Barre, Massachusetts
Town
Barre Town Hall
Barre Town Hall
Official seal of Barre, Massachusetts
Seal
Motto(s): 
"Tranquil and Alert"
Location in Worcester County and the state of Massachusetts.
Location in Worcester County and the state of Massachusetts.
Coordinates: 42°25′22″N 72°06′20″W / 42.42278°N 72.10556°W / 42.42278; -72.10556
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyWorcester
Settled1720
Incorporated1774
Government
 • TypeOpen town meeting
 • Town AdministratorJessica Sizer
Area
 • Total44.6 sq mi (115.5 km2)
 • Land44.3 sq mi (114.8 km2)
 • Water0.3 sq mi (0.7 km2)
Elevation
886 ft (270 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total5,530
 • Density120/sq mi (48/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (Eastern)
ZIP Code
01005
Area codes351/978
FIPS code25-03740
GNIS feature ID0619475
Websitewww.townofbarre.com

Barre (/ˈbæri/ BARR-ee) is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 5,530 at the 2020 census.[1]

History

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Originally called the Northwest District of Rutland, it was first settled by Europeans in 1720. The town was incorporated as a district on June 17, 1774, as Hutchinson after Thomas Hutchinson, colonial governor of Massachusetts. Eventually, along with 41 other districts in the state, they were all incorporated on August 23, 1775 by the Massachusetts Court. The next year on November 7, 1776, it was renamed Barre in honor of Colonel Isaac Barré, an Irish-born MP who was a champion of American Independence. "This township was originally known as Rutland, West District; but prior to 1770 its name was changed to "Hutchinson", in honor of the Hon. Thomas Hutchinson who was Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts in 1765, became acting Governor in 1769, and Governor in 1770. When, in 1774, on account of his Tory proclivities, Governor Hutchinson resigned his office and went to England, his name and memory were so execrated by the patriots of the township of Hutchinson that, in 1776, the General Assembly of Massachusetts changed the name of the township to "Barré."[2]

In 1849 the Boston, Barre and Gardner Railroad was founded to build a railroad from Worcester to Barre, but it failed to raise enough capital to start construction. The project was revived in 1869, but it was re-routed to run between Worcester and Gardner, bypassing Barre. When the line opened in 1871 it was still called the Boston, Barre and Gardner RR, although it never reached Barre. The line's nearest depot to Barre was at Hubbardston, 7 miles (11 km) away.[3]

On April 11, 1943, Barre held a civic welcome for Basil Izzi, a local man who was a United States Navy Armed Guard and had recently survived 83 days in the Atlantic Ocean on a life raft after his ship, the Zaandam, was torpedoed. In 1988 the Barrre Gazette claimed that the welcoming parade in his honor was "still the longest parade on record in the Commonwealth".[4] Izzi died in 1979. On May 28, 2015, a road bridge near South Barre was renamed the "Seaman 2nd Class Basil D. Izzi Memorial Bridge" in his honor.[5] The bridge carries Massachusetts Route 32 over the Ware River.[6]

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 44.6 square miles (116 km2), of which 44.3 square miles (115 km2) is land and 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2), or 0.63%, is water. Barre is drained by the Ware River.

Barre is bordered by Hubbardston to the northeast, Rutland and Oakham to the southeast, New Braintree to the south, Hardwick to the southwest, Petersham to the northwest, and a small portion of Phillipston to the north.


Climate

Climate data for Barre (Barre Dam Falls), Massachusetts (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1959–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 67
(19) 		76
(24) 		81
(27) 		96
(36) 		97
(36) 		101
(38) 		103
(39) 		100
(38) 		95
(35) 		84
(29) 		77
(25) 		69
(21) 		103
(39)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 53.5
(11.9) 		54.2
(12.3) 		64.7
(18.2) 		79.7
(26.5) 		87.0
(30.6) 		89.9
(32.2) 		91.5
(33.1) 		89.1
(31.7) 		86.2
(30.1) 		75.4
(24.1) 		66.4
(19.1) 		56.6
(13.7) 		93.2
(34.0)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 34.5
(1.4) 		37.7
(3.2) 		45.7
(7.6) 		59.1
(15.1) 		69.8
(21.0) 		78.2
(25.7) 		83.2
(28.4) 		81.3
(27.4) 		74.5
(23.6) 		62.0
(16.7) 		49.9
(9.9) 		39.8
(4.3) 		59.6
(15.3)
Daily mean °F (°C) 23.7
(−4.6) 		25.6
(−3.6) 		33.7
(0.9) 		45.5
(7.5) 		56.4
(13.6) 		65.2
(18.4) 		70.4
(21.3) 		68.1
(20.1) 		61.0
(16.1) 		48.9
(9.4) 		38.6
(3.7) 		29.6
(−1.3) 		47.2
(8.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 12.8
(−10.7) 		13.6
(−10.2) 		21.7
(−5.7) 		32.0
(0.0) 		43.0
(6.1) 		52.2
(11.2) 		57.7
(14.3) 		54.9
(12.7) 		47.6
(8.7) 		35.9
(2.2) 		27.4
(−2.6) 		19.4
(−7.0) 		34.8
(1.6)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −7.7
(−22.1) 		−5.6
(−20.9) 		3.0
(−16.1) 		19.8
(−6.8) 		27.9
(−2.3) 		37.0
(2.8) 		44.9
(7.2) 		42.1
(5.6) 		31.3
(−0.4) 		22.0
(−5.6) 		13.7
(−10.2) 		1.3
(−17.1) 		−11.2
(−24.0)
Record low °F (°C) −25
(−32) 		−22
(−30) 		−16
(−27) 		4
(−16) 		21
(−6) 		25
(−4) 		34
(1) 		28
(−2) 		24
(−4) 		12
(−11) 		−7
(−22) 		−16
(−27) 		−25
(−32)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.51
(89) 		2.97
(75) 		3.61
(92) 		3.90
(99) 		3.68
(93) 		4.21
(107) 		4.09
(104) 		4.51
(115) 		4.37
(111) 		4.86
(123) 		3.67
(93) 		4.33
(110) 		47.71
(1,211)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 13.6
(35) 		14.9
(38) 		12.2
(31) 		3.5
(8.9) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.2
(0.51) 		2.9
(7.4) 		13.1
(33) 		60.4
(153.81)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) 9.3
(24) 		11.2
(28) 		9.5
(24) 		3.0
(7.6) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.3
(0.76) 		2.0
(5.1) 		7.6
(19) 		15.6
(40)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 12.8 10.2 11.5 12.4 13.9 12.8 11.5 10.7 10.1 11.8 11.1 12.5 141.3
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 6.7 6.1 4.7 1.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.5 4.9 25.1
Source 1: NOAA[7]
Source 2: National Weather Service[8]

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±%
18502,976—    
18602,973−0.1%
18702,572−13.5%
18802,419−5.9%
18902,239−7.4%
19002,059−8.0%
19102,957+43.6%
19203,357+13.5%
19303,510+4.6%
19403,528+0.5%
19503,406−3.5%
19603,479+2.1%
19703,825+9.9%
19804,102+7.2%
19904,546+10.8%
20005,113+12.5%
20105,398+5.6%
20205,530+2.4%
2022*5,533+0.1%
* = population estimate.
Source: United States census records and Population Estimates Program data.[9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

As of the census[20] of 2000, there were 5,113 people, 1,889 households, and 1,377 families residing in the town. The population density was 115.3 inhabitants per square mile (44.5/km2). There were 1,988 housing units at an average density of 44.8 per square mile (17.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.63% White, 0.51% Black or African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.29% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Of the population, 0.80% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,889 households, out of which 36.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. Of all households, 22.8% were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $50,553, and the median income for a family was $56,069. Males had a median income of $40,284 versus $29,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $20,476. 3.4% of the population and 1.2% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 1.5% of those under the age of 18 and 2.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Education

Barre is part of the Quabbin Regional School District along with, Hardwick, Hubbardston, New Braintree, and Oakham. Elementary School Students attend Ruggles Lane Elementary School, from grades K–6, middle school students attend Quabbin Regional Middle School from grades 7–8, and high school students attend Quabbin Regional High School from grades 9–12. It is also home to the administrative offices (including the office of the superintendent) of the Quabbin Regional School District.[21]

From 1840 into the twentieth century, it was home to the Elm Hill Private School and Home for the Education of Feeble-Minded Youth.[22]

Barre is home to Stetson School.[23]

Government

County-level state agency heads
Clerk of Courts: Dennis P. McManus (D)
District Attorney: Joe Early Jr. (D)
Register of Deeds: Katie Toomey (D)
Register of Probate: Stephanie Fattman (R)
County Sheriff: Lew Evangelidis (R)
State government
State Representative(s): Dennis P. McManus (D)
State Senator(s): Anne M. Gobi (D)
Governor's Councilor(s): Jen Caissie (R)
Federal government
U.S. Representative(s): James P. McGovern (D-2nd District),
U.S. Senators: Elizabeth Warren (D), Ed Markey (D)

Sites of interest

Notable people

References

  1. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Barre town, Worcester County, Massachusetts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
  2. ^ Jewell, Oscar Harvey (1909). A History of Wilkes-Barré, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. pp. 615–616.[clarification needed]
  3. ^ Karr, Ronald Dale (2017). The Rail Lines of Southern New England (2nd ed.). Pepperell, MA: Branch Line Press. pp. 229–231. ISBN 978-0-942147-12-4. OCLC 1038017689.
  4. ^ Paquin, Lester (February 11, 1988). "Eighty-Three Days And Forty-Five Years: Remembering Basil Izzi". Barre Gazette. Barre, MA. Retrieved June 10, 2023 – via World War II U.S. Navy Armed Guard and World War II U.S. Merchant Marine.
  5. ^ "WWII Survivor's Memory Honored With Bridge Dedication". United States Department of the Navy. May 28, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  6. ^ Russell, James. "Bridge dedicated to WWII seaman". Telegram & Gazette. Worcester, MA. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  7. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Barre Falls Dam, MA". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  8. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS Boston". National Weather Service. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  9. ^ "Total Population (P1), 2010 Census Summary File 1". American FactFinder, All County Subdivisions within Massachusetts. United States Census Bureau. 2010.
  10. ^ "Massachusetts by Place and County Subdivision - GCT-T1. Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  11. ^ "1990 Census of Population, General Population Characteristics: Massachusetts" (PDF). US Census Bureau. December 1990. Table 76: General Characteristics of Persons, Households, and Families: 1990. 1990 CP-1-23. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  12. ^ "1980 Census of the Population, Number of Inhabitants: Massachusetts" (PDF). US Census Bureau. December 1981. Table 4. Populations of County Subdivisions: 1960 to 1980. PC80-1-A23. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  13. ^ "1950 Census of Population" (PDF). Bureau of the Census. 1952. Section 6, Pages 21-10 and 21-11, Massachusetts Table 6. Population of Counties by Minor Civil Divisions: 1930 to 1950. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  14. ^ "1920 Census of Population" (PDF). Bureau of the Census. Number of Inhabitants, by Counties and Minor Civil Divisions. Pages 21-5 through 21-7. Massachusetts Table 2. Population of Counties by Minor Civil Divisions: 1920, 1910, and 1920. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  15. ^ "1890 Census of the Population" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. Pages 179 through 182. Massachusetts Table 5. Population of States and Territories by Minor Civil Divisions: 1880 and 1890. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  16. ^ "1870 Census of the Population" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. 1872. Pages 217 through 220. Table IX. Population of Minor Civil Divisions, &c. Massachusetts. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  17. ^ "1860 Census" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. 1864. Pages 220 through 226. State of Massachusetts Table No. 3. Populations of Cities, Towns, &c. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  18. ^ "1850 Census" (PDF). Department of the Interior, Census Office. 1854. Pages 338 through 393. Populations of Cities, Towns, &c. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  19. ^ "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2022". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  20. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  21. ^ "Home | Quabbin Regional School District". Archived from the original on February 5, 2015. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
  22. ^ "disability history museum--Private Institution For The Education Of Feeble-Minded Youth. Barre, Massachusetts. Twenty-Fifth Biennial Report". Archived from the original on June 8, 2015.
  23. ^ "Stetson School".
  24. ^ "View Museum Info". Archived from the original on June 9, 2011.
  25. ^ Pratt, Mark (October 11, 2022). "Sacred items in Barre library's museum to be returned to Sioux". The Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Associated Press. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  26. ^ "Barre Players Theater, Barre, Massachusetts Home Page". Archived from the original on November 12, 2013.
  27. ^ "Insight Meditation Society". Archived from the original on August 18, 2015.
  28. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 17, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2009.((cite web)): CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)

External links

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