HEARTHSIDE HOUSE MUSEUM NEWSLETTER
"The House That Love Built"    Vol. 12, Issue 2                 Feb. 2018

Ah, the month of February.  Love is in the air.  Valentines Day cards carry expressions of romance, and chocolates by the hundreds of thousands are sold in heart shaped boxes.  Today, it seems that Valentines Day is just another one of those holidays where the retail business gets a big boost because we are bombarded with advertising that tells us this is how we should demonstrate our feelings.  

It wasn't always that way of course.  At Hearthside, the topic of love and romance is an integral part of our history, and so this year, we've decided to delve deeper into what love and romance meant for couples 100 or 200 years ago.  It seems so archaic reading through some of the etiquette rules that those with a proper upbringing would follow.  But it is even more amazing to think that is the way life was right here at Hearthside. We look forward to helping our visitors understand just what that was like during the coming season.

We are busy getting ready for our 2018 season, which is now just a month away from opening on March 11th.   That means not only getting the house all in order (we do spring cleaning early), but also lining up our volunteer help to make sure that we are fully "staffed" for all the tours, activities and events coming up this year.  It is always challenging to get enough volunteers, but especially with a balance of different interests and skill sets that are needed. To help out, we are holding our first Volunteer Open House on Tuesday, February 27th.  Anyone who has some interest or curiosity about becoming a volunteer is welcome to attend.  Our volunteers really are a "family."  I know I've said that many times, but it is true.  We all care for each other, have become good friends, and we share a common commitment to this house and preserving it for the future.  In the process, we have a whole lot of fun!  

In this issue, I'm sharing  stories of love , and of  volunteering at Hearthside.  I hope they will inspire you in some way to join us, either as a volunteer or by becoming a member.  Either way,   Y OU can make a difference  in helping to preserve this "House That Love Built" so future generations may experience their own stories of love and romance here.

If you love history and your significant other does as well, consider sharing the love by becoming members.  There is a Valentine's Membership 2-for-1 Special this week only.  What better gift to give and enjoy all year!  Read more about the deal at the end of this newsletter.  

A Happy Old-Fashioned Valentines Day to all!  
A YEAR OF ROMANCE
A heart shaped reflection can be seen on the attic ceiling in the evening.
Love & Romance Theme Featured Throughout the Programs This Season

First it was the love story connected to Hearthside's history.  Then it was our visitors' reactions to "a feeling of love" when they come through the door.  The latest confirmation was being selected by Yankee Magazine as "one of the top five New England places with a Romantic History."  As Albert Einstein said, "love is energy and cannot die," so it is that love still lingers within the walls of Hearthside.

Although romance may conjure up images of feelings between two people, it really has a broader meaning.  Romance is defined as "A mysterious or fascinating quality or appeal, as of something strangely beautiful that creates excitement or emotional attraction." We have certainly witnessed that from our visitors at Hearthside. 

So this year, we've decided to have the theme of "Love and Romance" be woven throughout our programming.  We look forward to sharing with you many of the stories and fascinating traditions surrounding courtship, romance, and marriage all year, not just during the wedding exhibit in April.  If you thought the house was filled with love before, just wait till you visit now!  
In This Issue

         Upcoming  

     Event Schedule

Tues. Feb. 27  Volunteer Open House 6:00-8:00 pm
Sun. March 11  Opening Season Tour 1-4 pm
Thurs. March 22*  Legendary Love:  A Luxurious Evening of Chocolate & Wine 6:30 pm
Sat. March 24  Friends of Hearthside Annual Meeting 10 am-noon
Sun. April 7  Wedding Exhibit  1-4 pm
Sat. April 14  Wedding Exhibit  1-4 pm
Sun. April 15  Wedding Exhibit & Guided Tour 1-4 pm
Sat. April 21  Wedding Exhibit & Mock Wedding Ceremony  1-4 pm
Sat. April 28*  Dinner Party Fundraiser  6-9 pm
Sat. May 12*  Afternoon Tea

*Special Event - Tickets Required

We welcome members of other participating RI museums during April for free tours.
Connect with Us
VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSE 
TUESDAY, FEB. 27TH
Think you might be interested in becoming a volunteer?  Come find out more on Tuesday, February 27th as we host our first Volunteer Open House.  Here's your chance to learn about what opportunities there are that might be suited to your interests and skills.  Talk to some of our volunteers who serve as docents, board members, or behind the scenes with a number of different types of things they do to help.  Stop in anytime between 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Let us know if you plan to come, or if you can't but would like to volunteer, please 
Email 
or call 726-0597.
2018 SCHEDULE OF TOURS & EVENTS
Our 2018 Calendar is now being announced!  Of course some of the favorites like the Victorian Mourning Customs, Old-Fashioned Christmas, Afternoon Tea, and  American Girl Doll events are back again.  Two exhibits being featured this year include our Wedding Exhibitof 150 Years of Traditions & Fashions, which has grown from 2 days to 4 days in April.  Also, the Color & Light exhibit of Early 20th century photographs featuring David Davidson's images of Hearthside taken 1907-1912 that was first exhibited in 2012 is back this summer.  That exhibit earned us national recognition with a Leadership in History Award from the American Association of State & Local History.  The Traditional Fox Hunt and Luncheon is returning in the fall, as well as two fundraising events featuring foods:  Legendary Love:  A Luxurious Evening of Chocolate & Wine, and our historic Dinner Party series, featuring an elegant menu taken from the 1921 honeymoon cruise of Ben & Gladys Chase, founders of Chase Farm.

Our special summertime event will be in collaboration with the Town of Lincoln as a community-wide celebration is held to commemorate the newest attractions at Chase Farm Park, that includes the recently-restored One-Room Schoolhouse and new Visitor Center.  This weekend long event focuses on families and there will be all kinds of entertainment, exhibits, and demonstrations during the course of the weekend of July 21-22.

To check out the 2018 Calendar, click here.        
   
LEGENDARY LOVE:  A LUXURIOUS EVENING
OF CHOCOLATE & WINE
Mark Your Calendar for a Very Special Evening  
Legendary Love:  A Luxurious Evening of Chocolate & Wine

Thursday, March 22  6:30-8:30 p.m.

Celebrate the irresistible appeal of two of life's great indulgences--chocolate and wine--in the warmth and charm of "The House That Love Built."  
 
Discover the art and flavors of the finest and most unusual combinations of chocolate paired with fine wine from the experts.  Join us as Aura's Chocolate Bar serves up some wonderful treats for the palate.  Learn how to select the finest chocolates and what wines complement the savory delights. As a special surprise to the taste buds will be some unique samples of main dishes made with chocolate. Experience a real treat for the senses with this most elegant evening of divine delicacies surrounded by candlelight and the legendary romantic history of Hearthside.  This special fundraising event is limited to 30 guests.  Tickets may be purchased by contacting us at [email protected] or call 401-726-0597. $40 per person; $35 members.
 ROMANCE THROUGH THE YEARS AT HEARTHSIDE
If you know nothing else about Hearthside, one thing that everyone seems to remember is the romantic legend of why Hearthside was built.  It is that heartbreaking story that seems to stick.  Maybe because it is with such disbelief that such a magnificent house woul d be built so far back in history out in the "wilderness."  Maybe it is the tremendous amount of money it took to build it, or how that money was secured through a lucky lottery ticket.  Most likely though it is the sheer shock that the woman who the house was built for actually rejected it!  There isn't anyone who doesn't feel empathy toward  STEPHEN HOPKINS SMITH  and the heartbreak he must have endured for the remainder of his bachelor life after hearing the story.

On a brighter note, in contrast to an unhappy beginning, there were many families who spent several happy years at Hearthside, but probably none more so than the last who called it home,  ANDREW MOWBRAY and his family, who moved here from Cranston.  Here's their story as told by his wife Penelope Mowbray:

"Andy had been talking with a friend and was told that there was a lovely house for sale for a good price....but the only down side was that "it is so far in the country, so no one would want it. So he got me, our one-year old daughter, Sherry, and her three-year old brother, Drew, into the car "to just take the family out for a ride in the country.  But my man didn't drive by the mansion (as history tells of the first owner taking his beloved out for a country ride), but instead drove right into the driveway, with me saying, "Oh, this is private property!!!!" Andy replied,"The fellow is a friend of mine and he won't mind."  So,  our little family stood there at that huge door and waited until a  fellow  opened it  and said,  "Oh, hi Andy.   Glad you come.   Bring the family in,"
Penelope, Andrew, Sherry and Drew Mowbray in the Music Room around 1960.
Andy with Drew on his hand and me carrying baby Sherry. As we walked in and admired the front hall, the two men did "light man talk," and I was about to faint..... THEN, Andy turned to me and said, "Would you like to live here?"  I could barely get a big nod going, and he said, "Then it is yours!"  

Unlike Stephen Smith's beloved, Penelope had accepted the extraordinary gift of Hearthside on that fateful day they took a ride down Great Road!   The Mowbrays spent 40 very happy years there from 1956-1996.

Although there are no more families to live out their days at Hearthside, the romantic allure still brings couples to the house to experience some magical memories to start their new lives together. So was the case during our holiday season.  On December 30, William Doyle took Ashley to be his wedded wife in an intimate ceremony where her daughter and his daughter joined together to become a family.  The event took place in the elegantly decorated music room, surrounded by dazzling lights and Christmas trees.  As they left to begin their new life together, Ashley's daughter Audrey excitedly told me, "I love Hearthside, and I want to volunteer here!" So in a way, there will be a small part of this family making more happy memories at this "House That Love Built."
 TWO VOLUNTEERS FALL IN LOVE AT HEARTHSIDE!
  Justin Baro and Erin Ruegg met while volunteering at Hearthside. It was love at first sight, and their whirlwind romance resulted in marriage!  Read their sweet love story told in their own words.

Tell us about yourselves.
Justin : I have lived in Rhode Island my whole life and have always enjoyed historic places.  I enjoy photography, jazz/big band music, playing piano, script writing, video production, and reading, especially classic fiction.  I work as a technical writer at inMusic.
Erin: Although I moved to RI when I was 8, my core is back in West Virginia where I was born.  I went back there to attend W. Virginia Wesleyan College.  One of the reasons I was drawn to Hearthside is because it reminded me of a home in Scary Creek, WV that I had always wanted to explore, but never did before it was destroyed.  I love adventures and exploring, especially ruins and graveyards.  Hockey and my nieces/nephews are my two biggest passions.  Currently, I work at Citizens Bank.

Did you have other volunteer experience before coming to Hearthside?
Justin:  I have volunteered at my church assisting with technical production for mixing music, recording sermons, and loading them onto the website.  
Erin:  I used to volunteer at the Blackstone River Theatre, helping with office work, selling CD's and snacks, and any other event support needed.  I typically drove by Hearthside on my way to the Theatre in Cumberland, and I had heard about Hearthside during our Fezziwig Christmas events when volunteers would join us in their Victorian attire.  I always wanted to know what that beautiful stone mansion was all about.  Currently, I also volunteer with SPRED (Special Religious Education) with the Diocese of Providence, working with an amazing group of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

How long have you been involved at Hearthside?
Justin:  I first came to Hearthside in Dec. 2014 when I was looking for a new place to live and found myself in Lincoln where I had never been.  Once I saw Hearthside from the outside, I knew I had to find out how it looked inside.  There was a Christmas candlelight tour which I attended that month and was immediately drawn to the house.  I have been involved ever since.
Erin:  I finally made it to Hearthside in the spring of 2016 thanks to a volunteer opportunity with my team at Citizens Bank.  I met John (Scanlon), and he was so welcoming and the house was so amazing, that I agreed to come back for the Decade That Roared (also thanks to some on-site recruiting from Jen Vuono, Hearthside board member and who also works at Citizens).  The rest is history!

Can you recall the moment you knew there was something special between the two of you?
Justin:  Erin and I met at a Hearthside volunteer meeting.  When I first saw her, I knew I had to find our more about her.  We started talking more at the different events.  At one gathering, there was a display of colored gelatin cubes which we thought looked like Turkish Delight from The Chronicles of Narnia (we are both huge C.S. Lewis fans!).  We found out later that they were actually soaps and had a fun time sharing that moment together.
Erin:  I noticed Justin the first time I saw him at the volunteer meeting in Sept. 2016, convinced that he was married to the person sitting next to him, and feeling disappointed about that.  He spoke to me after the meeting, which was exciting!  I didn't realize how much he had made an impression until my next volunteer event (Victorian Mourning).  I was so nervous about seeing "that guy" that when I did, I literally scurried out of the room because my heart was racing!  But the first time I knew this was truly special was the day he walked up the stairs to see me during a Hearthside event he wasn't volunteering for--the butterflies in my stomach said it all.

Do you think the "feeling of love" that so many claim to have when they are at Hearthside had anything to do with sparking the emotions you felt?
Justin:  The atmosphere transported us back to a simple time where nobility, character, and hope is felt throughout the house.  Hearthside made it easy for us to be who we are and to get to know each other better in a fun atmosphere as we fell in love.
Erin:  Falling in love with Justin was natural, and I think the Hearthside provided a safe place for that to grow.  We could both be involved as individual volunteers, yet sneak in those moments to get to know each other and build our friendship.  I always dreamed of an old-fashioned romance, and Hearthside made that possible!

What has been your most memorable time since you've been with us?
Justin:  There have been so many great events.  But, particularly the Decade That Roared, as my camera captured Erin in the background volunteering, though I had not met her yet.  Months later I was looking at the photos and I noticed Erin had been there.  The camera must have had a hard time keeping that secret from me!
Erin:  The Victorian Mourning events have been my favorite, as was volunteering at my spot under the mistletoe at Christmas.  This was before Justin and I were dating, and I was hoping, but nervous, that I'd be caught under it with him.  Alas, that never happened!  I'm still waiting for my mistletoe kiss.

Yours is an unusual story and may never happen again.  So why would others want to come and volunteer and be members here besides a chance at meeting their life partner?
Justin:  Each room of the house tells a story through the generations of those who have lived here.  The volunteers are so welcoming and knowledgeable here.  This historic house and area shines a light in this beautiful state of RI.  There are so many ways for anyone to volunteer here, no matter one's age or experience.
Erin:  I've never volunteered anywhere that is so welcoming and that embraces volunteers for exactly who they are.  We range in ages and backgrounds, we offer different experiences and skills, and we are each interesting and unique.  Hearthside itself is magical and fascinating and offers history, romance, and a touch of the spooky.  But when you add in fantastic members and volunteers, especially my first Hearthside friend Michelle Scully the volunteer coordinator, it's impossible not to be hooked.

Do you have anything else you want to tell?
Justin:  Erin and I were married on Sept. 30, 2017.  We are expecting a baby girl this summer, Valancy Elizabeth!
Erin:  Justin proposed to me at the neighboring Chase Farm.  We had wedding photos shot there as well as some outside at Hearthside.  We pass Hearthside constantly since we reside nearby, so it's truly integrated into our lives.
MEET VOLUNTEER JENNA ALESSANDRO  
Jenna Alessandro joined as a volunteer 7 years ago on the recommendation of a friend of her family, who just happened to be a Hearthside volunteer.  This young lady has made an amazing impact on Hearthside over the years, and she has certainly gotten a great deal in return. 
 
   Tell us a little bit about yourself.      
Jenna Alessandro at the 2017 World's Fair, which she claims to be her favorite of all the Hearthside's events.  She worked on the planning committee and was in charge of entertainment scheduling.
I was born and raised in Pawtucket, RI and loved history since I was very young.  I remember reading the Little House books with my Mom and Dad and that kick-started my love of both reading and history.  I went through the Pawtucket Public School system and then on to the University of New Hampshire where I majored in History.  I love sewing and historical fashion, hiking with my dog, snowboarding, and spending time on Ossipee Lake in New Hampshire.  I currently work as a Production Planner at Electric Boat at Quonset.


Did you have other volunteer experience before coming to Hearthside?
I volunteered at the Daggett House in Slater Park when I was in middle school.  I don't remember much about the house itself, but George Washington did sleep there.

What types of volunteer work have you done at Hearthside?
During my time with Hearthside I have helped with the cataloging the collections, set up and break down of exhibits, helped with the planning and execution of events, conducted research on several topics as background for exhibits, worked in food preparation and serving, helped move and set up the antique looms, demonstrated weaving, given tours, decorated many Christmas trees, and even chased down a man and his drone.  I don't think there are many other places where I could have done all of this and so much more.

Have any of the volunteer tasks helped you in your life outside of Hearthside?
It was because of my time at Hearthside that I got my first museum job at Mystic Seaport.  I've had the opportunity to practice and use my organizational, interpersonal, and research skills both at Hearthside and in other places where I have worked.  I can also sew a dress, weave a cloth, set a table for tea, and discuss Victorian mourning customs for days.  Skills that will, no doubt, follow me long into my life.

What has been your most memorable time at Hearthside?
I love all the events that we put on, but I think my favorite is the World's Fair.  It's just such a well-researched exhibit with wonderful artifacts.  Couple that with the entertainment, games, food, and the sense of community it inspires, it is truly an interesting and joyful event.  It's what all museums should strive for.

How has Hearthside changed since you first started?
I've had the wonderful opportunity to see Hearthside grow by leaps and bounds since I started volunteering.  From the large amounts of restoration to the house, including the opening of the attic space for visitors, to the new programming that is put on every year.  We're also learning more and more about the families who called Hearthside their home.  We've seen so much of Hearthside's history come back to the house, from the looms to the Davidson prints.  There are still so many stories, connections, and mysteries out there to discover; I know that we're just scratching the surface.

What would you hope to see for the future of Hearthside?
I would love to find the answer to one of the oldest questions about the house:  who did Stephen Hopkins Smith build Hearthside for?  Finding out more about the people who lived in this house and their stories would help us make connections and develop programming for everyone to enjoy.

Why would others want to come volunteer and be members here?
1.  History is awesome, local history even more so.
2.  The people are great.
3.  You get to wear fun clothes
4.  You get to be a part of something that is bigger than just you
5.  Did I mention the clothes?

Any other thoughts to share?
Come see an event at this beautiful house.  Check out a meeting, join a committee, see local history.  It's a lot of fun, and we have a lot of exciting things happening!
HEARTHSIDE DOLLHOUSE COMPLETED!
The dollhouse in the hallway bookcase was created and built by David Olstein and 
Kristin Scribner.
 
The dollhouse in Hearthside's first floor hallway is now  complete!  It was started six years ago by  volunteer David Olstein, who took the vision for a miniature Hearthside and creatively crafted th e lay out within the h allway bookcase.  The doll house was originally intended to capture the imaginations of our youngest visitors, but it has quickly proven that all ages love looking at the miniature model.  And the closer they look, the more details they see.  Those details have an amazing resemblance to each room in the house (with the exception of the mice and cats shown running around in the doll house).  That detail refers to what it used to be like!  David left Hearthside a few years ago and moved back to San Diego, so he never got to finish the ambitious project he started.  He had completed the entire first floor that included the kitchen, dining room, hallway, and parlor.

Last year, anot
The dollhouse nursery mimics the real nursery with the same paint color trimming the room and stencil design.
her volunteer stepped forward and offered to finish the dollhouse.  Kristin Scribner, who also is very creative and grew up with a dollhouse expert (her mom), put her own touches to finishing the 2nd and 3rd floors of the model, which she did in time for the holiday season.  She started by taking photographs of each room upstairs, paying particular attention to details within each room that she could incorporate into the model. The result is remarkable.  From floors and walls, to pictures, and little accessories,  each room is easily recognizable of the "big" house.  

While the majority of furniture was purchased through donations from our donation box, Kristin handcrafted many pieces herself.  She hand painted the stencil design on the walls in the nursery which are exactly the same as the real room.  And in the attic, there is a spinning wheel and a large loom that was designed and built by Kristin, right down to the warp woven on the loom!  Look in the "boys room" and you'll see a sword, much like the swords displayed there by Andy Mowbray.  The library has a candlestick phone, and brass candlesticks on the bookcases that are exactly like those in the house, complete with miniature books waiting to be read (yes, the wire rim glasses are there too!)   

At the time that the dollhouse was originally being designed, long-time volunteer Mildred Hartley (my mother-in-law) passed away.  Since she was such an avid doll collector and loved children, the dollhouse was dedicated to her memory....a fitting memorial and one that is a major feature now at Hearthside, bringing joy to everyone who visits!

Our sincerest gratitude goes out to Kristin and David for such a wonderful and lasting contribution to Hearthside!   

 VALENTINES' DAY 2-FOR-1 SPECIAL 

JOIN NOW AND RECEIVE ANOTHER MEMBERSHIP FREE 
Joining as a member always makes sense if you enjoy taking tours of historic places and museums.  But this week, in honor of our theme of Romance and Love this season, we are offering a special offer to encourage couples to consider becoming members. 

Check out this Valentines' Day Sweet Deal .  It's a $25 savings, but hurry, the offer ends Sunday, Feb. 18.

Not only will you get free admission to our regular tour days, but throughout the year, other sites that are part of the RI Historical Society Marketing Alliance offer the benefit of free tours for card carrying members of Hearthside (see list above).  Member benefits at Hearthside also include the opportunity to purchase tickets for our special events before the public, along with event discounted pricing.  Gift shop purchases are also discounted for our members. Our members enjoy exclusive accessibility, such as the opportunity to be the first to enjoy Hearthside's gorgeous Christmas decorations at an annual  VIP reception for members only. .  

Basic membership starts at $25 with benefits for one adult; or with family level at $50 for two adults, and contributor at $75 and up. The higher the level, the greater your membership benefits extend and the more support you provide to offset our operating expenses.  Every little bit counts!  It is only through Membership Support that Friends of Hearthside can exist, so please help us continue to do what we started 17 years ago.

Click here to  Join as a Member Today and start enjoying your benefits right away next month when we begin our 2018 season!  We appreciate your generosity and support of our mission.
As they say, there's always something happening at Hearthside!  And this year, even more so!
  
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.