Holliston’s Oldest Veteran
While most locals associate Charlie Nickerson with the founding of Out Post Farm and turkeys, Nickerson now has a new title as Holliston’s oldest veteran.
Charlie found himself in New York in 1941, hoping to join the Marines. Nickerson’s six brothers had already joined the military, but his youthful appearance didn’t fool the Marine recruiter. Farming until his eighteenth birthday in two years, Nickerson joined the Army and landed at Camp Croft in South Carolina.
“My next stop was England, just in time for D-Day,” exclaimed Nickerson. By this time Nickerson had learned that his brother Andrew had died in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp.
Charlie’s baptism under fire would come as a member of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Dropping from the sky, Nickerson worked as the Lead Reconnaissance Scout for his unit. This job often sent him well in advance of U.S. and allied lines. Nickerson’s unit was afforded a two-month return to England before returning to the war in time for the Battle of the Bulge.
The 82nd Airborne Division met up with the Russians after Nickerson’s unit crossed the Elb River. Nickerson made it to Berlin and war’s end before returning to Camp Devens and receiving his discharge. Charlie was awarded two Silver Stars and a Russian Valor Medal along with several campaign medals for his service in Europe.
Married and living in Dedham with five children, Nickerson was looking for land in Medway when a realtor suggested land in Holliston. He claims, “I’d never heard of Holliston,” when he ventured into the First National store on a hot August morning in 1957 to buy cookies to keep his kids quiet. An available realtor above the store showed Nickerson land on Prentice Street, and within a week Charlie said he purchased the twenty acres for $2,200.
Nickerson told the Reporter that he saw a construction company felling trees to make way for Route 128 and had the unwanted trees hauled to a mill in Dover. These trees became the lumber for his house on Prentice Street.
“I started out with twelve chickens and ended up with twelve thousand along with hogs—the turkeys coming later,” Nickerson recalled.
Nickerson sold his business to A.J. Collins and now lives on five acres of his previously-owned property. The bulk of his acreage was sold to Out Post Farm under a conservation restriction.
In good health, Nickerson was excited to get his Covid-19 vaccine shot at the W. Roxbury V.A. Hospital several days ago. At 95½ years of age, he is looking forward to spring.
15 Comments
I knew Mr Nickerson back in the late 60’s and used to hang around the farm with his sons. I would like to thank him for his service to our Country and wish him well.
Great story.
Congratulations “Mr. Nick”, as my boys called him. We are lucky that you settled in Holliston! Thanks Bob for the article. Amazing some of the things never known about neighbors & friends. Jackie Dellicker
Charlie, congratulations on becoming Holliston’s Oldest Veteran. Thank you for your service and that of your brothers and their families.
Wow, I’ve known of Charlie since he moved to Holliston, but didn’t know this story, thankyou Bobbie. And thankyou Charlie for your service, being a survivor of D day is a rare and distinct honor.
I lived on the farm for a few years and worked with Mr Nick a lot. He was so much fun to work with and I loved the farm. Mr. Nick is a very hard working man and I always looked up to him. A great man. Thanks again to Mr. Nick. Will be visiting him in the summer if we can make it back to N.E.
I knew Mr. Nickerson as a young boy I went to school with his son Bobby. I never knew this story. God bless you and thank you. I remember when you delivered milk and sold eggs you built the outpost farm from the ground up .Congratulation Mr Nickerson on all you many endeavors
When we first moved to Hopkinton and till this day we have gone to Outpost Farm. Both my sons worked there 1st picking pumpkins, then later working with the turkeys. Jim and Dan, my sons, were taught work ethics and hard labor by Mr. Nick and I remember Marge in the kitchen cooking. Never knew his back story, so thanks Bobby for letting us all know. Thanks to Mr. Nick for your service.
Great article Bobby. Thanks Mr. Nick for your service. Most time when I’m back in Holliston I try and stop by for a Turkey Sandwich and say hi to A J
Thank you for your service!! Congratulations on your latest title.
-Stacey