History
In 1898, Palmer purchased the hereditary farm holdings of the Lamson family, some 747 acres (3.02 km2).This would become the estate in which he resided, known as Willow Dale. The mansion was built in 1902. Famous visitors to Willow Dale included the Prince of Wales and President William Howard Taft. By 1944, Palmer had donated all of his land holdings in Massachusetts to the Commonwealth to enjoy.
Specialties
This 721-acre former estate features pine needled paths, acres of sunny rolling meadows and spectacular rhododendrons which line old carriage roads. Peak bloom is usually in mid-June. Bradley Palmer was a noted attorney of the early 1900s who represented Sinclair Oil in the Teapot Dome Scandal and President Wilson at the Versailles Peace Conference after the First World War. Palmer's stately Arts and Crafts mansion has been rehabilitated by Willowdale Estate in return for credit towards a long term lease through DCR's Historic Curatorship Program. Willowdale Estate operates the property as an elegant wedding and events center.