Millbrae
California
Town of Mendon
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.
Recent News
Town of Mendon News - Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate Vacancy
Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate Vacancy A vacancy exists for the Zoning Board of Appeals Alternate. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest to Laura St. John - Dupuis at [email protected]. Letters should include reasons why…
Read More »Town of Mendon - Annual Town Election Nomination Papers Available
Nomination papers for the Annual Town Election are now available at the Town Clerk's office. Interested candidates should visit the Town Clerk during normal business hours (M-TH 8am - 4pm) to pick up the necessary papers. Offices on this year's…
Read More »Town of Mendon - Bylaws Approved By Attorney General's Office
The Attorney General's office has approved bylaws passed at the Special Town meeting held on November 14, 2022. A copy of the approved bylaw and maps is attached. Click Here To View The Town of Mendon - Bylaws Approved By Attorney General's…
Read More »Town of Mendon News - Christmas Tree Curbside Pickup
Schedule your Christmas Tree pickup by texting #TREE to 508-603-9763 Pick up dates are Saturday - December 31st and Saturday - January 7th. Donation $10 - All proceeds go to Mendon Troop 44 Email requests can also be made to…
Read More »Town of Mendon News - Finance Committee Vacancy
The Finance Committee has a vacancy. This position will fill the term ending June 30, 2025. Interested parties should send a Letter of Interest to [email protected]. Please include all contact information and a brief discription of why you are…
Read More »Town of Mendon News : Notice of Tabulator Testing
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Read More »Town of Mendon - Advance Removal And Tabulation Notice
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Read More »Town of Mendon News : Final Tabulation Notice
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Read More »Town of Mendon Cultural Council Seeks Grant Applications For 2023
The Mendon/Massachusetts Cultural Council is announcing they will be accepting grant applications from September 1st through October 17th 2022. Funds will be distributed for events supporting the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences in our…
Read More »Town of Mendon - Attorney General's Approval of Bylaw changes
At the Annual Town Meeting held on May 6, 2022 the voters of Mendon voted to amend the General Bylaws, Articles 20, 21, and 32. On August 18, 2022, the Attorney General approved the amendments to the bylaws with comment on Article 21. The…
Read More »Town of Mendon News Voting Machine Ballot Testing
This office will be conducting testing of the voting machines and ballots to be used in the State Primary on September 6, 2022. Testing will begin on Wednesday August 24th at 10:30 am in the Clerk's Office. The Democratic and Republican Town…
Read More »Town of Mendon : MURSD School Committee Clerk Vacancy
The Mendon Upton Regional School Committee is looking for a new clerk. Open Position: School Committee Clerk Duties of the Clerk (per BDB: School Committee Officers and Officials via mursd.org): - The Clerk to the School Committee is…
Read More »Town of Mendon : In-Person Early Voting Hours
In Person Early Voting hours for the September 6, 2022 State Primary. All voting will take place in the Town Clerk's office, 20 Main St. Click here to View the More Information About Town of Mendon : In-Person Early Voting…
Read More »Town of Mendon News - Board of Health Vacancy
Board of Health Vacancy There is a vacancy for the Board of Health due to a resignation. If you are interested in being appointed to this position until the next Annual Town Election 5/16/23, please send a letter of interest to the Select Board. …
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