PETERSHAM – The historical society’s annual “History Under the Tent and Trees” series begins this Sunday with “Famous and Not So Famous People of Petersham.”
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on the South Common in the center of Petersham and will be facilitated by local historian and lifelong Petersham resident Larry Buell.
Buell plans to discuss what has become known locally as the “Golden Age of Summer Residents,” which ran from the 1880s to the 1930s. During that time, Petersham and other hilltop villages in the Quabbin region attracted visitors from the northeast and beyond.
“Petersham has been a visionary place for so many people,” said Buell, “particularly through Harvard Forest. I believe if we can let people know what Petersham has been, it will help us to tell our stories in the future and allow people to see there really is something that has happened here. Petersham has a very unique perspective of history, particularly since this ‘dirt’ farming community welcomed national and international writers, artists, politicians, activists and influencers starting in the late 1880s.”
Much of Petersham’s impact on the Quabbin region can be tied to Harvard Forest, said Buell.
“James Brooks said, ‘Yale has their forestry school, Harvard needs theirs.’ In 1905, instead of having a penitentiary where Harvard Forest is right now, Brooks bought the land and donated it to Harvard University,” Buell said.
Among the those drawn to Petersham by Harvard Forest, Buell cited Benton MacKaye, creator of the Appalachian Trail concept; Bob Marshall, founder of the Wilderness Society; famous 19th-century historian, John Fiske; and noted golf course designer Donald Ross, who designed the Petersham Country Club.
Present-day writers and thinker drawn to Petersham include New York Times best-selling author, Lynda Mapes; Steve Sperry, founder of Sperry Sales & Tents; and Bill Pfeffier, author and founder of the Sacred Earth Network.
Among the more interesting facts Buell will share will be how George Eastman secured funds for his KODAK dream while visiting the Brenser Summer Colony; how President Calvin Cooledge came to fish at Carter’s Pond; and the mysterious “Pond Community” at the Davenport Place.
Buell, who grew up on a dirt farm in Petersham, said he is greatly influenced by the artists, environmentalists, and writers who came to Petersham during the summers. After completing his education, Buell returned to Petersham in 1969.
“My strong roots of Petersham and its history has guided my personal and professional lives and have allowed me to influence others on the importance of place, ecology, and the stories therein,” he said.
Sunday’s program is free and open to the public. For information, contact Buell at 978-855-1420.
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.