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HEARTHSIDE HOUSE MUSEUM NEWSLETTER
Great Road Heritage Campus at Chase Farm Park
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"The House That Love Built" Vol. 14, Issue 1 Jan. 2020
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October 27th! That is the date when I started to write this newsletter. It was right after the
Revolutionary War event. I was filled with great feelings to share about the success of that beautiful fall weekend. But first, we had to take down all the exhibits and get ready for our next tour on
Veterans Day, and then began the process of 3 weeks of holiday decorating. An early snowstorm arrived just in time for our VIP opening on Dec. 4th creating some interesting challenges. Despite that, we had a great turnout...and continued to do so over the next month with our
Old-Fashioned Christmas. We finished up our year on Dec. 29th with the sold out Home for the Holidays candlelight tours. After 3 days of rest, the process of un-decorating began. And I'm pleased to say that 3 weeks later, everything is put away. Now the hard work begins to get the house cleaned and ready for our season opening in March along with several other projects on the property. I laugh when people think this is "vacation time" for us!
So, this newsletter features some of the highlights from the Fall programs, which will be continued in the next newsletter coming out in Feb.
One thing that becomes increasingly apparent is the
growing numbers of volunteers that are needed to run this organization. There are never enough! And never has there been more of a need than now. It's sort of a "perfect storm" situation. Hearthside has grown tremendously over just the past 2 years with the expansion into the
Great Road Heritage Campus. The publicity has been quite incredible, bringing in larger and larger crowds. Yet, with the need for additional help, we've lost volunteers, making the void even more crippling. This year, three volunteers have lost their battles with cancer (
Marilyn Clement,
Ron Deighan, and just a few weeks ago
Ray Emidy). Another committee chairman stepped down because he's just been diagnosed with it. Others have recently moved out of state. And on top of that, we're all aging. Youth docents have grown and gone on to college. Many of our volunteers are not able to drive after dark. So while our "call for volunteers" is always out there,
NOW it is the most exciting of times...with lots of various opportunities to participate, whether it be at Hearthside, the schoolhouse or the Mill...and
more important than ever for our continued success.
If you enjoy visiting Hearthside and our other sites and the wonderful programs that we've put on to bring history to life,
please consider lending a hand. With no staff, we depend upon the numbers of volunteers we have to determine the level of programming and openings possible.
This Saturday, Jan. 25th, a volunteer meeting will be held to decide upon our 2020 Schedule. We always welcome new ideas and volunteers to carry out our mission.
The New Year is always filled with hope and visions of prosperity. This holds true for Hearthside just as much as it does for our own personal lives. We look forward to
celebrating another successful year with all of you!
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| Schedule of Upcoming Tours & Programs |
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Sat. Jan. 25
Volunteer Meeting 10 a.m.
Sun. Feb. 2
Old-Fashioned Valentines Program at Schoolhouse
11 am. & 12 noon
Sat. March 28
Annual Meeting 10 a.m.
Hearthside is closed for tours during Jan-Feb. We're busy planning our programs and exhibits for the coming year. The 2020 Schedule will be released in Feb. Hearthside will re-open for tours in March.
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VOLUNTEER MEETING TO BE HELD SAT. JAN. 25TH
Seeking New Volunteers to Join
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Want to make a mark on history? Why not consider joining us as a volunteer! Our volunteers all play an essential role in
bringing history to life at Hearthside and the Great Road
. There are numbers of opportunities, whether you like to be out front
greeting visitors and giving tours,
or prefer to
stay behind the scenes
and help out with program planning, office work, property maintenance, graphics and marketing, or collections and interpretation. We are only able to
accomplish what we do depending on the amount of help we have.
We know that 2020 will prove to be another successful year providing there is enough help! If interested in helping us meet our mission, join us this coming
Saturday, Jan. 25th at 10 .m. for a
volunteer meeting. Just
EMAIL info@hearthsidehouse.org
or call 726-0597 to respond or learn more if you are unable to attend. If you wish to sign up as a Volunteer, CLICK HERE to complete the form.
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MAKE AN OLD-FASHIONED VALENTINE AT THE
PULLEN'S CORNER ONE-ROOM SCHOOLHOUSE
FEB. 2nd
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This year, instead of sending off an email, a text message, or buying a store-bought card for Valentine's Day, why not create your own personally-designed card together with your kids. With an original message of love and personal artistic expression, it will make a truly unique Valentine's for a special friend or family member. On Saturday, Feb. 2nd, two sessions will be held at the Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse (c.1850) to learn more about the customs of Valentine's Day while crafting your own greeting card. The Victorian customs for this sweet February holiday are presented by our docents dressed in 19th century attire in the cozy atmosphere of this original one-room school, heated with a wood stove. A collection of antique cards will serve as inspiration both for design ideas and sentiments to create a card of your own with the materials provided.
Children ages 5 and up accompanied by an adult, as well as any adults who may enjoy old-fashioned romantic notions, are welcome to attend and
create an old-fashioned Valentine greeting, using materials that may have been common during the 19th century. The sessions are at 1
1 a.m. and 12 noon.
Admission is $5.00 per participant. To reserve your spot, please EMAIL info@hearthsidehouse.org or
call 401.726.0597. Spaces are limited.
The Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse is part of the Great Road Heritage Campus at Chase Farm Park, located at 671 Great Road. All proceeds support the ongoing programming at the schoolhouse.
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RI PBS PROGRAM FEATURES HEARTHSIDE
"TREASURES INSIDE THE MUSEUM"
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RI PBS aired a special program during the fall, an 8-part series on local museums. On November 8th,
Hearthside was the subject of the episode. The half-hour show included a great introduction to our museum, as well as the Pullen's Corner Schoolho
use, the Moffett Mill, and the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop. As it was pointed out, we're really "four museums in one!."
We've received such wonderful feedback on the program, with many new visitors coming our way because "they saw us on PBS!" Special thanks to producer
Jim Karpiechik of Ocean State Video, and to
RI PBS for sponsoring such an outstanding series!
If you missed the show when it aired (or just want to watch again), you can see it in its entirety here:
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HEARTHSIDE AWARDED GRANT FROM CHAMPLIN FOUNDATION FOR ARCHIVAL STORAGE
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After 18 years of receiving donations, every inch of extra space in closets, attic, and basement are filled to capacity. And so it was such wonderful news to receive word last month of our successful grant application to
The Champlin Foundation
to
transform the garage space into an environmentally-controlled archival space.
We received
$33,030
for the construction of the space and
installation of heat and air conditioning
. Work will begin shortly. It means that all the items in storage we currently use there will need to move out to make room for the new finished space. As part of the grant, we will also be
installing shades on the windows
in the house to cut damaging light. Our work is cut out for us this spring, but so worthwhile to be able to finally store our valuable collections in the proper environment. This is the
second grant from Champlin
in two years, as the
Moffett Mill
received a grant last year for the restoration of all the windows. We are so grateful for the funds for these essential projects for both properties!
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| REMEMBERING VOLUNTEER RON DEIGHAN |
It's hard to believe that we've lost yet another wonderful volunteer. Ron Deighan lost his battle with pancre
 atic cancer on October 30th. Ron was the beloved husband of Judy for 52 years. Both Ron and Judy have been volunteers with us for years, doing whatever was needed, but most often as docents. Many will remember Ron as the docent in the master bedroom, always dressed in formal attire. He was well-liked by everyone in the Hearthside family. He took his role seriously, but he always had fun! Ron was supportive of his fellow docents, always lending a kind smile and support when needed. Even though he struggled with treatments throughout this year, it didn't stop him from volunteering, and we never heard a complaint from him.
Ron's passion in life was music. He began performing at the age of 17 and continued right up to the end. He brought so much joy to all who got to see him perform, most recently in his group, Ronnie Dee Entertainment, as he brought back memories of the oldies from the 50s and 60s.
Ron will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him. The family has suggested if you wish to honor his memory that gifts to Hearthside made by made by mailing a check to Friends of Hearthside, c/o 757 Great Road, Lincoln, RI 02865, or DONATE HERE.
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RECENT HAPPENINGS
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words! |
REVOLUTIONARY WAR REENACTMENT: BATTLE OF CHASE FARM
October 19-20, 2019
A major weekend-long battle reenactment and living history event.
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| Activities and exhibits were featured at Hearthside as well as at the schoolhouse, Moffett Mill, and blacksmith shop. Photo by Bill McManus |
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VIPs and Event Sponsor
The Talbot Family traveled from Ohio for the weekend. Pictured are (l to r) Chip Talbot and his son Charlie, Frith and Bill Talbot (grandson of Arnold Talbot who named Hearthside for the hand weaving business he had here) and Bill's son Rick Talbot and wife Deb in the back row. Photo by David Cruz
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"Lest we never forget what our forefathers fought for."
Bill Talbot proudly stands with his son, Rick, by the portrait of their ancestor Silas Talbot, Revolutionary War hero from RI and captain of the USS Constitution "Old Ironsides."
Photo by Deb Talbot
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One of the presentations featured at Hearthside was a talk by Maj. George Goulet, Uxbridge Co. 15th Mass. Regiment, about Silas Talbot's service to his country.
Photo by Rick Talbot
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A virtual reality presentation created by Adam Blumenthal of Brown University brought to life the story of the burning of the HMS Gaspee in Narragansett Bay.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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| An extensive display by Hearthside volunteer Kirk Hindman of Revolutionary War era weapons and artifacts was featured in several rooms at Hearthside. Photo by Rick Antuono |
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Youth docents (l to r) Merri Sanna and Abbie Hedrick played Colonial games with children who visited Hearthside.
Photo by Bill McManus
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Docent and photographer Dave Cruz fit right in with his 18th c. attire. Kamlyn Keith was a first-time docent at Hearthside.
Photo by Eve Kendall
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Senator Jack Lyle presents a proclamation from the RI State Senate and Governor to Bill Talbot and his family upon their visit to their ancestors home during the reenactment. Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Steve Sanna (L) of the Lebanon Towne Militia leads a drill with kids at the reenactors campsite.
Photo by Kathy Hartley |
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A fife and drum performance was held at Hearthside following Sat's battle as part of a special presentation to the Talbot family. Photo by Rick Antuono
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Hearthside docents Jean Southard and Karen Carloni dressed in their "new" 18th c. fashions.
Photo by Kathy Hartley
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The wounded were carried off the battlefield by way of the recently-restored ox cart, part of Hearthside collection. Photo by Rick Antuono
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The one-room schoolhouse was taken over by the doctor in order to treat the wounded. An audience gets a first-hand look at 18th century medical practices. Photo by Rick Talbot
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Canon fire! Photo by Rick Antuono
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A smoke ring forms following the firing.
Photo by David Cruz
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The variety of colorful uniforms was an interesting aspect of the event.
Photo by Rick Antuono
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Unusual head gear was also a surprise for many to see.
Photo by Rick Antuono
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Glenn Siner (far left) of Tews Company, part of the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment of the Continental Army, was an integral part of the planning of this Rev War Weekend. Silas Talbot served in the 2nd RI Regiment during the War.
Photo by Rick Antuono
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The uniforms worn by the re-enactors were accurately depicted including all the embellishments.
Photo by Rick Antuono |
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Re-enactors represented all the different groups who fought in the War, such as the Hessians.
Photo by Rick Antuono
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Troops line up for inspection prior to the battle.
Photo by Rick Antuono
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Narration of the battle gave the crowd an understanding of what they were seeing.
Photo by
Kathy Hartley
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Women and families accompanied the soldiers as part of the reenactment, just as it was done during the actual War. Photo by David Cruz
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Shots Fired! Photo by Rick Antuono
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Life off the battlefield was also featured throughout the camps.
Photo by Eve Kendall
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Visitors learned about the important part the US Census has had in history, with the first dating back to 1790.Lana Germano took her role seriously as she set up a 2020 Census information tent and dressed the part!
Photo by Kathy Hartley
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Hearthside volunteers Lindsay and Steve Scouras greeted visitors as they entered Chase Farm Park.
Photo by David Cruz
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| Marching off the field at the conclusion of the weekend battles. Photo by David Cruz |
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Nighttime activities included a lantern tour of the camps as well as a pig roast beforehand. Photo by Kathy Hartley
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The Battle of Chase Farm Photo by David Cruz
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Our Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: Navigant Credit Union
Mr. & Mrs. William Talbot, Twin River Casino, Luxury Cleaners, The Valley Breeze, Lincoln Shopping Center, Interbuild. Also, Gidley, Sarli & Marusak, Willliam & Joanne McManus, Shanna's Restaurant and an anonymous donor. Also to all the advertisers who supported the program and to our many VOLUNTEERS!
And to the Town of Lincoln!
If you missed it in 2019, the Battle of Chase Farm is due to return in October 2021.
ROLAND COMTOIS: VALIDATING THE AFTERLIFE
Sept. 23
An evening of spiritual communication.
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Roland Comtois was receiving messages fast and furious from the beyond for those in the audience.
Photo by Kathy Hartley
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One on one conversations with Roland in the intimate setting of the music room is always a plus. Photo by Kathy Hartley
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DOWNTON ABBEY DINNER PARTY
Sept. 13
An elegant dinner in the manner of the popular TV series Downton Abbey.
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Awaiting the arrival of guests, the elaborately set table and candlebras replicate the dining room as seen in Downton Abbey. Beautiful floral arrangements courtesy of Lincoln Gardens. Photo by David Cruz
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Our fabulous team of chefs (L to R), previous owners of local restaurants: John Scanlon, formerly with City Lights; Deb Norman, formerly with Rue d' lespoir; Bruce Tillinghast, formerly with New Rivers. Photo by David Cruz
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Prior to dinner, guests Cheryl Lisi and Dorothy Santilli check out the Dining Etiquette rules that would have been appropriate during the 1920s era of Downton Abbey. Photo by David Cruz
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Guest Doris Cotnoir pauses before entering the candlelit dining room.
Photo by David Cruz
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| Dresses from Hearthside's collection reflect the fashions worn in Downton Abbey for a dinner party. Scenes from the tv series and family photographs enhanced the mood of a Downton Dinner. Photo by David Cruz. |
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| Dressed in formal attire for the dinner were Beverly and Ross Pini. Photos by David Cruz |
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Enjoying the presentations during dinner, Sharon and Adrian Flatgard were first-time visitors getting their first "taste" of Hearthside. Photo by David Cruz
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Twenty-two guests experienced a five-course dinner, paired with wines, and each others company.
Photos by David Cruz
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Watch for pictures from Great Road Day, the Victorian Mourning Customs Exhibit, and Old-Fashioned Christmas in the February newsletter.
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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 history of the Hearthside House and the Great Road Heritage Campus.
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