1845
Fisher School
Curator's Corner
Curator's Corner by Joan Swann
update September 2010
It is always exciting to receive new donations! After the "Westwood Authors" exhibit several authors donated their books to the Society's Library: "Ready to Roll, Ready to Die" by Paul Cook; "A Confidential Source" by Jan Brogan; "Monhegan Island" by Margaret Sullivan; and "I Love Men in Tasseled Loafers" and "Off-the-Wall Marketing Ideas" by Debbi Karpowicz. Also are photos of Minnie Kaiser, the last person to receive "The Cane" from the Town of Westwood; Singing Juniors, Songs for Youth" a music book used at the Colburn School during 1950-1960; and several items relating to Sgt. Edwin Bray Booth, who after graduating from Westwood High School volunteered in World War II with the Army Parachute Infantry. He was killed in 1945 at the Battle of the Bulge and is buried in the army cemetery in the Netherlands. His father, Rev. Edwin Booth gave his memorial at the Islington Community Church. If you have items relating to Westwood please contact Curator Joan Swann at 781-769-1670.
Charles Dean (1847-1932) lived all his life in Islington. Beginning in 1916 he wrote four handwritten books on the history of Islington. The books were lost for many years and were finally traced to his grandson in Kansas and sent back to Curator Barbara Beale and the Westwood Historical Society. His books include the history of Islington, its Post Office and the Westwood genealogical records, industries, drawings of Islington Houses, list of scholars at the Fisher School, newspaper clippings, list of voters in Islington, and more. We hope to have a program next year of Charles Dean's "History of Islington."
If you have items relating to Westwood that you would like to donate, please call curator, Joan Swann 781-769-1670.
Wonderful donations relating to Westwood continue to add to our historical collection. We are pleased to have another diary by Ruth Pierce for the year 1944; a lovely silk dress, blouse and suede suit, circa 1985; a tiny "Table Croquet" circa 1900 with small wooden mallets, balls and wickets to be played inside on a table; a Westwood High School "Stairways to Heaven Junior Senior Prom 1974 mug" several items relating to Campfire Girls; and an amazing 15x21 handcrafted replica of the Obed Baker House.
We are always pleased to receive donations relating to Westwood! A few of our recent donations include War Ration Book from the Office of Price Administration during World War II; Hathaway White's 6th grade report card from the Colburn School in 1919; a large wooden trunk dating back to the 1800s covered with leather outside and pasted with 1819 newspaper inside; a diary by Ruth Pierce for the year 1944; old 8 x 10 photos of the old house and barn at 446 High Street, originally a Baker House and four large works of art by Phillip B. Bourne - "Apple Tree in Spring" - "Westwood Barn" - "Late Afternoon Flurries" and "Window with Shutters and Snow."
If you have items relating to Westwood that you would like to donate, please call curator, Joan Swann 781-769-1670.
Folk Art Low Relief of Obed Baker House
Fontaine Linnane, a Westwood resident recently donated a folk art wooden low relief handcrafted by her brother, Danny Ross Crist of Minco, Oklahoma. The relief depicts the Obed Baker House, which is currently under restoration by the Historical Society.
Early in the restoration of the Baker House Fontaine provided her brother with photographs of the house along with salvaged pieces of wood. Danny crafted the 21-1/2" x 15-3/8" frame and the wooden shingles, clapboards, windows, front entry door and chimneys from the salvaged wood.
Gifts to Westwood Historical Society
Five Generations of the Ellis Family
We are fortunate to have over 200 items relating to the Ellis Family, dating back to a 1741 handwritten deed from William Ellis to the present. Four generations of the Ellis family worked for the US Postal Service, and in 1942 George H. Ellis and his wife were honored in Washington DC for the Ellis' 100 years of Post Office Service, Roger Ellis donated the items just before his death in 2008, and now we have filled nine boxes of items. Roger graduated from Westwood High School and the University of Maine, played professional football and became a US Secret Serviceman in Washington DC. We will have an amazing "Open House" exhibit of the Ellis Family in January and February 2010 - one of our largest exhibits!
The Baker Clock
Something exciting has been added to the Fisher School! Notice that against the side wall is a beautiful 7 ft 3 inch case clock, donated to the Historical Society by Allen Baker. The clock with its wooden case and bonnet was made by D. Knower, circa 1800. We know that the clock was purchased by an unknown member of the Baker family and later was passed to Otis Baker of Norwood, then to his son James Baker. When James moved to Arizona in 1980 he passed the clock along to Allen Baker. The clock case and movement have been restored by Rick Hills of Hills Antique Clocks and the clock is now at the Fisher School chiming away each hour. The Society is greatly thankful for Allen's wonderful historical donation.
Reflections on Lincoln
Despite the fact that he has passed his 200th Birthday, Abraham Lincoln remains one of our most relevant historical figures. The election of Barack Obama and his reconnection with Lincoln once again brings this amazing American President to the forefront. In fact, Lincoln's approach to building his cabinet with rivals serves as a model for the President Elect..
Leo Tolstoy said of Lincoln "The greatness of Napoleon, Caesar or Washington is only moonlight by the sun of Lincoln. His example is universal and will last thousands of years... He was bigger than all the Presidents together and as a great character he will live as long as the world lives." On February 12th we celebrate the birthday of this great American President. Let's be mindful of what he contributed not only to America but also to the world and all of mankind.
The Schoolhouse Mouse
At his warm and comfy home at the Fisher School, with country cousins just down the street at Obed and Betsey's house, the schoolhouse mouse has lots of fun. Perched high and out of sight, he has an eagle's eye view of the happenings at the schoolhouse.. Here is what he has to report...
Whoops! Missed the person puttering in the lily bed, but that means the spring cleanup is not far off. I love seeing all the people caring for the Schoolhouse.
First person buried in the Old Westwood Cemetery?
None other than John Buckmaster who died on January 12th, 1752 the year a half acre of land was purchased for a burial ground in West Dedham on Pond Street. The grave had no headstone or marker until one was erected by the townspeople in 1848.
Happy New Year!
Welcome Back Everyone!
"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid"
Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969)
Winter 2010 Newsletter.
