By Annette Ermini, New England Classic Homes
Petersham is a picturesque community steeped in Norman
Rockwell charm. While conveniently
located in central Massachusetts and just minutes from Route 2, this peaceful
oasis feels world’s away.
When visiting or living in Petersham, it is akin to Mayberry
with simpler times of yesteryear. The
community is well preserved with historic character, pristine landscapes, wholesome activities, and kind,
caring people.
A summer resort town at the turn of 1899, city folks
took respite in Petersham for good times, clean air, and cool breezes. The town still retains many traditions from
this bygone era including summer band concerts, picnics on the town common, and
strolls through the woods. Below are 10
reasons to love Petersham today.
1. The Petersham
Historic District. The historic
district is located in the town center and consists of more than 40
properties. It is one of the first
historic districts established in the state and the entire district is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places.
Here you’ll find stately homes dating from the 1700-1800s, many of
which are stunning colonials, Greek revivals, and shingle-style properties. In addition, the Petersham Memorial Library is
a stone, castle-like structure that graces the town common as well as the
Petersham Country Store, one of the oldest in the country. The Historic District also includes the North Common Meadow with sweeping views of Wachusett Mountain.
2. Scenic Vistas. Petersham is blessed with a generous
conservation ethic. Approximately 80% of
the land is protected, lending incredible views and forests throughout the
town. Whether traveling past open fields
or its many maple trees, you will be in awe of this natural setting. Each season brings its own beauty, from winter
wonderlands, to spring blossoms, verdant summer color, or spectacular fall
foliage. It will be difficult to choose
a favorite time of year!
3. Quabbin
Reservoir. Petersham is home to the
majestic Quabbin Reservoir, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the
United States. It provides Boston and 40
additional municipalities with their primary water supply. The Quabbin -- along with its surrounding
watershed -- is nearly 100,000 acres of pure wilderness. Visitors are welcome to hike the many trails
here. One will follow old stagecoach
roads and see remnants of stone cellar holes from long ago as well as plenty of
flora and fauna.
4. Harvard
University’s Harvard Forest. Yes,
Harvard. The University owns three
forests with 3,000 acres in town, all of which are open to the public for
outdoor exploration. Harvard Forest’s
main campus is located on Route 32 and features the Fisher Museum with
award-winning dioramas of the New England landscape from the early settlers
through the 1940s. On Route 122, people
may also hike around or skate on the Harvard Pond, a popular site for hockey during
the winter season.
5. The Trustees of
Reservations. Known for saving
special places, The Trustees own three properties throughout Petersham. The North Common Meadow (as mentioned above)
and adjacent Brooks Woodland Preserve provide 13 acres of continuous trails, great for
hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nature observation. At the Swift River Reservation, one will find
varied topography as well as steep
ledges with dramatic vistas overlooking the reservation and Swift River valley -- a wonderful hike!
6. Wildlife. There are ample opportunities to enjoy
wildlife in Petersham. “The best locations
for birding are here and Guatemala,” said Jim Baird, long-time resident and
former Vice President of the Massachusetts Audubon Society. The North Common Meadow is a wildlife
sanctuary for bobolinks in the spring and it is not uncommon to see and hear
bluebirds, red-wing blackbirds, great blue herons, bald eagles, owls, and many
other species throughout the town. Also, be on the
lookout for signs of moose, deer, bear, bobcat, coyote, fox, beaver, mink, and
more.
7. Arts and Culture. Petersham is home to many artists, musicians,
writers, photographers, and architects.
For more than 100 years, the Petersham Art Center has supported the
artists of the region and today features frequent exhibits and classes. Their gift shop is filled with beautiful
pottery, jewelry, paintings, prints, paperworks, fiber arts, leather, and other
fine, locally-made products. The
community also hosts many cultural events including concerts, art shows,
lectures, and Village Lyceum programs.
8. Farms and
Foodies. Petersham has a long
history of agriculture. Fast forward to
2016 and the farm to table movement is alive and well with several organic farm
stands, a community garden, and many people who enjoy growing their own food.
In addition, residents and visitors enjoy the Petersham Country Store who
specialize in delicious, wholesome, artisan food. Everything is homemade and purveyed from local
farmers, bakers, and other food vendors including local vegetables, eggs,
cheese, maple syrup, and bread.
9. Town Common. The town common is located in the center of
Petersham and is a perfect place for picnics, relaxing, and drinking in the
day. Adjacent to the common is the
beautiful Petersham Memorial Library, a stone building that looks like a
storybook castle. One will also find the
Petersham Historical Society with its restored stagecoach and special exhibits. Many events are held on the common including
the annual plant sale, town band concerts, church fairs, Old Home Day and croquet tournament, and seasonal
Friday market.
10. Peaceful,
Friendly People. My favorite part of
the town, hands down. Originally named
"Voluntown," the community is a fabric of many friendly and talented
people who enhance the quality of life with their support of town
activities. Petersham's
unique culture is influenced by the sophistication of Eastern
Massachusetts and the folksiness of Western Massachusetts -- a perfect blend of
both!
© 2016 New England Classic Homes. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this blog may be used without permission.
© 2016 New England Classic Homes. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this blog may be used without permission.
No comments:
Post a Comment