North Attleborough Historical Society

September 2010

Sep 09, 2010

September Meeting
The schedule of presentations will be mailed to all active members before the October meeting. On September 20, at 7:30 PM, Pat Metrano will talk to us of "Capron Park Zoo-Then and Now". For all area residents, the zoo has been a most important part of our lives and will continue to be. What is the history of the zoo? Come and hear Pat tell us.

Congratulations To Us
The Historical Society is very appreciative of recent grants awarded and received. The Dyer-Lake Charitable Trust has given us a grant for the purchase of new slates for our school program. The Yankee Spirits' Charitable Giving Program has given funds for the preservation and repairs to items from our collections, notably a mirror, clothing and clocks.

And More Congratulations
The Great Places in Massachusetts Commission recently released a lit of sites in Massachusetts to visit. The goal of the list is to boost tourism to the state and give local residents to opportunity to visit known and less-known historic, cultural and natural sites. And on the list...our own Woodcock Garrison House and Little Red Schoolhouse.

Rental
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has recently rented our properties, and it was discussed whether the membership is even aware of the possibilities of renting the properties. Depending on your needs, the schoolhouse is available for small gatherings, maybe up to fifty. Tables are available, as are chairs and kitchen facilities. The Odd Fellows had a meeting, a catered dinner, and a tour of the Garrison House. Rental charges are determined by what is needed. Should anyone be in need of such facilities, please contact a trustee.

Thank You
As always, to Cheryl Kummer, for keeping the Gulski Gardens beautiful and thriving, despite the heat. Amidst all the activity out on the street, a local family was noticed this summer picnicking in the quiet beauty beside the gardens.

Artwork
A letter was received recently from Maureen Miconi-Ross who is one of the designers and co-painters of the historic mural in the Town Hall entitled "North Attleborough; Through The Years." Now retired, Maureen and husband are planning to relocate in North Carolina. Intending to down-size, Maureen is offering artist proof prints of the mural at a discounted price. Should you wish more information, Maureen is at 508-643-3435.

Holiday Tree
Does anyone have an artificial cedar tree that you might be willing to donate to the Society? Live cedar trees have always been used in the Keeping Room for the November Holiday Fair but these are becoming difficult to find. The search for a permanent, artificial replacement, five to six feet tall, has begun. This event celebrates the harvest season. A cedar tree has historically been used. Call Jim Hale at 508-695-3349 if you can help.

Yard Sale
Don't clean and reorganize those items in the garage. Sell them at our fall yard sale to be held on Saturday, September 11. For space rental, call Bob Lanpher at 508-695-6649. Spaces went quickly last May.
Other Happenings in the Area

Sept. 11, 9:00 - 2:00 P.M. - North Attleborough Historical Society
Yard Sale
Sept. 11, 1:00 P.M. - Mansfield Historical Society at the Mansfield Library - "Susan B. Anthony - The Invincible" dramatization by Sally Matson.
Sept. 12, 11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. - Freetown Historical Day and Open House
Sept. 12, 1:30 P.M. - Blackstone Valley Historical Society - "The Whipple Family in Rhode Island.
Sept. 16, 6:45 PM - Attleboro Historic Preservation Society at Attleboro Industrial Museum - "Olde Time Schools" - David Downs
Sept. 16 , 7:00 P.M. - Sharon Historical Society at First Congregational Church, 29 North Main St. - "Meet Prudence Gray: 18th Century Dame Schoolteacher"
(Continued on reverse)

President's Message

Happy Fall to all. For one who does not do heat, I am personally happy to see not-as-hot temperatures. Yet I wonder why our two summer vacations this year were to Texas and to South Carolina. I guess I contradict myself.
Isn't it interesting how life jumps to action once September draws near. Such is the same with our Society. We had a very busy agenda at August trustees meeting, primarily planning for fall activities. I challenged each of us, last May, to support the activities of the Society. To continue this, I challenge each of you to come to our September 20th meeting on Capron Park and to bring a friend (a possible new member). Wouldn't it be wonderful if meetings needed to be moved off-site to accommodate growing audiences. Capron Park was important to me growing up, and continues to be so as now I have those that call me grandpa.
I hope Claire Harrison has a sturdy hat rack in her home. Last May, she took off her curator hat and passed it to Muriel Crockett. Claire then put on her trustee hat. Now, she has agreed to temporarily wear the curator hat once again. Our co-curator, Dorothy Conroy, had unexpected surgery in the middle of the summer and will need time to get back to 100%. She is five minutes stronger today than yesterday. Please send her your wishes. Thank you, Claire, for all your contributions.
Jim

Happenings - Continued from front page:
Sept. 18 to Mar. 31, 2011. - Old Colony Historical Society exhibition - "small objects. BIG HISTORY"
Sept. 19, 2:00 P.M. - Rehoboth Antiquarian Society at Carpenter Museum - "Pied Potter Hamelin"
Sept. 21, 7:30 P.M.. - Norton Historical Society - "Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Norton Historical Society" -
Sept. 26, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. - Glocester R.I. Heritage Day, Main St., Chepachet
Sept. 28, 7:30 P. M. - Foxboro Historical Society at Boyden Library - "Foxboro 100 Years Ago" - Jack Authelet
Sept. 29 , 7:00 P.M. - Johnston Historical Society at the school, 509 Greenville Ave. - "Belknap School Restoration"
Oct. 2, Annual Yankee Steam-up, New England Wireless & Steam Museum, East Greenwich, R.I. ($15.00)
Oct. 2 , 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. - Sharon Historical Society Barn Sale clearance