THE NEW
Uxbridge Times
Established in 1991 Vol. 33 • Issue 2
Over 17,500 Copies Mailed Free
UxbrIdge • North UxbrIdge • LINwood • doUgLas • NorthbrIdge • whItINsVILLe • MaNchaUg
FebrUarY 2024
New home of State Police Museum By Christine Beauchaine Downtown Whitinsville is now home to the Massachusetts State Police Museum & Learning Center. The museum began in an old state police barracks building in Grafton in 1996. That building experienced damage due to a fire in 2017 and the museum briefly moved to a different location in Grafton. Now, they are settling into a more permanent home in the old bank building at 1 Memorial Square in Whitinsville. The State Constabulary, as it was originally known, was formed in Massachusetts in 1865. It was initially established to uphold state liquor laws and later became involved in enforcing child labor laws as well. As the state grew and its citizens became more mobile due to the advent of motorized transportation, so did the need for a statewide law enforcement agency. The organization would go through several names but would eventually become the Massachusetts State Police. Massachusetts boasts the longest continually running state law enforcement agency in the united States. The agency’s law enforcement responsibilities have evolved during its lifetime as well. One timeline exhibit displays a sign about poultry tattooing. This was done by the state police in the 1930’s during the Great Depression to
One of the many interesting exhibits at the museum. minimize theft of livestock. Other exhibits include a dispatch set up, dive gear from the marine unit, a vintage Indian police motorcycle and a life sized replica of a horse in an exhibit showcasing the agency’s mounted division. There is a Wall of Remembrance to honor those who died in the line of duty including the only state police canine killed in the line of duty. One of the most popular exhibits is an interactive display featuring Norman Rockwell’s well known painting “The
Runaway”. In the painting, a Massachusetts State Police officer sits at the counter of a diner talking to a boy in a yellow shirt. The exhibit features a full sized mannequin of that officer and an empty stool where visitors can sit and get their picture taken. They even have a yellow shirt you can borrow. The boy in the painting is Massachusetts man Ed Locke. Locke often visits the museum to sign autographs and to take pictures with visitors. The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers, mostly of current or former state troopers or their family members. However, some of the museum’s volunteers have no affiliation with the state police. They simply love history. The museum is thrilled to be part of the community and the museum’s Vice President, Eric Bernstein says that the community in turn, has welcomed the museum with open arms. The museum offers a variety of STEAM and other programs for kids during the summer and school vacations. They have also provided programs for local scout troops, the Northbridge Senior Center and have participated in the WCC’s annual Cars in the Park event. The museum is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free for children and $5 for adults. Their website is mspmlc.org
WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE - Douglas EMT/Firefighter; Matt Keith helps save the E.N. Jenckes Store Museum.
Funding for The Blackstone River Greenway Project Flooding threatens E.N. Jenckes Store Senator Ryan Fattman and Represen- Corridor. The paved trail follows the Michael Soter in response to this fundtative Michael Soter have announced that the Blackstone River Greenway Project has received a $6 million investment for a 0.5 mile section of the greenway in Blackstone. This funding was made available through a $24 million investment in the state’s recreational trails by Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, initially received through The American Rescue Plan (ARPA). The Blackstone River Greenway is a section of a longer 48-mile bikeway that connects Worcester to Providence, RI, along the National Heritage
POSTAL PATRON
Blackstone River and Canal wherever possible. Though intended as a bike path, it is also used for walking, jogging, and other recreational activities. This funding will be used to invest in a 0.5 mile section of the trail from the Canal Street Bridge in Blackstone to the Rhode Island border, where the greenway joins another existing shared -use path. It will make possible repairs and upgrades to the existing trail. “I am incredibly excited about the upgrades this funding will allow us to make to our existing recreational infrastructure,” commented State Rep. PRESORTED STANDARD uS POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800
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ing. “Trails such as the Blackstone River Greenway provide the perfect opportunity for everyone to explore the wonderful natural beauty of our town and state.” “The expansion of the Blackstone River Greenway trail highlights the importance of outdoor recreational space in my district.” Senator Fattman added. Rep. Soter and Sen. Fattman stated that they will continue to advocate for funding that will help towns expand and improve access to recreational activities.
Cabin Fever Bingo The parents of Scout Troop 25 are excited to be hosting a Cabin Fever Bingo fundraiser at 77 Mendon St. in Uxbridge. On Sunday February 25th doors will open at 1 p.m., BINGO starts at 1:30 p.m. $10 will get you two bingo cards and extra cards will be available for purchase. There
Just before Christmas volunteers found that the furnace wasn’t working and water was rising in the basement of the E.N. Jenckes Store Museum at 283 Main Street in Douglas. Heavy rains saturated the surrounding area and water began seeping through the stone foundation. Quick thinking officers on the board of directors sprang into action. Vice President Laurie Church found someone who could lend a sump pump. President Shirley Mosczynski called the Douglas Fire Department and they soon came with equipment that
will be Raffles & Scouts will be selling cash concessions! All proceed will be donated to Scout Troop 25. Bingo prizes will include candy and raffle ticket goodie bags. Tickets can be purchased from a Scout in Troop 25 or by calling Lesley at 508-450-7463 or emailing: laandolina@yahoo.com Come join in the fun!
pumped out the water. As the water receded, long time member and furnace repairman Ted Sochia discovered that water had indeed damaged the furnace motor. Fortunately he was able to obtain parts and he got the furnace roaring back to life! The Douglas Historical Society wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the Douglas Fire Department and to Ted Sochia of Sochia’s Oil for “weathering the storm” for a good cause.
~ INDEX ~ Town News…..Page 4 Society………….Page 11 Dining Out……...Page 12 Senior Corner....Page 15 School News......Page 19 Business News...Page 21 Classified……….Page 22