Walking Tour of Main Street
Part of Quaboag Plantation
1) Helen Shackley Bandstand
This Bandstand, dedicated in 1972, was given to the town by Helen Paige Shackley. Many of the best area bands have entertained large crowds here during the summer months. Town Common
2) First Congregational Church
The
Congregational Church on the Common (North Main St) traces its history back
to the first church of the Quaboag Plantation, organized in 1717. The present
building is the fourth to stand on this site. The church was partially
demolished by the 1938 hurricane. It was rebuilt and dedicated April 12,
1942.
3) West Brookfield Town Hall
This building was built in 1859 and has been used by the Post Office, the Library, a General Store, and an Insurance Agency, and the Catholic Church. The cupola was restored in 1994 and renovated in 1997. Center of Town
4) Merriam-Gilbert Library
In 1880, Charles Merriam built, furnished, and gave the library to the town. In 1960, Helen Gilbert left her estate to the library, since then known as the Merriam-Gilbert Library. Center of Town
5) George Whitefield United Methodist Church
This church was bought in Templeton, dismantled and moved to town in 1859. A bell was added in 1878. It was remodeled and an "E. & G.G. Hook" organ installed in 1885. The West Warren Methodist Church merged in 1996 with the West Brookfield Church. West Main Street
6) Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church
Father Murphy of the Brookfield Parish was responsible for the building of this church in 1889. It remained a mission until June 5, 1950 when it was designated a parish and Father Michael Shea served as the first pastor. Bishop Harrington rededicated the church on July 14, 1985. Corner of West Main and Milk Street
7) Ye Olde Tavern
Ye
Olde Tavern. Built in 1760, was a center of colonial life in Massachusetts.
The tavern was located on the Olde Bay Path, where sped
the stages between Boston and Albany. George Washington was a guest in 1789
and James Adams came in 1799. Some 238 years later, Ye Olde Tavern is still
extending hospitality. East Main Street near the Center of Town
8) Rice Memorial Fountain
This fountain, built in the center of the common, was given to the Town by George M. Rice in memory of his parents in 1886. In 1938 the "Lady Atop the Fountain" was destroyed in a hurricane and was restored in 1985 by J. Irving England. On the Town Common
9) Ben Franklin Markers
These markers were placed at one mile intervals on three routes between Boston and New York in 1753. They were used by letter carriers to determine the postage rates which were based on mileage in those times. One is on the Town Common on Route 9.