North Brookfield #50: Central MA’s Best Communities

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Tuesday, June 26, 2012

GoLocalWorcester Best Communities Team

50th ranked North Brookfield was formerly part of the town of Brookfield.  

In 1934, George M. Cohan’s “Ah, Wilderness” was performed on the stage of the Town House, and Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics lost to the Quinebaug Rubber team in an exhibition team.

This small town, which is rich in history is celebrating its Bicentennial this year, North Brookfield began the party back in February, and will continue it through until New Year’s Eve. Olde Home Day and the Bicentennial Parade will take place on August 18 and the 200th Anniversary Weekend is scheduled for September 22 – 23.

Originally a part of Brookfield, North Brookfield is home to Brookfield Orchards, a remnant of the town’s agricultural history.

North Brookfield's highest rank was for safety (#18).  Its lowest ranking came in for economic condition (#52), and the town's rank for education was 47th.
 

Established: 1812
Population: 4680
Median household income: $57,196
Median housing price: $143,500

2012 Best Communities rankings
Overall ranking: 50
Affordability ranking: 21
Education ranking: 47
Economic condition ranking: 52
Safety ranking: 18
Arts & Culture ranking: 64

History in a nutshell:

North Brookfield evolved from an agrarian town to industrial throughout its history. Along the way town members were active in the shaping of democracy. Town history shows that residents fought in the American Revolution at the Battles of Lexington and Concord and then in the iconic Shays' Rebellion. 

Famous residents:  

Tryphosa Bates-Batcheller, Writer, singer
Bill Bergen, Cincinnati Reds player
WIlliam Cullen Bryant, Poet, journalist
Armasa Walker, US Representative
Francis Amasa Walker, Economist, president of MIT, Union Army General
 

Notable residents source: Wikipedia 
Additional reporting by Grace Fenton

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