02-27-2016, 08:41 AM
Since I retired last summer, I decided that I was going spend some time on the CB exploring some of the small towns in Massachusetts and perhaps learn a bit of their history as well. [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinton,_Massachusetts]Clinton was originally part of Lancaster, MA (incorporated in 1653) and in 1850 separated from Lancaster to incorporate as a new town. Clinton was a [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mill_town#New_England]mill town on the Nashua river and had factories for producing textiles using the river as a source of power. Due to increasing demands for fresh water in Boston, in 1897 construction of the [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wachusett_Dam]Wachusett dam was started and was completed and the reservoir was filled by 1905. At the time it was the largest public water supply reservoir in the world. I found this difficult to believe but apparently the rank was for reservoirs dedicated solely as a source for public water. The reservoir is highly protected as no swimming, boating, camping are allowed although fishing from the shoreline is apparently allowed in some areas.
Clinton is a picturesque small town and the relatively short ride around the reservoir is quite nice with good roads and nice sweepers thrown in to boot. I find myself heading there quite frequently in both summer and winter (nice February days this year!).
Taking a break to enjoy the view on my way to Clinton. This is looking west from Harvard, MA.
Here's the route around the reservoir.
Here's some winter time pics from the dam.
Looking towards clinton from the dam.
The dam.
The dam in summer.
Clinton from the dam in summer..
This stone church was saved from flooding of the reservoir in remembrance of the families who gave up their homes for the construction/flooding of the reservoir.
Clinton also has a very nice park in the center of town. Here are a few pictures.
Church that is apparently undergoing repairs.
Clinton is a picturesque small town and the relatively short ride around the reservoir is quite nice with good roads and nice sweepers thrown in to boot. I find myself heading there quite frequently in both summer and winter (nice February days this year!).
Taking a break to enjoy the view on my way to Clinton. This is looking west from Harvard, MA.
Here's the route around the reservoir.
Here's some winter time pics from the dam.
Looking towards clinton from the dam.
The dam.
The dam in summer.
Clinton from the dam in summer..
This stone church was saved from flooding of the reservoir in remembrance of the families who gave up their homes for the construction/flooding of the reservoir.
Clinton also has a very nice park in the center of town. Here are a few pictures.
Church that is apparently undergoing repairs.
