Grump

What’s in a name? It depends upon your perspective I guess unless you’re talking about Harold “Grump” Walker. I was always taught to never use derogatory names when referring to my elders but I never knew Grump as anything other than “Grump.” His nick-name, and the legacy he left behind is our story today. Harold Walker was born in Andover, […]

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The Other Wall

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 […]

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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 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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Wally’s Restaurant

Every 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 […]

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Mr. Pittaway

It is a local tradition across America to name buildings after people who have made a difference in our way of life, and Ashland is no different. In our community, the elementary schools that were originally named after the streets they were built on changed their names to honor prominent citizens like Henry Warren, David Mindess, and William Pittaway. Growing […]

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Ashland in 1909

Ashland was a mere 63 years old in 1909. Much like our sister communities we created our own identity with churches, schools, businesses and civic organizations. The Ashland Historical Society was founded in 1909. Although it existed as the Home Study Club, the Society didn’t officially exist until 12 members signed an Agreement of Association in Judge Higley’s office on […]

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