Reading, Massachusetts, pronounced like “red-ing,” is a charming town nestled in Middlesex County, approximately 16 miles north of central Boston. This historic New England community boasts a deep and captivating history, from its foundational colonial days to its evolution into a thriving modern suburb.
The story of Reading, Massachusetts begins in the 1630s with the arrival of the original Massachusetts settlers and the establishment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. By 1639, citizens from nearby Lynn petitioned the colonial government for a “place for an inland plantation.” This request led to an initial grant of six square miles, later expanded by an additional four. The very first settlement within this grant was known as “Lynn Village,” strategically located on the picturesque south shore of Lake Quannapowitt. On June 10, 1644, this burgeoning settlement was officially incorporated by the House of Deputies as the Town of Reading, deriving its distinguished name from Reading, England.
The Early Foundations of Reading
Colonial Origins and Community Shaping
Soon after its formal incorporation, the first church was organized in Reading, becoming a central pillar of the new community. This led to the formation of the first parish, which would later be known as South Reading before its eventual transformation into the Town of Wakefield in 1868. Further expansion occurred in 1651 when a special grant added land north of the Ipswich River to Reading. This northern territory eventually formed the separate Town of North Reading in 1853, highlighting the dynamic growth and division of early colonial settlements.
A significant figure in Reading’s early development was John Parker, one of the town’s esteemed founders. Parker was instrumental in establishing the 12th Congregational Church, now recognized as the First Parish Congregational Church, where he served as a devout deacon. Beyond his ecclesiastical contributions, Parker was a dedicated civic leader, holding various crucial roles including selectman, constable, and judicial commissioner, underscoring his deep commitment to the nascent town’s governance and welfare.
Echoes of the Witchcraft Trials in Reading
The Salem Witch Hunts and Local Accusations
The dark period of the Salem witch hunts in 1692 did not bypass Reading, Massachusetts. Several town residents found themselves accused of witchcraft, including multiple members of the prominent Dustin family. The first to face arrest was Lydia Dustin, a widow. Despite being found not guilty and never undergoing a trial, Lydia Dustin tragically succumbed to her fate in prison before her release. Her daughters, Sarah Duston and Mary Colson, were subsequently arrested on similar charges. A warrant was also issued for her granddaughter, Elizabeth Colson, though she managed to elude capture, with Constable John Parker reporting her escape and probable departure to Boston to flee the country. Other notable figures from Reading accused during this tumultuous time included Mary Harrington Taylor, Jane Lilly, and Sarah Davis Rice. Crucially, no individual from Reading was ultimately found guilty of witchcraft, a testament to the community’s eventual discernment, despite the widespread hysteria.
Enduring Landmarks and Revolutionary Spirit
The Historic Parker Tavern: A Glimpse into the Past
In 1694, Abraham Bryant, a local farmer and blacksmith, constructed what would become the Parker Tavern, an enduring architectural gem in Reading, Massachusetts. Shortly after its completion, Bryant, alongside Ephraim Parker, began operating a tavern on the premises, serving as a vital social and commercial hub for the burgeoning town. The distinctive saltbox-style building remained under the ownership of Bryant’s heirs until the 1730s, after which it changed hands several times. In 1923, the Reading Antiquarian Society acquired the historic property, meticulously preserving it. Today, the Parker Tavern stands proudly as the oldest structure in Reading, functioning as a captivating museum that offers visitors a tangible connection to the town’s rich past.
Reading’s Role in the American Revolution
Years later, as the stirrings of independence began to sweep across the colonies, many brave men from Reading played an exceptionally active and vital role in the American Revolution. Their contributions to the cause of liberty underscore the town’s commitment to the foundational principles that shaped the United States.
Industrial Growth and Shifting Landscapes
Transportation Advancements and Economic Diversification
The 19th century brought significant advancements and economic transformation to Reading. In 1806, the construction of the Andover-Medford Turnpike commenced, providing citizens with a much-improved and more direct route to Boston. This critical thoroughfare is now recognized as Massachusetts Route 28. Following this infrastructure development, Reading experienced a period of industrial growth, with several factories establishing operations within the town. Notable examples include Sylvester Harnden’s furniture factory, Daniel Pratt’s clock factory, and Samuel Pierce’s organ pipe factory. The arrival of the Boston and Maine Railroad in 1845 further enhanced Reading’s connectivity, significantly improving access to Boston and lucrative southern markets, thereby fostering even greater industrial and commercial expansion.
The mid-19th century saw the continued diversification of Reading’s manufacturing base. The town became home to numerous establishments specializing in chairs and cabinets, with thirteen such businesses thriving. Additionally, factories producing shoes and neckties emerged, reflecting a dynamic and expanding local economy that provided employment and prosperity to its residents.
Reading During the Civil War Era
During the tumultuous years of the American Civil War, Reading, Massachusetts demonstrated unwavering patriotism and sacrifice. A total of 411 men from the town bravely enlisted to fight for the Union cause. The conflict, however, came at a heavy cost; 15 of these soldiers died in action, and another 33 succumbed to wounds or sickness. Today, a solemn memorial honoring these courageous men stands as a poignant tribute in the Laurel Hill Cemetery. In the aftermath of the war, the southern markets that had been crucial for many of Reading’s manufactured products experienced a significant decline, leading to the closure of several local factories and prompting a period of economic adjustment.
Reading in the 20th Century and Beyond
Suburbanization and Modern Identity
By the turn of the 20th century, Reading had grown considerably, with its population reaching 4,969 residents. A substantial number of these individuals commuted to Boston for work, utilizing the expanding transportation networks, including the Boston and Maine Railroad and the Eastern Massachusetts Street Railway. The subsequent decades witnessed further industrial expansion and the establishment of military installations, reflecting the broader national trends of urbanization and defense build-up.
Today, Reading, Massachusetts has beautifully evolved into a vibrant and desirable suburb of Boston. Despite its close proximity to a major metropolitan area, the town has skillfully retained its cherished small-town feel and community charm. Home to almost 25,000 people, Reading continues to balance its rich historical legacy with the conveniences and amenities of modern suburban living, making it a truly unique and appealing place to reside.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Community
From its humble beginnings as a colonial inland plantation named after its English counterpart, Reading, Massachusetts has navigated centuries of change, growth, and challenge. Its history is marked by early ecclesiastical and civic development, a unique connection to the Salem Witch Trials, steadfast patriotism during the American Revolution and Civil War, and a significant period of industrial innovation fueled by advancements in transportation. This narrative of resilience and evolution has shaped Reading into the thriving, community-oriented suburb it is today. The town stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of New England, preserving its historical essence while embracing the future.
