Conway
Massachusetts
Town of Conway
History:
The land area that is now Conway was part of a grant in 1712 from the General Court enlarging the area of Deerfield. In 1762, after the close of the French and Indian Wars, the area was surveyed and divided into 141 lots averaging 150 acres. Lots were sold and settled rapidly, and in 1767 the land was separated from Deerfield and incorporated as the Town of Conway.
In the following years, farms developed thickly and evenly throughout the hills, with forested land cleared for crops and pasture. By 1817, the extent of cleared land was as great as it ever would be. Much of this wood fueled the startup of sawmills. Gristmills and sawmills, built along the streams to harness waterpower, were the first mills of the settlers. Pumpkin Hollow, located at the geographical heart of Conway, became the center of town with a church, school, store, inn, harness shop, and wagon shop. As the population rose steadily, other parts of town, known as districts or neighborhoods, built their own schools. In all, sixteen districts formed each with its own schoolhouse.
By the mid-1800s, the citizens of Conway were working hard toward rapid development of the manufacturing industry. Most factories were located along the South River, the main source of waterpower in town. Everything from textiles, hats, furniture, and cutlery to washing "machines" were made here. Gradually, Pumpkin Hollow was replaced as the "center" of town as banks and public buildings sprang up near the river.
In the midst of the industrial boom of the nineteenth century, many farms were abandoned leaving pastures and fields to be reclaimed once again by forest. Early in the 20th century, the manufacturing industry went into decline, with many factories going out of business largely because of transportation costs to and from Conway. Stone foundations and cellar holes are the visible remains of many farms and factories of long ago. The remaining open land, cleared of trees and stones with much hard labor, is a treasured legacy from the past.
Recent News
Town of Conway - Assistant Treasurer And Collector Position Open
Assistant Treasurer/Collector Position Open The Town of Conway seeks qualified candidates for a part time Assistant Treasurer/Collector position The Town of Conway seeks qualified candidates for a part time Assistant Treasurer/Collector position…
Read More »Town of Conway - Transfer Station Public Forum Presentation
Transfer Station Public Forum Presentation The powerpoint presentation given at the public forum, as well as the recording of the forum, are now available on the Selectboard webpage. Follow this link to see…
Read More »Town of Conway : FY24 Budget Schedule
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Read More »Town of Conway News - COVID Testing Inforamtion - October 27, 2022
Click here to Read More Information About Town of Conway News - COVID Testing Inforamtion - October 27, 2022
Read More »Town of Conway News : New State Mattress Regulations
Click here to View the Information About Town of Conway News : New State Mattress…
Read More »Town of Conway - New Post Published - Volunteers Needed on Nov. 5
Volunteers wanted to help remove invasive species from Fournier Property trail Saturday, November 5 at 10am to noon The Fournier Property, located adjacent to the Conway Grammar School, has a trail needing some care to allow for safe and enjoyable…
Read More »Town of Conway : New Transfer Station Guidelines
What Do I Do With… 2022…
Read More »Town of Conway News: Flu and Covid 19 Vaccination October 22, 2022
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Read More »Town Of Conway : Highway Facility Grand Opening October 23, 2022
Click Here to view the Highway Facility Grand Opening October 23, 2022
Read More »Town of Conway News - Voter Registration Deadline for November 8, 2022 State Elections
Voter Registration Deadline for November 8, 2022 State Elections VOTER REGISTRATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE BOARD OF REGISTRARS OF VOTERS IN THE TOWN OF CONWAY WILL BE IN SESSION ON Saturday October 29, 2022 9am to 11am &…
Read More »Town of Conway News : Pickleball
Two sessions of Pickleball instruction free to Conway players. Our very own residents Jay and Mary Lou are certified instructors and would like to share their knowledge with you. If you have never played before or if you have never had any formal…
Read More »Town of Conway News - Festival of the Hills
Festival of the Hills
This year’s Festival of the Hills will be Sunday, October 2.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day September 24th, 2022
Do you have hazardous waste to dispose of? Now is the time to take care of it properly, through the annual collection run by the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District. Pre-Registration is required, click here for more information or visit…
Read More »Town Of Conway : Closing The Carbon Gap
“Closing the Carbon Gap,” September 7, 7pm The Conway Forest and Trails Committee is sponsoring a talk, “Proforestation: Closing the Carbon Gap in Time,” by renowned environmentalist William Moomaw. Conway residents will be…
Read More »Town of Conway - Town Clerk’s Office to Test Optical Scan Voting Equipment
The Conway Town Clerk’s Office will conduct a test of its optical scan voting equipment on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 for the state primary election to be held on September 6, 2022. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires the City Clerk to…
Read More »Town of Conway - In-Person Early Voting for September 6, 2022 Primaries
Location: Town Hall, 5 Academy Hill Road Early Voting Dates & Times: -Saturday Aug. 27 9 AM – 11 AM and 3 PM to 5 PM -Monday Aug. 29 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM -Tuesday Aug. 30 8:30 AM – 4:30…
Read More »Town of Conway - Voter Registration Deadline
Notice Is Hereby Given That The Board Of Registrars Of Voters In The Town Of Conway Will Be In Session On Saturday August 27, 2022 / 9am to 11am & 3pm to 5pm In The Town Hall At 5 Academy Hill Road For The Purpose Of Registering New Voters…
Read More »New Post Published - Frontier Youth Field Hockey Team Tryouts
We ‘ve had a few successful years with our Union 38 Girls Field Hockey Team. However, since there are only 20 uniforms, we will have a tryout this year to fill those spots. Practices will be held twice a week at Frontier, Games are with…
Read More »Town of Conway - Pickleball Comes to Conway!
The Conway pickleball court is ready for players! It is located on the basketball court next to the tennis court. You may use the court any time you see that it not in use already. The equipment, including a net, paddles and balls is stored in…
Read More »Town Of Conway - New Post Published - Vote by Mail Application for 2022 Elections
In 2022, Vote by Mail applications will be mailed in July and September to every voter who hasn’t already requested a mail-in ballot for the fall elections. These applications will be pre-addressed to your local election office and postage…
Read More »Town of Conway - Mohawk Trails Woodlands Partnership Announcement
The Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership (MTWP) is currently in the process of updating its 10-year Partnership Plan (2023-2033) and is seeking comments and feedback from residents of Northwestern Massachusetts and members of the public on this…
Read More »Town of Conway : New Post Published - Annual Report
The Annual Report for the Town of Conway comes out at the end of May or beginning of June and is mailed to all households in Town. Click on the appropriate report to see what it contained. Copies of some of the more recent reports are also available…
Read More »Town of Conway New Post Published - Mosquito Prevention methods
It’s just about that time of the season when mosquitos will begin to breed. Please see the attached brochure for ways to protect yourself and your…
Read More »Town of Conway - Composting Is Back At The Transfer Station
Beginning Wednesday, composting will be back at the transfer station. It will be the same as before, with 64 gallon carts lined with compostable bags, which will then be hauled away weekly to Martin’s Farm in Greenfield. Please click HERE…
Read More »Town of Conway : New Post Published - Composting Is Back At The Transfer Station
Beginning Wednesday, composting will be back at the transfer station. It will be the same as before, with 64 gallon carts lined with compostable bags, which will then be hauled away weekly to Martin’s Farm in Greenfield. Please click HERE…
Read More »Town of Conway: New Post Published - May 15 Presentation: Birds Of Our Meadows
Join ornithologist Mara Silver on Sunday, May 15th at 4 pm at the Conway Town Hall for a presentation on these beautiful birds and how you can make your property more inviting to them and help them thrive. An engaging presenter, Mara will share fun…
Read More »Town of Conway News - FY23 Departmental Budgets and Article 2 Final
Click here to View the "Town of Conway News - FY23 Departmental Budgets and Article 2 Final"
Read More »Town Of Conway Early Voting For Local Elections May 31st Through June 3rd
Early Voting for the 2022 Local Election will be held at the Town Hall, 5 Academy Hill Road Tuesday May 31, 2022 through Friday June 3, 2022 during regular office hours. Contact the Town Clerk with any questions (413-369-4236 ext. 4 or…
Read More »Town of Conway : New Post Published - Vertex Visual Demonstration
NOTE: The WEEKDAY VISUAL DEMONSTATION scheduled for Friday April 29, 2022 has been postponed and RESCHEDULED for MONDAY, May 2, 2022 The WEEKEND VISUAL DEMONSTATION scheduled for Saturday April 30, 2022 has been postponed and RESCHEDULED for…
Read More »Town Of Conway Festival of the Hills 'Un-Tagsale'
The Conway Festival of the Hills “Un-Tagsale” takes place on Saturday May 14, from 9:00-1:00 (raindate Sunday May 15th). This town-wide event is held to raise money for Conway’s graduating seniors! UnTagsale meaning there are no…
Read More »Town of Conway New Post - FY23 Departmental Budget
Click Here To View The Town of Conway New Post - FY23 Departmental Budget
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