Preserving the Past
Over 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 moreMany of our visits to Ashland’s past have involved the various bodies of water within our borders. Whether they are reservoirs, ponds, or rivers, Ashland has its share. We also know from other Stories of Ashland it was not always that way. Near the turn of the 19th century, Ashland was the unwilling host of multiple water storage basins for […]
» 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 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 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 […]
» Read moreDepending upon when you were born, not all of us are fortunate enough to have lived through a turn of the century. Moreover, for all of us that remember the change of millennium, it was a special treat. We seem to measure progress in 100 year increments. Even numbers I guess, or maybe for the longest time things really didn’t […]
» Read more