History of Medway, Massachusetts, USA

1657 - Medway is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1688 - Samuel Fisher built a house East of Populactic Lake on the brow of the hill overlooking Medway Village.

http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/

1713 - Medway is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Medway
Medway, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. Medway was taken from Medfield, in 1713. Charles river affords this town an excellent water power. There are 6 cotton, and 2 woolen mills in the town, 2 cotton wadding factories, and a bell foundry. The manufactures of cotton and woolen goods, boots, shoes, scythes, chairs, cabinet ware, ploughs, cotton wadding, and straw bonnets, the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $330,630. Population, 1837, 2,050. Medway lies 22 miles S.W. from Boston and 12 S.W. from Dedham.
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 - MEDWAY. [Pop. 2,043. Inc. 1713.]
Medway, originally a part of Medfield, and, with that, of Dedham, is situated upon Charles River.

The chief manufactures are cotton and woollen cloth, boots, shoes, and bonnets.

Distance from Dedham, 12 miles; from Boston, 22.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1853 - The Medway Branch Railroad opened for service in January
and a little engine - the "Hooksett" built in June of 1842 and 2 wooden coaches, ran 26 round trips between North Wrentham (Norfolk) and Medway, via Rockville.
http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/

1854 - Medway
Medway, a post-township of Norfolk co., Massachusetts, on Charles river, about 22 miles S. W. from Boston, contains a manufacturing village of its own name. Pop., 2778.
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.

1864 - The Medway Branch RR was discontinued with the rails "being taken up in the night".
Upon suspension of the Medway Branch RR, Charles Holman of Milford started a stage route from Medway through Rockville and North Wrentham to Wrentham Village. He had a 6 horse span and a bright green coach.
http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/

Medway Massachusetts, 1890
Medway is a fine old town forming the northwest corner of Norfolk County, and bounded on the north by Holliston, east by Millis, south by Franklin and Bellingham, and west by Milford. The assessed area is 6,678 acres, of which 1,885 are woodland. Medway and West Medway are the post-offices and villages, and both are stations on the Woonsocket Division of the New York and New England Railroad; the station in the first being 25 miles from Boston.

The Charles River forms a part of the southern line, and furnishes a strong power at Medway village. The other streams are Hopping Brook in the western and Chicken Brook in the eastern part, flowing south into the Charles River. The surface of the town is level, or gently undulating. The geological structure is sienite and calcareous gneiss; and very good beds of brick-clay occur at several points.

The soil is fairly fertile. In 1885, the farms numbered 100; the aggregate product of that year being valued at $82,184. There are in the town ... Read MORE...

1895 - Medway
Medway, a post-village in Medway township, Norfolk co., Mass., on Charles River, and on the Woonsocket division of the Boston, Hartford & Erie Railroad, 25 miles S.W. of Boston. It has 6 churches and a savings-bank. The township contains another village, named West Medway, and has manufactures of cotton, boots, and straw goods. Pop. of the township, 4242.
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
Medway, a post-village in Medway township (town), Norfolk co., Mass., on the Charles River and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 25 miles SW. of Boston. The town has manufactures of cassimeres, wadding, and straw goods. Pop. in 1900, 2761; of the village, about 1350.
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

2023 - Whether you're into outdoor activities, history, or simply enjoying good food, Medway has a variety of options to explore and enjoy.
Choate Park: Enjoy outdoor activities like walking trails, a playground, and sports fields at this scenic park.

Holliston Rail Trail: Take a bike ride or a leisurely walk along this picturesque trail.

Exhibit 'A' Brewing Company: Sample craft beers and relax in a vibrant atmosphere.

Parks and Recreation Areas: Explore various parks like Harkness Conservation Area and other recreational spots for hiking and picnics.

Haven Country Club: Play a round of golf or enjoy the beautiful grounds at this country club.

Sweeney's Beach: Relax by the water, go for a swim, or have a lakeside picnic.

Medway Village Historic District: Stroll through the historic district and admire well-preserved architecture.

Raven's Nest: A local favorite for delicious food and a cozy atmosphere.

Lake Winthrop: Perfect for fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the tranquility.

Local Farms: Visit nearby farms for fresh produce and the experience of rural life.

Medway Farmers Market:... Read MORE...