History of Gardner, Massachusetts, USA

1764 - Gardner is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1785 - Gardner is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Gardner
Gardner, Massachusetts
Worcester county. Otter river, a considerable stream, a branch of Miller's river, rises partly in this town, and affords good mill seats. On this river is some good intervale land; the high lands are rough, but good for grazing. The value of palm-leaf hats, straw bonnets, chairs, cabinet and wooden wares, leather, boots and shoes, manufactured in one year, amounted to $132,272. The cabinet ware and chairs amounted to $109,000. Gardner was incorporated in 1785, and lies 54 miles N.W. by W. from Boston and 23 N.W. by N. from Worcester. Population, 1837, 1,276.
A church was formed here in 1786, and the Rev. Jonathan Osgood was ordained. He died in 1825, after sustaining the vocations of pastor, physician and school master, 30 years.
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 - GARDNER. [Pop. 1,260. Inc. 1785.]
Gardner was made up of four corners cut from the neighboring towns of Westminster, Templeton, Winchendon and Ashburnham.

It was named in honor of Col. Thomas Gardner, who fell in the battle of Bunker Hill.

The town is part of the high lands that separate the waters of the Connecticut from those of the Merrimack, and a source of Miller's River, called Otter River, issues from Gardner.

The land is adapted to agriculture, and the only considerable manufactures are cabinet furniture and palm-leaf hats.

Distance from Worcester, 20 miles; from Boston, 54.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Gardner
This town was taken from Westminster, Templeton, Winchendon, and Ashburnham, a corner from each. It was incorporated and made a distinct town in 1785, and named Gardner, to perpetuate the memory of Col. Thomas Gardner, of Cambridge, who fell in the battle of Bunker Hill. The church was gathered here in 1786, and the Rev. John Osgood was ordained pastor in 1791. He died in 1821, and was the pastor, teacher, and physician for his people nearly 30 years. Rev. Sumner Lincoln, his successor, was ordained in 1824. Rev. Jonathan Farr was ordained over the Unitarian society in 1829, and was succeeded by Rev. Curtis Cutler in 1833.

The surface of this town is uneven, abounding in small hills and valleys, and though the land is somewhat rocky, it is strong and fertile. It is peculiarly adapted to grass and pasturage, being naturally moist, and abounding in springs and rivulets. The largest stream is Otter river, which flows into Miller’s river in Winchendon. There are two ponds in this town, ... Read MORE...

1854 - Gardner
Gardner, a post-township in Worcester co., Mass., on the Vermont and Mass. railroad, 50 miles W. N. W. from Boston. Pop., 1533.
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.

1859
GARDNER, a township in Worcester, co., in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 58 m. NNW of Boston. Pop. 1,260.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1862 - Anti-Slavery Meeting
GARDNER, MASS. - An Anti-Slavery Meeting will be held in Gardner and South Gardner, on Sunday, Jun 9th, to commence at half-past, 10 o'clock, A. M. Friends of liberty and their country are, one and all, invited to attend.

Samuel May, Jr., Parker Pillsbury and other speakers are expected to be present.
genealogybank.com
Liberator
Massachusetts
June 6, 1862

Gardner Massachusetts, 1890
Gardner is a brisk and enterprising town in the northerly part of Worcester County, 65 miles from Boston, and 25 miles from Worcester, by the Fitchburg Railroad. By the Winchester Branch it has connection with the Montreal Railroad, while the Cheshire Railroad connects it with the Connecticut River railroads in New Hampshire and Vermont. Winchendon bounds it on the northwest, Ashburnham on the northeast, Westminster on the southeast, Hubbardston and Templeton on the southwest, and the latter on the west. The assessed area is 12,558 acres.

Upwards of 2,000 acres are occupied principally by oak, pine, chestnut, maple and birch, with some spruce, hemlock and cedar,— the latter imparting an alpine aspect to upland forests. Parker's Hill and Greenwood's Hill, near the centre, and Barber's Hill near South Gardner village, are most notable eminences. Crystal Lake, of 216 acres, near the centre, and South Gardner Pond, of equal size, are the largest natural reservoirs; and there are also... Read MORE...

1893 - Train Wreck
GARDNER, Mass., Feb. 23. - A train on the Central Massachusetts Railroad, eastbound, left the track a mile east of Jeffersonville this morning. Two milk cars went down a ten-foot embankment, and were capsized. One passenger coach left the track. There were only a few passengers aboard, and no one was seriously injured, though all received slight bruises and considerable of a shaking up. The accident was caused by the spreading of the rails.
The New York Times
New York, New York
February 24, 1893

1895 - Gardner
Gardner, a post-village of Worcester co., Mass., in Gardner township, on the Fitchburg Railroad where it crosses the Vermont & Massachusetts division, 70 miles W.N.W. of Boston, and 15 miles W. of Fitchburg. It has a national bank, a high school, a newspaper office, and extensive manufactures of chairs, pails, and tubs. The township contains another village, named South Gardner. Total pop. of the township in 1890, 8424.
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
Gardner, a banking post- village of Worcester co., Mass., in Gardner township (town), on the Fitohburg R., 15 miles W. of Fitchburg. It has manufactures of chairs, rattan- goods, pails, tubs, toys, machinery, etc. Total pop. of the town in 1900, 10,813.
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

1923 - Gardner is incorporated as a city

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

2023 - Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Gardner and its surrounding areas. Here's a list of some of the top attractions and activities to explore:
Gardner Heritage State Park: Start your visit with a trip to Gardner Heritage State Park. This serene park features walking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views of Crystal Lake. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic.

Dunn Pond State Park: If you're into outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or birdwatching, Dunn Pond State Park is a fantastic spot. It offers scenic trails, a picturesque pond, and opportunities for wildlife observation.

The Gardner Museum: Dive into the city's history by visiting the Gardner Museum. It houses a collection of art, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the rich heritage of the region. Don't forget to check their events calendar for special exhibitions and programs.

Mount Wachusett: For those who love hiking and stunning panoramic views, a trip to Mount Wachusett State Reservation is a must. This mountain offers various hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. In the winter, it's a popular spot for skiing and... Read MORE...