History of Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA

Williamstown, a pleasant post-village of Berkshire co., Massachusetts, about 120 miles N. W. by W. from Boston. It is the seat of Williams College, a flourishing institution, founded in 1793. The institution comprises 4 brick buildings for the accommodation of the students, a library building, an astronomical and a magnetic observatory, and a chemical laboratory. The three last have been completed within a few years. Important additions have recently been made to the chemical and philosophical apparatus. The institution is endowed to the amount of about $75,000. Population of the township, 2020.

Williamstown forms the northwestern extremity of Berkshire County and of the State. It is noted as the seat of Williams College, and contains 3,729 inhabitants. The town is about 140 miles west by northwest of Boston, and some 25 miles north of Pittsfield. The Fitchburg Railroad has stations at Blackinton on the northeast border, and at Williamstown (North). These, with South Blackinton and Sweet's Corners, Are the post-offices; and the other villages are Beechdale, Coleville, Slab City and North Williamstown.

The town is bounded on the east by North Adams and Adams, south by New Ashford and Hancock, west by Berlin and Petersburgh in New York, and north by Pownal in Vermont. The assessed area is 28,184 acres; of which 9,594 are forests. About the town on every side are lofty mountains. Mount Hazen, in Clarksburg, on the northeastern border, rises to the height of 2,272 feet; Greylock, the highest elevation in the State, lifts his head to an altitude of 3,565 feet, in the southeast; ...

Williamstown, a post-village of Berkshire co, Mass., in Williamstown township, on the Hoosac River, and on the Boston, Hoosac Tunnel & Western and Troy & Boston Rail roads, 5 miles W. of North Adams, and 24 miles (direct) E. of Troy, which is 43 miles distant by railroad. It is in a fertile valley which is "grandly mountain-walled" and is noted for beautiful scenery. It contains a large hotel, 3 churches, a high school, and a cotton-factory. Williamstown is the seat of Williams College (Congregational), which was founded in 1793, has about 25 instructors, and a library of over 30,000 volumes. This college occupies several brick and stone buildings, one of which is an astronomical observatory. Pop. of the township in 1890, 4221.

Williamstown, Mass., Nov. 24. - Morgan Hall, the largest and newest of the dormitories connected with Williams College, was damaged to the extent of $20,000 today by a fire that started from a cigarette dropped in a room on the second floor.

Williamstown, a banking post-village of Berkshire co., Mass., in Williamstown township (town), on the Hoosac River and on the Boston and Maine R., 5 miles NW. of North Adams. It is in a fertile mountain-walled valley which is noted for its beautiful scenery. Williamstown is the seat of Williams College, which was opened in 1793, and had in 1903 an attendance of 423 students and a library containing about 55,000 volumes. Lat. of the Field Memorial Observatory, 42° 42' 30" N. ; Ion. 73° 12' 30" W. The town has bleaching- and finishing-works. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5013.

Blaze Starts From Unknown Came in Prindle's Restaurant.

The Adams block, one of the principal business blocks on Spring street, was very badly damaged by fire early yesterday morning, the blaze originating in the restaurant of Caleb Prindle in the north end of the building. The restaurant and the whole of the second floor, on which were Sons of Veteran's hall, a tailor shop and several vacant office rooms, were completely destroyed, while the store of Patrick J. Dempsey, grocer, on the first floor was partly burned and badly damaged by water, and the post-office in the south end also badly damaged by water. The block was valued at $20,000 and the loss is partly, if not wholly, covered by insurance. Mr. Dempsey, whose loss was not far from total, had a stock of goods valued at $3,000, on which he carried an insurance of $1000, which does not cover his loss, while on a piano in his store, valued at $650, owned by Harvey P. Cole, the former owner of the restaurant, and on the...

Williamstown, Nov. 5. - Damage estimated at close to $50,000 was done to Jessup hall, one of the Williams college buildings, by a fire today that is supposed to be due to defective wiring. The buildings has been in use as officers' quarters for the college S.A.T.C. unit. The third floor was gutted and the lower floors were heavily damaged by smoke and water. The student body did good service as fire fighters. The health board's quarantine on the town was hastily removed to allow the entrance of the North Adams fire department. The building was given to the college in 1890 by MORRIS K. JESUP of New York.

Clark Art Institute:

Start your journey with a visit to the Clark Art Institute, a world-renowned art museum. The collection spans centuries and continents, featuring pieces from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. The picturesque setting and stunning architecture make it a must-see.

Williams College Museum of Art:

Another gem for art enthusiasts, the Williams College Museum of Art showcases contemporary and historical works. It's a great place to explore diverse artistic expressions.

The Williamstown Theatre Festival:

If you're a fan of the performing arts, make sure to check out the Williamstown Theatre Festival. This renowned summer theater festival attracts top-notch actors and playwrights, offering a memorable cultural experience.

Hopkins Memorial Forest:

Nature lovers, rejoice! Hopkins Memorial Forest is a haven for hiking and exploring the outdoors. The trails are well-maintained, and the forest is home to diverse flora and fauna. It's a peaceful...