Life in Colrain: The town of Colrain
The Town of Colrain, largely undiscovered by the rest of the world, lies in a mountainous area of north central Massachusetts, abutting Vermont. Colrain is one of the largest towns in Massachusetts, with one of the smallest population densities, a mere 41 people per square mile. By comparison, Northampton's ratio per square mile is 850. In fact, 81% of Colrain is "natural land," largely wooded mountains and uncultivated pasture. Only 4% is residential; most of the rest is in agricultural use.
Colrain was settled "by Scots-Irish immigrants in 1761, not long after the end of the French and Indian War, who named their settlement after Lord Coleraine of northern Ireland." Native Americans still held the Colrain river valleys when the settlers first arrived, so they settled on the mountaintops, where now you can find the cellar holes of vanished 18th-century houses and barns. A 1797 Methodist church still stands at the top of Ed Clark Road, heated by a wood stove, and lit by gaslight. One of Colrain's traditions is a service of lessons and carols held there each year on Christmas Eve.
In the nineteenth century, Colrain was New England's largest producer of apple cider, and it still has a few remaining orchards, notably Pine Hill Orchard, always worth a stop for its home-grown apples and home-made cider and pies. In 1837, there were three cotton mills operating employing "40 males and 120 females," as well as a local iron foundry, which annually produced 150 tons of iron castings.
Farming, particularly sheep, was also an important industry, but as prairie land with its deep, fertile topsoil became increasingly available, many farmers in New England, including those in Colrain, abandoned their stony fields and joined the wagon trains westward.
There are still a half-dozen dairy farms, including Hillman Farm, nationally known for its award-winning goat cheese. At Hager Bros. Farm, Chip and Sherry Hager produce and sell raw milk and a variety of maple- syrup products. Their maple-glazed fried dough at the annual Colrain Fair is worth a drive from Manhattan. And on Keldaby Farm, Cynthia Herbert and Bob Ramirez raise Angora goats and turn out mohair yarns, throws, and clothing.
Colrain is also becoming known for its crafts. Under the leadership of Leigh Morrell, founder of Morrell Metalsmiths, local artisans and craftspeople open their studios and workshops for the annual Crafts of Colrain tour. The website is worth a visit to appreciate the diversity and variety of Colrain talent. Many of these shops are open year-round, so call ahead to make sure, and visit them.
Photo of the Town of Colrain: Leigh Morrell & Stan Pike