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The Townsend Historical Society

~ Preserving Local History Since 1896 ~

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Tag: Historic artifact

Ice Skates and Sleds and Bob Tumber’s Sledding and Skating Escapades

by Townsend Historical Society on January 4, 2025January 4, 2025

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…

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An Antique Pudding and Brown Bread Steamer

by Townsend Historical Society on November 21, 2024November 21, 2024

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…

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The Cow Still

by Townsend Historical Society on October 20, 2024October 20, 2024

“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…

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Mr. Tenney’s Invention

by Townsend Historical Society on September 27, 2024September 27, 2024

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…

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Office Hours

In person visits: appointments
are recommended in advance

Tuesday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Tel.: 978-597-2106
Email: info@townsendhistoricalsociety.org

Location

Our Headquarters and Museum can be found at:

The Reed Homestead
72 Main Street
Townsend, MA 01469

Mail: P.O. Box 95
Townsend, MA 01469

© 1896 – 2025

 

Upcoming Events

Arts and Craft Fair – Sep 19 and 20, 2026

Arts and Craft Fair on the Common.  Learn more and sign up here.

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