North Attleborough Historical Society

September 2009

Sep 14, 2009

September Meeting

On Monday, September 21, 2009 at 7:30 PM at the Little Red Schoolhouse, Patrick Kennedy, an editor and writer at BU's creative services will discuss what he found while researching his new book "Boston, Then and Now." Did Boston's streets begin as paths trampled by wandering cows? Did a city councilor recently propose draping the Citgo sign with the American flag? Come find out.

Heads Up on the October Meeting

Photo detective, Maureen Taylor will be with us. This is the fourth Monday, not the third. The move was necessary to accommodate schedules. After Maureen's presentation, she will give individual photo consultations. They will each be fifteen minutes long. Each consultation will require a fee of $25.00.

Boilers

During the annual spring cleaning of our two boilers, it was discovered that both had significant cracks and needed to be replaced. Repairing was not possible. Bids are now being received. Until they are replaced, there is neither hot water nor heat in either building. (See the president's message below.)

Yard Sales

The dates for our fall yard sales are set. The first will be on Saturday, September 12. Rain date is September 19. The second will be on October 17. Contact Bob Lanpher if you are interested.

Thanks

Because the newsletter is not published during the summer months, certain notices are delayed. A belated appreciation is extended to the Lanpher family and all who helped on both our yard sales of last spring, the yard sales of the fall and the estate sale that was held on the last Friday and Saturday of late August. Before the schoolhouse doors were open at noon on Friday, a sizable crowd was in line. The doors were opened and all of us stood back. Thanks to all who planned and helped.

Welcome

To our new trustees, Jane Nerney and Brian Rickard, and to new society member, Christopher Sweet.

Suggested Day Trip

To Lowell's New England Quilt Museum for their exhibit, Massachusetts Quilts, Our Common Wealth, through September 20, 2009.

Summer Occupants

We had three different "squatters" take up residence on the property over the summer. A family of rabbits lived under the schoolhouse steps and a sizable snake appeared to live in the stone wall near the herb shed. Also, Jim Hale helped a crayfish back to the river who had wandered up on the lawn. That's proof that the Ten Mile River is coming back to life.

President's Message

The Board of Trustees had a discussion at our June Meeting about the disappointing attendance at our annual meeting in May. Perhaps the time is approaching to revamp the format. While it has been a wonderful event presented by the Ladies of the Eastern Star, the attendance beyond those on the Board of Trustees is minimal.

The membership also misses hearing the treasurer's report. We do not give these reports at the monthly meetings because nonmembers are in attendance. Be aware that this society exixts primarily month to month. We are not heavily endowed and our yearly fund raising events, while enjoyed by many, do not grow our budgets. Membership has remained level in recent years.

My point: both our boilers are cracked and need replacing. Burham is attempting to work with us but the cost to the society will still be thousands of dollars. Bids are still being received so an exact figure is unknown at this time.. Please consider making a donation to this cause. If all 175 members made a $10.00 contribution...or more if it fits your situation we could replace our boilers. Thank you.

Other happenings in this area:

Sept. 12 - 9:00 - 2:00 P.M. - North Attleborough Historical Society Yard Sale.

Sept. 12 - Norton Historical Flea Market

Sept. 12 - 1:00 P. M. - Mansfield Historical Society at the Mansfield Library - "Letter, Horses & Cigars": Gen. U. S. Grant reenactor.

Sept. 12 - 3:00 - 5:00 P.M. 1685 Daggett House open house, Slater Park, Pawtucket.

Sept. 13 - 8:00 - 3:00 P.M.RI Antique Truck Show, Washington County Fairgrounds, Rt. 112, Richmond, R. I. Canned good donation for admission.

Sept. 13 - 11:00 - 4:00P. M. - Freetown Historical Day and Flea Market.

Sept. 13 - 11:00 - 4:00 P.M. - Founders Day at Dodgeville Mill

Sept. 15 - 7:30 P.M. - Norton Historical - 100 Years Ago in Norton

Sept. 17 - 10:30 A. M. - Norton Library, Big Band Singers with Mel Simons.

Sept. 17 - 7:30 P.M. Rehoboth Antiquarian Society meeting, Carpenter Museum - John Trumbull, Patriot Painter

Sept. 22 - 7:30 P.M.Foxboro Historical at the Boydoen Library - Foxboro 100 Years Ago

Sept. 24- 6:30 P. M. - East Providence Library, 475 Bullocks Point Ave. - History of Riverside

Sept. 30 - 7:00 P.M. -Johnston Historical Society - Lost Smithfield Village of Hanton City

Oct.. 1 - 7:00 P.M - Richards Memorial Library - Dr. Gary Highlander - Lincoln and the Election of 1860 - Reservations required.

Oct. 12 - 7:30 P. M. - Mansfield Historical Society at the Mansfield Library - 100 Years Ago in Mansfield.

Oct. 15 - 7:00 P.M. Old Colony Historical - Aviation in Southeastern Massachusetts

Oct. 17 - 9:00 - 2:00 P.M.North Attleborough Historical Society Yard Sale