News

 Merrimac – Residents and visitors are invited to view a local example of early Colonial architecture and to enjoy a look at Colonial life when the Merrimac Town Improvement Society holds their annual fall open house at the Old Sawyer House Saturday October 4, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Old Sawyer House is located at 20 East Main Street (adjacent to the Merrimac Fire Station) in Merrimac, Ma.

             Along with the one-quarter mile in-and-out trail located behind the Old Sawyer House, a new one-third mile side trail will also be open for guided walks during the open house.  The trails provide visitors with an opportunity to explore some of the woodland and vegetated areas that belong to the Town Improvement Society.

In addition to tours of the Old Sawyer House (circa 1735) and woodland trails, mulled cider and light refreshments will be served around the main fireplace of the Sawyer House. 

            A charitable organization with a Section 501 (c) (3) status, the Town Improvement Society is seeking funds to repair and restore five of the windows located on the west side of the Old Sawyer House.  The front door pediment also requires restoration. Information on the restoration project will be available at the October 4 Open House. 

The Old Sawyer House, a classic New England saltbox, was built by John Kendrick and sold to Aaron Sawyer in 1758. It remained in the Sawyer family until 1908 when it was sold, along with 14 acres of woodland, to the Merrimac Town Improvement Society. The house retains much of its original paneling, original upstairs windows and one original fireplace on the second floor. The two downstairs fireplaces were renovated in the mid-19th century. Furnishings and artifacts located in the home reflect the house’s First Period Colonial status.

The Planning Board will be having an informal discussion at its September 23, 2025 regular meeting to discuss the MBTA Zoning Bylaw and overlay district location.  The discussion will focus on questions or comments pertaining to the draft bylaw and next steps in the approval process, particularly its inclusion on the warrant for Fall Town Meeting.  The draft bylaw and proposed overlay district map are included on the Town’s website for review.  The discussion pertaining the MBTA bylaw will begin at 7 PM on September 23, 2025 at Town Hall.  The public is welcome to attend.

MBTA Zoning Bylaw CLICK HERE

MBTA Zoning Overlap Map CLICK HERE

Effective September 9th 2025

LEVEL 2 SIGNIFICANT DROUGHT CONDITIONS

Mandatory Restrictions on Non-Essential Water Use

Under the Level 2 Water Use Restriction:

Our Water Management Act permit defines the following:

Nonessential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictions include:

• NO: irrigation of lawns via sprinkler or automatic irrigation systems;
• NO: filling of swimming pools;
• NO: washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety; and
• NO: washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks except as necessary to apply surface treatment such as paint, preservatives, stucco, cement or pavement. 
• NO: establishing new lawns regardless of the time of year until ban is removed.
• YES: Watering ornamentals and flower gardens with drip irrigation, hand hold hose or watering cans may be permitted during non-peak hours (after 5 pm and before 9 am)

Water uses NOT subject to mandatory restrictions are those required:

• for health or safety reasons;
• by regulation;
• for production of food and fiber;
• for the maintenance of livestock; or
•  to meet the core functions of a business (for example, irrigation of a golf course as necessary to maintain tees, greens, and limited fairway watering, or irrigation by a plant nurseries to maintain stock).

This conservation measure will be strictly enforced. Violators will be issued a written warning for the first offense. A second offense will be fined $50.00 and $100 for each subsequent offense.

Please call the office with any questions or concerns…978-346-8407

Paving of the following streets will take place weather dependent on Thursday, September 11th and Friday, September 12th. Please use caution and avoid the area if possible. Any questions please contact the Highway Department at 978-346-8939.

Emery Street, North Street, Harriman Road, Winter Street, Forest Street, Billings Road & Bisson Lane

Residents and visitors are invited to join members of the Town Improvement Society as it cleans a quarter-mile, in-and-out trail located behind the Old Sawyer House on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

A local example of early Colonial architecture, the Old Sawyer House is located at 20 East Main St. (adjacent to the Merrimac Fire Station). Refreshments and an opportunity to view the Old Sawyer House will be available to volunteers and other visitors.

The trail provides visitors with an opportunity to explore some of the woodland and vegetated areas that belong to the Town Improvement Society.

To assist with clearing leaves and small branches from the trail, volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves and rakes.

A charitable organization with a Section 501 (c) (3) status, the Town Improvement Society is additionally seeking funds to repair and restore five of the windows located on the west side of the Old Sawyer House. The front door pediment also requires restoration. Information on the restoration project will be available on the day of the trail work.

The Old Sawyer House, a classic New England saltbox, was built by John Kendrick and sold to Aaron Sawyer in 1758. It remained in the Sawyer family until 1908, when it was sold, along with 14 acres of woodland, to the Merrimac Town Improvement Society.

The house retains much of its original paneling, original upstairs windows and one original fireplace on the second floor. The two downstairs fireplaces were renovated in the mid-19th century. Furnishings and artifacts located in the home reflect the house’s First Period Colonial status.

The Town of Merrimac is preparing to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026. The Select Board is seeking enthusiastic and civic-minded residents to join the Merrimac 150th Anniversary Celebration Committee.

This is a unique opportunity to help plan a year-long celebration that honors Merrimac’s rich history, traditions, and community spirit. The committee will help shape events and activities, including historical exhibits, parades, concerts, family fun days, and more.

Those who have experience in event planning, a passion for local history, or simply want to give back to their town, are welcome to express their interest.

To express interest in joining the committee, or to request more information, please email the Merrimac Select Board at selectmen@townofmerrimac.com.