Ashland

Book excerpt: The beginning of the exciting history of Ashland was rooted in the development of farms and mills to utilize the waters of the Sudbury River. Ashland's fortunes grew as industries changed from small gristmill and sawmill operations to paper and cotton mills, boot and shoe factories. Because of Boston's thirst for drinking water, Ashland soon lost its rights to the Sudbury river. This put the town in decline until small industrial plants came in and with them, growth resumed. With the Warren Telechron Company, the town became the birthplace and home of electric timekeeping. It is still referred to as "Clocktown," and its sports teams are nicknamed "Clockers." Ashland follows this historical development with over two hundred vintage images, many of which have rarely been seen before. Through photographs beyond memory and others that many may recall, meet the people of this great town and see the buildings and events that make up this incredible story. Ashland takes the reader on a journey from the days of its early settlement, through its development into the village of Unionville and its incorporation into the town of Ashland, to its twentieth-century growth and revival.