Towns in our Neighborhood
Hollis
FOUNDED: 1746
CURRENT POPULATION: 7740
POPULATION AT FOUNDING: 1,441 residents in 1790
TOWN ZIP CODES: 03049
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1746 as a farming town, Hollis still clings to its rural past. Once known for its corn, strawberries, orchards, and dairy and poultry farms, this affluent bedroom community is now home to a number of business executives and their families. Despite the changes, Hollis has managed to hold on to its small-town character.
The Historic District in the center of town includes more than 100 historic homes and buildings, including the Hollis Social Library, Town Hall, Hollis Congregational Church, and the Always Ready Engine House, which is now the home of the Hollis Historical Society. A number of other historic farmhouses and homes can be found throughout town.
Outside of the town center, sprawling orchards, rolling fields, and stately farms sit alongside large, contemporary homes. More than 2,000 acres of Hollis land remains in active agricultural use today. There are several farms and apple orchards located in Hollis, offering locally grown produce and the opportunity to pick your own strawberries and apples. The Beaver Brook Association conservation area encompasses 1,500 acres and offers 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other activities. Silver Lake is another popular recreation site and is home to Silver Lake State Park.
HISTORY: This town was chartered in 1746 as Holles. When the original Dunstable Grant of 1673 was divided, the present town was half of West Dunstable. The original spelling was for Thomas Pelham Holles, Duke of New Castle, a patron of Gov. Benning Wentworth, who named the town. It was soon changed to Hollis, for Thomas Hollis, a benefactor of Harvard College. According to historian I. W. Hammond, the change was made because of Hollesâ âIgnorance and detestable character.â
The present town borders were established in 1786, after a piece of Nashua, known as One-Pine Hill, was annexed, and a strip on the west side of town was given to Brookline. The Congregational Church was established in 1743 as Dunstable West Parish. The townâs Soldierâs Monument honors those men who died in the Revolution, War of 1812 and War of the Rebellion (Civil War). Many Hollis men took part in all three wars, as well as more recent ones. Two Hollis men died at the battle of Bunker Hill, where, contrary to Massachusettsâ claims, most of the American soldiers were from New Hampshire.
|
|
