Ashburnham Massachusetts is a typical New England town. You know, if you blink you'll miss it. Well, ok if you blink three times you'll miss it - Ashburnham is bigger than one blink.

Ashburnham was incorporated in 1765 and straddles route 12. Here are three reasons why you shouldn't blink while passing through Ashburnham...

The Maguire House Bed and Breakfast

Built in 1764, this house was one of Ashburnham's first inns. It boarded travellers until 1898 when it became a private home. Now owned by Terry and Paul Maguire, The Maguire House is now a bed and breakfast. The Maguire House is a short trek away from furniture outlets, state trails, down hill and cross country skiing. If you are visiting your student at Cushing Academy, The Maguire House is the perfect place to stay.

More about The Maguire House...

Winchester, the Propane Pig

I first saw Winchester ten days ago and thought to myself, "I want to find out more about that pig." Well, I went back to Roger's Hardware store where I had last seen it only to find out that it had been moved to the basement of the Historical Society. Ah, a photo opportunity lost. However, Winchester the propane pig, has an interesting story.

Winchester is made out of five propane tanks. A large one for his body and four smaller ones for his legs and feet. His tail is made out of an old bed spring. the idea for the pig was conceived by the son of the owner of Roger's Hardware store. Winchester is a very large piggy bank and was created for the purpose of raising money to built a public playground. One could donate by dropping money into Winchester or if you made a $35 donation you could have the pig sit on your front lawn until someone else made a $35 donation or you asked for the pig to be removed. Winchester raised $35,000 for the new playground.

Above is the playground now completed. I've got a request out for a picture of Winchester. When I get a picture, I'll be sure to let you know via The Nor'Easter.

Hobb's Forge - The Village Smithy

Located right on Route 12 just over the Ashburnham/Westminster line is Hobb's Forge. Norm is the blacksmith and told me he now does this whenever he feels like it. He vacations in Florida during the winter. You'll know if he is open because his door will be open and some of his wares will be outside.

Norm's best sellers are his weather vanes, although he does make all kind of items including plant hooks, iron gates, and cut outs to hang on your wall.

Norm took the time to show me his scrapbook of the news articles that have been done about his shop and told me that his work is all over the country. Why even a gentleman from Beverly Hills stopped in one day and bought something.

Hobb's Forge is typical New England and definitely worth a look.