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    Littleton
    Littleton
    Littleton
    Ebook192 pages1 hour

    Littleton

    By Littleton Historical Society

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    About this ebook

    Incorporated in 1714, Littleton began as a typical New England farming town. While it enjoyed modest growth through the early years, it was not until after World War II that the population began its steady climb. Two major highways, Route 2 in the 1950s and Interstate 495 in the 1960s, cut through the town, and Littleton became an attractive bedroom community with convenient access to the expanding technological industry of Massachusetts. The population rose from 1,447 in 1930 to approximately 6,300 in 1970, and industry began to overtake the dairy farms and apple orchards. Still, the impression of a rural setting, the open space, and an intangible quality of life contribute to the small-town character for which Littleton is celebrated.

    Through vintage photographs, many never before published, Littleton connects the current generations with the town's past. Vintage photographs of homes that have changed in appearance or have been destroyed for expansion recall a time of farmhouses and open fields. The book also follows the growth of Littleton, including the emergence of the Conant-Houghton Company and the depot area, as well as the Long Lake and Lake Warren resorts.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherArcadia Publishing
    Release dateSep 10, 2002
    ISBN9781439611647
    Littleton
    Author

    Littleton Historical Society

    The Littleton Historical society was organized in 1894 and was incorporated two years later. After the Reuben Hoar Library moved to larger quarters in 1991, the town leased the Houghton Memorial Building to the society for use as a town museum and reference library. Today, the Society thrives in the midst of a continually changing community. The pages of Littleton illustrate a rich history and a glimpse of what life was like when small-town character was a true way of life.

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      Book preview

      Littleton - Littleton Historical Society

      Society

      INTRODUCTION

      The following Order Passd by the Representves, Read & Concur’d, viz.: Upon Consideration of the many Petitions & Claims relating to the Land called Nashoba Land; Ordered that the said Nashoba Land be made a Township . . . With this entry into the Massachusetts General Court records on November 2, 1714, Littleton earned its incorporation as a town. There is one technicality—the new township was named Nashoba, a name taken from the Native American tribe that had settled in the area. A year later on December 3, 1715, inhabitants of the new settlement adopted Littleton to be the name for the town. The name was chosen to pay tribute to Hon. George Lyttelton, whose portrait appears on page 2 of this book.

      Now that the town was established, Littleton’s forefathers set about to organize their new town. The first recorded town meeting was held on March 13, 1715. Isaac Powers was chosen to be moderator and treasurer, Samuel Dudley was town clerk and first selectman, and Samuel Corry became constable. Other selectmen were John Perrum, John Cobleigh, Moses Whitney, and William Powers.

      In 1715, church and state went hand in hand. After choosing officers, the next order of business was to appoint a town minister. Rev. Benjamin Shattuck of Watertown was selected for the post and settled in Littleton until his death in 1763. A new meetinghouse was constructed at the common, near what is now known as Meetinghouse Road. In 1731, Rev. Daniel Rogers was designated to replace Shattuck and the second town minister began his tenure. At this time, the town voted to build a new meetinghouse on what was called the Ridge Hill where the present Unitarian church sits. The building was finished in 1742 and the center of town was established.

      Littleton, like most of the Nashoba Valley, was a town established as a farming community, its settlers comprised mainly of farmers or laborers on farms. Fields yielded food for families and livestock. Apple orchards became very important to Littleton’s history. Orchards were established in all parts of town and apples were the primary crop of the area. As in all towns, however, basic services were needed. Enterprising townsmen became blacksmiths, shoemakers, weavers, potters, tanners, millers, or barrel makers.

      The first townsmen not only created the town but also helped fight for its place. In 1755, the French and Indian War broke out as the culmination of the power struggle for land between the British and the French. More than two dozen Littleton men joined the British regulars in their successful fight to control the continent. The war ended in 1763, but the townsmen had little time for rest. A scant two years later, the Sons of Liberty were organized by colonists who were beginning to band together against British rule. Littleton farmers prepared to do their part when the inevitable battle occurred. Two companies of minutemen left for Concord on April 19, 1775. In all, 150 men from Littleton served during the American Revolution.

      After the successful War of Independence, Littleton residents started to shape the town. Town-owned schoolhouses were built, and four school districts were established. A number of taverns and inns were opened along the Boston-to-Keene, New Hampshire stagecoach route. As the 19th century began, citizens of Littleton were finding their place in this new, independent society. Members of the town church began to break away and formed the Baptist and Congregational societies.

      In 1844, Littleton was transformed when the railroad snaked its way through town. The train opened up the world outside Littleton to its residents. For fun, a trip to Whalom Park could be completed in one day. For practical use, shipping milk or apples into Boston provided local farmers the opportunity to expand their operations. The depot area joined the common and center as a major hub in the town.

      The Civil War in 1862 interrupted the growing town. Again, a number of Littleton men joined the fighting and Littleton stood fast in its commitment to the Union. Once the war was over, Littleton began to enjoy its most productive years.

      The late 1800s in Littleton saw a community spirit like no other time. Of course, the small population and existence of many extended families fostered this feeling of community, but it is also true that much of the town’s recorded history was written during this time. The Littleton Historical Society was formed in 1894 to preserve the past for future generations. Many of the photographs included in this book were taken in this era.

      In the beginning of the 20th century, many changes took place. The automobile became more popular and more accessible. Roads were repaired and built to accommodate the new mode of transportation. Littleton sent men overseas to fight in World War I. It was no longer necessary to go to the general store to use the telephone or get mail. Rural mail delivery began in 1905 and slowly extended its delivery areas. The population rose and schools were expanded and centralized. The Long Lake and Matawanakee summer resorts brought people from urban areas to escape city life—many of whom decided to stay.

      War came again in 1941, and by the time World War II ended, Littleton was never to be the same again. Many of the family farms were broken up and developed. Returning servicemen settled in the communities of Kimballville, Snow Village, and Long Lake, and the population of Littleton began to steadily rise. A number of industries had developed: Warren Manufacturing, a telecommunications company; San-Vel, a sand and gravel processing plant; United Elastic, formed two decades before, continued to grow; Conant Iron Works seized upon postwar production opportunities; and, of course, New England Apple Products (Veryfine Products) continued its success. Route 2 sliced through the southern end of town and, much like the railroad a century before, opened a gateway to Boston. Steady population growth necessitated the building of a new elementary and middle school on the heels of a new high school.

      The 1960s and, particularly, the 1970s were important years for Littleton in terms of historic preservation as a number of historical landmarks, including many farmhouses, were torn down to make way for Interstate 495. The few older residents who continued to live in the town did their best to keep the early part of the century alive, but historical faces and family names were dwindling.

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