of poor, and contribution to
the State treasury, petitioned the General Court for a grant of three or
four townships within the "Hampshire wild lands." Three lots, each six
miles square, were given, subject to certain conditions. Within five
years, sixty Massachusetts families must be settled, each possessing a
house (at least eighteen feet square and seven stud), with five acres of
improved land. A house for public worship must be erected, and a learned
Orthodox minister be honorably supported; lastly, a school must be
maintained.

[Illustration: THE PARK IN 1807.]

[Illustration: THE OLD PARSONAGE.]

One of these townships, Poontoosuck, an Indian word, meaning "winter
deer," was bought at public auction for L1,320, by Colonel Jacob
Wendell, whose descendents have earned lasting honor for the family
name. Philip Livingston, of Albany, and John Stoddard, through older
claims, became associated with him as joint proprietors. The terms of
the grant were not strictly complied with, and, after an unsuccessful
attempt to bring in Dutchmen, a company of forty settlers from Westfield
purchased and took possession of the greater part of the township.
Difficulties with the Indians soon drove them back. The first permanent
settlement was made in 1749, and three years later occurred the birthday
of the town.

[Illustration: MAPLEWOOD AVENUE.]

In May, 1761, the first town meeting was held. At this time the name was
changed to Pittsfield in honor of William Pitt, for his vigorous conduct
of the war against France. Slaves were owned by many of the citizens,
and stocks and a whipping-post were set up. Saw mills and grist mills
were in operation; fulling mills held an important position, and shortly
afterwards the production of iron became considerable. The first
meeting-house was completed in 1770. The most pretentious dwelling-house
was "The Long House," owned by Colonel Williams. The first appropriation
for schools was twenty-two pounds eight shillings, in 1762.

In resistance to British oppression at the outbreak of the Revolution,
Berkshire County required no one to lead the way. "The popular rage,"
wrote Governor Gage, "is very high in Berkshire and makes its way
rapidly to the rest." In response to the Boston Port bill cattle and
money were sent to the sufferers. Resolutions were passed to discontinue
the consumption of English goods at whatever time the American Congress
should recommend such action. In August, 1774, Be