In 1838, a First Universalist Society organized in New Boston (as South Lancaster was known) and a brick church was built near Bennett Lane across from the junction of Sterling Road and Main Street. After Clinton incorporated in 1850, the group disbanded and, in 1858, the building was sold and relocated to what was then the State Industrial School for Girls for use as a chapel. It is still on the grounds today.
Pictured is the Fred A. Hanaford Store and Post Office, which was located near Prescott and Main Streets in South Lancaster. In earlier times, the establishment had been run by Henry F. Hosmer. When Atlantic Union College expanded its program in the 1920s, the building was moved to the campus and was used as a woodworking shop. The structure burned on April 27, 1944.
Although the garrison houses of the early settlers are long gone, the sites for some of them can be identified throughout the town. They are as follows: Cyprian Steven's on Center Bridge Road, Rev. Joseph Rowlandson's on Main Street, Thomas Sawyer's on Main Street in South Lancaster, Ephraim Roper's on George Hill Road at Langen Road, and Capt. Peter Joslyn's on Main Street toward North Lancaster. Pictured here is the Rowlandson garrison site.
The General John Whiting House, c. 1775, is on North Main Street across from Creamery Road. Whiting, who died in 1810, served through the Revolutionary War. He was lieutenant colonel of the 4th U.S. Infantry and held a commission as brigadier general in the militia. This view shows the house with a porch and barn, which have both been removed since. Whiting is buried in the Middle Cemetery.
The George Carter residence was built in the 1820s. Facing south, it is located near Barnes Court and Main Street in Lancaster Center. Carter was one of the partners in the successful Carter and Andrews firm, which was established in Lancaster in the early 19th century.
An 1890s photograph shows the George A. Parker (1822-1887) residence, which is no longer standing. It was located on Sterling Road near the Deershorn Road intersection. The well-respected Parker was an accomplished civil engineer who, among other things, acted as superintendent of military railroads at the request of Secretary Stanton during the Civil War.
Frank Gould's Apothecary Shop was located in Lancaster Center. Located on the site of the A.L. Safford Store and Post Office (which burned down in 1913), it was built by Col. John E. Thayer, who wanted to ensure an architecturally pleasing building. Equipped with a marble soda fountain, it later became the Poplar Sweet Shoppe, so named for the row of poplar trees just to the north of the building. The elaborate white fencing was subsequently moved to the late Herbert Hosmer's property on East George Hill Road in South Lancaster. Note the trolley tracks running along Main Street.
The H. F. Hosmer Store and Post Office was located n the Main Street in South Lancaster. Hosmer opened his store in 1879 and was appointed as South Lancaster postmaster in 1881.
This large Neck Road home was built by wealthy Armenian-born rug merchant Hagop Bogigian (1856-1931), who is said to have been the first native importer of Oriental goods in America. The estate, which he maintained from 1905 until his death, originally included an 80-acre tract of land with a formal garden, pond, and orchard. Considered an authority on issues relating to Armenian emigration from Turkey, Bogigian was instrumental in helping many of his fellow countrymen gain entrance to America.
This brochure shows the former Hawkins Hen Yards, located on the Neck Road, as they looked in the late 19th century. In 1895, the Riverview Poultry Yards, run by Arthur C. Hawkins, was described as "the largest and most successful poultry establishment in the world." Hawkins, who specialized in raising silver and white Wyandottes, won many awards for his exceptional poultry.
This 19th-century estate, located on Sterling Road toward the Deershorn area, was the residence of the Honorable Herbert Parker (1856-1939). A son of civil engineer George A. Parker, he was a prominent trial lawyer and also served as an attorney general for the state of Massachusetts. Having a great interest in the migration of birds, he built an extensive aviary behind his estate. The property is currently owned by Edmond Plante.
Thurston, who lived in Lancaster during the 19th century, was said to have kept the largest store in the county. Known as a man of superior ability, he excelled in business and was very active in community affairs. He held many town offices and served as a member of the general court. The house is presently located on Kilbourn Street. This view shows the residence as it looked in 1894.