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Northbridge, Massachusetts

Northbridge is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 16,335 at the 2020 census. The Northbridge Town Hall is located at 7 Main Street in Whitinsville. The town is now a part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, of the National Park Service. Northbridge claims to history include: Native American Nipmuc lands, Colonel John Spring, who led the Uxbridge militia training company in the American Revolution, Samuel Spring, Revolutionary War Chaplain, the Residence of Ezra T. Benson 1830–1832, the birthplace of President Millard Fillmore's mother, Phoebe, and home to the Whitin Machine Works from 1831 to 1964.

For geographic and demographic information on the village of Whitinsville, please see the article Whitinsville, Massachusetts.

Early history
The earliest residents were the Nipmuc, or "Small Pond People". They had a well-developed agriculture, made tools, and had a graphite mine at Sturbridge. Northbridge was first settled by Europeans in 1704 and was officially incorporated on July 14, 1772. The town was once part of Mendon, from 1667 to 1726, and part of Uxbridge, from 1727 to 1772. Colonel John Spring, who had agitated for the new town of Northbridge, and later reversed his position, led a company of men in the Massachusetts Militia in the Revolution. Dozens of local men fought at the Lexington Alarm, and at Bunker Hill. Samuel Spring, John's son, became a Revolutionary War Chaplain commissioned in the militia at the Siege of Boston, and who also served in the Invasion of Canada (1775) under Colonel Benedict Arnold. Samuel carried Benedict Arnold and Aaron Burr, his Princeton classmate, off of separate battlefields. Colonel Seth Read and his brother, Colonel Joseph Read owned more than half of the land in this town at the time of the American Revolutionary War. They both fought in the Massachusetts Militia, and the Continental Army. The mother of President Millard Fillmore, Phoebe Millard (Fillmore), was born in Northbridge. Ezra Taft Benson, Sr., a famous Mormon pioneer, lived here from 1830 to 1832 on his sister's farm. He married Pamela Andrus, of Northbridge, and also apparently her sister, Adeline Brooks Andrus. He then married six more times and served as a missionary to the Sandwich Islands, and in the Utah Territorial Legislature.

Manufacturing and Mill Villages
This suburban community near Worcester has a rich manufacturing heritage. The Blackstone and Mumford Rivers run through the Town and in the early 19th century numerous industrial developments were erected along the riverbanks, most notably the Whitin Machine Shop in Whitinsville, at its peak the largest manufacturer of textile machines in the world. The textile machine company and industrial village was written up as one of the Harvard studies of history in business. Northbridge stands as a testament to the success of mill villages throughout the 19th and 20th centuries when production was expanding so greatly that immigrant labor from Canada, the Netherlands and Armenia was imported. Now, these mills stand, mostly renovated into housing and various businesses along the Blackstone River. Home of Lookout Rock, through which the bike trails pass and which overlooks the river below, the outskirts of the valley's community have a number of horse farms. Today most of the mill buildings are no longer used to full capacity, however, they do offer incubator space to small businesses. Further, most of the town's architecture developed during the 19th century has been preserved.

National Heritage Corridor
Northbridge is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission and is working with its neighboring communities to "promote the region's special character and sense of history". The Blackstone River Valley was the first industrialized region in the United States. Northbridge has a number of valley sites designated by the National Park service. The reservoir of the West Hill Dam flood control project and recreation area also lies within the town limits of Northbridge.

Development
Several goals of the town are: "to strengthen the local economy through developing and reusing industrial areas as well as retaining existing businesses"; and, "to keep Northbridge as a desirable place to live through preserving and revitalizing the village centers, maintaining and expanding town services, and protecting natural resources".

In 2009, Northbridge was named a 'Bio-Ready' community by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council. As of January 22, 2021, Northbridge maintains a Bronze BioReady rating.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 18.1 sqmi, of which 17.2 sqmi is land and 0.9 sqmi  (4.87%) is water.

Villages in Northbridge

 * Whitinsville
 * Linwood
 * Rockdale
 * Riverdale
 * Northbridge Center
 * Adams' Corners
 * Plummer's Corner
 * Prentice Corner
 * Quaker District

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 15,707 people, 5,896 households, and 4,097 families residing in the town. The population density was 913.2 PD/sqmi. There were 6,172 housing units at an average density of 341 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.0% White, 0.70% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.7% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 5,896 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.8% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.5% were non-families. 24.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.1.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.5% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $68,981, and the median income for a family was $87,359. Males had a median income of $57,076 versus $44,825 for females. The per capita income for the town was $30,945. About 4.6% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Situated between Interstates 90 (Mass Pike), 146, 395, and 495, Northbridge has highway access to and from major cities such as Worcester, Providence and Boston. Route 146 has a small portion in the town. Also, Route 122 runs along Providence Road.

The nearest commuter rail station into Boston is located in nearby Grafton, approximately nine miles away. The town is located equidistantly (approx. 10–12 miles) between the Franklin/495/Forge Park T-station and the Worcester T-station, both with ample parking. A section of the Blackstone River Greenway, part of the East Coast Greenway is proposed to cross the town. If completed, the trail would connect the town to Worcester's downtown Union Station, as well as to Woonsocket, Providence, and Newport. The WRTA has weekday bus service to Grafton station, as well as to Millbury.

Historically, Northbridge had trolleys running through some of its village centers, and was on a commuter train line running from Worcester to Providence. The train runs as a freight line currently, however, discussion has begun in Rhode Island and Massachusetts about the possible redevelopment of a commuter line on this route

Education
Northbridge has both a public education system and a private education system. The public schools are operated by Northbridge Public Schools.

 * Pre-K–5 is located at the Northbridge Elementary School located at 21 Crescent Street
 * 6–8 is located at the Northbridge Middle School located at 171 Linwood Avenue
 * 9–12 is located at the Northbridge High School located at 427 Linwood Avenue

Whitinsville Christian School is located at 279 Linwood Avenue in Whitinsville. The school houses Pre-K through 12th grade and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School Is a technical high school located in Upton that provides school services for grades 9-12.

Library
The public library in Northbridge began in 1844. In fiscal year 2011, the town of Northbridge spent 0.26% ($96,756) of its budget on its public library—approximately $6.16 per person, per year ($7.22 adjusted for inflation to 2021).

Utilities
Local cable TV service is served by Charter Communication, Electricity is provided by National Grid and gas by Nstar/Commonwealth Gas Company.

Notable people

 * Glenn Adams (born 1947), Major League Baseball outfielder for three teams
 * Ezra T. Benson (1811–1869), Mormon pioneer and Territorial Legislator; great-grandfather of twentieth-century Mormon leader Ezra Taft Benson
 * Lou Lucier (1918–2014), Major League Baseball player
 * Harmon Oscar Nelson, Whitinsville resident married to Bette Davis and for whom the Oscar (Academy Award) is named
 * Lee Savings, (1907–1947) Wife of George W. Jenkins, founder of Publix Supermarkets
 * Steve Spagnuolo, former St. Louis Rams head coach
 * Marcus Spring, New York City cotton merchant; founded Utopian community at Perth Amboy, New Jersey
 * Samuel Spring, John's son, who served as a Revolutionary War chaplain
 * Phil Vandersea, Green Bay Packers player during the 1960s
 * Col. Paul C Whitin 1767, textile machine founder, manufacturer
 * James Whitin, Whitin Machine works
 * Thomson M. Whitin (1923–2013), management scientist
 * Steven Dorian (born 1977), musician

title: Northbridge, Massachusetts


text:
Oakham, Massachusetts

Oakham is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 1,851 at the 2020 census.

History
Oakham was first settled by British colonists in 1749 as part of Rutland, and was officially incorporated in 1762. It was originally named Oakhampton, but the name was changed for an unknown reason.

The village of Coldbrook Springs was a part of Oakham, near the Barre line, established on the site of a natural iron spring. A railroad depot was built in nearby in the 1830s and the village eventually included a hotel, tavern, medicinal spa, and a number of houses. The area is part of the Ware River Watershed and now part of the Massachusetts state forest, having been cleared of all structures as a part of the Quabbin Reservoir Aqueduct system.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 21.5 sqmi, of which 21.1 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi, or 1.90%, is water.

Oakham is bordered by Barre to the northwest, Rutland to the northeast, Paxton to the southeast, Spencer to the south, and New Braintree to the southwest. The towns of Oakham, New Braintree, Spencer and North Brookfield share a common town corner; however, due to its location within feet of the banks of Brooks Pond, there is no direct way to get to North Brookfield from Oakham.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,673 people, 578 households, and 467 families residing in the town. The population density was 79.2 PD/sqmi. There were 591 housing units at an average density of 28.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.33% White, 0.36% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.24% from other races, and 0.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.02% of the population.

There were 578 households, out of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.5% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.2% were non-families. Of all households 14.7% were made up of individuals, and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.6% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $60,729, and the median income for a family was $63,487. Males had a median income of $42,065 versus $30,882 for females. The per capita income for the town was $23,175. About 1.5% of families and 1.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Oakham is part of the Quabbin Regional School District along with Barre, Hardwick, Hubbardston, and New Braintree. Elementary School Students attend Oakham Center School, from grades K–6, middle school students attend Quabbin Regional Middle School from grades 7–8, and high school students attend Quabbin Regional High School from grades 9–12.

Library
The Oakham Free Public Library was established in 1892, and in 1907 a library building made of local fieldstone, Fobes Memorial Library, was built with money donated by the Fobes family. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Oakham spent 1.71% ($47,657) of its budget on its public library—approximately $24 per person, per year ($29.39 adjusted for inflation to 2021). In fiscal year 2017, Oakham spent 1.66% ($58,062) of its budget on its public library—approximately $30 per person, per year.

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

title: Oakham, Massachusetts


text:
Paxton, Massachusetts

Paxton is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 5,004 at the 2020 census.

History
Paxton was first settled by Europeans in 1749 and was officially incorporated in 1765. It was previously occupied by the Nipmuc tribe.

The district of Paxton was originally taken from the towns of Leicester and Rutland, in nearly equal parts, and was incorporated February 12, 1765. Charles Paxton, marshal of the Admiralty Court, offered a church bell to the town if it was named after him; no such gift was ever made. The inhabitants soon commenced their plan for building a meeting house, and on the first day of April 1765, the town voted to build it. It was raised on June 18, 1766, and this is the frame of the present meeting house.

In 1766, within two years of the incorporation of the town, the foundation of the present meeting house was laid, on what is now the common, near the flagstaff. The land was given by Seth Howe, from a piece of his pasture.

David Davis went to Boston with a pair of oxen and drew to Paxton the bell now in use, which was made by Paul Revere.

A small historic and now defunct amusement park called "Paxton Navy Yard" operated here in the mid 20th century.

Asnebumskit Hill was the site of the Yankee Network's early FM broadcasting antenna, beginning its commercial operations in Summer 1939.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.5 sqmi, of which 14.7 sqmi is land and 0.7 sqmi, or 4.78%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,386 people, 1,428 households, and 1,153 families residing in the town. The population density was 297.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,461 housing units at an average density of 99.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.69% White, 0.68% African American, 0.09% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.57% from other races, and 0.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.55% of the population.

There were 1,428 households, out of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.1% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.2% were non-families. 15.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% 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 3.13.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 13.6% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $72,039, and the median income for a family was $80,498. Males had a median income of $51,694 versus $38,409 for females. The per capita income for the town was $29,573. None of the families and 1.8% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 4.5% of those over 64.

Points of interest

 * Moore State Park
 * Worcester County Memorial Park
 * Thompson Pond (Massachusetts)

Education

 * Anna Maria College's main campus is in Paxton, and the college recently opened a new campus in Worcester.
 * Paxton is a member of the Wachusett Regional School District.
 * Paxton Center School is the town's kindergarten, elementary and middle school (K–8).
 * The public high school is Wachusett Regional High School, in Holden, Massachusetts.
 * As of 2005, high school students may choose to attend Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School.
 * Paxton Center School offers band, chorus and track to students in grades 5–8. All students participate in physical education, art education and technology classes.

Library
The Paxton public library began in 1877. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Paxton spent 1.53% ($143,354) of its budget on its public library—approximately $30 per person ($36.74 adjusted for inflation to 2021).

Utilities

 * Electric service is provided by the town's own municipal light department.
 * Water service is provided by the town's own water department. Paxton's principal source of drinking water is Asnebumskit Pond. Recently, Paxton sells the raw Asnebumskit Pond water to Worcester, and buys back water treated at Worcester's filtration plant.
 * Telephone service is provided by Verizon. All phones in Paxton are connected to Verizon's main central office in Worcester.
 * Cable television service is provided by Charter Communications.
 * No natural gas or sewer service is available in Paxton. At least one house on the Paxton-Worcester city line is connected to the Worcester sewer system. Paxton residents voted down the creation of the South Paxton Sewer District at a February 28, 2006, town meeting. This district would have installed sewers in the part of Paxton adjacent to Worcester.

Notable people

 * Jamie Dinan, investor
 * David Goodman, Medal of Honor recipient
 * Burt Grinstead, actor
 * Todd Richards, snowboarder
 * Samuel Stearns, astronomer
 * Harriet Ware, teacher

title: Paxton, Massachusetts


text:
Petersham, Massachusetts

Petersham is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 1,194 at the 2020 census. Petersham is home to a considerable amount of conservation land, including the Quabbin Reservation, Harvard Forest, the Swift River Reservation, and Federated Women's Club State Forest.

History
Petersham was first settled by Europeans in 1733 and was officially incorporated on April 20, 1754. On February 4, 1787, it was the site of the second battle of Shays' Rebellion. The town is noted for its common, part of the Petersham Common Historic District. About 45 buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Country Store, an 1842 Greek Revival structure that has housed a general store on its main floor since its opening, sits just to the East of the common.

The town's lands were expanded greatly by the building of the Quabbin Reservoir in 1938. When the towns of the Swift River Valley were disincorporated, Petersham and neighboring New Salem benefited the most, with Petersham receiving all of the former town of Dana, much of the town of Greenwich, and a small portion of the former town of Prescott east of the Middle Branch of the Swift River. Its modern southwestern borders lie along the former East and Middle branches of the Swift River, and includes lands that were once part of Hampshire County.

A memorial was erected in the town in 1927 by the New England Society of Brooklyn, New York. The memorial commemorates General Benjamin Lincoln, who raised 3,000 troops and routed the rebellion on February 4, 1787. It ends with the line, "Obedience to the law is true liberty."

Geography and transportation
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 68.3 sqmi, of which 54.2 sqmi is land and 14.1 sqmi (20.60%) is water. By virtue of the lands it gained in the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir, Petersham is the largest town by land area in Worcester County, and the fifth-largest town of the 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. It is the largest town by area in Central and Western Massachusetts, with the four largest towns being in southeastern Massachusetts (Plymouth, Middleborough, Dartmouth and Barnstable).

Much of the town's land is protected as part of the Quabbin Reservation, a protected area surrounding the Quabbin Reservoir. The town's borders extend well into the eastern branch of the reservoir, and includes the lands around what were once Mount Pomeroy, Mount Zion (the largest such "island" in the reservoir), and several other former hills. The lands of the Reservation are only accessible on foot, and include the only disincorporated areas which are accessible to the public, at the former Dana Common, a 1.5 mi walk from Gate 40. Most of the town still drains into the Quabbin, along brooks that once met the Swift River. The town has several other hills that are part of the larger Worcester Hills region, including Whitney Hill and Camels Hump Hill, at 1044 ft the highest point in town. Several other parts of the town are also protected, including the Federated Women's Club State Forest, the Petersham State Forest, Harvard state Forest, the Popple Camp Wildlife Management Area, and the Phillipston Wildlife Management Area, the latter three extending into neighboring towns. Most of the town is rural in nature, with the largest population located near the town common, in the village of Petersham.

Petersham, by virtue of its territory in the Quabbin, is the westernmost town in Worcester County, bordering Franklin County to the west and a small portion of Hampshire County to the south. Petersham is bordered by Athol to the northwest, Phillipston to the northeast, Barre and Hardwick to the southeast, Ware to the south, and New Salem to the west. From the town common, Petersham is 29 mi northwest of Worcester, 41 mi north-northeast of Springfield, and 66 mi west-northwest of Boston.

There are no interstates or other limited-access highways within town, with the nearest being Route 2, the major east-west route across northern Massachusetts, which lies just north of the town. Near the center of town lies the junction of Route 32 and Route 122, with Route 32 entering from Athol and Route 122 entering from New Salem. The routes pass concurrently into the town of Barre before splitting again in the southern part of that town. The town center is also the northern terminus of Route 32A, which heads southward through Hardwick, providing a more direct route from where Route 32 turns eastward in the Hardwick village of Gilbertville to the Petersham town center. Just north of the town center, the southern terminus of Route 101 lies along Route 32, heading into Phillipston along its route towards the New Hampshire border.

There are no means of mass transit in Petersham. The nearest general aviation airports are the Orange Municipal Airport, Gardner Municipal Airport and Tanner-Hiller Airport in Barre. The nearest national air service can be reached at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut.

Education
Petersham is home to one public elementary school which serves kindergarten through sixth grade, the Petersham Center School. High School students attend Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School, in Orange.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,180 people, 438 households, and 299 families residing in the town. The population density was 21.8 people per square mile (8.4/km$2$). There were 474 housing units at an average density of 8.7 per square mile (3.4/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 97.20% White, 0.68% African American, 0.76% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.10% of the population.

There were 438 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $47,833, and the median income for a family was $58,125. Males had a median income of $39,265 versus $26,354 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,222. About 2.0% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.2% of those under age 18 and 1.5% of those age 65 or over.

Library
The Petersham public library began in 1879. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Petersham spent 0.35% ($10,752) of its budget on its public library—approximately $8 per person, per year. The Nichewaug Inn and Petersham Center School were designed by the same firm, Stone, Carpenter & Willson.

Sites of interest

 * The Country Store
 * Petersham Curling Club
 * Fisher Museum, Harvard Forest
 * Petersham Historical Society Museum
 * Most Holy Trinity Monastery

Notable people

 * Lewis Bigelow, congressman
 * Yodelin' Slim Clark, musician
 * Dorothy Eaton (1893–1968), painter
 * Austin Flint, physician
 * James Hawkes, congressman
 * Jonas Howe (1786–1865), Massachusetts state legislator
 * Emmeline B. Wells, journalist, activist
 * Solomon Willard, builder of Bunker Hill Monument

title: Petersham, Massachusetts


text:
Appingedam

Appingedam (n Daam ) is a city and former municipality in the northeastern Netherlands. Although there is no certainty as to the exact age of Appingedam, historical research demonstrates that the place in which the city would eventually be built had been inhabited for over a millennium. Specifically, the area in which the earliest traces of human settlements have been reported is the Wierde, a quarter located in the northern part of the city centre. Today, a narrow, winding street by the same name runs along the waterfront as a living testimony to the times gone by. The characteristic landmarks of the old Wierde are still recognisable today: the historical East-West Canal, called “Diep,” dug to the south of the Wierde, diked on both sides, still defines the unique layout of the downtown Appingedam.

Little is known about the exact age and origin of the name of Appingedam. It came into existence on the banks of the Delf, the present Damsterdiep, around 1200. The name originates from a dam built in the Appe or Apt. In 1327, Appingedam received city rights from the free Frisians of the Upstalboom near the East Frisian city of Aurich. Appingedam and Aurich still have friendly liaisons via a partnership called the Städtepartnerschaft or stedenband, in German and Dutch respectively. Appingedam is located in the region Fivelingo, which in the Middle Ages was a part of Frisia.

In the Late Middle Ages, Appingedam, being a seaport, was an important trading competitor to Groningen. When Groningen received the staple right, Appingedam rapidly lost its trading position. Later on Delfzijl outstripped Appingedam with its newer and bigger seaport.

Nowadays Appingedam still looks indispensable as a small city. Many original medieval premises can be found in the centre. The most famous sight is the hanging kitchens above the Damsterdiep. Appingedam was home to the Appingedammer Bronsmotorenfabriek that produced large ship's engines for the shipyards in the area.

Medieval Appingedam
Appingedam evolved on the banks of the waterway of the Delf, today known as Damsterdiep, around 1200. The name of the town is a lexical compound meaning “the dam built in the Appe” or “Apt.” The junction of the Apt and the East-West canal proved convenient as a location for the foundation of a lively trade settlement. Established by shipmasters, tradesmen and craftsmen, Appingedam was first mentioned in a historical document dated 1224. Next to Groningen, Appingedam was thus the second of the two urban centres upon which the Frisian region of Fivelingo would build its fame in the Middle Ages.

Trade Centre
Owing to its favourable location at the junction of inland waterways and thus to its open access to the sea, the settlement soon developed into a vibrant centre for shipping and trade. With seagoing ships loading and unloading freight at its two busy quays located on the opposite banks of the canal, wealth would flow into the City. Stored in Appingedam and traded in its markets, the goods would subsequently be transported via inland waterways to the northern regions of Germany, Westfalia, and even further into the Baltic Sea area. The exchange of goods, continually contributing to the growing affluence of Appingedam, quickly rendered it the dominant city of Fivelingo.

The “Neighbour Letter”
An important seaport and a trade hub, mediaeval Appingedam would soon become a legally acknowledged administrative centre. In 1327, Appingedam's city rights were recognized by the Council associating representatives of seven Frisian sea states, who signed the treaty confirming Appingedam's independent status at Upstalboom, which today is the East Frisian city of Aurich. The rights and privileges granted to Appingedam were listed in a document which went down in history as the “Neighbour Letter.”

Further Developments
The City of Appingedam flourished over the next two centuries. The 14th century brought about the construction of a large church complex, a convent, a guesthouse and two fortified castles of Ripperda and Snelgersma. Work on the development of the system of canals and mooring docks continued well into the 15th century, and it is  till this day that some of the 600-year-old structures may be admired along the winding waterfront avenue leading from Koningstraat to Westersingel.

Conflicts with the City of Groningen
The economic development of Appingedam would, however, increasingly threaten the vital interests of the City of Groningen. The growing tension between the two cities eventually escalates into a series of armed conflicts. In 1536, Appingedam suffered a major defeat, as a consequence of which the city was destroyed and ultimately lost its position as a major player in the region's trade and politics. Although since then Appingedam's economy would gradually deteriorate, a temporary revival could be observed in the 1630s, when the City Hall was built and later, around 1760, when the reconstruction of the facades of the gabled houses in the Solwerdstraat commenced However, it was not until the end of the 18th century that the development of the City would regain its momentum: the turn of the centuries brought the establishment of regular railway services between Appingedam and Sneek, Amsterdam, and a few German cities, but it was only in 1884 that the City received a new railway station, representing an architectural style known as the Sneek-Standard-Style.

Traditional Industries
Along the Damsterdiep, a number of businesses—foundries, brickworks, limestone quarries, sawmills, and other industries supporting the dockyard operations or related to the region's agricultural production—emerged over the years. Catering to the needs of the local bakeries and of trading companies, the nearby windmills would produce flour and the local oil presses would supply oil, but apart from these industries, the City of Appingedam also boasted six beer breweries, two gin distilleries, several tanneries, spinning factories and many other production companies.

"Brons" Engine Factory
The economic boom of the late 19th century, propelled by the increase of the value of the cattle markets and, in particular, development of the horse market, allowed Appingedam to thrive again. Even though the importance of the waterways decreased after the Groningen-Delfzijl railway line opened, at the beginning of the 20th century thus diminishing Appingedam's profits on water transportation, the former trade hub reinvented itself as a major industrial centre in the region of Fivelingo. In 1870, C. Roggenkamp implemented the first steam-engine in Appingedam and founded the first steam-propelled sawmill timber in the Netherlands. Soon thereafter, other steam-run machines were implemented in Appingedam factories, further increasing the wealth of the city: a threshing machine and a crank press. At the beginning of the 20th century, the City already boasted a dairy factory, a flax factory, a cardboard manufacture, gasworks, a trailer factory, as well as the plants of busbuilders Medema and Smit. The "Bronsmotorenfabriek" (Brons Engine Factory),  Ter Borg & Mensinga, an Appingedam-based mechanical plant named after its founder Jan Brons, gained international fame when its foundry produced the first Brons engine, catering for the needs of modern shipping, enjoying worldwide sales. The huge crankshaft of the first “Source” model may be admired today at the corner of the Kniestraat and Dijkstraat, as an industrial monument. Another mechanical plant with worldwide sales was Ter Borg & Mensinga.

Post-War Appingedam: A Battered Town

At the end of World War II, unlike the remaining regions of the Netherlands, the Eemsmondsregio, Appingedam and Delfzijl suffered major damage as a result of heavy shellings by the Nazi artillery. Many of the Appingedammers (or Damsters) were evacuated and the city itself, guarded by a handful of defenders, would suffer a ten-day-long agony until May 2, 1945, when it was eventually liberated by the Canadian troops. The returning inhabitants found their hometown heavily battered and even though its reconstruction commenced immediately, it took decades to restore Appingedam to its present glory.

“The Face of the Town”: Appingedam Under Protection
Immediately after World War II, Appingedam's star became largely eclipsed by the neighbouring city of Delfzijl, which developed rapidly and gained the status of the third port of the Netherlands and one of the most important industrial centres in the north of the country. In Appingedam, the transformations took much more time and in some areas of its economy, such as shopping, a standstill could be observed. The much needed incentive to speed up the change came in 1972, when the Appingedam acquired the status of a conservation area. This opened new legal and financial opportunities before the City Council, which thus gained the means to jump-start restoration, breathing new life into the rundown inner city. Ambitious plans to restore the historic centre of Appingedam in keeping with its unique, centuries-old identity were soon devised and implemented at an enviable pace.

Damsterdiep
The restoration of the downtown Damster proved to carry major consequences. Not only was the physical appearance of the city reverted to the state of its former glory, but also the life of Appingedam gained momentum. Under the motto of “Appingedam—Back in Service,” the council made a successful attempt to draw tourists and entrepreneurs back to city. The development of Appingedam involved the activation of the recreational sector, the effects of which would become particularly visible after the opening of the Damsterdiep sailing circuit. The city would quickly expand; modern homes in large housing estates or cosy suburban areas would quickly spring up and a variety of shops and attractive recreational facilities, good roads and efficient public transportation would become landmarks of the present day Appingedam. Today, Appingedam is a major tourist centre for the North-East of the province of Groningen. It has also developed into regional “care centre,” both in terms of governance, and in the field of education and shopping facilities.

Overdiep
Overdiep is the most recent project in the field of town renewal in Appingedam. It is a large-scale living, shopping and recreation complex, which is characterised by sympathetic architecture that blends with the character of the old centre of Appingedam. The venue takes its name from the new Diep, which forms the border between the old centre of the city and the surrounding area. Overdiep borders directly to the historical centre of Appingedam, with splendid visibility on the Nicolaïkerk and surroundings. In 2009, the first houses were constructed along with a health centre, as well as a new yacht-basin and pavilion. The last phase of the complex was realised in 2011.

Population centres
• Appingedam

• Garreweer

• Jukwerd

• Laskwerd

• Marsum

• Oling

• Opwierde

• Solwerd

• Tjamsweer

Transport
Appingedam's railway station is Appingedam railway station.

Cycling
Appingedam hosted the start and finish of the first stage at the 2012 Energiewacht Tour (individual time trial) and the 3b stage at the 2013 Energiewacht Tour.

People from Appingedam

 * Perizonius (1651–1715) real name Jakob Voorbroek was a classical scholar
 * Jan ten Brink (1834–1901) a Dutch writer.
 * Rudolph Cleveringa (1894–1980) professor of law at Leiden University
 * Geert Bakker (1921–1993) a sailor, competed at the 1976 Summer Olympics
 * Leendert Bosch (1924–2017) a Dutch biochemist and academic
 * Klaas Bolt (1927–1990) classical organist and improviser
 * Evelien Koogje (born 1959) retired rower, competed at the 1976 Summer Olympics
 * Nathalie de Vries (born 1965) A Dutch architect, lecturer and urbanist

title: Appingedam


text:
Phillipston, Massachusetts

Phillipston is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 1,724 at the 2020 census.

History
Phillipston was first settled in 1751, and incorporated as the town of Gerry, after the politician Elbridge Gerry, on October 20, 1786, after separating from Templeton. The name was changed to Phillipston on February 5, 1814, after William Phillips, Jr., the tenth Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts

In 1941, Elliott Laurel was gifted to The Trustees of Reservations.

The Phillipston Center Historic District and the Searles Hill Cemetery were designated on the National Register of Historic Places, in 1999 and 2011 respectively.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 24.6 sqmi, of which 24.3 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi, or 1.54%, is water.

Phillipston is bordered by Petersham to the southwest, Athol to the northwest, Royalston to the north, Templeton to the east, Hubbardston to the southeast, and a small portion of Barre to the south.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,621 people, 580 households, and 443 families residing in the town. The population density was 66.8 PD/sqmi. There were 739 housing units at an average density of 30.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.72% White, 0.37% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.37% Asian, and 1.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.43% of the population.

There were 580 households, of which 39.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.8% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.6% were non-families. 17.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% 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 3.19.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 7.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $46,845, and the median income for a family was $52,011. Males had a median income of $39,231 versus $25,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,706. About 3.8% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.5% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Phillipston is part of the Narragansett Regional School District, along with Templeton. Previously, the town served one public elementary school, the Phillipston Memorial School, but was closed recently, so elementary school students attend Templeton Memorial School in Templeton. Middle School students attend Narragansett Regional Middle School, and high school students attend Narragansett Regional High School. In 1948, the architect G. Adolph Johnson designed the Phillipston Memorial School. Additionally, Mount Wachusett Community College serves the area.

Library
"The Phillips Free Public Library of Phillipston was founded in 1860." In fiscal year 2008, the town of Phillipston spent 1.08% ($31,203) of its budget on its public library—approximately $17 per person, per year ($20.82 adjusted for inflation to 2021).

Notable people

 * Charlotte Barnum, mathematician
 * Thomas H. White, industrialist

title: Phillipston, Massachusetts


text:
Princeton, Massachusetts

Princeton is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is bordered on the east by Sterling and Leominster, on the north by Westminster, on the northwest by Hubbardston, on the southwest by Rutland, and on the southeast by Holden. The preeminent landmark within Princeton is Mount Wachusett, which straddles the line between Princeton and Westminster but the entrance to which is within Princeton. According to tradition, in 1675, Mary Rowlandson was ransomed upon Redemption Rock, now within the town of Princeton, by King Philip. The population was 3,495 at the 2020 census. Princeton is a rural exurb, serving as a bedroom commuter town for nearby cities such as Worcester, Gardner, and Boston.

History
During King Philip's War in 1676, Native Americans brought their captive Mary Rowlandson to Princeton to release her to the colonists at Redemption Rock. The town of Princeton was incorporated in 1759, out of land that was previously part of Rutland. It was named after the Rev. Thomas Prince. In 1810, it annexed a piece of Hubbardston, and in 1870, it annexed a piece of Westminster.

Register of Historic Places
Princeton has five entries on the National Register of Historic Places:
 * East Princeton Village Historic District: Roughly Main St., Leominster Rd. (added April 18, 2004)
 * Fernside-Vacation House for Working Girls: 162 Mountain Rd. (added July 27, 2002)
 * Princeton Center Historic District: Jct. of Hubbardston and Mountain Rds. (added March 26, 1999)
 * Russell Corner Historic District: Merriam, Gregory Hill, East Princeton and Sterling Rds, Bullock Lane, (added February 22, 2006)
 * West Village Historic District: Jct. of Allen Hill and Hubbardston Roads

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.8 sqmi, of which, 35.4 sqmi of it is land and 0.4 sqmi of it (1.12%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,353 people, 1,166 households, and 959 families residing in the town. The population density was 94.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,196 housing units at an average density of 33.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.75% White, 0.30% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.95% Asian, 0.63% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.46% of the population.

There were 1,166 households, out of which 41.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.7% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.7% were non-families. Of all households, 13.5% were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.9% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 29.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $120,559, and the median income for a family was $152,884. The per capita income for the town was $54,940. About 2.7% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.3% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

Schools
Princeton is part of the Wachusett Regional School District.

The Thomas Prince School serves as the town's kindergarten, elementary and middle school (K–8).

Wachusett Regional High School (traditional public high school) in Holden, MA and Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School (vocational/technical high school) in Fitchburg, MA are the two public high schools serving the town of Princeton.

Princeton is served by Mount Wachusett Community College, whose main campus is located in Gardner, Massachusetts.

Library
The Princeton Public Library was established in 1884. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Princeton spent 1.6% ($129,243) of its budget on its public library; approximately $37 per resident, per year ($45.31 adjusted for inflation to 2021).

Points of interest

 * Cornerstone Ranchers
 * Harrington Farm
 * Mount Wachusett
 * Princeton Historical Society
 * Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary
 * Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
 * Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
 * Redemption Rock
 * Hubbard farm

Notable people

 * Daniel Davis Jr. (1813–1887) - inventor
 * Ward Nicholas Boylston (1747–1828), gentleman, businessman, and philanthropist, lived in Princeton from September 1804 until his death. He bequeathed $1000 to the town of Princeton for its church and minister and the support of indigent and deserving widows and orphan children
 * Moses Gill (1734–1800), Massachusetts lieutenant governor and acting governor
 * Louise H. Gregory (1880–1954), professor of zoology at Barnard College
 * Ruth Ellen Grout (1901–1998), health education professor at the University of Minnesota
 * Ezra Heywood (1829–1893), anarchist, slavery abolitionist, and feminist
 * Vanessa Marcotte (1989–2016), murder victim, whose case attracted national media attention
 * Edward Savage (1761–1817), portrait artist, engraver, and early museum proprietor

Film references

 * The 2001 film Shallow Hal had scenes shot in Princeton at Wachusett Mountain.
 * The 2006 film The Legend of Lucy Keyes is a movie about Princeton and its old legend, about four-year-old Lucy Keyes, who follows her sisters to fetch some water from Wachusett Lake but vanishes and never returns to the house. Her mother, Martha, spends night and day looking for her and calling her name. Some believe Lucy and her mother Martha still haunt on and around Wachusett Mountain.

title: Princeton, Massachusetts


text:
Royalston, Massachusetts

Royalston is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 1,250 at the 2020 census.

History
Royalston is a small town in the North Quabbin area of northwestern-central Massachusetts. It was named after Isaac Royall, a slaveholder and businessperson from Medford, Massachusetts who founded the town in a land deal in 1765. Most of the town's land is forest and wetlands, and there are several reservations and wildlife management areas. Two reservations are the Tully Lake flood protection dam area in the very southwestern part of the town, and the Royalston Falls reservation in the northern section.

The largest population center in the town is the village of South Royalston in the southeastern corner of the town. The historic center of Royalston is home to a small village that contains a very well preserved classic colonial New England town center and common. The center of town contains the town hall, post office, congregational church, and the town's library.

Geography and transportation
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 42.5 sqmi, of which 41.9 sqmi is land and 0.6 sqmi, or 1.39%, is water. Royalston is located in the northwestern part of central Massachusetts, on hilly land. The town center lies near Frye Hill, which quickly slopes downward just west of the town center, into the Tully River valley. The Tully River empties through Long Pond and Tully Lake before flowing into the Millers River in neighboring Athol, downstream from where that river flows through the southeast corner of town. Several other brooks cross through the town, with some of the land along these brooks being marshlands. To the northwest, White Hill (1,361') rises near the Warwick town line, and is the highest point in the town. Notable is the Royalston Falls located off of Route 32 near the New Hampshire border. Royalston is home to several wildlife management areas, including Birch Hill, Millers River, Lawrence Brook and Fish Brook, the first two of which cover three substantial portions of the eastern half of town. The town also has two portions of state forest near West Royalston.

Royalston is the northwestern corner of Worcester County, bordered by Franklin County to the west and Cheshire County, New Hampshire, to the north. It is bordered by Athol to the south, Phillipston and Templeton to the southeast, Winchendon to the east, Richmond and Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire to the north, and Warwick and Orange in Franklin County to the west. The town center lies 24 mi west-northwest of Fitchburg, 38 mi northwest of Worcester and 68 mi northwest of Boston. The town is mostly divided into three villages, the central village, West Royalston and South Royalston.

Royalston does not have any interstates or other highways passing through town, the nearest being Route 2 to the south, most easily reached through Phillipston and Templeton. Route 32 passes through the western part of town, heading north before becoming New Hampshire Route 32. Route 68 also passes through the town, from South Royalston through the central village to West Royalston, where it terminates at Route 32. The Springfield Terminal rail line passes through South Royalston along the south banks of the Millers River, but there is no public transportation means on this rail or otherwise. The nearest small airport is Orange Municipal Airport in Orange, with the nearest national air service being at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,254 people, 449 households, and 330 families residing in the town. The population density was 29.9 PD/sqmi. There were 526 housing units at an average density of 12.6 per square mile (4.8/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.64% White, 0.08% African American, 0.56% Asian, 0.16% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.12% of the population. 15.8% were of French, 13.0% English, 11.2% Irish, 10.5% French Canadian, 8.5% American, 7.3% Finnish and 7.2% Italian ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 449 households, out of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.7% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 20.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% 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 3.27.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.1% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $44,444, and the median income for a family was $51,818. Males had a median income of $36,328 versus $27,361 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,297. About 5.4% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.1% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

Library
The public library in Royalston was established in 1880. Phinehas Newton donated funds for a library building in 1910. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Royalston spent 2.46% ($45,220) of its budget on its public library—approximately $32 per person, per year ($42.17 adjusted for inflation to 2022).

Education
The town's only public school is the Royalston Community School, a public elementary school located east of the town center on the road to Winchendon. Education at the school is provided through Grade 6. For middle and high school students the town is part of the Athol-Royalston Regional School District. There is also an independent school, called The Village School, located on South Royalston Road. It serves students from Royalston and surrounding towns, serving preschool through grade 6. The new school building on South Royalston Road at the former Camp Caravan property, opened in September 2018.

Natural attractions
Royalston's natural surroundings which include three waterfalls: Royalston Falls, Doane's Falls and Spirit Falls. Outdoor recreation options can be found at Tully Lake, which is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Kayaking, hiking trails, a mountain bike trail and even a disc golf course are available in this area. The Trustees of Reservations also manages the Tully Lake Campground on the shores of Tully Lake.

Notable people

 * Alexander Bullock, politician
 * Mary Floyd Cushman, doctor
 * Lysander Cutler, politician
 * Elmer H. Fisher, architect
 * Joseph Lee Heywood, cashier
 * Horace Jacobs, physician
 * Whitman Jacobs, clergyman
 * Abner Jones, minister
 * Asahel Peck, politician
 * Hamilton S. Peck, politician
 * George C. Richardson, politician
 * Malcolm Rogers, curator
 * Nancy Amelia Woodbury Priest Wakefield, poet

title: Royalston, Massachusetts


text:
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Shrewsbury (/ˈʃruzberi/ SHROOZ-bury) is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 38,325 according to the 2020 United States Census, in nearly 15,000 households.

Incorporated in 1727, Shrewsbury prospered in the 19th-century due to its proximity to Worcester, and from visitors to Lake Quinsigamond. The town is governed under the New England representative town meeting system, headed by the Town Manager and five-member elected Select Board.

History
The Town of Shrewsbury, named for Shrewsbury, England, is a community with an uneven and hilly terrain cut by a number of minor streams providing several small water power sites. Grants of land were made in what would eventually be the town beginning in 1664, with the 3200 acre grant called Haynes Farm as the largest. In 1664 Native American leader, Peter Jethro, and other Nipmuc Indians deeded land around Lake Quinsigamond to settlers in the area. Settlers came primarily from Sudbury and Marlborough, and the first permanent settler was Gersham Wheelock in 1720. As a town, Shrewsbury was first settled in 1722 and officially incorporated in 1727.

Townspeople created an agricultural economy with apple orchards, and by 1750, there were two stores and four taverns as well as several small industries in operation. The rapid fall of prices for agricultural goods, the shortage of hard currency, and the general economic depression following the Revolutionary War produced disastrous conditions for colonists. Shays' Rebellion in 1786 sought to close the courts to prevent debt collections and the foreclosure of mortgages. Shrewsbury became a staging area for the rebellion and the encampment of the more than 400 insurgents, before the march on the Worcester Court House.

A leather industry began in 1786 in Shrewsbury, and town farmers developed large cattle herds to support the manufacture of boots and shoes. This was followed by the establishment of gunsmithing operations in 1797, which produced rifles, shotguns and pistols and eventually cutlery. Luther Goddard began in 1809 by making brass clocks and then established a small watch factory employing a few skilled Swiss and English watchmakers. Lumbering created sawmills, and they in turn drew chair and cabinet makers, plow and wagon builders.

The development of streetcar routes in the 19th century propelled the growth of single-family housing in town. A summer resort population on Lake Quinsigamond became consumers of the market garden produce grown by town farmers. As Shrewsbury's industry was killed by the lack of large waterpower sites and the tardy arrival of the railroad, its role as a suburb of Worcester grew more important. The town's population doubled from 1915 to 1940 as continued streetcar suburb growth brought more modern settlers into the community. Other modern developments included an increased number of lakeside cottages, ethnic clubs and recreational areas on the lake.

The 1953 Worcester tornado came through the Shrewsbury area, killing twelve people and causing extensive damage.

Since the late 20th century, Shrewsbury and neighboring Westborough have seen a large influx of immigration from South Asia, particularly India.

Geography
Shrewsbury is a suburb of Worcester. The town has a total area of 21.6 sqmi, of which 20.7 sqmi is land and 0.9 sqmi  (4.25%) is water. Busta Rhymes Island is located in Shrewsbury.

Demographics
By the 2020 census, the population had reached 38,325.

As of the 2020 Census, there were 38,325 people, the racial makeup of the town was 64.1% White, 2.5% African American, 0.1% Native American, 24.6% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.2% from other races, and 6.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.2% of the population.

As of the 2020 Census there were 14,966 households, out of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. Of all households 25.3% 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 2.54, and the average family size was 3.09.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 33.4% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $109,000 and the median income for a family was $124,000 (as of the 2010 census ). Males had a median income of $56,259 versus $37,129 for females. The per capita income for the town was $45,570. About 3.3% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable businesses

 * Hebert Candies, where white chocolate was first produced in the United States.
 * The now-defunct Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology was a research facility where the combined oral contraceptive pill was first developed. The campus is now the Hoagland-Pincus Conference Center of the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
 * The now-defunct Spag's, an all-purpose store, which predated Costco, Walmart and other similar outlets. The site is now a retail development.
 * The now-defunct White City amusement park, now the site of a shopping plaza.

Registered historic places
The following sites in Shrewbury are listed on the National Register of Historic Places:
 * General Artemas Ward House
 * District No. 5 School
 * Shrewsbury Historic District, in the town center
 * Two 1767 Milestones from the Boston Post Road

Library

The Shrewsbury Public Library was established in 1872. The library was expanded in 1978, and a new 42,000 sqft library opened in 2016.

Parks and recreation

 * Ski Ward - a year-round recreational facility offering skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing.
 * Prospect Park - a 71 acre forest area with walking, running, and biking trails.
 * Jordan Pond Recreational area, 0.8 miles of recreational trails surrounding Jordan Pond
 * Dean Park, a recreational area which includes 1.8 miles of hiking trails.

Town government
Shrewsbury is governed in the traditional New England style. Municipal elections are held on the first Tuesday in May. The legislative branch, a Representative Town Meeting, has 240 elected members. The executive branch has a five-member Select Board with three-year staggered terms, an appointed Town Manager, and other elected and appointed positions.

The Select Board includes Beth N. Casavant (chair), Theresa H. Flynn (vice-chair), John R. Samia, Michelle K. Conlin, and Carlos A. Garcia. The Town Manager is Kevin J. Mizikar.

State and federal government

 * State Representative: Hannah Kane (R—11th Worcester district)
 * State Senator: Michael O. Moore (D—2nd Worcester district)
 * Governor's Councilor: Paul Depalo (D)
 * U.S. Representative: James McGovern (D—Massachusetts's 2nd congressional district)
 * U.S. Senators: Elizabeth Warren (D), Ed Markey (D)

Public schools
Shrewsbury Public Schools is the public school district in the town. Schools in the district include Shrewsbury High School, two middle schools, five elementary schools, and one preschool. These schools are Major Howard W. Beal School (grades 1–4), Floral Street School (grades 1–4), Spring Street School (grades 1–4), Walter J. Paton Elementary School (grades 2–4), Calvin Coolidge Elementary School (grades 1–4), Sherwood Middle School (grades 5–6), Oak Middle School (grades 7–8), and the Shrewsbury High School.

Private schools
Non-public schools in town include Shrewsbury Montessori, a private school offering programs for Pre-K through grade 6; St. Mary's School, a Catholic parochial school for Pre-K through grade 8; and Saint John's High School, a private Xaverian Brothers–sponsored high school.

Newspapers

 * The Community Advocate

Notable people

 * Richard T. Antoun (1932–2009), Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Binghamton University; stabbed to death by a student
 * Kenneth S. Apfel (born 1948), 13th Commissioner of Social Security
 * Lillian Asplund (1906–2006), last American survivor of the Titanic sinking
 * Matthew Beaton (born 1978), former Massachusetts state legislator
 * Mike Birbiglia (born 1978), stand-up comedian
 * Peter I. Blute (born 1956), Congressman representing Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district from 1993 to 1997
 * Min Chueh Chang (1908–1991), co-inventor of the combined oral contraceptive pill and in-vitro fertilization
 * Ralph Earl (1751–1801), American painter and landscape artist, known for his portrait of Roger Sherman
 * Gardner Howe (1759–1854), Vermont state legislator
 * Jonah Howe (1749–1826), Massachusetts state legislator
 * Luke Knowlton (1738–1810), founder of Newfane, Vermont, Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court, member of the Vermont House of Representatives
 * Gregory Mcdonald (1937–2008), author of the Fletch series of novels
 * Craig Mello (born 1960), winner of the 2006 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
 * Francis Patrick O'Connor (1927–2007), Massachusetts Supreme Court Judge
 * Robert Allan Ridley Parker (born 1936), director of the NASA Management Office at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory
 * Charlie Pierce (born 1953), American writer/journalist, and panelist on NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me
 * Karyn Polito (born 1966), Massachusetts state legislator and 72nd Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts
 * Simon Lizotte (born 1992), German American Professional Disc Golfer
 * Teddy Quinlivan (born 1994), Transgender fashion model
 * Artemas Ward (1727–1800), American Major General in the American Revolutionary War and a Congressman from Massachusetts, often characterized as the runner-up for George Washington's post
 * Jesse Livermore (1877 –1940), stock trader
 * Hannah Kane (born 1971), Massachusetts State Representative representing the 11th Worcester District

title: Shrewsbury, Massachusetts


text:
South Ashburnham, Massachusetts

South Ashburnham is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Ashburnham in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 1,062 at the 2010 census.

Geography
South Ashburnham is located at 42.61389°N, -71.93139°W (42.613856, -71.931517).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.8 km$2$ (3.0 mi$2$), of which 7.8 km$2$ (3.0 mi$2$) is land and 0.33% is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 1,013 people, 365 households, and 286 families living in the CDP. The population density was 129.9/km$2$ (336.3/mi$2$). It were 373 housing units at an average density of 47.8/km$2$ (123.8/mi$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.84% White, 0.79% African American, 0.30% Asian, 0.39% from other races, and 1.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.76%. 24.5% were of French, 17.2% Irish, 13.3% French Canadian, 6.0% Finnish, 5.7% Swedish and 5.6% English ancestry according to Census 2000.

Of the 365 households 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.6% were non-families. 17.8% of households were one person and 8.8% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.13.

The age distribution was 26.8% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median household income was $50,121 and the median family income was $52,258. Males had a median income of $35,139 versus $31,250 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $18,324. About 8.3% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under age 18 and 27.4% of those age 65 or over.

Climate
In a typical year, South Ashburnham, Massachusetts temperatures fall below 50 F for 195 days per year. Annual precipitation is typically 44.8 inches per year (high in the US) and snow covers the ground 68 days per year, or 18.6% of the year (high in the US). It may be helpful to understand the yearly precipitation by imagining nine straight days of moderate rain per year. The humidity is below 60% for approximately 25.4 days, or 7.0% of the year.

title: South Ashburnham, Massachusetts


text:
South Lancaster, Massachusetts

South Lancaster is a census-designated place (CDP) in the town of Lancaster and close to the Town of Clinton in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 1,894 at the 2010 census.

Geography
South Lancaster is located at 42.43778°N, -71.68833°W (42.437841, -71.688444).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.4 km$2$ (1.3 mi$2$), of which 3.4 km$2$ (1.3 mi$2$) is land and 0.76% is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,742 people, 676 households, and 469 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 517.4/km$2$ (1,334.9/mi$2$), amongst the lowest in the state. There were 695 housing units at an average density of 206.4/km$2$ (532.6/mi$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 90.30% White, 6.43% African American, 0.06% Native American, 1.26% Asian, 1.49% from other races, and 0.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.45% of the population.

There were 676 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $48,750, and the median income for a family was $56,319. Males had a median income of $41,917 versus $31,429 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,341. About 4.6% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 23.3% of those age 65 or over.

Religion and education
A significant portion of life in the village centered around Atlantic Union College, a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) institution of higher learning founded in 1882. The college was closed in 2018 after failing to rebuild after losing accreditation in 2011. The village is home to the Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, along with the SDA church owned South Lancaster Academy. The college music department was housed in the Nathaniel Thayer Estate, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 and was the Thayer Performing Arts Center until its closure in 2020.

title: South Lancaster, Massachusetts


text:
Southborough, Massachusetts

Southborough is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It incorporates the villages of Cordaville, Fayville, and Southville. Its name is often informally shortened to Southboro, a usage seen on many area signs and maps. At the 2020 census, its population was 10,450 in 3,542 households.

As of 2021, 43% of land use was residential, with 35% open space, including one-tenth of the town's area that is flooded by the Sudbury Reservoir. Light industrial land use is concentrated along main roads, primarily Massachusetts Route 9, and there are several small business districts in the villages and along Route 9.

History
Southborough was first settled in 1660 and was officially incorporated in July 1727. Southborough was primarily a farming community until mills began to tap the small rivers that ran through the town. By the end of the 19th century, Southborough was home to the manufacture of plasters, straw bonnets, boots, and shoes, among other things.

In 1727, Southborough split off as the "south borough" of Marlborough, much as Westborough had split off from Marlborough in 1717, ten years before.

In 1898, the Fayville Dam was constructed to produce several reservoirs to supply a growing Boston with water. As a result, manufacturing vanished, and Southborough did not see substantial growth until the high-tech boom of the 1970s.

The Fay, Burnett, and Choate families had major impacts on the development of the town as it is today. St. Mark's Church, St. Mark's School, the Southborough Library, the Community House, and the Fay School were all built at least in part through the efforts of these families.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.7 sqmi, of which 14.1 sqmi is land and 1.5 sqmi, or 9.64%, is water.

Demographics
By the census of 2010, the population had reached 9,767.

As of the census of 2000, there were 8,781 people, 2,952 households, and 2,426 families residing in the town. The population density was 620.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,997 housing units at an average density of 211.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 94.47% White, 0.54% African American, 0.07% Native American, 3.52% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.50% of the population.

There were 2,952 households, out of which 47.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.9% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.8% were non-families. 14.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97, and the average family size was 3.30.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 32.1% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $132,986, and the median income for a family was $129,454, although according to CNN, median family income had risen to $148,297 by 2009. Males had a median income of $80,961 versus $50,537 for females. The per capita income for the town was $64,310. About 0.4% of families and 0.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.7% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Information technology services company Virtusa is based in Southborough.

Arts and culture
Points of interest in Southborough are:

 * 9/11 Field
 * Arts Center
 * Beals Preserve
 * Boroughs Loop Trail
 * Breakneck Hill conservation land
 * Community House
 * Pilgrim Congregational Church
 * Rural Cemetery
 * St. Mark's School
 * Fay School
 * Sudbury Reservoir Trail

The funeral scene from the movie Grown Ups was filmed at the Pilgrim Congregational Church.

Annual events
Southborough celebrates Heritage Day on Columbus Day. Events include a parade with the Algonquin High School marching band. Events in the week prior include a run/walk event and pumpkin-carving.

Library
The public library in Southborough was established in 1852. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Southborough spent 0.95% ($370,390) of its budget on its public library—approximately $38 per person, per year ($50.07 adjusted for inflation to 2022).

Government
The form of town government is open town meeting, in which the voters of the town assemble as the legislature. Each Town Meeting is managed by the elected Moderator, who also appoints most of the membership of the unelected boards.

The five members of the Select Board are elected to act as the executive body of the government. The Select Board delegates day-to-day operations to the Town Administrator.

Southborough has three school committees:
 * Southborough K–8 School Committee
 * Northborough-Southborough Regional School Committee
 * Assabet Valley Regional Vocational-Technical School Committee

Southborough's town elections are non-partisan.

Almost 60% of current voters registered without enrolling in any political party. Democrats slightly outnumber Republicans in the remaining forty percent. Minor party enrollments are negligible.

The State Representative is Kate Donaghue; The State Senator is Jamie Eldridge; the U.S. Representative is Jim McGovern; and the U.S. Senators are Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey.

Education
Public and private educational campuses frame Southborough's downtown.

Public schools
Southborough has six public schools. The four elementary and middle schools are inside town limits; the two high schools are regional schools in adjoining towns.
 * Mary E. Finn School – Preschool, kindergarten, and 1st grade
 * Albert S. Woodward School – 2nd and 3rd grade
 * Margaret A. Neary School – 4th and 5th grade
 * P. Brent Trottier Middle School – 6th, 7th, and 8th grade
 * Algonquin Regional High School in Northborough, Massachusetts – 9th to 12th
 * Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough, Massachusetts – 9th to 12th

Private schools
Southborough is home to a private secondary school, St. Mark's, which was founded in 1865 by Joseph Burnett. The oldest junior boarding school in the nation, the Fay School, was founded a year later in 1866 by Joseph Burnett's first cousin Harriet Burnett Fay.

Media

 * Community Advocate, local news site
 * My Southborough, news blog

Transportation
The MBTA Commuter Rail's Framingham/Worcester Line train stops at Southborough station, which opened to commuters on June 22, 2002. The station is located at 87 Southville Road in the Cordaville neighborhood, with access from Route 85 near the border with Hopkinton. , trains inbound to South Station in Boston make 20 weekday stops at Southborough, and trains outbound to Union Station in Worcester make 21 weekday stops; 10 stops are made in each direction on Saturdays and Sundays.

Interstate 495 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) both pass through Southborough, although neither have interchanges within town limits. Routes 9 and 30 are east–west routes passing through Southborough, while Route 85 serves the town as a north–south route.

Acting and music

 * Jeffrey Johnson (born 1970), actor and musician
 * Storm Large (born 1969), singer, songwriter, actress and author
 * Warner Oland (1879–1938), actor who appeared in 16 Charlie Chan movies from 1931 to 1937

Sports

 * Doug Brown (born 1964), professional ice hockey player
 * Ryan Gallant (born 1982), professional skateboarder
 * Ben Johnson (born 1977), professional soccer player and coach
 * Fred J. Murphy (1886–1956), collegiate athlete, coach, and athletic director
 * Henry Thrun (born 2001), professional ice hockey player
 * Luis Tiant (born 1940), professional baseball player

Politics

 * Francis B. Fay (1793–1876), merchant, politician, and philanthropist
 * Frank B. Fay (1821–1904), businessman and politician; son of Francis B. Fay
 * Winfield Scott Hammond (1863–1915), U.S. Representative from Minnesota (1907–1915) and Governor of Minnesota (1915)
 * David Pierce Jr. (1786–1872), lawyer and politician

Other

 * Joseph Burnett (1820–1894), educator and businessman, founder of St. Mark's School
 * Daniel Pinckney Parker (1781–1850), merchant, shipbuilder, and businessman
 * Harold F. Smiddy (1900–1978), engineer, business manager, and management consultant
 * E. C. Spykman (1896–1965), children's novelist and journalist
 * Robert H. Thayer (1901–1984), lawyer, naval officer, and diplomat
 * Sigourney Thayer (1896–1944), theatrical producer, World War I aviator, and poet; brother of Robert H. Thayer
 * Michael Weishan, author, designer, popular historian and former television personality
 * John Garabedian, radio personality and DJ, known for creating and formerly hosting Open House Party and Party Liveline, as well as his work at Television and Radio Stations throughout New England

title: Southborough, Massachusetts


text:
Sterling, Massachusetts

Sterling is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 7,985 at the 2020 census.

History
Sterling was first settled by Europeans in 1720 and was officially incorporated in 1781.

Previous to its incorporation, it was "the Second Parish of Lancaster." It was commonly called by a portion of its Indian name, Chocksett. The Nipmuc minister, Peter Jethro, worked in the area in the 1670s. The original Indian name of the area was Woonsechocksett. The land encompassing the Chocksett region was not originally included in the first land sold by the great Indian Chief Sholan to the settlers of the Lancaster grant. However, Sholan's nephew Tahanto would eventually sell the Chocksett land to the inhabitants of Lancaster in 1713.

The first white settlers arrived in Chocksett seven years later, in 1720, formerly inhabitants of Lancaster proper. Among these first settlers were families such as Beman, Sawyer, Houghton, and Osgood – names reflected to this day in the names of Sterling's oldest roads.

A short time after settlement, in 1733, the residents of the Chocksett area requested its own incorporation, separate from Lancaster, due to the "great inconvenience" of a long distance to the church in Lancaster's center. This request was denied. However, by 1780 the population of Chocksett was so numerous as to constitute a majority. So the voters of the area voted out the existing Lancaster town officers and began to conduct town business and meetings in Chocksett. This was enough to convince the rest of Lancaster that it was now time for Chocksett, the Second Parish of Lancaster, to go its own way.

In 1781, Chocksett was incorporated as its own town: Sterling. The town derives its name from General William "Lord Stirling" Alexander, who served valiantly under Gen. George Washington in the New York and other campaigns. His portrait hangs in the town hall, and the town commemorated Alexander with a medallion during its bicentennial celebration in 1976. A duplicate portrait resides in the town hall of New Windsor, NY.

Residents recently approved and built new facilities for the police and fire departments.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 31.7 sqmi, of which 30.6 sqmi is land and 1.1 sqmi, or 3.42%, is water.

Interstate 190 cuts Sterling in half. Sterling is also crossed by Massachusetts Route 12, Massachusetts Route 62, Massachusetts Route 140, and Massachusetts Route 110.

Sterling is bordered by Leominster to the north, West Boylston to the south, Princeton and Holden to the west, Lancaster to the northeast, and Clinton and Boylston to the southeast. Sterling borders Boylston on the Wachusett Reservoir.

Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 7.985 people and 3,248 households in the town. The population density was 260.8 PD/sqmi. The median value of owner-occupied housing units was $372,400. The racial makeup of the town was 95.7% White, 1.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.

21.7% were under the age of 18, and 20.2% were 65 years of age or older. The population was 52.4% female.

The median income for a household in the town was $119,000. The per capita income for the town was $59,851. About 1.8% of the population was below the poverty line.

Taxes
Residents of Sterling pay property taxes on real estate and certain other personal items, such as unregistered vehicles. The value of taxable property is determined by the town Board of Assessors. In 2023, the tax rate was $14.30 for one thousand dollars of valuation. Although the tax rate consistently decreased from 2016 to 2023, average bills have increased due to changes in valuation.

Library

The Sterling public library began in 1871. The Conant Public Library building, financed by Edwin Conant in memory of his daughter Elizabeth Ann Conant, was dedicated in 1886. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Sterling spent 1.59% ($289,567) of its budget on its public library—approximately $36 per person, per year ($47.44 adjusted for inflation to 2022). The Conant Library building closed in 2002 so it could be renovated. During this time, the library was temporarily moved to the Old Town Hall. The renovation was finished in 2004, and the library returned to its original location.

Education
Sterling is part of the Wachusett Regional School District. Students between Grades K–4 attend Houghton Elementary School, while students between Grades 5–8 attend Chocksett Middle School. Most Sterling residents attend Wachusett Regional High School in Holden for high school. Some Sterling residents, however, can attend Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School in Fitchburg.

Utilities
Sterling provides town water to many residents, although the more rural parts of town remain on private wells. The source of town water is six groundwater wells located on Redemption Rock Trail and Worcester Road. All public wells use an ultraviolet light purification system. In 2010, town water supply was affected by high bacteria levels, including detection of E. coli, and residents were advised to boil water until the situation was resolved.

There are no town sewer services, and all houses have private septic systems.

The town also offers curbside trash and recycling pickup for no additional fee. The town recycling center at the Sterling Department of Public Works closed permanently on July 1, 2015. Residents may use the Wachusett Watershed Regional Recycling Center in West Boylston, MA to drop off recycling and larger bulk items.

Sterling is one of 41 communities in the state that has its own municipal electric light company. The Light Department works under the direction and control of three elected Commissioners who serve rotating 3 year terms. The Light Board hires a Manager who runs day-to-day operations.

In fall of 2016, Sterling Municipal Light Department broke ground on the "first utility-scale energy storage facility in Massachusetts", which can, in the case of an electric outage, power the emergency dispatch center and police station for up to twelve days. The battery storage also helps the town save money on peak power charges from the grid operator. The award-winning project has generated considerable interest, attracting international visitors from Europe and Asia. In the aftermath of the devastating 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Caribbean, the microgrid project has been cited as a model of designing and building power infrastructure for resiliency in disaster situations.

Eversource provides natural gas service in Sterling.

Points of interest
An annual event, the Sterling Fair, is typically held in early to mid-September. The Sterling Fair is one of the last remaining agricultural fairs with free admission. In addition to traditional livestock exhibits including goats, cows, rabbits and sheep, the fair has carnival games and rides, as well as patron-submitted exhibits and artwork, a petting zoo, contests, oxen pulls, a pancake breakfast held by the Sterling Chocksett Club, live music performances, food, and fireworks.

 * Close proximity to Wachusett Mountain (state forest and ski area) and Leominster State Forest.

 * Davis Farmland, a seasonal petting zoo for children and Davis Mega Maze, New England's only world-class adventure cornfield maze.

 * Sholan Park located on Lake Waushacum has a beach area with a dock for swimming. It also has grills for cookouts, a sand volleyball court, and a boat ramp.

Notable people

 * Fred Borchelt (1954-), American Olympic athlete and physicist.
 * Ebenezer Butterick (1826–1903), inventor of tissue paper dress patterns, which revolutionized home sewing. The town's municipal building is located in the old Butterick School, which was named after his daughter, Mary Ellen
 * Edwin Conant, Businessman, Attorney, Philanthropist
 * Charles Herbert Colvin, aeronautical engineer
 * Jay Cutler, bodybuilder and four-time Mr. Olympia
 * Meghan Kilcoyne, member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 12th Worcester district, grew up in Sterling
 * Prentiss Mellen, United States senator (1818–1820)
 * William Francis Nichols, Arizona Territorial Secretary
 * Le Gage Pratt, U.S. Representative from New Jersey
 * Arthur Prentice Rugg, Chief Justice, Massachusetts Supreme Court; born in Sterling
 * Mary Sawyer Tyler, the alleged real-life "Mary" of the poem "Mary Had a Little Lamb"

Film and literary references

 * The 2001 film Shallow Hal had scenes shot in Sterling.
 * Sterling is the setting of Sarah Josepha Hale's poem "Mary Had a Little Lamb". Mary Sawyer, the alleged real-life subject of the poem, lived in Sterling and attended the Redstone School. The Sawyers' house was a National Historic Place until it was destroyed by arson in August 2007. A new replica of the house has been created.

title: Sterling, Massachusetts


text:
Sutton, Massachusetts

Sutton, officially the Town of Sutton, is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 9,357 in the 2020 United States Census. Located in the Blackstone Valley, the town was designated as a Preserve America community in 2004.

History
A Nipmuc, John Wampas, visited England in the 1600s and deeded land in the Sutton area to Edward Pratt, who later sold interests to others. Competing claims involving the Nipmucs led to a Massachusetts General Court case in 1704, which granted Pratt and fellow proprietors an eight-mile-square section of land, which is now Sutton.

Three families were the first to settle in Sutton, namely those of Elisha Johnson, Nathaniel Johnson, and Benjamin Marsh, who is credited as a founder of the town and the First Baptist Church of Sutton. In 1717, The Great Snow completely buried structures their home cabins. According to accounts, a local Indigenous person rescued the Johnson family by noticing smoke from their chimney through the snow. Marsh served in several capacities for the town including as a selectman and moderator. He also served as elder and pastor from 1737 until his death in 1775.

By 1735, area inhabited by Hassanamisco Nipmuc and a small portion of the northeastern Sutton had incorporated as the town of Grafton. In 1813, the northern part of Sutton became Millbury.

In 1737, the Edward Putnam House, one of the oldest homes in Sutton, was built by its namesake and cousin of the military officer Rufus Putnam. The house is featured on the town seal.

On September 26, 1777, Holman's Regiment of Militia was called up in Sutton during the American Revolutionary War.

Since 1962, the Pleasant Valley Country Club has hosted a number of notable Professional Golfers' Association of America tournaments such as the Booz Allen Classic, the Lady Carling Eastern Open, and the New England Classic. The 1968-67 and 1970-74 Women's PGA Championship took place at Pleasant Valley. From 1965 to 1973, golfer Paul Harney worked there.

In 1984, Vaillancourt Folk Art, noted makers of chalkware, was established in Sutton.

In 2004, Sutton was designated as a Preserve America community.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.9 sqmi, of which 32.4 sqmi is land and 1.5 sqmi, or 4.57%, is water.

The town contains five villages, known as Manchaug, South Sutton, Sutton Center, West Sutton, and Wilkinsonville. Located in the Blackstone Valley, Sutton shares its borders with the towns of Douglas, Grafton, Millbury, Northbridge, Oxford, and Uxbridge.

Historic places
Sutton has seven sites on the National Register of Historic Places:

Demographics
As of the 2010 U.S. Census there were 8,963 people residing in Sutton. As of the census of 2000, there were 8,250 people, 2,811 households, and 2,282 families residing in the town. The population density was 254.8 PD/sqmi. There were 2,950 housing units at an average density of 91.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.18% White, 0.68% African American, 0.01% Native American, 0.59% Asian, 0.27% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.70% of the population.

There were 2,811 households, out of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.3% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.8% were non-families. Of all households, 15.0% 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 2.93 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 29.4% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $75,141, and the median income for a family was $81,000. Males had a median income of $53,482 versus $37,463 for females. The per capita income for the town was $27,490. About 3.4% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Sutton has an open town meeting type government. The current Town Moderator is Ken Stuart, who served as a Selectman prior to his election in 2015.

The town government in Sutton consists of the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen. The current Town Manager is James A. Smith, and the current members of the Board of Selectmen are David Hall (since Oct 2012), Jesse Limanek (since May 2015), Wendy Mead (since May 2018), Jonathan Anderson (since Oct 2018), and Jeff Bannon (since May 2019).

The public services in Sutton include the police, fire, and highway departments. The Police Department is located at 489 Central Turnpike. The Fire Department has three stations, one in the center of town, one in the Wilkinsonville village, and one in the Manchaug village. The Sutton Highway Department is located at 25 Pleasant Valley Road.

Education
Public schools in Sutton fall under the jurisdiction of Sutton Public School District. Sutton public schools consist of the Simonian Center for Early Learning, Sutton Elementary School, Sutton Middle School, and Sutton High School.

The Sutton Free Library was established in 1876. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Sutton spent 0.7% ($165,982) of its budget on its public library—approximately $18 per person, per year ($23.72 adjusted for inflation to 2022).

Notable people

 * Eunice White Beecher, author
 * Thomas Blanchard, inventor
 * George B. Boomer, military officer
 * Jennifer Callahan, politician
 * Jonathan Chase, military officer
 * Ryan Fattman, politician
 * Cornelius Holland, politician
 * Willard Francis Mallalieu, religious figure
 * Alden March, physician
 * Benjamin Marsh, founder of Sutton
 * John D. McCrate, politician
 * David Muradian, politician
 * Jessica Phillips, actress
 * Rufus Putnam, military officer
 * Jonas Sibley, politician
 * Solomon Sibley, politician
 * Amos Singletary, politician
 * Homer Sprague, military officer
 * Asa Waters, industrialist
 * Charles Andrew Whitney, businessman
 * Vladas Zajančkauskas, war criminal

title: Sutton, Massachusetts


text:
Templeton, Massachusetts

Templeton is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 8,149 at the 2020 census. The town comprises four main villages: Templeton Center, East Templeton, Baldwinville, and Otter River.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.4 sqmi, of which 32.0 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi, or 1.17%, is water.

Templeton is bordered by Royalston and Winchendon to the north, Gardner to the east, Hubbardston to the southeast, and Phillipston to the west.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,799 people, 2,411 households, and 1,808 families residing in the town. The population density was 212.2 PD/sqmi. There were 2,597 housing units at an average density of 81.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.15% White, 0.35% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.43% from other races, and 0.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.44% of the population. Other ethnicities: 19.2% were of French, 13.3% French Canadian, 12.8% Irish, 10.1% Italian, 9.6% English, 8.0% Polish, 5.4% Finnish and 5.4% American ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 2,411 households, out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.0% were non-families. Of all households, 19.7% 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 2.71 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 31.1% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $48,482, and the median income for a family was $52,936. Males had a median income of $38,088 versus $26,993 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,994. About 7.4% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.5% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Templeton is part of the Narragansett Regional School District, along with Phillipston. Elementary School students attend Templeton Memorial School, middle school students attend Narragansett Regional Middle School, and high school students attend Narragansett Regional High School.

Library

Templeton's Boynton Public Library began in 1868 and named after John Boynton. In fiscal year 2008, the town of Templeton spent 0.49% ($53,608) of its budget on its public library—approximately $6 per person, per year ($7.91 adjusted for inflation to 2022).

Notable people

 * Stephen Pearl Andrews (1812–1886), individualist anarchist
 * John Boynton, entrepreneur, philanthropist, founder of Worcester Polytechnic Institute
 * George E. Bryant (1832–1907), Wisconsin legislator and general
 * George A. Fuller (1851–1900), Architect, inventor" of modern skyscrapers and the modern contracting system
 * William Goodell (1792-1867), missionary and linguist, the first to translate the Bible into Armeno-Turkish
 * Sarah Goodridge (1788–1853), painter
 * Elizabeth Goodridge (1798–1882), miniaturist, Sarah's sister
 * Mike Kelley (1875–1955), baseball player
 * Charles Knowlton (1800–1850), physician, atheist, and writer
 * Pliny Norcross (1838–1915), Wisconsin legislator and lawyer
 * Sylvanus Sawyer (1822–1895), inventor and businessman
 * Jonathan Baldwin Turner (1805–1899), classical scholar, botanist, dedicated Christian, and political activist
 * Charlotte Frances Wilder (1839–1916), writer

Forest
Otter River State Forest, operated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, is located by Beamon Pond and includes 85 campsites, a swimming beach, picnic areas and a ball field.

title: Templeton, Massachusetts