This bird’s-eye view print of Townsend Center, Massachusetts was drawn and published by Geo. E. Norris in 1889. Townsend Center, or Townsend, was settled in 1676 and incorporated in 1732. Timber was harvested aggressively in the region, clearing the path for successful farming.
In the 1800's, the community was served by the Fitchburg Railroad. The largest business in Townsend, at that time, was the making of barrels. The Fassenden family operated a cooperage at Townsend for three generations. Furniture making was also conducted at Townsend.
The illustration includes labeled streets, buildings and railroad route.
Features references to the following locations:
Congregational Church.
Methodist Church.
Catholic Church.
Schools.
Post Office.
Fitchburg R. R. Station, Peterboro & Shirley Br.
Railroad House.
Central House.
Townsend National Bank.
Fire Engine House.
B. & A. D. Fessenden, Cooperage Works.
W. Fessenden & Son, Cooperage Works.
U. S. Adams, Cooperage Works, Saw & Grist Mill.
W. P. Taylor, Furniture Manufactory.
W. D. Osgood, Dry Goods, Groceries, Fancy Goods, Drugs, Hardware, Boots, Shoes & Furniture.
H. B. Hildreth, Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots, Shoes, Groceries, Hardware, Paints, etc.
W. Wright, General Merchandise.
W. P. Taylor, Drugs and Medicines.
H. F. Green, Dry Goods and Groceries.
U. S. Adams, Residence.
W. P. Taylor, Residence.