March 24, 2005
Dear Members,
I hope this letter finds our members well and ready for another season of events and programs at the Athol
Historical Society. The events committee has designed a calendar that has many interesting and unique programs
slated for the year ahead. Enclosed you will find a copy of our 2005 Calendar of Events. Throughout the season
a few additions might be made. In the event of additional programming, we will advertise in the local paper and on
public access television. We plan to offer almost all of our programs to the public at no charge. With the help of
corporate sponsorship and donations we are able to welcome the community to participate in our programs and
events.
Our first program is Tom Ricardi from the Massachusetts Raptor Rehabilitation and Captive Bald Eagle Breeding
Center, Thursday May 19th at 7PM. Tom visited us last summer with several live birds including a fully-grown
American Bald Eagle. His program impressed all that attended. This program is sponsored by Target Marketing
Worldwide.
On Sunday May 29 the Athol Historical Society will participate in the Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade at the
Quabbin Cemetery in Ware. The parade begins promptly at 11:00 AM. The parade generally consists of a
community band and a small contingent from the historical societies of each town that borders the reservoir. A
brief service that recognizes each town and all military branches follows the parade. Please contact Howard Wilson
(978-249-4217) if you would like to participate in the parade or for directions.
Hartman’s Herb Farm of Barre will provide us with an educational lecture on herbs and their many uses on June 18.
The speaker will create a decorative wreath made of herbs to be raffled among those in attendance. This program
is sponsored by Whipps, Inc.
For several years we have welcomed the Friends of the Athol Public Library to offer a program to the public at our
building. This year we look forward to Hat’s Off to America, an historical, musical, comedy presentation by Carol
Pedigree.
July is our musical month! On Thursday the 14th we are pleased to have a “Sing-a-long” with Julie Capone Smith,
Willard “Guggie” Chiasson and other Minstrel Show alum. This promises to be an evening of fun and fantastic
entertainment. On Sunday afternoon, July 31, we are pleased to welcome Athol Historical Society life member
Frank Stearns, who will perform a recital on our antique pipe organ. Although Frank no longer lives in town he
keeps in touch with family and friends in Athol and has been a great supporter of the society. He also knows more
about our organ and its history than anyone I have met.
Last year our Quilt Show was a huge success. The sanctuary looked amazing with all of the pews covered in an
array of colors, designs and patterns. Every quilt tells a story and the Massachusetts Quilt Documentation Project
wants to hear what your quilt has to say. If you have a pre-1950 quilt that you would like to be placed in the state’s
quilt register you can make an appointment to have it documented. On Saturday August 27, along with our quilt
show we will have volunteers from the project on hand to document your quilts. Documentation is by appointment
only and takes about 20 minutes. The cost is $15, which includes information about caring for your quilts and a
cloth label to baste to your quilt stating that it has been included in the project. If you would like to make an
appointment - you can contact Susannah Whipps 978-249-3564 or susie@whipps.com.
The society’s 52nd annual meeting will be held on September 14, 2005 at 7:00 PM. The current board asks that all
who are able attend. We could use some new ideas and fresh minds and bodies in the program/events committee,
hostess committee as well as assistance in other projects planned for the future.
Last year we had a wonderful trip on the Athol History Tour. With Mrs. Opal Clark at the wheel, we had a first rate
local history lesson and a great ride through town. We also had a delicious fried chicken lunch following the tour. If
you would like to participate this year please reserve a spot prior to September 2, 2005. The cost of the bus tour
and lunch is $8 per person.
One of our best-attended events last year was Children’s Day. We had over 200 families sign our guest book. It
was so nice to see so many visitors to our building. Bonnie Benjamin and her group of volunteers were amazing. I
can’t recall ever seeing so many activities going simultaneously. The children were offered lessons in candle
making, stenciling, cross-stitch, boat making, use of antique tools and many other activities. There was
entertainment ranging from old music to a petting zoo. Both young and “young at heart” had a great day. This
year Children’s Day will take place on October 1st. I can only imagine what Mrs. B has planned.
You’ll find our programs much more enjoyable this season as you sit comfortably on our new pew cushions. These
cushions were costly but will be greatly appreciated by all. We have received donations towards the cushions and
are hoping to find a few more generous souls. A plaque will be placed in the sanctuary recognizing those who
contribute $200 or more towards this cause.
We expect the walls and ceiling of the first floor to be painted by spring cleaning days April 23 and 24. If you are
available either day to help us get ready for the upcoming season, please join us. The directors will provide lunch
and cleaning supplies.
I would like to congratulate the LS Starrett Company as it celebrates its 125th year in business. The name Starrett
has long been associated with the town of Athol. Our museum has many items relating to this local industry. The
events committee is hoping to plan a special museum day to honor the LS Starrett company, its contribution to our
community and the many employees who have worked there over the years.
Well, 2005 is shaping up to be a fantastic year at the Athol Historical Society. The museum will be open on
Sundays in July and August from 1PM – 3PM. Please find the time to visit our museum or enjoy a program or event
with us. The Athol Historical Society is YOUR historical society. Please help us in our mission to preserve local
history and educate future generations.
See you at the Society,
Susannah Whipps - president
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