The Sesquicentennial Parade

Some photos of floats and marchers in West Boylston’s Sesquicentennial Parade in 1958! Everyone in town came out for this: local businesses, the Boy Scouts, and several Churches. West Boylston owes much of its 1808 foundation to Ezra Beaman, who advocated for his town. Initially, West Boylston was part of Shrewsbury. With help from Beaman…

Read More

West Boylston’s Sesquicentennial

table

In 1958, West Boylston celebrated its Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary! Here are some photos from the festivities. Tag or let us know if you know anyone in a photo! See more photos by clicking the links below.   The Ball The Banquet Decorations around town Floats in the Parade Marchers in the Parade Old West Boylston…

Read More

Dedication of West Boylston Junior and Senior HIgh School

Photo of administrators at the dedication of the West Boylston High School

In the fall of 1957, West Boylston Junior and Senior High School students entered their new high school. For the two previous years, they had attended Wachusett Regional High School during the construction of their brand new school in West Boylston. These pictures depict attendees of a banquet and a more formal ceremony in dedication…

Read More

Who was Thomas Plunkett?

ThomasPlunkettImage

Sgt. Thomas Plunkett had a choice: to flee to safety after receiving a horrific wound or to protect the flag of the nation he volunteered to defend. His decision cost him both of his arms but ultimately made him an American hero. Born in Ireland, Thomas Plunkett moved to West Boylston as a child and…

Read More

Friends of the Beaman Endowment

The Trustees and the Friends of the Beaman Memorial Public Library have jointly established The Endowment Fund to strengthen the future of our Library. The Endowment Committee has partnered with Greater Worcester Community Foundation to manage our fund. Our Endowment is still in the growing phases, but its purpose is to go above and beyond…

Read More

Library History

libraryoldphoto

The first public library in West Boylston opened in 1878 following a $100 bequest from the estate of David Lee Child. In addition, Lydia Maria Child, his widow, donated 170 volumes from her personal collection. This library was first housed in the high school located in the center of town in the valley. Very shortly…

Read More

Giving to the Library

Photograph of donated statue of a girl reading

Look inside and outside of the Library and you will see examples of our patrons’ generosity and that of the community; the bench outside of our front doors in memory of Jeanne Comstock, the wooden rocking chair in the Reading Room in memory of Harry Day, the garden along Newton Street, improved exterior lighting, and…

Read More