I don't know about you, but the summer sure seems to be flying by.  Here we are turning the calendar to August, but wasn't it just Memorial Day? Now those back-to-school sales are already in full force.  Whatever happened to the lazy, hazy days of summer?  Is it a matter of getting older?  Or is it the times we live in now that make everything seem like its racing by?  

But there's a positive side.  Maybe it's that frenetic pace that makes visits to Hearthside even more special and enjoyable.  I see it as people come through the door.  They rush in, but immediately slow down as they take in the sights of the front hall, and a big smile comes over them as we greet them in our fancy costumes.  Immediately, it's a throw back to a time long ago when life seemed a whole lot simpler.  It's that kind of mood that really helps our visitors absorb all the history around them.  More and more, it is apparent that our role at Hearthside is not only as a keeper of history, but as the deliverer of history, and to do so in the most effective way.  We'll continue to try to find even better means to make your experience more meaningful, enjoyable and memorable.

Earlier this month, we hosted a large group gathering of the Meader Family Association.  They chose to come to Hearthside since it had once been home to Daniel & Louisa Meader from 1890-1901.  While I knew some basic information about the Meaders, it was through the preparation for this visit that I really got to dive into their history and learned so much more.  Here is yet another Hearthside family who were quite important in our town. It just goes to show that there is still a lot of information out there just waiting to be discovered.  As we get more volunteers interested in research, the more we will be able to learn in the future.  And the more we learn about each family, it seems there are even more connections being made.

It was so very disappointing to all of us that our major summer event on July 22 had to be curtailed.  After months of work and several changes of plans along the way, we had settled on a smaller version of the event of what was originally envisioned.  But then, last Saturday morning, there it was....the dire forecast for severe thunderstorms, high winds, torrential downpours and flooding.  Not the combination you want for an outdoor event with tents, kids activties around the yard, food on the grill, and grounds filled with re-enactors in costume.  So we had to make the difficult decision of cancelling the outdoor event.  But we still went forward with our Open House at Hearthside, the Hannaway Shop and Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse.  And so, we were pleasantly surprised to welcome 100 visitors who came out on a dreary day to explore history.  

Our festivities to introduce the Great Road Heritage Campus are scheduled now to take place during Great Road Day, our annual free tour day held on Sat. September 22 as part of the Smithsonian's Museum Day.

At Lincoln's Town Financial Meeting held in May, a $10,000 line item was approved in the Town Administrator's budget for Hearthside Repairs.  This money will be used toward repairs to the gazebo, masonry work, and the front dormer.  As a Town-owned building, an appropriation will now be part of the annual budget.  This will be a huge help to us with the ongoing restoration and repair projects, all of which require fundraising to meet the needs.

One of those projects is just about completed thanks to the hard work of a volunteer crew.  The  gazebo with its new roof will get its unveiling at this weekend's American Girl Doll Garden Party, and in a few weeks with a wedding ceremony being held inside of it.

Enjoy the remainder of this summer, which will be over in a blink!