Angle Tree Stone, a historic boundry marker
The stone replaced the "Angle Tree" from the 17th century, which was a surveying landmark for the boundary between Bristol and Norfolk counties, and also between North Attleborough and Plainville, Massachusetts
The Whiting and Davis Company newsletter, as printed by the employees. Whiting and Davis was a company which metal mesh fabric and turned that into jewelry, handbags and fashion items. whitinganddavisbags.com has examples of modern items and a history of the company
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"A committee on the Town By-laws brought in a report concerning the Town Seal for Plainville at a special town meeting in 1906. The committee had an elaborate design with the New Town Hall building in the center of it. The voters were about to accept the design as the Official Seal of the town when Mr. James Shannon, the town clerk, arose and proposed a simpler design. He said nothing could be more meaningful or more beautiful than making use of the historic Angle Tree Stone Monument as the emblem to occupy the center of the seal. After explaining it at some length, he submitted his idea in place of the committee's. It was voted that the seal submitted by the town clerk be adopted and further improved by giving more prominence to the word "Plainville" and less prominence to the word "Wrentham". " (Bowmar, ibid)
For information prior to 1905 please visit the Wrentham Historical Collection at the Fiske Public Library
For information after 1905 please contact the Plainville Historical Commission at 508-699-2082 Plainville Cemeteries1. Plainville Cemetery, West Bacon St. Dates back to 1851.
2. Ye Old Burying Ground, West Bacon St. Dates back to 1808 3. Shepherdville Cemetery, Taunton St. For Obituaries the local daily paper is The Sun Chronicle, Attleboro, MA. You can contact the Attleboro Public Library as they have the full complement of the newspaper on microfilm. Bliss Union ChapelThe Bliss Union Chapel building dates back to 1871. It was designated as a school on a 1876 map. It continued to be a school until 1907 when the Town of Plainville opened up a new school in the center of Plainville. After closing the school, Mr. Bliss gave the building to the community with the stipulation that at least one religious service be held there each year by some visiting clergyman.
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Railroading in Plainville
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"Reminiscences of Rail Transportation in Regional Area" by George W. Prance as printed in the Regional Recorder, March 16, 1965 [pdf]
Plainville figures very prominently in the story of the rail transportation which was all important to the area towns north and south of here enroute to wither Boston or Providence. [read the whole article by clicking above] "Last Train Leaves Station Unhonored", July 18, 1938 The last train on the Old Wrentham Branch left the High Street station Saturday night "unhonored and unsung." Not a single soul was in the yard as the engineer gave the final toot on the whistle and waved a good-bye to an imaginary crows just for old time's sake. North Attleboro accepted the passing of its railroad service with indifference and obvious lack of sympathy. The branch line had been little patronized in recent years, the busses having superseded the train as the popular mode of transportation. Consequently there seemed to be no bonds of affections between the present generation and the old iron horse. Representative Frank Kelley was concerned over the elimination of the service, as he believes that eventually it will hurt industry and affect disadvantageously all the people in the district. He continued his efforts to save the branch line Saturday morning supporting legislative order to have the entire matter investigated. "Railroad Station Being Razed", The Sun Chronicle, June 15, 1940 [pdf] The Plainville station of the N. Y. N. H. & H. Railway which has been closed for the past few years, is being razed and within a few days will be no more. [read the whole article by clicking above] |
West Bacon Street Map from New York new Haven Railroad
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Community Description
Plainville is a characteristically rural community though it has been part of a steadily expanding suburban growth between Boston and Providence for many years. Plainville is situated 14 miles from Providence and 30 miles from Boston, and forms the southwest border of Norfolk County. Plainville is bordered by Foxboro to the east, North Attleboro to the south, Cumberland, Rhode Island to the west and Wrentham to the north. Plainville is 11.1 square miles or woodlands and commercial area with .5 square miles of water with three major river basins, two lakes and many ponds and streams, which contribute to scattered wetland areas.
Plainville’s population according to the 2010 census is 8264; a 7.56% increase in ten years. Plainville was one of the 5 highest growth towns in Norfolk County in the last ten years. The current population is 94% White (down from 96% in 2000), 3% Asian (inc. Asian Indian), 1.9% Latino, and 1% Black. Twenty five percent of the population is under age 25. Twelve percent of the population is over the age of 65. There are 3,296 households in Plainville, of which 76% own their homes and 24% rent. Fifty One percent of the population stays in Plainville for over 5 years. There is about 12% turnover each year. The median household income in Plainville is $81,955
Well over half of the population over the age of 25 has a college degree or at least some college. Over 94% of those who commute to work drive alone with an average commute time of 24 minutes. The unemployment rate is 8%. Nearly 4% of the population lives below the poverty line.
The town of Plainville is served by two elementary schools: the Anna Ware Jackson for grades K – 3 and the Beatrice H. Wood for grades 4-6. The King Philip Regional school system houses grades 7-12 at two schools located in Norfolk and Wrentham. There are a total of 711 local students; 424 at het Jackson and 287 at the Wood [2018]. Then the students move on to the Regional School District, where there are a total of 729 in grades 7 and 8, and 1,295 in High School [2018]. Students also attend Norfolk Aggie, Tri County Regional Vocational Technical, Foxboro Regional Charter, Benjamin Franklin Charter, Bishop Feehan and St. Mary’s Sacred Heart.
The town has a very vibrant and recently built Senior Center with many programs and events for seniors. The New Town Hall and Public Safety Buildings opened in 2019. The town does have a website for town information
There is a newer retail area at the junction of routes 495 and 1, along with the horse racetrack and casino. The downtown area saw the opening of An Unlikely Story bookstore in 2015, and the addition of parking lots nearby shortly after. There has been considerable build up in recent years along routes 106 and 152 featuring many small businesses and retail operations. But the town is still haunted by the possibility of toxic materials from the landfill and old Engelhard plant. Sources of water and pump stations continue to be a source of worry as well, as the quantity does not allow for maximum build out at this time.
Plainville’s population according to the 2010 census is 8264; a 7.56% increase in ten years. Plainville was one of the 5 highest growth towns in Norfolk County in the last ten years. The current population is 94% White (down from 96% in 2000), 3% Asian (inc. Asian Indian), 1.9% Latino, and 1% Black. Twenty five percent of the population is under age 25. Twelve percent of the population is over the age of 65. There are 3,296 households in Plainville, of which 76% own their homes and 24% rent. Fifty One percent of the population stays in Plainville for over 5 years. There is about 12% turnover each year. The median household income in Plainville is $81,955
Well over half of the population over the age of 25 has a college degree or at least some college. Over 94% of those who commute to work drive alone with an average commute time of 24 minutes. The unemployment rate is 8%. Nearly 4% of the population lives below the poverty line.
The town of Plainville is served by two elementary schools: the Anna Ware Jackson for grades K – 3 and the Beatrice H. Wood for grades 4-6. The King Philip Regional school system houses grades 7-12 at two schools located in Norfolk and Wrentham. There are a total of 711 local students; 424 at het Jackson and 287 at the Wood [2018]. Then the students move on to the Regional School District, where there are a total of 729 in grades 7 and 8, and 1,295 in High School [2018]. Students also attend Norfolk Aggie, Tri County Regional Vocational Technical, Foxboro Regional Charter, Benjamin Franklin Charter, Bishop Feehan and St. Mary’s Sacred Heart.
The town has a very vibrant and recently built Senior Center with many programs and events for seniors. The New Town Hall and Public Safety Buildings opened in 2019. The town does have a website for town information
There is a newer retail area at the junction of routes 495 and 1, along with the horse racetrack and casino. The downtown area saw the opening of An Unlikely Story bookstore in 2015, and the addition of parking lots nearby shortly after. There has been considerable build up in recent years along routes 106 and 152 featuring many small businesses and retail operations. But the town is still haunted by the possibility of toxic materials from the landfill and old Engelhard plant. Sources of water and pump stations continue to be a source of worry as well, as the quantity does not allow for maximum build out at this time.
Plainville - FAQ
Why was "Plainville" selected as the name of our town? - For years Wrentham referred to our community as "the plains".
Why was our community called "Slackville" in the early and mid 1800's? - Mr. Slack was the largest land owner as well as the owner of many buildings.
How did "Shepherdville" attain its name? - There were two, perhaps three, families named Shepherd. The map of 1858 shows a Shepherd St and Turnpike Lake was then called Shepherd Pond. A weaving mill and a carpet factory as well as a store were recorded on the 1876 map. The weaving mill and carpet factory were replaced by a woolen mill which we know was owned by the Shepherds. It is very possible that the other mills were also started by the Shepherds.
How did the "Ten Mile River" get it's name? - No real answer has ever been given that we know of. But perhaps it is because when ships came into port people referred to coming 5 miles or 3 miles or 10 miles to a river. So perhaps merchants began referring to the rivers as such.
Who was Anna Ware Jackson? - She was a teacher for 53 years of which 44 were spent in Plainville.
Why was our community called "Slackville" in the early and mid 1800's? - Mr. Slack was the largest land owner as well as the owner of many buildings.
How did "Shepherdville" attain its name? - There were two, perhaps three, families named Shepherd. The map of 1858 shows a Shepherd St and Turnpike Lake was then called Shepherd Pond. A weaving mill and a carpet factory as well as a store were recorded on the 1876 map. The weaving mill and carpet factory were replaced by a woolen mill which we know was owned by the Shepherds. It is very possible that the other mills were also started by the Shepherds.
How did the "Ten Mile River" get it's name? - No real answer has ever been given that we know of. But perhaps it is because when ships came into port people referred to coming 5 miles or 3 miles or 10 miles to a river. So perhaps merchants began referring to the rivers as such.
Who was Anna Ware Jackson? - She was a teacher for 53 years of which 44 were spent in Plainville.
Timeline
1905 - April 4, Plainville Founded
1906 - 38 Gas lamps were installed in the center of town
1910 - vote to change over to electric lights. Shepherdville was given some of the previous gas lamps
1911 - June 29 - Large factory fire owned by Maintien Brothers and Elliott (at present site of Plainville Stock, Co.) Lack of water blamed for the destruction of the building.
Summer - several forest fires reported.
1913 - Plainville Grange was founded
1918 - Winter - Fire hydrants froze up. A ten year contract was signed with North Attleboro to pump water.
1921 - Town Hall partially destroyed by fire.
1924 - March 3 - Voted to appropriate money to to connect water main of Plainville to North Attleboro on West Bacon St.
October 3 - Last electric street car from Wrentham to Plainville.
1925 - Voted to buy Metcalf property which became the Town Park.
An addition to high school was added.
1926 - Board of Trade founded. Merged with North Attleboro Chamber of Commerce later
1927 - Task of digging up street car rails was begun.
1930 - Public library opened in former home built in 1730 (136 South St.)
1941 - New combined fire and police station and town offices was begun.
1946 - Town appointed a committee to look into building a library
Plainville Lions Club was formed.
1950 - Voted to fund construction of new elementary building. finished in 1951
1951 - September - Opening of the Dominican Academy (closed 25 years later)
1953 - St. Martha's Church opened.
1955 - March 7 - The old fire station was given to the Boy Scouts.
1956 - March 28 - Construction on King Philip High School began.
1957 - Last graduating class of Plainville High School
1958 - March 3 - Sold the Town gravel pit to Hilsinger Corp.
Carpentry and machine shops in operation at King Philip High.
1963 - November 18 - King Philip School District formed.
PAL leased land on George St. for 99 years for $1.
1964 - New elementary school on Messenger St. was approved.
Renamed town park to Clarence Telford Memorial Park
1964 - Plainville housing authority formed
1965 - Anna Ware Jackson School opened
Land was purchased from Garford to construct a combined police and fire station
1966 - KP purchases land on Messenger St from Plainville
First Mechanical ladder truck in Plainville Fire Department
1967 - Committee formed to lay out system of sewer
1973 - First meeting of the Plainville Historical Commission
1974 - Council on Aging Founded
Plainville Jaycees were founded
1989 - November 19 - New Library opened at 198 South St.
2000 - August - New Council on Aging building was opened. Built with many volunteer hours and revised plans from the Cumberland Farms in town.
2002- New Wood School on Messenger St.
2014- The Plainridge Racecourse become Planridge Park, the state's first Casino, with slots, restaurants and live racing.
2015 - The new building opens on former site of Falk's Market, containing a book store, "An Unlikely Story", programming space and third floor office space.
2017 - The Oasis apartments are built on Route 1.
2017 - Vote at town meeting to authorize funding for new Town Hall and Public Safety building located at 200 South St. Old Wood School torn down.
2019- Town Hall and Public Safety Building Open at 194 and 190 South St.
1906 - 38 Gas lamps were installed in the center of town
1910 - vote to change over to electric lights. Shepherdville was given some of the previous gas lamps
1911 - June 29 - Large factory fire owned by Maintien Brothers and Elliott (at present site of Plainville Stock, Co.) Lack of water blamed for the destruction of the building.
Summer - several forest fires reported.
1913 - Plainville Grange was founded
1918 - Winter - Fire hydrants froze up. A ten year contract was signed with North Attleboro to pump water.
1921 - Town Hall partially destroyed by fire.
1924 - March 3 - Voted to appropriate money to to connect water main of Plainville to North Attleboro on West Bacon St.
October 3 - Last electric street car from Wrentham to Plainville.
1925 - Voted to buy Metcalf property which became the Town Park.
An addition to high school was added.
1926 - Board of Trade founded. Merged with North Attleboro Chamber of Commerce later
1927 - Task of digging up street car rails was begun.
1930 - Public library opened in former home built in 1730 (136 South St.)
1941 - New combined fire and police station and town offices was begun.
1946 - Town appointed a committee to look into building a library
Plainville Lions Club was formed.
1950 - Voted to fund construction of new elementary building. finished in 1951
1951 - September - Opening of the Dominican Academy (closed 25 years later)
1953 - St. Martha's Church opened.
1955 - March 7 - The old fire station was given to the Boy Scouts.
1956 - March 28 - Construction on King Philip High School began.
1957 - Last graduating class of Plainville High School
1958 - March 3 - Sold the Town gravel pit to Hilsinger Corp.
Carpentry and machine shops in operation at King Philip High.
1963 - November 18 - King Philip School District formed.
PAL leased land on George St. for 99 years for $1.
1964 - New elementary school on Messenger St. was approved.
Renamed town park to Clarence Telford Memorial Park
1964 - Plainville housing authority formed
1965 - Anna Ware Jackson School opened
Land was purchased from Garford to construct a combined police and fire station
1966 - KP purchases land on Messenger St from Plainville
First Mechanical ladder truck in Plainville Fire Department
1967 - Committee formed to lay out system of sewer
1973 - First meeting of the Plainville Historical Commission
1974 - Council on Aging Founded
Plainville Jaycees were founded
1989 - November 19 - New Library opened at 198 South St.
2000 - August - New Council on Aging building was opened. Built with many volunteer hours and revised plans from the Cumberland Farms in town.
2002- New Wood School on Messenger St.
2014- The Plainridge Racecourse become Planridge Park, the state's first Casino, with slots, restaurants and live racing.
2015 - The new building opens on former site of Falk's Market, containing a book store, "An Unlikely Story", programming space and third floor office space.
2017 - The Oasis apartments are built on Route 1.
2017 - Vote at town meeting to authorize funding for new Town Hall and Public Safety building located at 200 South St. Old Wood School torn down.
2019- Town Hall and Public Safety Building Open at 194 and 190 South St.
Articles from "The Evening Chronicle" regarding a murder in Plainville.
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