Framingham

Framingham, a marvelous photographic history containing over 200 carefully selected images, explores the exciting evolution of this intriguing Massachusetts community.
Framingham is a fascinating town whose rich history began in the seventeenth century. Originally inhabited by the Nipmucs, this wilderness land was explored by English adventurers and soon after witnessed the fury of King Philip's War. At first a haven for Salem families seeking refuge from the witchcraft hysteria, Framingham grew to become one of the most populous towns in America. As an agrarian society transformed itself into a center for commerce and manufacturing in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the economic life of the town shifted from Framingham Centre to South Framingham. The importance of the Boston to Worcester stagecoach stop faded as the railroad spurred new growth. Rapid development of industry and infrastructure followed and Framingham became the home of many firsts: the nation's earliest teacher's college and the first prison for women are both located here. In 1951 one of the world's first shopping malls, Shoppers World, was built along the notorious Route 9.

Laurie Evans-Daly and David C. Gordon, along with other members of the Framingham Historical Society, have combed files, photograph albums, special collections, and personal archives to bring to life the past of their town in this volume. Framingham highlights the people, places, and events that have built the town over the last three hundred years, and will surely be treasured by generations to come.