Frequently Asked Questions
I’d like to read The Cantymen by Joe Lindley & David Santerre, where do I find the book? Answer
“Train Wreck Park” – what’s that about, and where is it? Answer
We just purchased a home on XZY Road and were wondering if we could get some information on if it was historic or not? Answer
What properties are in the Thompson Hill Historic District? Answer
Do you have links to assist with family tree / genealogy research? Answer
I’m interested in learning about the Raceway and the Speedway. Answer
In Nathaniel Philbrick’s book, Travels with George, he mentions the Golden Ball being in East Thompson. I can’t find it. Information please. Answer
I’d like to read The Cantymen by Joe Lindley & David Santerre, where do I find the book?
The complete book is available online for free at this link. To learn more about the publication of the book – click here.
“Train Wreck Park” – what’s that about, and where is it?
Here’s some information for you – click here.
We just purchased a home on XZY Road and were wondering if we could get some information on if it was historic or not?
Answer: Search the Property by Parcel index. Find your street address and, if there, historic information exists. Here’s the direct link https://
Be sure to explore other content under Collections to help with your house research. Look under Maps and you will find the 1833, 1856 and 1869 maps and others that can help you – plus links to aerial maps and other research materials. If there is no historic listing for the property in the index, consider tracing the lineage of the property through the deeds at the town hall then using house ownership info, review the other resources, maps, cemetery name listings and other documents on our website.
Also, take a look at this document compiled by Mark Snay — How to research a house or property
What properties are in the Thompson Hill Historic District?
Answer: Please see the 1986-1987 survey report on the National Park Service site: https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/88172446-449d-4bf9-83c7-a24e365bbfb2
Do you have links to assist with family tree / genealogy research?
Answer: Yes – please visit these two sections of our website:Genealogy Tools & Other Resources and Cemeteries & Graveyards
I’m interested in learning about the Raceway and the Speedway.
Thompson Raceway -John Coelho collection
In Nathaniel Philbrick’s book, Travels with George, he mentions the Golden Ball being in East Thompson. I can’t find it. Information please.
Answer: The one in Thompson was called the Brass Ball Inn and this was confused with the Golden Ball which was / is in Weston, MA. There was also a Golden Ball Tavern, now demolished, in Providence, RI. Thompson’s Brass Ball Inn was on the CT / MA line near Toll-Gate Rock. The cellar hole is still there, almost opposite the CT / MA state line marker. To find it, go past the Airline Trail park heading to Douglas MA. When you see the state boundary marker on your left, you have just missed the Brass Ball Inn foundation on your right hand side. The building burned in 1883. Nathaniel visited with some of us from THS to see the foundation in 2019 on his research trip for the book.