Historical Information

Historical Information

Thomas Louis Hisgen, (1858-1925) was born in Petersburg, Pike County, Indiana, on November 26, 1858. Hisgen was a formidable figure. As an independent oil man, he battled Standard Oil Co. and later took on William Howard Taft and William Jennings Bryant as the Independent Party candidate for President of the United States in 1908.

Hisgen was the Democratic candidate for Massachusetts state auditor (1906), Independence League candidate for Governor of Massachusetts, (1907), and the Progressive candidate for U.S. Representative from Massachusetts 2nd District, (1912).

As president of the Independent Petroleum Marketers’ Association of the United States, Hisgen promised “cheaper kerosene oil for domestic consumption and cheaper gasoline for owners of launches and automobiles.” During his tenure, he fully expected an “oil war of great proportions.” He predicted that “during its progress the wholesale price of oil may tumble to one-half or one-third of the present prices.” (The New York Times, February 8, 1910)

Some things really never do change!

About Holland, Massachusetts

Holland is located in the southeast corner of Hampden County in Western Massachusetts. The town is four square miles in area. It contains the Quinnebaug River and the Hamilton Reservoir, one of the largest reservoirs in southern New England. It is nestled amongst two hill ranges, where elevations reach up to 1,100 feet.

During its history, the town sustained industries such as farming, cloth manufacturing, and brick making. However, Holland is known most for its recreational opportunities. There are extensive recreational facilities at the Hamilton Reservoir, which is stocked with trout each year by the Commonwealth. There is also a park and a swimming area at the very picturesque Lake Siog close to Hisgen House Bed and Breakfast.