North Attleborough Historical Society

November 2007

Nov 08, 2007

November Meeting
On Monday, November 19th at 7:30 PM at the Little Red Schoolhouse, Society member, Dave Downs will present "An 18th Century Surgeon: A Special Blend of History and Humor." Downs has assembled a unique and fascinating collection of antique medical and surgical instruments. Always entertaining and enlightening, Downs acquaints his audience with extraordinary medical techniques practiced during recent centuries. Enjoy a clever mix of history, humor and intriguing facts.
Thank You and Help
When Bruce Rosen learned that Ed Hill was talking to us in October on Harry Houdini, Bruce offered to bring the cell door that he purchased from the North Attleborough Police Station to the meeting. This door is from the cell that Houdini is believed to have once escaped from. Now Bruce is trying to verify that this event actually took place. Might anyone know of any documentation of this fact? The microfiche from the library say nothing of Harry's being in North Attleborough. Can you help Bruce?
Holiday Fair
The annual holiday fair is scheduled for November 18, 2007. Co-chairs are Heather DeMelia and Sandi Burns. They are looking for donations of gift certificates or gift baskets for the raffle table, knitted items, new and good used jewelry, craft items, books and videos. They also need workers to man tables the day of the fair and help with the clean-up. The request for baked goods will come from Donna Lovenbury (508-643-4228). Please call Heather at 508-643-2674 or Sandi at 508-695-7160 if you would like to volunteer towards the raffle table or give of your time. Monetary donations towards raffle items or gift certificates are also appreciated. Funds realized from the fair are directed towards the upkeep of the Garrison House and the schoolhouse.

Colonial Dinner Raffle
Many may remember the raffle held a few years ago for a colonial dinner for six served in the Garrison House, with some items being prepared over the open hearth. Another dinner is now in the planning stage. An order form is included with this Smoke Signals. The drawing will happen at the Holiday Fair, November 18. The date of the dinner will be at a time convenient to the winners and the Society. Tickets are $5.00 each or a book of five for $20.00.
Menu: wine, beer, mulled cider, fish chowder, turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, green beans, corn bread, cranberry sauce, apple pie, Indian pudding, gingerbread, nuts and fruits.
Thank You
Our gratitude is extended to the Lanpher family for once again organizing our yard sales and to Nancy Campbell for organizing the kitchen and to all those who helped. Now we all start, once again, making that pile in the corner of our cellar for the spring sale.
Welcome
The Society welcomes new members Carolyn Coulombre and Barbara Miller. We hope to see you at many of our meetings and functions.
Area activities
Nov. 8 at the Taunton Library - Dr. Hanna presents "Lincoln Assasination" at 7 PM
Nov. 11 Centennial open house and party at the Attleboro Public Library from 2 to 4 PM
Nov. 12 Michael Tougias - "Fatal Forecast" at the Mansfield Library for the Mansfield Historical Society at 7:30 PM
Nov. 15 for the Attleboro Historic Preservation Society ?– "Mayflower Society ?– From You to Pilgrims" at Attleboro Area Industrial Museum. at 6:45PM
Nov. 15 a presentaion on Mary and Abraham Lincoln at the Old Colony Historical Society at 7 PM
Nov. 20 - Dave Downs, Colonial Surgeon at the Norton Historical Society at 7:30 PM
Nov. 27 - Foxborough Historical Society at the Boyden Library at 7 PM

Day Trip Suggestion
A trip to see "You Must Be This Tall...the Story of Rocky Point Park". In September, Reinhard Wohlgemuth told us of the four amusement parks along the east side of Narragansett Bay. Now this film tells us of the 150 years of Rocky Point Park on the west side. It is in limited release, currently playing in Providence and Warwick. Dates and locations are on line or call Jim Hale, 508-695-3349, for information.

As the weather continues to be summer-like, our thoughts still turn to the holiday season, which looms just ahead. I'm sure that your family has traditions to which is adheres. Does the season begin, for you, with Thanksgiving? Or does it begin with the recent habit of waking at dawn on the Friday after to start shopping? I know many who would acknowledge that the season begins on the Sunday before Thanksgiving with our annual Holiday Fair.
Our cochairs, Sandi and Heather, have been planning since last year's fair end and the table chairpeople are also preparing. What will be your Contribution? Something for the raffle table? the jewelry table? a holiday craft item? Books and videos you no longer use? Baked goods?
If it has been a year since you last tasted warm cider or smelled turkey cooling over an open fire, it is time to revive your senses.
One of our curators, Claire Harrison, continues to recover from surgery. We continue to wish you well, Claire.
Regards, Jim
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Colonel Dinner Raffle Order Form
Tickets: $5.00 each / a book of five for $20.00.

Name:__________________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________

Telephone:_______________________________________________________________

Number of Tickets:_______________ Amount Enclosed:____________________________________________
Please mail to: North Attleborough Historical Society, 362 North Washington St., PO Box 1102, North Attleborough MA 02761.