Life in Town
Pre-reservior Painting (1890s)
Here is a scene painted by local artist April Whitcomb. The scene depicts the town’s pre-reservoir common in the valley on a snowy night. Sawyer’s general store stands in the background while townspeople in traditional 1890s garb stride through the slick streets. Everything is calm and serene, except for the two dogs playing while a…
Read MoreOld Stone Church (1890s)
Here is a dazzlingly white scene painted by local artist April Whitcomb. The scene below is an aerial view of the area around the Old Stone Church in the 1890s. We can see houses, factories, and streets which no longer exist coated in fresh snow. If you look closely, you can see children playing, a…
Read MoreOld Stone Winter
Here is a dazzlingly white scene painted by local artist April Whitcomb. The scene below depicts winter at the Old Stone Church. Families are out and about, people are going for a sleigh ride, and dogs are enjoying sniffing at and playing in the snow. While horse rides and dogs are no longer allowed near…
Read MoreCentennial Celebration (1808)
West Boylston was incorporated in January 1808. The town’s first century concluded with the destruction of the town’s financial and industrial center. Still, the town witnessed huge celebrations for its centennial. The first occurred on January 30, 1908, exactly one hundred years since the town’s official incorporation. The ceremony took place at town hall and…
Read MoreBaseball (1858)
Many people consider baseball to be America’s pastime, a sport which has united people nationwide. Massachusetts has particular pride in its baseball team—Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in the U.S., and even non-fans of baseball surely stayed up to watch the Red Sox break the curse in 2004. The sport’s history stretches back centuries.…
Read MoreHypnotized (1897)
Throughout human history, there has been one universal truth: humans get bored. And boredom causes us to break away from watching grass grow and come with something that’s actually fun. So, if people have always suffered from boredom, what did West Boylston residents do for fun 120 years ago? They got hypnotized. Mary Cook, writer…
Read MoreLiterary Entertainment (1886)
Here’s another fun program from a long-past night of Literary Entertainment, February 9, 1886. The High School students once again put on entertainment for family and friends with a variety of songs, skits, speeches, and essays, followed by a whimsical farce in the second act. Also pictured is Thomas Hall, West Boylston’s former town hall…
Read MoreMemorial Day (1895)
Memorial Day is on Monday, and we hope you’ll join us in remembering the men and women who have served in our town’s history. Below are images of the Program for the Dedication of the Soldiers’ Monument in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. The ceremony, which took place on May 30, 1895, included many events which are…
Read MorePet Show (1992)
The Pet Show has been a tradition at the Beaman Memorial Public Library for 25 years. Here are some photos from a 1992 issue of the Banner showing kids at the first pet show.
Read MoreTree Lighting (1914)
Many people attend the annual lighting of a Christmas tree on the common. Over 100 years ago, West Boylston residents were doing the same thing. On December 23rd, 1914, the town erected a grand Christmas tree on the common. The celebration involved cheery festivities, music and singing, and, of course, the decoration of the tree…
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