Conway, Massachusetts
Population: 1,809
Located in Franklin County
With a population increase of about 10% in only 10 years, Conway is a rapidly expanding bedroom community to the Five College Area. Trivia facts about this small town; Marshall Field, founder of the famous Chicago retail stores was born in Conway and the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Archibald Macleish resided here until his death just a decade ago. ( I was once a visitor to his writing cabin when a property once belonging to him was on the market.) Once part of Hampshire County, Conway was already a booming mill town when it was incorporated in 1767. In 1869, everything changed overnight when the region's major dam on the South River broke and washed most of the town's factories downstream. Today, the only industry here is an orchard supply company. The only businesses in the village center include a chocolate shop, some offices, the Conway Inn (really a tavern/restaurant) and Baker's Store-a combination general store/coffee shop so central to town life that public notices get posted there. A library, post office, the Historical Society, a new town hall (and the old one) -the 2nd floor of which serves as the basketball court and meeting hall- make up the rest of the village center. The other business of Conway takes place largely in homes, with many residents involved in cottage industries, bed & breakfasts or home offices. A drive along any of the main roads will attest that agriculture and animal husbandry still play a role in the local economy, and the town boasts several horse breeding/stabling operations. Conway has over 2,500 acres of state forest and opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting and camping are endless. The waterfall at Conway Station, the site of an old dam deep in the forest, is one of the area's most popular summer watering holes. The town also has a swimming area for residents only. Conway's Festival of the Hills, held at the peak of foliage season, is a small town celebration of music, crafts, food and contests. In the Fall, tourists also arrive by droves to take photographs of the 107 foot Burkeville Covered Bridge on Route 116.
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