On 28 Green Street in Gardner, there is a particular church which holds great historical significance for this community. This was the town's first Meeting House, and it was a wooden structure measuring 60 feet long and 45 feet wide. Both the church…Read More

On 28 Green Street in Gardner, there is a particular church which holds great historical significance for this community. This was the town's first Meeting House, and it was a wooden structure measuring 60 feet long and 45 feet wide. Both the church services and town meetings were held in the building, and in those days, towns were theocracies, which meant, of course, that church and town were one.

In 1878, the Meeting House was dismantled to allow for the construction of the present Gothic Revival Church, with its 125-foot bell and clock tower.

One of my sisters got married in that church, and I played the pipe organ for her, and in most recent years, I've had the opportunity and honor to play the grand piano for a number of church services which have been held on Sunday mornings. I guess that means, I've been made a part of its history.

Directly behind this church is one of the oldest cemeteries in the city of Gardner, and for a time, there was a sign to the residents asking if any of their ancestors were buried there, in order to put the history in order.

It's a beautiful church!

In 1785, as the record denotes, Gardner was established as a separate town from parts of Winchendon (where I currently live), Ashburnham, Westminster, and Templeton. It was named to honor Thomas Gardner, a man who died from wounds he had received at the Battle of…Read More

In 1785, as the record denotes, Gardner was established as a separate town from parts of Winchendon (where I currently live), Ashburnham, Westminster, and Templeton. It was named to honor Thomas Gardner, a man who died from wounds he had received at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Soon after its incorporation, the town purchased land from Seth Heywood for a Town Common, a Meeting House, and a Burying Ground. Consequently, the present Gardner Historic District has been said to be the city's original village center. Not only did this area become the seat of the town's centralized functions, but eventually it also became the area where many of Gardner's "Captains of Industry" built their homes.

Many notable areas are in this Uptown District, such as the Town Common, where Gardner's early militia held its musters. Then, there were the homes of the early settlers. Names such as Jonathan Prescott, Asa Smith, Volney Howe, Collier, Wilder, Sratton, Osgood, Bush, Bancroft, and Edgell may just be some street signs today, but these were flesh and blood types and their homes are on this walking tour, giving it some humanity.

This Walking Tour could go on indefinitely, with all the sights and sounds of history, and during this tour, there was much to learn. Even more now, as evidenced by the addition of many other historic areas, such as WGAW, the once powerhouse AM…Read More

This Walking Tour could go on indefinitely, with all the sights and sounds of history, and during this tour, there was much to learn. Even more now, as evidenced by the addition of many other historic areas, such as WGAW, the once powerhouse AM radio station; a state prison where the State Hospital once stood; downtown; diverse churches; shopping areas; movie theatres; band concerts in the summertime; furniture factory outlets which have replaced the furniture factories.

Then we have the fast food shops, banks, gas stations, liquor stores, and bars, and what would the community be without these amenities?

Gardner is about one hour from Boston, and 20 minutes away from the Leominster/Fitchburg areas. It's approximately 2 hours away from the New York Border, and 30-45 minutes away from the New Hampshire and Vermont Borders.

All in all, a marvelous tour, and one highly recommended.