From time to time, people have asked about the reason for the name of this road. Some have thought it an Indian name. The Blandford Brick and Tile Company had purchased land on Sunset Rock and on both sides of the road which they opened to transport clay from the mine to Russell. Their kaolin mine was located just opposite the upper end of the road on Route 23. (See Stone Walls Fall 1978 for an account of the mine.)
From Blandford Monthly - July 1903
In response to a petition by E.W. Boise and others, the county commissioners will inspect what is known as the Kaolin Road, connecting the Russell and West- field roads, and will give a hearing on the subject of laying it out as a public high- way, July 29. This project, if carried out, will open up some most desirable and sightly property.
From Blandford Monthly - Dec. 1903
What has been known as the brick- and-tile, or Kaolin Road, is at last a public highway. The county county commissioners have viewed and approved it. The town laid out about $200 on it, the contract having been taken and the work done by Ely Wyman. The lower part was underlined with telford, and the grade above it has been well drained by means of culverts made of stone. The road presents every appearance of having been well done and Mr. Wyman has had long experience in this line. It will be a great public convenience and in connection. with a large number of house lots and streets now being made ready for prospective investors by the Norcross Brothers is likely to become an important highway in summer as well as in winter.
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NOTE This road connected with the Russell Road very close to the present home of David Peebles. When the Mass. Turnpike was put thru Blandford, it disrupted some of the property lines in that area. So the Kaolin Road was relocated to exit on the Russell Road just below the Elementary School.
From Blandford Monthly - July 1903
In response to a petition by E.W. Boise and others, the county commissioners will inspect what is known as the Kaolin Road, connecting the Russell and West- field roads, and will give a hearing on the subject of laying it out as a public high- way, July 29. This project, if carried out, will open up some most desirable and sightly property.
From Blandford Monthly - Dec. 1903
What has been known as the brick- and-tile, or Kaolin Road, is at last a public highway. The county county commissioners have viewed and approved it. The town laid out about $200 on it, the contract having been taken and the work done by Ely Wyman. The lower part was underlined with telford, and the grade above it has been well drained by means of culverts made of stone. The road presents every appearance of having been well done and Mr. Wyman has had long experience in this line. It will be a great public convenience and in connection. with a large number of house lots and streets now being made ready for prospective investors by the Norcross Brothers is likely to become an important highway in summer as well as in winter.
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NOTE This road connected with the Russell Road very close to the present home of David Peebles. When the Mass. Turnpike was put thru Blandford, it disrupted some of the property lines in that area. So the Kaolin Road was relocated to exit on the Russell Road just below the Elementary School.
