“Did You Know That…” you are reading my 458th published post? And, I have some wonderful drafts of previous adventures that I should finish. Recently I have not been out for overnight travels – not sure totally why, but evenings and nights in AYU have somewhat taken over. Also I do spend time reviewing old trips, and thinking and researching short day hops. Of late I have done some rejuvenating with day outings, finishing with dinner and home early evening. The past week in looking at my Massachusetts map I realized there was a “Dead Zone” on Massachusetts Route 2A (Route 2 runs from Boston to the NY border) that I don’t have a need to traverse (and could not recall in much detail), so as Gary and I often do, it was time for “Filling in the Map.”

My Route 2A, and 2, “Dead Zone” is from Gardner west to Turners Falls. Coming back from my son’s homes on Route 2, I exit at Gardner and head north to Keene. If going south to Turners Falls and Deerfield I will head down Route 10 from Northfield. Below I marked up a Massachusetts map for you to follow (click to enlarge). Unlike with VT and NH maps, Massachusetts maps are hard to obtain, and I request on-line for the state to send me two at a time.

I worked my way down through Baldwinville and Otter River to East Templeton where I picked up 2A and headed east stopping first at the Common in Templeton, founded in 1762, first laid out in 1733. Initially agrarian, paper making and other water powered industries began in the early 1800s (in the now Baldwinville area of Templeton) powered by the local river.

As I began to realize later, several spots I explored today I had crossed on other roads while exploring. To the right of the Common below, on the north side of 2A is an amazing old hotel/inn now serving as apartments – I remembered it.

Continuing west, I saw the sign for Phillipston off to the south. Population about 1750, “Rural and remote, Phillipston is marked by forests, winding roads and historic stonewalls; it serves as the northern entrance to the Quabbin Reservoir. Its one village – the historic town center – is comprised of a town common…” Behind me from where I took this image is the Town Hall.

Heading back to 2A, just off the Commons is this home — I could live here. Many more great residences in the area. So, do side trip down to the village.

Athol was next. When I head down from Keene on Route 32 to Petersham, Barre and eventually OSV, I pass through Athol, but this time stopping at the Common below.

with this great sign, and I saw others while driving west to “downtown” which is west of where Route 32 continues north.

An early industrial town, the massive Sterrett Company (tool manufactures) is next, then the old style small city with traditional early 20th century commercial architecture. To the south on the hill above the Main Street is the old train station.

I then passed through Orange, finally placing it as well. When I travel back up the west side of the Quabbin Reservoir on Route 122, I would stop at antique shops here – now boarded up. Then a tad to the west I would head north on Route 78 to Warwick, Mass., and eventually into Winchendon, NH.

BUT, do not miss the small sign a ways out of Orange indicating Wendell off to the left. Crossing the railroad tracks there was an old store or depot being fixed. Is this the town? Not sure I continued up a winding twisty and wooded road, finally being rewarded at the Wendell Common with historical society below – old meeting house, library and Town Hall, and yes, a few homes. With a population of 924 in 2020, this area is considered part of the Springfield metropolitan area (hey that is what it says on-line). The feature of the area is the Wendell State Forest which covers 7,566 acres of rolling forested hills, streams, ponds, and trails. 

Below the meeting house up close, and across the Common (Town Hall behind me at this point) – do click to enlarge images.

continuing west I felt like I was on a rural upstate Vermont or New Hampshire road, but soon realized I had probably on this stretch, unless only coming from the west to the FREIGHT HOUSE ANTIQUES in Erving – also with s small lunch counter. Second time in a week while out and about have I seen signs like the below which says – “The World is Short Staffed. Please be Kind to Those of Us Who Showed Up”. Hey, it was about 3 pm – when on the road I sometimes have weird meal times, but sat down and had a Greek Salad Wrap.

My original plan for the day was to turn into Turners Falls and head down to “play” in the Deerfield area, and then conclude the day with dinner in Bernardston. But with a late lunch, and a favorite stop closed Tuesday (did not realize that) I was ahead of schedule at 4 pm. So, I headed back home, buying groceries in Keene on the way (that was the plan).

Prompting this exploration was a book in my library — North of Quabbin Revisited : A Guide to Nine Massachusetts Towns North of Quabbin Reservoir by Allen Young. I have other books on the Quabbin Reservoir, and have shared some adventures there at the remaining towns and museum areas.

RAY RECOMMENDS:
Learn about the Quabbin area, and then explore these small unique towns, but just an hour away, but make a day out of it.

BONUS – Finally — I CANNOT WIN – now 13 August — getting read for lunch today, I get TV started on porch to watch the noon news — bring glass of water in — and all is well. Bring my lunch plate out, and I HAVE A VISITOR… whether a newcomer, or a left over from days ago (but that one should be dead by now) there he/she was

I have had them on porch screens (inside) before but maybe the new ultrasonic device I bought (thanks to recent increased visitations) drove she/he out this way — well, get container with top, place container over my mammal friend, slide cover underneath — couple squeaks while I head outside, toss container and she/he flew away.

Who is next? Life has been easier — stay well, and watch out for black flying mammals – RAY