Ocean House History

The Owners of Ocean House The Ocean House was built in 1748 by Colonel John Jones (b.1683 known as John Jones Esq.). An addition to the house was built about 1763. This addition is the East side of the house which includes the distinctive “Beverly Jog.” The new portion of the house was most likely occupied by John Jones, Esq. […]

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Frank Metcalf

Driving around town it is difficult not to notice there are many streets in Ashland named after former landowners, or prominent figures that apparently left an impression worthy of eternal recognition. A few that come to mind are Tilton Ave, James Jackson Way, Homer Ave., and Metcalf Ave. Today’s story is about a member of one of those families: Frank […]

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James Jackson House

One of the best parts of living in New England, especially if you love history, is the abundance of historical homes. We all know that Ashland was incorporated in 1846 making us the new kids in the neighborhood but that does not mean we didn’t have our share of stately homes. Today’s remaining homes like the Valentine and Enslin homes […]

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James Jackson Way

The naming of streets in Ashland always intrigued me. Most of the older ones pretty much made sense: Tilton Avenue, Cutler Drive, Homer Avenue, etc. Then there are the ones that the developer must have named after himself or a family member like Donna Lee Lane, Teller Drive, Femia Road, and the like. What better way to make your mark […]

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Crosti’s Grove

There have been a lot of restaurants in Ashland over the years. Most have either survived by changing hands, “re-inventing” themselves with new names and owners, or simply faded into history. Many remember Carlo’s, the “88,” the “99,” Marconi’s, Wally’s, Mickey’s, and The Riverside Club. I’m sure there were plenty more, and I will be quickly reminded by veteran Ashlanders […]

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Bells

With all the technology that exists today we can easily lose what was the primary means of alerting the masses that it was noon time, a fire had erupted somewhere in town, or there was imminent danger. The messenger is universal and it transcends centuries. This basic form of communication was the bell. Every town has a bell, whether it […]

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The Lake

Everyone knows there are quite a few bodies of water in Ashland. We have visited the reservoirs, ponds, and rivers but today I would like to focus on the lake on the Framingham side of town. Lake Waushakum is probably more of a Framingham treasure, but we here in Ashland have our opinions and fond memories too. You have to […]

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Wilson Room

Every historical society has an interesting story to tell about their beginnings, locations, founding members, and the like. Ashland is certainly no exception. The title of today’s story is the Wilson Room. What does a room’s name have to do with the Ashland Historical Society? At first glance, many would think it was named in honor of a prominent figure […]

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