Northbridge

For newcomers to the Blackstone Valley, the geographic boundaries for the town of Northbridge are bound to be at least a little confusing. The town is divided into five distinct communities: Linwood (01525), Whitinsville (01588), Rockdale, Riverdale and Northbridge Center (01534) by the consequence of the enormous legacy of the Whitin family, which dominated the economic and political life here for over 150 years.

Following the Revolutionary War, Colonel Paul Whitin came from Dedham, Mass., to serve as an apprentice in an iron forge in the budding community then known as South Northbridge. James Fletcher owned the forge, along with most of the land that now comprises Whitinsville. Eventually, Paul would marry Fletcher's daughter, Betsy, with whom he would have five sons and a daughter. In 1826, Whitin bought out the Fletcher's and went into partnership with his sons Paul Jr., and John C., under the firm name of Paul Whitin and Sons. Both sons were astute businessmen, but it was John's inventiveness and marketing acumen that led to the development of Whitin Machine Works, which would overshadow the family cotton mills and become the world's largest textile machine shop. The village of South Northbridge was renamed Whitinsville in honor of Paul Sr. in 1839.

Explosive industrial growth throughout the 1800's resulted in ongoing expansion by the Whitins beyond Whitinsville. Mills were erected in Linwood, Riverdale and Rockdale as well as in neighboring Uxbridge. In addition to housing, the Whitins built or subsidized the town's schools, churches, town hall, library, and recreational facilities. Like lords of the manor, the Whitins erected grand homes from which they dictated many aspects of the town's political and social life. They created a unique social environment, providing job security and social amenities in exchange for worker loyalty. This system of benevolent paternalism lasted well into the 20th century, when unionism and competition forced the textile industry to move south. The Whitins sold their interest in the Machine Works and town properties between 1948 and 1967.

With the end of the Whitin era, a new chapter in the town's history has begun- a chapter still unfolding today. Northbridge today is positioned at the geographic and economic center of the Blackstone Valley. With superb highway and rail access, professional and accessible management, Northbridge is poised for future continued economic expansion.

Interested in learning more? Read the article: An Incalculable Endowment