Travel back in time
North Historical Society's annual fair, open house always 'must-see' viewing
BY JANETTE BOULAY FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE
Monday, November 16, 2009 2:16 AM EST
NORTH ATTLEBORO - Can you imagine how peaceful the holidays must have been a few hundred years ago - before the hustle and bustle of it all - when it was the simple things that made Christmas Day so special.
If you've ever longed to experience a bit of Christmas the way it was in those simpler times, plan on attending the North Attleboro Historical Society's annual Holiday Fair and Open House, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
One step inside the society's 1669 Woodcock Garrison House on North Washington Street, and you'll feel as though you were transported back in time.
It all begins with the aroma of a fresh turkey cooking over the open hearth in the keeping room, mingled with the fragrant scent of cedar from the harvest tree, traditionally adorned with strings of cranberries, popcorn and tiny dolls made of corn husks.
Through the efforts of the Angle Tree Garden Club of North Attleboro, which decorates the house every year, visitors also can envision the holiday seasons long ago by viewing the 19th century decorated Christmas trees on the second and third floors.
Just next door, visitors can step back in time again in the society's Little Red Schoolhouse, where the welcoming aroma will be mulled cider and donuts they can enjoy as they peruse the many items for sale in the Holiday Fair.
Among the items for sale will be an assortment of gifts, new and estate jewelry, white elephant selections and gently used books for children and adults as well as home-baked pies, cakes, pastries and preserves, as well as a variety of raffle items.
And, while you're enjoying the simplicity of it all, you can also take pleasure in knowing you are helping to preserve the experience for years to come, as proceeds help to maintain both structures and the events the society offers at them.
"This is one of our annual fundraisers," said Society President James Hale.
"Since our last fair, both boilers in our two buildings have failed and have needed to be replaced. While there is an ongoing capital fund drive, monies realized here will help this fund."
Hale also notes that for many residents in the area, the event has become a tradition as they use it a kick-off for the holiday season.
Longtime curator of the Woodcock Garrison House, Claire Harrison will attest to the many who make the event a tradition every year, but also urges those who have not yet experienced it to come out and do so.
"I think it's important for people in town to know about the history of their town and how it developed," Harrison said. "I know we have a lot of new people in town, and perhaps it would be interesting for them particularly to learn about the history of their new home."
Harrison also urges parents and other family members of the town's third-graders who visit the Garrison House and School House each year to help reinforce what their children have learned.
"The third-graders do come for their program, but it's a pretty intense program and this gives them a chance to review what they've already seen and take part in an activity and bring their family along so that they can show their family what they have enjoyed as a school class" she said.
Janette Boulay can be reached by phone or fax at 508-222-0993 or by e-mail at
janette.boulay@gmail.com.
