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Walking Massachusetts

Townsend

September 18, 1997

5 hours

This walk began at the North Leominster MBTA commuter rail station. I first reached this point approximately five years before on a walk West from South Acton, on which I had hoped to reach Fitchburg but had to stop here, one train stop short of that goal. I have ended one other walk here (on which I collected West Boylston and Sterling, having begun in Worcester), but have yet to use it again for the start of a narrative walk.

I arrived at 10:07, five minutes behind schedule. The relatively infrequent number of trains provided by the MBTA on its Fitchburg line severely constrains my walking in this area and does not permit a start as early as I would like. As on previous walks in these parts, I had eaten breakfast (in this case, a cheese omelet) at the Half Time King of Pizza (whose food options and quality are rather greater than its name might suggest), across from North Station, before getting my train, thus obviating any need to stop for food.

I passed through the parking lot of the shopping plaza at which the train station is located, noticing a Brooks Pharmacy, the K & A House of Pizza (at which, I remembered, I had purchased a soda on my first walk here), a Parts America, a BankBoston ATM facility, and a stand selling sweet corn (perhaps the same one featuring Easter flowers seen in the picture taken years later), to reach Main Street (Route 13). It was very sunny, rather warm for the season.

Across the street, I observed the Oriental Korea Market. Ethnic diversity had evidently reached this relatively remote area of Massachusetts. I then headed north on the left side of the highway.

Named after the city of that name in England, Leominster presents a combination of heavy industry and nearly rural looking residential areas. Leominster and Fitchburg constitute the “Twin Cities”; they have prospered rather better than many older Massachusetts cities by tying their fortunes to the plastics industry. (The National Plastics Center and Museum is located in Leominster.) Incorporated in 1915, it now has a population of over 40,000. Johnny Appleseed is its most famous resident.

To my left I passed the Congregational Church of Christ. Further on that side was a building with the office of Joel Treewater, offering family dentistry, and the Wee Flea Country Store; this abutted the residential (and dead end) Marshall Street.

On the other side I saw various businesses, including another pizzeria and a laundry, as well as Leroy’s Attic. (The third of these seems to have disappeared from the Internet while this page was being written and checked in 2003.) One sign urged the election of Dennis Rosa, another that of councilor at large candidate Bob George.

I was somewhat surprised to see a MRTA (Montachusett Regional Transportation Authority) bus, Number 3, going north. I wondered how far that authority went in that direction and whether I could use this method to some day reach my turning point north. (I have thought of returning to the place where I left Route 13 in order to walk to its end in Brookline, New Hampshire. However, reaching Nashua from that point in time for the last bus would probably be difficult.)

It turns out that the bus this bus, the so-called “Circle Line,” loops back to Fitchburg from Kings Point and thus would not be useful for the purpose I envisioned. MRTA does have a bus that goes to Lunenburg from Fitchburg, but this would still be too far south and connections with the MBTA would be another difficulty. So a cab from North Leominster would seem to be necessary for this plan, and another in New Hampshire might be necessary, too, for what would thus be a relatively expensive, complicated and risky walk plan.

I passed Marcello Avenue (another dead end street) on my left. On the right I noticed Tony’s Barber and Hairstyling. On my side was the Turnout Convenience; this had a drive-through and a coffee shop that offered breakfast and lunch.

Now came residences, first on the right and then on both sides. Opposite Kinsman Avenue (also a dead end) on my left I saw at 649 Main a white one-story home that had just been sold. At 650 was a three-story brown residential building with white trim, and at 668 was a two and a half story blue home with white trim and black shutters, dating to 1830.

Across on the right I saw a street whose sign was down; from my map I learned that this was Burrage Avenue. On the left was Moreland Avenue, marked as a dead end; on the corner was new pseudo-colonial house.

Further on the left was Metz Opticians, in a large old home at 700. Then on the right I observed a sign “Road Construction 1500 Feet”.

At 712 on my side was a large white two and half story home with a stone porch. It was already beginning to feel hot now. On the right, at Monoosnock Road, was a sign for the Monoosnock Country Club; I could just get a glimpse of its course. Another sign advertised the R & D Restaurant.

I was seeing older homes now. On the left (at, I think, 744) was a white two-story home with seven fir trees on its lawn. Ahead now I could see a turn in the road, with construction and commercial properties.

I went by Tolman Avenue on the left. To avoid the construction work, I switched to the right-hand side. A detail police officer was directing the rather heavy traffic along Route 13 and coming from Day Street on the right.

I passed a Honey Farms store on that side. The construction being over, I crossed back to the left in order to be on a sidewalk, now following Main as it bore right.

On the right I saw a school (Johnny Appleseed Elementary in fact). Kids were at recess, but then were summoned back by a whistle.

Just before Fairview Street on the left was the last of the construction equipment, with a Leominster police car. I passed the Leominster Assembly of God on that side; its sign quoted Proverbs 22:6.

Now on the right I saw a sign indicating the name of the school. Ahead, Main was curving right, going somewhat upward. On the left I noticed a Bob George sign at 856, a yellow two-story house, with a brick front on the first floor.

Further on that side, at 872, was a two-story white home. It had a columned porch; on it was a horse (intended to resemble a circus animal, I supposed) and carriages.

On the same side I crossed Keystone Drive, noting a sign for the Keystone Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Looking west down this street, I viewed some hills.

The homes were mostly older and nice looking now. At 908 I went by Hastings and Sons Siding and Roofing (learning that is has a location in Worcester as well was as Leominster), located in a old two and a half story building, with a detached barn turned garage. Further, at 918 was a three-story gray residence; it had white trim and a porch.

Being well aware that (as the outcome showed) this walk had a definite time problem, I had begun with a fast pace. Now, being still not even out of Leominster, I was now trying to walk even faster. Lincoln Street was passed on the right, and Main curved left.

On the left at 956 I saw an old brown two-story house, with white trim. A car for sale was on the lawn. I followed a downhill S-curve. At 974 was a bright blue, seemingly old, somewhat in the shape of an L.

To my right I noticed a Cooley for Councilor at large sign in front of a two-story yellow home. (This was to be the last Leominster political sign that I was to see; Bob George, with two “votes,” was the winner this observational “race”.) I went by Eastern Avenue on the left, with Main then bearing right. A long view of the road lay ahead, with it going uphill at he horizon.

Now the houses were smaller and newer. At the right was Claflin Street, on which I could see older homes. On my side I saw a Ford for sale in front of an old two and a half story colonial home, numbered 1050.

Further on the left I noticed a sign for Heritage Garden Apartments, visible down what appeared to be a driveway but is labeled Heritage Lane on the maps. On the right I observed a sign for the L. L. Justine DeSantis Field, but no such filed was to be seen. This mystery was cleared by the immediate appearance of Bernice Avenue on that side; down it I could see the recreational feature in question (which looks rather large on the Arrow atlas).

I walked by a newly killed squirrel. On the left I passed a green ranch home with its own stone sidewalk; it had a good lawn. I was now going slowly upward, with a view of a right curve before me.

Across I saw another car offered on a lawn; such auto sales seemed to be local custom! I crossed Warren Street, a dead end, on my side.

On the left I passed Periscope Pools, in a brick building. (Actually, this seems to be somewhere else, at least presently, judging by the Internet.) Various other structure near-by indicated that this had once been some different and larger establishment. Then, at 1160, was a nice looking older white two and a half story home with black shutters; this was offered for sale by Anne and David La Liberty, a Re/Max affiliate. On the other side came Bella Vista Avenue, a residential dead-end street.

I was now in the locality Whalom, a bi-municipal place name that includes parts of Leominster and Lunenburg. At 1174 on my left I observed a red cape with black shutters, set perpendicular to the street. It had an attached two-care garage and a very green lawn.

Further on that side was an attractive large older home, possibly to be classified as a Victorian, numbered 1182. Also on that side was the law office of Dean Valliere; this was in an old light brown two and a half story house, with white trim and a porch.

Ahead, I discerned an intersection, with a right curve. Commercial property was visible here. I went by Starr Street on the left and then Forsythia Road on the right. (Arrow has these streets opposite one another; Universal depicts them consistent with my observation.) At 1250 on the left was an old white two and half story home, with a sign advertising weight loss via Herbalife.

I passed Dewey Street on the same side, on which I saw houses. Nearing the crossroad I had just seen, I observed a large CVS on the right, followed by a Gulf/Cumberland Farms gas-and-food combination business. Just before the intersection on the other side was a Weathervane Restaurant (“now hiring all positions”), offering a filet of haddock dinner at $6.99.

I now crossed North Street, bearing right and uphill with Main Street (Route 13). To the left I noticed Murphy Jewelers. On the right was King’s Corner Variety Store and Video. I wondered if that designation revealed a place name, a supposition that proved correct.

To my left I saw a building that held C D’s Auto Sound, King’s Corner Car Wash, and Santora’s Barber Shop. The second business name convinced me that King’s Corner must indeed be a locality. (While not in GNIS, the name appears on, for example, on the maps of MRTA schedules and in news accounts of a child abduction.)

Sonny’s Cleaners was passed on the left. On the right I viewed the Panda Buffet Restaurant, with a picture of that animal and a sign offering an all you can eat lunch for $5.99.

The hot sun was bothering me quite a bit now, raising sweat and melting my suntan lotion so that it was dripping into my eye. I passed Hopkins Street on the right. Both sides of Main had become residential now.

Signs warned me of more construction ahead. At 1370 to the left was an odd looking two and half story gray house with an attached two-car garage. On the right came Northmeadow Road (which I see on the Arrow atlas, but not on the Universal one).

Main curved left, taking me to a hillcrest. I passed a large parking lot on my left, which proved to be that of Our Lady Of the Lake Church, made of brown and tan bricks. (I assume that the Lake refers to Whalom Lake, just to the east of here.) Now, following Route 13, I bore left on Electric Avenue, leaving Main Street, which ends just a little further on.

I crossed Craven Drive on the opposite site, on which was a sign designating this as a one-way not to entered from Electric. On the right, at Prospect Street, I noticed a sign for the Chapel of All Saints, Episcopal (which is actually on Main Street).

I passed Stuart Avenue on the left and Pleasant Street on the right. (Arrow seems to have this intersection wrong and Universal to be right.) A right curve appeared ahead. Then came Park Avenue on the right.

On the left side were some rusted pipes and more signs about construction, but I saw no workers. Now there were woods on that side. On the other side a sign told me that I was finally entering Lunenburg. It was 10:55, and I was rather behind my intended time.

Like most Massachusetts towns, Lunenburg has a mixed agricultural and industrial background. In its case, the farms tended to stay on longer, beginning only relatively recently to be replaced by real estate developments so that the town is now mostly a bedroom community not just for Fitchburg and Leominster but even for those working in the Boston area. Incorporated in 1726, its 1997 population was 9.106, with the 2000 census reporting 9,401. I have a cousin who lives in Lunenburg, but I had failed to check her address on the map to see if I would pass by her home; later I found she lives in Whalom, not far from here.

On both sides of the street I saw signs telling me that Whalom Park was just ahead. Having never visited this amusement area in my youth (our family pretty much stuck to the now defunct Paragon Park in Hull on such excursions), I had been curious about this in planning the walk. To the left was a kind of field serving as a parking lot; on the right were picnic table in an overhead structure.

Next I saw on the left a vertical neon signing spelling out WHALOM. Another sign punned on the name by portraying a whale. (This informed me how to pronounce the name, which I had thought might instead be “wall-em”.) I passed Pierce Avenue to my left.

Now on that side came Marshall’s Place, a bar and lounge, with Sean Patrick’s Family Restaurant, featuring an all you can eat buffet lunch at $8.95 and a Sunday brunch $6.95. A Sexton Foods truck was parked here.

On the other side were the amusement rides. Any tendency to check these out (however tempting, such diversions are banned on my walks, however) was ruled out, as a sign indicated that these were not open till noon.

To the left I passed R C Motors, selling used cars and trucks; this extended to the corner of Kirby Street (as I noted from may map, no sign being apparent). Then on that side came Fitzgerald and Day, a truck dealer (that I can only find on the Internet in Gardner); it looked as if some paving had just been done here. Further on the left was the tiny Stella’s Coffee Shop, with a sign bearing the Coca Cola logo.

I saw more commercial properties ahead, with Route 13 veering to the left and bearing trees on the right. I passed A Photo on the left.

To the right I now observed the end of Whalom Park, with a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster. I then crossed an intersection with Whalom Street on the left and Pond Street on the right, noticing only the latter street name.

In 1999, a Boston Phoenix summer guide reported that Whalom Park contained fifty acres acres, with forty amusement rides, plus water slides and a public beach, not to mention the pirate ship Sea Dragon and a miniature golf course. Alas, www.whalom.com is no more, and the future of the park is in serious doubt. On April 9, 2000 the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald both had stories on the imminent auction of the antique carousel, the park’s owners deciding to sell it rather than continue with the costs of maintaining it. Just as local preservationists had feared, this merry-go-round, with animals carved by Charles Looff (the creator of the first carousel on Coney Island), was sold off in pieces (the Globe reported April 15), gaining only $457,150 as opposed to the anticipated $875,00.

At that time, according to the Globe, Whalom Park had twenty adult rides and was drawing about 150,000 people each year. Management was refurbishing and intended to install a modern carousel.

On June 11, 2000, the Herald reported that the Whalom Park Carousel Association had sent letter to every buyer of the carousel parts, trying to get them back and restoring it at Whalom. With some of the pieces having already been resold, it was expected that this effort might take two years and a million dollars. To support this deserving effort, go to http://www.whalomparkcarousel.org/.

At the present time (summer 2003), efforts to preserve Whalom Park, which dates to 1893, were continuing, notwithstanding the decision of its owners to tear it town. These were being led by the Bowen family, the park’s former owners See http://www.savewhalompark.com/ to find the latest news on this commendable endeavor!

I passed a building to my left housing the Corner Shoppe, a gift store, and Leominster Auto Sales. On the right was another one with the Baker Family Amusement Center, selling party supplies and Whalom Liquors. Further on that side Baker’s Whalom Variety, with an in-house Dippin Donuts. (Dunkin seems to have driven Dippin out of the Boston area, though I do seem to remember seeing one somewhere on my walks.)

On the left I went by a Citgo, seeing rolling hills ahead. Now the right hand side was undeveloped land. On the left I saw a home now Sky Cycle Inc.

Further on the left came Robert Proctor Inc., whose business included excavating, septic systems, loam, gravel and fill. Also on that side was Annex RV Sales. I then passed a small home, after which the left-hand side was vacant land.

On the other side was seen a sign “Whalom”, together with blank marquee. A Century 21 sign advertised for sale what I presumed to be a former motel.

To the left I went by J G Service (“Specialized Saab Repair”). Then came two homes, the second abutting Buttonwood Place. On the other side of that street was a large yellow brick building with three businesses – Brian Sciabarrassi, an electrical contractor; the Sunshine Flea Market; and the Phoenix Company, a general contractor.

The Leominster Monument Company appeared on the right, as I still noticed rolling hills down the road. Further on that side I saw still another unit of Sky Cycles, offering used motorcycles and parts, in a building that also contained Elite World Travel.

I saw Lakeview Tree Nurseries on the west, advertising herbs, flowers and other products. Electric bore left, as I followed it steeply uphill, now viewing homes on both sides. I crossed West Street. On the left was a greenhouse, with bark and mulch for sale, another installment of Lakeview.

Rolling hills remained in view ahead. Now the left side of Electric was undeveloped, while the right had houses. Then, on the left at 240, I saw a brown home with white shutters in the woods.

Further on I saw residences on both sides of the street. I passed a large ugly building containing the Twin Cities Christian School. Lunenburg not being a city, I assumed (evidently wrongly) that there must be more such establishments in the twins, Fitchburg and Leominster. To the left, I had a view of hills in the west. (These would appear to have been in Fitchburg, perhaps including Laurel Hill.)

I continued uphill. To my right was vacant land and then a sign “Thickly Settled”. As I had seen, Electric was now residential on both sides. At the hilltop, at 158 on the left, was a white cape with black shutters, the home of Callendars. It had a nice lawn.

A brief stretch of woods was passed on the right. I now had a rolling downhill view ahead. On the right I noted Upland Avenue, which seemed appropriately named. Across, on my side, at 132, was a large home with a two-car garage, set perpendicular to the road.

Commercial establishments, giving the appearance of a mall were now visible down the street. On both sides were houses on large lots that had trees. I passed Eastern Avenue on the right.

In front of 87 on the right was a sign “Junction 2A”, my next turn. I went under power lines, noting the typically “scenic” views on both sides.

To my left, at 80, I saw a brown home; this lot had a stone wall. Further, at 72 was a Cape with a brick front; this was for sale by Charles Valera, a Re/Max affiliate.

Fitchview Avenue was passed on the left. On the right, up a hill, was a story home up a hill, featuring a basement garage. This was also being offered, by another Re/Max dealer, Shirley Benham. I could see a T-intersection ahead, as I now proceeded steeply downhill.

At 38 on the right a small trailer was for sale (“950 takes it”). At this point I could clearly discern the big plaza ahead, noting a Fashion Bug Plus, a Wal Mart, and a Stop ‘n Save. To left was vista with hills.

From advertisements by Blanchflower Realty in December 2001 in Boston Business Journal, I learned that this is Lunenburg Crossing Plaza. Set on 4.5 acres, its traffic count was reported in this source as 22,000 daily. Blanchflower was offering commercial real estate across from the plaza.

I now went right on Route 2A (as I write this account, I expect to walk this road through here fairly soon on my next trip, Northwest from West Concord), i.e., Massachusetts Avenue. A sign read “Lunenburg 2, Townsend 6”. “Uh oh,” I thought. Though I was not going to be going that far north into Townsend, it was clear that I was behind my anticipated time.

At my right I saw the Victorian Lady, a business ambiguously offering “gifts and/or flowers”. The highway here is a modern, four-lane road, unpleasant for pedestrians. But I knew that I would be leaving it to turn north with Route 13 at the next turn. I passed 394 on the right, an old white home with a side porch. More houses went by, one being an antiques dealer. I was going uphill now.

To the left I saw Massachusetts Avenue Motors, reminding me of home, as I live right near the Boston street of that name. On the right was the Von Wolfen Haus, where German shepherds were for sale. Further on that side was Clutch and Brake Inc.

Now I went left, following Route 13 as it becomes Chase Road. Across was an Exxon dealer with a Dunkin Donuts. Though I did not have to stop, I needed liquid refreshment and a comfort stop. So I went into the donut shop and bought a Nescafe Hazelnut drink, chagrined at its costing over a dollar. Outside, I found that the rest room was key operated. I generally don’t deign to make such requests and in this case more time would have been consumed; so I headed north assuming some other opportunity would appear.

On the right I noticed North End Used Cars, presumably indicating a place name. On the left I went by an Auto Barn. Back on the other side was seen Jeffrey’s Antiques Co-op Mall, at 75; in this was a Real Estate Exchange office (which I find listed at a different address on the Internet).

Chase curved left. At Beal Street on the right I noticed a sign for Pilgrim Covenant Church, then just got a glance of that building through the trees. I deposited the container I had been carrying into a trash barrel at 77 Chase.

I had now been walking one and half hours and estimated that it would be another hour before I reached Townsend – not good. On the left hand side here I observed homes, on the right hand side trees. At l27 on the left I passed older brown cape, with a large wood pile.

On the left was now a dilapidated stone wall, behind some trees; a path through this led to a home. Ahead, I could see the road curving right. At first I could only make out trees along it, but then I saw that there were mailboxes on the right, with homes on that up a hill.

Passing woods on the left now, I went downhill. It appeared that there was commercial property coming on the right side. At 226 I saw white cape up from the road.

Continuing to view undeveloped land to my left, I went by another uphill home on the right. Then on that site appeared the Lanni Orchards; this was the commercial property I had noticed. A Coca-Cola sign noted that it sold fruits and vegetables. Corn, tomatoes and flowers were offered, and some cultivated land was visible.

On left I noted the Heritage Shop, a gifts and antiques dealer. This was in a garage-type building, numbered 305, next to a pretty gray two-story house. On the other side I could see Lanni corn fields.

At 319 was a gray, one-story attractive home. I saw a “W” marker on the lawn. (I’ve seen these on other walks, but I don’t know what they represent.) Further on the left, at the corner of Northfield Road, was an old home, clearly once a farmhouse, in light brown with dark brown trim, with a barn turned garage.

As I crossed Northfield, I notice a sign for the Maplewood Golf Club, located to the west. In the other direction, signposts informed, one could go to Dick’s Market Garden and Greenhouses to get corn, tomatoes and flowers. These being the same three products featured by Lanni, I wondered if they represented some local agricultural trinity.

My course ahead continued to be downhill. I fought away a fly that tried to get into my ear. At 361 I saw a new colonial home on what presumably was former farmland.

There was a breeze now. On the right at 382 I saw very nice looking “log” home, with a detached garage of the same construction. Now I observed woods on the left and houses on the right; then both sides had residential properties.

On my side was the Pierce home, which had a porch and a detached garage, and I read here “431 Chase”. This inspired to check my map, from which I realized that Townsend was just ahead. Not having a map that showed that town, I had made a photocopy from the Arrow atlas, which I now took out.

On the right I detected a street whose name escaped me; this is actually Townsend Road, which runs northwest, as it crossing the northeast-bound Chase. I went over Mulpus Brook here. To the south on Townsend, a sign noted, was Betty’s Bunny Farm.

Headed toward a right curve, I observed houses on both sides of Chase and “something” coming on the left. I now came to the other side of Townsend Road, learning from signage that it led to Pierce’s Christmas Trees, opening November 28. I wondered if this was the same Pierce whose home I had just seen (since Pierce’s Tree Farm is listed at 431 Chase, this supposition was evidently correct). Other signs were here, too, including one for Jim’s Greenery, five miles to the north (in Townsend).

A vista of Route 13 ahead shows it curving eastward at the horizon. I passed undeveloped land left and right. Then on the right was observed a sandpit, with a sign for the Lunenburg Highway Department. At 541 on the left was Al’s Auto Sales.

Noting Twin City Machining Inc. at 555, in a white stone building with blue trim, I again wondered about the use of that name outside of Fitchburg and Lunenburg. Further on that side was the Nashoba Valley Structural Company. The right hand side was now undeveloped.

Next, a power line passed the road, twisting through woods left and right, as the left side also became vacant land. I followed a right curve. On the left I noted piles of mulch; these proved to belong to the large Central Massachusetts Garden Center. Continuing to curve right, I saw more commercial property ahead, including what appeared to be an auto dealer.

To the right was now woods. On the left I passed a sandy tract, with a sign “DEQE 208-149”. I could now indeed discern a Subaru dealer ahead on the left. On this side, the power lines along Chase now turned downward and crossed to the right. I reached the two-hour mark, still concerned about my time.

At my left I went by a gate, noting trailers, trucks and other equipment. Commercially zoned land was offered for sale here. Reaching a hillcrest, I then passed on the left a small, anonymous bookstore, paperbacks being visible in a kind of stall and on racks on the side of the building.

Further on that side came North End Mazda. So I was still in that neighborhood. I estimated that I had gone about two miles from 2A (the map suggested that that was about right, though the actual distance was a little less). Next, at 753, was North End Subaru; its office looked as if it had once been a private house.

The road curved left. At 771 I observed a contemporary-style home, with a basement garage. Holman Street was passed on the right.

I was now in area of mixed residential and undeveloped land, with homes scattered in the woods. To the right, at 842, I noticed an abandoned white church – or would it more accurately be called a chapel?

I went by Country Road (a dead end street), on which I saw new homes, to my left. Now, ahead on the right was a sign – yes, I could detect the Massachusetts scroll indicating that I would soon by in Townsend.

Boucher Road (another dead end, with Asplund Drive off it) was passed on the left. A sign here told me that the Lunenburg-Townsend Rotary meets Mondays at 6:15 at the Bootlegger Restaurant.

To the right I observed Helen F. LeCuyer Real Estate, the office being in part of a ranch home. Further on that side was what appeared to be a no longer existent business. An American flag was in front of the building, and I could see some “stuff” (maybe antiques) through the window.

At 12:20, I entered Townsend, seeing from the sign that this town was established in 1732. Even without the official notification, I might have deduced the change in municipality (as shown in the photo from the wonderful Color Ortho Imagery Viewer provided by Mass GIS) from a difference in the pavement. (I was now on Fitchburg Road, in the locality known as Old City.) With three hours having elapsed, I was behind time, but, I now thought, not too badly.

This is only the second time that I have been to Townsend, the previous occasion being an accident caused by misreading the map on a trip with a friend through New Hampshire, on which we inadvertently crossed the state line and went for some distance before realizing the error and heading back to Mason. It is indeed somewhat off the beaten trail.

In his History of the Town of Townsend, published by the author in 1878, local historian Ithamar B. Sawtelle notes that Townsend was apparently named by colonial governor of Massachusetts after Viscount Charles Townshend, a British statesman, who lived from 1674 to 1738. Around 1780, people began dropping the “h” in the town’s name. In Sawtelle’s time, agriculture had already begun to decline and industry had become important. He reports that in 1875 Townsend had 24 manufacturing establishments, employing 283 men and 8 women. Of these, eleven made barrels and kegs and five lumber and shingles. Contemporary residents might be interested to note that Sawtelle says that in the early days of its history bears and wolves were occasionally seen. In his day, deer were noted; indeed, deer-reeves were appointed to protect the animals in the hunting off-season.

On my left I passed Townsend Used Cars; this was an adjunct of a Ford dealer, as illustrated by the fact that each auto had a “Ford” front plate. On the right, I saw trees, but the presence of mailboxes indicated that houses were in the woods on this side.

Now the left side was wooded. To the right, at 196, a houses came into view; a white cape, this had a detached two-door garage. Just past, I noted an intersection sign, telling me that my turn to the east was just ahead. At 188 I saw an old two and half story farmhouse, colored brown with white trim.

I crossed to the right, to be ready to take Tyler Road. On what was now the opposite side, at 185, I noticed a green home with a white one and half story barn turned garage, with bluish gray shutters. Reaching Tyler, I found it to be marked with an odd hand-made sign, showing cocktail glasses and other “icons”.

I went east on this narrow street, smelling a cultivated field on the right side and seeing undeveloped land of the left. It was 12:30. Soon both sides were vacant land. But that agricultural remained was demonstrated by the sound of a rooster.

On the left, at 14, I saw a pretty pink home, the residence of the Webbs. I went downward, curving left. Houses were apparent in the woods to the right, and on the other side I noticed an old brown farm building.

Then there houses on both sides of Tyler. At 24 was a large new attractive colonial, with a two-door garage. Past this, I followed a right curve. The next house on the left, number 26, was a one-story stone building with a matching detached garage. Across, at 25, I saw loam for sale down a dirt driveway.

Pursuing the downhill course of Tyler, I curve left, now observing woods to my left and houses to my right. On the latter side, at 29, was a white story home with an attached two-car garage.

Coming to power lines, I went down the access road to the left to make a comfort stop, thinking that this trail would make interesting walk (although I don’t actually follow power lines since I don’t like to trespass). Mission accomplished, I more or less ran back to Tyler, having stirred up insecs. As I reached the road, I saw that I dislodged some grasshoppers.

Now headed east on Tyler again, I curved right, going upward. On the left I saw houses and some clearings. On the other side were homes set back from the road. I continued uphill, noting some No Trespassing signs and possible indications of impending development. On the right I saw a private way to numbers 55, 51, and 65 (as the sign sequenced these).

I followed a right curve. On the left I saw a closed gate. There was a paved and a No Trespassing sign, but I could not discern what was there. On the right I saw signs “Posted Private Property”. I passed a school bus on that side.

At 76, on the left, I observed an old, rather good looking, brown two-story home, with red shutters and an enclosed porch. Further, on the right (Tyler’s street numbering apparently being confused), was new blue two-story colonial. The next home on that side (presumably 67) was colored yellow. Following, at 69, cam a two-story gray colonial, with black shutters and white trim, the Zwinkler home.

Bugs were attacking me again now. I reached and a hilltop and curved right and then left. To the right, numbered 84, was an old red two and a half story house, which appeared very attractive, though my view was blocked by its two-garage. Passing it, I looked back to see that it was indeed a quite pretty home, set perpendicular to the road.

Both sides of Tyler now contained old stone walls. I curved left, fighting flies. Now there were woods on the left, an old stone wall still visible. Coming to the top of a hill, I saw at 85 on the right a two-story white residence, with bright blue trim. Here there were farm buildings, and a tractor was seen.

I went downhill, curving left then right. There was undeveloped land left and right now, with the remains of an old stone wall on the latter side. But the undisturbed nature of the area was not to last, evidently, as I noticed lots marked 12 and 13 on the right.

My pace was beginning to slow down, despite my concerns about time. To the left I passed a white home two-story home, numbered 90, with black shutters and semi-attached two-door garage.

Now following an upward course of Tyler, I saw woods left and right. Further along, there were remnants of an old stone wall on the left. Then houses appeared to the right. At 101, there was a school bus parked in its driveway.

I went by a large new colonial at 105 and then headed downward, bearing right. Once again, both sides contained wooded land. To my left I then saw an apparently old two-story white home with a gable. I followed a sharp right curve.

On the left I noticed a dirt road with a gate; a sign read “No Hunting”. I could see rolling hills ahead. Passing more wooded land on both sides, I noticed more traces of stone walls; these ended on the left, but continued on the other side.

Coming to a hillcrest, I found a small white residence at 127. Then on the left I saw a brown ranch; there were what appeared to be old farm structures. I followed left curve, seeing the road go right ahead.

Seaver Road appeared on my right. I had been on the lookout for this sign of progress and again felt concern about being behind time. To the right I saw a field. Ahead, I observed trees, with mailboxes indicating the residential nature of the area.

There were now woods on the left, with the remains of an old stone wall. To the right, I think at 201, I observed a very old brown home with a barn and other outbuildings. I was attacked by flies again here.

Further on the right came a quaint old brown residence with a silo-shaped feature that I supposed contained a chimney. I went downward, seeing a left curve ahead. I passed Gilchrest Road to my left. (This leads south to Lunenburg and Hickory Hills Lake.)

I now headed north on South Row Road. (This is the name of the locality here. Long ago I collected the other Massachusetts locality with this name, which is in Chelmsford.) At 247, on the left, I noted an old farmhouse, in light gray with white trim, and two and half stories. Further on that side, at 239, was a very attractive red two and a half story house, with white trim and attached barn. On the right, numbered 236, was a smaller farmhouse, with an adjacent barn.

I curved left and then right and upward. I noted on the left a very nice looking “real” colonial; in two and half stories, it was colored red, with white trim. Here were what seemed the remains of a former farm. On the right I could see a field.

In front of me I observed South Row going up and down, then curving right. Two cyclists went by on the left. On the left I passed what had to be Emery Road, but there was no sign to confirm this.

Now I saw the street in front of me curving right, curving left and going uphill. There were woods on both sides. To the right I noticed a dirt pile and other indications of impending development. Further on that side came a large lawn, posted “Keep Off,” at a gray two an half story cape home, numbered 206.

I had now done three hours, and it was beginning to seem questionable that I would make my train in Shirley. At 196 to my right I went by a white ranch that had black shutters and a two-door garage. On the other side I saw two horses in a field.

There were more old stone walls along the left side here. To the right I observed old farm buildings, with a small white home with yellow trim, number 190. On the other side I observed the entrance to 185. I was once more persecuted by flies.

To my right, at 182, I passed a pretty yellow house with red shutter. It had a pergola; for some reason, a barrel was in this. Fighting flies, I went downhill. Now there were homes on both sides of South Row.

I noticed at 181 a small “wood” house, behind which was an old barn. The paving on South Row was new here. On the right I passed a field, with a stone wall by the road. Then there again homes left and right.

At 172 on the right was Hollyberry Farm. To the left, at 179, a yellow one-story home had a “Sale Pending” sign. I went downward, bearing left. Then I followed a right curve.

To my left I noticed two stone columns with potted plants at a dirt driveway at the end of which was a new house; this was 155 South Row. I pursued a S-shaped curve downhill. At 154 on the right came Hillside Farm, with an older gray one a half story home, with dark gray shingles. This had a swimming pool.

Next came woods on the right. On the other side, at 133, was an oddly shaped brown home, of the sort designated as “contemporary”. Further on that side I saw a paddock behind some trees.

The new section of the paving ended here. I was still curving, now going uphill. To the left, at 125, was Pine Meadows Farm; like the other “farms” hear it did not appear to be doing any agricultural business. Next, numbered 123, was a two-story white home with black shutters. Behind it was a barn, and there was horse trailer and a paddock.

Further on that side I went by an old farmhouse for sale; this was in brown, with black shutters. At 121 was a new colonial; it had a large lawn, with one pine tree in front of it and more of these behind.

Also on the left I saw gate at what seemed to be a trail. Now I reached an intersection, at which I supposed to turn – but the street signs were down! This, I saw, was John C. Leahy Memorial Square. (I was now in the area known at Townsend Harbor. I had thought this locality name might somehow refer to a river landing, but it turns to have a rather different meaning.)

I supposed – correctly – that I had to go right here to take South Harbor Road. From here, I was to go a short distance eastward and then head south into Shirley. As I made this change in course, I began to have some optimism that, though behind my time, I might be able to catch up.

I saw woods on both sides of South Harbor; then there were houses on the right and woods on the left. I thought the latter might be part of the Townsend State Forest, but actually this appears to be further north on Meetinghouse Road (the continuation of South End Road) so that I have to yet to “collect’ that place.

Ash Street appeared on the right, and I check my map to see that this did not provide a short cut. Across, at 85, I saw a small gray one-story home. There were homes on both sides of South Harbor now.

Then on the left I noted a tree bearing a boundary sign denoting a Wildlife Management Area of the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. More of these followed. (Though not identified as such on the maps, I would guess that this must be part of Squannacook River State Wildlife Management Area; I was to pass through another part of this non-contiguous state land, as shown on the Arrow atlas, a short time later.) More of these signs followed, with notice that the area was open for fishing, trapping, and trailing. On other side were houses on recently cleared land. Faced with the question of which looked better, developed or undeveloped land, there was in my mind no question, the woods winning easily.

I now observed a stop sign at an intersection ahead, my next turn. To the right I saw a large field, with 3.25 acres for sale; a new home, numbered 60, was being built here. On the other side, the woods ended, with houses beginning at 49, a white one-story building with blue shutters.

Further on the right was some farm land. On the left, too, I saw what appeared to be a former farm field, with an old, small house, number 45. Reaching the intersection, I went right (south) on Warren Road. On the corner, to my right (now the west) was a very nice looking two and half story blue home, with white trim.

Ahead was a straight stretch, with another view of trees and mailboxes. To the left, at 4, I noted a large L-shaped gray shingle home. The sun was hot, and I was thirsty; but the was neither time nor opportunity to get a drink.

I passed homes on either side of Warren. At my right, the one at 5 contained Videos by Fitzgerald, specializing in parties, weddings and other such events. Beech Street was passed on the right.

A cyclist rode by on the left. On that side, numbered 20, was a small yellow one-story home offered for sale. To the right, at 29, I noted an older white one and a half story residence, with an attached garage.

I saw some woods on the right, then houses on both sides. On the left I observed a kind of basketball court. Further on that side, at 36, was a quite attractive large old colonial, in brown with red trim; it had an attached one-door garage. Next, number 38, was an older one and a half story brown house, with a barn behind it, as I began a right curve.

The land to the left was undeveloped. On the other side I saw, at 35, a home with an artificial pond on its large lawn. Then the right side, too, was vacant. I followed a right curve, wondering when I would reach Shirley Road, my next turn.

Something could be seen ahead with a Coke sign. I went over a stream, unnamed on Arrow but identified by USGS as Witch Brook. Then came a right curve.

The sun had gone behind clouds, but it now it was back out and I felt quite hot. At my right I noticed an old home on what looked like former farmland. To the left I passed the South Fitchburg Hunting and Fishing Club. “Enjoy Coca-Cola,” a sign suggested. Other notices touted “Lunkers 16”-18” and observed that Derby Day was October 11, with a $750 prize and a $20 entry fee. There was a gated road here.

I went uphill. On the left I saw an old gray one a half story home, set perpendicular to the road, numbered 68. Then, just ahead of the intersection, were two mailboxes that had Shirley Road addresses. On the right was The Gallery Paintings, in a two-story white home with red shutters.

Reaching another three-way junction, I check the map to learn that, contrary to my instinct, I was to go left to take Shirley Road (as Warren Road heads southwest to Lunenburg). Taking that road, I saw to my left, numbered 4, a newer cape home, with a nice lawn.

I followed a left curve, the “tree and mailboxes ahead” theme again applying. It was 1:50, and I now believed I would be all right for the train at 3:19 in Shirley. I even began to think I could stop for a drink – if I could find a place to get one.

To the left I observed, at 12 Shirley, a house for sale by Nashoba Associates, a Century 21 affiliate. Then on that side was woods, in which I saw a gated trail. On the other side, numbered 17, was a one-story home with a porch.

At 18 was a large home with a three-door garage. Further on that side was a new house, with an attached garage, whose sale was pending. On the right I saw development in progress, with a truck parked.

Another new home was in the woods at 22. I then passed woods on both sides. The left was marked as a Wilderness Management Area, with a trail (or perhaps road) here. (This is Squannacock River, as noted earlier, with Arrow and DeLorme showing a small section of it further on the right also.) I went uphill and followed a right curve. A woman jogging passed on the left.

Ahead, Shirley Road curved right, then left, going through what looked like undeveloped land. But I soon saw that there houses in the woods on both sides. I noticed one to the right at 31; opposite, number 30, was a new two-story gray colonial, with green shutters.

There was litter here; a container for Motts Berry Juice seemed to aggravate my thirst. Continuing uphill, I noticed a sign ahead to my right, which I hoped meant that I would soon be in Shirley.

Again there were homes among the trees on both sides of the street. At 40 on the left, signs read “Beware of the Dog” and “No Trespassing”. The sight of a school bus turn sign confirmed that I must be leaving Townsend.

Sure enough, I now saw a town line sign on the right; a change in the pavement, often another boundary indicator, was also apparent. At 2:05, I entered Shirley, the last municipality of my walk, now being on Townsend Road.

A small town, Shirley was incorporated in 1753 from a part of Groton. Its largest employer is a state prison, MCI Shirley, which also accounts for almost one-fifth of its approximately 6400 population. It followed the common course of New England towns, with mills being built in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The advent of the railroad, in 1835, brought more industry, such as the Edgarton Suspender factory (which I observed in my first walk through it). Again following a trend, the mills died out, but, aided by the return of the commuter rail, both business and homeowners have led to some revitalization, though the closing of Fort Devens actually led to a decrease in population.

I went by Pumpkin Brook Road to my left, seeing large ugly new colonials. It appeared as if the developers had torn the forest and then planted some new trees. (This side street looks very imposing in the picture- for which additional thanks is to due Mass GIS. It does not appear on the Arrow or Universal Atlas and is shown without a name on Yahoo Maps.) The main road, I noticed, was rougher in Shirley than in Townsend. (Somewhere around here I crossed Pumpkin Brook itself without knowing it.)

I now passed woods on both sides, enjoying the cool shade. On the right I noted a large home in the woods, the Paquet residence. Then both left and right again wooded, and I suffered another attack by flies.

I saw many ferns on the left. My pace had increased now, as I reached the four-hour mark. Now to the left was a trail, at which was a “No Trespassing” sign. A stone wall accompanied the road, and a field was visible through the trees.

Flies harassed me again, as I went for some distance through the woods, observing nothing but vegetation. I pursued a right curve. Checking my map, I saw that I had a long way to go (Shirley being a “north to south” town, so to speak) and that making my train was after all questionable.

I went along a slow left curve. Seeing houses through the trees to the left, I supposed they must be on a side street; confirming that theory, I noticed a stop sign ahead. I was now out of the woods literally, but not, I thought, metaphorically, concern over getting my train diminishing my enjoyment of this all-new territory. The street proved to be Trout Brook Way and the homes new colonials.

On the right I saw a sign for Spaulding Street. That seemed odd, because Arrow has a street opposite Trout Brook that it appears to indicate both as Pierce Road and as Cape Corner Road. (Universal has only Cape Corner Road, but south of Trout Brook. Rand McNally has South Paulding Road, opposite Trout Brook and becoming Pierce Road in Townsend. I award Rand McNally the accuracy prize, though I am not sure about their “South”.)

I saw woods left and right and went curving left. Reaching a relative crest, I found two new homes, 135 and 131, on the left. Now on that side came Squannacock Road, with a sign noting the “Brattle Hill” development; there would be more of these later.

To the right I observed what looked like either a sand pit or new development. Then came houses on left, with woods on the right, followed by residential property on both sides. Passing 118 Townsend, I saw I had one hour to train time.

I passed a former farm field, on which was a horse trailer, on my left. Then that side became wetlands. On the right side I observed a pond; this was on my photocopied map, but without a name. (Trap Swamp Brook runs from it, crossing Townsend, according to Rand McNally.) Whatever it is, it rated as the scenic highlight of the walk.

A large barn appeared to the left, being part of the Barry Holden Farm, dating to 1938. There was a field on the other side, and past the barn I encountered the farmhouse, a beautiful old two and half story brown building.

I followed rolling uphill course of Townsend. A school bus went by northward; shortly afterward another did as well. On the left I passed the entrance to two homes, after which came a field that appeared to be cultivated. Then there were woods on both sides of the street.

On the right, I observed at 92 a two-story gray colonial, with white trim, up a hillside. Next on that side came the Over the Hill Tree Farm (having come that way, I had to agree with that name), offering firewood, at 90 Townsend. Now the left side was wooded, while the right side had homes amidst the trees.

At 84 on the right I saw a rather good looking home that I took to be Victorian in style. I was now convinced that I was not going to make the train, but in any case would try as best I could. I went upward, curving left. Checking my map, I remembered (having studied it on the train), that my next turn was at Benjamin Road. A cape house was on right at 72.

Now a stop sign was visible ahead; this must be Route 225, I thought. There was no sign when I got to the crossroad, but it obviously was Groton Road (to the east, and West Groton to the west). I followed a right curve, observing undeveloped land left and right.

Then I passed new houses on the left, with the other side wooded land. I noted at 55 a gray two-story home, with white trim; it had an attached two-door garage and a new stone wall was being built. Then both sides contained houses.

At 50 on the right I saw a trailer home that was red with white trim. Across, numbered 51, up a hill, was a good looking yellow two-story home that had green shutters and a porch. Here I saw a dead rat in the road. Further on that side, at 39, I noticed a large barn at a nice older home of two and half stories, as I began a left curve, going downhill.

There seemed to another intersection ahead. I passed fields on both sides, noting an old white barn on the right; these continued for a while. The crossroads proved to be a delusion, as I saw a sign “Blind Drive”.

The land on the left was undeveloped here, and there was a field on the right. I noted a “No Trespassing” sign on the left. Following a left curve, I saw home to the right numbered 12. Then came a sharp right curve.

To the left I passed a trail – or perhaps an entrance to a home. On the other side, at 8, I saw a one-story house; a crow was on its front lawn. Now I could indeed see a junction ahead!

I went over a stream (little suspecting that this was Malpus Brook again) and, at the intersection went left (east) on Great Road, which is Route 2A. (The locality here is North Shirley.) Preparing for my next turn, I crossed from left to right. Here the land was undeveloped on the north side, with houses on the south side. On my side I saw, at 22, the office of Arthur Eddy, providing family dentistry.

There was now less than an hour left to train time, which certainly seemed an unattainable goal, though I was not giving up. I now turned right (south) onto Parker Road, double-checking my course on the map. I went uphill, seeing houses left and right. At 62 on the right was one with a barn.

I curved left, as Parker leveled off, and then crossed Little Turnpike Road. To the right I saw the Shirley Animal Clinic. At 39 on the other side was a red home, probably once a farmhouse.

Now on the right came a sign “Shirley Historic District”. I passed a nice looking home made of brick and white wood at 30 on the right. To the left, I saw a field behind a barbed wire fence. At 26 was an old white house, with a barn.

Parker made a left curve. It was 3:00 and, if I were to have any chance of getting my train, I would have to run – except that I didn’t have enough strength to do so. I went by an old farm on the right. On the other side was a school, in a rather attractive looking stone building, with a soccer field. (From the map, I see that this is Center Elementary.)

I came to an intersection. This is Shirley Center, as evidenced by the presence of the town hall and a “typical New England” church, a very pretty edifice. Crossing Horse Pond Road on my left, I continued south on Brown Road.

To the left, I passed an old cemetery, noting nineteenth century graves; there seemed to have a been a large number of people here at that time. I pursued a right curve. At 24 on the right was old yellow farmstead. To the left I saw a cultivated field.

I observed an older white home at 19 on the left, and a sign now told me I was leaving the Historic District. Both side of Brown were then residential. Ahead was an intersection with my last turn, but with only fifteen minutes left even running would not allow me to get the train. Visions of having to hang out for hours in Shirley, where I knew from having walked through the area, there was not much in way of places to spend time, produced a decidedly negative feeling.

I turned right (west) on Hazen Road, as I entered a brief stretch of residential properties, followed by another short distance of woods. I then turned left onto Benjamin, for the last – but still much too long – leg of my journey.

One hope – a somewhat fanciful one, it seemed – remained: perhaps someone would give me a ride. Perhaps this thought had been inspired by the sight of pickup truck turning from Hazen and going south down Benjamin.

Miracles do happen! As I started south on the left side of Benjamin, a car went by on the right, stopped, started up, and then stopped again. I probably would not have dared to actually hitchhike, but this did seem to provide an opportunity. I headed toward the auto, hoping I had enough courage to ask.

But in fact the man it called me over. He was looking for a foreclosed lot and had with him plot plans (reminding me of my then employer, the City of Boston Assessing Department), not to mention one of my favorite publications, the Arrow atlas. For some reason, he thought I might be able to help him locate the property he was seeking.

I had to explain that I could not tell him anything about that, not being from around here, adding that I was heading for the train at Shirley station. I then asked if he would be taking that train, too. Of course that (perhaps because I was rather confused state) was a stupid question, as his purpose in being there was rather antithetical to the idea of getting a train to Boston. But, apparently courtesy is rather greater in these relatively rural parts, because, in a gesture that I very much doubt would be forthcoming in my city, he offered to give a ride to the train.

This took about five minutes and in our conversation I explained what I was doing in Shirley and how I had some connection to real estate via my occupation. We exchanged business cards, and I am pleased and happy keep the promised I made back then to trumpet the good services of Karen Carnivale Real Estate, and in particular Tom Woodward, the sales representative whose kindness is a credit to that firm. Showing good business practice, Tom later sent me a letter in which he said that never did find the parcel he was looking for and noted that “affordable” housing was still available “in our neck of the woods”. Although I have unfortunately never been asked to recommend a real estate salesperson in Leominster, I would urge all readers to head out there and buy some property via this agent – just don’t develop it, though.

There were actually a few other people in the station; frequently I have observed the train not stop at Shirley because no one wanted to get off and there was no one there to board. This area is called “Shirley” on the maps, but on my most recent visit through here (April, 2003) I noted signs reading “Shirley Village,” as well as indications of growth and development. At this time, looking around, it almost seemed one could imagine it was the 1950’s, at least if looking in some particular direction.

So ended, very unusually (I have one other time received a ride this way, on a very much “over budget” walk that ended in South Acton, being the one, I think, in which I collected Pepperell), a rather interesting, though to some degree spoiled, walk. This has always a tough region for planning my excursions, and I must again urge the MBTA to run more trains to Fitchburg.

This was also my first walk wearing SAS shoes, and I have to give more plugs as a result. First, an unsolicited testimonial to SAS, whose walking shoes fare surpass any of the fancier, but far less comfortable, products of better known competitors. In an era where shoe manufacture has almost completely left this country for low-priced labor elsewhere, SAS continues to hand make “healthy, natural . . . comfortable footwear” in a rate case of advertising more than living up to its claim.

Secondly, I have to acknowledge Harry’s Shoes, in Waltham, from which I learned about SAS. Tony, the proprietor runs a commendably old-fashioned operation, where quality and service are hallmarks. I first went there because it specializes in odd foot sizes, but I heartily recommend to anyone who wears shoes. Keep up the good work, Tony, even if I doubt you will every see this plug, pledged so long ago!

Name: Townsend

Path: North Leominster – Townsend - Shirley

Note: First Walk in SAS Shoes

Date: September 18, 1997

Time: 5 hours

Weather: Sunny, upper 70’s, generally uncomfortable

Roadkill: Squirrel (Lunenburg); rat (Shirley)

Municipalities: Leominster, Lunenburg, Townsend (183/192), Shirley

Localities: North Leominster, Whalom, King's Corner, Malpus Brook, Old City, Townsend Harbor, Leahy Square, Witch Brook, Squannacook River State Wildlife Management Area, Pumpkin Brook, North Shirley, Shirley Center, Shirley Center Historic District, Shirley

Highlight: Real estate agent Tom Woodward’s giving me a ride to the T station

Lowlight: Racing south through Shirley

New walks: NE from North Leominster

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