Avon Town History Continued

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.