History of Wendell, Massachusetts, USA

1754 - Wendell is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1781 - The town of Wendell is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Wendell
Wendell, Massachusetts
Franklin county. The surface of Wendell is uneven, and in some parts hilly; but the soil is strong and productive. Miller's river passes through the north part of the town, giving mill privileges, fertility and beauty in its course. There is a curious kind of stone found here, embedded with mica slate; and Chalk pond furnishes a substance from which chalk is made by burning it.

The manufactures of this pleasant town consist of palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, leather, cabinet ware, chairs, &c.

Wendell was incorporated in 1781, and named in honor of Oliver Wendell, Esq., a very worthy man, for many years president of Union Bank, in Boston, the second institution of the kind in Massachusetts. Mr. Wendell was a great patron of this town, and frequently visited it.

Wendell is bounded north by Erving, east by Phillipston, south by [New] Salem, and west by Montague.

The mill privileges on Millers river in this town are very valuable; many of which remain... Read MORE...

1845 - WENDELL. [Pop. 875. Inc. 1781.]
This town was named in honor of the Hon. Oliver Wendell, and was once a part of Shutesbury and of a tract called Ervingshire.

It is well watered by Miller's River and its branches.

The inhabitants are mostly farmers, and are not collected into any considerable village.

Some palm-leaf hats, boots and shoes, are made here.

Distance from Greenfield, 14 miles; from Boston, 80.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Wendell
This town was incorporated in 1781. It is mostly a farming town, composed of scattered plantations, there being no considerable village in the town. The surface is uneven, but not much broken or precipitous. There are two houses of worship in the central part of the town, one a Congregational, the other a Baptist church. Rev. Joseph Kilburn, a Congregational minister, was settled here in 1783; he died in 1815, and his successors have been Rev. Hervey Wilbur, Rev. John. B. Duncklee, and Rev. William Claggett.

Miller river, which forms the northern boundary of the town, is here a fine stream, and adds much to the beauty and fertility of this part of the township. Population, 847. Distance, 14 miles from Greenfield, and 80 from Boston. In 1837, there were 37,000 palm-leaf hats manufactured here, valued at $5,000;. the value of boots and shoes manufactured was $5,250.
Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

1854 - Wendell / Wendell's Depot
Wendell, a post-township of Franklin co., Massachusetts, intersected by the Vermont and Massachusetts railroad, about 40 miles N. by E. from Springfield. Population, 920.

Wendell's Depot, a post-office of Franklin co., Massachusetts, on the Vermont and Massachusetts railroad, 40 miles W. by N. from Fitchburg.
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.

Wendell Massachusetts, 1890
Wendell is a pleasant town of 509 inhabitants, located in the easterly section of Franklin County, 89 miles from Boston on the Fitchburg Railroad, which has a station at Wendell (depot), at the northeast corner of the town. The station at Erving (centre), at the middle of the north line of the town, is also convenient. These, with Wendell Centre, and Look's Village at the southwestern border, are the post-offices used. Farleyville and South Wendell are the other villages.

Miller's River separates this town from Erving on the north; on the east it has Orange and New Salem; on the south, Shutesbury, and on the west, Montague. The assessed area is 21,311 acres; of which 10,155 acres are forest. The surface is uneven; and rises in the north into a commanding eminence called "Bear Mountain," whose summit is 1,281 feet above sea-level. A long north and south ridge in the middle of the town bears the village of Wendell Centre. From this vicinity flow Wickett Brook in the west and... Read MORE...

1895 - Wendell
Wendell, a post-hamlet in Wendell township, Franklin co, Mass., about 36 miles N. by E, of Springfield. The township is bounded on the N. by Miller's River. It contains Wendell Depot. Pop. of the township, 503.

Wendell Depot, a post-village in Wendell township, Franklin co., Mass., on Miller's River and the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad, 40 miles W. of Fitchburg.
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
Wendell, a post-township (town) of Franklin co., Mass., about 36 miles N. by E. of Springfield, on the Boston and Maine R. Pop. of the town in 1900. 4902.
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

Here's a list of places to see and things to do in and around Wendell:
Wendell State Forest:

Explore the beautiful Wendell State Forest, perfect for hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. There are several trails of varying difficulty levels, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

Farley Ledges:

If you're into rock climbing or just enjoy scenic views, check out Farley Ledges. It's a popular spot for climbers, and the outlooks provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Wendell Country Store:

Visit the Wendell Country Store, a quintessential New England country store. It's not just a place to buy necessities; it's a community hub. Grab a coffee, chat with locals, and soak in the small-town atmosphere.

Prescott Peninsula:

Head to the Prescott Peninsula on the shores of the Quabbin Reservoir. It's a peaceful spot for fishing, kayaking, or just enjoying the serene waters. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife.

Wendell Free Library:

Don't miss the Wendell Free Library. It's more than just a place for books; it's a... Read MORE...