| June 3, 2004 Dear Members, I would first like to welcome all of our new members to the Athol Historical Society. This winter we sent over 180 letters to local people inviting them to join the Society. Many people responded to our invitation. Our membership now totals 404. I am pleased to see so many people who feel our local history is important enough to join a group such as the Athol Historical Society. Our first program of the year “Show & Tell” with Kerry Shrives of Skinner of Boston was a huge success. We had about 90 people present for the event. Thanks to Benjamin Ellis and his crew the program is aired on AOTV, our local public access channel. On May 6, we welcomed David Small who gave a wonderful slide presentation on dragonflies, damselflies and other flying creatures. The slide show was filled with beautiful photos of winged creatures that live in the Athol area. Mr. Small is the president of the Athol Bird and Nature Club. He is without a doubt our local expert on all things with wings. Following this letter is a copy of events to be held at the Society. Please note that the June 9th program, which was to be held in conjunction with the “Friends of the Library”, has been postponed. We will let the membership know when it is rescheduled through a press release in the local paper. I have had several calls and emails regarding our “Local Artists Show” scheduled for July 24th. Many of the area’s talented folks will be present for this event; including painters, sculptors and musicians. If you are interested in participating you may contact me directly via telephone or email. Last month we watched our new steeple being placed back atop the building. It was very thrilling to see the experts from Old Time Restoration in action as they hoisted several thousand pounds through the air with such precision. The new copper dome and our replica of the original weathervane, gilded in 23-carat gold leaf, are sights to behold. The rest of the exterior work is scheduled to be complete the first week in July, if the weather allows. Although our restoration project has met many road bumps, we can rest assured the project will be completed within our deadline. This couldn’t have been done without the generosity of our members, local businesses, and our many new friends. Our window campaign was a huge success. Each one of our windows has a sponsor. We will be mailing out forms to all of the sponsors for their review before having plaques made. We hope to incorporate the unveiling of the window plaques with our annual meeting, which will be held on September 8, 2004 at 7 PM. I wish to thank each and everyone who has helped in this monumental project. I have to make special mention of Mr. Russell Kennedy. There is no doubt in my mind that this project wouldn’t have moved along as smoothly as it did without his efforts. Thank you, Russ. Also, when discussing the restoration project I must mention grant writer, Shelley Hatch of MRPC and architect Phil Warbasse of Chenot Associates. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty. The Athol Historical Society’s allotted grant money from the Massachusetts Historical Commission has been increased from $40,000 to $85,490. The Society has more than matched this amount bringing the grand total of the exterior restoration to more than $240,000. With this said, we are not finished yet! The Society actually has enough funds to do some interior work as well. My hopes are to have the entire first floor painted and cushions made for all the pews. I also would love to see Dexter’s office turned in a reading/research room. I will bring this up in a future letter, as I made a promise to myself that I would write at least one letter this year without asking for donations. On a personal note, I would like to mention the passing of one of our founding members, my grandmother Elizabeth “Libby” Cooke. As well as being a charter member of the Society, Libby acted as treasurer for many years and spent a great deal of time typing speeches and notes for our first president, her husband, Howard. Up until the time Libby passed away she wanted to be kept up-to-date on all happenings at the Society. She especially wanted to know when the bell would be rung again. Libby was always so thrilled to hear about the progress of the restoration, additional grant monies and all of the events planned for this year. She will be missed by all who knew her. The museum will be open on Sunday afternoons in July and August from 1:00 PM until 3 PM. Anyone who wishes to act as guide or host/hostess on one of these afternoons may contact me. Thank you again for your continued support. If you would like to reach me you may do so by calling me at work 978.249.7924, at home 978.249.3564 or via email susie@whipps.com See you at the Society Susannah Whipps President Note to dues paying members: If you have not paid your 2004 dues, please send to Athol Historical Society P.O. Box 21, Athol, MA 01331 UPCOMING EVENTS June 24 – Thursday – 7 PM Allen Young – North of Quabbin – Revisited. Sponsored by WILLIAM & LINDA OLDACH Local author and editor of numerous books, Allen will speak about the towns of the North Quabbin Region, as well as their inhabitants. He will also have his book available for sale with a percentage of the proceeds to be given to the Society. July 8 – Thursday 7PM Julie Capone Smith Sponsored by KIMBALL-COOKE INSURANCE An evening of great music and great fun. Julie always puts on one heck of a performance. From show tunes to patriotic standards and everything in between, she’s sure to entertain you. July 24 – Saturday 11 AM-3 PM Local Artists Show An eclectic assembly of local artists will be on hand to share their talents with the public. Artists interested in displaying their works are asked to contact the Society. August 5 – Thursday 7:00 PM Tom Ricardi of Bird of Prey Rehabilitation and Captive Bald Eagle Breeding Center Tom will be discussing the mission of his captive bald eagle breeding program, as well as introducing audience members to some of his birds. August 14 – Saturday 11AM-3PM Quilt Show A variety of beautiful antique quilts will be on display. We will also have quilt makers present to display their work and give demonstrations. September 8 – Wednesday ANNUAL MEETING 7 PM September 18 – Saturday 10:30 AM Athol History Tour – Bus Trip Sponsored by PETE’S TIRE BARNS A guided tour throughout the town to our most historic spots. The tour will take about 1½ hours followed by a picnic lunch at the Society. $ 8.00 per person, includes tour and lunch. RSVP by Thursday 9/16/04. October 2 – Saturday 11:00 Children’s Day Museum Tours, craft projects and storytelling for children of all ages and their parents. The Society’s goal is to encourage people of all ages to take an interest in their local history. November 21 – Sunday THANKSGIVING ECUMENICAL SERVICE More details to follow BACK TO PREVIOUS PAGE |
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