The Wachusett Dam & Reservoir

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Before There Was A Dam

How they built it and what became of the people who lived there

 

beforetherewasadam.com

 

 

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11.01.24

St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery

You can find this little known, or used, cemetery in West Boylston dating from the time of the Wachusett Reservoir construction.

It’s sad story includes the removal of the stones by well meaning citizens for the purpose of regrading and leveling the soil. Unfortunately, the relocation maps were lost before the stones could be replaced. Today, the exact location of each grave is a mystery and a small section is reserved for new arrivals.

It’s a good place to visit for quiet reflection but be sure to notify the pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in West Boylston in advance.

Thanks,

Paul

New

11.01.24

Sudbury Pipe Arch

When the Metropolitan Water Board decided to add another  aqueduct to the system it was faced with the crossing of the Sudbury River above Saxonville.

Since it was not practical to bury a pipe under the river this pipe arch was designed to pass over it.

Here is the story if how the builders managed to accomplish the work is such difficult conditions.

Thanks,

Paul 

10/16/24

Rip Rap

If you have ever walked along the North Dike and noticed a long line of large rocks following the shoreline and wondered what they are and what their purpose was here are the answers.

They were carried there at  great effort and carefully placed to protect the dike, which is really just a pile of soils and sand, from the erosive force of wave action whipped up by high winds across over a mile of open water.

This article describes the source of the rock and the tools that were required to blast it out and move it miles to its final destination.

 

Thanks,

Paul 

10/11/24

South Main Street   1896

I recently met with my classmates and was inspired to focus this little piece on the area where they (and I) grew up.


Thanks,

Paul 

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Most Popular Articles

Clinton Catholic Cemetery – The largest of the cemeteries which had to moved because of the rising waters, its colorful story is retold here.

One Man, One Shovel – rarely had so much dirt been moved by hand, a task completed with the most basic of tools…the shovel.

Get a Horse! – The horse had been around for centuries but was far from obsolete. Here is the story of the horse and its contribution to the Wachusett Dam & Reservoir.

Diversity at the Dam – Strong men came from all over to the huge project where there was opportunity for all who were willing to work hard for a good wage.

Coach & Sandy – the area around the submerged/buried ponds, South Main Street and South Meadow Road cutoffs

The Wachusett Aqueduct delivered water, by tunnel and open stream, to the Sudbury Reservoir in Framingham 12 miles away. Since replaced, it still functions as a backup water supply.

Scar Bridge – This bridge once carried Scar Hill Road traffic across the Nashua River in Boylston but today remains submerged in place

Channel Velocity Control – it was imperative to slow the water down in the spillway before it could erode the banks of the millpond and, perhaps, topple the railroad bridge.

The Villages at West Boylston – Four separate villages surrounding the Old Church were submerged. Here is their story. Presented by students from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

UFOs over the Dam

What is that strange object floating over the top of the dam??

See for Yourself!

Source Documents for this site   –   8,000+ Images

Explore the wide array of  contemporary photographs, available in the public domain, that were used for the articles presented here.

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email: paul@pmarrone.com

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