Unearthing Wilbraham: The Story Behind Historical Tidbits
- David Bourcier
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Wilbraham Historical Tidbits began in 2021, inspired by a long-standing interest in the stories and history of Wilbraham. The project was created and written by David Bourcier, a 37-plus-year veteran of the Wilbraham Fire Department and retired Fire Chief whose roots in town run deep. Born and raised on Chapel Street, David was immersed early in the rhythms of the community, walking to local schools, exploring old neighborhoods, and absorbing the tales that gave Wilbraham its unique character. He graduated from Minnechaug Regional High School, where he met his future wife, Kelley. More than forty years later, they remain in town, sharing their home with their Shih Tzu, Marty.
Before there was a website, David shared his historical research on various Facebook pages, posting small but meaningful facts about Wilbraham’s past, lost roads, local families, forgotten industries, and the quiet stories behind familiar landmarks. These short features began to attract attention.
David’s daughter, Lindsey, turned the idea into a real, functioning project. Living in San Francisco at the time, she built the website and gave Wilbraham Historical Tidbits a home where stories could be archived, expanded, and shared across the world. Thanks to her efforts, the site now reaches readers in more than thirty-four countries, proving that even a small New England town has history worth exploring far beyond its borders.
One of the most recognizable symbols of the project, the snake in the logo, is a direct nod to one of Wilbraham’s most famous early tales: the Timothy Mirick rattlesnake story. For David, it was the first local legend he ever read as a young boy, a dramatic account that ignited his interest in the town’s past and opened the door to countless other stories waiting to be rediscovered.
As interest continued to grow, the project expanded to Facebook with the creation of the Wilbraham Historical Tidbits page, quickly gaining more than a thousand followers. This online community has become a gathering place for residents, former residents, history fans, and anyone drawn to the charm and complexity of Wilbraham’s past.
From this foundation, David’s writing evolved into published works.
• The George M. Kingdon Fire Company was released April 11, 2025, by Silver Street Media, honoring Wilbraham’s fire service heritage.
• Historic Tales of Wilbraham, published by The History Press on May 6, 2025, brought thirty historical stories together in a single collection.
• A third book, Wilbraham: A Journey Through History, is scheduled for release in spring 2026 by Silver Street Media, continuing his mission to preserve and celebrate local history.
Alongside these efforts, a passionate offshoot formed, the WHT Relic Hunters, an informal yet dedicated group of history enthusiasts deeply committed to researching, exploring, and preserving the tangible remnants of the past. Their work takes them from forgotten homesites and industrial ruins to old quarries, woodland trails, abandoned roadbeds, and historic sites throughout Massachusetts and beyond. They conduct meticulous research, visit museums and archives, and, where permitted, engage in metal detecting, bottle hunting, and photography to help bring history to life.
The WHT Relic Hunters follow a few simple but important principles. They always seek permission before entering private property, stay transparent by sharing their research and discoveries openly, and most importantly, act as stewards of the land, leaving every site exactly as they found it. The group’s logo, inspired by the front door of notable Wilbraham figure Dr. Samuel Fisk Merrick, symbolizes an entry into the past and reflects the connection between their work and the town’s rich history.
Together, Wilbraham Historical Tidbits and the WHT Relic Hunters have created a living bridge between the present and the town’s past, preserving stories, uncovering forgotten details, and inviting others to appreciate the layers of history beneath everyday life. What began as a few shared posts has grown into a vibrant, ongoing project celebrating the heart and heritage of Wilbraham.
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