The Fitzwilliam Historical Society Newsletter- Fall/Winter2007-2008
Message from the President:
As the fall leaves change color and drop on the Common here in Fitzwilliam, it is a time to reflect upon our past year. I wish to express sincere appreciation to Terri Sillanpaa, curator, for her continued dedication and efforts on our behalf. I also thank Robert Corrette, past president, and Fred Chaplen, past treasurer, for the time and efforts they have given, as well as a thanks to all those on our Board and all of you who have contributed your time to make this past year so successful.
Our large annual fundraisers, the Strawberry Festival and the Antiques Show were a great success. In addition, our membership is increasing and many have toured the Blake House Museum.
Capital improvements to the Blake House include renovations of the Music and Bemis Rooms, new displays and restoration of all 26 windows. By the end of the fall season, new storm windows will be installed to protect the windows, and to help reduce our heating expenses; also, two chimneys will be rebuilt, capped with bluestone and sealed. One future project includes a plan to paint the exterior of the museum, a need much overdue.
Because of the hard work of many individuals, several programs are planned such as educational outreach programs for children, story-tellers (“Haunted Tales of Fitzwilliam’s Own”) and various weekly and/or specially scheduled tours and displays. Do plan to come and visit us. Offer your ideas and suggestions so that we at the Fitzwilliam Historical Society may continue to be a vital part of the community.
Bill Davis, President
New Program for Students:
For some time the Society has wanted a program to be conducted within the museum for the benefit of local school students. This plan has finally come together with “Hands on History,” an educational opportunity for the children of Fitzwilliam and neighboring towns to learn about life in the mid nineteenth century with special emphasis on Fitzwilliam. This half-day program will demonstrate a variety of subjects. Students will learn what it was like to live on a farm, how people traveled, the textiles they used and the toys they played with during this period. They will handle wool and get the true feel of real lanolin on their hands. They will smell fresh herbs and taste food, as it may have been prepared in the old days. Part of this class will be outside, weather permitting. They will also receive a tour of the Amos J. Blake House Museum. Lessons will be held within the old kitchen on benches, much as it would have been one hundred and fifty years ago.
Fitzwilliam resident Eileen McHugh, who has experience working with students in a museum setting, is presenting this program. If anyone has material such as old wooden buckets, a basket full of wool, our most wanted item, or even dried herbs or flowers, please contact Eileen or leave a message at the museum. We would appreciate anything you may have, provided it is appropriate for the program.
The Website:
Our Historical Society website just keeps getting better. Kerry Bergeron generously volunteers her time and keeps the news and other information updated on a regular basis. If there is something you would like to see added to this site please let us know. We have built up a great deal of Fitzwilliam related information for researchers and others who have an interest in our town. Over the years we have had many questions from people about genealogy look-ups, town notes, where certain property was located, community groups, etc. Over time, you should be able to go online and find much of this information yourself. Even the burial records will all go online with a bit more time. You may still contact the museum at any time and we will be happy to help you with your research. Contact information is at the bottom of this Newsletter.
Fall Program:
On Oct. 27th the Fitzwilliam Historical Society will hold an evening program within the museum. It is called “Haunted Tales of Fitzwilliam’s Own.” Our docents, in full period attire, will speak in the first person about unusual, twisted stories, which either took place in Fitzwilliam or are connected to someone who lived here. Lights will be dim and the atmosphere may be described as macabre! We are offering two tours, one to begin at 6:30 and the other at 7:30 pm. It would be helpful, but not necessary, if you left a message to let us know which tour you would like to attend. Many chilling things have happened to our residents. You’ll be shocked to hear about it! As always, this tour is free.
A bit of local history:
Saw mill operations were quite common in Fitzwilliam’s early days. Mr. Daniel Millen (later spelled Mellen) may have operated the first town mill in 1765. Another was in operation at almost the same time. The Grantees were to build fifty houses and clear twelve acres of land for tillage and pasture. An additional acre was to be added annually, until incorporation. That made a lot of wood to saw. These businesses helped ensure the success of the building of our little town, Monadnock #4.
Elijah Bowker had a sawmill built on his dam in 1825. He made the treasures we look for today in our antiques shops, such as pails and butter firkins. This was a large mill and may have employed twenty people or more. When the team of Coolidge and Whittemore took over in 1878 they carried on the tradition of pails and buckets, producing them in huge quantities to be used by many households here and in other places.
Lyman Wheeler made clothespins and chair stock. These items also were used extensively in our local homes.
Did you know that the hurricane of 1938 completely changed the look of the landscape, here and in surrounding places? Damon’s Mill, down by the state line, lost all of the old growth pine in its yard. Likewise, huge trees all over town came down and an effort was made to rescue the lumber. Much of the it was saved through the efforts of the townspeople.
Christmas Party:
Mark your calendars for the Membership Christmas Party. This is planned to take place just before the lighting of the Christmas tree on the town common. The date this year is Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. As in the past, we will be offering old time holiday hospitality and goodies in the formal dining room of the museum. The time will be 3:00-5:00 pm. Gail Landy will be our hostess for this special occasion. Please call her if you would like to assist in any way.
Focus on a recently donated item:
The Society recently accepted a donation of a crazy quilt, made well over one hundred years ago. It is in wonderful condition, full of brilliant and unique squares and other shapes. Flowers were hand embroidered on several pieces and the stitching is just exceptional. It has a lovely maroon border with golden thread stitching. This quilt will go in the regular exhibit at the museum next spring, before we open for the tour season.
The quilt was made by Nellie (Hayden) Blodgett. Many will recognize the old Fitzwilliam names. Nellie’s daughter Maye (Blodgett) Gerry, born April 9, 1893 in Fitzwilliam, kept the quilt for many years. The decision of Rita Kirch to give this precious piece to the Society demonstrates the understanding of placing important historic items in a permanent, safe environment. It will always be properly handled, stored or displayed. The history of the piece will always be known and appreciated. We invite you to come to the museum to view this and other pieces, which were an important part of Fitzwilliam’s past.
Military Items:
The Historical Society would greatly appreciate the donation of something from the current conflict in the Middle East. I have put this request out before and have had no response. All of our wars must be recognized and anything we receive will be given the same respectful treatment as other items owned by the Society and become part of the permanent display. Please think of us when planning for the future placement of family military pieces, which may have no other place to go.
Officers for the 2007-2008 Year:
William Davis, President
Carole Beckwith, Vice-President
Wendy O’Brien, Secretary
Gail Landy, Treasurer
Directors: Claire Borowski, Robert Corrette, Theresa Sillanpaa
Don’t Forget Our Open Hours:
The Amos J. Blake House Museum is open every Thursday from 9:00-11:00 year round, except January. We are also open the first Saturday of each month from 9:00-11:00 year round. We are closed during the month of January. The museum will open for regular tours again on Memorial Day weekend 2008 from 1:00-4:00 pm.
Contact information:
www.fitzhistoricalsociety.org/
603-585-7742