Historical Society of Cheshire County Collecting, Preserving, and Communicating the History of Cheshire County VOL. 29, NO. 2

JUNE 2013

64 Miles: The Ashuelot River An oil painting in progress by Alicia Drakiotes for the 64 Miles exhibit is titled “Washed Away”. It portrays the Paper Service plant in Ashuelot, which was washed away by a flood on November 23, 2005. An upcoming art exhibit at the Historical Society of Cheshire County will capture a sense of place from Pillsbury State Park to Hinsdale, New Hampshire. The exhibit, 64 Miles: The Ashuelot River will open on July 19th and it will celebrate the Ashuelot River’s variety of locations, its change of seasons, and its diverse aspects such as history, landscape, recreation, and environment. The artwork will be hung in a way that conveys the flow of the river along its 64-mile course through Cheshire County to the Connecticut River. Alicia Drakiotes, an artist from Marlborough, New Hampshire, has been one of the organizers of the exhibit. She piloted a plein air event on the Ashuelot River several years ago for the Keene Parks and Recreation Department to benefit the Sumner Knight Chapel. Then Keene photographer Robert Johnson suggested to her that an Ashuelot River project might appeal to area artists. She spoke with local artists and found a great deal of interest. Drakiotes and Johnson approached Alan Rumrill at the Historical Society with the idea, and Rumrill agreed. Alan Rumrill remembers his meeting with

Drakiotes and Johnson. “At first, I thought 64 Miles would make a nice interim show between exhibits,” says Rumrill. “Then I realized it would tie together art, history, and conservation, and it could tell the story of the river, which had never been told in such a complete way.” A call went out to artists for the juried exhibit, and registrations have now been received from over forty artists whose work includes oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, photography, textiles, and mixed media. The Ashuelot River plays a large role in Cheshire County’s story from the time Upper Ashuelot was the northern part of the frontier in the Connecticut River Valley (and before). The name “Ashuelot” comes from the Indian word for “in between.” On June 20, 1732, the Massachusetts legislature voted to open seven townships including two on the Ashuelot River above Northfield, Massachusetts, which became Swanzey and Keene (David Proper, Upper Ashuelot, A History of Keene, 1968). Water-powered saw mills and grist mills appeared in the area in 1736, and many large manufacturing enterprises were developed along the Ashuelot River Continued on page 2:

Historical Society of Cheshire County

Board of Trustees Sydney CroteauFrechette President Paula Page Vice President John Treat Treasurer Larry Benaquist Doug Brown William Dow F. Barrett Faulkner David Frechette Medora Hebert Jane B. Johnson Jane Lane Art Simington Edwin Smith Rob Therrien Don B. Wilmeth Peter Wright Staff Alan F. Rumrill Executive Director Tom Haynes Director of Education Rick Swanson Development Director

64 Miles (cont. from page 1): over the next 150 years. The river was used for commercial transportation purposes in the early 1800s and then numerous bridges were built across the Ashuelot to aid highway transportation. Several historic covered and stone arch bridges still span the river today. The Ashuelot River has been used recreationally for many years through activities such as boating, swimming, fishing and skating. Ashuelot River Park in Keene was created after Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Kingsbury offered in 1960 to donate 46 acres of land along the river toward the creation of a park. This initiated an interest in conservation along the river. Over the past 50 years, there has been growing interest in preserving the natural beauty of the river for environmental and recreational purposes. The Ashuelot River Park is one example of how the scenic beauty, business history, environment, and recreation all connect along the Ashuelot River. The history of the Ashuelot River will be illustrated in the 64 Miles display alongside the works of art to help tell the story. Visitors to the exhibit will have an opportunity to take away a sense of place from the collection of the individual artists’ points of view. The public is invited to the opening of the 64 Miles exhibit, and visitors can expect to see some of Cheshire County’s preeminent artists as well as some of the region’s rising stars. The opening of the exhibit is scheduled for Friday, July 19 th from 4:306:30 pm.

64 Miles: The Ashuelot River Opening Reception Friday, July 19, 2013 4:30 to 6:30 pm Historical Society of Cheshire County Exhibit Hall Exhibit open from July 19 to September 28

Katharine Schillemat Administrative Asst. Gail Currier Development Coordinator 2

June Teacher Workshop The Historical Society of Cheshire County will offer a three day teacher workshop on June 26 through 28, 2013, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, to give educators an opportunity to examine and discuss the Euro American settlement process in New Hampshire and the Upper Connecticut River Valley through the French and Indian War period. Marcia Schmidt Blaine, Associate Professor in the Department of History and Philosophy at Plymouth State University, will be the workshop scholar. Participants will learn about the patterns, process and politics of settlement and about the lives of the settlers. They will also visit Fort #4 in Charlestown, New Hampshire, for an immersion into contact zone society around the time of the French and Indian War. Finally participants will have the opportunity to conduct research in the Historical Society’s library and archives and present their findings on settlers in the Connecticut River Valley and where they came from. To learn more, please visit the teacher workshop page on the Historical Society website, call 352-1895, or email Tom Haynes at [email protected]. We wish to thank the New Hampshire Humanities Council, U-Save Car & Truck Rental, and Roberta Nylander for their support of this workshop.

Who is this imposing fellow? Come to the Wyman Tavern Festival on June 22 to find out!

Showing and Discussion of the Film: Here Am I , Send Me: The Journey of Jonathan Daniels On the 20th of August 1965, Jonathan Daniels was killed protecting a young black woman while working to register African American voters in Alabama. Born and raised in Keene, Jonathan’s story is one of sadness and inspira- Jonathan Daniels, student at tion. On the anniversary Virginia Military Institute. day of his death, Tuesday, August 20, 2013, filmmakers Lawrence Benaquist and William Sullivan will present their film, and, along with members of the community who knew Jonathan Daniels, lead a discussion on the making of the film and offer their remembrances of this martyr to the cause of civil rights. The film showing will begin in the Historical Society’s Exhibit Hall at 7:00 p.m., and is co-sponsored by the local Martin Lurther King/Jonathan Daniels Committee. For more information, please contact HSCC at 352-1895 or [email protected].

The Historical Society of Cheshire County’s Transportation Fund The Transportation Fund covers the cost of a school bus so students throughout Cheshire County may visit Keene to have a day-long museum experience at three different types of museums: the Historical Society’s main museum in the Ball Mansion, our Wyman Tavern, and the Horatio Colony House Museum. If you would like to become a supporting partner of the Transportation Fund for the children in your community, please contact Tom Haynes at 352-1895 or [email protected]. Thank you to these organizations which support this year’s Transportation Fund: Keene Lions Club Elm City Rotary Club Monadnock Lions Club Munsonville Ladies Group Fenton Family Dealerships 3

Wyman Tavern News

18th Century History Comes Alive at the Wyman Tavern on June 22nd

Summer 2013 at the Tavern The Wyman Tavern is now open and preparing for the summer season with tours and school groups visiting each week. The official summer season began on Thursday, June 6, 2013, and continues through Saturday, August 31 with the Tavern being open from Thursday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and by appointment. Admission is $3.00, with HSCC members and children under 8 free. For further information, please cont act HSCC at 352 -1895 or [email protected]. Please join us for a full summer of tours, camps, and programs for all ages. The Wyman Tavern Museum is located at 339 Main Street in Keene.

What’s cooking at the Wyman Tavern Festival this year?

June 22nd marks the second annual Wyman Tavern Festival in which 18th century history comes alive at the tavern. The festival started last year as a way to celebrate the 250th birthday of the Wyman Tavern, and the first annual Wyman TavFriends of the Wyman Tavern ern Festival was such a success that the Historical “Friends of the Wyman Tavern” is an opportunity for Society decided to bring it back on a yearly basis. Historical Society members and community friends to The festival celebrates Keene’s rich cultural herithelp maintain the Wyman Tavern in many ways. Weekly age with 18th century foods, demonstrations of volunteer work parties will take on tasks such as clean- village life, re-enactments in period dress, music, ing out the carriage shed, carpentry, yard work, painting, games, and storytelling. Visitors can tour the Wyand general maintenance. If you have some extra time man Tavern, talk to re-enactors about village life, and would like to help to maintain one of Keene’s most and play traditional 18th century games. This year the Wyman Tavern Festival feahistoric buildings and grounds, please contact Tom Haynes at 352-1895 or [email protected] for further in- tures 18th century re-enactors such as Colonel Ebenezer Hinsdale’s Garrison Company, which formation. portrays civilian life and daily activities during the mid to late 1700’s. There are demonstrations of traditional crafts such as woodworking, bobbin lacemaking, and linen making. Activities include Tavern Wish List butter churning, open hearth cooking, and wool To assist in the interpretation at the Tavern, the His- dying, spinning, and weaving. Musical performtorical Society seeks financial donations to help us buy ers, including the “Trip to Nelson” band, will play authentic reproductions. Using Isaac Wyman’s detail a variety of historic music. This year’s Wyman Tavern Festival is on probate record, our goal is to emulate items that were used in the Tavern. Items that are needed are six pewter Saturday, June 22nd from 10:00-4:00 pm. The plates ($28 each), bowls ($20 each), and mugs ($30 public is invited and donations of $5 per person or each); two hand-forged trammels (hooks to use with the $10 per family are suggested. Period dress is welhearth crane-$16 each); a hand-forged iron skillet ($88); come but not required. Last year, 200 people of and one good paring knife ($34). The plates, bowls, and all ages attended the event and took part in the mugs are a pewter-like alloy that is food safe. Any sup- activities and tours of the Wyman Tavern. Thank you to our major sponsor of the port to help purchase these items will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged as a “Friend of the Wyman Tav- Wyman Tavern Festival: C&S Wholesale Groern.” For more information or to make a donation, cers; our media sponsor: the Keene Sentinel; as please contact Tom Haynes at 352-1895 or well as Clark Mortenson Insurance; John Newcombe; Andrew Oram; Susan Murata, Orchard [email protected]. Hill Breadworks; and Walpole Creamery. 4

Friday Afternoons at the Tavern Friday Afternoon at the Tavern is a series of summer programs for children and families to participate in activities, games, or crafts that were part of life when the Wyman Family ran a tavern in Keene. Friday Afternoon at the Tavern is from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. during July and August, with no reservations required. Children ages 8 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. 2013 Summer Schedule Friday July 12: Candle Making & Letter Writing Learn how to make tapered and dipped candles and to write with quill pens and make envelopes. Friday July 19: Revolutionary War Kids Learn and participate in what children did to help run a tavern during the war; taught by participants in the Revolutionary War Kids Camp. Friday July 26: Horses, Dolls & Toys Make your own unique hobby horse, dolls, or toys from everyday items. Friday August 2: Revolutionary War Kids Learn and participate in what children did to help run a tavern during the war; taught by participants in the Revolutionary War Kids Camp. Friday August 9: Digging Into the Tavern's Past Participate and learn about archaeology at the Tavern. Friday August 16: Digging Into the Tavern's Past Participate and learn about archaeology at the Tavern. Cost for each Friday Afternoon at the Tavern is $5.00 per person or $10.00 per family. For further information, please contact the Historical Society at 352-1895 or [email protected].

Historical Society 2013 Program Sponsors Keene Rotary Club Monadnock Lions Club Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. Munsonville Ladies Group New Hampshire Humanities Council Savings Bank of Walpole Toy City U-Save Car & Truck Rental United Natural Foods, Inc.

Ariel Printing Ashuelot River Hydro, Inc. Connecticut River Bank C&S Wholesale Grocers Keene Elm City Rotary Club Keene Lions Club Fenton Family Dealerships Faulkner Family Fund of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Harrisville Designs Keene Lions Club

Website Sponsor Yankee Bottle Club 5

Revolutionary War Kids Camps Monday-Friday - July 15-19 and July 29-August 2, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day

American's War for Independence was an exciting time in Cheshire County. Have you ever wondered what it was like for children? Both five-day camps will simulate what children did during this time period in American history. When Captain Isaac Wyman built and opened his tavern on Main Street in Keene in 1762, children contributed greatly to the running of the tavern. Each camper will become one of Sarah and Isaac Wyman’s children, and will learn, work, and play as if living during the Revolutionary war. Teacher Laurel Powell and the Historical Society’s Tom Haynes will lead both camps. Children in grades 3 to 8 are welcome to participate. Cost for each five day camp is $130 for Historical Society members and $150 for non-members and limited to 12 children. Each camper needs to bring their snack, lunch, and drink for each day. Registration and prepayment is required. The Wyman Tavern is located at 399 Main Street in Keene. To register or for further information, please contact HSCC at 352-1895 or [email protected].

Digging Into the Tavern’s Past: Archaeology Field School at Wyman Tavern Museum Monday through Friday August 5 - August 16, 2013 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day

Become a “Citizen Archaeologist!”

Martha Pinello

Are you looking for an opportunity to dig in the dirt and be involved in an archaeological project? Here is your chance! The Wyman Tavern Archaeology Field School is designed for anyone who is interested in hands -on archaeology, material culture, and local history. Participants will gain experience in all aspects of a professionally run excavation site, such as mapping, excavation techniques, recording field data, identifying historic and pre-contact Native American artifacts, and laboratory processing of artifacts. In addition, guest speakers on archaeology and local history will offer presentations so participants will more fully understand the Tavern’s importance within the region’s long and fascinating history. This long-term archaeological project will be led by professional archaeologist Martha Pinello. High school and college students, teachers, amateur archaeologists, and people who love to learn what folks left behind are all welcome to participate. Costs for the two week field school are $145 for Historical Society members and $165 for non-members. Limited scholarship money is available. Each participant needs to bring food and drink for each day. Registration and prepayment is required. To register or for further information, please visit HSCC’s website at www.hsccnh.org/wymantavern/ archaeology.cfm, call (603) 352-1895 or email [email protected]. 6

2013 Tavern Keepers The following donors make the Wyman Tavern programs and activities possible in 2013 Larry Benaquist & Tammy Armstrong Megan Burke Kidder Juliana Bergeron & Arto Leino Harriet & Claus Knappe Chris, Mary & Julia Booras Lee & Paula Page Cambridge Trust Company of NH Charlton & Diana MacVeagh Richard & Donna Cohen Monadnock Garden Club Richard & Betsey Church Jane Reynolds Robert & Alfrieda Englund Tim & Talu Robertson Philip Faulkner, Jr. Phyllis & Jim Rogers Frechette Fund Joan Kibbe & Richard Scaramelli David Frechette & CeeCee Croteau-Frechette Dr. Arthur & Lynn Simington Susan Landers Gilbert Kimball & Maria Temple Elizabeth & Peter Hansel Rob & Lianne Therrien Dr. & Mrs. H. Roger Hansen Tony & Barbara Tremblay Peter Heed John Treat & Eloise Clark Neil, Peter, & Cathy Jenness Robert & Jan Weekes Greg & Jane Johnson Barbara & Norman Woodward Keene Masonic Lodge Bob & Lisa Wyman Carl B. & Ruth Jacobs, Jr.

Civil War Bus Trip CALL FOR AUCTION ITEMS

Banner Tours and Travel of Peterborough is working with the Historical Society to offer a threeday trip to explore the “New Hampshire Presence at Gettysburg and Antietam.” This Civil War tour with a New Hampshire focus will take place on October 22-24, 2013, and will visit the battle sites at Gettysburg and Antietam, along with the National Cemetery were President Lincoln gave his Gettysburg Address. The reservation deadline is August 1, 2013. For additional information on the itinerary, accommodations, and costs, please contact the Historical Society at 352-1895 or visit the Historical Society’s Calendar webpage.

The Historical Society is now accepting auction items for its most important fundraising event of the year, the Auction of Historic Proportions on October 25, 2013. We are looking for items in the following categories: Historical items or antiques with a provenance related to Cheshire County Locally made products or services Artwork related to Cheshire County Special opportunities such as events at historic homes, guided tours, or hikes Vacation getaways Gift certificates The deadline for donations of auction items will be October 1st. Donations can be arranged by calling the Historical Society at 603-352-1895, emailing [email protected], or dropping items off at our headquarters at 246 Main Street in Keene. Auction items are subject to approval by the Auction Committee. Help us make this year’s Auction of Historic Proportions the most successful yet.

A Call For Railroad Photographs

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Historical Society volunteers Brad Blodget and Dick Richards are actively searching for any railroad images from the Monadnock Region for possible use in connection with a new railroad book to be published by the Society. They are particularly interested in pictures of granite quarry railroads, the Keene shops, wrecks, stations, and pictures of the Manchester & Keene, the Boston & Lowell, and the Ashuelot railroads. If you might be able to supply images for this project, please contact the Historical Society at 603-352-1895.

Historical Society of Cheshire County P.O. Box 803 – 246 Main Street Keene, New Hampshire 03431 603-352-1895 – www.hsccnh.org Hours: Tues., Thurs., & Fri.: 9 am - 4 pm Wed.: 9 am - 9 pm Sat., 9 am– 12 pm through Dec. First Sat, 9 am –12 pm, Jan.-Apr.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID KEENE, NH PERMIT NO. 102

Collecting, Preserving, and Communicating the History of Cheshire County ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

June 2013.

Calendar August 2013

Saturday, June 22, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wyman Tavern, Festival.

Fridays, August 2, 9, 16, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Wyman Tavern, Friday Afternoons at the Tavern.

Wednesday through Friday, June 26 to 28, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Exhibit Hall, Teacher Workshop.

Monday through Friday, August 5 to 16, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wyman Tavern, Archaeology Field School.

July 2013 Tuesday, August 20, 7:00 pm, Exhibit Hall, Showing of “Here Am I: Send Me: The Journey of Jonathan Daniels.”

Fridays, July 12, 19, 26, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Wyman Tavern, Friday Afternoons at the Tavern. Monday through Friday, July 15 to 19, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wyman Tavern, Revolutionary War Kids Camp.

Ongoing Events: Now through August 31, 2013, Thursdays through Saturdays, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wyman Tavern open for visits and tours.

Friday, July 19, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, Exhibit Hall, “64 Miles: The Ashuelot River” Art Exhibit Opening Reception.

Now through June 29, 2013, Exhibit Hall, “The Power of Water: A History of Water-Powered Mills in the Monadnock Region” exhibit open.

Monday through Friday, July 29 to August 2, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Wyman Tavern, Revolutionary War Kids Camp.

July 19 through September 28, 2013, Exhibit Hall, “64 Miles” Art Exhibit open. 8