By Sharon Lacasse

As I was helping Eileen Barnacoat in the Vault at the Reed House, I stumbled upon this list of information.

Activities from October 1972 through September 1977

Did you know? that in October 1972 the Historical Society voted to purchase the Reed House for $22,500 with $500 paid at
signing and $6,500 was paid at closing. The remainder was in 15-year installments.

Did you know? that in September 1973 the Reed House opened its doors to 400 visitors. The Sudbury Fife and Drum Corp
entertained.

Did you know? that on October 1973 the Adams Memorial Bridge on Route 13 in Townsend was dedicated.

Did you know? that in January of 1974 Stanley Fesseden donated $7,000 to the Society to construct a walk-in vault at the Reed
House.

Did you know? that During October 1974 Richard Smith conducted the first cemetery tour for the Historical Society.

Did you know? that in November 1974 the Society voted to lease the Cooperage and the Grist Mill from the Society for the
Preservation of New England Antiquities (SPNEA) for $1.00 per year.

Did you know? that in May 1975 at a town meeting it was voted to negotiate with the SPNEA for the purchase of the Conant House for not more than $30,000. A Lease was drawn with the SPNEA for $1.00 per year for 5 years for the Cooperage and Grist Mill with the following stipulations (1) a committee would register both buildings with the National Register of Historical Sites, (2) The buildings could be used for fundraising or instructional programs but would be protected from abuse. (3) The Historical Society of Townsend would not sub-let the buildings, and finally (4) The Historical Society would insure both buildings.

Did you know? that on November 1975 at the Reed House new cellar stairs were constructed, the roof and chimney were repaired
and the basement was cleaned.

Did you know? that in April 1976 Historic Costume Review program was held featuring 18th, 19th and 20th century cloths. Coffee and Finnish bread was served.

Did you know? that in May 1976 the Couples Club and members of the Historical Society painted the Reed House. A service of 50 dishes was acquired by the Society from the Townsend Memorial Association.

Did you know? that in October 1976 a costume a ball was held and co-sponsored by the Townsend Police and Fire Departments.

Did you know? that in March 1977 the Society announced the sponsoring of writing of the Town history.

Did you know? that in June 1977 the Couples Club finished painting the Reed House.

Did you know? That in July 1977 a permit was received for the addition of a parking lot at the Reed House.

And …. Did you know? that in September 1977 the Townsend Planning Board requested a master plan of historic sites. Elsie
Lowe and Ruth Marshall completed the marking of a Planning Board Map in November.

I hope this information was as interesting to you as it was to me!

Sharon Lacasse