This past May 17, the Congregational Church of Harvard celebrated an important milestone in the history of the town of Harvard, Massachusetts. Two hundred years ago, in 1821, the church invited George Fisher to become their pastor at a salary of $500. Today, that would equate to around $324,000 (the labor value using production worker compensation). This was the first year the town did not pay the minister’s salary. According to the 1820 census, the population of Harvard was 1,597 as compared to 6,620 (2019). Three hundred thirty polls (taxes) were collected, $800 was appropriated for schools, $800 for highways, and $1,500 for various town charges.
Rebecca Miller
East Bare Hill Road
