Maynard Historical Commission

10/04/2026

Before There Was Memorial Park: The Story of The Maynard Hotel

Long before neighbors gathered, and veterans were honored at Memorial Park, a grand and bustling hotel stood on Summer Street. Across from what is today the iconic Fine Arts Theatre, once stood The Maynard Hotel.

The story began in 1867, when Peter Haley erected the hotel on Summer Street. Originally christened The Glendale House, the name paid direct tribute to the renowned Glendale Kills Blankets manufactured nearby by the Assabet Woolen Mills.

Over the decades, the building was expanded twice to accommodate increasing demands. However, its wooden framework and bustling operations also made it vulnerable to misfortune. The Glendale House—later known as the Maynard Hotel—endured several fires throughout its lifespan.
Over the years, the property passed through the hands of several owners and innkeepers, including Hugh McGrail, John Desmond, and finally Martin Peterson.

The final chapter for the historic building came on January 29, 1921, when a devastating fire swept through the structure, burning it completely to the ground. Rather than rebuilding a commercial establishment on the site, the Town of Maynard saw an opportunity to reshape the downtown landscape.

The Town purchased the property in 1922, and opened Memorial Park on November 15, 1925.

Today, as residents stroll past Memorial Park or catch a film across the street at the Fine Arts Theatre, little physical evidence remains of the grand hotel that once stood on Summer Street.

09/09/2026

F.Y.I.

Today (Wednesday, September 9) at 1:00pm, the Massachusetts Historical Commission will hold its quarterly meeting and will be considering the nomination of the Bancroft School building in Maynard for the National Register.

To attend this meeting online, use the September 9 Zoom link on this Massachusetts Historical Commission web page: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/mhc/commission-meetings/meetings-2026.htm

07/17/2026

We are so fortunate to have a partner who is just as committed to preserving the town as we are. Kudos Mill & Main

The Clock Tower is currently undergoing maintenance and receiving a fresh coat of paint to help preserve this cherished piece of Maynard's history for generations to come. While the clock and bell remain out of service during the restoration, we're all looking forward to the day the bell rings once again. ❤️

While time on the clock has stopped, the history of this remarkable landmark continues. Each restoration helps ensure that future generations can enjoy and appreciate this iconic symbol of Maynard's past.

Here's to preserving our history while keeping Maynard's beloved Clock Tower standing stronger for years to come. 🕰♥️

07/02/2026

Happy 4th. of July!!! In the early 20th. century if you wanted to have a fun-filled time you would head over to Amory Grove as it was a popular place to hold town and civic festivities. This area of land, along the Mill Pond, was known as the Cheney Farm before being owned by Amory and Mary (Priest) Maynard. Workers in the Assabet Mill would walk from the west part of town on this land to access their jobs in Building #5 and other buildings in the mill.

An 1889 Map of Maynard by Walker shows the Mill Pond and Amory Grove locations. Although already on the map, this area wasn’t officially known as Amory Grove until 1899. It was a well-used spot for recreational activities.

Now getting back to the 4th. of July activities held there - in the early 20th. century it was used every year by the St. Bridget’s Church congregation for annual 4th. of July picnics. These picnics would be a part of town-wide festivities and would attract townspeople and people from the area in surrounding towns. In 1899 the event was billed as “come eat your dinner in the shade.”
The church would set up in the morning and then would have entertainment, games, and plenty of food (until it ran out) all day long. Normally they would have Vaudeville entertainment, from Boston, start off the picnic and then repeat in the afternoon. Some examples of musical entertainment were Sweeney’s Orchestra, Acton Cadet Band, Concord Junction Brass Band, Maynard Brass Band where people could celebrate the holiday by listening to music while eating or dancing. At this picnic they would also have plenty of athletic activities. Through the years they had wrestling matches, several running races, and shoe tying matches. The town also had baseball games vs. Hudson, etc. (at Crowe Park which was established between 1901-1908) which crowds would walk from there to the St. Bridget’s 4th. of July Picnic so the Grove was constantly full of activity all day long. When it was dark out people would shoot off fireworks from the picnic grounds and around Mill Pond.

Besides the annual 4th. of July picnic held by St. Bridget’s Church Amory Grove was also used by other organizations as a recreation area. For instance, in 1902 The Finn Brass Band sought permission from Lorenzo Maynard to use Amory Grove every Saturday during the summer to hold a series of picnics and band concerts. In 1913 townsfolk started to call for a public park, like Crowe Park, on the small hill, Amory Grove, across from St. Bridget’s Church but it was denied as the land was owned by the mill.

With the popularity of driving to work the Mill Pond was partially filled in when the Maynard Industries owned the mill in 1957. Another partial filling of the Mill Pond happened in the 1970’s when Digital needed to expand the parking lots for their employees. So over time Amory Grove was flattened and graded for parking.

On November 28th., 2022 the recently completed Maynard Fire Station, to replace the aged one at 1 Summer St. in Maynard, began its service to the town on part of the land that was once known as Amory Grove.

Research and text by Brion Humphrey Berghaus - Maynard Historical Commission member.

06/29/2026

Maynard's Historic House Plaque Program

The Historic House Plaque program is a wonderful opportunity for owners of historic or architecturally significant houses celebrate the history of their home. Plaques enhance the appearance of all homes while promoting community awareness of our local history.

The goal of the Historic House Plaque program is to allow passersby a glimpse into the history of a home, property or neighborhood.

We want to celebrate the history of any home in Maynard. Whether its 50 years old or 200, we can always find some fantastic history for you and your neighbors to admire.

If you’re interested in submitting your home for a plaque to be considered by the Historical Commission, it’s as easy as filling out the form below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1j2Kujs9eigYLwKecdyKHWSIJkJe3VNBrNmCtwSohWGg/edit

We are here to help! We can research your home to confirm the information you have provided and even give you some insight into additional information. Reference materials are available at the Maynard Public Library (in Special Collections) to assist homeowners in researching their house history and preparing the house plaque application form. You can also check for your home on https://mhc-macris.net/

So what happens next? After you submit your information, the Commission will meet to review your request. Once it is approved and you have signed your acceptance of the text to be displayed on the plaque, we will place the order with Sign Logic. The cost of the plaque is $135 and is payable directly to the vendor.

Our policy is to include on each plaque the year or circa year of construction and one of the following: Built by, Built for, Home of, Original owner, or Historic Property name.

A maximum of two lines of text will be approved for each plaque. All house plaques will be the same size and shape (12 x 9" with a horizontal orientation) with black text on a white background. Circa dates will be used where appropriate. Because this is a historical program, the names of the current owners may not be used.

Sign Logics of Hudson will provide the artistry for the plaques, using a weather-resistant composite base intended for outside use. Holes are pre-drilled for easy installation. All we ask from you is to install your plaque on a part of your home that can be viewed by the public and then general ongoing maintenance of the sign.

Photo Courtesy of the Maynard Historical Society Charles Randall House - 20 Concord Street

06/23/2026

Do you live in an old church that has a bell? Do you just like ringing bells? The Historical Commission and the Maynard Select Board are inviting all residents to participate in the national celebration on July 4th of ringing bells at 2pm.

The ringing of bells serves as a powerful symbol of unity, freedom, and gratitude for the sacrifices and achievements of those who helped build our nation over the past two and a half centuries. It would also provide an opportunity for residents of all ages to pause and reflect on our shared history and the values that continue to guide our community.

Maynard has a proud tradition of civic engagement and community spirit, and we hope all our residents will be part of this memorable occasion. Together, the sound of bells across our town can create a meaningful tribute that connects our past, present, and future.

For more information, visit

The National Bell Festival invites bells and bell towers across America to ring out together on Independence Day, creating a canopy of sound over our nation.

06/16/2026

06/04/2026

Once again, Maynard is famous! The new show Widow's Bay features the Lorenzo Maynard mansion. Check it out on Apple TV

06/04/2026

Congrats to all the grads!

Caps flying... it's Graduation season! We have almost two dozen Maynard High School graduation programs going back as far as 1905. We don't have a Class of '76 program (50 year anniversary), but we do have one from 1966.

Feel free to check out our programs and other graduation-related items:

https://collection.maynardhistory.org/items/show/9785

05/28/2026

The Original Bucky Lew - Breaking Basketball's Color Barrier and Maynard's Role In Integrating Pro Sports!
Saturday, May 30 at 1pm
Please register here: https://maynardpubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/the-original-bucky-lew-breaking-basketballs-color-barrier/

In 1902, 18 year old Bucky Lew made history in nearby Marlboro when he took the court with Lowell’s Pawtucketville Athletic Club of the New England Basketball League, becoming the first Black professional player in the country.

Maynard star Jack Punch was his first opponent. Over the years, they would face off numerous times, both in the New England League and then when they played for independent teams after it folded. While some objected to Lew playing, Punch was one of the majority of players who supported his right to do so.

Join author Chris Boucher as he shares pictures and stories about Lew’s career and old-time basketball in general. Copies of Chris' book will be available for purchase and signing.