Westford Then Now Tomorrow

Press release from the Westford Historical Society & Westford Museum:

Westford Then

A: Copy of Lithograph — “On the Farm,” Josiah Walcott, 1873. Born 1814 and died 1885, Walcott was most active in the mid-nineteenth century. He often signed his work as “J. Wolcott,” and was noted for his interest in topographical landscapes, particularly in the Hudson River style. Walcott was also known for his association with the communal experiment at Brook Farm (1841-1847). Not Accessioned.

B: Photograph — Taken after the 1938 Hurricane passed through the town. According to www.weather.gov, this hurricane was one of the most destructive and powerful in history of region. Wind gusts were up to 100mph when it made landfall in in the Northeast. Westford saw dramatic damage, with many trees and buildings heavily damaged or lost. The Town Hall’s original, rectangular, “Empire” tower was blown off and replaced by the circular Colonial Revival tower present today. The Federal Government’s Works Progress Administration aided in the town’s recovery. W.1997.39.1b.15

C: 1888 Arial Photo of village in town (North-south). The photo was taken atop a local machine shop. Most of the houses visible are present today. W.1998.7.1i

D: Photo was taken around 1937. The house was moved some time after the photo was taken. W.1997.8.1w

E: Photo was taken around 1900. The location has not changed dramatically in the last century. Most significant changes included matured trees and electricity. W.2000.77b

F: Photo was taken around 1920. Though the mill building is still present, not all houses are there today. W.1997.8.1d

G: Photo of entrance to large property of local a businessman from ca. 1900. The area was somewhat less heavily wooded and not yet electrified. W.1998.52i

H: Photo was taken prior to 1900. The house itself no longer stands, but the barn was converted into the house present today. W.1997.8.1u

I: Photo was taken after 1900. The man and woman are unidentified. While the visible house still stands today, this street corner no longer has the central island, and is fully opened wide. The spot is also slightly more heavily wooded. W.1998.77.1x

J: Photo — Maj. Johnathon Minot (1723-1806) and his family once lived at this location, as the remainder of the family home is pictured. Johnathon’s grandson, Isaac (1845-1876), lived there in the late 19th century, while the house remained in the family until the 1940s, before being torn down. The picture was taken prior to the 1940s. Photo courtesy Marilyn Day

Westford Now (Click here to connect the number to the letter.)

1: 11 Graniteville Rd

2: 11 N Main St

3: 24 Main St

4: Bradford St, Abbot Mill Building

5: Broadway St, Graniteville

6: Cold Spring & Depot St

7: Lincoln St, Town Center

8: Main St and Graniteville, near Center

9: Minot’s Corner (AKA Four Corners, Cornerstone Square)

10: Sargent Grounds entrance, N Main St

This press release was produced by the Westford Historical Society & Westford Museum. The views expressed are the author's own.