|
Avon History cont'd
In 1736, and again 1737 and
1738, the residents of East Stoughton (present day Avon) were unhappy due
to the isolation from Old Stoughton Centre. They suffered remoteness
from the great distances needed to travel for worship. This issue
simmered for years as the began the long process of petitioning
independence.
The petition began
with communication sent to town officials explaining the conditions of
terrain which separated them from their townsmen presented a special
hardship.
"We live on a Gore
of Land that Lys Between Bridgewater and Braintree but in the township of
Stoughton . . . ware we are Deprived of any tow prevelege by Reson of a
Grate Sedar Swamp and other Swamps & a River & Hills of Rocks that
Cut this Gore of Land that We Live on off from the Towne of
Stoughton. And if it were so that We could pass the nearest Way
throw them Swamps & Hills it is seven mils So that we are
deprived of any Preveledg of the towne scoole and all most Every preveledg
that belongs to towne inhabitants."
In July 1741, the
petitioners took the matter up with the House of Representatives.
The House dismissed the petition almost immediately. The issue
stayed alive up until the time of the American Revolution.
This small re-cap
of Avon's History was found in your local library. I encourage all
ages to visit the library and learn about the history of your community,
people, and wonderful town of Avon.
I would like to
thank William F. Hanna and his great book titled A History of Avon,
Massachusetts 1720-1988. This is just one of many excellent
books you can find on Avon's rich history.
|
