Happy Valentine’s Day from the THS. ❤️❤️

When we think of Valentine’s Day we often think of hearts and flowers, and perhaps a box of chocolates for the ones we love, but as I’ve been inventorying the Vault in the Reed House I’ve been reminded of other acts of love, and acts of caring shown by our ancestors through time.

This love was shown by Mr. Edmond Kytta who lovingly played this violin for his wife, or the love shown by his wife, Addie Kytta, who after he passed entrusted it to the THS for its care.

She writes back in 1989 that the violin is “about sixty or seventy years old. It had a very fine tone and he was a talented musician, so I hope that it will be treasured as he treasured it.” 

Perhaps it was the love and caring shown by those purchasing greeting cards in 1929 from the
Squanicook Printing Company, Townsend, Mass. The advertisement says “There is no
Depression in Friendship. Send Valentines” as the owner advertised his printing business.

The vault to me is a microcosm of Townsend’s community through time. I’m reminded of all those over the years who have thought to create the vault and preserve pieces of Townsend’s history. I’m reminded of all those living and working in Townsend, loving and caring about their families, and their fellow citizens. 

Some things I’ve seen in the vault have especially stood out and have reminded me of what it takes to build a town and community. 

The Love and Caring shown for our children: 

Townsend’s one room schoolhouses, scattered throughout the town, and the teachers who rang the bell, caring about Townsend’s children, and caring about Townsend’s future. The Spaulding Brothers – building, and donating Spaulding Memorial School to the town in 1932. The prominent building in the town center reflected Townsend’s pride and hopes for the future. 

Townsend’s 200th Anniversary on June 29th 1932 was marked with parades, speeches, church services, concerts and ball games, but the major event was the dedication of Spaulding Memorial School.

A 24×30 inch bronze tablet placed inside the main door stated:

Another example is Mrs Martha French Homer from West Townsend, sister-in-law to the American artist Winslow Homer, who every Christmas and July 4th gave the neighborhood children .25 cents to purchase something at the brick store. She also established, and bequeathed to the town upon her death in 1937, the West Townsend Reading Room where groups could meet and enjoy reading books and publications. The building and its benefit to the town continues today.

All those involved in today’s Kids Kountry Playground working to provide safe play spaces for our children.

All those involved in Townsend’s sports and athletic programs, many started years ago.

The Love and Caring for Our Environment:

In 1905 Howard Park became Townsend’s first park when a small group of town residents, led by William Russell, put together their funds for the town to purchase 4 1/2 acres of land from Albert Howard, as a gift to the residents of the town. It was to preserve the land forever as a public park. In the 1940s additional land was added.

Pearl Russell, and many others, who worked years later to “ Save Howard Park” and those working today for the conservation and protection of our ponds and rivers, including the Earth Day and Recycling Programs begun and continued by Townsend citizens.

The Love and Caring for Our Community:

The volunteer work of Townsend citizens joining together for the restoration of Memorial Hall. The establishment of the town’s free public Hart Library opening to the town in 1929, and the expansion of the Library and the Senior Center in 2008 through the generous gift of the Sterilite Corporation.

The development of the Rail Trail providing for the enjoyment of today’s community.

The Love and Caring Generosity of Others:

Mr. Al Stone and the Sterilite Corporation who have given so much to the betterment of our town. The Clubs and Organizations formed to help the people of Townsend such as the TEO, The Lion’s Club, Couple’s Club and others.

Our Churches who provide spiritual comfort and support to those in need and look after families from birth through death. Their work spans the timeline of Townsend.

The Love and Caring to Preserve Traditions and Festivals:

Summer Band Concerts with Townsend having one of the longest performing bands in the country. The work of organizations and volunteers who plan and organize the many events on the Common throughout the year. The organizers of Parades and Memorials to honor and commemorate our history and important town events.

The Love and Caring of Our Protectors:

The Townsend Police, Fire Department, EMS, Highway Department and Water Department, and town departments, and of course Townsend’s doctors and pharmacists. McNabb Pharmacy showcases old pharmacy items and scales, and even a very large book containing prescriptions written by Dr. Churchville and other physicians.

The Love and Caring of those Preserving Our History:

Ithamar Sawtelle who wrote Townsend’s first history in 1878, “The History of the Town of Townsend, Middlesex County, Massachusetts”. The Townsend Historical Society formed in1894 by Aspen D. Fessenden. The many over of the years involved in the preservation of our historic buildings such as Memorial Town Hall, the Reed Homestead, Old Harbor Village buildings, our town Common, and our cemeteries, including The Old Burying Ground, cared for over time by dedicated town workers.

The Love and Caring for Our State and Country:

Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, and Patriots Day – remembering our history and the fallen, and those who served to protect us. Those placing flags on July 4th in celebration of our country’s birth. We will remember with pride and appreciation the 250th anniversary of Townsend’s 73 young men who answered the call on April 19, 1775, and marched from the town Common to Concord in the fight for our country’s independence. <massachusetts250.org>. Please join us as we march/walk in their footsteps at 11:00 on April 19th from the Common, along the Rail Trail, to the Reed House. Townsend’s Minutemen will lead the march.

Eunice Locke, Heroine of Townsend, who in 1777, at age 15, tirelessly worked for 40 hours to sew pantaloons for her brother John, needed for his service in the Townsend militia during the Revolutionary War.

The Love and Caring of Neighbors for One Another:

Shown when we reach out to support those in need, losing everything after a fire, flood or tragic accident or health emergency.

There is so much more to remember, so many more individuals and groups working every day. Townsend has been built, and has grown, through the love and dedication of her citizens, working together, volunteering, and caring for this community and its people, and always thinking about Townsend’s growth and future.

Let’s hope we can follow in our ancestor’s footsteps and continue to show that same love and caring for our community, and for one another.❤️