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HEARTHSIDE HOUSE MUSEUM NEWSLETTER
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"The House That Love Built" Vol. 10, Issue 1 Jan. 2017
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It was with much satisfaction and enthusiasm that we ended 2016 after completing a
wonderful Christmas season. After a few days off to catch our breath, we greeted 2017 with a
renewed energy and commitment for an even greater year ahead, filled with exciting, new projects and activities. That exuberance however was short-lived when we received the devastating news of the passing of Al Klyberg, former board member and friend to us all at Hearthside. He had a tremendous impact on our museum which will be forever immortalized in our tours, our weaving exhibit, the other sites under our stewardship, and most importantly the vision he helped us create for a
center to discover and celebrate history on Great Road. While Al's legacy lives large in so many areas throughout the state, it is here in his home town of Lincoln that it is so particularly meaningful to us.
Last week, there was even more despairing news when we heard of the closing of the
Johnson & Wales Culinary Museum. Last year, it was the
American Textile History Museum. The loss of special places like these for people to step back and discover the stories of our past is very sad and makes it even more important for us to make sure that we have a strong foundation for the future of Hearthside.
And so, it is with
even greater resolve now that we embark upon these projects which help
achieve our vision, in
Al's memory. I'll save the details of those plans for other newsletters throughout the year.
 Now beginning our
16th year of operation, I was particularly heartened by the
outpouring of support at our first volunteer meeting of 2017 on Jan. 14th with
nearly 40 in attendance....the same number attending our very first meeting in 2001! Our volunteers are filled with enthusiasm for all that is planned for this year and can't wait to share it all with you. See the
2017 Calendar of Events included with this newsletter. And while it may be hard to believe, we still
need many more volunteers with a all kinds of skills to lend a hand in a variety of areas, on
committees and even on our
board of directors. As Hearthside's activities continue to
expand and extend to other properties down the road...in particular the Pullen Corner School House now located at Chase Farm Park...there is a
even greater need for help. If you have an interest in history, I urge you to join our efforts now before the season begins in March.
We hope in the upcoming months that you will take the opportunity to
enjoy and discover even more about Hearthside, whether for an exhibit, a tour, a special event, or as a volunteer. It is only through the support of our community coming together that we can celebrate our connections to the past and that this amazing place may be preserved for future generations.
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Sun. March 13
Season Opening - "Sleeping Beauty:Aurora's 16th Birthday"
Sat. March 25
Annual Meeting
Thurs. March 30
Guided Tour
Sat. Apr 8-Sun. Apr 9
Wedding Gown Exhibit-Tour
Sun. Apr 30
Antique Phonograph Exhibit & Tour
Thurs. May 4
Guided Tour
Sat. May 13 Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea
Sat. June 3-Sun. June 4
American Girl Doll Tea
Sun. June 11
Downton Abbey Fox Hunt
Thurs. June 22
Guided Tour
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Some very special new events are on tap this year at Hearthside that are featured below! In addition to our popular programs, like the Afternoon Tea, American Girl Doll Events, and Victorian Mourning Customs, our calendar includes these as well as some interesting new exhibits. In fact, we've added in additional opportunities taking place on some select
Thursday evenings
for
guided tours
that just feature the history and stories of the house because of so many special activities on our weekend schedule. Details on each event will be featured in our newsletters, website and media prior to the dates.
We're excited to present some of our featured events highlighted below.
SUNDAY, MARCH 13TH SLEEPING BEAUTY: AURORA'S 16TH BIRTHDAY
 The fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty comes to life featuring the dancers from Heritage Ballet, returning to Hearthside to kick off our 16th season. Aurora goes into a deep sleep after pricking her finger on a spinning wheel spindle and is awakened by a prince a hundred years later. How nicely this fits with our spinning wheels from a hundred years ago! Come meet Princess Aurora and the different characters from the ballet story of this classic tale from 1890.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 30TH ANTIQUE PHONOGRAPH EXHIBIT
An exhibit that literally comes to life! Several different types of antique phonographs will be exhibited by the collectors of the Massachusetts Bay Colony Antique Phonograph Society. But in addition to viewing these fine artifacts, there will be a special recording session where the Chickering & MacKay piano at Hearthside will be played, and the music recorded on an antique cylinder which then will be played on an old Edison. This is a really unique opportunity to enjoy an exhibit, a performance, and something very rare!
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SUNDAY, JUNE 11TH DOWNTON ABBEY FOX HUNT
Tally ho! Fans of Downton Abbey will recall the fox hunt scenes during the ser
ies, which featured this sport steeped in history and tradition that became associated with wealth and social standing. Our Downton Abbey Fox Hunt will provide the thrill of watching the horses galloping across the picturesque meadows of Chase Farm, with properly outfitted riders demonstrating remarkable horsemanship and etiquette, teamed with specially-trained hounds who chase only a fox scent, not actual foxes. A brief lecture about the sport and a lavish picnic luncheon, in the style of Downton Abbey, will be held under the tent before the hunt begins.
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SUNDAY, JULY 23RD 1904 WORLD'S FAIR
A tribute to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair returns once again this summer as we celebrate the connection of Hearthside to the greatest international exhibition as the model for the Rhode Island pavilion. With exhibits and memorabilia from the actual 1904 Fair inside and a whole host of nostalgic experiences and entertainment outside, this event is a perfect family activity for a summer day. Plan now to set this date on your calendar! It won't happen again for two years.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST BATTLE OF CHASE FARM
After several years of hosting the popular Civil War Re-enactments at Chase Farm Park, we're turning back the calendar another hundred years to the year 1775. For the first time, re-enactors portraying
Revolutionary War soldiers will make an appearance at Chase Farm.
This will be a one-day event, including an expected 200 re-enactors portraying camp life, performing drills, and acting out different scenarios. It is anticipated that this one-day event will grow into a weekend event in the future.
While Hearthside wasn't around in 1775, there is a strong history within the house connected to the Revolutionary War. A very famous ancestor of Arnold Talbot (owner of Hearthside 1904-1926) was Silas Talbot of Providence, his great, great grandfather. Silas' portrait hangs over the fireplace in Hearthside's dining room as the patriarch of the Talbot family. Silas Talbot was a courageous hero who distinguished himself as both an army colonel and as a highly successful naval captain during the American Revolution. Later in life he served as a Congressman from New York, and as a Commander of the U.S.S.Constitution. We are most honored to help bring to life this important event in our country's history and that of such a remarkable family member related to Hearthside.
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One of our visitors during our Christmas opening was Lincoln resident and former antique dealer
Dick Johannsen
and his wife, Georgie. Dick handed me a brown paper bag stating that it was a very special Christmas gift. And so it was! Inside was a super rare
19th century miniature sad iron
with lifting gate believed to have been made in Sweden. This unusual piece has an iron slug inside which would be removed and inserted into the fireplace to heat, and then put back inside the sad iron to begin the chore of ironing. This tiny iron is thought to be a salesman's sample or for a child's toy. Dick was so thrilled for Hearthside to have this special artifact.
We were so saddened to learn that Dick passed away just a week later, making his gift even more special to us. It is a wonderful addition to our collection, and he will be forever remembered at Hearthside.
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A COMMITMENT AS STRONG AS STEEL
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Shane Milano has wanted to be a blacksmith for as long back as he can remember. He got the dream of a lifetime when his dad, Tom, discovered the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop as a place where Shane could pick up a hammer and begin to learn the traditional craft of hand forging. It didn't phase Tom that they lived in New York and the Hannaway Shop was in Rhode Island. It was about giving his son the opportunity to learn about something he was passionately interested in. For the past two years, Shane has been coming to the Hannaway Shop once a month for a four-hour class on a Saturday morning.
 I met up with Shane during one of his lessons recently to talk about his experience. Despite the fact that there was a snowstorm in progress, it did not deter Shane and his dad from making the trip from Long Island. They left their home at 4 a.m. to make it to Shane's class by 8 a.m. and arrived home at 7 p.m., after driving through white-out conditions and catching the last ferry out of New London. Talk about commitment!
Q. Tell us a little about yourself
A. I am a first year student college student at Farmingdale State College on Long Island. I started taking blacksmithing class in January 2015.
Q. What got you interested in blacksmithing?
A. I have always aspired to be a blacksmith and would go online to watch videos to learn how it was done. Then there were TV shows like "Game of Thrones" and "Forged in Fire" that I got interested in. I really wanted to take lessons and my dad found the Hannaway Shop. He had searched everywhere but this was exactly what we were looking for. It just happened to be 200 miles away.
Q. Why do you travel so far to take class?
Tom answers: I would travel as far as necessary for something my son enjoyed. It is a long day for us but it is worth it. He is excited about each and every class he takes. Shane adds: I can't sleep the night before, just thinking about the project I will work on the next day.
Q. What is your favorite part about your experience at the Hannaway Shop?
A. My favorite part is of course learning how to make something, but I enjoy my time talking with my instructor, Ed, just as much. He is great!
Q. What have you made?
I really like to make knives because I collect them. My first knife was one I made from a railroad spike. I enjoy creating intricate designs on the handle. I've also made a candleholder for my mother.
Q. How long do you think you'll take class?
A. A very long time!!
Q. What do your friends think about your hobby?
A. My friends think it's awesome! I've even brought some of my friends here to take class with me just to give it a try. They really liked it too.
Q. Why should young people care about this old craft?
A. It is an art and history that we should keep alive. Blacksmithing has been so impactful throughout our history and people don't even realize how important it was. The blacksmith made everything for us.
Q. What are your ambitions?
A. I want to be a world-renowned blacksmith. If I can't achieve that, then I'll always do this as a hobby.
Q. Anything else you want people to know?
A. Tom answers: I am fascinated with the level of commitment and patience Shane has shown for this. It is really rare for someone his age to have that. This one day a month is quality father-son time to treasure. There is no rush, we have four hours each way driving here and back to talk. He's enjoying his class and is learning alot. I like history so while he's in class, I'm exploring Great Road and other places around Lincoln.
Classes in handforging are offered every weekend year round at the Hannaway Shop. Visit our website to learn more about the Hannaway Shop and to sign up for classes,
or send an email to [email protected]
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IN MEMORIAM ALBERT T. KLYBERG
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On January 10th, the history community and the entire state of Rhode Island, suffered a major blow with the loss of
Albert T. Klyberg
. Former director of the RI Historical Society and a renowned history scholar, Al was a Lincoln resident and an active and avid proponent of historic preservation, especially of Great Road.
Everyone can point to someone who has been a
major influence in their life and for me, Al was certainly that person. He is the one I credit with igniting my interest in history! I first met Al in 1984 when I was director of Leadership Rhode Island and had invited him to speak about Rhode Island's history. As one who never really liked history in school, I suddenly was mesmerized as I listened to Al bring stories of our state's history to life, always adding in some humor with a slight smile and twinkle in his eye as he surprisingly interjected an amusing tidbit. Ever since then, I had stayed in touch with Al and had the privilege of working with him as he completed historical studies on
Chase Farm
,
Hannaway Blacksmith Shop
and
Moffett Mill
. He had a vision for each of these sites, and for the potential of weaving them into a cohesive story. He had the chance to begin those connections through the creation of
Great Road Day,
an event he helped to orchestrate with several other historic sites.
Al had a particular fondness for Hearthside, and a
strong connection. A friend of both the last homeowners, he and past homeowner
Andrew Mowbray
collaborated on the publication, "Once in a Hundred Years,"
the anniversary book for the Town of Lincoln. He also personally handled the transfer of all the
Talbot
weavers business records from the early 20th century, personally driving to Philadelphia to pick them up from
Frances Talbot
and delivering them to the
RI Historical Society
for safekeeping. Al was especially thrilled to learn a few months ago that all the
Talbot weaving equipment has now been returned home to Hearthside after a hundred years.
Friends of Hearthside was most fortunate that Al gave 3 years of his time and effort to
serve on our board of directors
and helped us with the development of our
strategic plan.
His extensive knowledge, sage advice and insight helped guide the board during those years to help formulate our vision to create a center along Great Road where history could be discovered. Now that vision is nearing reality this year. What a
great legacy Al Klyberg
has left us.
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| A GLIMPSE OF RECENT EVENTS |
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Hearthside's Christmas season concluded on December 30th with its second night of Home of the Holidays Candlelight Tours. We welcomed
more than 800 visitors from all over during the month of December! Our events included a
Membership Reception,
The Nutcracker Ballet preview with Heritage Ballet,
An Old-Fashioned Christmas weekend that featured family portraits in the parlor,
home school tours,
senior center tours, and
Home for the Holidays candlelight tours.
It was truly our pleasure to show off the beauty of this house, decked out in holiday finery.
Special thanks to our volunteer decorators who made it all possible:
Diane Adam
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Ray Emidy
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Christine Maino
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Deb Paulo
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Dennis Przybyla
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Lydia Mattera
, J
ean Southard
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Jenna and Bev Alessandro
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Kevin Marchand
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Barbara Stevenson
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Ellen Metcalfe
,
Linda and Bob Lundgren
, and
Ron & Judy Deighan
. Also to the
Town of Lincoln
for providing wreaths to decorate every window and the
Saylesville Fire Department
for hanging them so none of us had to climb ladders! And my appreciation also to our many volunteers such as Steve Girard as Santa Claus, and others who gave up their time during this busy month to host our guests for all the tours and events, making it a truly memorable time for so many. Thanks to our photographers,
Susan Gonsalves, David Cruz
, and
Justin Baro
, who captured all the beautiful images of Hearthside's Christmas so that they could be shared and remembered by all.
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The boy's bedroom featured simple decorations and antique toys.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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The wonder of Christmas!
Photo by Justin Baro
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Pretty dresses captured the attention of visitors as much as the decorations did.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves.
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Lynn Nardowski and carolers from Kat Performing Arts with pianist Anne Goodreau fill the house with the traditional sounds of the holiday.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves.
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A break between tours is enjoyed by docents Emma Benun, Dani Cournoyer, Dennis Przybyla and Bev Cournoyer.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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A cozy fire in the parlor was a welcome site coming in out of the cold
. Photo by Susan Gonsalves.
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The formal room with its majestic tree and exquisite decorations.
Photo by David Cruz.
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All dressed up for his visit with Santa.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves |
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| Christmas tree in the front bedroom reflected in the window during the candlelight tour. Photo by Susan Gonsalves |
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Never too old for a visit with Santa!
Photo provided by the Residence at Cedar Dell Senior Center, Dartmouth, MA, from their Dec. 13 tour.
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The colonial kitchen featured hot cider, cookies, and natural decorations, and an antique revolving tree stand from Germany.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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| Posing in the master bedroom is one of the ballerinas from Heritage Ballet during their Nutcracker appearance. Photo by David Cruz |
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Docent Sarah Marshall stays busy with handwork in between tours of the attic, also decorated throughout.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves.
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One of the home school tours hosted during the month.
Photo by Christine Maino
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Traditional Christmas melodies performed on the harp by
Liz Ammerman added to the elegance of the event.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves |
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This young fellow had fun making faces in the mirror of the armoire.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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The library featured a cozy spot between the tree and fireplace, surrounded by a Snow Village set up on all the bookcases...a perfect spot for a visit with Santa.
Photo by David Cruz
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Docent Jean Southard welcomes visitors into the bedroom she decorated.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Youth docent Tatum Pelletier enjoys talking about the Christmas traditions of Christmas stockings with this visitor.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Docent Emma Benun explains some of the Talbot family history during the tour of the dining room.
Photo by Justin Baro
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A popular feature was the cabinet dollhouse, which was also decked out for Christmas.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
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Jen Vuono, board member, took the opportunity for a family portrait, offered during the Old-Fashioned Christmas weekend.
Photo by Justin Baro
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| NOW IS THE TIME TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE COMING SEASON BECOME A MEMBER ANYTIME! |
There is nothing more rewarding that knowing that you can make a difference. By just donating some of your time and effort, YOU can help Hearthside achieve its goals, and its vision! Whatever time you're able to afford is appreciated! This is a perfect opportunity for retirees who have extra time and are looking for some way to keep their minds sharp, utilize their skills, and meet new friends. It's also a great opportunity to gain skills for younger folks looking for experience, especially helpful on resumes. And for those still in school, helping out at Hearthside means community service hours! I promise you will learn more history here than anywhere else.
Of course, besides volunteers, we depend upon membership support to run the organization. With so many great activities coming up this year, becoming a member now will allow you the benefits of participating in these programs with free tour admissions, event discounts and accessibility exclusive to our members. Basic membership starts at $25, with family level at $50, and contributor $75 and up.
Click here to
Join as a Member Today
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| As they say, there's always something happening at Hearthside...now more than ever!
Sincerely,
Kathy Hartley
Founder, President & CEO
Friends of Hearthside, Inc.
The mission of the Friends of Hearthside, Inc. is to preserve, protect, promote, and interpret the heritage of the Hearthside Homestead (b.1810) and the Great Road Historic District through living history programs and events.
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