Thomas Johnes and Holliston, Massachusetts: Difference between pages

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{{Infobox Person
{{Infobox Settlement
|name = Thomas Johnes
|official_name = Holliston, Massachusetts
|image = Thomas Johnes.jpg
|motto =
|image_skyline = Holliston_Town_Hall.jpg
|image_size = 150px
|caption = Thomas Johnes, Esq, by W. Worthington after Stothard
|imagesize = 250px
|image_caption = Holliston Town Hall on the east border of the Town Green.
|birth_name =
|birth_date = 20 August 1748
|image_seal =
|image_flag =
|birth_place = [[Ludlow]], [[Shropshire]]
|image_map = Holliston_ma_highlight.png
|death_date = 23 April 1816
|mapsize = 250px
|death_place = Langstone Cliff cottage, near Exeter
|map_caption = Location in Middlesex County in Massachusetts
|death_cause =
|image_map1 =
|resting_place = Eglwys Newydd (Saint Michael's Hafod Church)
|mapsize1 =
|resting_place_coordinates = 52.369939, -3.961772
|map_caption1 =
|residence = [[Hafod Uchtryd|Hafod Estate]]
|subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]]
|nationality = Welsh
|subdivision_name = [[United States]]
|ethnicity = Welsh
|subdivision_type1 = [[Political divisions of the United States|State]]
|citizenship = Welsh
|subdivision_name1 = [[Massachusetts]]
|known_for = Agricultural endeavors at Hafod Estate
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Massachusetts|County]]
|education = Shrewsbury Grammar School,[[Eaton]], [[Jesus College, Oxford]] and [[University of Edinburgh]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Middlesex County, Massachusetts|Middlesex]]
|alma_mater = [[Jesus College, Oxford]]
|established_title = Settled
|occupation = M.P., landlord, printer, writer, landscape architect
|established_date = 1659
|title = Esquire, Colonel, Lord Lieutenant
|party =
|established_title2 = Incorporated
|religion = Anglican
|established_date2 = 1724
|established_title3 =
|spouse = Maria Burgh of Monmouthshire, Jane Johnes of Dolaucothy
|established_date3 =
|children = Mariamn Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 é Johnes, (b. 30 June 1784, d. 4 July 1811)
|government_type = [[Open town meeting]]
|parents = Thomas Johnes of Llanvairchydogus and Elizabeth Knight, [[Croft Castle]]
|leader_title = <!--[[Town Administrator|Town<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Administrator]]-->
|relations = Richard Knight of Downton, [[Herefordshire]]; [[Fifteen_tribes_of_wales|Marchweithian, Lord of Isaled]], [[William Wilberforce]]
|leader_name =
|leader_title1 = <!--Board of <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Selectmen-->
|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 = [[New England town|Town]]
|population_total = 13,941
|population_density_km2 = 287.4
|population_density_sq_mi = 745.5
|elevation_m = 57
|elevation_ft = 188
|timezone = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|Eastern]]
|utc_offset = -5
|timezone_DST = [[Eastern Standard Time Zone|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 = [[Area code 508|508]] / [[Area code 774|774]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 25-30700
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0618225
|footnotes =
}}
}}
'''Holliston''' is a town in [[Middlesex County, Massachusetts|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==
Thomas Johnes of Hafod (1748 – 1816), [[Ludlow]], [[Shropshire]], [[UK]] belonged to an old Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire family. He was the oldest son of Thomas Johnes of Llanvairchydogus and his mother Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Knight of
[[Image:Holliston Church.jpg|thumb|left|225px|First Congregational Church of Holliston on the Town Green. This is the site of Holliston's original meeting house.]]
[[Croft Castle]]. He was educated at Shrewsbry Grammar School, [[Eaton]], [[Jesus College, Oxford]] and [[University of Edinburgh]]. He was baptized at [[St_Laurence's_Church,_Ludlow|Saint
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, Massachusetts|Sherborn]] be a Town." The name was taken in honor of Thomas Hollis, Esq. of [[London, England|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.<ref>[http://www.townofholliston.us/]Town of Holliston</ref>
Laurence's Church]]. He was related to [[William Wilberforce]] through his mother's aunt Anne Knight. This side of his family can trace to [[Fifteen_tribes_of_wales|Marchweithian, Lord of Isaled]].


In "Holliston" by Images of America and the Holliston Historical Society, it is written: An article in a local newspaper<ref>[http://www.hollistonhistoricalsociety.org/]Holliston Historical Society</ref> 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, Massachusetts|Boston]], [[Lexington, Massachusetts|Lexington]], or [[Concord, Massachusetts|Concord]], Holliston did define itself as a home to heroes of the commonplace. The feature story of 1894 said:
After returning from a tour of Europe in 1774 he was was elected MP for the borough of [[Cardigan]]. He went on to be elected MP for Radnorshire in 1780, 1784, 1790 and for [[Cardiganshire]] in 1796, 1802, 1806, 1807 and 1812. He served as Lord Lieutenant of
Cardiganshire, colonel for the Cardigan miltia and was elected fellow of the Royal Society in 1800. dictionary


<blockquote>"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).
==Hafod Uchtryd==
</blockquote>
In 1780 he inherited the Hafod Estate in Cardiganshire from his father. Upon moving there in 1783, he found it in poor condition, half-ruined, encircled by 4000 ha (10000 acres) of Welsh upland. It was populated by a hungry, ill-housed despairing tenancy. He moved them from huts to cottages and employed many of them planting trees on the property. He had both vision and a pragmatic
approach to estate management.<ref>[[#Burkes|Burke's Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry 1847]]Page 677</ref>


The town was once the largest producer of shoes in the United States.<ref>[http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/hhh.ma1229/]Historic American Buildings Survey, 2005</ref> 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}}
The Hafod Estate (Hafod: Welsh for a summer dwelling), lies in the valley of the Afon (river) [[Ystwyth]], where pastures are surrounded by high hills.


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|Stockton]], [[California]], who makes the same claim regarding the poem's setting.
==Mansion==
The mansion at Hafod was build in 1785 by Jonhes from the designs of Thomas Baldwin of Bath in the [[Gothic]] style. Adjoining the library was the conservatory 160' in length that was filled with a wide variety of rare plants.


===The Legend of Balancing Rock===
===Library===
[[Image:Holliston-balancingrock.jpg|right|thumb|275px|Holliston Balancing Rock]]
The library was a spacious, octagonal building within the mansion. Mr. Johnes collected many rare and noble book collections on nautral history and manuscripts in Welsh, French and Latin. The library collection of the Marquis de Pesaro collection was purchased and housed at the estate.<ref>[[#obit|The Annual Biography and Obituary for the Year 1817]]</ref>


On the north side of [[Massachusetts Route 16|Route 16]] heading into [[Milford, Massachusetts|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 &mdash; and those of many others over the years &mdash; 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.<ref>[http://www.balancingrock55.com/]Balancing Rock 55 Community Website</ref>
===Fire===
At three o'clock in the morning on 13 March 1807, a fire broke out that completely destroyed the mansion. Mr. Johnes was in London attending Parliment where he heard the news that Mrs. Johnes and their daughter had escaped. The mansion was completely rebuilt. ref dictionary


==Holliston today==
==Picturesque landscape==
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 [[Massachusetts Route 128|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 [[American colonial architecture|antique colonial]], [[Greek Revival architecture|Greek revival]], and [[Victorian architecture|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.
Strongly influenced by the “[[Picturesque]]” idea of landscape, which was contrary to the format adopted by the famous [[Capability Brown]], Johnes drew in the experience of his in-laws and family who were from [[Croft Castle]],[[Herefordshire]], his father having married the granddaughter of Richard Knight of Downton (1659-1745), a very successful ironmaster whose family
acquired land in a fertile part of Herefordshire. <ref>[[#Burkes|Burke's Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry 1847]]Page: 677</ref> The idea of the “Picturesque” developed by Uvedale Price’ at Foxley and Payne Knight’s work at Downton were seen by Johnes as a model for the design of his plantations and gardens at Hafod.


==Forestation==
==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of 19.0&nbsp;[[square mile]]s (49.3&nbsp;[[km²]]), of which, 18.7&nbsp;square miles (48.5&nbsp;km²) of it is land and 0.3&nbsp;square miles (0.9&nbsp;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.
The number of trees planted from 1796 to 1801 numbered 2,065,000. The plantations from then on were 200,000 annually.<ref>[[#NationalBiography|The Dictionary of National Biography]]</ref>


It is located 24.6 mi west of Boston and is within short driving distance of [[Interstate 495 (Massachusetts)|Interstate 495]] and the [[Massachusetts Turnpike]] (part of [[Interstate 90]]). [[Massachusetts Route 16]] and [[Massachusetts Route 126]] pass through the town.
<blockquote>
Without doubt, Thomas Johnes was the pioneer of upland afforestation in Wales. However, the achievement was not his alone. Throughout his years at Hafod, Thomas Johnes employed some outstanding foresters and gardeners.


===Adjacent towns===
Between 1790 and 1810, golden years at Hafod, two Scottish men played key roles: John Greenshields, Estate Bailiff and James Todd, Head Gardener who had previously been a gardener at the Botanic Gardens at Edinburgh. These two men were in charge of the extensive plantations and forest-nursery activity.
Holliston is located in Eastern Massachusetts, bordered by:


*[[Sherborn, Massachusetts|Sherborn]] on the east
Over the years following years, many more Scots foresters were to play key roles in the development of silviculture on estates throughout Wales. Of course it was the men and boys who did the actual planting thereby, playing a key role in making Hafod an outstanding experiment in land management. At Hafod planting rates were in the order of 1000 per team of one man and a boy per day.<ref>[[#RSA|The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce]]</ref></blockquote>
*[[Millis, Massachusetts|Millis]] on the south
*[[Medway, Massachusetts|Medway]] on the south
*[[Milford, Massachusetts|Milford]] on the west
*[[Hopkinton, Massachusetts|Hopkinton]] on the west
*[[Ashland, Massachusetts|Ashland]] on the north


==Demographics==
==Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture and Industry in the County of Cardiganshire==
As of the [[census]]{{GR|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&nbsp;mi (100.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.7% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.9% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.9% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.2% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.3% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.8% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|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 [[Marriage|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.
==Farming==
An extensive dairy was established at Hafod. It was thought that the lands of Hafod and type of soil could not support a dairy. In 1800 approximately four tons of cheese 1,200 lbs of butter were produced. Mr. Jonhnes experimented with varities of cattle to determine which would produce the most butter and cheese. In order to accomplish these studies, he imported 40 cows from
Holland. He was able to produce Parmesan, Stilton, Cheshire and Gloucestershire at will from his own dairy. <ref>[[#obit|The Annual Biography and Obituary for the Year 1817]] Page 537</ref>


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.
==Literary works==
Mr. Johnes wrote several books and translated nearly as many. He established a private press (Hafod Press) in a cottage in the hills away from the main estate in order to publish his work: <ref>[[#obit|The Annual Biography and Obituary for the Year 1817]]</ref>


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.
* "A Cardiganshire Landlord's Advice to his Tentants" (Printed at Hafod Press, 1800)


50.5% of Holliston residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher and 18.8% hold graduate or professional degrees.
* Translation of "De la Curne de Saint Palaye's Life of Froissart" 1803, Volumes I to IV.


==Government==
* "The Chronicles of England, France, Spain" Translated from the French of Sir John Froissart, 4
{{Expand-section|date=June 2008}}
volumes, 1806
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==
* Translation of "De Joinville's Memoirs of Saint Louis" from French, 1807, 2 volumes, (Printed
[[Image:Holliston High School.jpg|right|thumb|275px|Holliston High School Athletic Field]]
at Hafod Press)
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==
* "Travels of Bertrandon de la Brocquiere in Palastine" 1807, 8 volumes, (Printed at Hafod
* [[Mudville]]
Press)
* [[Brentwood, Holliston, Massachusetts|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==
* "The Chronicles of Monstrelet, Notes by the Translator" 4 volumes, 1809
* '''[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.jpg Lake 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.<ref>[http://hollistonnetnews.com/viewarticle.asp?aid=2956&cid=128]Holliston NetNews</ref> 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.


==Personal life==
===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.
Johnes was first married to Maria Burgh of Monmouthshire, (d. 1782); secondly to his cousin Jane, daughter of John Johnes of Dolaucothy. His only child, daughter Mariamn Normal 0 MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 é preceded him in death in 1811. In the winter of 1814 he became ill and moved to Devonshire at a house he had recently purchased. He died at Langstone Cliff cottage, near Dawlish on 23 April 1816. He was 68 years old. He was buried at Eglwys Newydd (Saint Michael's Hafod Church) which he had built at his own expense in 1803 from a design by Thomas Wyatt. In 1833 Johnes's Welsh estate was sold to the [[Duke of Newcastle]]. <ref>[[#obit|The Annual Biography and Obituary for the Year 1817]]</ref>


==Notes==
===Parks===
* '''Goodwill Park''', playgrounds for children, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields
{{reflist}}
* '''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 [[CSI: Miami]]
* [[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.
* [[Jeff Schuler]], Ball boy for the New England Patriots and anti-vegetable advocate


==References==
==References==
<references />
*{{cite book |last=Burke |first=John and Bernard |year=1847 |title=Burke's Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry

|published=H. Colburn |location=London |ref=Burkes}}
==Further reading==
*{{cite book |last=Lee |first=Sidney |year=1908 |title=The Dictionary of National Biography: From the Earliest Times to 1900
* Bragg, Ernest. The Shoe Industry of Holliston and Milford. 1st ed. Boston, 1950.
|published=Oxford Univerity Press |location=London |ref=NationalBiography}}
*[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.]
*{{cite book |last= |first= |year=1817 |title=The Annual Biography and Obituary for the Year 1817 |publisher=Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, and Brown |location=London |ref=obit}}
* ''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.
*{{cite web|url=http://www.rsatrees.org/future/casestudies.php?action=view&newsID=3 |title=RSA Trees, the Spirit of Planting

|accessdate=2008-10-14 |publisher=The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce |ref=RSA}}
==External links==
* Grigson G (1949) Places of the Mind Routledge & Kegan Paul
*[http://www.townofholliston.us/ Town of Holliston]
* Ingrams R & Piper J (1983) Piper’s Places, Chatto & Windus/Hogarth Press, ISBN 0 7011 2550 0

* Linnard, W. (1971) Forestry 44 Journal of the Royal Forestry Society pp139-140
{{Middlesex County, Massachusetts}}
* Linnard W. (2000) Welsh Woods and Forests – A History, Gomer Press, ISBN 1 85902 864 0

* Gibson W. (1990) Thomas Johnes of Hafod Royal Society of Arts Journal (Study Group for the Society’s History) ISBN 0958-0433
[[Category:Towns in Massachusetts]]
* The Honourable Society of the Cymmrodorian (1959) Ed. Sir J. E. Lloyd, Dictionary of Welsh Biography down to 1940, B. H. Blackwood Ltd
[[Category:Middlesex County, Massachusetts]]
* Society of Arts (1800) Transactions Vol 18 pp81 – 83
[[Category:MetroWest]]
* Society of Arts (1800) Transactions Vol 18 pp134 139
[[Category:Settlements established in 1659]]
* Society of Arts (1801) Transactions Vol19 pp78 -81
* Society of Arts (1802) Transactions Vol 20 pp182 -191
* Society of Arts (1805) Transactions Vol 23 pp 26 -29
* Society of Arts (1810) Transactions Vol 28 pp30 – 32


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Revision as of 04:41, 14 October 2008

Holliston, Massachusetts
Town
Holliston Town Hall on the east border of the Town Green.
Holliston Town Hall on the east border of the Town Green.
Location in Middlesex County in Massachusetts
Location in Middlesex County in Massachusetts
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyMiddlesex
Settled1659
Incorporated1724
Government
 • TypeOpen town meeting
Area
 • Total19.0 sq mi (49.3 km2)
 • Land18.7 sq mi (48.5 km2)
 • Water0.3 sq mi (0.9 km2)
Elevation
188 ft (57 m)
Population
 (2007)
 • Total13,941
 • Density745.5/sq mi (287.4/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP code
01746
Area code508 / 774
FIPS code25-30700
GNIS feature ID0618225
Websitehttp://www.townofholliston.us/

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

First Congregational Church of Holliston on the Town Green. This is the site of Holliston's original meeting house.

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.[1]

In "Holliston" by Images of America and the Holliston Historical Society, it is written: An article in a local newspaper[2] 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.[3] 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.[citation needed]

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

Holliston 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.[4]

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:

Demographics

As of the censusTemplate:GR 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

Holliston High School Athletic Field

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

  • Casey's Crossing The first train depot in Holliston, built in the 1840s. Today it's a family restaurant and pub.
  • Broad Hill Vineyards, located in the hilly microclimate west of Boston, Broad Hill Vineyards offers some of the region's best wine-tasting.
  • 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.
  • Lake 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.[5] Today, Lake Winthrop offers fishing, kayaking, and instant death from extreme pollution for those who attempt to swim in this once serene setting.
  • Outpost Farm
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Apollo 14 Moon Tree, at the Holliston Police Department.

Golf courses

  • 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

  • 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
  • Holliston Referral Hub

Notable residents

References

  1. ^ [1]Town of Holliston
  2. ^ [2]Holliston Historical Society
  3. ^ [3]Historic American Buildings Survey, 2005
  4. ^ [4]Balancing Rock 55 Community Website
  5. ^ [5]Holliston NetNews

Further reading

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thomas_Johnes&oldid=245157952"