History of Winchendon, Massachusetts, USA

The House of Representatives made the grant of New Ipswich Canada, now Winchendon, on June 10, 1735, in answer to a petition from Lt. Abraham Tilton of Ipswich.

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Winchendon was officially incorporated in 1764,named after Nether Winchendon, Buckinghamshire, England, which itself was the site of land owned by Governor Francis Bernard, who signed the town's incorporation into law.

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Winchendon
Winchendon, Massachusetts
Worcester county. This town was incorporated in 1764. It is 60 miles N.W. by W. from Boston and 34 N.N.W. from Worcester. Population, 1830, 1,463; 1837, 1,802. The surface of the town is uneven and rocky, with a strong soil, which, when subdued, is quite productive of grain, grass and fruit trees. There are fine quarries of granite in the town; and a spring tinctured with iron and sulphur, but which is less visited than formerly. Miller's river rises in this town and Ashburnham, and affords convenient mill seats. There are 2 pleasant villages in the town, a cotton mill, a woolen mill, and manufactures of cotton and wool bobbins, leather, palm-leaf hats, chairs, cabinet and wooden wares: annual value, exclusive of cotton goods, about $100,000.

Under Warner, N.H., we gave an account of a frightful tornado in that and the neighboring towns in 1821. It appears that this part of the country was visited by a similar desolation, at the same time, more than 40... Read MORE...

1845 - WINCHENDON. [Pop. 1,754. Inc. 1764.]
This town was granted to certain persons of Ipswich, in Essex county, for services in Canada, in 1690, and it was called Ipswich-Canada, until it was incorporated.

Several important sources of Miller's River meet in Winchendon, and afford excellent mill-sites.

The soil is excellent. The chief manufactures are cotton and woollen goods.

Distance from Worcester, 33 miles; from Boston, 60.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Winchendon
This town was granted by the general court, in 1735, to 60 persons, all of whom. excepting 8, belonged to Ipswich, in Essex county. It was called "Ipswich Canada" till its incorporation, in 1764, by the name of Winchendon, because most of the grantees were soldiers or the heirs of soldiers who had served in an expedition to Canada in 1690.

By the year 1752, ten families were fixed down here. But the settlement was retarded by what is usually called the last French war. Most of the settlers left the place; those who remained were obliged to keep in garrisons. The proprietors set up the first meeting house, 45 feet by 35, in the spring of 1762. The church was organized, and Rev. Daniel Stimpson ordained their pastor, in December of the same year. He died in 1768, and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Brown, who was ordained in 1769. Rev. Levi Pilsbury, the next pastor, was ordained in 1801; he was succeeded by Rev. Eber Clark, who was installed in 1820. Rev. Daniel O. Morton was installed ... Read MORE...

1854 - Winchendon
Winchendon, a post-township of Worcester co., Massachusetts, intersected by the Cheshire railroad, 54 miles W. N. W. from Boston. It is drained by Miller's river, which affords water-power. Cotton and other manufactures are produced to some extent. Pop., in 1840, 1754; in 1850, 2445.
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.

Winchendon Massachusetts, 1890
Winchendon lies in the northern border of Worcester County, 68 miles northwest of Boston on the Cheshire Railroad, which runs through the town, connecting with the Fitchburg Railroad at Ashburnham Junction. The latter road runs through the southwest corner of the town, convenient to the village of New Boston. The post-offices are Winchendon (centre) and Waterville, on Miller's River, about one and a half miles northwest of the centre. Other villages are Bullardville, Centreville, Harrisville, Hydesville, Spring Village and Springville.

The boundaries are Ashburnham on the east, Gardner on the southeast, Templeton on the southwest, Royalston on the west, and Fitzwilliam and Rindge, in N.H., on the north. The assessed area is 24,758 acres; of which 5,895 are forest. The land is elevated and hilly, especially in the central part. The principal eminences are Rocky Hill in the northeast, Town-line Hill in the s southeast, Bride Hill in the southwest , Tallow Hill in the northwest, and... Read MORE...

1906
Winchendon, a banking post-village in Winchendon township (town), Worcester co., Mass., on Miller's River and on the Boston and Albany and the Boston and Maine Rs., 36 miles NNW. of Worcester. The town, which contains several villages, has manufactures of cottons, toys, wooden- ware, machinery, hardware, and leather. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5001 ; of the village, about 3200.
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

Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Winchendon:
Lake Dennison Recreation Area:

Spend a day at Lake Dennison, a picturesque spot for outdoor activities. Enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking in the serene surroundings. The lake is known for its clear waters and is a great place for nature lovers.

Winchendon Murals:

Take a stroll through downtown Winchendon to explore the town's vibrant murals. These artistic displays showcase the community's history and culture, adding a touch of creativity to the streets.

Old Murdock Senior Center:

Visit the Old Murdock Senior Center, a historic building that dates back to the 19th century. The architecture is impressive, and the center often hosts community events and activities.

Toy Town Museum:

Explore the Toy Town Museum, which provides insights into Winchendon's past. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that highlight the town's industrial history, including its association with the toy manufacturing industry.

Whitney Pond Park:

Whitney ... Read MORE...