Bolton Historical Society

05/04/2026

The Bolton Geranium Sale
Saturday, May 16th
from 9:00 am till all sold out

At Sawyer House, 676 Main Street, Bolton, MA

04/19/2026

101 Wilder Road – Witness House
101 Wilder Road was located on the major east-west route from Lancaster to Concord, the Bay Path. On April 19, 1775, it bore witness to one of America’s most important moments in America’s history, when on that morning men from the towns of Bolton, Lancaster, and Leominster with more to follow from Lunenburg, Westminster, Ashburnham, and Fitchburg (the other towns which belonged to the Lancaster regiment) all marched by it and down to the center of Bolton toward Concord throughout that day and into the evening of the next day.
In 1775, it was probably a plain Georgian farmhouse, a two-story, hip-roofed house owned by the Richardson family. It operated as an inn and tavern from 1754 to 1771 and was managed by Caleb Richardson who held an innkeeper’s license. In 1770, after the passage of the Stamp Act, Caleb Richardson was one of three respected citizens chosen to prepare the wording of the vote to boycott British goods that was overwhelming approved by town meeting; and in 1773 he served on the Committee of Correspondence. With such a patriot as an innkeeper, it is certain that the Richardson Tavern or inn (its official name is unknown) was a significant local gathering place for the fomentation of local plans prior to the Revolution. Caleb wasn’t the only Revolutionary Patriot, his brothers Josiah and James served in the war. Josiah responded to the alarm that day and served for three years. James was a Major and served as Deputy Assistant Commissary General of Issues.

03/26/2026

We have a real mystery: A framed hand written document with nine buttons. It reads “Buttons from the coat of Mr. Chappell a Revolutionary soldier. Worn by him as he stood guard over Major Andre the night before his ex*****on.” At the bottom left: “Given to Amory Moore by Mr. Chappell. Presented to the Bolton library by Sara A. Holman.
The buttons’ design is of the eagle fouled anchor with 16 stars. Marine or Navy, this style was issued after the Revolutionary War.

Our genealogical records show three Amory Moore’s. The one that is the closest match is an Amory Moore (b. Jan.17, 1807 in Bolton, d. Jan. 23, 1897 in Worcester) who had a daughter Sarah A. Moore, born 1843 in Worcester. We have no other information on Sarah. We also have no record as to when this was given to the library. We suspect that it was donated to the Bolton Historical Society in the 1960’s when the library was in need of more space for books.

As for who Mr. Chappell is; an online search shows several individuals named Chappell who served in the American Revolution, primarily as soldiers from Virginia, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Key figures include Isaac Chappell (1761-1817) (MA); (Pvt. Curtis Chappell, (1751-1821) (CT); Abner Chappell (1763-1839) (VA); John Chappell (1752-1812) (VA); and William Chappell (died around 1858) (KY).

Major Benjamin Tallmadge (Major of the 2d Regiment of Light Dragoons), and a rotating detail of Continental Army officers, stood guard over Major Andre on the night before his ex*****on.

We would appreciate any help in solving this mystery, because there is something not quite right with it.

12/07/2025

We have an amazing selection of wreaths. Stop by the Sawyer House barn today from noon to 4:00. There's something for everyone.

11/24/2025

The Bolton Historical Society Wreath Auction
December 7th from noon to 4:00
in the Sawyer House barn

Join a Bolton tradition!

11/22/2025

Our catalog is now online and can be viewed by going to our website:
www.boltonhistoricalsociety.org

Many thanks to Anne Tattersall for setting it up and Alice Coggeshall for inputting images.

Historical Society of Bolton MA

07/16/2025

Sawyer House will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, July 17th.

06/12/2025

Congratulations to Ire Tijani, our recipient for this year's Bolton Historical Society Scholarship!
The awarding of this scholarship was based on Ire, who best exemplified, through essay, the ideals of the Society in celebrating and promoting an interest in local history. The Bolton Historical Society's Scholarship furthers the Society's mission to stimulate and perpetuate an active interest in Bolton history through programs and education, and to conduct research pertaining to Bolton and its residents.
We wish Ire continued success throughout his college career and beyond.

05/23/2025

We still have Bolton Geraniums: four 10" pots for $35.00 each and about 60 small plants for $8.00 each. Message us on Facebook or at [email protected] if you're interested.

05/13/2025

It's that time of the year!
The Bolton Geranium sale is this Saturday, May 17th at Sawyer House, 676 Main Street, Bolton, from 9 a.m. until they are all sold out. This is a once a year opportunity to own this unique geranium that is a link to Bolton’s past. For more information, contact the Society at 978 779-6392 or [email protected]. Visit us at www.boltonhistoricalsociety.org or on Facebook.