History of Reading, MA. Local Winchester plumbers, Master Plumber #17157, Mass Save registered, 24/7 emergency. Call (781) 242-2386.
Settlement and the South Reading Split
Reading was originally a much larger town that included what are now Wakefield and North Reading. In 1812 the southern portion was set off as a separate town first called ‘South Reading’ and later renamed Wakefield in 1868. North Reading was set off in 1853 as its own town. What remained — the original town center — kept the name Reading.
The Iron Industry
Through the 1700s and 1800s Reading developed a small but important iron industry. The Pratt family operated forges and ironworks along the Ipswich River. By the 1850s Reading was producing nails, ironware, and tools for the Massachusetts market. The industry declined as larger operations in Lawrence and Worcester took over, but the iron heritage still shows in some Reading place names.
The Boston and Maine Railroad
The Boston and Maine reached Reading in 1845, with the depot built right at what is now the town center. The railroad enabled Reading to develop as a true Boston commuter town — and the Reading depot remains active today as the terminus of the MBTA Haverhill commuter line. Trains run from Reading to Boston’s North Station roughly every hour.
Civic Investment
Reading developed early as a town that invested in civic infrastructure. The town built a high school in 1883, expanded the library multiple times through the 1900s, and consistently funded a strong school system. The Reading Town Common — 18 acres in the middle of downtown — has been the social and civic heart of the town for over 200 years and is still where the major civic events happen.
Modern Reading
Today Reading is a town of about 26,000, predominantly residential, with a walkable downtown around the Common and the depot. The town has held its character through the 21st century — small-scale commercial, low-rise residential, strong schools, active civic life. The Reading Fall Street Faire each September turns Main Street into a community festival.
Plumbing & Heating in Reading
Reading’s housing is mostly mid-century — 1950s and 1960s ranches and capes — with a strong contingent of older colonials in the central neighborhoods. Furnace and boiler replacements are common in town and we handle many of the heat pump conversions through Mass Save.
Need a plumber in Reading? Sedona Plumbing and Heating is licensed, insured, and dispatches same-day from our Winchester shop. See our Reading services hub, our Reading plumber page, or our Reading HVAC services. Call (781) 242-2386.
Local Resources & Things to Do in Reading
For ideas on what to see and do locally, see our Things to Do in Reading guide.
