Greater Southbridge: Street of the Week

Everyone has a favorite street in Slowtown . . . . what's yours? Click here to send us your comments.

This week's selection: High Street

The facts:
High Street originates at the busy intersection of Main, Hamilton, West and Mill Streets. It gradually gains elevation during its .95 of a mile length, thus earning its name. There's a large Greek Revival style house on the north corner of High and South Streets, its surrounded by a tall black iron fence and is probably the home of some important Southbridge family. High St. is crossed by South and Glover. Other streets that bleed off this highly residential and heavily trod road are: Woodycrest Ave, Janet Ave., Pinedale St. (twice), High View St. and High Ridge. This middle class area boasts one of Southbridge 's most coveted and historic recreational treasure, the Reservoir, known throughout town as the "rez." Its been used for swimming and ice skating since its inception. For Southbridgian youth, many a warm summer day have most likely been spent lounging at 'The Rez' watching the green algae grow while cooling off in the man made pond/pool. Eileen Woodford, who conducted a study for the Southbridge Historical Commission in 1984 say that "South Street between High and West Streets developed as an upper-income district in the early 19th century. Residents were established families, industrialists or successful merchants."

Word on the Street :
The following was sent to Greater Southbridge by Julie... "I think the next street you do is High Street, because that is the site of pretty much the only entertaining area in town, the old town pool. 'The Rez,' a veritable cesspool, freezes over every winter, allowing Southbridgians of all ages who are able to afford skates to enjoy afternoons of ice skating, cocoa, and popcorn. The (usually) annual bonfire is always a good place to meet up with friends and destroy incriminating evidence. Back when people cared little enough about hygiene to be willing to swim there, the pool was a hot spot for urchins and townies in the hot summer months."

Author's note :
August 1982. Summertime at 'The Rez' was in full affect with kids swimming, sun bathing, drinking cokes and diving off the 6' platform. The line for the high dive was at least 14 deep and I was at the end with Glenn two people ahead and Justin R. right in front of me. The lifeguard guard did her best to hustle divers in at a quick pace. Finally I was on deck and as I watched Justin R. dive off, I noticed two Baby Ruth-looking-logs flop out of his trunks and into the murky brown water below. This completely freaked me out to the point that I was frozen for what seemed like an eternity, I didn't want to take my turn and and run the risk of landing on top of some dude's fecal matter, but I had just waited 15 minutes to get to the front of the line. The lifeguard was forced to blow on her whistle repeatedly and finally she shouted 'Move it or Loose it!!!'. I lost it, creeping back through the large line, forgoing my turn for obvious reasons. I still hold on to this brown psychological scar and to this day I have a fear of dark public pond waters.
--Rod Murphy Jr.

Share your stories about High Street or nominate
your own pick for Southbridge Street of the Week.

Image of the Rez in 1955 courtesy of Dick Whitney.