Walpole Historical Society

03/11/2023

Walpole artist George Ransom will be displaying some of his paintings of local landmarks at the Lewis House, many of which were recently shown at the Walpole Public Library. Thanks to George, the paintings here will be on sale for $25 each as a special fundraiser for the Society.

Come on in and get yourself a painting of the Santa Claus house, the clock tower, the Footlighters, the memorial at Terrace Hill Cemetery, Hillcrest Farm's barn, or one of the East Walpole Plimpton houses!

03/04/2023

Check out our new informative sign in front of the building! Thank you to director Betsey Dyer for doing the research on the house and family.

02/25/2023

Barbara Bartholomew Obituary (1932 - 2023) - Norfolk, MA - Sun Chronicle

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/thesunchronicle/name/barbara-bartholomew-obituary?id=46955703

Barbara was active in both the Norfolk Historical Commission and the Walpole Historical Society.

In 2008, Barbara, Charles Hardy and others published a booklet on the Settlement at Stop River Falls, currently in Norfolk. As a result of this publication, the Town of Norfolk established the Fales Memorial Park Preserve at Highland Lake. Barbara was also the force behind the installation of several historic signs in Norfolk and two in the Walpole Town Forest,
near the former white bridge.

Thank you, Barbara, for your work in preserving and promoting the history of both Norfolk and Walpole.

View Barbara Bartholomew's obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

02/07/2023

During the Month of February, the Walpole Public Library will feature a historic & contemporary art display as the town begins to celebrate its 300th anniversary. The display provides viewers a chance to reflect, reminisce and admire both new and old architecture through paintings.



Art in all its forms has been the recorder of history. George Ransom, a Plimptonville resident for 43 years, has combined his involvement in local history with his interest in painting. He will display about 60 paintings of Walpole at the town library. Several of the works involve houses and buildings which no longer exist but are significant to the town’s history. These were painted from historical photos. Several of the works in the collection were painted en plein air. As an artist his interest is in the aesthetic, highlighting beauty & diverse interests. As a historian he often chooses to depict buildings, scenery, and significant sites of historical interest.



His style has evolved from impressionistic to more representational in a loose impasto style using high key colors and broken brushwork. George started pastels about five years ago and became enamored with the technique and process of blending. Most of the newer paintings are all done in pastels. Optimal viewing distance should be about 15 feet from the painting.



George has won several awards for his artwork and has paintings on display locally in several venues. He primarily focuses his art on landscapes, marine art, house portraits and still life floral paintings. As a member of the Walpole Historical Society, he has conducted many local tours, developed videos and PowerPoint presentations detailing Walpole’s history. The three Walpole buildings on the National Historic Register will be prominently displayed as part of the exhibit.

02/04/2023

Thanks to visitor Jack Sidlauskas, our Bird School clock is now running! He is a lover of old clocks and is very familiar with the Standard Electric Time Company clocks. Jack repaired the Standard Clock in the New Hampshire State House last summer so we knew it would be in capable hands!

01/20/2023

Coffee and Conversation: Boston Post Cane January 12, 2022

The now defunct Boston Post newspaper presented a walking cane intended to be "owned and carried" by the oldest citizen of Walpole beginning in 1909. Through a collaboration with the Walpole Historical Society, member Karl West, the COA, and the Town Clerk’s Office, Historical Society board member Betsey Dexter Dyer talks about the history of the Boston Post Cane, past Walpole recipients, and reestablishing the tradition of recognizing the oldest male and female resident in this manner here in Walpole.

A link to the lecture on You Tube is attached below.

https://youtu.be/5Hxune0q3m8

The now defunct Boston Post newspaper presented a walking cane intended to be "owned and carried" by the oldest citizen of Walpole beginning in 1909. Through...

01/12/2023

Roberta McCormack Obituary 2022 - Delaney Funeral Home

Roberta McCormack passed away December 13, 2022.

The Walpole Historical Society is deeply indebted and appreciative for the many years of volunteer work Roberta McCormack has provided. In 2012, after 35 years of service to the Society, Roberta retired from the Board of Directors and her present position as Vice President. Roberta held many official and unofficial positions with the Society, including President, Vice President, and Secretary, as well as being available as a volunteer when something was needed to be done. When the Society moved from Bird Hall, in East Walpole, to its present home in the Deacon Willard Lewis House, the totally empty 150 year old house needed plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work which was done. Roberta and a group of women made arrangements to furnish the house, as it appears today, using many items from other Walpole homes. Once the house was renovated, other projects were undertaken by Roberta and the Board. One was the memorial brick project, on the Town Common, at the French and Indian War fountain. Another was the publication of the “Images of America – Walpole” book, in 1998. Roberta was a master of sales for the Society, along with her duties as Newsletter Editor, organizer, tour guide, and a provider of wonderful refreshments for meetings.

++++++++++++++++++

From Society member Barbara Parker -

As a Board member, she wore many hats. From washing windows and ironing to ensuring that refreshments were available at meetings and open house events, she spent many hours at the Deacon Willard Lewis House. Concerned with securing funds for the maintenance of the house, Roberta arranged for the commission of the Walpole scenic plates. Produced in Walpole by Nash Pottery, these plates became sought after items that added needed funds to the Society's treasury. Roberta also helped in arranging programs for the Society's open house meetings. In 1998, the “Images of America – Walpole” picture history of the town was sponsored by the Society and published by Arcadia Press. As a member of the committee working on the publication, Roberta spent many hours selecting interesting photographs and creating the captions to identify and tell the story of the featured image. Also in 1998, to celebrate its 100th Anniversary, the Society offered interested residents a bus tour of the town's historic sites and Roberta was one of the storytellers who narrated the tour. Her interests were many and varied. She enjoyed working in her garden, reading, and baking. As the years passed, she slowed down but never lost her interest in the current affairs of the town and the country.

I recall working with Roberta... decorating the Deacon Willard Lewis House ( the special drapes for the rose room), being a docent for house tours with her, and enjoying the informative meetings. Also, recalling Betty Cottrell, Guy Ciannavei, Karl West, Jeff Mattson, Ken Pierce, Sue Cosman, Debbie Ranaldi, Mary Locke, and Roger Turner.

https://obits.delaneyfuneral.com/roberta-mccormack

Virus-free.www.avast.com

View Roberta McCormack's obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign the guestbook.

01/07/2023

www.walpole-ma.gov

STORIES OF HISTORIC WALPOLE IS BACK!
SENIOR INTERVIEWS START FEBRUARY 27, 2023! We hope to see you, family or friends taking part.

Walpole’s 300th anniversary is coming up next year. How about taking part in our town wide celebration by sharing your memories of Walpole “as it used to be”? Katie Birtwell, a member of the Walpole Historical Commission and the Walpole Historical Society, can help preserve your memories of days gone by.

I’M A WALPOLE SENIOR - HOW CAN I SHARE MY MEMORIES?

Just contact the Council on Aging at (508) 668-3330 (Press 8 for Front Desk) and schedule your interview. Persons 60 and older can pick their best Walpole memories -- and if they like, bring some of their photos and memorabilia -- and Katie will interview you and ask about your life in the Friendly Town. Walpole Media will be filming interviews at the Senior Center starting February 27.

I’M A SENIOR WHO NO LONGER LIVES IN WALPOLE - HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?

Seniors who no longer live in Walpole or who cannot get to the South Street Center can participate in two ways:

* Go to https://www.walpole-ma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif1381/f/uploads/stories_of_historic_walpole_permission_slip.jpg
and print and complete the permission slip. This gives the Town permission to use your image and stories to celebrate Walpole 300 and become part of our historic records. We cannot use anything you might send without a permission slip.

* Have a friend or family member take a cellphone video or use another video camera to record your story. Or, you can just tape yourself. If you would prefer only recording your voice, an audio cassette recorder may be used and Katie will transcribe your cassette.

* Send the permission slip and your recording to Katie, Walpole Historical Commission, Walpole Town Hall, 135 School Street, Walpole MA 02081 or email them to [email protected]

To learn more about “STORIES OF HISTORIC WALPOLE” just go to YouTube and type in “Walpole Media Stories of Historic Walpole”.

01/03/2023

Roberta McCormack Obituary 2022 - Delaney Funeral Home

We've learned of the recent passing of Roberta McCormack in December at age 96. Roberta was a long time active member of the Society, being secretary, vice president, president, and director for a total of about 25 years. Thank you, Roberta, for all the time and work you put into the Society!

https://obits.delaneyfuneral.com/roberta-mccormack

View Roberta McCormack's obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign the guestbook.

01/01/2023

Happy New Year's Eve! Looking forward to what good things 2023 may bring us all. We weren't able to find much information on this store other than that it was on Washington Street 'near the depot' but we do have this 100 year old calendar.

12/19/2022

Thanks to everyone who attended our open house last night! We were overwhelmed and delighted at the number of guests. We don't believe there have ever been that many people in the building! Our apologies for the lack of craft activities...we didn't expect so many visitors. We hope everyone enjoyed themselves as much as we did and we certainly hope to see you all again.

12/11/2022

The Walpole Historical Society will be having its Annual Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 17 from 4:00 to 7:00pm. Come see the Deacon Willard Lewis dressed up for the holiday season and enjoy a cup of wassail along with other refreshments. Make an orange pomander or a beeswax candle and then listen to Charles Dickens as he brings characters from “A Christmas Carol” to life.

12/02/2022

Attention please!!
The Sharon Historical Society craft fair will be held on Sunday December 4th due to rain.

12/01/2022

Tis the season for holiday craft fairs! Check out the Sharon Historical Society on Saturday. Along with local crafters, they'll have music, food, a family photo booth and more! Even Santa himself will be there. Don't miss it!

12/01/2022

Looking for a holiday craft fair? Check out the Sharon Historical Society this Saturday! Music, food and kid's activities also taking place...fun to be had for everyone!

11/26/2022

Any readers on your holiday shopping list? We certainly love books here! Here's a selection of what we have to offer for sale at the Society.

We also have 'A Collector's Recollections', which is the autobiography of George Arthur Plimpton, 'Abolitionists in Walpole, 1830-1862' by former Walpole High School history teacher Charles Hardy, 'Plimptonville Celebrating 200 Years' by George Ransom.

11/19/2022

We are under construction! The Lewis House is having a little work done today but we hope to see you next Saturday from 1 to 4.

11/16/2022

Who remembers the original sign from when Watson's was at its previous location in the center of town? Currently the home of Hefez Jewelers. It's still an ideal gift, by the way.

11/11/2022

This entry is from the 1947 Walpole Town Report. It's the first record in town of an official department of veteran's services. Let's continue to take care of those who have done so much for us.

11/08/2022

Reenactor Michael Lepage will be speaking about the war years of Paul Revere. Don't miss it! Open to the public and free of charge. We hope to see you there!

11/03/2022

Karl West Jr. Obituary 2022 - Delaney Funeral Home

Karl West was active for many, many years in the Society. He wrote a great number of articles and is mentioned in innumerable newsletters.

He also co-authored a publication on the history of the old sawmill and wrote the chapter on the history of the Walpole schools in "Once Told Tales". Some may remember Karl from the period of Betty Cottrell, Roy Belcher, and Frank Larrabee.

Karl was a collector of old tools, among other things. He made many wonderful donations to the Society, most recently an 18th or 19th century woman's decorated wooden busk.

Other main interests were the Town Forest and ice harvesting. Karl was interested in anything to do with Walpole history and will be very missed by us.

https://obits.delaneyfuneral.com/karl-west-jr

View Karl West Jr.'s obituary, send flowers and find service dates or sign the guestbook.

10/25/2022

Date is actually tomorrow, October 26 in Norwood. Should be an interesting talk! Public is welcome.

10/08/2022

'The hours of folly are measured by the clock; but of wisdom, no clock can measure.'
William Blake

Have a look at our clock collection.

09/28/2022

In the mood for a guessing game? Check out the Walpole Public Library's display cases! You'll find some items from our Society building that you may or may not recognize. Some of them are still used today, but they look much different! If you can't make it there, here they are. Answer key is in the last photo!

09/06/2022

Hoping to see you all tomorrow at 7!

The Walpole Historical Society will host a presentation by Roberta DeCenzo on the royal governors of Massachusetts, at the Walpole Public Library on Wednesday, September 7, at 7PM. There is no admission charge. Bring a friend! Roberta's presentation is described as follows.

The last civilian royal governors of Massachusetts and their relationship to the people played a key role in the events that would eventually unfold into the American Revolution. Since then, the royal governors have been depicted in history as villains of an often more complicated past. Here you will be introduced to three royal governors: Thomas Pownall, Francis Bernard and Thomas Hutchinson, whose administrations had a direct effect on our revolutionary past. We will explore their lives, their work, their struggles, and pose the question— are they truly the villains history makes them out to be?

08/26/2022

Interested in Revolutionary War era history?

The Walpole Historical Society will host a presentation by Roberta DeCenzo on the royal governors of Massachusetts, at the Walpole Public Library on Wednesday, September 7, at 7PM. There is no admission charge. Bring a friend! Roberta's presentation is described as follows.

The last civilian royal governors of Massachusetts and their relationship to the people played a key role in the events that would eventually unfold into the American Revolution. Since then, the royal governors have been depicted in history as villains of an often more complicated past. Here you will be introduced to three royal governors: Thomas Pownall, Francis Bernard and Thomas Hutchinson, whose administrations had a direct effect on our revolutionary past. We will explore their lives, their work, their struggles, and pose the question— are they truly the villains history makes them out to be?

Roberta DeCenzo is a historian of the royal governors of Massachusetts and former Education Associate at the Old State House Museum. While her main focus has been the royal governors and the transition of power in Massachusetts to first state governor, John Hancock, she has also been an active member of the living history community around Boston and the Hudson Valley for ten years. Roberta most notably portrayed Catherine (Caty) Littlefield Greene, wife of Major General Nathanael Greene, second general to Washington in the American Revolution, for three years at the Nathanael Greene Homestead in Rhode Island. She is also known for her personal research on the life of Major John André, his role in Benedict Arnold’s defection at West Point, and André’s subsequent capture, trial, and ex*****on.

Hope to see you there!

08/21/2022

The Sharon Historical Society will he holding their Summer Market next Sunday! It's a great time for adults and kids with a number of different fun activities.

They also have space left for a few vendors. Table fee is $25. Please email Hana Jenner if interested!

08/18/2022

We are pleased to share with you the details of the Walpole Historical Society Scholarship.

This annual scholarship is offered to a student who lives in Walpole and is pursuing studies in history, library science, archaeology, historical anthropology and any field pertaining to the conservation, restoration or preservation of historical materials.

Qualified students will be enrolled in undergraduate or graduate or continuing education courses in one or more of the relevant fields.

The application has no set deadline. Applications will close for the calendar year as soon as an applicant is chosen; all other applications can be rolled over to the next year, if the applicant wishes. The award will not be made in years in which there are no qualified applicants.

Students granted a scholarship are invited to reapply the next year for additional funding.

Applicants are asked to submit:

1. Name, address, and email address of the applicant
2. The name and address of the educational institution and the area of study (indicate major or academic department)
3. An essay of about 300 words to describe your particular interests in your field of study.
4. One letter from a teacher, professor or supervisor who can attest to your interests and goals in your field. This letter should be sent under separate cover directly to the Walpole Historical Society PO Box 100, Walpole Mass 02081

Applications (names, addresses, essay) should be sent either to:

Walpole Historical Society
Box 100
Walpole Massachusetts 02081

OR

[email protected]

The successful Applicant will receive:

$1000 toward tuition at their educational institution (undergraduate or graduate or continuing education)

Membership to the Walpole Historical Society and invitations to all events

Specific invitations to conduct research at the Walpole Historical Society, according to the interests of the applicant.

The student may also submit for consideration: historical articles for publication in the Society newsletter, ideas for public presentations and projects.

In general the student is encouraged to make whatever use of the Historical Society might enhance their course work or career preparations.

Upon receipt of a scholarship the student is asked to:

Receive the award in person (unless circumstances prevent it.)

Provide a transcript of a recent semester of course selections that include one or more relevant courses to the scholarship

Provide a tuition bill for the next semester; a check will be written out to the educational institution to be applied to that bill.

Questions?
Please contact Betsey Dyer, Walpole Historical Society Scholarship Committee
[email protected]

07/14/2022

Yes, it's still summertime but sadly it can't last forever! Swing by the Walpole Public Library and take a look at some pieces from our collection of schoolbooks and other related items. If you were a student of Stone School (the present town hall) you may remember the t-shirt given to the students of the 1980-81 class. Or if a student of the Old Stone School (on the site of the present day library), you may remember the school bell.

06/29/2022

Today's memorial service in honor of Roger Turner would've made him so proud and he certainly deserved it. Thanks to all who came out this morning to the Rural Cemetery, including members of the Walpole Police Department, the Walpole CERT Team, uniformed representatives from the Air Force to perform the sounding of Taps and the folding of the flag, and many other friends, family, town employees and Historical Society and Commission board members. Thanks also to Katie Birtwell, Betsy Dyer and Charlie Hardy who all spoke eloquently and fondly of Roger.

Society board member Michael Lepage shares these words.

'Roger was the ultimate historian. On Saturdays, I would show up at the Lewis House for open hours and see him in the library, hard at work on a particular project, whether it was the town forest or industrial Walpole. He could answer any question without hesitation. Whether it was historical or about the art of cooking with that wonderful wit of his and that little grin.

When we had our annual open house in June, he was ever present with his camera and even posed with various historical figures! His Vice-President's report at board meetings was worth the price of admission!

My favorite story of Roger is how he helped me on President's Day during the pandemic. It was my first Zoom project and I was very nervous about it. I was in a front room at the Lewis House and he told me that I needed more lighting. I told him I thought it was fine but he insisted on setting it up for me. It made all the difference! And that is who Roger was and always will be. He made all the difference, as a historian, photographer, man of Walpole and a friend.'

06/19/2022

Today marks the 157th anniversary of Juneteenth, the date on which it was formally announced to the state of Texas that slavery was abolished. Although Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it was only a beginning and Texas was the last state reached by Union forces. Led by General Granger, their arrival signaled the end of slavery there.

A copy of Harper's Weekly at the Society from July 29, 1865 contains an article titled 'Letting Alone' which discusses the future of the freed slaves and the prevailing attitudes of the former slave owners.

Illustration is from the cover of the issue.

06/17/2022

Our board member Betsey Dexter Dyer has put together a series of signs at historic mill privileges along and near the Neponset River with funds donated in memory of Roger Turner.

This map and text will help guide you to them.

It makes for an interesting tour of the river! You can also pick up a paper copy of the map at the at the Lewis House. Enjoy exploring!

05/30/2022

Thomas Crowley was the last Walpole soldier to be lost in WW1. On November 4th of 1918, his 9th Infantry's Regiment was engaged in combat with the Germans during the Meuse-Argonne offensive. He was killed in action on that day. Hostilities ended only one week later, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of November. Private Crowley is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, France.

This Memorial Day, let's honor Private Thomas Crowley, and all those who have fallen in the service of our country.

04/25/2022

This promises to be a fun event! Plenty to do for adults and kids.

04/08/2022

https://www.facebook.com/243083215872324/posts/2025134991000462/

Hello all,
Sharon Historical Society would like to invite you to the following field trips.
We are expecting you to drive to the meeting spot by yourself (feel free to carpool) and meet us there. None of these places require masks but Borderland does recommend them.
All these places do not charge admission, however I suggest you make a small donation.
Each of these tours will take about one hour, we may stay a bit longer to chat ;O).

April 12 (Tuesday) at 10 am Foxboro Historical Society
20 South Street (corner of South and Central) Foxboro
You will have to get creative with parking.

April 20 (Wednesday) at 10 am Medfield: Dwight - Derby house
7 Frairy Street, Medfield
Easy parking.

April 22nd (Friday) at 10 am Walpole Historical Society
33 West St, Walpole
Easy parking.

May 10th (Tuesday) - Borderland mansion - 12 pm
259 Massapoag Ave, North Easton
Park at the main parking lot and walk to the mansion. There is a parking fee.
I have a pass and can take up to 3 people in my car.

May 17th (Tuesday) - 10 am to 12 pm - Easton Historical Society
80 Mechanic St, North Easton
Easy parking.

Please send me an email with the dates of places you would like to visit with us. If you change your mind last minute and cancel or if you bring an extra friend that is fine I just need to know a rough number and tell the docents.

[email protected]

Thank you,
Hana (for SHS activities committee)