The town of Mendon was originally settled in 1664 by fifteen families from Braintree and Weymouth.  It was an eight by eight mile tract of land, called Squinshepauge, purchased from the Nipmuc Indians and included what are now the towns of Bellingham, Upton, Uxbridge, Northbridge, Blackstone and Millville.  Mendon was incorporated in 1667; our first meeting house was built in 1668 on what is now called Founder’s Park.   1675 marked the beginning of King Philip’s War and the abandonment of the town. Several settlers were killed and the remaining families fled back to the safety of Braintree and Weymouth, returning in 1676 after the death of King Philip.

In the late 1700s the Blackstone Valley became the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the United States.  Although the eighty-five acre Lake Nipmuc is located in the town, Mendon has no significant waterways, therefore, no source to turn the waterwheels necessary for powering textile mills.  It was at this time that the surrounding towns broke off from “Mother Mendon” taking their tax dollars with them and diminishing Mendon’s significant wealth.  Instead, Mendon remained primarily an agricultural and cottage industry community. There were boot and shoe shops, a shoddy mill and other small businesses, some buildings of which remain today.  The construction of the Blackstone Canal allowed Mendon’s farmers to sell their produce to towns along the Blackstone River providing an increased market and revenue source.

In the late 1860s a new appreciation for the scenic beauty of Lake Nipmuc developed.  The surrounding towns, although wealthier, were impacted by the pollution of their air and water.  “Nature’s Beauty Spot”, as it was known, became a popular summer vacation destination for wealthy people from out of town.  In 1882, the park became the site of commercial entertainment.  Nipmuc Hall was dedicated and canoe, sailboat and steamboat rides were available on the lake.  Over the years, the hall booked well- known entertainers such as Stan Laurel, of Laurel and Hardy fame, and Fred Allen.  It now exists as a function hall.  Lake Nipmuc is still a popular recreation spot and Southwick’s Zoo, established in 1963, brings over two hundred thousand visitors to the town each year.