Preserving the Past
Ashland High School has its “Wall of Fame” where graduates are honored for making an exceptional contribution to our American way of life. Who knew that so many would emerge from AHS? It is certainly a reflection of the commitment and dedication of our educators and administrators. While the wall honors achievements in academics, there is no mention of excellence […]
» Read moreOver the 100 plus years of our existence, the Ashland Historical Society has met at various places in town. Whether it was at a private residence, the library, or the Town Hall, the membership has collected and maintained the story of Ashland. This presented a problem as the Society’s collection grew, and it became clear that a permanent facility was […]
» Read moreThe 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. […]
» Read moreDriving 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 […]
» Read moreOne 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 […]
» Read moreThe 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 […]
» Read moreI wish to note the passing of Paul Romeo last week. At 82, Paul was a visible presence in Ashland for well over half a century and I remember him along with his Dad: Santo “Pa” Romeo, Eber Levine, Dr. Morgan, Wally Pearson, Tom Waters, and many others that made Ashland an interesting place to grow up. Paul would constantly […]
» Read moreHave you ever walked into an old house and wondered who lived here? I’m not talking about one of Mr. Bell’s ranches built in the 1950s, but more along the lines of the Valentine or Enslin homes. Even the Ocean House, home of the Historical Society, can pique your curiosity. You can’t help wondering who walked these halls before you. […]
» Read moreThere 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 […]
» Read moreEveryone 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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