History of Lenox, Massachusetts, USA

1750 - Lenox is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Lenox
Lenox, Massachusetts
Berkshire county. Shire town. This is an excellent township of land, watered by Housatonick river, and surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. It lies 130 miles W. from Boston, 25 N.E. from Hudson, N.Y., and 55 N.W. from Hartford, Ct. Lenox is accommodated with a water power, and contains mines of rich iron ore and quarries of beautiful marble. There are some manufactures of iron, leather, marble, &c., in the town, but agriculture is the chief pursuit of the inhabitants. Incorporated, 1767. Population, 1837, 1,277.
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 - LENOX. [Pop. 1,313. Inc. 1767.]
Lenox was the family name of the Duke of Richmond, in honor of whom, Richmond, to which Lenox once belonged, was named. The Indian name was Yokun.

Lenox is the county or shire town of Berkshire county.

The town is situated on the Housatonic: the mountain-scenery is picturesque, and the village beautiful.

Iron ore and marble abound, and are extensively manufactured.

Distance from Boston, 130 miles.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Lenox
Lenox, a post-village and seat of justice of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, on the Housatonic railroad, 9 miles S. from Pitts- field. It has a pleasant situation on an elevation, and contains, besides the county buildings, 3 or 4 churches, an academy, founded in 1803, and from 40 to 50 dwellings. Population of the township, 1698.
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.

1866 - Cruel Teacher
The citizens of Lenox, Massachusetts, are greatly incensed against a teacher in one of the primary schools there named Frances Williams, who beat a little child in a cruel manner for mispronouncing a word. The child is not quite four years old, and he was pounded on the 18th day of July, with a ruler, so that twelve days afterward his back, shoulder and arms above the elbows plainly showed the marks of the shameful punishment. The school committee very promptly decided that such a teacher was not fit to be trusted with the care of the children, and she has been dismissed. She awaits a trial on a charge of assault and battery.
Harrisburg Telegraph
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
August 29, 1866

1867 - Attempted to Untie Shoe With Fork
A girl named Lydia Bliven put out one of her eyes at Lenox, Massachusetts, last week, while attempting to untie her shoe string with a fork.
Weekly Progress
Raleigh, North Carolina
May 9, 1867

Lenox Massachusetts, 1890
Lenox, noted as a select fashionable resort, is situated among the hills of Berkshire County, directly west of Boston, and separated only from the State of New York by the town of Richmond, which forms its western boundary. The Richmond Station on the Boston and Albany Railroad is the nearest to the chief village on the western side. Through the eastern part north and south, along the Housatonic River, runs the Housatonic Rail-road, connecting with the Boston and Albany at Pittsfield (adjoining on the north) and with the Fitchburg at North Adams, with the Harlem Railroad from New York city on the west, and the Connecticut lines on the south. The valleys of the Housatonic, of the Yokun Brook and other affluents, form the eastern and most of the northern parts of the town. Roaring Brook comes down from the Hoosac range, which occupies the town of Washington on the east. At the middle of the western line rises Lenox Mountain, a peak of the Taconic range, which borders the town on the... Read MORE...

1895 - Lenox
Lenox, a post-village of Berkshire co., Mass., in Lenox township, near the Housatonic River, 2 miles W. of Lenox Station on the Housatonic Railroad, 8 miles S. of Pittsfield, and about 33 miles S.E. of Albany, N.Y. It has 4 churches, an academy, and a number of fine residences. The township has manufactures of glass, iron, lime, and lumber. Pop. in 1890, 2889.
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

1905 - Modest Summer Home
J. J. Hill has purchased a simple and inexpensive summer residence at Lenox, Massachusetts, instead of the elegant mansion which he was expected to select. What an astonishing change would be made in the United States, if millionaires, their wives and daughters, should copy modesty and simplicity.
The Arizona Sentinel
Yuma, Arizona
June 14, 1905

1908 - SOCIETY PEOPLE FIGHT FIRE.
Save Contents of R. C. Dixey's Costly Stables at Tanglewood.

Special to The New York Times.

LENOX, Mass., July 6. - Fire to-day destroyed the costly stables at Tanglewood, the estate of Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Dixey, three miles west of here, and gave the society people of Lenox something exciting to do, for they turned in and assisted in the rescue of horses, harness, and vehicles.

An alarm was telephoned to Lenox from the Dixey place, and the Fire Department was taken down to the blaze in automobiles, the hose carts being drawn by the motors. Help was also summoned from the Hotel Alpinwall, and Manager O. D. Seavey, with chemicals and hose brigade, went to the fire in motor cars.

Flames were shooting out of the stables when the fire was discovered. Charles Astor Bristed, John A. Hadden, Jr., Dr. H. P. Jaques, Newbold Morris, and others assisted in saving property. Miss Eleanor Crosby, Miss Helen Alexander, and David T. Dana assisted in getting out vehicles. Miss Rosamond ... Read MORE...

1909 - SIX LIVES LOST IN $250,000 LENOX FIRE Dynamite and Turpentine Explode in Basement of Building, Trapping the Inmates.
SOCIETY PEOPLE GIVE AID
New Yorkers Take in the Homeless Ones and Start a Fund to Supply Their Wants.

Special to The New York Times.

LENOX, Mass., April 11. - Six persons were killed in the fire which almost wiped out the business section of Lenox early this morning. Four business blocks and two dwellings were destroyed. The property loss is estimated at $250,000, with insurance of $111,000. New Yorkers who were at the Curtis Hotel on an Easter visit helped persons driven from their homes.

The six persons who were killed were asleep in the Clifford Building, a three-story structure, when the fire started.

They were:
COOK, Miss ISABEL, 40 years old, a bookkeeper.
FRENCH, Miss ALICE, 41 years old, a bookkeeper.
SPARKS, Miss MARY, 26 years old, a school-teacher.
VENTRES, EDWARD S., 41 years old, an electrician; his wife, 35 years old,
and their daughter, Leslie, 12 years old.

Mrs. Catherine Root and her sons, George and Arthur, were badly burned in escaping from the... Read MORE...

1909 - LENOX. Big Barn Destroyed by Fire.
Fire destroyed the large barn on the Ford farm, owned by Leonard C. Peters and Isaac J. Newton yesterday afternoon. The barn was 50 by 100 feet in size and contained 70 tons of hay. It is thought that the fire started from the hay, which ignited by spontaneous combustion. George R. Bull, clerk at Hotel Aspinwall, discovered the fire and telephoned an alarm to the central telephone station. As there were no hydrants near the property the department was not summoned. Foremen Hutchinson of the fire brigade went to the farm in a motor but there was no way of offering aid. The structure was totally destroyed. The loss on the building is $3000, on contents $1000. It was said yesterday that there was no insurance on the building. The farm was leased to Frank Newton of Richmond, on whom the loss on the contents falls.
Springfield Daily Republican
Springfield, Massachusetts
August 14, 1909

1910 - George Westinghouse
New York, Aug. 1 - Almost on the eve of the annual election of officers of the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing company Wall street was surprised to get word of a fresh attack on the present management by President George Westinghouse, who is now at his country place at Lenox, Massachusetts...
The San Bernadino County Sun
San Bernadino, California
August 2, 1910

Read more about George Jr. WESTINGHOUSE

1916
Lenox, a banking post-township (town) of Berkshire co., Mass., near the Housatonic River and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., about 33 miles SE. of Albany, N.Y. It is picturesquely situated among the Berkshire Hills. It has the Lenox Academy and numerous fine residences. Pop. in 1900, 2942. Lenox is one of the most fashionable of the New England resorts and has annual races. The town includes the villages of Lenoxdale and New Lenox.
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

1919 - ANDREW CARNEGIE DEAD.
GREAT STEEL MASTER'S METHODS.
THE ROAD TO FORTUNE.

New York, Aug. 11
Mr. Andrew Carnegie died at 7.30 this morning at Lenox, Massachusetts. The cause of death is given as bronchial pneumonia. Mr. Carnegie had been living at his summer home at Lenox ever since the wedding of his daughter...
The Times
London, England
August 12, 1919

Read more about Andrew CARNEGIE

1926 - Deer Jumps Through Window
A deer from nearby mountains stalked through a paper mill at Lenox, Massachusetts, and jumped through a window into the Housatonic River, forty feet below, without injury.
The Van Nuys News
Van Nuys, California
June 11, 1926

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Lenox:
The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home: Explore the historic mansion and gardens that once belonged to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edith Wharton. Take a guided tour to learn about her life and literary contributions. The beautifully manicured gardens are a delight to stroll through.

Tanglewood Music Center: If you're a fan of classical music, don't miss a performance at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Pack a picnic and enjoy a concert on the beautiful lawns, or purchase tickets to the Shed for a more formal experience.

Norman Rockwell Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of one of America's most beloved artists, Norman Rockwell. This museum features the largest collection of Rockwell's original art, showcasing his heartwarming and iconic illustrations of American life.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: Hike the scenic trails of this Audubon wildlife sanctuary. You'll encounter diverse ecosystems, wetlands, and a variety of bird species. It's a... Read MORE...