The Truly Splendid Tag Sale and Silent Auction

Back by popular demand, this summer the Sharon Historical Society will present the Great Attic Classic IV, an “upscale” tag sale known far and wide for both its immense size and high quality merchandize.

The huge tag sale will open with an early buying cocktail party under the tent on the grounds of the museum on Friday evening, June 30. The $35 price tag for the early buying party includes not only first choice of the wonderful wares, but an open bar and luscious hors d’oeuvres catered by the Sharon Day Care Center. To alleviate crowd control, this years party is limited to the first 300 guests—so be sure and book early.

The sale will be open to the public on Saturday July 1 from 10-4, and again on Sunday July 2 from 10-1.

“This event is so much fun for us,” says museum director, Liz Shapiro. “But it doesn’t happen without an enormous amount of help from our community.”

All of the items for sale under the big tent are donated by people throughout the tri-state area. Inventory is already accumulating, but there is always room for more. Donors may even contact the historical society and arrange to have large items transported directly to the various storage areas located in garages and barns around Sharon.

Items that sell well include antiques and collectibles, including pottery and porcelain, silver, dinnerware, glassware, candle holders, lighting fixtures, good furniture, vintage linens and handbags, rugs and quilts. “We usually have a little bit of everything, that’s what makes the Great Attic Classic so special,” says committee chairperson Libby Monaco. “It’s a great opportunity for everyone to clean out their attics and garages, or for store owners to cull through their inventories, and donate to a great cause.” All donations to the Great Attic Classic are tax-deductible to the amount allowed by law.

If you have items that you would like to donate, contact the Sharon Historical Society by phone at (860) 364-5688 or via e-mail to Liz Shapiro. Donations are currently being accepted.

And, if you’re interested in getting a jump on the bargains of the century, feel free to reserve your spot at the early buying party by sending your check for $35/person to: Great Attic Classic Preview Party, Sharon Historical Society, P.O. Box 511, Sharon,CT, 06069.

 

Eugene Grincunas: Collector & Local Historian

Long-time Sharon Historical Society member Eugene Grincunas has made a hobby of collecting. When asked to be more specific about his interests, he smiles boyishly and says, “I find so many things interesting, and I love history. I guess you could say I have broad interests.”

Gene has spent many years exploring the woods around Sharon. While he’s certainly not afraid to crawl around and get dirty in the interest of historical knowledge, Gene also collects in more traditional ways. He attends auctions and visits antiques stores. He pursues leads on objects that pique his interest.

Gene’s recent donation of an early twentieth century Hotchkiss stapler to the museum collection has inspired curator Marge McAvoy to take to the Internet for further research. “This is a particularly interesting item and a valuable addition to our collection,” she said. “It’s a Hotchkiss No. 2, stamped made in the USA, with a great Edwardian style stamped design. It’s a very beautiful stapler.”

The Hotchkiss family name is a familiar one to most residents of Sharon. The company Hotchkiss &  Sons, run by Asahel Hotchkiss and his sons Andrew, Benjamin and Charles, operated in Sharon Valley throughout the middle of the nineteenth century, making “malleable” iron tools, such as mousetraps, nails, curry combs and bits for horses. They also designed and manufactured one of the earliest prototypes for the adjustable screw wrench—also known today as a “monkey” wrench.

The Hotchkiss No. 2 stapler was advertised in the early 1900s by the E.H. Hotchkiss manufacturing company of CT, as “The Hotchkiss Automatic Paper Fastener” and sold for $4.00. The company was in business from 1895 through 1957.

A huge thank you to Gene for his wonderful donation!

New & Noteworthy

Visions of Iron Documentary

Thanks to a grant of $5000 from the Connecticut Humanities Council, the SHS has completed the first phase of a half hour documentary on the region’s iron history. Nearly seven hours of interviews with SHS president Ed Kirby were filmed on location at the iron forge of local blacksmith, William Trowbridge. Film maker John Maher of JEMFilms was enthusiastic about the footage. “Ed Kirby is a wealth of information and the ambiance of William’s forge sets the perfect scene for the complex story of Connecticut’s forgotten industry. I am looking forward to beginning the next phase of the project.”

Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society Paint Out in Sharon

On July 23 & 24, the Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society will hold a “paint out” in Sharon in conjunction with the  Sharon Land Trust summer activities schedule. Local resident and artist Joan Jardine will be the liaison for the plein air painters. Approximately 30-50 painters are expected to be painting in Sharon over the weekend. The paintings will be exhibited at the Historical Society during the month of August.  Many of the works on display will be for sale—time to think ahead for Christmas gift-giving!

The Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society’s mission is to  encourage and support excellence in painting directly from nature and to provide regular opportunities for members to paint together.  The Society was founded in 1995 by Jane Zisk. Since its inception, membership in the Connecticut Plein Air Painters Society has grown to over 90 artists.  Membership is open to all artists dedicated to the value of plein air painting. Elected membership to the Society is decided by a jury process. For more information about the Plein Air Painters Society, visit their website at www.cpaps.org. Further details in the summer newsletter!

Framed!

Never fear, we know you didn’t do it—but someone else sure did! Framed!, the newest exhibit at the Historical Society, takes a closer look at the cool stuff in our collection that has been framed. The museum has amassed a large collection of photographs, paintings and ephemera that have been given to us behind glass and suitable for hanging. What kinds of objects make up this varied collection? Objects from the sublime to the...well...not really ridiculous, but certainly unusual! Some lovely examples of work by local artists include an oil painting by Sharon artist Hal McIntosh and pastels of local Sharon scenes by early 20th century artists Kent Wetherel and B. Norton. Two early Sharon samplers are wonderful illustrations of late 18th and early 19th century needlework, and for those old car lovers out there, a framed poster entitled “Early Sharon Autos, 1900-1910” might prove interesting. Included on the other end of the spectrum are several Connecticut treasury notes dated 1782 and issued to Hezekiah Goodwin of Sharon, and the piece de la resistance, several strands of George Washington’s hair mounted in sealing wax and inscribed “James A. Hamilton to Mrs. Sibley.” The exhibit will run from March 15 through early July.

If you have framed items of interest that are related to Sharon history, give us a call. We’d be happy to include your fun, funky and fantastic framed items in our exhibit.

Year of the Museum

2006 is the Year of the Museum, a time to celebrate the many ways that museums enrich our lives and our communities.

According to the American Association of Museums, it also represents the beginning of a major national effort to encourage all Americans to experience, celebrate, and support the

museums in their communities. The Sharon Historical Society is Your community museum and now is the perfect time to get involved and join the fun. Volunteer opportunities abound and we personally guarantee that there is a job to fit every interest. If you enjoy working in a cheerful, friendly environment, with bright people, lunchtime debates and challenging puzzles, contact us by phone at (860) 364-5688 or e-mail Liz Shapiro

New Membership Materials

Many of you might have noticed some small changes in our  2006 Sharon Historical Society membership materials. We’ve changed to a new format, where each member family has its own record in our Past Perfect database. These individual records not only help us to keep track of your names and addresses, but also let us keep track of where you like your mail sent, when you pay your dues, and what kinds of events and activities you have a particular interest in. There’s even a place to put your photograph—but don’t worry, that’s a long way off in the future!

Although this may seem like we have too much information, big brother is NOT watching you! This database gives us a good picture of our SHS membership, who you are as a group, and what you like about us, all of which helps to better serve your needs.

As we begin to use the database more and more, we’d like to ask for your patience and understanding. Computer data is only as good as the human beings who create and input the information. If you receive two newsletters, or if we misspell your name, please let us know. We are aiming for perfection, but it might take a few tries!

Restoration of Historic Houses Lecture Series

Presented by the Salisbury Association’s Holley-Williams House Museum

Two lectures remain in the Salisbury Association’s series of Historic House Restoration lectures, sponsored by the Holley-Williams House Museum Committee.

On Saturday, March 25, join Richard Chilcoat, project manager, Architectural Preservation Division, National Park Service, for a lecture on the restoration of Lindenwald, located in Kinderhook, New York. Built in 1797, the house was purchased by Martin Van Buren in 1839 and re-modeled in 1849 in the Gothic / Italianate revival style.

On Saturday, April 22, James Parrish of the National Park Service, Olana, will present, “An Introduction to the Architecture and History of Berkshire County, Massachusetts.” Originally settled in 1692 by the Dutch and Palatine German settlers from the Hudson River Valley, Berkshire County was long considered the western frontier. By the mid-19th century, it had become the American version of the English Lake

District—second home to wealthy city dwellers such as Joseph Choate and Edith Wharton.

These lectures are free and will take place at 4:30 at the Interlaken Inn’s Countryside Cottage just north of the main building on Route 112 in Lakeville. For reservations call the office of the Salisbury Association at 860-364-0566 between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on weekdays.

 

Museum Shop Manager Sought

Looking for that Perfect Volunteer Opportunity?

Look no further! The historical society is looking for a volunteer to run its museum store. If you have experience in retail management or merchandizing, like working with people, are good with budgets, and looking for a volunteer opportunity with flexible hours, you might be the next SHS museum store manager.

The SHS museum store occupies a small area directly adjacent to the museum entrance. We are looking for someone who can set up an attractive display, has a strong sense of needs of the Sharon community, is good with design and is willing to work in conjunction with the museum director to ensure that the Sharon Historical Society museum store stays true to its mission.

Work hours are flexible, but will average 3 hours/week. Upon approval of the director, merchandise ordering may be done from your home.

If you are interested in the position, please send a brief note of inquiry and interest to Director, Sharon Historical Society, P.O. Box 511, Sharon, CT 06069, or you may e-mail to Liz Shapiro.

Thank You Theresa!

Sharon resident Theresa Kenny has devoted the last two years to getting the store at the historical society up and running. Under her care and guidance, the store’s profits have grown and merchandise selection has increased. Theresa has devoted many hours to setting up tasteful displays, researching and ordering interesting and pertinent wares, and managing the store budget.

Thank you Theresa, for all your hard work!

THE CARE AND PRESERVATION OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PRINTS                                                                                      

By Mary Fahey, Head of Preservation/Chief Conservator,

The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village

 

Photographic materials are among the most unstable and difficult collectibles to preserve. They are also among the most common to own. Despite their fugitive nature, the life of photographic materials can be prolonged provided that some basic care and attention is given to their preservation. The conservation staff of The Henry Ford have compiled the information in this fact sheet to help individuals care for their objects and collections. The first step in the care of collections is to understand and minimize or eliminate conditions that can cause damage. The second step is to follow basic guidelines for care, handling and cleaning. This article is reprinted from the Henry Ford Museum website which may be visited at www.hfmgv.org.

Contents:

The Nature of Photographic Materials
Causes of Deterioration and Guidelines for Care
Temperature and Humidity
Light
Pollution and Contaminants
Display
Storage and Handling
Cleaning and Conservation
Photographic Reproduction

Bibliography
Suppliers
References

THE NATURE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS

In general, photographic prints are composed of at least two distinct layers. The uppermost layer is referred to as the emulsion layer. The emulsion layer generally consists of metallic particles or dyes held in binder such as gelatin. This layer forms the image of the photograph. The lower layer or "support layer" is usually composed of paper, glass, metal, or plastic.

Black and White Prints - Black and white photography is the oldest photographic process. Commonly, the emulsion layer will consist of fine particles of silver embedded in a layer of binder. While the most common binder was and continues to be gelatin, other binder materials include albumen and collodian.

Color Prints - Color photography was invented in 1935 by the Eastman Kodak Company. There are a large variety of color processes that involve different materials but most consist of dyes suspended in a gelatin layer.

CAUSES OF DETERIORATION & GUIDELINES

FOR CARE

Deterioration can be caused by inappropriate light, temperature or humidity levels, poor processing, inappropriate framing, pollution and contaminants, mishandling, pests and mold. In addition, inappropriate repairs and cleaning methods can cause irreparable damage to photographic prints.

TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY

Both color and B & W photographs are prone to damage from exposure to high and/or fluctuating temperature and relative humidity levels. High temperature and humidity levels combined with pollution and contaminants can cause fading of photographic images. Excessively low humidity levels can cause photographs to curl due to dryness. Conversely, high humidity can lead to mold growth. The recommended levels for storage of photographic prints are 30-50% relative humidity at temperatures of 58-68°F. Fluctuations of more than 5 degrees per day should be avoided. Cold storage at low relative humidity is the ideal storage environment for color photographs; however, this is not usually practical for most collectors. Inexpensive temperature and humidity sensors can be purchased from conservation suppliers.

LIGHT

Photographs are prone to light damage in the form of fading. In general, color photographs are more sensitive than B & W prints. For this reason, color photographs should be displayed under low light levels (approximately 50 Lux.). B & W photographs can be displayed under slightly higher levels. The light meter of a 35 mm camera can be used to measure light levels. (See Notes 2/5 from the Canadian Conservation Institute).

Ultra violet, which is the most damaging form of light, should be eliminated by using ultra violet filtering glass or Plexiglas on framed prints.

POLLUTION AND CONTAMINANTS

Since most B & W photographic images are composed of silver particles, they are prone to degradation through metallic corrosion. The same chemical pollutants that cause silver to tarnish can cause the degradation of photographic images. Whenever possible, contact with pollutants such as sulfur, ozone or peroxides should be avoided. Since materials like rubber and leather contain large amounts of sulfur they should not be stored in closed containers or drawers with photographs. The dyes in color photographs can also be damaged by contact with chemical pollutants.

DISPLAY

Proper framing can help to increase the life of antique photographs. Prints should be framed using acid-free, lignin-free rag mat board. A window mat should always be placed between the print and the glass in a picture frame. The mat will serve to prevent the prints from becoming stuck to the glass. Only archival-quality adhesive tapes should be used for framing. Recommended tapes include filmoplast and acid-free linen tape. They are both available from Light Impressions Inc. (see suppliers list attached). Ordinary masking and scotch tape should be avoided since they can degrade and discolor leading to stains. The CCI NOTES 11/5 "Matting Works on Paper" offers a good description of the preferred method for matting photographs.

It is a common commercial practice to mount photographs directly to the mat board using head seal dry mount tissue. While the long term stability of this process is not certain, it is not advisable for antique photographs since future conservation work could be complicated by this process.

STORAGE AND HANDLING

The best protection for photographic prints is storage in clear mylar (plastic) envelopes. The mylar helps to minimize damage during handling. For added protection, acid-free envelopes and boxes are available from conservation suppliers. When purchasing plastic sleeves make sure that they are uncoated mylar or polyethylene. Other materials such as polyvinylchloride can damage photographs.

When it is necessary to write on photographs, inscriptions should be written in pencil along borders or on the back of photographs. It is important to use a hard surface to write on and to press lightly so as to avoid leaving an embossed impression on the print. Ink pens should never be used since they can bleed through and permanently obscure the image.

CLEANING AND CONSERVATION

Surface dirt should be removed using a soft brush. More extensive cleaning and repair should be left to a professional conservator since photographs are easily damaged by moisture and solvents.

PHOTOGRAPHIC REPRODUCTION

Photographic reproduction offers an inexpensive alternative to treatment by a professional conservator. The process involves taking a photograph of the original print and producing a copy. The process often involves retouching the new negative to eliminate flaws that are present in the original print.

There are a variety of commercial photography establishments that reproduce antique photographs. Most can be found listed in the Yellow Pages telephone directory.

Use caution when entrusting your antique photographs to a commercial photographic establishment. Careless handling during the reproduction process could lead to damage of your original photograph.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

    * Albright, Gary. "Photographs: in Conservation in the Library," edited by Susan Garretson Swartzburg. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 79-102, 1983.

    * Albright, Gary. "Which Envelope? Selecting Storage Enclosures for Photographs," Picturescope, 31:4, 111-113, Winter1985.

    * American National Standards Institute. "Black and White Paper Prints- Practice for Storage." ANSIPHI.48-1982. New York: American National Standards Institute, 1982.

    * Barger, M. Susan. "Daguerreotype Care", AIC Newsletter, 8:1, 13-15. November 1982. Reprinted in Picturescope, 31:1, 15-16, Spring 1983.

    * Eastman Kodak Company. Conservation of Photographs. Publication F-10. Rochester, New York: EKC, 1985.

    * Keefe Jr., Lawrence E. & Inch, Dennis. "The Life of a Photograph."

    * Reilly, James. Care and Identification of 19th Century Photographic Prints. Publication G-2S. Rochester, New York, 1986.

    * ICC CCI Notes. Canadian Conservation Institute Notes, 1030 Innes Rd., Ottawa Ontario Canada K1A 0M8, (613) 998-3721

      Notes: 16/6, 16/2, 16/3, 16/4, 16/5, 16/1, 2/5.

SUPPLIERS

University Products
517 Main Street
PO Box 101
Holyoke , MA
800-762-1165

http://www.universityproducts.com

Light Impressions, Inc.
PO Box 2376
Brea , CA 92822-2376
(800) 828-6216
(800) 828-5539 Fax

www.lightimpressionsdirect.com

REFERENCES

For a listing of conservators in your area, please contact:

The American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works
1717 K Street NW
Suite 301
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 452-9545

http://aic.stanford.edu/guide/form.html

Annual Meeting Of the Sharon Historical Society
Featuring a Multi-media Presentation by Photographer Jonathan Doster
Exhibit by Doster in the museum’sHallway GalleryApril 1—May 12, 2006

The Sharon Historical Society will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, April 1 (no fooling!) starting at 10 a.m. in the Town Hall’s second floor meeting room. After the society business is concluded, there will be a short break following which Jonathan Doster will present a multi-media presentation featuring his stunning photographs. After the presentation, the meeting will adjourn across the street to the Historical Society where guests can see an “eclectic”  selection of Doster’s work in our Hallway Gallery exhibit space.

Jonathan Doster affirms that he is often most aware and connected when focusing on the world through a camera, slowing things down for a moment (if only for a fraction of a second) to see what otherwise might be missed. “If whatever insight I have holds meaning for others, then a photo taken becomes something given.” Though nature is the primary source of inspiration,  he doesn’t classify himself as a nature photographer. “Perhaps the ultimate landscape is the human form.  The architectural symmetry, scale, and reflected light of a cityscape is intoxicating. I’ve been mesmerized by the texture and rainbow colors swirling in puddle of motor oil after a rain. Beauty and visual intrigue is everywhere, all the time.”

Doster has embraced digital technology as an effective tool for self-expression. “It allows my imagination to go places which otherwise would be restricted. Content is everything...as well as timing and lighting of course. You still must have a compelling image as a foundation for the creation. Much of my work these days could best be described as photoGraphics rather that photography. All the imagery still originates from the camera, it is irrelevant whether or not film is rolling through it or a memory card is recording pixel data. Regarding post production in the digital darkroom, if the camera is a solo instrument then the computer is the orchestra which accompanies it.” 

Another dimension of Doster’s artistic expression is through multimedia, choreographing images to music.  He’s been doing this for two decades with two projector slide-montage shows, performing live concerts throughout America in the mid-eighties with a musician. In 2004 he was invited to the United Nations to present Bombay to Birmingham, a tribute to the legacies of Ghandi and King. Recently his work has evolved into more cinematic productions through various software programs and digital projection.

A native of coastal Georgia, Doster has been based in Sharon, Connecticut, since 1986. In addition to multimedia production and fine art imagery, he is active rendering portraits and has been involved in a variety of commercial projects including a book, Veedor the Condor and publication in Atlanta, Terre Sauvage, Time for Kids, and Yankee Magazine. Travels with the camera have taken him to Morocco, Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Canada. 

Mr. Doster’s exhibit entitled, Eclectic, will open on April 1, 2006 and run through May 12. Approximately nine images will be on display and available for purchase, plus a selection of unframed images.

Proceeds from the sale of the photographs will be shared by the historical society and the artist. To learn more about mounting an exhibit in the Hallway Gallery see below.

Museum Opens Hallway Gallery

Community Art Exhibit Space Available to All.

In April, the museum will officially open the SHS “Hallway Gallery.” The mission of this exhibit space is to give artists in the Sharon community (and regionally) a public space to display their talents at almost no cost to the artists.

The Hallway Gallery runs half the length of the 2002 museum addition. Lighting is adjustable and there is space to exhibit between ten and twenty framed objects depending on size. There are also two glass topped cases that may be used for small items.

The use of the Hallway Gallery is free for non-profit organizations and individual artists (commercial exhibitors). Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 1-4 pm.  Exhibitors may arrange to augment these hours for a fee. Exhibit receptions may be scheduled at the mutual convenience of the museum staff and exhibitor.

Anyone who wishes to use the hallway gallery must complete an application form a minimum of two weeks prior to use. Applications will be reviewed monthly. If the application is successful, use of the Hallway Gallery will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with preference given to exhibitors from Sharon. Applications and copies of the exhibit policy may be obtained at the museum, or call or e-mail to Liz Shapiro at 364-5688

The Book Corner….by Janet Nickson

Family Farm:   Written and illustrated by Thomas Locker

Opening a book by Thomas Locker is like taking a “finger-walk” through an art gallery. Family Farm, written while Locker was a resident in the heartland of our nation, brings the reader his message of respect and concern for the struggles of farming families; their toil has created our country’s bread basket while narrowly filling their own. Illustrations of his oils on canvas are waiting with each turn of the page; a slow turning it will be as the viewer becomes drawn in by his luminous and poetic landscapes. 

Locker’s first recognition as an artist came at the age of seven when he won first prize in the children’s division of the Washington D.C. Times-Herald Art Fair for his painting “Giant Tree”. His prized tree remains on display today at the National Zoo. A passion for art and nature grew up with him as is evidenced in his writings and gallery works. Trees are still a focal point of many of his creations. Commitment to the message in his story line has been forthcoming in Locker’s donation of funds to Farm Aid from a portion of the sale of his books.

Mike, Sarah, their parents, and grandfather had reached a crossroads in their agricultural lifestyle. Not able to sustain a reasonable income, Dad would have to take a job in the city and be away from home during the workweek. The income from raising corn and maintaining a dairy herd had fallen far short of providing a stable standard of living. Courage, hard work, and initiative on everyone’s part brought about a drastic adjustment in marketing strategy. Much of the family farm’s cornfields were turned into a huge pumpkin patch complemented by rows of flowers for the cut flower market.

 

Summer ended, and except for thousands of bright orange pumpkins, the color faded from the fields (not, however, from Locker’s depiction of them) . . . father and grandfather thought it might be worth planting a crop of Christmas trees. New hope, new plans, and new possibilities were encouraging the farming family; a new season would bring its challenges but they were strong and they were ready. Family Farm is waiting for readers in the children’s room at our Hotchkiss Library of Sharon.

*   *   *   *

Right here in Connecticut an example of initiative and commitment to surviving in agriculture will soon be receiving recognition at Agriculture Day, Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at the State Capitol. Recipient of the “Outstanding Young Farmer” award will be Betsy Molodish, owner of Betsy’s Fruits and Vegetables stand in Sterling, CT. Farmer Betsy maintains greenhouses and produces crops for sale at farmers’ markets throughout northeastern CT. This year more than 30 agricultural associations will be present at the Capitol providing displays and information to legislative leaders and policy-makers in an effort to bring pertinent issues right to those who are best able to respond effectively.

Collections Connection by Marge McAvoy

The latest addition to the SHS collection of samplers arrived recently in a very large box. Inside the large box, surrounded by reams of wadded up newspaper and lots of those annoying foam squiggles, was a slightly smaller box. Inside that box was a bulky flat package, also surrounded by wadded up newspaper and more annoying foam squiggles. Clearly this package contained a treasure, most likely a fragile treasure!

After much careful ripping and tearing, the treasure finally emerged -  a beautiful cross-stitched sampler, about 18 inches square. It is exquisite, and in perfect condition except for many small rusty nail holes all around the edge where it was nailed to a home made wooden backing.  Wearing white cotton gloves and using a tiny needle, we gently lifted the fabric away from the remaining nails and laid it flat on a piece of acid-free cardboard for further inspection.

Though a little browned with age, the fabric appears to be cotton, in a loose weave almost like burlap. Much of the stitching is also brown in places, making the words hard to read at first glance. But upon closer inspection, with the aid of several Sharon genealogical records, the meaning of the sampler becomes clear.

A floral border is embroidered around the entire edge. Across the bottom, inside the border, are a two storey house, a tree, a box in which it says “Marked by Caroline Lake, Sharon, Conn, Aged 18, July 27, 1825”, a bunch of roses, and a weeping willow hanging over a monument that reads “In memory of the dead”. Across the top is stitched “Family Records”. The next line reads “Names, births, marriages, deaths”. A pair of entwined hearts is stitched under “marriages” and a black coffin with a white heart on the lid is under “deaths”. The next bit of information is the birth and marriage dates for Caroline’s parents, “Andrew Lake – July 30, 1779, Betsey Woodard – April 20, 1787, Married November 14, 1802”. Under that is stitched a horizontal white line and three vertical ones, creating a cross-stitched chart. One the left are the names of Caroline and her siblings. The next column is for their births dates and is filled with the appropriate information. The last two columns are blank, suggesting that none of the Lake children had married in 1825, although some later did.  Several members of the family are buried in Hillside Cemetery, including Caroline herself, who died in 1890 at age 83, but none of that information is recorded either.

Caroline was the only girl, with 6 brothers born over a span of 20 years:  Jesse Woodard, Nathaniel Buel, Joseph, Chauncey Griswold, Caleb Martin and Andrew. The Lakes were once a large family in the Sharon area, and Caroline must have loved her brothers enough to immortalize them on her sampler. However, she apparently was distracted before finishing the piece, as evidenced by the fact that the floral border on the right side has some green leaves stitched in to it with none on the top, bottom or left side, and a box at the top is partly contained within green thread, a long piece of which is still hanging loose. Perhaps she was interrupted or picked on by a boisterous brother and simply decided she didn’t care enough to finish.  We’ll never know. But at least she did care enough to save her handiwork, and we are lucky that its most recent owner,  Mr. Mark Miller of West Des Moines, Iowa, realized that it should be returned to its home town. We greatly appreciate his generous donation, and are looking forward to learning more about Caroline and her family. If you have any information to share, we would love to hear from you!

Spring Calendar at the Sharon Historical Society

Sunday, March 26:  Free viewing of the film classic “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” starring Carol Lombard and Robert Montgomery.  Wagner Learning Center, Noble Horizons. 3:30 pm.

Saturday, April 1: Annual meeting, Sharon Historical Society. Business meeting followed by speaker Jonathan Doster. 10 a.m., Sharon Town Hall. Exhibit opening to follow presentation at the Sharon Historical Society museum. Refreshments.

Saturday, April 22  : Bus tour of early Sharon industries, featuring the Guinea Brook area and Ellsworth. Led by Ed Kirby. 10 am-1 pm. $10/person. Meet at the Historical Society. Reservations necessary, call 860-364-5688.

Friday, June 30: Great Attic Classic IV early buying cocktail party. Tickets $35/person, limited to 300.  6-8  p.m. under the tent on the museum grounds. Reservations necessary. Call 860-364-5688 for information.

Saturday & Sunday, July 1 & 2: Great Attic Classic Tag Sale and Silent Auction. Sat. 10-4, Sunday 10-1. On the museum grounds, 18 Main Street.