET Wright Building, built in 1880
 * Sandpaper Factory, built in 1890
 * Holy Family Church, built in 1883

Notable people

 * Brian Duffy (born 1953), astronaut
 * George V. Higgins (1939–1999), author
 * PJ Ladd (born 1983), professional skateboarder
 * Hulda Barker Loud (1844–1911), newspaper editor
 * Frederic O. MacCartney (1864–1903), socialist politician
 * Maria Louise Pool (1841–1898), author
 * Jonathan Togo (born 1977), actor

title: Rockland, Massachusetts


text:
South Duxbury, Massachusetts

South Duxbury is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Duxbury in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,360 at the 2010 census.

Geography
South Duxbury is located at 42.02028°N, -70.69528°W (42.020223, -70.695338).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 11.5 km$2$ (4.4 mi$2$), of which 7.7 km$2$ (3.0 mi$2$) is land and 3.8 km$2$ (1.5 mi$2$) (32.88%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,062 people, 1,099 households, and 864 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 396.7/km$2$ (1,027.0/mi$2$). There were 1,226 housing units at an average density of 158.8/km$2$ (411.2/mi$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.98% White, 0.26% African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.07% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.78% of the population.

There were 1,099 households, out of which 41.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.9% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. 18.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 30.4% under the age of 18, 3.6% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $96,929, and the median income for a family was $107,094. Males had a median income of $93,137 versus $45,109 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $42,108.

Halls Corner
South Duxbury is an area in the town of Duxbury, which includes Halls Corner, a small shopping district. Halls Corner consists of five streets (Standish Street, Bay Road, Washington Street, Depot Street, and Chestnut Street) coming together into a roundabout. Those streets contain several stores, such as grocery, clothing, gas, pharmacy, banks, eatery, consignment, flower, hair and nail salons, ice cream, wine and spirits, dentist, bakery, the South Duxbury Post Office, and many more. In previous years there was a train line from the Old Colony Railroad through South Duxbury, but it closed in the late 1930s. The site is now the Duxbury Clipper, a local newspaper.

The SAIL Line (Seaside Area Inter-town Link) bus, operated by GATRA (Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority), runs through Halls Corner, stopping at the Depot Plaza.

title: South Duxbury, Massachusetts