From its pre-Colonial origins to the hustle and bustle of today; Billerica has remained a thriving village with something for everyone. Surrounded by lakes; rivers; and footpaths that became the building blocks of the statersquo;s road system; Billericarsquo;s history reflects the growth trends of a young nationmdash;a history steeped in courage; independence; prosperity; and celebration. Originally the Shawshin Wilderness; the fledgling settlement took the name Billerica and was incorporated as a town in 1655. The territory initially included lands that would become parts of Bedford; Tewksbury; Wilmington; and Carlisle. For the next three centuries; farmers; weavers; merchants; millers; and craftsmen sought out Billerica for its agricultural opportunity; potential waterpower; recreational attractions; and strategic travel routes.
#2299290 in eBooks 2010-03-29 2010-03-29File Name: B0093OPW0C
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Accurate picture of a PA steel town in early - mid 20th CenturyBy Discriminating buyerNot only does this excellent book give new insights to this Donora-raised gal in the 1940s and 1950s. it is an accurate depiction of life in that small steel town over many decades.Each picture is accompanied by a short paragraph describing the scene and. occasionally. the implications of living in an industrial town.Donora has a unique area. called Cement City. About 80 cement homes were built for mill management in 1917-1918. They all still stand. a mute testament to their durability. They have been placed -- deservedly -- on the National Register of Historic Places. There are a number of glass plate pictures showing the building of Cement City. Hopefully. another book will be published about this special piece of American history.A major part of Donoras extraordinary history is the 1948 first internationally-recognized "smog" which killed at least 20 people. The "Smog" eventually led to the recognition of dangerous. similar conditions in London and other cities around the world. It also led to Clean Air legislation in the US and elsewhere.Unfortunately. Donora has been in a decline for decades. since US Steel shut the mill down in 1961. I go back every year to visit relatives who still live in the area and am so sorry to see the changes. For many who no longer live in the area. roots remain deep in this family-oriented. education-encouraged town.This book is an important work for epidemiologists and environmentalists and should be included in many libraries. public and private.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. donora girlBy pgh girlI thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mostly its pictures of a bygone era. but thats what I liked about it. I was born and raised in Donora. but this book showed me a hometown that was foreign to me. Everything looked--and felt--different. I know the Donora from the 1950s and 1960s--this book was Donora from 1901. The authors takes on work ethic and religion were on target. They know that a picture is worth a thousand words and I found myself staring at people in the pictures longer than I should have. wondering if they knew they would make a girl born in 1953 proud of her hometown. I doubt it--life was hard enough back then without worrying about a future residents feelings. Best of all. the authors successfully showed that Donora was/is more than the Great Smog and sports. Also. I learned that. at the beginning of the 20th century. it was common for a funeral home to also be in the furniture business. Sorry. I find this funny.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy John J. VaskoYes enjpyed
