Schools and Education in the Monadnock Region
Wyman Tavern News
Monadnock Moment Book Signing
November Membership Meeting
Story Circle on the Great Depression
Reflections Documentary Series Available in Boxed Set
Message from the President
First Saturdays at HSCC
2009 Sponsors
Auction of Historic Proportions Report
Calendar of Events

Samuel Litch was born in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, in 1779. His father died when he was nine years old, and he was sent to live with his grandfather in Vermont. Samuel never attended school as a youngster. After the work on the farm was completed for the day, he studied the few books available to him until late at night. Litch returned to Massachusetts at the age of eighteen and was able to attend school for the first time. After six weeks of disorder in the classroom, the teacher in the district school was forced to resign. Litch's classmates then elected him as teacher. The school committee agreed; he began teaching and remained in that profession the rest of his life.

Samuel Litch moved to Jaffrey, in 1806, and began teaching in the district schools. He was schoolmaster throughout the town for two decades. His students became so attached that they followed him from district to district so that he would be their teacher. Litch rose early in the morning and cared for his farm animals before walking several miles to his school. Once there he built the fire, shoveled the snow, cut the wood, made the pens, and then taught as many as 100 pupils their lessons. In his spare time he wrote textbooks on rhetoric, geography and other topics. Dedicated schoolmaster Samuel Litch was described modestly in the Jaffrey town history as being "distinguished for discipline and aptness as a teacher."

Samuel Litch is just one example of the many teachers, students and schools that will be highlighted in the winter exhibit at the Historical Society. This new feature exhibit is a joint undertaking of the Monadnock Historical Societies Forum. The members of this Roundtable group have pooled their information, artifacts and expertise to develop this exhibit on the history of two centuries of education in southwest New Hampshire.

Thousands of teachers taught hundreds of thousands of students in the region's schools during the period from the early 1700s to the early 1900s. This exhibition will tell the story of the development of education and the experiences of students and teachers during those years. The exhibit will explore the classroom of the one-room school, the life of the teacher, school architecture, student work and textbooks, education laws and policies, and a variety of other topics.

The winter exhibit will open with a reception for members and exhibit partners on Friday evening, December 4. It will open to the general public on December 5. The Forum members have also submitted information for a publication to accompany the exhibit. This publication will tell the story of schools and education in the towns of the region in greater detail. Please join us for the opening reception from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on December 4, and remember to pick up your copy of the new cooperative publication.

Wyman Tavern News

The final Tavern Forum was held in October to present the proposed long range plan to the community. The presentation produced a heartfelt and helpful discussion, and we wish to thank everyone who attended this meeting.

The Tavern closed its doors for the winter in early November. To everyone who helped keep Keene’s most historic structure operating for another year, thank you. We anticipate the Tavern opening again the beginning of May for another year of tours, programs, and activities.

HSCC to Host Book Signing for Monadnock Moments

On Saturday, November 21, author Alan Rumrill will be at HSCC to sign copies of his new book Monadnock Moments: Historic Tales from Southwest New Hampshire. The book signing will take place from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Society headquarters at 246 Main Street in Keene.

Monadnock Moments consists of a collection of historic tales originally prepared for presentation on radio station WKNE in Keene, between 1985 and 2005. These historical vignettes tell the stories of famous authors, inventors and military heroes, but they also tell tales of murderers, bank robbers and accused witches. These “moments” tell how residents of the region lived, worked and persevered in the past. The book signing event will be a good opportunity for you to get a copy of the book inscribed for the history buff on your holiday gift list.

November Membership Meeting to Focus on the Past and Future of Keene’s Iconic Stone Arch Railroad Bridge

Jack Little and Phil Faulkner of the Keene Heritage Commission and Kurt Blomquist, Keene Public Works Director, will give a power point presentation on the Stone Arch Railroad Bridge in South Keene at the Membership Meeting of the Historical Society of Cheshire County, on November 23, at 7:00 pm.

Jack, Phil and Kurt will give a short history of the bridge which was built in 1847. The program will then outline a series of events that have taken place since 2004 when local groups first raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the bridge with its owner, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. The presentation will conclude with the preliminary findings of an engineering study on the present condition of the bridge together with recommendations on restoring the bridge and a long range maintenance plan.

Please join us for this interesting presentation about local individuals and organizations that are actively preserving Cheshire County history!

Stories Circle Series Continues with “The Great Depression”

The new Story Circle Series will continue with its second session at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 7. The topic of this session will be “The Great Depression.” It will be held in the Kay Fox Room at the Keene Public Library. Please come to listen or share a story as we gather the oral history of our region. These circles will be televised on Cheshire TV. The series is sponsored by the Historical Society of Cheshire County, Monadnock Institute at Franklin Pierce University and Keene Public Library.

Reflections Documentary Series Available in Boxed Set

The Reflections Documentary Series has proven to be a popular hit in the Monadnock region. More than 2500 people have viewed the five film premieres at the Colonial Theater in downtown Keene over the last year. These documentaries are now available for the first time for purchase in a single boxed set. The set includes all five films: The Hurricane of 1938; Trolleys, Trains and Flyers; Pisgah, A Place Apart; The County Complex: Farm, Nursing Home and Jail; From Flannels to Fuses: Textile Mills of the Monadnock Region. The set sells for $50 and is available at the Historical Society, Toadstool Bookshops and Keene Public Library. These documentaries are based on oral history and preserve the region’s history for future generations. The Reflections Project partners are Cheshire TV, Historical Society of Cheshire County, Keene Public Library, Keene Sentinel, Keene State College, and Monadnock Institute at Franklin Pierce University.

A Message from HSCC Board President

To Our Valued Members:

We are facing some challenges at the Historical Society that result from having goals set that may exceed our means to achieve them. The Trustees are currently engaged in planning and budgeting for the next several years. We are working to be responsible stewards of our resources and to carry out our mission. But our current income cannot meet planned expenses.

There is much success to build on. Our collections and programs continue to inform and entertain many people. The Perley book was a great success. Credit card sales have increased memberships and museum store sales. Our auction is growing: generating income and introducing people to our programs and mission. We are grateful for the contributions of members and others, without which we cannot exist.

The trustees and staff are looking for imaginative ways to expand revenue and to support programs we know people value. This list is a beginning of ideas:

1) Establishing Saturday winter hours at the Society to open only on the first Saturday of the month. This will save on heat and electricity.

2) Reviewing fees for Society services and facilities to reflect the market and our costs to provide them.

3) Reviewing our collections to identify items that do not relate to our mission. De-accession of these could generate income for collections work.

Some of these are temporary solutions, others may last. We will monitor and evaluate their effectiveness. We seek the support of our members and the community, not only in financial donations, but also with ideas and knowledge to achieve our mission.

The Keene Sentinel Editorial October 20, 2009 titled “History’s Lesson” says among other things: “Big readjustments will continue to be needed. Based on the record of the Depression to which these times are often compared, the recovery will take resilience, imagination and time. To believe otherwise is to forget history, willfully or not.”

Past experience can show what might solve today’s problems. It also shows us that things will likely improve, but not by accident. History also shows that adversity can bring people together to accomplish positive change.

The Trustees and I are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Historical Society and look forward to your input. We look forward to working together.

Sincerely,
C.B. Jacobs, President

First Saturdays At the Historical Society

Starting January 2, 2010, the Historical Society will be open on the first Saturday of each month only. Come in to do research, see the latest exhibit, and attend special events such as gallery walks and book signings.

First Saturday Winter Hours: 9:00 am to 12:00 - January through April

Thank You to our 2009 Program and Auction Sponsors

Ariel Printing
Ashuelot Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Connecticut River Bank
Creative Encounters
Good Fortune
Keene Sentinel
Monadnock Folklore Society
New Hampshire Humanities Council
Savings Bank of Walpole
Carin Torp Healing Arts PLLC

The Gravina Wealth Management Group
Of Wells Fargo Advisors
In the Company of Flowers
Kristin’s Bistro and Bakery
Sunflowers Café and Catering
Cheshire Oil Company
Hampshire First Bank
Mr. and Mrs. Carl Jacobs
Barbara Jones
Perfecta Wines
Pregent Antiques & Auctions
Cheshire Medical Center

Auction of Historic Proportions Report
A Good Time Had By All 

The "Auction of Historic Proportions" held at the Historical Society of Cheshire County on Friday, October 23rd was very successful. The objective of the auction was to raise funds to continue the Society’s mission of collecting, preserving and communicating the history of Cheshire County. We wish to thank the auction committee members: Susan Landers-Gilbert, Gail Currier, Laurie Boes, Bob Weekes, Jane Reynolds, Anthony Tremblay, Jan Van Den Beemt, Julie Dickson and Carl Jacobs, Jr., as well as the volunteers and staff who helped to make this event a success.

The Society also wishes to thank the sponsors listed on page 4 of this newsletter for their generous support and our auctioneers, Keene Mayor Dale Pregent and Greg Pregent of Pregent Antiques & Auctions.

Our donations were unique and followed the theme of the area’s history which provided great interest to bidders who participated online, during the live auction and through the silent auction. The Society graciously thanks regional artists: Sue Doyle, Mary Iselin, Bob Seaman and Nicole Caulfield who painted "historical postcards" (signed on the reverse) which added an air of mystery for potential bidders.

The auction attendees enjoyed music by Carl Jacobs, Jr., Al Brogdon, Matt Harris and Brian Gill and a historical skit depicting the evolution of the Wyman Tavern with actors portraying Captain Isaac Wyman (Tom Haynes), the Reverend Zedekiah Barstow (Don Wilmeth) and present day Director, Alan Rumrill. Trustee and program creator, Bob Weekes, presented the entertainment as Uncle Sam to the delight and amusement of the audience. Delicious food from Kristin’s Bakery, and Sunflower’s Café was served by students from the Interact Club of Keene High School.. Wine was poured by Colline Dreyfus of Perfecta Wines and other beverages were provided by G. Hausen . Candies were provided by Ye Goodie Shoppe and pudding by Timoleon’s Restaurant. Mary Schofield of In The Company of Flowers decorated the hall with beautiful floral arrangements. The centerpieces were auctioned off at evening’s end to eager bidders.

The dedicated work of the Auction Committee, Trustees and HSCC Staff made this an event "not to be missed" as it has become an annual fundraiser for the Society each October. To our many auction patrons, in the house or online, the Society offers our thanks for your assistance in sharing the importance and understanding of the past that will help to build a better future. The Society is most grateful.

Auction Committee Chair,
Susan Landers-Gilbert

Calendar of Events

November 2009 Wednesday, November 18, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, HSCC Exhibit Hall. Chamber of Commerce Business Afterhours.

Saturday, November 21, 10:00 to Noon, HSCC Exhibit Hall. Book Signing by Alan Rumrill of Monadnock Moments.

Monday, November 23, 7:00 pm, HSCC Exhibit Hall. Membership Meeting: The Past and Future of the Stone Arch Bridge.

Thursday, November 26 through Saturday, November 28, HSCC Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday.

Friday, December 4, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, HSCC Exhibit Hall. Schools and Education Exhibit Opening Reception.

Saturday, December 5, HSCC Exhibit Hall. Schools and Education in the Monadnock Region Exhibit Opens.

Thursday, December 24 through Saturday, December 26, HSCC Closed for Christmas Holidays.

Thursday, December 31, HSCC Closes at 3:00 pm, for New Year’s Holiday.

Friday, January 1, HSCC Closed. Happy New Year!

Saturday, January 2, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, HSCC Open for First Saturday winter hours.

Wednesday, January 13, 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Teacher Research Night.

Wednesday, January 20, 7:00 pm, HSCC Exhibit Hall. Schools and Education in the Monadnock Region Gallery Walk.

February 2010
Saturday, February 6, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. HSCC Open for First Saturday Winter Hours.

Saturday, February 6, 10:00 am, HSCC Exhibit Hall. Schools and Education in the Monadnock Region Gallery Walk.

Wednesday, February 10, 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Teacher Research Night.

Wednesday, February 17, 7:00 pm, HSCC Exhibit Hall. Schools and Education Gallery Walk.

Thursday, February 18, 9:30 am, Horatio Colony House Museum. Roundtable Forum Meeting.