Wendell, Massachusetts
Franklin county. The surface of Wendell is uneven, and in some parts hilly; but the soil is strong and productive. Miller's river passes through the north part of the town, giving mill privileges, fertility and beauty in its course. There is a curious kind of stone found here, embedded with mica slate; and Chalk pond furnishes a substance from which chalk is made by burning it.
The manufactures of this pleasant town consist of palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, leather, cabinet ware, chairs, &c.
Wendell was incorporated in 1781, and named in honor of Oliver Wendell, Esq., a very worthy man, for many years president of Union Bank, in Boston, the second institution of the kind in Massachusetts. Mr. Wendell was a great patron of this town, and frequently visited it.
Wendell is bounded north by Erving, east by Phillipston, south by [New] Salem, and west by Montague.
The mill privileges on Millers river in this town are very valuable; many of which remain unimproved.
Wendell lies 80 miles W. by N. from Boston and 14 E. from Greenfield. Population, 1837, 847.
