You searched for Postal Code: 01566
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historicalmarkerproject/markers/HM2A9E_an-open-landscape_Sturbridge-MA.html
By the early 1800s, family farms covered southern New England, and most of the land had been cleared of trees. For generations farmers had been cutting down trees, draining swamps, hauling rocks out of their fields, and building fences to control …
historicalmarkerproject/markers/HM2A9B_today-we-see-a-different-view_Sturbridge-MA.html
Today the New England landscape is covered with forest. You can see this from any high point, or the window of an airplane. It is hard to imagine that the trees you see from this hill were not here 150 years ago. Then 50 to 80 percent of the land …
historicalmarkerproject/markers/HM2A96_the-graveyard_Sturbridge-MA.html
This re-created graveyard reminds us that death is an inevitable part of life.In early New England, most people were buried in graveyards near the meetinghouse, although some were put to rest in family or neighborhood plots. Some graves were never…
historicalmarkerproject/markers/HM2A90_controlling-livestock-the-town-pound_Sturbridge-MA.html
Livestock were everywhere in farming communities.Although the law required that they be fenced in, they often got loose. Stray animals were brought to town pounds like this large stone structure, where they were impounded and cared for until they …
historicalmarkerproject/markers/HM2A8W_brooks-pottery-kiln_Sturbridge-MA.html
This strange-shaped brick structure is a kiln for baking - or firing - the redwood pottery made in the shop across the road.The kiln functions much like an oven. The open center is where the potter stacks his pots, jars, jugs, and other fully drie…
historicalmarkerproject/markers/HM2A8C_farming-as-a-way-of-life_Sturbridge-MA.html
Farming was central to life in rural New England.Two out of three households were headed by farmers, and the seasonal rhythms of farm work shaped the calendar. Most families owned some land, but many rented other people's land. From plowing and pl…
historicalmarkerproject/markers/HM291D_getting-water_Sturbridge-MA.html
A well sweep is one of the simplest ways to raise water from a well.
A well sweep is like a big seesaw, with one end heavier than the other. A bucket is tied to the lighter end. When you lower the bucket into the well, the heavy end rises. After …
historicalmarkerproject/markers/HM28M2_the-smokehouse_Sturbridge-MA.html
Farm families usually butchered during the late fall when cool weather kept the meat fresh during processing. In an average butchering season, a farm family produced enough pork, beef, and mutton to last the year. Before refrigerators and freezers…
historicalmarkerproject/markers/HM28LK_freeman-farm_Sturbridge-MA.html
This is the homelot of the Pliny Freeman Farm, with dwelling house, barn, and other outbuildings, kitchen garden, and farm fields.
The Freeman family's house was moved here from its original location just a few miles away.
A typical farm was abo…
historicalmarkerproject/markers/HM28LE_where-is-the-farm_Sturbridge-MA.html
The Salem Towne House Built in 1796 in Charlton, Massachusetts
Like most of their neighbors, the Towne family farmed. As you can see from their house, they were more prosperous than most. While a typical family farm in 1830s New England might hav…