Old Engine House restoration tops society's agenda for new year

The members of the Historical Society Florence Bryan, Claire Lavin, Paula Bogue and Elaine Kielty have been making plans for the upcoming year.

Ashby Historical Society members have set the group's agenda for the year ranging from restoring the Old Engine House to raising awareness in the elementary schools.

The restoration of the Old Engine House is the most important item on this year's agenda, according to society President Elaine Kielty.

The officers of the Ashby Historical Society for 2007 are Kielty, Vice President Shaun Kielty, Secretary Florence Bryan, and Treasurer Paula Bogue.

Kielty reports that years of dampness and moving of the land around the building during various construction projects have taken its toll on the wooden sills that support the building. When the building's restoration is complete the Ashby Historical Society Museum will be open to the public on a regular basis.

The building is in dire need of repair and members are looking into funding mechanism including grants and town funds.

The building is owned by the town and was leased to the Ashby Historical Society in 1997. The Ashby Historical Commission shares the space for their office.

The museum includes two antique fire pumpers, an Edwards grandfather clock that was made in Ashby, a square piano, a parlor organ, old fashioned chemical fire extinguishers, spinning wheels, 1847 sampler, uniforms from three wars and reproductions from the Revolutionary War, several items of period clothing, kitchen and farm utensils, home and personal furnishings, as well as photographs of people, places and events.

The group isn't only focusing on repairing their home. This year the society plans to interact more often with the elementary school children.

In November 2006, two display tables were set up to coincide with parent-teacher conferences. Most of this effort focused on 18th, 19th and early 20th century education in Ashby.

The maps showing the location of the nine one-room schoolhouses and some materials used in them were on display, as well as photographs of some classes. One of the pictures included the early horse-drawn buses lined up in front of the newly built Lyman School, a big attraction for parents, teachers and children. The society is looking forward to repeating this event with ever-changing displays.

The group also hopes to present a program of speakers on topics of general interest to the public at large.

An antique appraisal day held several years ago was very successful and a repeat of that event is planned for April 14, 2007. The appraisal will be held at The First Parish Unitarian Church on the Common. More information will be available as the event approaches.

September will feature a country fair at the Ashby Stock Farm but with a closer connection to Ashby history than in the past. It will look back at the entertainment of the times including contra dancing, storytelling, demonstrations of Old World crafts and music.

The society is also trying to raise money.

A second printing of "The History of Ashby 1890-2000" is now available for $17. Also pottery coffee mugs - handthrown, oven, microwave and dishwasher safe - in four hand painted designs for $19.95 each are available.

The Ashby throws offered several years ago by the PTO may be offered again by the society if there is enough interest. If interested, speak to a society member or call Anne Hayes at (978) 386-7256.

For more information or if you wish to purchase an item call Elaine Kielty at (978) 386-5651, Florence Bryan at (978) 386-2319, Hayes at (978) 386-7256, or Paula Bogue at (978) 386-7230.