In 1701, Leominster was purchased from Chief Sholan of the Nashua Indian tribe. At that time it was known as 'Lancaster New', but was later renamed Leominster after Leominster, England.Leominster, Massachusetts is hailed as the birthplace of Johnny Appleseed. His real name was John Chapman and was born in September 26, 1774 and baptized in the Congregational Church on June 25, 1775.
The original Congregational church is long gone, however there is a stone marker near to where it once stood. If you go to the old Pine Grove cemetery, across from St. Leo's Church on Route 12, just inside the cemetery is the marker. It's very hard to read, but it's there.
Leominster is also the home to Wiltec Plastics and the original pink lawn flamingo was also made there (not sure if it was at Wiltec or not). A fun activity is to go to the National Plastics Center and Museum located on Route 117 off from Route 190. There is the Plastics Hall of Fame, hands on activites, the experiment of the month, rare one of a kind artifacts, present day plastics making, along with the history and future of plastics making. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Admission is Adults (12 - 64) $5, Children (4 - 11) $3, Seniors (65+) $3, and children under 4 are free.
The common are in Leominster has the obligatory monuments to several wars. It's a rather small common. I personally like a town common to be large enough to have a picnic in and throw around a frisbee. There are benches for you to sit on, however, I'm not sure how long one would want to be there because of the proximity of the traffic.
My favorite restaurant is Monty's Garden. It's an Italian restaurant on route 12 - right downtown. You need to park in back and take the elevator to the second floor. All their pasta is made fresh. Order the fried bow ties as an appetizer - it's a Monty's specialty.
There is plenty of free parking downtown. Just watch for the signs. One place is behind the Unitarian church. Be sure to park where you are supposed to and not in the spaces designated for the church.
You can reach Leominster from Route 2 in Massachusetts by taking exits 32 or 31A. Be careful about your speed in this area of Route 2. The speed limit is 55 mph and drops as you drive through the area. The police are always looking for someone to ticket here.
Be sure to take a look at my photo gallery of pictures from Leominster MA.
