History of Holland, Massachusetts, USA

1725 - Holland is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1796 - Holland is incorporated as a town

1839 - Holland
Holland, Massachusetts
Hampden county. Holland was taken from Brimfield in 1785. It lies 70 miles S.W. by W. from Boston and 20 E. by S. from Springfield. Population, 1837, 495. Holland has several ponds, and is otherwise watered by Quinnebaugh river. There is a cotton mill in the town, and 658 sheep.
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 - HOLLAND. [Pop. 423. Inc. 1796.]
Holland was once a part of Brimfield.

This little town is watered by a source of the Quinebaug, and it manufactures some cotton cloth.

Distance from Springfield, 20 miles; from Boston, 70.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Holland
This town was formerly a part of Brimfield. It was incorporated as a town in 1796. The Rev. Ezra Reeve, the first Congregational minister, was settled here in 1765. He died in 1818, at the age of 85. The next minister settled here was Rev. Enoch Burt. James Sandford, who succeeded Mr. Burt, was installed here in 1831. Besides the Congregational, there is a Baptist church in the place. In 1837 there was one cotton mill, having 1,024 spindles; it consumed 20,902 lbs. of cotton; 104,512 yards of cloth were manufactured, valued at $10,451 20; males employed, 12; females, 17; capital invested, $15,000. Population, 495. Distance, 20 miles from Springfield, and 70 from Boston.
Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

1854 - Holland
Holland, a post-township of Hampden co., Massachusetts, 70 miles W. S. W. from Boston. Population, 449.
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.

Holland Massachusetts, 1890
Holland is a small farming town lying in the southeastern extremity of Hampden County, about 70 miles southwest of Boston. Its nearest railroad stations are on a branch of the Norwich and Worcester Railroad, at Southbridge centre, about six and a half miles east, and at Palmer, some nine miles northwest, the junction of the Boston and Albany Railroad and roads running northward.

Brimfield lies on the north, Sturbridge on the east, Wales on the west, and Union, in Connecticut, on the south. The assessed area is 7,120 acres; and of this 2,286 acres are forest, consisting mostly of chestnut. The land is hilly, with a strong soil, generally a sandy loam. The 56 farms in 1888 yielded products reaching, in the aggregate, the value of $34,867.

Sioug Pond, or Holland Reservoir, in the northern part of the town, contains about 600 acres. The Quinebaug River runs northerly through the eastern part, receiving as affluents May, Stevens and Lombard brooks. On all of these there have been saw ... Read MORE...

1895 - Holland
Holland, a post-township of Hampden co., Mass., about 24 miles E. by S. of Springfield. It has a church. P. 201.
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

1916
Holland, a post-township (town) of Hampden co., Mass., about 24 miles E. by S. of Springfield. Pop. in 1900, 169.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to see and things to do in and around Holland:
Hamilton Reservoir:

Enjoy a day by the water at Hamilton Reservoir. It's a great spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking. The scenic views make it a perfect place to relax and unwind.

Holland Community Center:

Check out what events are happening at the Holland Community Center. From community meetings to local gatherings, it's a hub for social activities.

Brimfield State Forest:

If you're into hiking and nature walks, head to Brimfield State Forest. The trails offer a chance to explore the local flora and fauna, and there are often spots for birdwatching.

Local Parks and Recreation Areas:

Explore the local parks and recreation areas. Whether it's a quiet afternoon stroll or a family picnic, these spots can provide a peaceful break.

Holland Public Library:

If you're a book lover, don't miss the Holland Public Library. It's a cozy place to spend some quiet time, and they often host community... Read MORE...