Abington, Massachusetts: An Unassuming Town with a Fascinating History

As someone who grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts, I have naturally been fascinated by the history of the South Shore area. When I moved to Abington eight years ago, I was struck by the town's unique character and its deep connection to its past. My desire to learn more about my new South Shore community led me to join the Abington Historical Commission for a few years. Later, my first school library-based position was under one of the best school librarians I know at the co-located Abington Middle High School. Needless to say, despite my devout Quincy roots, I have grown to love this town and exploring its outdoor spaces.

Abington may be a small town, but it has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The craftsmen bungalow house that I currently live in was built in 1890, during the heyday of Abington's shoe industry, and likely housed a local worker and their family. As I have gotten to know the town better, I have come to appreciate the role it played in the American Industrial Revolution more broadly and its ongoing evolution into a thriving community. I am excited to share some of the stories and facts that I have learned about Abington's history and its place in modern-day Massachusetts with you.

Abington, originally part of neighboring Bridgewater, was settled in 1668 and incorporated as a separate town in 1712. Abington played an important role in the Industrial Revolution, as its abundant water resources powered numerous mills and factories. Today, Abington is a thriving community with a mix of residential and commercial areas, as well as a rich cultural heritage and some beautiful outdoor spaces. In this blog post, we will begin our exploration of Abington and its fascinating history and evolution into the South Shore town it is today.

Me, enjoying an adventure in Ames Nowell State Park.

Ames Nowell State Park is a beautiful and scenic park located in Abington. The park is named after two prominent families in Abington's history, the Ames and Nowell families, who were instrumental in shaping the town's economy during the Industrial Revolution. The park boasts a large freshwater lake, surrounded by lush forested areas, offering visitors a range of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and picnicking. In addition to its natural beauty, the park has a rich history, and visitors can explore remnants of the old mill sites and other historical sites within the park. Ames Nowell State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

That's me relaxing on a hike through Thompson Pond Trail.

Griffin Dairy Farm is another must-see location in Abington. This former dairy farm is now a public park with walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, a transformation that took place during my short stint on the Abington Historical Commission. The park has preserved the history of the Griffin family's dairy farm, and visitors can learn about the dairy industry's significant impact on the town's economy in the 19th and 20th centuries. Another small park near Griffin Dairy Farm is the Thompson Pond Trail, near the border of Rockland. This is a quiet and scenic hiking trail that winds through peaceful woods and offers beautiful views of the adjacent pond. The land was once part of the Naval Air Station South in Weymouth, and the pond is manmade, created to help restore the area's former natural wetlands.

That's me on another adventure, this time in the woods at Island Grove Park.

Abington has several landmarks that reflect its rich history and cultural heritage. One such landmark is Island Grove, a park that was established in the late 19th century and has since become a popular recreational destination for locals. The park is known for its scenic beauty and tall pine trees, featuring a large pond, wooded areas, and quiet walking paths, but Island Grove Park was also an important location for the abolitionist movement. Many notable speakers, including Frederick Douglass, met with other abolitionists and delivered speeches in the woods during the 19th century.

Another notable landmark is the Dyer Memorial Library, which was established in the early 20th century as a tribute to a local businessman and philanthropist. Today, the Dyer Memorial Library's collections include historical materials related to the town's past, genealogy records, and contemporary works. The library is a testament to Abington's commitment to education and culture, and it remains an important institution in the town to this day. These and other historical landmarks make Abington a fascinating place to explore and a testament to the town's enduring legacy.

Abington in the Industrial Revolution: Let There Be Railroads and Shoes

It was during the Industrial Revolution that the town's economy experienced significant growth and development. The town's abundant natural resources, including water power from the Monatiquot River, played a crucial role in the growth of its manufacturing industry. Abington's manufacturing industry began to take off in the early 19th century, with the production of shoes, machinery, and textiles. The town's first cotton mill was established in 1806, and by the mid-1800s, Abington had become a major center for shoe production. In fact, by the late 1800s, Abington was home to more shoe factories than any other town in the United States.

The growth of Abington's manufacturing industry during the Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to the town's economy. It brought an influx of workers into the town, creating new job opportunities and increasing the demand for housing. The town's population grew rapidly, and with it, the need for new infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and schools.

The Industrial Revolution also brought significant technological advancements to Abington. The town's abundant natural resources, such as water power, were utilized to power machinery and improve manufacturing processes. The introduction of steam power further improved manufacturing efficiency, allowing Abington's manufacturers to increase their production output.

The Crossett Shoe Factory in Abington, Massachusetts. Courtesy of The Crossett.

One of the key industries that emerged during Abington's Industrial Revolution was shoe manufacturing. The town's abundant water resources provided the power necessary to operate shoe machinery, and skilled laborers were readily available. As a result, shoe factories began to spring up throughout the town, providing employment for thousands of workers.

In addition to shoe manufacturing, Abington was also home to several other industries, including machinery production and textile manufacturing. The town's location on the Old Colony Railroad made it an ideal location for the transportation of goods to other parts of the country. The Abington Railroad was an important part of the town's history, connecting it to other parts of Massachusetts and helping to support the local economy. The railroad was built in the late 19th century, and it played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people through the area for decades. The railroad station was a hub of activity in Abington, serving as a gathering place for locals and providing a connection to the outside world.

An old postcard depicting the North Abington rail station, courtesy of Wikipedia.

In the early 20th century, the railroad played a tragic role in the town's history when a deadly accident occurred at the station, resulting in the loss of many lives. The deadly labor conflict, known as the Abington Riot, occurred on September 5, 1883. A labor dispute between the Boston and Maine Railroad Company and their workers, who were members of the Knights of Labor, turned violent when the company brought in replacement workers. The strikers attempted to stop the train carrying the replacement workers, leading to a violent clash with the company's police force. Shots were fired and several workers were killed or injured. The incident brought national attention to the ongoing labor disputes of the time and helped to strengthen the labor movement. The Abington Riot is now recognized as an important event in the history of labor and workers' rights. Today, the railroad is no longer in operation, but it remains an important part of Abington's past and a reminder of the town's connection to the wider world.

Despite the growth and prosperity brought about by the Industrial Revolution, Abington's manufacturing industry faced significant challenges in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Competition from other regions of the country, particularly the South, and the introduction of new manufacturing technologies led to the decline of Abington's manufacturing industry.

Today, Abington is a thriving community that I am happy to explore and be part of. Although I do wish there were more things like adorable coffee shops (looking at you, Restoration) and more restaurant and retail options in general, I do have to say there is something appealing about the town that makes me want to stay. I know that part of that is the town's historical significance. While the town's manufacturing industry may no longer be the driving force of its economy, its legacy lives on and is reflected in the architecture and sites around town.

I hope this brief glimpse into Abington's rich history has piqued your interest and encouraged you to explore more about the town's past. I'm excited to continue sharing more about this town's history with you in future posts. I'm particularly looking forward to exploring Island Grove's significance and how it played an important role in the abolitionist movement.

Thanks for reading! Keep learning and discovering the fascinating stories that shaped the communities we call home.

That's me, the day I learned I got the job at Abington Middle High School.

Additional Abington History Resources

• "The Evolution of Abington Over 300 Years" by Erin Shannon (The Enterprise, 9 June 2012)
• Remembering Old Abington: The Collected Writings of Martha Campbell by Donald Cann and John J. Gaulluzzo
• Read up on your Abington history in general and learn more about the Abington Riot.
• Look up historic sites and buildings in the town on MACRIS, the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System hosted by the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
• Learn more about the Dyer Memorial Library and its collections.
• Head over to The Crossett website to learn more about the company's history.
• Read up on the history of the Thompson Pond Trail area.
• Visit the Island Grove Park website.
• Learn more about Ames Nowell State Park.
• Read about the historic North Abington rail station.
• Learn more about finding and visiting Griffin Dairy Farm park.