History of Hardwick, Massachusetts, USA

1737 - Hardwick is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

January 10, 1739 - Hardwick is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

In 1762, General Timothy Ruggles, one of the leading Tories of New England, introduced the Hardwick Fair, now the oldest annual fair in the United States.

wikipedia.org

1839 - Hardwick
Hardwick, Massachusetts
Worcester county. Ware river and a smaller stream pass through the S. part of this town, and furnish good mill privileges. It lies 62 miles W. from Boston and 22 W. by N. from Worcester. Incorporated 1738. Population, 1837, 1,818.—There are 2 paper mills in the town, and manufactures of straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, ploughs, leather, chairs and cabinet ware: annual amount about $50,000.—Hardwick is a pleasant town, of good soil, with a fine fish pond.
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 - HARDWICK. [Pop. 1,789. Inc. 1739.]
Hardwick was originally purchased of the Indians by Thomas
Lamb and others, and called Lamhstoivn till its incorporation.

Ware River and one of its branches water the town.

The soil is good, though uneven. The inhabitants are mostly farmers, but they manufacture excellent paper, a few boots and shoes,
and palm-leaf hats.

Part of Dana and New Braintree were taken from Hardwick.

Distance from Worcester, 24 miles ; from Boston, 64
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Harwick
This town was purchased in 1686 of John Magus and Nassowanno, two noted Indians, for the sum of £20, New England currency, and a deed taken by Messrs. Joshua Lamb, Nathaniel Page, Andrew Gardner, Benjamin Gamblin, Benjamin Tucker, John Curtiss, Richard Draper, and Samuel Ruggles, of Roxbnry. The heirs of these persons upon petition obtained a grant of the tract from the general court in 1732. It was called Lambstown, from the first-named proprietor, until it was incorporated in 1738, when it was named Hardwick. The first church was gathered here in 1736, and Rev. Daniel White ordained their first pastor. He remained with the people till his death, in 1784. He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Holt, in 1789. Rev. Wm. B. Wesson, the next pastor, was ordained in 1805, and was succeeded by Rev. Martyn Tupper in 1828; Rev. Edward J. Fuller was installed the pastor in 1835. Rev. John M. Merrick, the parish minister, was ordained in 1828, and was succeeded by Rev. John Goldsbury, who was... Read MORE...

1852 - FIRE.
The House and Barn owned by Lorin Shaw in the south part of Hardwick, was totally destroyed by fire on Saturday, Aug. 28th. The House was occupied by two families, both of which lost nearly all their furniture, clothing, &c., and about 4 tons of hay in the Barn. Mr. Shaws loss is about $1400, partly insured. The fire originated in the upper part of the House, cause unknown.
Barre Gazette
Barre, Massachusetts
September 10, 1852

1854 - Hardwick
Hardwick, a post-township of Worcester co., Massachusetts, 6 miles W. from Boston. Population, 1631.
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
HARDWICK, a township of Worcester, co., in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 68 m. W of Boston, watered by Ware river and its branches. Pop. in 1840, 1,784.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

Hardwick Massachusetts, 1890
Hardwick is a prosperous agricultural and manufacturing town near the middle of the western side of Worcester County, 75 miles west of Boston. The Massachusetts Central Railroad winds through the town, having a station at Furnace Village (Hardwick station), in the eastern part, and another at Gilbertville, in the southern part.

Dana and Barre lie upon the northeastern and northwestern sides, New Braintree is on the southeast, Ware on the south, and Enfield on the west. The assessed area is 23,998 acres, with 5,287 in woodland. The surface is rough and hilly. The most notable elevation is Mount Dougal, in the southern part, overlooking the busy village of Gilbertsville, on Ware River. This, stream forms the long southeastern line of the town, and furnishes excellent powers. Moose and Danforth brooks, having some mill sites, flow into it from the north; and Muddy River flows through a series of small ponds in the north and middle portion of the town to Muddy Pond, at the southern... Read MORE...

1895 - Hardwick
Hard'wick, a post-village in Hardwick township, Worcester co., Mass., 25 miles from the Ware River Rail road, about 30 miles N.E. of Springfield. It has 3 churches. The township is bounded on the S.E. by the Ware River, contains a village named Gilbertville, and has manufactures of flannel, blankets, paper, &c. Pop.of the township, 1992.
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
Hardwick, a post-village in Hardwick township (town), Worcester co., Mass., 30 miles NB. of Springfield. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3203 ; of the village, about 900.
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

2023 - Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or just looking for a relaxing day out, Hardwick has something to offer. Here's a list to get you started:
Hardwick Historical Society Museum:

Dive into the rich history of Hardwick by visiting the local historical society museum. It's a great place to learn about the town's past, with exhibits showcasing artifacts and photographs.

Quabbin Reservoir:

If you're a nature lover, Quabbin Reservoir is a must-visit. The vast expanse of water surrounded by wooded hills makes for a picturesque setting. You can enjoy hiking trails, birdwatching, or even a peaceful picnic by the water.

Eagle Hill School Trails:

For those who enjoy hiking, Eagle Hill School Trails provide a network of scenic paths. The trails wind through forests and fields, offering a tranquil escape for a nature walk.

Hardwick Vineyard & Winery:

Experience local flavors at the Hardwick Vineyard & Winery. Take a tour of the vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, indulge in some wine tasting.

St. Aloysius Church:

Visit the St. Aloysius Church, a beautiful piece of architecture with a... Read MORE...