History of Stoneham, Massachusetts, USA

1645 - Stoneham is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1725 - Stoneham is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Stoneham
Stoneham, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. This is a small town, rocky and uneven. It has some good soil and much wood. Incorporated, 1725. Population, 1837, 932.

During the year ending April 1, 1837, there were made in this town 380,100 pairs of shoes; valued at $184,717, employed more than half its inhabitants.

Spot Pond, a beautiful sheet of soft and pure water, lies in this town, 8 miles N. from Boston. It covers an area of 283 acres, and is 143 feet above high water mark at Boston.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - STONEHAM. [Pop. 1,017. Inc. 1725.]
Stoneham is said to have been named from its rocky soil. In the south part of the town is a beautiful pond, called Spot Pond, from which the city of Boston once thought of building an aqueduct.

The principal occupation of the inhabitants is the manufacture of shoes.

Distance from Concord, 15 miles; from Boston, 10.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Stoneham
This town was incorporated in 1725. It is about four miles in length, and two in breadth. The surface of the township is rather rocky and uneven, and a considerable portion of it is wooded. There is a beautiful pond in the south part of the town, called Spot Pond, filled with pure water. The village. in the center of the town, consists of about 40 dwelling houses. Distance, 15 miles from Concord, and 10 from Boston. Population, 932. The manufacture of shoes is the principal business of the town. In 1837, in the Statistical Tables published by the state, it is stated that in this town were “Shoes manufactured, 380,100 pairs; value of same, $184,717; males employed, 297; females, 180.”
Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

1854 - Stoneham
Stoneham, a post-village in Middlesex co., Massachusetts, on the Boston and Maine railroad, 8 miles N. from Boston, contains 1 or 2 churches. Pop. of the township, 2085.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1870 - Crushed Under Wheels
In Stoneham, Mass., on Friday, a seven year old boy named Moses Downes, stepped from the forward end of a horse-car and fell under the wheels which passed over and killed him.
The New Hampshire Patriot
Concord, New Hampshire
April 13, 1870

Stoneham Massachusetts, 1890
Stoneham is a brisk and thriving town situated on high land in the eastern part of Middlesex County, about nine miles from Boston, with which it is connected by the Stoneham Branch of the Boston and Lowell Railroad. A street railroad also connects it with Woburn, and on the other side with Boston, through Melrose. Stoneham and Haywardville are the villages; the first being the post-office. Reading lies on the north, Wakefield and Melrose on the east, Medford on the south, and Winchester and Woburn on the west.

The territory is about four miles north and south and two east and west, and has a bend eastward to an angle at the middle line. The assessed area is 3,441 acres, of which 572 are forest. There is much variety in elevation, and rocks and ledges are numerous, and near Spot Pond is a quarry of statuary marble. Farm Hill in the north, Bear Hill southwest of the centre, and Taylor Mountain in the southwest, are the chief elevations, and afford very pleasing views. In the southern ... Read MORE...

1895 - Stoneham
Stoneham, a post-village in Stoneham township, Middlesex co., Mass., on a branch of the Boston, Lowell & Nashua Railroad, 9 miles N. of Boston. It is 14 miles from the Boston & Maine Railroad (Stoneham Station), and is connected with Boston by horse-railroad. It has a high school, 2 newspaper offices, a bank, 5 churches, and extensive manufactures of boots and shoes. Pop, of the township, 6155.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Stoneham, a banking post-village in Stoneham town ship (town), Middlesex CO., Mass., on the Boston and Maine R., 8 miles N. of Boston. It has a high-school and extensive manufactures of boots and shoes, automobiles, and chemicals. Pop. of the town in 1900, 6197.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1907 - PHYSICIAN AND WIFE HURT IN AUTO CRASH
Dr. and Mrs. M. E. Brand of Reading Thrown Out in Stoneham When Touring Car Hits Runabout at Blind Corner.

Stoneham, Nov. 24. - Dr. M. E. Brand of Reading and his wife were injured as a result of a collision between their automobile and the machine of Fred H. Goss of Melrose just outside of Stoneham square late this afternoon. The four occupants of the Goss machine, Mr. and Mrs. Goss and L. H. Latham and a Miss Kimball of Hillsboro, N. H., escaped without injury.

The crash took place at the junction of Main and Maple streets. Dr. Brand and his wife, in a small runabout, were just turning out of Maple street when Mr. Goss and his party, headed for Melrose by way of Spot pond, came down Main street. The corner is a blind one and the two machines were upon each other before either operator was aware of the other's presence.

Mr. Goss' touring car being the heavier machine, struck the smaller one with such force that both Dr. and Mrs. Brand were thrown out and landed on the ground ... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Stoneham:
Stone Zoo:

Explore the diverse range of wildlife at the Stone Zoo, which features animals from around the world.

Middlesex Fells Reservation:

Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and bird watching in this expansive natural reserve.

Spot Pond:

Relax by Spot Pond, a picturesque reservoir offering scenic views and opportunities for picnics.

Stoneham Theatre:

Catch a play or performance at the Stoneham Theatre, providing cultural entertainment in the heart of the town.

Stoneham Oaks Golf Course:

Tee off at the local golf course for a day of golfing and relaxation.

Stoneham Historical Society and Museum:

Dive into the town's history at the local museum, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Stoneham.

Stoneham Common:

Take a leisurely stroll through Stoneham Common, a central park with green spaces and walking paths.

Foster Pond:

Enjoy the tranquility of Foster Pond, a hidden gem perfect for nature walks and... Read MORE...