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Reminder Assistant Editor LONGMEADOW The Longmeadow Historic Commission, the Longmeadow Historic District Commission and the Longmeadow Historical Society have teamed up to host a 225th birthday celebration for the first town to be incorporated into the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The celebration will last a week, starting on Oct. 17, the anniversary of the date Longmeadow was incorporated, and will run through Oct. 24, when the ghosts of the past will be revisited. "This celebration is a great opportunity to continue to spread the word about our rich history and to have fun," Susan Hall, a member of the Historical Society and chair of the celebration's Steering Committee, said. Betsy McKee, also a member of the Historical Society and the Steering Committee, said the planning of the celebration took nearly two years. "We really haven't done [anything like] this before," McKee said. "The last time we had a big party was the bicentennial." Everything taking place during the 225th birthday celebration is free of charge, with the exception of Antiques Appraisal Day. Donations will be accepted to help pay for future of events of this nature, according to McKee, as well as provide funding for lecturers, community mailings and preservation efforts in town. On Oct. 17, the entire town is invited to attend the 225th birthday reception at 7 p.m. in the Community House. State Rep. Mary Rogeness will be honored during the reception for her service to the community and her dedication to Longmeadow's history. "It was not an easy choice to pick Mary. There were so many good candidates to pick from," Hall said. "The timing is just right for her." Select Board Chair Paul Santaniello will be making a speech and presenting a special gift to the retiring representative. Six historic preservation awards will be given out as well one will go to Dr. Carol Leary, president of Bay Path College, for the work the school has done restoring the President's House, another to Town Manager Robin Crosbie and the town for their work restoring the Community House. Peter Santos will also be receiving a lifetime achievement award. Music for the reception will be provided by students from the high school's orchestra and the town is encouraged to sing a round of "Happy Birthday" at the end of the reception. Birthday cake will be served. On Oct. 18, the Community House will be host to Antiques Appraisal Day from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reservations for appointments must be made ahead of time, and there is a fee for this service. Request forms are available at Storrs Library and online at www.longmeadow.org. Interested residents can also contact the Historical Society at 567-3600 for more information. The Hometown History Festival for Families will be taking place Oct. 19 at Bay Path College from 1 to 4 p.m. (In case of rain, the festival will be moved to the Community House.) This free festival will feature local legend Johnny Appleseed, weaving demonstrations from the Weavers Guild of Springfield and a chance to meet a Minuteman who would be ready to fight with only a minute's notice during the Revolutionary War. Santos will share stories of Longmeadow's past and children will have the opportunity to play some colonial games, including Nine-Man Morrice (a board game), Jacob's Ladder (a toy) and Graces (a hoop throwing game). "We're trying to make the festival authentic and fun," Hall stated. The festival will also culminate with birthday cake for attendees. The Storrs House will be open for tours from 1 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19. The house is located at 697 Longmeadow St. The Longmeadow Chamber Music Society will be performing at 4 p.m. in the First Church, and the concert will feature an original composition about Johnny Appleseed. The piece, which was composed by Clifton J. Noble, is a work for flute, violin, cello, piano, banjo, children's choir and narrator. On Oct. 23, the annual meeting of the Historical Society will gather at the Community House and feature a 225th birthday speaker. The celebration wraps up with the annual "Ghosts in the Graveyard" event in the cemetery behind the First Church on Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Civil War hero Howard Burnham, riverboat pilot Alonzo Converse and stonecarver Herman Newell will be just some of Longmeadow's most well-known "ghosts" making an appearance. Cider and donuts will be served to those brave enough to participate. Make sure to bring a flashlight. "I'm a history nut and I think all of this is interesting and fascinating," McKee said. "It's about celebrating what we had and what we have." For more information on the 225th birthday celebration, click on the banner on www.longmeadow.org or e-mail specific questions to Hall at susanjhall42@comcast.net. |
