Holliston, Massachusetts

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Holliston, Massachusetts
motto =

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imagesize = 250px
image_caption = Holliston Town Hall on the east border of the Town Green.
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mapsize = 250px
map_caption = Location in Middlesex County in Massachusetts


mapsize1 =
map_caption1 =
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = United States
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name1 = Massachusetts
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Middlesex
established_title = Settled
established_date = 1659
established_title2 = Incorporated
established_date2 = 1724
established_title3 =
established_date3 =
government_type = Open town meeting
leader_title =
leader_name =
leader_title1 =
leader_name1 =
area_magnitude =
area_total_km2 = 49.3
area_total_sq_mi = 19.0
area_land_km2 = 48.5
area_land_sq_mi = 18.7
area_water_km2 = 0.9
area_water_sq_mi = 0.3
population_as_of = 2007
settlement_type = Town
population_total = 13,941
population_density_km2 = 287.4
population_density_sq_mi = 745.5
elevation_m = 57
elevation_ft = 188
timezone = Eastern
utc_offset = -5
timezone_DST = Eastern
utc_offset_DST = -4
latd = 42 |latm = 12 |lats = 00 |latNS = N
longd = 71 |longm = 25 |longs = 30 |longEW = W
website = http://www.townofholliston.us/
postal_code_type = ZIP code
postal_code = 01746
area_code = 508 / 774
blank_name = FIPS code
blank_info = 25-30700
blank1_name = GNIS feature ID
blank1_info = 0618225
footnotes =

Holliston is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States in the Greater Boston area. The population was 13,801 at the 2000 census. It is part of the region known as MetroWest.

History

Holliston was first settled in 1659 by Massachusetts Bay Puritans. The town of Holliston was incorporated on December 3, 1724 by virtue of approval by the General Court petition requesting that "the western part of Sherborn be a Town." The name was taken in honor of Thomas Hollis, Esq. of London, England, a benefactor of Harvard College. The town has grown from a community of a few hundred residents setting aside ten pounds per year for public education to a community of 13,801 with an annual budget of over $40 million including more than $23 million for a nationally recognized school system. [ [http://www.townofholliston.us/] Town of Holliston]

In "Holliston" by Images of America and the Holliston Historical Society, it is written: An article in a local newspaper [ [http://www.hollistonhistoricalsociety.org/] Holliston Historical Society] in 1894 heralded the charms of Holliston as the quintessential New England village, which, the story said, sprang into existence solely due to the talent of its people. Perhaps this is so, for there was no great moment in history to mark the founding of this town. Holliston has become a reflection of the accomplishments of the inhabitants of this place for more than three hundred years, and although the town had to admit to no magnitude of greatness to rival Boston, Lexington, or Concord, Holliston did define itself as a home to heroes of the commonplace. The feature story of 1894 said:

"Many cities have sprung into existence because of their advantageous situations. The prosperity of Holliston is solely due to the genius of its people. A visit to such places stirs the blood, quickens the pulse and produces an enthusiastic desire to have a share in the developing good times. Massachusetts may be Whittier's land, and the region from Marblehead to Amesbury may be full of legendary and spectral armies, and witchdom, and Buddha knows what, but the imaginative and the poetical must submit to the rights of the commonplace. The commonplace is honeycombed with the uncommon heroisms of the patient, everyday existence that make up the life of such plucky towns as Holliston. These are the things the average man is most interested in. Average life is but a portfolio of views of struggles with the commonplaces of everyday existence" (Holliston 1997).

The town was once the largest producer of shoes in the United States. [ [http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/hhh.ma1229/] Historic American Buildings Survey, 2005] Although many of the shoe factories have been lost by fires and other problems, the largest company, the Goodwill Shoe Company, still has remaining empty factories on Water Street, many of which are now used as artists' studios. Competition from overseas factories is largely to blame for the loss of the industry.Fact|date=April 2007

Holliston's Mudville neighborhood claims to be the location of the 1888 Ernest Lawrence Thayer poem, "Casey at the Bat," and maintains an ongoing rivalry with Stockton, California, who makes the same claim regarding the poem's setting.

The Legend of Balancing Rock

On the north side of Route 16 heading into Milford sits a large rock, some 20ft. in length, 10ft. in width, 6ft. thick, and weighing easily over 5 tons. The rock appears to be balanced precariously on an outcrop of granite ledge. In 1776, after the evacuation of Boston by the British troops, General George Washington led his army to New York via this route. Legend has it that, as the army came across this "Balancing Rock," many of the troops took the opportunity to have some fun and tried their best to tip over the rock. It is said that the General himself, quite amused at the spectacle, added his muscle in an attempt to push the rock off its natural pedestal. Their efforts — and those of many others over the years — were to no avail as Balancing Rock still stands today. Until recently, the rock sat at the edge of a private residence. However, in 2006, construction finished on the Balancing Rock development, a community for "active" adults over the age of 55. [ [http://www.balancingrock55.com/] Balancing Rock 55 Community Website]

Holliston today

Once populated by farms up until the latter part of the nineteenth century, Holliston has now transformed itself into a bedroom community for Boston and the Route 128 technology belt. Holliston is known for its quaint Town Center with its general store, superette, numerous antique shops and boutiques, public library, town hall, and white-steepled churches. A surplus of white antique colonial, Greek revival, and Victorian homes with well-manicured lawns dot the landscape along Washington Street (Massachusetts Route 16), with Holliston Center and the Town Green wedged in between - a scene reminiscent of the distinctive New England character.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 19.0 square miles (49.3 km²), of which, 18.7 square miles (48.5 km²) of it is land and 0.3 square miles (0.9 km²) of it is water. Water covers 1.73% of the town's total area. The Charles River passes near the southern region of town.

It is located 24.6 mi west of Boston and is within short driving distance of Interstate 495 and the Massachusetts Turnpike (part of Interstate 90). Massachusetts Route 16 and Massachusetts Route 126 pass through the town.

Adjacent towns

Holliston is located in Eastern Massachusetts, bordered by:

*Sherborn on the east
*Millis on the south
*Medway on the south
*Milford on the west
*Hopkinton on the west
*Ashland on the north

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 13,801 people, 4,795 households, and 3,842 families residing in the town. The population density was 737.8 people per square mile (284.8/km²). There were 4,868 housing units at an average density of 260.2/sq mi (100.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.7% White, 0.9% African American, 0.9% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population. Ancestries of Holliston residents are reported to be Irish (29.4%), Italian (18.3%), English (17.8%), German (9.7%), French (5.6%), and Polish (5.6%).

There were 4,795 households out of which 44.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.2% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.9% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.25.

In the town the population was spread out with 30.0% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.2 years. For every 100 females there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

In 2005, the median income for a household in the town was $87,621, and the median income for a family was $110,305. Males had a median income of $72,408 versus $47,405 for females. The per capita income for the town was $37,137. As of the census of 2000, about 2.5% of families and 3.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.

50.5% of Holliston residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher and 18.8% hold graduate or professional degrees.

Government

Holliston retains its original open town meeting form of government and the town's day-to-day affairs are overseen by an elected Board of Selectmen with a Town Administrator.

Education

The Town of Holliston has a public school system which serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Schools in the district include two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Public schools include: Sam Placentino Elementary School, Fred W. Miller Elementary School, Robert H. Adams Middle School, and Holliston High School.

Historical districts

* Mudville
* Brentwood
* Braggville
* Metcalf
* East Holliston
* Thomas Hollis Historical District
* Phipps Hill
* Gooch's Corner
* "The Queens"
* Inglewood
* Winter Street
* Lakeside
* Larry King

Points of interest

* [http://www.townofholliston.us/hollistontrails/background.htm Casey's Crossing] The first train depot in Holliston, built in the 1840s. Today it's a [http://caseyspublichouse.com/ family restaurant and pub] .
* [http://www.broadhill.com Broad Hill Vineyards] , located in the hilly microclimate west of Boston, Broad Hill Vineyards offers some of the region's best wine-tasting.
* [http://www.xaviermissionaries.org/ Fatima Shrine] , a restful haven in a peaceful rustic setting, Fatima Shrine is an oasis for prayer, reflection, and meditation. The rosary walk at Fatima Shrine is believed to be the world's largest rosary.
* Highland Farm, offering apple-picking in a scenic orchard on rolling hills.
* [http://farm1.static.flickr.com/1/1021595_11348877b6.jpgLake Winthrop] , named for Governor John Winthrop, the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Lake Winthrop is nearly 1 mile in diameter and covers approximately 140 acres in surface area. It is written in town history that the Nipmuck tribe, a clan of the Algonquin Indians, lived on the southwestern shores of what we nowadays call Lake Winthrop. It was called Wennakeening, meaning “smile of the great spirit” or “pleasant smile” when the Nipmucks lived in the village of Musquit, near present-day Lake Grove Cemetery. [ [http://hollistonnetnews.com/viewarticle.asp?aid=2956&cid=128] Holliston NetNews] Today, Lake Winthrop offers fishing, kayaking, and instant death from extreme pollution for those who attempt to swim in this once serene setting.
* [http://www.outpostfarm.net/ Outpost Farm]
* [http://www.uppercharlestrail.org/ Upper Charles River Trail] , a scenic, recreational path for bicycling, walking, cross-country skiing, roller-blading, and other non-motorized uses. When completed, the 20-mile trail will connect Holliston to Ashland, Hopkinton, Milford, and Sherborn.
* [http://www.hollistonmill.com/Welcome.html Holliston Mill Artist Studios] , once the former factory of the Goodwill Shoe Company, the Holliston Mill is open around twice a year for open house expositions of the different artists and their work.
* [http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/moon_trees/holliston_tree.html Apollo 14 Moon Tree] , at the Holliston Police Department.

Golf courses

* [http://www.pinecrestgolfclub.org/ Pinecrest Golf Club] , 18-hole golf course offering a challenge to players of all levels. Rumor has it that there is gold buried under the 5th hole green.

Parks

* Goodwill Park, playgrounds for children, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields
* Patoma Park, Stoddard Park's sister park offers woodland trails for hiking and recreational activities
* Pleasure Point, located on Lake Winthrop with a beach, picnic area, playground, and boat launch
* Stoddard Park, located on Lake Winthrop with a beach, picnic area, and recreational area

Annual events

Annual events include the Memorial Day Parade, Celebrate Holliston, the Holiday Stroll, summer concerts at the Town Hall, and an abundance of craft fairs and autumn festivals.

Local organizations

* [http://hcp-online.org Holliston Christian Preschool]
* Holliston Business Association
* Holliston Cable Access TV-8
* Holliston Conservation Associates
* Holliston Education Foundation
* Holliston Garden Club
* Holliston Historical Society
* Holliston Newcomers Club
* Holliston Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)
* Holliston Pantry Shelf Board of Directors
* Holliston Sportsman Association
* Washington Street Players
*WHHB FM 99.9
* [http://www.bniholliston.com Holliston Referral Hub]

Notable residents

* Arthur Judson Brown, clergyman, missionary, author
* Casey, from Casey at the Bat, is from Holliston
* Elbridge Jefferson Cutler, Civil War era poet
* Marc Dube, writer/producer of
* Mike Grier, forward for San Jose Sharks hockey team
* Hannibal Hamlin, U.S. Vice president under Abraham Lincoln (1860-1864)
* Michael Mantenuto, actor (Jack O'Callahan in Miracle)
* Greg Mauldin, center for NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets
* Jo Dee Messina, pop and country music singer
* Andrew Natsios, Director, United States Agency for International Development
* Albert P. Rockwood, Mormon missionary, Danite, member of the secret Council of Fifty
* John Sencio, National Television Personality - HGTV, NBC, MTV
* Mark Sweeney, first baseman for Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team
* Jeff Taylor, Founder, Monster.com
* Kara Wolters, professional basketball player and Olympic medal winner.

References

Further reading

* Bragg, Ernest. The Shoe Industry of Holliston and Milford. 1st ed. Boston, 1950.
* [http://www.salemdeeds.com/atlases_results.asp?ImageType=index&atlastype=MassWorld&atlastown=&atlas=MASSACHUSETTS+1871&atlas_desc=MASSACHUSETTS+1871 "1871 Atlas of Massachusetts".] by Wall & Gray. [http://www.salemdeeds.com/atlases_pages.asp?ImageName=PAGE_0010_0011.jpg&atlastype=MassWorld&atlastown=&atlas=MASSACHUSETTS+1871&atlas_desc=MASSACHUSETTS+1871&pageprefix= Map of Massachusetts.] [http://www.salemdeeds.com/atlases_pages.asp?ImageName=PAGE_0044_0045.jpg&atlastype=MassWorld&atlastown=&atlas=MASSACHUSETTS+1871&atlas_desc=MASSACHUSETTS+1871&pageprefix= Map of Middlesex County.]
* "History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts", [http://books.google.com/books?id=QGolOAyd9RMC&dq=intitle:History+intitle:of+intitle:Middlesex+intitle:County+intitle:Massachusetts&lr=&num=50&as_brr=0&source=gbs_other_versions_sidebar_s&cad=5 Volume 1 (A-H)] , [http://books.google.com/books?id=hNaAnwRMedUC&pg=PA506&dq=intitle:History+intitle:of+intitle:Middlesex+intitle:County+intitle:Massachusetts&lr=&num=50&as_brr=0#PPA3,M1 Volume 2 (L-W)] compiled by Samuel Adams Drake, published 1879-1880. 572 and 505 pages. [http://books.google.com/books?id=QGolOAyd9RMC&printsec=titlepage&dq=intitle:History+intitle:of+intitle:Middlesex+intitle:County+intitle:Massachusetts&lr=&num=50&as_brr=0&source=gbs_summary_r#PPA470,M1 Holliston article] by Rev. George F. Walker, pages 470-483.

External links

* [http://www.townofholliston.us/ Town of Holliston]