Ware author publishes book about towns, history lost to QuabbinDate: 11/7/2022 WESTERN MASS. – The Quabbin Reservoir is known as the largest inland body of water in the state, however, to earn this title, four Massachusetts towns had to disappear entirely.
Enfield, Greenwich, Dana and Prescott were once on the map, until the construction of a reservoir washed them away in 1938. In 1946, the Quabbin was the largest man-made reservoir in the world. Covering 39 square miles with 181 miles of shoreline, the Quabbin currently holds 412 billion gallons of water, which 3 million people source for drinking.
The Quabbin, along with the Wachusett Reservoir, are the primary water supply for Boston, some of Greater Boston and beyond, ultimately fulfilling its construction purpose. Aside from serving as a water supplier, the reservoir is frequented by people from across the state. Recreational activities are regulated; however individuals can bike, hike, fish or take in the magnificent views that the Quabbin has to offer.
While the story of the Quabbin is a crucial part of Massachusetts history, Elena Palladino, Ware resident, asked, “What was the human cost?”
According to Palladino, when the Quabbin was built, more than 2,000 people were forced to leave their homes and businesses behind. To share the stories of those individuals and the hardships they faced, Palladino wrote a book called “Lost Towns of the Swift River Valley: Drowned by the Quabbin.”
Originally from the Boston area, Palladino moved to Ware in 2015, into what neighbors called the “Quabbin House.” The Quabbin House was built in 1938 by former Enfield resident Marion Andrews Smith. Palladino shared that Smith was one of the last people to leave the Swift River Valley before it was flooded to build the reservoir. To salvage parts of her home before they were gone forever, Smith took some pieces with her when she moved to Ware. This included the grand staircase and doors, to name a few.
With a passion for history and the mystery of old homes, Palladino was overjoyed to move into the Quabbin House. Based on her interests and the desire to learn more about the colonial revival, Palladino said she conducted her own research and talked with neighbors to uncover the truth.
“I’ve always been interested in history, genealogy [and] old houses,” shared Palladino. “It’s fun to dive into history.” She noted that she studied English at Simmons College and has a master’s degree in literary and cultural studies from Carnegie Mellon University and in higher education from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.
Although her enthusiasm on the subject goes far back, Palladino said it wasn’t until 2018 that she truly became intrigued with the Quabbin and Smith. The sudden significance came from two black-and-white photos that were left in her mailbox. Palladino explained that the photos were of her house in the 1930s. However, there was no note, explanation or even a stamp to indicate who left the images.
Having grown up in Massachusetts, Palladino said she knew about the Quabbin, but not all its history. To assist with her research, Palladino read a surplus of books, spoke with locals and visited the University of Massachusetts Amherst to filter through their Quabbin collection. “I learned a lot about [the Quabbin] through reading,” she said.
She shared that she even received assistance from another woman named Marion, the daughter of Smith’s housekeeper, who lived in the Quabbin House until she was 14 years old. Palladino found out that she was living in the Brookfields, reached out to her and the two met up. Together, they visited Smith’s grave in Springfield and Marion provided Palladino with a lot of insight.
With enough material to put the information together in her own story, Palladino began writing her book in 2019, through the eyes of Smith.
When looking for a publisher, Palladino found the History Press. While they were interested in publishing her story, they were not particularly interested in publishing a biography. Palladino said they asked her to open the book up beyond Smith’s perspective. This is when she decided to include the story of Smith’s friends, Dr. Willard Segur, the country doctor in the valley, and Edwin Howe, postmaster and owner of an Enfield general store.
In January 2020, Palladino submitted her book proposal and was accepted in March 2020. Once the coronavirus pandemic began, Palladino shared that she couldn’t write as much because she was working from home and taking care of her two daughters.
In 2021, she leapt back into writing. Most of her writing was consolidated in the last year, although the entire process took about four years.
On Oct. 10, the book was published. Since its publication, Palladino shared that the book has been successful. Over the past month, she has hosted events at bookstores and local libraries, along with being an exhibitor at Boston Books Festival. Returning to Boston, Palladino said, “Many people know about the Quabbin but not many know [its history].”
For some, the book may be considered a “dense read,” however, Palladino noted that most say it was relatively quick to finish. Throughout the 160-page story, about 50 pictures break up the text.
“Lost Towns of the Swift River Valley: Drowned by the Quabbin” can be bought online through the publisher at https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/Products/9781467147972. The book can be found at Barnes & Noble, both online and in many stores across the state, along with Amazon and more.
Now that Palladino’s first book is published, she said she would like to write more, although she is uncertain as to what the focus would be. With her first book, she said, “The topic is near and dear to my heart.”
When it comes to writing and publishing a book, Palladino said, “I love the process.”
Aside from being an author, Palladino said, “I currently work in higher education in Western Massachusetts. I sit on the Swift River Valley Historical Society and Friends of Quabbin Boards of Directors.”
In her free time, Palladino shared that she spends a lot of time at the Quabbin. Living only 10 minutes away, she often frequents the reservoir to walk, hike and explore with her family. “There’s always something new to explore,” she added.
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