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HEARTHSIDE HOUSE MUSEUM NEWSLETTER
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"The House That Love Built" Vol. 9, Issue 5 May 2016
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It seems that every month there is some "national something week" to recognize worthy causes. May is a special month for Hearthside, as it is National Preservation Month. What a great time to celebrate special places like ours and call attention to how important it is to preserve it for the future. If we don't take heed and care for our precious resources, whether they be buildings, antiques or artifacts, or the stories of our past, there is the danger of losing them. And once they are lost, they are gone forever. We are lucky in New England to be surrounded by reminders of our nation's beginnings. Great Road is a particularly important area containing several of the earliest reminders of the way life was here. Yes, Hearthside and Great Road, are places that matter to our community!
Earlier this week, the Town of Lincoln held its annual town financial meeting. This meeting retains the tradition from the beginnings of our town in 1871 during which members of our community come together to vote on the budget for the upcoming year. Lincoln is just one of a handful of towns in RI to retain this democratic process of town meetings and has one of the best turnouts at approximately 200 voters. It was a good night for historic preservation as the voters approved a $15,000 allocation toward the repair of Hearthside's front porch roof. This is a match to the $15,000 already approved from Hearthside's account by our board, and another $15,000 is currently pending review in a grant application to a private foundation for our total project cost of $45,000. This is another example of our public-private partnership that keeps Hearthside going. Additionally, voters approved $15,000 for the continued restoration of the Pullen Corner School House. Both of these historic buildings are owned by the Town of Lincoln. With the good weather this week, workers were able to get started on the project right away. You'll be seeing trucks, ladders and other signs of repairs
going on for weeks to come. What a good sight it is to see!
Our Downton Abbey Tea was great fun and another success. So many guests came in their best Downton-inspired outfits and relished in the memories of this all-time favorite show. We were especially pleased to have fashion historian Ren Antonowicz with us to present original fashions from the era.
Next up is the American Girl Doll Tea Party, which will take place over the course of two days. Certainly a busy time for us, but so rewarding to have so many young girls fall in love with history as they enjoy a special time with their moms and dolls.
Our main event of the year is only two months away....The Decade That Roared. We've never done anything quite like this before, nor of this scale. From now till July 16th, we'll be sharing tidbits of history from the 1920s as a glimpse into what's in store for the big event!
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May 22 Tour Day
Jun 4-5 American Girl Doll
Tea Weekend*
Jun 12 Tour Day &
Vintage Wedding
Exhibit
Jun 18 Meeting of the
Friends of Hearthside
Jul 16 The Decade That
Roared: A 1920s RI
Experience - Indoor &
Outdoor exhibit,
presentations.
Tix at door
Bootlegger's Ball &
Speakeasy*
Aug 6 American Girl Doll
Garden Party*
*Reservations Required- Tickets available for sale one month prior; limited space
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| HEARTHSIDE MINIATURE IN NEED OF REBUILD |
Attention Volunteer Carpenters---A Project for You!
 With a focus on preservation this month, there is a most deserving project that typically wouldn't be high on the priority list. But this feature of Hearthside is almost as popular as the house itself...it's the miniature model that sits out in yard. The model was built 20 years ago for a parade float and was never meant to be a permanent fixture, however, it has become a favorite sight on the property, capturing the imagination of visitors of all ages. Over the years, there have been many repairs to it, but it is now at the point where it needs to be totally re-built with sturdier materials.
Unlike the main house, this little model isn't eligible for historic preservation grants. So we're looking for any volunteers out there with carpentry skills who would be willing to head up this project that would touch so many lives, especially the kids, and help to enhance the property!
Please be in touch if you, or someone you know, could help.
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| AMERICAN GIRL DOLL TEA PARTY JUNE 4 & 5 Two seatings each day TICKETS ON SALE ! |
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Now in its 9th year, Hearthside's American Girl Doll Tea Party remains one of our most popular events. It isn't just a special time for girls and their dolls to
enjoy the traditions of Tea with their moms or other relatives, but it is an opportunity to learn valuable lessons from history.
This year's Tea weekend is being held on
Saturday, June 4th and Sunday, June 5th with two seatings each day: either
12:30 or 2:30. This allows us to accommodate 200 for this favorite experience. Tickets are $22 each and the
minimum age is 5. Tickets are going fast, so if you want to attend, don't delay. Call Hearthside today at 726-0597 to order tickets.
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| A LUXURIOUS EVENING OF WINE & CHOCOLATE |
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A first-time event was held on April 14th with a luxurious evening of Chocolate & Wine. As with all our events, it wasn't just about an evening to come enjoy the ambience and warmth of the house, but to learn history while raising funds for Hearthside's continued restoration.
Chef John Scanlon provided a "Chocolate 101" tutorial about chocolate and how different ways it is processed achieves various results. Artisan chocolates were provided by The Chocolate Delicacy in Warwick. David Aidala, Manager of Mendon Wines and More of Cumberland, provided his expertise about wines to guide us through a selection of fine wines, paired specifically to each of the different chocolates. Everyone had a wonderful time sampling all the treats.....who wouldn't after all..it was an evening of favorite indulgences! Here's a glimpse of the event courtesy of photographer Justin Baro.
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| UPCOMING TOUR DAYS SUNDAY, MAY 22 & JUNE 12 Take a Guided Tour and Learn Hearthside's History |
With so many special events taking place, our schedule for guided tours about the history of Hearthside takes place just one day per month. So if you've got that on your "to do" list, please be sure to mark down this Sunday, May 22nd or next month's tour date of Sunday, June 12th between 1-4 p.m. as times to come visit and enjoy a fully-guided tour by our interpretive guides. Light refreshments are always served up in the Colonial kitchen. To allow ample time for the tour, the last admission is at 3:00 p.m.
June has always been a popular month for weddings, and so the theme of our June tour day on the 12th is "
vintage weddings." A
special exhibit will feature several pieces from our collections that represent weddings through the past two hundred years.
General admission for our tours is $8/adults; $6/seniors; $4/ages 10-17; under 10 and Hearthside members are free.
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| NEXT MEETING OF THE FRIENDS OF HEARTHSIDE SAT. JUNE 18 |
| The Friends of Hearthside will meet again on Saturday, June 18th at 10:00 a.m. at Hearthside. We welcome all volunteers interested in helping out, especially for the July event and other ways over the summer months. Planning discussions regarding our upcoming activities for the Fall are also on the agenda. Our meetings are always lively and filled with lots of energy and new ideas. Won't you join us? Kindly let me know if you plan on attending. |
| FASHIONABLY DOWNTON: AN AFTERNOON FIT FOR THE THE CRAWLEYS |
On May 7th, close to 100 guests gathered to pay homage to the Crawleys and the rest of their favorite characters from Downton Abbey with a Traditional Afternoon Tea featuring Downton trivia, games, and fashions. Prizes were awarded for the best Downton-inspired...a tough choice since there were so many! This marked the 15th Tea sponsored by the Friends of Hearthside, an event that has become our signature! While the Tea has always brought many compliments from our guests, this year we received the ultimate one. One woman exclaimed as she was leaving, "I attend teas everywhere I travel, and Hearthside's rates number 3 with me; number 1 is in London, and number 2 is in Vancouver....both in luxury hotels!"
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| The upstairs-downstairs staff line up to greet tea patrons. Photo by S. Gonsalves |
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| Three tiaras and a hat. Guests really got into the spirit of "dressing Downton". Photo by S. Gonsalves |
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| Ren Antonowicz displays a vintage dress as she talks about the fashions 1912-1925. Photo by S. Gonsalves |
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| A prize is awarded by Kathy Hartley to Lisa Minca for her Downton-inspired outfit. Photo by S. Gonsalves |
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| This couple were intent on reading the Downton trivia questions contained in the program booklet. Photo by J. Baro |
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| A special gift to Hearthside from guest/member Gayle Rosenfeld was this autographed program signed by Mr. Carson himself. Photo by J. Baro |
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| MEET HEARTHSIDE'S 2015 VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR: LINDA & BOB LUNDGREN |
Every volunteer is special to us, since we only exist through the collective efforts of our volunteers. But each year for National Volunteer Week, we honor someone who has gone  above and beyond. This year, it wasn't just one person, but a very special couple....Linda and Bob Lundgren. They were recognized at the April meeting of the Friends of Hearthside with a special plaque and their names added to the Volunteer of the Year plaque displayed in the front hall. Additionally, they were provided with tickets to the Chocolate & Wine event which they got to enjoy as guests for the evening, a real change for them! While they may not look familiar to many, it is because they work behind the scenes, and have faithfully been doing so for the past 12 years....almost from our beginning in 2001. It's time you all get to know this extraordinary couple who we are so fortunate to have giving of their time and talents to Hearthside, individually and as partners!
Tell us a little bit about yourselves.
We were born and raised in the Woodlawn section of Pawtucket, and started dating in high school. We've been married 51 years and have two children, and three grandchildren, who have also volunteered with Hearthside on occasion! Linda and Bob are retired...Bob as an Electronics Technician with Northrup Corp. and EMC, and Linda from Elmwood Sensors as an Executive Assistant.
Where else have you volunteered?
Linda started volunteering 49 years ago as a member of the Pawtucket Jr. Women's Club. Bob seemed to join in with each new group with her through the years. Linda agrees that they work well together and help each other with their projects. They are both very active in St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Pawtucket in a variety of roles, including the Community Meal site program for the past 10 years. Linda remains active in the Lincoln Garden Club, having served as President, and leads their efforts at maintaining Hearthside's gardens.
What first brought you to Hearthside and when? What volunteer work do you do?
We visited at Christmas about 12 years ago and decided to volunteer to decorate a room the next year. We still continue to decorate every Christmas with several friends. The front parlor is the room they "adopted."
Linda explains that their volunteer work is mostly in the background, working in the kitchen with food preparation for the Teas, serving at the refreshment stand at the outdoor events, handling grounds clean up through the Garden Club, and arranging flowers for special events. Bob, as Linda says, can do anything! He is the all-around handyman, doing odd maintenance jobs, carpentry, electrical, painting, grounds clean up, as well as kitchen and food prep.
What do you enjoy most about being involved at Hearthside, and what has been your most memorable time since you've been with us?
We have been involved in virtually all aspects of Hearthside and try to be a part of all the activities that we can. The 1904 World's Fair stands out as the most memorable time. It was amazing how it grew and was presented 2 yeas in a row. We were happy to be a part in making it such a success.
How has Hearthside changed since you first started?
Hearthside has become a well-established organization that started with just a few volunteers and no money. Today, visitors come from all over to visit this beautiful historical site.
What would you hope to see for the future of Hearthside?
More volunteers! It takes so many hands to continue keeping Hearthside in top-notch condition and providing interesting programs each year.
Why would others want to come volunteer and be members here?
They would feel the pride in being a part of this historic property in the Blackstone Valley and know that they have been responsible for maintaining this piece of history for generations to come.
On behalf of all of us at Hearthside, THANK YOU, Linda and Bob for everything you do!
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| THINGS ARE HEATING UP FOR FOR HEARTHSIDE'S MAJOR EVENT JULY 16TH |
The Decade That Roared: A 1920s Rhode Island Experience
Set up similar to last summer's 1904 World's Fair exhibit and outdoor event, the
Decade That Roared will bring history to life in a most enjoyable way! It will take place all day,
both outdoors on the grounds and inside the museum, as well as a special celebration in the evening with a
Speakeasy and Bootlegger's Ball. This event is surely a spectacle you won't want to miss, so mark your calendar now for
Saturday, July 16!
Although the exhibits will cover a wide range of topics related to this decade of great change in our country, the focus will be on Rhode Island and what was happening here at home. We'll share lots of information that may surprise you, such as:
- Providence heralded the tallest skyscraper in New England--today known as the Superman Building
- One of the earliest radio stations was WJAR, broadcast from one of the largest department stores, The Outlet.
- Providence had its own "Broadway" as it was home to numerous theaters, first used for vaudeville shows and then as great movie palaces....only 3 of those buildings remain today.
- One of Rhode Island's speakeasies still is in existence today as a popular restaurant....Twin Oaks.
- Silent movies were filmed in Rhode Island by some of the movie production companies that were located here.
- Even the KKK emerged in Rhode Island
- And much more (next month's newsletter and our Facebook page will continue with "teasers")
Some of the features taking place between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. are:
Performance by renowned singer-actress
Rose Weaver
Veteran jazz musician
Lloyd Kaplan and the Aristocats
The
Tropigals dancers from Chifferobe
Vaudeville presentations
Fashions of the 1920s
Dance demos by
Providence Swings featuring the Charleston
Vintage clothing
vendors
Mock radio station with broadcast throughout the day
Silent movie clips shot in RI
Antique cars
Informative panels, exhibits, artifacts on a wide range of 1920s stories and events,
especially with connections to Rhode Island
In the evening, specialty cocktails will be served in the
Speakeasy, that is if you know the secret password to get in! Buy a "cigarette" from the Cigarette Girls. Take a dance lesson from the dancers of
Providence Swings and get ready for a night filled with hot jazz under the tent as NYC band,
Jessy Carolina and the Hot Mess, entertain with their 1920s music. Jessy is known for her "voice that sounds like it comes from a Victrola" while she plays a washboard.
We want this to be the most successful event ever, as Friends of Hearthside celebrates it's 15th Anniversary! Some early sponsors are already on board. But,we are still accepting community sponsorships as well as donated baskets and items for our raffles. This is an important fundraiser for us. Please contact me if your employer or someone you know could help.
We are grateful for the support of our major sponsor:
And special thanks to these returning sponsors:
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TAKE A CHANCE TO WIN A FLORIDA GETAWAY
Special Raffle to Commemorate
15TH Anniversary of Friends of Hearthside
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Win a raffle and enjoy a week's stay at a fully-equipped luxury home in
The Villages located in central Florida. Comes with everything needed to enjoy your vacation, including a personal golf cart and full
resident privileges. This package is perfect for couples, or a family of four.
The renowned Villages is located in the heart of sunny Florida,
convenient to all famous tourist attractions. Known as "Florida's Friendliest Hometown," the Villages offers a wide array of activities including
golf, shopping, dining, and entertainment which are just a golf cart ride away. Also:
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One Hour Away from Disney, Universal Studios and the
Orlando Airport
- Thirty-nine 9-hole golf courses plus swimming pools & tennis courts
- Twelve 27-hole country clubs with restaurants
- Three town squares offering live entertainment and dancing every night
- Large shopping areas with popular stores and restaurants
- More than 1000 clubs ranging from cards to billiards and knitting
Take a chance: $10 single ticket; $20 for a 5-pack
The drawing takes place at the
Decade That Roared on July 16th. Need not be present to win. To purchase Raffle Tickets,
CLICK HERE and enter your amount of $10 for 1 ticket or $20 for 5 tickets in the Donation Box. Or simply mail a check to Friends of Hearthside, Inc., 757 Great Road, Lincoln, RI 02865. Your tickets will be mailed to you. We appreciate your support!
Special thanks to Janet & Dana Heberlein for the donation of this prize!
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There's always something happening at Hearthside!
Sincerely,
Kathy Hartley
Founder, President & CEO
Friends of Hearthside, Inc.
The mission of the Friends of Hearthside, Inc. is to preserve, protect, promote, and interpret the heritage of the Hearthside Homestead (b.1810) and the Great Road Historic District through living history programs and events.
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