Paxton
Massachusetts
Town of Paxton
Paxton Massachusetts, 1890
Paxton is a small agricultural town lying nearly in the centre of Worcester County. Its nearest railroad station is Worcester, — about seven miles distant. Paxton (centre) is the village and post-office. Rutland is the boundary on the north, Holden on the east, Leicester on the south, and Spencer and Oakham on the west. Worcester adjoins the southeast corner for a short distance. The assessed area is 8,848 acres, including 3,098 acres of forest.
The surface is varied, pleasing and somewhat peculiar. The hills seem but gentle swells of land, and are cultivated to their summits. Asnebumsket Hill, near the southeastern border, reaches an altitude of 1,407 feet. Other prominent landmarks are Fox Hill near the centre, Pine in the northeast corner, and Turkey Hill near the northern border. Near its base on the north is Turkey Hill Pond, which is probably the remotest source of the Chicopee River. On the eastern border is Asnebumsket Pond, which sends out a feeder to the Nashua River. The largest body of water in the town is Bottomly Pond, in the southeast part, the principal source of the Blackstone River. The town is rich in ponds, springs and rivulets. The geological formation is ferruginous gneiss. The soil is deep and strong, amply moistened, and yields well.
The value of the aggregate product of the 135 farms in 1885 was $81,229. There are two wooden-box factories and one carriage factory; and 31 men were engaged in making hoots and shoes. The value of goods made was $7,300. The population was 561, of whom 126 were legal voters. The valuation in 1888 was $277,669, with a tax-rate of $16.40 on $1,000. There were 130 dwelling-houses taxed.
The town has primary and grammar schools, provided for in five school buildings valued at some $4,000. There is a free public library of about 1,200 volumes. The one church here is Congregationalist.
Paxton was formed from parts of the towns of Rutland and Leicester, and incorporated, February 12, 1765. It was probably named from Charles Paxton, one of the commissioners of customs in Boston. The town sent 72 men to do battle for the Union in the late war and has erected a granite monument to the seven who were lost.
Recent News
Town of Paxton News - 2023 Caucus Results
2023 Caucus Results The Town Caucus was held March 6th. Those who still wish to run for office can obtain nomination papers from the Town Clerk's office until March 20th. The results of the Caucus can be viewed…
Read More »Flags at Half Mast
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered that the United States of America Flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately from (2/27/2023), until…
Read More »Town of Paxton - Flags At Half Mast Feb 9th, 2023
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all state buildings on Thursday,…
Read More »Town of Paxton: Nomination Papers Now Available
Nomination papers for the upcoming Annual Town Election (May 8, 2023) are now available in the Town Clerk's Office. Those interested in running for office can either pull nomination papers or attend the Annual Town Caucus - March 6th at 7pm at PCS…
Read More »Flags at Half Mast on January 31, 2023
Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey has ordered that the United States of America Flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings beginning immediately on Jan 31st, until…
Read More »Town Of Paxton : Message About Tree Debris
If you have tree debris on your property that is not the result of a plow pushing it out of the roadway, you have three options for disposing of it: - you can move it to a location on your property - you can hire a contractor to dispose of it -…
Read More »Flags at Half Mast on December 7, 2022
Please be advised that in accordance with Public Law 103-308 and by proclamation of the President of the United States, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts…
Read More »Flags at Half-Mast November 29, 2022
Please be advised that in honor of United States Representative Donald McEachin of Virginia, who passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022, and in accordance with the United States Flag Code 4 USC 7 (m), Massachusetts Governor Charles D. Baker has…
Read More »Town of Paxton Flags at Half Mast - November 14, 2022
Flags at Half Mast - November 14th Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff from sunrise until sunset at all…
Read More »Town of Paxton - Annual Toys For Tots Drive!
The Paxton Police Department will be conducting their annual Toys for Tots Drive from November 1st - December 18th, 2022. You can drop off an unwrapped toy in the lobby of the Police Station anytime.
Read More »Town of Paxton News - Flags at Half Mast
Flags at Half Mast - October 22nd Please be advised that Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has ordered that the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag be lowered to half-staff at all state buildings from sunrise…
Read More »Town of Paxton News - Glen Ellen and Orchard paving project
The Town of Paxton Department of Public Works, along with subcontractors, will be performing a road resurfacing project on Orchard Drive and Glen Ellen Road. The start date, as of now, is the week of October 17, 2022 with 4-6 weeks for completion.…
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