Millbury
Points of Interest:
Intersected by a series of major thoroughfares- The Massachusetts Turnpike, Routes 146, 122A, 20- Millbury, Massachusetts seems a modest suburb of nearby Worcester. Millbury began as Sutton's second or North Parish in the late 1700's, the industrial district of a farming community.
Recognizing the industrial potential of Sutton's northern districts,
investors established water-powered mills on the Blackstone and Singletary rivers, mass
producing flour, lumber, paper, textiles, guns, and other metal products. Villages formed
around these mills, and after several attempts the district was incorporated as the new
town of Millbury in 1813.
No visit to Millbury is complete without a tour of the ASA WATERS MANSION,
located at 88 Elm St. at the town center. Home to one of the country's largest landowners
and employers, the Water's family engendered a "natural aristocracy" in Millbury that
extended to the Great-Grandson of Asa Waters II- William Howard Taft, who would become U.S. President in 1908. Legend has it that Asa Waters III, an ardent anti-slavery activist, used the mansion as a station on the underground railroad, helping runaway slaves escape to freedom.
Although Millbury has a storied past, the town is actively planning a brighter future.
Across from the Mansion stands the newly renovated, $3,000,000 public library. This
impressive, nearly 20,000 square foot structure has something for everyone to enjoy-
spacious reading rooms, a children's library with a separate arts & craft center. There's
even a separate "teen scene" room equipped with computers, books, videos, geared
toward teenagers. In addition, there is a generously apportioned meeting room to
accommodate special functions and speakers.
"The town really stepped to the plate," says Mitch Perlow, Millbury's library director since 2001. "And just in time. If we had waited, I'm not sure state funding would have been available." He's right. Millbury seems to be a step ahead of difficult
economic times.
Like much of the Valley, Millbury is experiencing a boom in residential and commercial construction. "We have many developments on the table," says Town Manager Ray Houle, "we are especially proud of our mix of commercial, residential and recreational projects.
"There is the Cordis Mills Project- a conversion of an abandoned mill complex into 112-1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartments. The Brierly Pond development, marketed exclusively to ages 55 and over is set on beautiful grounds, with a clubhouse and every amenity one could want."
Millbury will soon have its first 'Golfing Community' a 100- unit condominium around an upgraded course at the Clearview Country Club.
And everyone is floored by the success of The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley, the largest retail development of its kind in the Valley. With many national retailers like Target, Kohl's, Circuit City and many others making their entry into the Blackstone Valley, the signs of progress are everywhere. Retail shops. Five major restaurants, including TGI Fridays, Applebee's and Texas Longhorn Steakhouse are enjoying record crowds and the 14 set Blackstone Valley Cinema Deluxe is a major well attended attraction. The Shoppes, situated adjacent to the newly renovated Route 146 and Mass Turnpike (I-90) connector are poised for continued success, and according to town officials will soon provide nearly a million dollars per year in tax revenues to the town.
And yet, development is not all commercial and residential. Millbury is actively planning for its future recreational needs as well. The "Little Dorothy Pond" area, acquired by the town in 1997 should be opened as a town beach later this year. The pond sits next to a future Bike Path planned to link Worcester and Providence via a recreational network along the Blackstone River.
In addition, Millbury has also purchased a 50 acre site overlooking Lake Singletary. The town envisions a pavilion there, with fields, community gardens, nature trails and passive family recreation. There is also a planned permanent campground for local scouting groups and other groups as well.
"We're proud of what we've accomplished," said Houle. "At a time when the State really doesn't know what they're doing, we're prepared to deal with shortages in state funds and continue to move forward."
Millbury, positioned as the "Gateway to the Blackstone Valley" continues as a superb residential and business destination.