History of Northfield, Massachusetts, USA

1673 - Northfield is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Northfield
Northfield, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This is an interesting town, on both sides of Connecticut river. It was incorporated in 1673, and some years after desolated by the Indians. The inhabitants returned again in 1685, but it was soon after destroyed a second time. In 1713, it was again rebuilt. Fort Dummer was in the vicinity. This town was purchased of the Indians in 1687 for 200 fathoms of wampum and £57 value of goods. Its Indian name was Squawkeag. Most of the land in this town is excellent, and the village very pleasant: 28 miles below Walpole, N.H., 11 N.E. from Greenfield, and 83 N.W. by W. from Boston. Northfield produces fine cattle, and considerable wool. The manufactures of the town consist of leather, boots, shoes, ploughs, chairs and cabinet ware. Population, 1837, 1,605.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - NORTHFIELD. [Pop. 1,673. Inc. 1714.]
Northfield was called Squakheag by the Indians, and originally extended some miles into what is now New Hampshire and Vermont. Northfield is the only town of Massachusetts that is situated on both sides of Connecticut River.

During Philip's War the town was burnt, and the settlement broken up. After the inhabitants returned, it was again burnt by the French and Indians, and continued deserted until 1713.

The soil is good, and the village handsome and well situated.

Distance from Greenfield, 12 miles; from Boston, 83.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Northfield
“In 1672, a township was granted to John Pynchon. Mr. Pearson, and other associates, at Squakheag, now Northfield, on Connecticut river; and the following year a few people from Northampton, Hadley, and Hatfield, began a plantation at that place. The township was laid out on both sides of the river, and included an area of six miles by twelve, extending several miles into the present states of New Hampshire and Vermont, including a valuable tract of interval land. The northern boundary of Massachusetts was at this time unknown, but the grant was supposed to be within the limits of the province. A deed to William Clark and John King of Northampton, agents for the proprietors of Northfield, covering the grant, was made August 13, 1687, by Nawelet Gongegua, Aspiambelet, Addarawanset, and Meganichcha, Indians of the place, in consideration of two hundred fathom of wampum and fifty-seven pounds worth of trading goods.' It was signed with the marks of the grantors, and witnessed. by... Read MORE...

1854 - Northfield
Northfield, a post-township in Franklin co., Mass., on the Connecticut river, and on Brattleborough Branch railroad, 80 miles N. W. by W. from Boston. Population, 1772.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1869 - The law against cruelty to animals is being quite strenuously enforced in Franklin county, Mass. Recently a resident of Northfield was fined $45 and costs, about $60 in all, for excessively driving and whipping a horse.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
August 14, 1869

Northfield Massachusetts, 1890
Northfield is a delightful farming town lying on both sides of the Connecticut River in the north side of Franklin County. The Connecticut River Railroad crosses its northwestern corner; and the New London and Northern Railroad follows the river through the town, having stations at Northfield. Farms, Mount Hermon, Northfield Village and West Northfield. It connects with the Fitchburg Railroad some two miles south of the town line at Miller's Falls, 97 miles northwest of Boston. Northfield is bounded on the east by Warwick, on the south by Erving, on the west by Gill and Bernardston, and on the north by Vernon in Vermont and Winchester in New Hampshire.

The assessed area is 19,616 acres, of which 6,783 are forest, containing most of the New England varieties of trees. The land along the Connecticut is alluvial, and very productive. The eminences are ridge-like; the highest being Cragg Mountain and Beer's Hill, in the southwestern section. Mill and Four-mile brooks drain the central... Read MORE...

1895 - Northfield
Northfield, a post-village in Northfield township, Franklin co., Mass., on the E. bank of the Connecticut River, and on the New London Northern Railroad, 23 miles N. of Amherst, and about 11 miles N.N.E. of Green field. It has 3 churches, and a public library. A bridge crosses the river near this place. The township contains a village named West Northfield. Pop. of the township, 1641.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Northfield, a post-village in Northfield township (town), Franklin co., Mass., on the E. bank of the Connecticut River and on the Central Vermont R., 23 miles N. of Amherst. It has manufactures of lumber. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1966. It is the birthplace of Dwight L. Moody and is the seat of the Northfield Seminary and the Northfield Training School. It is a summer-resort.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1911 - FIRE AT MOODY SCHOOL.
Crossley Hall Is Burned at a Loss of $100,000 - Students Lose Effects.

EAST NORTHFIELD, Mass., Jan. 5 - Fire originating in the basement, supposedly from spontaneous combustion among some rags, to-day destroyed Crossley Hall, one of the oldest dormitories of the Mount Hermon School for Boys. The building was of brick, four stories in height, and accommodated 100 students. Most of them had not returned from the Christmas vacation, and the few persons in the building when the fire was discovered had no difficulty in escaping. It was impossible to save any of the furniture of the personal effects of the students. Four members of the Faculty also lost all their effects. The other buildings were not endangered.

The school was founded by the late evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, and Crossley Hall was erected as a memorial to the son of F. W. Crossley of Birmingham, England, one of the leading contributors to the Moody schools.

It is believed that a new dormitory will be erected during... Read MORE...

1934 - December 27 - 1st youth hostel in US opens (Northfield, Mass)

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Here's a list of places to see and things to do in and around Northfield:
Northfield Mount Hermon School:

Take a stroll around the picturesque campus of Northfield Mount Hermon School. It has beautiful architecture and well-maintained grounds.

Northfield Drive-In Theatre:

Catch a movie at the Northfield Drive-In Theatre. It's a classic experience that brings a nostalgic charm.

Schell Bridge:

Visit the historic Schell Bridge, spanning the Connecticut River. Although it's closed to vehicle traffic, you can still walk across and enjoy the views.

Northfield Creamie:

Treat yourself to some delicious ice cream at the Northfield Creamie. It's a local favorite and perfect for a sweet break.

Pioneer Valley Symphony:

Check out the schedule for performances by the Pioneer Valley Symphony. Enjoy some live music in a cozy, community setting.

Northfield Golf Club:

If you're into golf, spend a day at the Northfield Golf Club. It's a scenic course surrounded by New England's natural beauty.

Crumpin-Fox Club:

Another great option for... Read MORE...