The History of Onset Village
From it's early days, Onset has attracted summer inhabitants. First as a summer fishing ground for Native Americans, then as a summer respite for religious spiritualists.
In 1848 it started to flourish as a summer resort when trains arrived from Boston to carry industrial goods to market, thus introducing Bostonians and other urban dwellers to Onset.
Cottage and hotels were built and as more transportation options grew, so did the population. Tourists arrived daily by train, sailboat, and steamers.
In 1848 it started to flourish as a summer resort when trains arrived from Boston to carry industrial goods to market, thus introducing Bostonians and other urban dwellers to Onset.
Cottage and hotels were built and as more transportation options grew, so did the population. Tourists arrived daily by train, sailboat, and steamers.
Onset was once a major terminus for the old side wheeler steamboat ferries. The route included New Bedford, Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Hotels in operation at that time were the Oak Crest and Anchor Inn on Onset Ave (featured in the movie "Kennedy's of Massachusetts" and still around today), restaurants, theaters, and the Casino where the likes of Tommy Dorsey, Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington played.
The bathing pavilion had the capacity to rent 1,000 woolen suits to bathers, comfortable dressing rooms and large Turkish towels.
The bathing pavilion had the capacity to rent 1,000 woolen suits to bathers, comfortable dressing rooms and large Turkish towels.
Today, the charm and flavor of the Victorian village remains with beautiful Victorian homes, seaside cottages, and lovely sandy beaches.
Onset Bay Association has complimentary Historic Tour Map. It's a self-guided walking tour that stops at several points of interest throughout the Village.
Onset Bay Association 4 Union Avenue PO BOX 799
Onset, MA 02558 ph: 508-295-7072
Event Calendar
http://onsetvillage.org.p8.hostingprod.com/calendar
Onset Bay Association has complimentary Historic Tour Map. It's a self-guided walking tour that stops at several points of interest throughout the Village.
Onset Bay Association 4 Union Avenue PO BOX 799
Onset, MA 02558 ph: 508-295-7072
Event Calendar
http://onsetvillage.org.p8.hostingprod.com/calendar
Use the drop down menu under "Things to Do" to see Dining, Activities, Golf
