South Gardner Historic Society

The original petition for incorporation was signed by sixty-one people from parts of Westminster, Ashburnham, and Winchendon, who, suffering hardship in attending public worship at the various meeting houses, started anew in Gardner and began a traditon of purpose and pride that can still be seen in the city today. This tradition led to a thriving economy during the Industrial Revolution, with Gardner becoming known as

"Chairtown" for one of its most successful industries.