8 Comments

Field trip!

Expand full comment

My guess is that it was the Souhegan River passing under Ashby Rd. I'd like to learn more about the Gibsons of New Ipswich. The first Gibson in the area was Isaac Gibson,1721-1797, a 7th great uncle, (his brother being a 6gr-grandfather), who was one of the earliest settlers of Fitchburg. "A Patriot of the American Revolution for MASSACHUSETTS with the rank of PRIVATE. DAR Ancestor # A044771

He was a very large man; one day while searching for his cattle on Pearl Hill he came across a you bear cub and started to carry it home. The old mother bear followed Mr. Gibson, not wanting to allow her offspring to be carried off with impunity.Overtaking him, she at once proceeded to obtain possession of her young. Not to be outdone, Mr. Gibson, without weapon of any kind, closed with the bear and the two of them went rolling down the hill. The prodigious strength of Mr. Gibson finallyovercame the bear and he, with torn and tattered garments and flesh, recovered the cub and carried it home. Daughters of American Revolution: "was a minute man at the Lexington Alarm. He also gave valuable civil service."

Expand full comment

I suspected it might be Ashby road, but that construction would never have lasted. Thanks for the bear story.

Expand full comment

Ashby Road. Joe Thomas built a diving board on the north side in the late 60's.

Expand full comment

Imagine how much fun that would be on a hot day.

Expand full comment

that was the bridge on Ashby road, I watched Leo Lehtonen dive off it in about 2 and a half feet of water. People drove into the water on the other side and washed there cars in the brook.

Expand full comment

Where was the sawmill?

Expand full comment

Charles Wheeler was the proprietor of the sawmill in Smithvillage. His son Edward and his wife Ida were my neighbors here in Smithvillage

Expand full comment