In West Boylston in 1896 a thriving commercial center was located on the major crossroads of Prospect Street and East Main Street. 

This busy hub held the West Boylston Railroad Station, livery stables, hotels and inns, provision markets, pharmacy, meeting hall, general store and…a saloon. There was also a noticeable absence of schools and churches. The residents were chiefly businessmen (and women) and factory workers, both transient and landed.

Today this neighborhood is completely submerged by the Wachusett Reservoir. Its location will be seen from the causeway, stretching off over a mile to the town line with Boylston.

This story should give a sense of the appearance of West Boylston Lower Village.