Ashby is located in the hills of central Massachusetts; along the New Hampshire border. The town was incorporated in 1767; initially growing as an agricultural community before water-powered mills emerged along its streams. In 1840; the population began 50 years of decline as people sought more profitable work in larger cities and free land in the western United States. Perhaps due to this decline; the center of town is preserved much as it was in 1840; boasting all its original buildings still in place. Ashby saw a century of renewed growth starting in 1880; when Bostonians arrived during the summer to escape the heat and unhealthy city air. A number of businesses; including inns and tearooms; catered to these wealthy visitors. With the arrival of the automobile; residents gained access to jobs in the surrounding mill towns. It was during this time that the last of Ashby�s many mills closed; the first public library was built; and one-room classrooms were combined to become a central town school. Today; one can still stand on the town common in front of the 1809 meetinghouse and look over an area that has undergone little change in the past 170 years.
2014-01-01 2015-09-28File Name: B015WUBKMO
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