The Blizzard of ’78
Skis were one of the few modes of travel available after Gov. Michael Dukakis declared a state of emergency and banned automobile traffic in the aftermath of the blizzard of ’78. The storm started in late morning on Monday, Feb. 6, and ended Tuesday evening, leaving more than two feet of snow in its wake. Gale-force winds created drifts that, in some areas, were 10 feet high. Residents were still digging out on Thursday.
Because the roof over the outgoing mail section of the Worcester Post Office collapsed under the weight of the snow, Harvard’s mail—which is routed into and out of Worcester—came to a halt for more than four days.
Highway crews worked around the clock, from 8 a.m. Monday to Wednesday night, reportedly with only a two-hour break, and were back at it on Thursday. Five of the 10 snow-removal vehicles suffered breakdowns.
Officials Ponder Growth in Harvard
At a joint board meeting to review the projected budget, there was a discussion about a proposed revision to the master plan. One of the selectmen said there was a need to think about the quality of growth and development in town. He said, “We’re beyond the point where this is a balanced community.”
The Finance Committee chairman commented that, although the town’s average property values might reflect overall affluence, many people who already live here could not afford to move in at the prevailing real estate prices. He added that their children were being priced out of town. The assessor agreed, citing that the average 1½-acre lot in town was selling for $15,000 to $20,000.
—Based on reports in the old Harvard Post
