North Attleborough Historical Society

April 2011 Smoke Signals Newsletter

            Noted author, Stephen Puleo, will tell us of his research for his book, "The Dark Tide", about the Boston Molasses Flood of January 15, 1919. A deadly fifteen foot wave of molasses traveled some fifteen miles per hour through parts of Boston.

Books for Sale

            If you are coming to the meeting on April 18th to hear author Stephen Puleo, you might want to purchase one of his books. The Historical Society will have hard copies of his "A City So Grand" available for $25.95 and soft copies of his "The Dark Tide" for $16.00.

Thank You

            To Ron L'Herault for the donation and installation of four new thermostats, two for each building. The new thermostats will help us better control the heat when the buildings are empty.

Save the Date

            Sunday, June 5, 2011. Circle the date on your calendars. The Historical Society is planning a family event, "Historical Collections/Historic Surprises More information is coming!

Schoolhouse

            Ideas are being collected for a program, probably sometime in 2011-2012, for an evening of remembrances of our schoolhouse prior to its being moved. Did you, or do you know of someone, who attended? Are there any pictures of the schoolhouse in its former location or, better yet, pictures of its move? It was relocated in the early 70s so there are probably pictures somewhere. Wouldn't it be fun to have an evening of story sharing

            This is another reason to have your calendar ready. Please circle Sunday, May 1, when our annual May Breakfast and Open House will happen. When your phone rings sometime within the next month, please respond with a donation of muffins or pies.

Doll Exhibit

            An antique doll exhibit is in the planning stages, probably to happen on some Sunday next fall. If you are in possession of such a precious doll or know of one that might be available and if you are interested in displaying it/them, please contact Jim Hale.

Other Happenings in the Area

Apr. 10, 2:00 pm - Blackstone Valley Historical Society - Cumberland Ephemera (maps, milks, calendars, etc.)

Apr. 10, 2:00 pm   - Rehoboth Antiquarian Society - Carpenter Museum - Tea with Emily Dickinson.

Apr. 11, 7:00 pm.- East Providence Library, 41 Grove Ave. - History of Vaudeville

Apr. 11, 7:30 pm. - Mansfield Historical Society - Movie of Mansfield's 1925 150th celebration

Apr. 12, 6:00 pm. - Norton Library - Dr. Hylander - "First Ladies of the Civil War"

Apr. 15, 6:45 pm. - Attleboro Historic Preservation Society -Attleboro Fire Department History - Ron Churchill

Apr. 18, 7:30 pm. - North Attleborough Historical Society - "Dark Tide - Boston Molasses Flood"

Apr. 19,  7:30 pm -  Norton Historical Society - East Norton - (300th Anniversary Program)

Apr. 21, 10:30 am  -  Norton Library monthly morning adult program - "The Fashion, Life & Etiquette of the Victorian Era"

Apr. 21 to Aug. 27, Old Colony Historical Exhibition - "Photo Finish: Taunton's Sports History"

Apr. 21, 6:45 pm - Attleboro Historic Preservation Society at Attleboro Area Industrial Museum - Attleboro Fire Department History - Ron Churchill

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            A few months ago, I acknowledged that I would keep all aware and informed as to the progress, if any, that is being accomplished as this Society attempts to solve its financial situation. I have some bad and some good news.

            The bad: in each of the past two months, the Board of Trustees has voted to transfer money from investments to meet obligations. Many things have happened. This has been the time of year when overhead costs have risen and the society has no avenues of acquiring revenue during the winter months.

            The good: on the horizon are possible revenue-producing events. Coming up are the May breakfast, possible yard sales and renewal of dues which add funds to the coffers. Also, the North Attleborough School Department does make a donation to the Society for our providing the third grade program and this is expected.

            In the planning stages are the Historical Collection" Historic Surprises" event which is designed to grow the membership, a possible doll exhibition in the fall and other ideas being bantered around by the Board. As you can see, your Board is working diligently. Yet, the past two months have only seen regression. I ask all of you to give this situation some thought and ask yourself what contribution you can make towards this dilemma. What idea could you bring forth for consideration? What grants are there of which you are aware: When your dues renewal arrives in June, might you be able to go "above and beyond?" Maybe brighter days are ahead. Let's all hope so.

Jim

Other Happenings (continued from front page)

Apr. 21, 7:00 pm - Old Colony Historical Meeting - "Taunton's Mark on the World of Sports"

Apr. 26, 7:30 pm. - Foxboro Historical Society at the Senior Center - "Massachusetts Troublemakers"

Apr. 27, 7:00 pm - Johnston Historical Society, 101 Putnam Pike - "R.I. History" - Glenn Laxton

Apr. 28, 6:30 pm - Norton Library - "Is There Value in Your Old Books?" - Ken Gloss

Apr. 29, 6:00 pm - Falls Fire Barn Pasta and Meatballs Supper - $9.00 - Elks Club

Apr. 30 & May 1 - Confederate Memorial Day Reenactment at Chase Farm, Lincoln, R.I.

May 1, 8:30 to 11:30 am - North Attleborough Historical Society May Breakfast

May 19, 6:45 pm. - Attleboro Historic Preservation Society - History of Second Congregational Church at 50 Park St.

May 19, 7:00 pm. - Old Colony Historical - "Thomas Wilson Dorr and the Politics of the People's Sovereignty"