The North Becket Historic District. Ballou Dam (1927) Originally built in the 1800s for mill power, the 60-foot long, 14-foot high dam was reconstructed in 1927 after the dam was washed away during the flood. When it was rebuilt it provided water power to a basket factory located on Maple Street until the mid-1960’s.

Yokum Brook Restoration Project (2003-2006) The Ballou Dam was removed to restore the natural flow of Yokum Brook into the West Branch of the Westfield River. The West Branch is the longest free-flowing river area in Massachusetts. The students of the Becket-Washington School raised Atlantic salmon and trout to be released into the brook to help restore the fish population. Courtesy of. The Becket Historical Society learn more at townofbecket.org

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