History of Reading, Massachusetts, USA

1639 - Reading is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Reading
Reading, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. Reading is an ancient town, 13 miles N. from Boston, 10 W. from Salem, and 17 N.E. from Concord.

The surface of the town is uneven, but the soil is generally of a good quality. The village is pleasant and flourishing. During the year ending April 1, 1837, the value of $184,583 of boots and shoes were made in Reading, and $91,360 of chairs and cabinet ware. First settled 1640. Population, 1837, 2,144.
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 - READING. [Pop. 2,193. Inc. 1769.]
Reading was set off from Lynn in Essex county, and was once joined to South Reading, which latter is really the older settlement.

The chief manufactures are boots and shoes.

Distance from Concord, 17 miles ; from Boston, 13.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Reading
The town of Reading was incorporated in 1644. It is believed that the name of this town ought to have been applied to the town of South Reading, as the first settlement of the ancient Reading appears to have been made within the present village of South Reading. This town was set off as a distinct precinct in 1769. There is much good land in this town, though some portions of it are uneven and hard of cultivation. The principal village in the town consists of about 30 dwelling houses, handsomely built, and a number of stores, having a business-like appearance. There are two Congregational churches, one of which is Unitarian; in the northern part of the township there is another Congregational and a Baptist church. Population, 2,144. Distance, 17 miles from Concord, 10 west from Salem, and 13 from Boston. In 1837 there were manufactured in this town 707 pairs of boots and 290,511 pairs of shoes, valued at $184,583; there were employed in this business 338 males and 494 females. There... Read MORE...

1854 - Reading
Reading, a post-township in Middlesex co., Massachusetts, 13 miles N. from Boston, intersected by the Boston and Maine railroad. It contains 2 thriving villages, one in the N. and the other in the S. part. The inhabitants are extensively engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes. Population, 3108.
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.

1854 - The Destructive Gale - Its Effects at the East.
...At South Reading, a coal shed was turned over, which fell upon the Eastern telegraph line, demolishing it for some distance. The shed took fire from sparks of an engine, and caused an alarm of fire...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854

1857 - DESTRUCTIVE TORNADO IN READING, MASS.
Boston, Friday, Aug. 14.
Last night a tornado passed through the town of Reading and vicinity. It was nearly half a mile in width. Several dwellings and out buildings were damaged, orchards were uprooted, and considerable damage done to the crops, etc. No loss of life is reported.

The Boston Traveller gives the following additional particulars:
"The house of Deacon THOMAS H. SWEETSER, where our informant was stopping at the time of the tornado, was very much damaged. An "L," about 30 feet long by 20 feet in width, and two stories high, occupied as a shoe manufactory, with the exception of one room, used as a sleeping room, was blown down and crushed to "impalpable powder." The main part of the building was raised from the foundation about a foot, and let down again, resting in its old quarters after frocking about ten minutes. All the lights were, of course, extinguished, chairs and tables performed fantastic tricks, as though under the influence of the inhabitants of the... Read MORE...

1890 Reading Massachusetts
Reading is an old and pleasant town in the extreme eastern of Middlesex County, 12½ miles north of Boston on the Western Division of the Boston and Maine Railroad; whose stations here are Reading and Reading Highlands. The other village is Dragon's Corner. The first is the post-office.

The boundaries are North Reading on the north, Lynnfield on the east, Wakefield on the southeast, Stoneham on the south, and Woburn and Wilmington on the west. The assessed area is 5,737 acres. There are 2,264 acres of woodland, containing oak, pine and maple. The rook is sienite, which here and there appears in ledges. Bear Hill, at the extreme southeast, is a handsome elevation The land generally is uneven but not hilly, so that the scenery is varied, and even picturesque in some localities. In the northerly parts of the town are extensive meadows which yield good crops of swale hay and cranberries. The nursery products in 1885 were $7,099. The aggregate value of the products of the 172 farms was... Read MORE...

1895 - Reading
Reading, a post-village in Reading township, Middlesex co., Mass., on the Boston & Maine Railroad, 12 miles N. by W. of Boston, and 15 miles S.E. of Lowell. It has 1 or 2 weekly newspapers, a bank, and manufactures of cabinet-ware, boots, shoes, &c. Pop. of township, 3186.
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
Reading, a banking post-village in Reading township (town), Middlesex co., Mass., on the Boston and Maine R., 12 miles N. by W. of Boston. It has manufactures of rubber goods, organ-pipes, wire-brushes, boots, shoes, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 4969.
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

Whether you're a local looking for something new or a visitor passing through, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Reading:
Walk in the Park: Start your day with a leisurely stroll or a picnic at one of Reading's lovely parks. Birch Meadow Park and Memorial Park are excellent choices for families. You can enjoy the playgrounds, sports fields, and scenic walking paths.

Horn Pond: While not technically in Reading (it's in nearby Woburn), Horn Pond is a tranquil spot for kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the serene water views. It's a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.

Explore the Town Common: Reading's historic town common is a picturesque spot surrounded by charming colonial-style buildings. Take a walk around and appreciate the well-preserved architecture and perhaps catch a community event or farmers' market.

Ipswich River Park: This beautiful park offers hiking trails, a playground, and a spot for canoeing. It's a fantastic place to connect with nature and have a peaceful outing.

Bike the Trails: If you're into cycling, consider hitting the nearby bike trails, like the Northern... Read MORE...