Why paint in Middleborough? From the historic mansions of past industry magnates lining South Main St, to the multitude of cranberry bogs that pepper its rural expanse, from the rustic ruins of a 18th century grist mill off RT 44, and the scenic beauty of its numerous farmlands, woodlands and waterways, Middleboro offers a veritable plethora of scenic delights for the outdoor painter.
Suggested Sites
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Cranberry Bogs
Middleborough has been called "The Cranberry Capital of the World" and for good reason. Cranberry bogs are plentiful throughout the eastern half of the town and Ocean Spray is headquartered here. The bogs are flooded (typically in mid-October) and the harvest begins, presenting a colorful and worthy regional subject for the plein-air artist. Patrons of our gallery are constantly requesting cranberry bog paintings! |
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Architecture
Some beautiful old mansions as well as more modest homes line the stretch of S. Main St (Rt 105) as one approaches the center of town from the main roads and highways to the south (Rts. 495 and 28). An impressive, 1870s Victorian era Town Hall towers over the town center and its sprawling front grounds could provide a great spot to set up your easel . There is plenty of parking and sidewalk space along this stretch of road as well. |
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Oliver Mill
Oliver Mill Park is a municipal park on Nemasket Street (Rt 44) in Middleborough. It contains the remains of a major 18th century industrial complex developed by Peter Oliver, which included several mills, a blast furnace, and forge. Located along the banks of the Nemasket River, the area was originally used by Native Americans, who had established fishing weirs at the site to harvest the high quantities of alewife and blueback herring that migrate up the river every spring. In 1734, the first mill was built at the site, and in 1744 it was purchased and its enlargement begun by Peter Oliver. At its height, the complex Oliver built was one of the largest villages in the area, manufacturing cannonballs and cannons of various sizes, as well as more prosaic household goods. In the 19th century it was used in the manufacture of shovels, but it closed in 1843 and was abandoned. A nice parking lot and plenty of spaces and vantages to paint make this a great spot! |
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Rt 105, North Middleborough
Take a ride up Thompson St (Rt 105) in North Middleboro for a very scenic stretch that goes for miles through farmlands, woods, and pumpkin patches. Lolans Farm and other rustic settings provide an apt subject for any artist seeking to capture the beauty of autumn with a rural, country feel. Get there by taking Rt 44 to Plympton St North and then take Rt 105 North (Thompson St). |
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Explore The Town!
Middleborough is the second largest town in Massachusetts in land area so there is much more subject matter to find. Always remember to respect private property and be mindful of traffic wherever you set up to paint. You can view and download a pdf map we've made of the town here. Have fun and we'll see you at the show! |
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