Preserving the Past
Last month we visited St. Cecilia’s from its inception. Today I would like to discuss the church from the “war years” to 1984, which would be the 100th year. In the first installment, we left at the passing of Selectmen Chairman George V. Sullivan after the Silver Jubilee celebration for Father Donahue in 1938. Within a year, Father Donahue was […]
» Read moreWhether you are an Ashland native or moved here from Spokane, Philly, or Peoria I’m sure you remember something from your youth that still brings a smile to your face. Often it’s a favorite person, event, or place. I have one, and our story today is about the Mandella Coffee House at the Ashland Federated Church. Ashland back in the […]
» Read moreA dozen or so apple trees remind me of a once thriving community near the Ashland – Holliston town line. Known for its apple orchards and Morgan horses, Waseeka Farm was as much a part of Ashland’s history in the 50s and 60s as General Electric, Whitney Beef or Romeo’s Shopping Plaza, just to mention a few. To preface today’s […]
» Read moreI’ve always enjoyed walking by some of the older homes in Ashland, and have had the opportunity to visit a number of them. The Ocean House, which is currently the home of the Ashland Historical Society, is one of my favorites. Walking through the rooms you can almost sense the many lives that made the house a home. There are […]
» 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 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 moreThere is a common misconception as to the duties of the Ashland Historical Commission, and the function of the Ashland Historical Society, and it is not unique to Ashland. All the 357 cities and towns in the Commonwealth that possess both have run into the situation where a resident or other inquiring individual has called Town Hall looking for the […]
» Read moreEvery town has its local favorite breakfast place where everyone seems to meet at one point or another. It’s 6 AM for the early risers, and 9 AM or 10 AM for the local workers and politicians. Weekends bring the moms and dads with the kids. This is what makes a small town a pleasant place to live, and Ashland […]
» Read moreI would like to start our visit today noting the passing of two Ashland residents who each in their own way contributed selflessly to make Ashland a great place to live. Ben Montenegro was a major contributor in many activities and community projects for as long as I can remember. Whether it was the tennis courts and athletic facilities at […]
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