The Wachusett Dam & Reservoir
Before There Was A Dam
How they built it and what became of the people who lived there
beforetherewasadam.com
Marquee…
New
7.05.24
The Big Roads
Routes 70,110 and 140.
We do not often think twice about navigating our way around the Wachusett Reservoir with these convenient modern highways. They offer us safe and easy connections between the towns but without them we might have to scratch our heads a little. Here is a study of the state-funded roads that were purpose built to replace the 17 miles of local roads that were submerged or discontinued by the reservoir and its watershed.
Thanks,
Paul
The Modern Roads
The 1895 Roads
5.11.24
The Shortest Road
The towns of Boylston and West Boylston were asked to sacrifice much when the Wachusett Reservoir was built. That included almost all of the roads connecting the two closely associated towns.
After years of struggle with the “Metropolitans” the final issue was the location of a direct replacement main road that would connect the two town centers.
Here is the story of the spirited discussions and legal battles that rose from this vital question.
The text is taken from newspaper articles of Mary A. Cook, regular contributor at the time to the Worcester Telegram, and lays out the views and concerns of those most affected…the people.
Thanks,
Paul
The Water Board’s preference – around
The Towns’ preference – through
Menu…
Most Popular Articles
1
Coach & Sandy – the area around the submerged/buried ponds, South Main Street and South Meadow Road cutoffs
Total views
8311
2
Diversity at the Dam – Strong men came from all over to the huge project where there was opportunity for all who were willing to work hard for a good wage.
Total views
7037
3
The Wachusett Aqueduct delivered water, by tunnel and open stream, to the Sudbury Reservoir in Framingham 12 miles away. Since replaced, it still functions as a backup water supply.
Total views
5442
4
Clinton Catholic Cemetery – The largest of the cemeteries which had to moved because of the rising waters, its colorful story is retold here.
Total views
4780
5
One Man, One Shovel – rarely had so much dirt been moved by hand, a task completed with the most basic of tools…the shovel.
Total views
4621
6
Scar Bridge – This bridge once carried Scar Hill Road traffic across the Nashua River in Boylston but today remains submerged in place
Total views
4592
7
Channel Velocity Control – it was imperative to slow the water down in the spillway before it could erode the banks of the millpond and, perhaps, topple the railroad bridge.
Total views
4512
8
Get a Horse! – The horse had been around for centuries but was far from obsolete. Here is the story of the horse and its contribution to the Wachusett Dam & Reservoir.
Total views
4257
9
The Villages at West Boylston – Four separate villages surrounding the Old Church were submerged. Here is their story. Presented by students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Total views
4115
10
UFOs over the Dam
What is that strange object floating over the top of the dam??
Total views
3702
See for Yourself!
Source Documents for this site – 8,000+ Images
Explore the wide array of contemporary photographs, available in the public domain, that were used for the articles presented here.
All rights reserved Before There Was A Dam
email: paul@pmarrone.com