AN OLD-FASHIONED SUMMER PASTIME AT THE CIVIL WAR PICNIC

ON JUNE 18,visitor came to Hearthside to see what an old-fashioned picnic would have been like during the 19th century. The Friends of Hearthside welcomed civilian and military Civil War reenactors to its grounds on Saturday.
As historical interpreters, the reenactors welcomed interaction from spectators as they spend a summer afternoon enjoying the simple pleasures of an old fashioned picnic, with good friends, good food, and lawn games, all in late 1800s style. You may catch them at a game of croquet, or see children playing hoops in the yard, while the ladies sit in a sewing circle and the gents discuss the issues of the day under the shade of a tree. The reenactors are part of a group that will be participating in the full-scale battle reenactment and living history weekend taking place at Chase Farm Park and Hearthside on September 17-18th.

The event ran from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with guided tours of the house taking place on the hour starting at 11:00 a.m. Docents in period costume gave tours to guests through the 10-room house, while telling of its storied past along one of the country's oldest roadways. The Hearthside Gift Shop was open for the afternoon.

Visitors had the choose to merely be spectators at the picnic or were welcome to enjoy their own picnic by bringing along a packed lunch. Cold drinks were available.
The weather, the food, the friends and good conversation made for a splendid day.

Civil War Picnic at Hearthside

Everyone brought period foods to share with each others. From pickles beets, to meat pies, pickled beans ,   all types of cheeses and fresh fruit , even home made cheesecake.

More photos to come of this glorious event

History In The Makings!

           June 5th, 2011, on a lovely Sunday afternoon.

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Dressed in 1800's -early 1900's period attire, the doscent of this historic mansion, held two Victorian tea parties for 110 young girls, ages 4 to 10, their mothers, fathers, grandparents or aunts, and their American Girl dolls.

 Over 200 years it has stood on Great Road, the stone-walled Hearthside has been a farm, a businessman's mansion and home to twelve families.This Sunday it was a dollhouse

 The girls came dressed in cute little Summer dresses and some even wore hats. The Royal family would have been so proud to see such a showing.

The tables were set with fine china, three tiered trays holding sweets and fresh fruit. What a delight!

They enjoyed their tea and treats while  Lady Estelle, with her American Girl Doll, Addie gave a presentation on tea etiquette and manners.

 

It was history in the makings!

Hearthside in Memorial Day Parade

Yesterday, May 30th, I marched in the Memorial Day Parade with the Friends of Hearthside.

It was 88 degrees, which was a little high for this time of the year.
We decided to keep with the theme of the "150th Commemoration of the Civil War."

We decorated our float with  a miniature version of the Hearthside House, field tents, a riffle range.

We also had our soldiers from the Civil War Reneactor group march along side the float.

As my good friend James Dodge said "Happy Memorial Day to everyone! Please enjoy yourselves, but lets not forget why we do this- Honor the memory of those who have fallen and gone before in the service of their beloved Country. Off to honor the Civil War Soldiers in Blue - two parades today Lincoln & North Providence."

Historic sites along the Route

This weekend was a great adventure.I participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  I spent it walking 26 miles throughout some of Massachusetts historic cities and landmarks.
It is my 8th year and every time I see something new. They change the route to make it interesting for those of us who are return Walkers.
My favorite part of the walk was down Commonwealth Avenue, at mile 8.2.in the city of Boston. Nestled in the Back Bay area is built on a land fill that covers the area where the Atlantic tides once met the Charles River. The Mall is punctuated with statuary and memorials.
What caught my eye was the Boston Women's Memorial, with statues of Abigail Adams,
Lucy Stone, and Phillis Wheatley, sculpted by Meredith Bergmann. 2003.

Derby Day Afternoon Tea at Hearthside

Presented by the 'Friends of Hearthside"
Saturday, May 7th, 2011
Because  the event falls on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, it offers the perfect opportunity to look at the fashion statments made by the ladies who attend the Durby, in particular the hats.
The first Kentucky Durby was held in 1875 at Churchill Drowns in Louisville , Ky., and is the country's oldest consecutively held thoroughbred race and the most prestigious horse race in the world.
The fashions have created nearly as much interest as the racing event itself.
So, my featured presentation on "Hat Through the Ages" was quit timely. I shared my knowledge on how woman's hat have changed drastically throughout history along with an exhibit of some of my private collection of hats spanning from early 19th century up to the 1950's.

The gust were invited to wear their favorite hat and prizes was given for the "Most Historic Looking,' "Most Likely To Be Seen at the Derby" and "Most Unusual" hats.

It was a delightful afternoon. I can say I enjoyed it as much as my guests.
I hope all my dear lady friends had a "Gracious Mother's Day."