Welcome to Stow, a picturesque New England village preparing to face the new millennium while keeping its roots firmly planted in 300 years of history. Primarily a farming community for much of its existence, Stow's country-like character is still
evident in its open spaces, most of which are now
apple orchards, golf courses, and conservation lands.
Within these pages, you will discover the classic
charm of Stow's village center, with its pristine white church, town hall, library, and its one and only traffic light. Take a leisurely stroll past row upon row of apple trees, and...

Lake Boon was originally formed by a melting glacier hundreds of years ago; for most of its life it was a simple body of water hiding in the woods. But in the late 1800s, it suddenly took on a very exciting existence as a summer resort for several reasons: first, the lake was enlarged in order to provide waterpower to a nearby mill and was left in this enlarged state when the mill switched to electric power; second, two different railroad lines with connections to Boston were built that passed within a few miles of the lake; and third, the lake was just the right distance from Boston to...

This fascinating photographic history tells the story of Hudson, a peaceful New England town with a rich history. The first resident, John Barnes, came to the area in 1698 and built a gristmill by a waterfall on the Assabet River. Later, a sawmill was built, followed by several small industries that huddled around the mill. By 1850, railroads came to the area, now called Feltonville, as did many factories. In 1886, the area became the Town of Hudson, and it continued to grow with modern factories, a more diversified industry, banks, schools, and a wonderful new town hall. The people of Hudson...

The sleepy town of Assabet Village woke up very quickly when the Assabet Mills was built in 1847. Dams were constructed on the river, millponds were created, and large mills began producing yarn and carpets. Soon the village was turning into a town with stores, churches, schools, and government. As the mill grew, so did the town; the population grew to 7,000 people by 1905. During good times, the mill prospered, but during bad times, it faltered and had to re-invent itself. It had almost as many lives as
the proverbial cat. The carpet mill faltered in 1857, but in 1862, the Assabet...

Of the many National Guard units in Massachusetts, the Hudson unit is recognized as being one of the best. Since 1866, the unit has participated in each of the combat arms: the infantry, armor, cavalry, and artillery branches. Members of Hudson's National Guard have been automobile mechanics, machinists, shoemakers, draftsmen, furniture builders, carpenters, short-order cooks, factory workers, and farmers, and they all contribute something unique to the company. These men believe in what they do, train hard to perfect their skills, and help the newly commissioned officers learn how to manage...

More than 300 years ago, 25 men from the neighboring towns of Sudbury, Marlborough, and Stow crossed over the hills to a wide expanse of rolling hills and valleys crossed by countless brooks, each pouring into the rivers tranquil current that wound its way into the sea. It is little cause for wonder that these pioneers petitioned to the General Court of the New England Colonies in 1685 to appoint them proprietors of the rich territory that would become Maynard. As the settlement grew, industry prospered along the river: first a gristmill, then a paper mill, and later a carpet mill, which...