By Glenn Parker, Special Contributor
Westborough – This is an article in an occasional series about important events or things from Westborough’s past.
In 1911, 100 years after the Turnpike was opened, a discovery was made on the north side of the road just east of the East Main Street intersection. During a road repair job, a slate milestone was unearthed that at first appeared to be a gravestone. But, upon cleaning, a closer examination revealed it to be an old toll road mile marker.
When the new road was completed, the Worcester Turnpike Corporation placed milestones along the Turnpike, but it was undocumented how many stones were set-out and at what locations. After the Westborough stone was discovered by the highway superintendent, it was given to the Westborough Historical Society and the 100 year old stone was thoroughly restored. On January 1, 1932, after the new road had been opened, the “Turnpike Milestone” was returned to its original location. However, several years later, the milestone mysteriously disappeared. (Source Westborough Chronotype)
When the new owners of the former Joseph Lothrop House purchased the building, they discovered the ancient milestone in the cellar of the building. They refurbished the stone and placed it in a conspicuous location for all to see in front of the restaurant.
In 1973, Eric Pearsons and Ralph Swedberg bought and then restored the historic federal-style structure and converted it into Bergsons 1790 House Restaurant (now the Penta Building). As a result of my research, it was discovered that the original engraving on the stone had been altered. Originally, the milestone was engraved, “To Worcester 10½ Ms”. After closer examination it was discovered the ½ symbol had been scratched off. Why the stone was defaced in that manner is left to one’s opinion.
According to a document dated 1830, civil engineer Nahum Fisher was authorized to conduct a survey of the town including the Turnpike. That document identifies the stations where the readings were taken. Fisher identifies three stations as “milestones” and was found in the following locations: near Captain Harrington’s, near Elam Stearns (Forbush Tavern) and at the Turnpike intersection with Otis Street.
The milestone discovered in 1911, by virtue of its location, is consistent with the stone location described by Fisher as near Captain Harrington’s on the Turnpike.
Resources: Survey minutes of Nahum Fisher dated October 9, 1830 on file at the Westborough Public Library.
Glenn Parker is a former member of the Westborough Historical Commission and the author of “A Cornfield Meet -? A history of the trolleys of Westborough.” He is also the former Westborough Chief of Police, retiring from active duty in 2012 after 42 years with the department.
Parker and his wife Mary Ellen have four children and six grandchildren.