Harry Whipple’s Farm
In 1913 Harry Whipple started to purchase acreage and buildings from rural businessmen and artisans. Whipple acquired a large saw mill run by water power from the Pungee brook. He also got charcoal kilns once owned by a rich man named David Shore. Although he never made charcoal he did use the saw mill.
By 1927 Harry Whipple owned 600 acres of land, two houses, several barns and sheds and lots of standing timber. All of the trees were cut, hauled, milled, dried, and delivered by members of the Whipple Family. The farm was very successful.
In the 1920’s the MDC began buying property for the Quabbin reservoir. Whipple property was on the far eastern side of Pelham right in the path of the Quabbin. The MDC offered Harry $15,000for his whole farm. This was way too low considering the quality of the farm. The Whipples set up of a private assessment and in the end Harry Whipple wound up with $44,000.
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