Unusual place to find Littleton

Where is the most unlikely place you've ever found Littleton?   For me it was a village in Ireland. On the way to Cashel Rock in Tipperary

   "An Baile Dhaith"  gaelic for Littleton

                                              Main Street Littleton Co Tipperary

 

                                                             St Mary's Church -  doesn't appear to have "the bell"

Christmas in Littleton

From the Littleton Guidon

Christmas of 1906 in Littleton must be recorded as eminently successful if there is any evidence in happy faces and merry voices at the Christmas  festivals of the various churches, and best of all, the hearty response of the children to the invitation for Christmas remembrances for the poor.  Two heaping barrelsful of gifts were forwarded from the Baptist church alone to Salvation Army headquarters.

The good old English custom of singing carols on Christmas eve was revived Monday evening, when a company of about 10 children sang of “peace and good will” just outside many homes in the west end.  Joyous their sweet voices sounded in the crisp December air.  Thank you dear little folk.

1910- Christmas Visitors-  George Wright and family of Lowell were holiday guests of his sister, Mrs. W.E. Conant.  Mr. and Mrs. Wallace B. Conant of Concord were at his father’s on Christmas.  Mrs. Mary Houghton Holt and daughter, Miss Clara Shaw of Belmont spent Christmas at Charles W. Houghton’s.  James Smith’s family, twenty in all, celebrated Christmas at their home on Harvard Avenue.  Mrs. Patrick Neagle’s family were all at home for the holiday.  Miss Alice Halpin of Groton spent Christmas with her sister, Mrs. Sullivan at the common.  Mrs. Lucy Pickard went to Chelmsford to celebrate with son George and family.  Clement Kimball spent last Sunday at A.T. Kimball’s. 

A pleasant home gathering was held with Hon. George w. Sanderson on Monday December 26, when the four generations of his family, including the families of Chester F. Flagg,  Josiah P. Thatcher, Judge George A. Sanderson, Arthur F. Blanchard, Burton S. Flagg and Charles R. Houghton centered under the paternal roof to participate in the Christmas festivities.  Following the dinner an entertainment fitting to the day was carried out by the children when the old dining room was transformed into Santa Claus land, and the old walls which for generations have cherished such reunions, once more echoed with happy Christmas carols and added another red letter day to the memory of everyone present.

1893- The spirit of good cheer was never more manifestly abroad in Littleton than upon the evening of Christmas just past.  The vestry of the Congregational church was the scene of one of those social happy gatherings which we love to look back upon as expressions of Christian fellowship and hearty good will.  The children of the parish turned out in full number, accompanied by their elders whose beaming faces seemed to have taken on again the enthusiasm of childhood.

The entertainment of the evening was furnished chiefly by the Sunday school.  Recitations by the younger members were followed by a very creditable rendering of a cantata, called “Christmas eve at grandpa’s” during the progress of which jolly old Santa Claus himself appeared upon the scene.

1890- A Christmas tree in full bloom will appear in the vestry of the Congregational Church for the children, on  Christmas eve.

The annual Christmas gathering at the vestry of the Baptist church, on Wednesday evening, was attended by a large number, elderly people as well as children being present in good numbers.  After a bountiful supper, all were highly entertained with reading by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Cloues, of the Birds Christmas carol by Mrs. Kate Wiggin.  The tree which is ready for harvesting only on Dec 25^th, this year bore a bountiful crop of fruit.  The branches were rapidly relieved of their heavy weight, many valuable presents being distributed.

The Christmas gathering, Thursday afternoon, at the Unitarian vestry, called out most of the little ones, who seemed to have a delightful time in games, plays and marching, which, together with the refreshments, and Christmas trees hanging full of candy bags, pleased the little ones. 

There were quite a number of family reunions here Christmas day.  Notably one at C.P. Hartwells, where we counted twenty members of the family around the festive board; another at Mrs. L.A. Wright’s , where seventeen of her family sat down to a Christmas dinner.  Mr. and Mr.s J.W. Ireland invited their relatives with their children to unite with them in having a Christmas tree at their home on Harwood avenue, and more than twenty responded and a very pleasant enjoyable evening was spent in games and plays and watching the little radiant faces.  Some jokes were called from the blooming tree.

2013 BLOCK THE TORY HOUSE

The Tory House original site  

300 King Street

Text on plaque

Original site of the Tory House. A volley of lead was fired in 1775 through the door at the Loyalist Reverend Rogers by a band of Patriots when he would not come out and declare his intentions. The house was moved to 280 King Street in 1858.

Issued by: Littleton Historical Commission

280 King Street

Built: c 1770

Style: Georgian

Text on plaque

TORY HOUSE Ca. 1716. Home of Daniel Rogers, Littleton's Second Minister and Tory Sympathizer. During the Revolutionary War, Patriots came to this house and demanded that the Rev. Rogers come out and declare his principles. When he did not appear, the Patriots fired, piercing the front door and stair panel with musket balls. The original door can be seen at the Littleton Historical Society.

Issued by: Littleton Historical Commission

Text from 2009 Freedom's Way Strollin' & Rollin' Tours pamphlet

Originally built by Isaac Powers, this house was moved to this site in 1858 from 300 King Street The Tory House was the scene of a confrontation between the Loyalist Rev. Rogers and local patriots. Shots were fired through the front doors, which, with their bullet holes, can be seen at the historical Society on Rogers Street

Wanted: Photos for Littleton 300 Book

The Littleton Historical Society needs photographs of people and places in town during the 1900’s for possible use in the 300 Book. In particular, pictures related to WWI (1917/18), and WWII (1940’s) are needed. Do you have good quality pictures of family members who were in military service? We also need pictures showing places in town associated with the war effort.

You can send digital photos to Littleton.HistSociety@Verizon.net, or bring original photographs to the Society at 4 Rogers Street where they will be scanned and the originals returned to you. The Society is open every Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 4 PM. When submitting photos, please provide information, such as the names of people, the location, the date when taken, and name of the photographer, if known. Pictures will be considered for use to illustrate the 300 Book. And also added to the Society’s collection.

For more information and other times when you can bring photos to the Society, please e-mail the Society or call 978-486-8202. Or call Ann Himmelberger at 978-742-5960, or e-mail ahhimmelberger@verizon.net. 

September 19th 7:30PM at the Congregational Church 330 King Street Littleton

ROUNDERS TO BASEBALL presented by Anne Barrett

Precursors to baseball have been played for hundred of years, including a rousing game of stoolball at Plimouth Plantation that caused the governor to confiscate the game pieces.  It provided Civil War soldiers an outlet in training camps and prisons.  It bred gambling scandals, and rivalries so bitter that the NY Giants refused to play against Boston for the 1904World Series.  Trace the game's social, historical and professional evolution from the 19th century "townball" to the formation of the major leagues.  Not just for baseball fans but for anyone who enjoys history!

APPRAISAL DAY AND YARD SALE SEPTEMBER 28TH

WHAT’S IT WORTH? 

APPRAISAL DAY

SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

10AM – 2PM

The Littleton Historical Society is hosting an Appraisal Day at the Museum, 7 Rogers Street, Littleton, Ma.  Bring in your family heirlooms, flea-market finds or long lost items from the attic.   Martin Willis of James D. Julia Inc. will advise you of the value.  The cost is $5 per item (limit of 3) and all proceeds go to the Littleton Historical Society.  No reservations, first come first serve.  Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about that treasured family object and support the Historical Society’s programs.  For more information call 978 486-8202 or email Littleton.HistSociety@verizon.net.

YARD SALE AT FAY PARK

SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

9 -1 PM

Fall is a great time to clean out the basement and attic.   Donate those no-longer-wanted, new or gently used items* for The Littleton Historical Society’s yard sale.  Drop off items at the Museum, 7 Rogers St,  Wednesday September 25 between 1 -4 PM and 7 -8 PM  or Friday September 27 between 7 and 8PM.  Call 978-486-4327 to arrange a pickup.  All proceeds will benefit the Littleton Historical Society.

If you would like to participate in the yard sale, table space is available for $10.00

For more information call 978-486-8202 or email Littleton.HistSociety@verizon.net

*(no large appliances, electronics, chemicals or nonworking items please)

DEATH OF A VETERAN WAR HORSE

from the Boston Herald  December 5, 1880


During the war of the rebellion there was taken from a rebel officer in Virginia by one of the United States soldiers a very valuable horse of the Virginia thoroughbred or "red eye" breed.  He was five or six years old, of a handsome dark-brown color, and very stylish in appearance.  He came into the possession of Adj. Gen. James A. Cunningham, who rode him for two years, the animal, on account of his great endurance, superior intelligence, and fearless disposition proving very valuable for army service.  He went through the battle of the Wilderness and other encounters uninjured.  He was named Phil Sheridan, on account of his efficient war service.  At the close of the rebellion Gen. Cunningham sold him to Stephen Longley of Shirley who sold him to Col J.A. Harwood of Littleton for a handsome price, who bought him for a family horse.  Col Harwood has owned him for 15 years and appeared with him at Governor's reviews for six or seven years.  The horse being about 25 years old, had outlived his usefulness and his owner had him killed with a rifle ball yesterday.  He was buried on an eminence near his owner's residence, standing up, and with his head facing the house.  A headstone inscribed "Phil Sheridan" will be erected over the grave.