A Page From North Quabbin History: A summer of history

By Carla Charter

Historical events abound this summer in the North Quabbin area. From learning about local mysteries to Quabbin hikes to a relaxing day on the porch, North Quabbin historical societies are offering something for everyone this summer.

Orange Historical Society

The Orange Historical Society, located at 41 North Main St., will host a number events, including an old-fashioned porch visit on July 18 and Aug. 15 from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. featuring live music by Terry Reed on banjo and Doug Tanner on fiddle, with refreshments.

Guests may opt to wear fanciful attire hailing from any historic era up to the present at a Traditional American Social Tea on the society’s porch, with live banjo and fiddle music on July 10, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Reservations for this event must be made at least one week in advance by calling Ann Reed at 978-544-3864.

For those who love a little bit of mystery, the society will offer its second annual reading of “Unbelievable True Stories of Orange” on Aug. 2 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Due to potentially intense subject matter, this event is only open to mature persons. Interested storytellers and audience members must call Reed at 978 544-3864 at least one week in advance to reserve a spot.

The society is open for guided tours on Sundays from June through September, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. More information can be found at www.orangehistoricalsocietyma.org.

Petersham Historical Society

The Petersham Historical Society offers a number of opportunities to learn about the town and its history. On July 7, prior to the Band Concert on the Common, the society will hold an event there called “Under the Tent: How We Got Here.” Those attending can hear and share their own stories of why residents moved to Petersham. On Aug. 18, society member Larry Buell will lead “A Driving and Walking Tour of Hidden and Mysterious Places of Petersham.” Participants will meet at the town center at the flagpole and carpool for the event.

For those who would enjoy a summer picnic, the society will host a garden picnic and paintings of Petersham by artist Dorothy Eaton (1893-1968) at the society on July 20 from noon-4 p.m. More information about the society, which is open Saturdays through October from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. , can be found at its Facebook page.

Phillipston Historical Society

Among the items to view at the Phillipston Historical Society is a land grant map. The map has been part of the Land Grant Research Project, which shows where the town’s original settlers lived and worked.

“It’s like a very big puzzle with thousands of pieces,” said curator Jane French. “Anyone who loves puzzles might enjoy working with us on our grant project.”

Other recent additions to the museum include a “Doodlebug” built in the 1930’s and a very heavy, large town safe. The museum is scheduled to be open Wednesday mornings 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m.-3 p.m. More information can be found at www.phillipston.org.

Royalston Historical Society

The Royalston Historical Society has an ongoing display this summer called “Women’s Lives in Royalston.” Included in this exhibit will be the history of the town’s Ladies Benevolent Society, which celebrated its 200th anniversary this year. An 1885 South Royalston signature quilt made in celebration of the new year will be on display as well. More information can be found at www.royalstonhistorical.org.

Swift River Valley Historical Society

The Swift River Valley Historical Society, located at 40 Elm St. in New Salem, will be remembering the four lost towns in a number of ways. The Dana Reunion will be held on Dana Common on July 21. Gate 40 opens at 11 a.m. and the event concludes at 3 p.m. On July 28, the Dana Vespers will perform at the Prescott Church on the grounds of the society at 2 p.m. A talk on the Quabbin Reservoir and watershed protection with Maria Beiter-Tucker, interpretive services supervisor, MA DCR Division of Water Supply and Protection, will be held on Aug. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Prescott Church.

For those wishing to learn about the wildlife of the Swift River Valley, the society will host a talk on snakes of the Swift River Valley with Massachusetts herpetologist Michael Jones on Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. at the society.

Several talks on local mysteries are planned. Photographer Peter Peirce will present “Mysteries of the Swift River Valley, Solved and Unsolved” on Aug. 11, at 1 p.m. On Aug. 18, Karen Traub will present a program entitled “The Mystery of the Prescott Quilt of Names.” Both events will take place at the Prescott Church.

The museum is open Wednesdays and Sundays, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. through Sept. 18. More information can be found at www.swiftrivermuseum.org.

Warwick Historical Society

Among the recent acquisitions at the Warwick Historical Society are photos donated by Pam Hadsel, which society members have placed in albums. The photos include those of Warwick buildings in the 1800’s, old houses in Warwick and previous Old Home Days. During this year’s Old Home Day on Aug. 24, the museum will be open all day and the society’s old hearse will be brought out. More information about the society, which will be open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in July and August, can be found at www.history.town.warwick.ma.us.

Wendell Historical Society

The Wendell Historical Society and Wendell Free Library will present “The Rise and Fall of the Athol-Orange Power Plant (1909-1938)” on July 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s Herrick Room. The presentation will cover the history of the Athol-Orange Power Plant, built in 1909 and destroyed by the hurricane and flood of 1938. Presenters include WHS board members Pam Richardson, Joseph Coll and Edward Hines. The society is still accepting donations for work on its new building at the Wendell Depot. More information can be found at www.wendellhistoricalsociety.org.

Carla Charter is a freelance writer from Phillipston. Her writing focuses on the history of the North Quabbin area. Contact her at cjfreelancewriter@earthlink.net.