This prosperity was interrupted as the town was selected as the site of the Wachusett Reservoir to provide water for Boston.

Many buildings were moved to the unaffected parts of the town but the majority were demolished and filled by the reservoir.

Over 1700 residents, 300 homes, eight schools, six mills, four churches and one hotel were moved to dry land.

The state paid approximately 60 cents on the dollar for use of the land with the promise to pay $12,000 a year to the town for lost tax revenue forever.

West Boylston's prominent landmark, the Old Stone Church, was left remaining as a reminder of those that lost their homes and jobs to the building of the reservoir.

Today, West Boylston has transformed itself into a bedroom community for Worcester and the surrounding region.

Due to the reservoir, the town has been able to preserve much of its rural character, making it an attractive place for recreation and living.

West Boylston's most famous historical resident is Robert Bailey Thomas, the founder of the Old Farmer's Almanac.

The Banner newspaper covers current news about West Boylston; Coulter Press of Clinton, Massachusetts, publishes it.

[10][11] In the past, other newspapers have included the News Recorder and West Boylston Times.