Pascommuck Conservation Trust P.O. Box 806 Easthampton, MA 01027 Phone: 413-527-7193 Official Website of PCT e-mail

History of The Nashawannuck Pond:

One Hundred Fifty Years Ago: The Nashawannuck Pond Created: By Ed Dwyer

In 1847, the small farming village of Easthampton was permanently transformed. The Williston - Knight Button Company was established and a modern factory was built.

At the time, covered buttons were an important fashion accessory.

To power the machines needed in the button business, Broad Brook was dammed and a pond was created.

The pond was named after the second Williston - Knight business enterprise to be located in Easthampton - the Nashawannuck Manufacturing Company. The Nashawannuck was a maker of elastic suspenders, another important fashion accessory of the time.

The Nashawannuck Pond has been used for industry, commercial enterprises, and recreation since its creation. The reflection of Mt. Tom in the Nashawannuck Pond, which creates the impression of a bottle, has become a symbol of the town.