Beaman Library named to the National Register of HIstoric Places
The Beaman Memorial Library is officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places! Here’s some information about the history of West Boylston’s library and the construction of the Beaman Memorial Library: West Boylston’s library was founded in 1878 with a donation of $100, left by noted lawyer and abolitionist, David Lee Child, in his…
Read MoreEzra Beaman, West Boylston’s Town Father 1736-1811
Why is this Library called the *Beaman* Memorial Library? The Beaman Memorial Library is named after EZRA BEAMAN, known as the “Town Father” for his critical role in West Boylston’s foundation… Ezra Beaman’s family stretched back far into Massachusetts’ past; his ancestor Gamaliel Beaman came to the new colony from England in 1635. He originally…
Read MoreEzra Beaman, Jr., son of the Town Father 1770-1863
Ezra Beaman, Jr. was born in December 1770, the youngest son of Ezra Beaman and Persis Keyes Beaman. He lived to be 92 years old, managing the Beaman Tavern until he died in 1863. Ezra Jr. was an eccentric man known to townspeople as “Uncle Ezra.” He even had his own expression: “Faith, I vow,…
Read MoreThe Beaman Oak, Symbol of West Boylston
The Beaman Oak is a symbol of West Boylston featured on our town seal. Its origins date back to pre-Revolutionary War times, when West Boylston was part of the larger town of Shrewsbury. The Beaman Oak was a tree on town founder Ezra Beaman’s property beside his family’s cemetery. According to legend, Ezra filled the…
Read MoreThe 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 MoreWest Boylston’s Sesquicentennial
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 MoreDedication of West Boylston Junior and Senior 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 MoreWho was Thomas Plunkett?
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 MoreFriends 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…
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