Friday Feature: Townsend, Massachusetts

Something Old, Something New
Most of the towns I cover in the Friday Feature have seen large leaps in population in recent years (statistically large, at least). But that’s not the case today. The Census says Townsend, Massachusetts (population 8,926) is shrinking. The Boston Globe says it’s “average.” But don’t tell that to the folks who live in Townsend. They’ll tell you the town is 279 years young and growing strong.

The Common

Here’s a little history: Townsend was first settled in 1676, 100 years before the birth of our nation. The town is centered around the Common, a town square complete with bandstand and statue of a fallen Civil War hero. When the British marched on Concord, Massachusetts in 1775, the cannon was fired on the Common calling the townsmen to arms. Decades later, Townsend was a safe haven to slaves taking the underground railroad north to freedom in Canada.
 

McNabb’s Pharmacy

Fast forward to today: The town is still filled with history. On Main Street there’s Cliff’s Cafe, built as a home in the 1880s and operating as restaurant since the 1920s. Next door is Pete’s Barber Shop, originally the town’s post office. And not far away is McNabb’s Pharmacy, a real showplace in the summer.  

Library, Senior Center, and Meeting Hall

But to see current development, all you have to do is stroll a little north of Main Street and there’s the new library, senior center, and meeting hall. Like most libraries, especially in small towns, this one is about a whole lot more than books. The staff say they know there isn’t a lot going on for teenagers in Townsend in the evenings, so the library offers yoga classes and workshops in Manga (Japanese cartoons, or “anime”). And the teens themselves teach some classes—from art to American Sign Language.

The Falls at The Cooperage in Townsend Harbor

Tying the whole package together is the Squannacook River. It winds its way through town and offers recreation, fishing, and a canoe race this weekend.

To top it all off—besides the history, and the recent development, and the beauty of the river—Townsend has plenty of friendly folks. If you eat at Cliff’s Cafe and come up a little short, someone will be glad to help you out. Walking along Main Street, you’ll be sure to get a wave and a hello, and don’t be surprised is someone stops to ask if you need a ride. In fact, there’s a well-known blind gentleman who has no problem getting around town. When he needs a ride, he simply stands on Main Street and before long someone takes him on his way. The Boston Globe calls Townsend “average.” Wouldn’t it be nice if this is what “average” means?
Sources:
Town of Townsend
Townsend is alive, well and anything but “average”
Library activities attracting teen visitors
Photos courtesy of Town of Townsend website