HOLDEN, Mass. — Two hundred and seventy one years ago, the 35 square mile wilderness of rolling hills, sprawling meadows and scattered ponds and lakes was home to about 35 families — early pioneers of a town that now boasts a population of over 17,000 people.

While Holden's current residents rang in the new year yesterday, it was Jan. 2 that marks the important date in 1741 when the Massachusetts General Court passed an act of incorporation to set aside the portion of town once known as North Worcester as the separate town of Holden.

Then Gov. Jonathan Belcher signed the act on Jan. 9, 1741, and the town was named after the Honorable Samuel Holden, a longtime benefactor to the New England colonies.

Holdens rich is history since then and has been well-documented. The above information comes from the book "Holden: The Evolution of a Town" by Nicholas Zook.

What is your favorite part about living in Holden? How have you seen it change over the years? What do you look forward to seeing in 2012?