On Friday, July Twenty-five, 1919, Townsend honored her ‘Soldier Boys’ returning home from the World War 1917-1918. An official Souvenir Program was created “Given in Honor of the Return of the Boys who Served in the World War 1917-1918. “ The Program for the day lists a variety of activities to celebrate the returning soldiers.…
Category: Treasures from the Vault
A Revolutionary War era Musket and the 250th March
This musket, donated to the Historical Society by Asa K. Tyler back in 1934, was possibly taken from a British soldier and over time it was modified and its barrel shortened to perhaps make it more suitable for squirrel hunting. The intake information notes “Old Flint Lock Gun. A.K.Tyler bought this gun when he was…
The Historic Clothing Collection
Are you aware that the Townsend Historical Society holds one of the largest collections of colonial era clothing in New England? For the past 10 years a crew of workers, led by Sandi Starrett, and accompanied by Carol Conaway, and Jan Johnson and others, have been working to assess and catalog and photograph each item…
February – Valentine’s Day – Love and Caring -Thoughts by Eileen Barnacoat
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…
Ice Skates and Sleds and Bob Tumber’s Sledding and Skating Escapades
Winter is upon us and many are dusting off their skis, sleds and ice skates and dreaming of snowy days with good sledding hills. Our ancestors, in their day, probably had the same thoughts. The THS is indeed fortunate to have some historic ice skates and a lovely old sled. The old wooden ice skates…
Indiana Tabor and the Attic of the Prescott Bass
Back in 2019, our esteemed former site administrator Tabor Morrell decided to put his archeological training to use in the Reed Homestead attic. While exploring through the cobwebs up there, he came across an unexpected find – a double bass, the largest of the string instruments. As luck would have it, his brother-in-law, Jason Lee,…
An Antique Pudding and Brown Bread Steamer
This antique tin pudding steamer came with the message “The old article that was for steaming brown bread or suet pudding. It is a least 100 years old. Had belonged to Agnes Sherman.” These steamers were used to steam Christmas Puddings and Brown Breads, such as this one made and steamed by Chris Barnacoat for…
The Cow Still
“Necessity (really) is the Mother of Invention” Have you ever given thought to a cow, especially when it is being milked? Go back at least 120 years and imagine yourself in a rustic old wooden barn on a farm in Townsend Harbor. The sound of the old timbers creaking, seeing a few chickens scratching on…
Mr. Tenney’s Invention
The Townsend Historical Society’s vault continues to offer up some interesting, rather unique stories and items. Any ideas on what this unusual contraption might be ? Welcome to the Platform Bag Holder! In 1907 this useful invention was patented by George H. Tenney, as “The Platform Bag Holder Company” of West Townsend, Massachusetts! In the…
The Old School Bell
As of this writing, Townsend school bells are ringing again for the start of the school year. How many bells have been rung in Townsend since the first school house was built in 1746? Who was behind the ringing of these bells? How many students heard the call of the bell and sat diligently at…