About Our Town

Our Autonomy
On March 23, 1920 the Massachusetts Senate passed a bill, which was signed into law the following day by Governor Calvin Coolidge formalizing the separation and incorporation of East Brookfield. Being the youngest, our town became known as the “Baby Town of the Commonwealth”, yet ironically it was once the industrial center of one of the oldest and largest settlements within the commonwealth.
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Our History
Before European settlers arrived, East Brookfield was home to the Lashaway and Quaboag Indian Tribes, who used the Seven Mile and Quaboag rivers as routes of commerce. These same routes by land later became part of the historical Baypath and Boston Post Roads.

In 1686, James Ford is the first name documented in association with the original settlement, Quaboag Plantation, later the town of Brookfield. It is possible that Mr. Ford may have been part of a small group of pioneer settlers that chose this area because of its fertile land and abundant water supply. Although there were many turbulent times due to sickness and Indian hostilities, Quaboag Plantation prospered. In 1673 a significant portion of the plantation became the town of Brookfield, which then included the villages of West Brookfield, North Brookfield, East Brookfield and Podunk.

The early 1700s were a period of industrial expansion for our eastern township. This included the establishment of a series of mills along the Five Mile and Seven Mile rivers. In 1738 inhabitants of the village of Podunk, a southern portion of East Brookfield, submitted the first of a number of petitions for separation from Brookfield. This petition was denied. Nevertheless, the village of East Brookfield was on its way to becoming an independent center of industrial activity and part of the great Industrial Revolution that swept Northeast America during the 1800s.

The Western Railroad arrived in East Brookfield in 1839, contributing greatly to its industrial expansion, as it connected our town to the major cities of Worcester and Springfield with connections to Boston. Another form of railway transportation also serviced East Brookfield. In 1896 the Warren, Brookfield and Spencer Street Railway Company began service through our town. Trolley service expanded in 1901 with the Worcester, Brookfield and Spencer Street Railway Company. Industries such as textile, shoes, pottery, brick, cast iron and steel tools, bicycles and carriage wheels all benefited greatly from the railroads. In addition, a small group of enterprising officials from the street railway company purchased land on Lake Lashaway to create Lashaway Park for the summer amusement of people from the city.

Many residents of East Brookfield contributed to the development and success of our community. A small group of notable families and individuals gained recognition beyond our borders. Warren Tarbell moved to East Brookfield as a businessman and became very active in local and state politics. Mr. Tarbell eventually became a State Senator for Worcester and Hamden Counties and was instrumental in the separation and incorporation of East Brookfield. The Plimpton family contributed with numerous innovations. James L Plimpton revolutionized the design of roller skates and the sport of roller-skating. Henry Plimpton incorporated the use of ball and roller bearings for specific applications such as carriage wheels. In addition, Henry Plimpton was the first in this area to install electricity in his home through the assistance of his friend Thomas Edison. Our most noted citizen was Connie Mack (Cornelius McGillicuddy), “The Grand Old Man of Baseball”. Mr. Mack transformed major league baseball yet he was widely known for his accomplishments as the highly successful manager, and owner of the Philadelphia Athletics, (presently the Oakland A’s). The “Tall Tactician”, as known by fans and colleagues, became the oldest and most victorious manager in the major leagues with a managing career spanning nearly 50 years.

Our Town Today
Nineteen twenty-nine marked a turning point for East Brookfield as industry felt the effects of the Great Depression. This began the transformation of an industrial center to a residential community. The Hurricane of 1938 and the Flood of 1955 also contributed as they forced some businesses to close permanently. Although some companies continued to flourish and develop into the 1970s, a steady transformation was taking place with perhaps the first housing development started in early 1939 along North Brookfield Road.

Today our town’s expansive woodlands and rural character attract many people who wish to live in a small country town but have easy commuting access to major metropolitan areas. Primarily a bedroom community, East Brookfield offers a friendly, safe close-knit environment with strong family and civic values. Largely residential, our town consists mainly of New England style single-family homes, some with historic significance, and boasts a diverse collection of small businesses and family restaurants. The residents of East Brookfield enjoy the services of a first rate Police, Fire, Highway and Water departments as well as an excellent Library and school system. In addition, many popular community activities are offered throughout the year.

For More History of Our Town

Visit the Town Library and ask for the book
"History of East Brookfield Massachusetts" – Louis E. Roy MD

Check out our Then and Now portion of the Website.

Facts

Location

• -72.04722 Longitude, 42.22778 Latitude, located along Route 9 approximately 14 miles west of Worcester and 36 miles east of Springfield.
• Approximately one-hour drive to three major airports; Boston-Logan, TF Greene and Bradley International.
• Interstate 90 (Massachusetts Turnpike) and Interstate 84 are accessible in Sturbridge, approximately 10 minutes south.
  

Schools

East Brookfield is a member of the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District
East Brookfield Elementary School
Knox Trail Junior High School
David Prouty High School

Churches

Catholic
St. John the Baptist
North Brookfield Road (508)-867-5334

Baptist
East Brookfield Baptist Church
Main Street (508)-867-7725

Youth Camps

Camp Atwater – North Brookfield

Camp Frank A. Day

Recreational Activities

With our vast woodlands, rivers, ponds and lakes our town ranks high on the timeless outdoor activities available. East Brookfield shares the town beach at Lake Lashaway with the town of North Brookfield.

Parks and Recreation Committee
Memorial Town Complex (508)-867-3832

Children’s Activity Groups

Boy Scouts of America
Mohegan Council
Worcester MA (508) -752-3769

Girl Scouts of the USA
Montachusett Girl Scout Council
Worcester MA (508) – 853-1070

Massachusetts 4-H
UMass Extension Service
Amherst MA (413) – 545-4800

Museums
East Brookfield Historical Commission
108 School Street
Open to the public, monthly.

Library
East Brookfield Town Library
Memorial Town Complex
122 Connie Mack Drive (508)-867-7928

Cemeteries
East Brookfield Cemetery Commission
Evergreen Cemetery – Evergreen Street
Podunk Cemetery – Podunk Road

Written by Lawrence Gordon
Credits:
History of East Brookfield Massachusetts – Louis E. Roy MD
East Brookfield Historical Commission
Mass.gov