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HEARTHSIDE HOUSE MUSEUM NEWSLETTER
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"The House That Love Built" Vol. 12, Issue 7 Oct. 2018
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What a month it has been, filled with all kinds of activities, including a tornado and a nor'easter hitting in a matter of days last week. Luckily we didn't sustain any property damage, and our candlelight tour of the Victorian mourning exhibit still took place despite the storm. And I'm happy to say that we've "buried" Simon Thornton once again. RIP, Simon....see you again next year! The exhibit received outstanding reviews, hundreds of visitors, and a feature article published in
The Providence Journal
on October 15.
During September, we got to enjoy being around some beautiful horses. First, was with the wooden kind....those on a carousel. Some of our volunteers, dressed in their turn-of-the-century finery, welcomed the 250 delegates of the
National Carousel Association as they held their annual convention in Rhode Island and visited the carousel at Slater Park. Then two days later, it was time for the real ones. The horses and hounds of the Tanheath Hunt Club came to visit Chase Farm once again as we hosted the
Downton Abbey Fox Hunt. It was quite the spectacle to experience.
Great Road Day was held on September 22nd, bringing some 300 visitors into Hearthside, the Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse, the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, and the Moffett Mill as we formally introduced the
Great Road Heritage Campus to the public. Joining in on Great Road Day were several other sites along the road, giving visitors a great reason to spend a perfect fall day exploring history along one of America's earliest roadways.
As we close out the month of October, I couldn't let Halloween pass by without recognizing the spirits of Hearthside. Over the past few weeks, we've welcomed visitors who came for spiritual connections with
Roland Comtois, or to see the
Gone But Not Forgotten exhibit on Victorian Mourning and Funeral Customs.
Of course, visitors always seem to ask the question, "Is Hearthside haunted?"
I will tell you a
n emphatic, NO. It is not to say though that there may be a few kind spirits who inhabit the house. It is something more of a feeling that so many exp
erie
nce. Nevertheless, this didn't stop a local author, Thomas D'Agostino, from including a chapter on Hearthside in his new book, "Ghosts of the Blackstone Valley," published by Haunted America, a division of The History Press. The
book details the history o
f Hearthside right up to present day with the Friends of Hearthside. It includes photos of our Gone But Not Forgotten exhibit, as well as one very special picture taken by a volunteer a few years back that seems to have captured one of the spirits at the house (pictured below).
In the book D'Agostino writes, "The history is compelling, but to have an extraordinary energy within its walls only adds to the wonder and mystique the building exudes." He goes on to add, "For what its worth, a place does not have to have ghosts inhabiting its rooms to be haunted. The
haunt might just be a very strong feeling that encompasses its perimeter.
In the case of Hearthside, it is the haunt called love."
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
"We're all ghosts. We all carry, inside us, people who came before."--Liam Callanan,
The Cloud Atlas
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An image appears to be floating outside the 2nd floor window looking in at the tour taking place during the Gone But Not Forgotten event in Oct. 2014. Could it be the spirit of Simon Thornton who died here in 1873 and who is the subject of the mourning exhibit? You decide!
Photo by Russell Chevalier.
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Nov. 1*
Spiritual Communications Through Table Tipping-SOLD OUT
Nov. 11 Guided House Tour
Nov. 11 Schoolhouse Decorate Event
Nov. 29 VIP Membership Reception
Dec. 1** American Girl Doll Christmas Party
Dec. 2 Old Fashioned Christmas at Hearthside & Schoolhouse
Dec. 8 Old Fashioned Christmas at Hearthside & Schoolhouse
Dec. 9 Old Fashioned Christmas at Hearthside & Schoolhouse
Dec. 28 Home for the Holidays Candlelight Tour
Dec. 30 Home for the Holidays Candlelight Tour
**Special Event - Tickets Required- Priority Availability for Members
**-
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WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HEARTHSIDE'S HISTORY?
TAKE A GUIDED TOUR ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11th
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With special exhibits and events taking place every month since April, we haven't had much of a chance to just give a "regular" tour. So once the mourning exhibit is put away and before the Christmas decorations come out, a "regular" tour is scheduled for Sunday, November 11th.
In honor of the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I on November 11, 1918, veterans and current military will receive free admission for this tour being held on Veterans Day.
These guided tours will take place at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. Tour size is limited so it is always a good idea to reserve your spot.
Admission is $10/adults; $8 ages 10-17; free for Hearthside members, veterans and military (must show military ID). To reserve, just reply by email or call Hearthside at 726-0597. |
IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK ALOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!
2018 Holiday Season is Upon Us |
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VISIT HEARTHSIDE AND THE PULLEN'S CORNER SCHOOLHOUSE
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Before Christmas
After Christmas
Sun. December 2 2-6 p.m. 1-5 pm* Fri. December 28 4-7 p.m.
Sat. December 8 4-7 p.m. 3-6 pm* Sun. December 30 4-7 p.m.
Sun. December 9 2-6 p.m. 1-5 pm*
There's no place like Hearthside for the holidays to get that feeling of warmth and nostalgia that comes with an old-fashioned Christmas. Each room has a tree and is elaborately decorated, including the attic!
Hearthside's Christmas garnered national publicity last year when selected by
Yankee Magazine for one of the top 5 holiday events in New England for its
Old-Fashioned Christmas. It is again listed by Yankee in this year's holiday issue among the featured events in Rhode Island. The publicity continues with our selection by
Rhode Island Monthly for a
feature article in their December issue! Be sure to watch for it on newsstands the end of November. Hearthside's Christmas celebration was also featured in
Early American Life, a nationally-distributed magazine for those with a passion for history, antiques, and architecture.
In its special holiday edition, the
article highlighted
one event in each state
, and Hearthside was named for the Rhode Island event not to be missed. It is wonderful to get this kind of recognition and should result in making so many more outside the borders of Rhode Island aware of Hearthside.
For all our tours before Christmas, Santa will be at Hearth
side to visit with young and old and hear their wish list and take a photo. We will also have a variety of live music to put you in the holiday mood.
And next door, at the Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse at Chase Farm Park, a Christmas tree with hand-made orn
aments provides the perfect background for a Christmas event that features Mrs. Claus, live music and a children's program on Dec. 2 and 9.
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The Schoolhouse Christmas will be held in conjunction with Hearthside on all the pre-Christmas dates, with opening one hour earlier and closing one hour earlier than Hearthside.
Mark Your Calendar Today ---- Don't Miss Out on These Wonderful Holiday Celebrations!
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DECORATE & CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN THE
"HOT POTATO" SCHOOLHOUSE
Children Invited to Make Ornaments on Sunday, Nov. 11 |
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Youth docents Pepper Travers and Makenzy Strom await visitors at the schoolhouse on Great Road. Both girls will be part of the Christmas program this season.
Photo by David Cruz
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On
Sunday afternoon, November 11, children of all ages are welcome to come and help decorate the Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse at Chase Farm Park on Great Road. Three one-hour sessions are offered to experience what life was like in the one-room school by creating Christmas decorations just as children would have done at the turn of the century. Putting on a Christmas program for the community was actually part of a school teacher's contract in the day's of the one-room school.
The
hand-crafted ornaments will be used to decorate the schoolhouse tree, as well as for each child to bring home one for their family tree. All materials are included in the ticket price. The
fully-decorated tree will be the centerpiece for the Christmas programs that are scheduled for the schoolhouse during December.
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The decorating sessions take place from 12-1, 1-2, and 2-3. Tickets are $5 per child. Space is limited at each session, so
advance registration is suggested. To reserve, contact
[email protected] or call 401-726-0597.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR MEMBERS
VIP HOLIDAY RECEPTION TO BE HELD THURSDAY, NOV. 29TH
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Just like little kids anxious to see the Christmas tree, our members get the first peek of Hearthside all decked out for the holidays before we open to the public.
In appreciation for the support given by our members, a complimentary VIP Membership Reception will be held on
Thursday, November 29th between 6-8 p.m.
The reception is always a lovely evening for our members to enjoy the house without the crowds and mingle among other like-minded supporters of Hearthside over a cup of wassail and some tasty treats.
It's a wonderful kick-off to the season and will certainly be a source of inspiration for your own Christmas ideas! There's still time to join and be included among the invited guests.
Members will be sent a personal invitation to reply to.
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FELICITY'S CHRISTMAS: AN AMERICAN GIRL DOLL
CHRISTMAS PARTY ON DECEMBER 1ST
Tickets on Sale to Members Nov. 1st
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 The American Girl Doll Christmas Party is always a favorite of those who
attend our doll events. It is a special time for a small group of girls with their parent to c
ome enjoy a Christmas story with their doll.
The festivities
include hot chocolate and sweets, prizes, a raffle, and favor for each. There will be lots of merriment too with singing and visits with Santa before discovering all the beautiful decorations throughout the house. Our gift shop will be freshly stocked with Christmas goodies for all.
This event has very limited space as it is held in just one room, which can only accommodate 30, with one adult accompanying one or two girls. Therefore, tickets go quickly as they are made available to members first. Public tickets will go on sale a week after the member tickets.
Tickets are $36/child-adult pair; $22 for extra child. Member pricing is $32/child-adult pair with $18 for additional child. Minimum age is 5 years old.
Two seatings are available: 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
A separate email invitation will be sent out to announce the ticket sales.
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HISTORY COMES ALIVE ON GREAT ROAD DAY AS
THE GREAT ROAD HERITAGE CAMPUS OFFICIALLY BEGINS |
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All graphics and this new banner for the Great Road Heritage Campus were designed by Seth Hamilton, volunteer and member of the Board of Directors.
GREAT ROAD DAY - SEPTEMBER 22, 2018
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Volunteer docent Dick Aubin explains the "Magic Lantern" to this visitor to the Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse. The lantern is really an early slide projector that was found in schoolrooms in the early 20th century. Photo by David Cruz
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Schoolmaster Dick Aubin instructs these girls in their lesson plan, while dad stands in the corner with a dunce cap on. Photo by Susan Gonsalves.
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The Hannaway Blacksmith Shop offered demonstrations throughout the day. On display outside the shop were several colorful and unique yard ornaments made by resident blacksmith instructor, Ed Venditelli, proving that blacksmiths don't just make horseshoes or traditional hardware, but rather pieces of art. Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Blacksmith Ed Venditelli demonstrates how metal is heated and then formed into various implements.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves.
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The 1812 Moffett Mill is open only on Great Road Day because it is not accessible by foot nor has any parking nearby. A shuttle bus is the only means to access it. Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Volunteer docent Steve Girard points out a horse drawn sleigh that was built at the Moffett Mill before it was closed in 1900. Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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The Moffett Mill was filled with visitors throughout the day, with an estimated 200+ visitors getting the chance to see this relic from the Industrial Revolution.
Photo by David Cruz
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Volunteer docent Kevin Marchand explains how the machinery worked. Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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A presentation on the evolution of Great Road over the past 300 years was given by National Park Service ranger Kevin Klyberg at the Visitors Center. Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Visitors could sit and enjoy lunch and a presentation on the history of Great Road at the new Visitors Center. .Photo by David Cruz
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A special taste treat for guests were Dynamite sandwiches, a Blackstone Valley favorite that is similar to a Sloppy Joe. Linda and Bob Lundgren served refreshments throughout the day in the Visitors Center.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Home-baked goods made by our volunteers were for sale inside the Visitor Center by volunteers Peggy O'Neill and Janet Heberlein.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Board members Bill McManus and Roxanne Beal chat with one of the guests outside the new Visitors Center at Chase Farm Park. Photo by David Cruz
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This handsome antique Cadillac owned by a visitor parked in front of the house and looked right at home as if it were the 1930s again. Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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A display of antique phonographs filled the first floor rooms at Hearthside, accompanied by their owners from the Massachusetts Bay Colony Antique Phonograph Society. Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Visitors stop to read the history of Hearthside at the outdoor panel. In the gazebo, there were old-fashioned children's toys and activities to keep kids entertained. Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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A Model A Ford owned by one of the visitors quickly became one of the exhibits on the front lawn at Hearthside. This gentleman in his period attire appears ready to hop in for a ride. Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Docent Colleen Farrell stands by the cider press with a bunch of apples, although it was for show only.
Photo by David Cruz
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An open fire cooking demonstration gave a fall feel to the event, while the stew that was in the pot provided some wonderful aromas in the yard.
Photo by David Cruz
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Volunteer docent Colleen Farrell shares one of the ingredients used in the stew with a guest while another docent, Lynn Armstrong looks on.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Volunteer Lou Doeg demonstrates his Regina Music Box, which played large metal disks.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Volunteer docent Estelle Barada portrayed Hearthside's family cook as she explained the various equipment and ingredients that were used to make the stew she prepared over the open fire. Photo by David Cruz
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RECENT HAPPENINGS
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words! |
Downton Abbey Fox Hunt - September 15
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Riders from the Tanheath Hunt Club line up for the photos to be taken with each guest at the Fox Hunt held in the hills at Chase Farm Park.
Photo by Debra Boucher
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An audience of horses and riders listen to the sounds of the bagpipe played by Mike Palenski. Photo by Debra Boucher
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Tally ho! The horn is blown to signal the start of the hunt.
Photo by Rick Antuono
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A sell-out crowd gathered under the tent for a pre-hunt presentation. Photo by David Cruz
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A number of jumps were set up throughout the course which created some exciting scenes of these majestic horses and the skills of their riders.
Photo by David Cruz
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A bevy of stuffed pheasants overlook the elaborate luncheon as volunteers await the guests at the end of the hunt.
Photo by David Cruz
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Leslie Cashel, organizer of the event for Tanheath Hunt Club, Photo by Rick Antuono
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A little bit of love shown between two of the horses. Photo by Rick Antuono
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More horse love. Photo by Debra Boucher
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The fields were filled with hounds and horses at the conclusion of the hunt. Photo by Rick Antuono
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The Downton clan gathers. Shown are Janet Hook, Estelle Barada, Kathy Hartley, Jenna Alessandro, Lou Doeg, Terri Brophy, Rhonda Chadwick, and Christine Maino. Photo by Rick Antuono
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A presentation by Leslie Cashel prior to the hunt helped everyone understand the basics of fox hunting, including the proper riding attire as she is demonstrating here. Photo by David Cruz
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Guests enjoyed meeting the horses and their riders. Guest Liz Ammerman was surprised by a nuzzle from this horse.
Photo by David Cruz
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Guests also enjoyed meeting the hounds who were just as much of the show as the horses. Docents Suzanne Farmer and Terri Brophy enjoy the affection of these hounds. Photo by Rick Antuono
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Each guest got to pose with the horse and hound as a keepsake from the day. Pictured is guest Jim Maguire who came properly attired for the event in his kilt. Photo by Rick Antuono
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Validating the Afterlife with Spiritual Medium Roland Comtois - Sept. 25
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Renowned spiritual medium Roland Comtois returned to Hearthside for another sold-out evening of spirit communications.
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Roland shared his purple papers on which he had written messages he had received prior to the evening.
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National Carousel Association at Slater Park - September 13
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Dressed in turn-of-the-century finery for greeting the delegates of the National Carousel Association were Lou Doeg, Kathy Hartley, Barbara St. Germain, Kirk Hindman and Christine Maino, and her 4-year old granddaughter Brooke.
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Christine Maino's granddaughter Brooke enjoyed her first junior docent assignment at the carousel. Lou Doeg waited patiently along with Brooke for his turn for a ride on the carousel too.
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| EXPERIENCES MAKE THE BEST GIFTS! Consider a Membership to Hearthside for Those on Your List |
If you're stuck on gift ideas, or want to surprise a friend who loves history, why not consider a gift of membership to Hearthside. Everyone loves an experience to look forward to, and with membership, you get a year's worth of opportunities, not just a one-day experience. And it's not just for tours. We offer special programs throughout the year. Several of our events are limited to only 30 or so, and MEMBERS get first priority when it comes to tickets going on sale. Most of our events have waiting lists.
MEMBERS get free admission for tours (saving $10 each adult each time) or reduced admission for other special programs. And with our participation with other RI museums, there are reciprocal arrangements that extend your membership benefits so you can visit a select number of museums in the state for free on selected dates.
Basic membership starts at $25 with benefits for one adult; or with family level at $50 for two adults, and Contributor at $75 for four adults, and more levels to select from for greater support.
Visit our online Gift Shop for a Gift Certificate for Membership or
CLICK HERE TO JOIN AS A MEMBER TODAY
and start enjoying your own benefits right away.
If you'd also like to help out as a volunteer, consider joining our "family." We welcome any help!
We appreciate your generosity and support of our mission and look forward to having you join our family of supporters.
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| As they say, there's always something happening at Hearthside and at the Great Road Heritage Campus! We hope to see you soon.
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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