The Holliston Historical Society

Drive through the center of Holliston and you will see elegant old homes from several periods. Walk around downtown and you will see details of stained glass windows and outbuildings. Watch a slide show of the old houses of Holliston, and you will learn the history of those homes down through the years.

On March 14 at 7:30 p.m. you can see such a slide show at the Holliston Historical Society. We will begin with a show produced for Holliston Cable Access Television in 1991, narrated by Dorothy Rees. Some of the slides are historic photos converted to slides and others are photos taken during the mid 20th century by Fred Cole. Fred had stories to tell; Dorothy researched others, and Joanne Hulbert, Town Historian, will add some that she has uncovered.

Imagine the Littlefield Tavern with its moveable walls opened to make a ballroom. Learn about the Batchelder home—George Batchelder developed a cranberry variety named Holliston. Its root stock is stored at the Cranberry Station in Wareham to this day.  And see the Historical Society in its original location without porches.

If you live in an old house, you may learn something about your property. If you are just curious about these houses, like many of us are, please join us March 14. And bring a guest to introduce new people to the wealth of knowledge and the fun people that are part of the Historical Society.

There is no charge for this show, but we do ask for donations to help us preserve the historical collections (clothes, tools, photos, artifacts, letters, paintings and more) that we have of Holliston’s past.  

            The 8th annual Train Show on Saturday and Sunday, February 18 and 19 from 10 AM to 4 PM both days will feature expanded displays in a NEW venue: Upper Town Hall, 703 Washington Street, Holliston.

            Coastal Mountain Railroad returns with an award-winning HO scale modular layout. The scenery is carefully detailed and captures an active branch line set in New England during the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. Using the latest technology, three to four trains are operated simultaneously to move a variety of freight and passenger traffic around the layout.

            Brass Caboose will afford a hands-on opportunity for young ones with a greatly expanded G scale display featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and other trains. A working N scale layout will be given away in a drawing at the end of the weekend.

            The Waushakum Live Steamers, who operate scale steam locomotives on an outdoor track at their 16-acre Holliston location, will offer close-up views of scale steam locomotives.

            Catering will be provided by The Fairview at Pinecrest. Admission: $3 (under age 5 free); max per family $15.