|
 The
Town of Carver is situated in southeastern Massachusetts, 38 miles
from Boston, and is the site of three rivers, brooks, ponds and
sizable swamps. The town had large cedar and pine stands so the
abundant water power provided energy for many sawmills. The discovery
of iron ore in the region stimulated the development of iron foundries
as well, while the agricultural economy in the town was based heavily
on cranberries.
In the 1940's, the Town of Carver produced more cranberries than
any town in the world and despite dramatic population increases,
Carver's cranberry bogs are still an important part of the town.
Additionally, the bogs, forest land and large amounts of water served
to limit development and retain a rural flavor for the community.
Money from iron built handsome mansions in Carver, some of which
still exist, while the foundries and bogs drew immigrant workers
from the Cape Verde islands and from Finland who remain as part
of the town's population. Although Carver is now clearly a suburban
commuter community, it is one of the few towns with a significant
remaining agricultural component as cranberries have become a big
national business.
|