Information about the Historical Commission
The Town of Otis Historical Commission is dedicated to the preservation of historic buildings, landmarks, trails, cemeteries, and Indian burial grounds. We assist people who are searching for their ancestral information. We also will assist people trying to receive grants from the MA Historical Commission, along with how to get on the National Register of Historic Places.
Not Enough Said about Paul Larkeom
Paul Larkoem is said to be the first born child in Loudon (East Otis) . He was the son of Job & Molley Larkeom. The original home still stands today” a regulation house” so called. The King had strict requirements on length and width of such homes. Paul was responsible for the representation of this area in the legislature in Boston. He brought together Loudon , the District of Bethlehem and lands in between to form one town Otis in 1810; named after Harrison Gray Otis.
Paul was a people person and enjoyed conversation on political views at the Norton Tavern. He frequently conversed with tavern owner Colonel Jonathan Norton about the Revolution and government as Paul also served in the Revolution. After a while they saw many likenesses between themselves and became close. Paul started dating Comfort, Jonathan’s daughter and married in 1786. It was tough going in Loudon in the 18th century . The country was in disarray especially by the tavern on “The Great Road”. The only route to Boston & Albany. Many different kinds of people passing by, unknown if they were friend or foe. Making a living was limited to farming, milling or tavern back then.
After the Revolution things settled down. More and more homesteads were springing up in Otis. In 1825 Paul uprooted himself his wife and children and a dozen more Otis families to at the time was called the Western Reserve. They settled in a town called Freedom , Ohio. Paul become a town fixture almost immediately. He had plans and built the first house of worship in Freedom, also himself and Daniel Strickland built the first steam powered sawmill. Later he became the Town’s Historian. Before his death in 1843 he wrote the History of Freedom Ohio. In 2008 Freedom had their Bi- centennial honoring Paul Larkoem at a graveside ceremony. Paul Larkeom was man of two towns and two
states.
By Thomas A. Ragusa, Chairperson, Otis Historical Commission
THE VOICE is Heard
On October 24th 2009 between the hours of 2 pm and 4pm a major acknowledgement took place in East Otis, formerly Louden, Ma. A milestone on the Albany Road, a.k.a. Knox Trail, was fitted with granite protection posts. The milestone, a large boulder in the ground with the carving “65 M to Albany”. The road is documented back to 1709 and used also in 1694. The boulder has seen the development of the Province land, which was the Berkshire Area.
The road has led the first settlers of the first Berkshire town (Sheffield) from Westfield many times in the 1700’s. The King’s post was delivered to Albany from Boston. The road was later improved by Thomas Ingersoll of Westfield and later General Heath with civilians. This layout was to serve as a main road leading through the four newly established townships. The road also served as supply route in the French & Indian War in the middle of the 1700’s. General Amherst and his army improved the road in rough spots for cart travel in East Otis in 1759. In January 1776 under the command of Colonel Knox; the road carried the fighting power of cannons, ammunitions, and troops to General Washington in Boston to drive the British out. In October 1777 the milestone
witnessed General Burgoyne’s surrender march to Boston of some 5800 weary troops.
The winter months muffled the voice of the message under the snow. It was probably calling out but could not be heard.
The Otis Historical Commission and other caring people of the town have worked to recognize the milestone and this "Great Road” through our town. The granite posts stand well above the boulder now, the message will be heard in every season for future generations to come.
Thomas A. Ragusa Chairperson Otis Historical Commission
65 Miles to Albany Milestone! Photographs by Cynthia Flint-Ragusa
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