Millbury #39: Central MA’s Best Communities

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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Best Communities Team

Millbury

Originally the north parish of Sutton, 39th ranked Millbury came into existence, when residents petitioned the Massachusetts General Court to become its own town, although the two towns shared a zip code and telephone exchange as late as 2000.  Today the town is home to the Shoppes at Blackstone Valley, a shopping area with a variety of stores, restaurants and a movie theatre.

The town’s Bicentennial celebration has already begun, and will continue until July 4, 2013; a Revolutionary War re-enactment is scheduled for October.

Millbury, like many other towns in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, has a rich mill history. The Blackstone River Bikeway, which currently runs from Millbury to Worcester, will eventually connect to Pawtucket, RI.

Millbury scores highest for its restaurant selection (#15).  Its arts and culture rank is #37, but all of the town's other scores are below average.  
 

Millbury by the numbers

Established: 1813
Population: 13,261
Median household income: $67,448
Median housing price: $192,500

2012 Best Communities rankings

Overall ranking: 39
Affordability ranking: 40
Education ranking: 45
Economic condition ranking: 48
Safety ranking: 48
Arts & Culture ranking: 37
Restaurant ranking: 15

History in a nutshell:

Millbury had a role in the Civil War and has a link to baseball and President Taft. During the early 19th century, an armory was built in the town supplying many of the firearms for the US government during the Civil War. The town's factories also began making the red stitching on major league baseballs. Also, Millbury was the summer vacation spot for President William Howard Taft during his childhood.
 

Famous residents:  

Ron Darling, MLB pitcher

George A. Sheridan, Union Army Captain and US Congressman

George E. White, US Congressman

Howie Winter, Mobster of the Winter Hill Gang

Notable residents source: Wikipedia 
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton 

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