November Pasts

"1887  Thanksgiving Ball in the town hall, Littleton, Thursday evening, Nov 24.  Floor director:  H.E. Hendley; aids:  C. A. Priest,  J.H.Hartwell, F.B. Priest, L.E. Fletcher, F. A. Hosmer, J.H.D. Whitcomb, J.W.Ireland, G.D. Jacobs, F. N. Hartwell, A.F. Kimball, FA. Tuttle, Frank Haynes, Clayton Hartwell.  Music:  Carter's band of Boston.  Concert from 7:45 till 8:30.   Dancing from 8:30 till 1."

"Gone:  The barrels of clothing consisting of fifty-nine articles, books and papers, to the Crow Indians the latter part of last week, was sent by the ladies' sewing circle of the Unitarian church.  The clothing sent is well adapted to the young bloods of the Indian tribe."


"1888-  The Kickapoo Indians have been here and pitched their tent, or tried to, in the town hall, but did go across the street to Sawyer Hoar's house to camp at night.  There was some misunderstanding about letting them the hall, but after the pledge was given in a business like way, it didn't seem right to withhold it when they came with their chattels and medicines.  They were in Concord two weeks, and sold a thousand dollars' worth of their medicines.  They are at Westford for a stay of two days."

"1889-concerning books purchased by the Library-  "At various times books of a religious character, as well as others desired by readers, have been rejected because of opinions set forth, such as the majority of the trustees are not willing to have promulgated from the library.  The action of the trustees at their last meeting is especially noteworthy and unwarrantable.  Among the books asked for and procured by the librarian for the consideration of the trustees were the following:  "The Bible for Learners" by Dr. H. Oort and Dr. I. Hooykaas, "What is the Bible" by Rev J.T. Sunderland, and "Rachel Armstrong" by Celia P. Woodley.  These are all books written by well known and highly respected authors, and published with no denominational imprint, the first by Roberts Bros., and the last by Ticknor and Company.  There can be no claim that the books were refused because of the nature of the subjects treated, for books of the same kind, but mostly written from a different point of view have been purchased without hesitation.  Neither was the objection on the score of expense, for at the same meeting at which these books which had been asked for were rejected, books costing several times as much and which no one had called for were purchased.   They were refused on purely sectarian grounds, because the views presented were not considered by the majority of the trustees suitable to be furnished by the library to the people of the town.
And it is the principle here illustrated to which the attention of the citizens of Littleton is directed, and not the citizens of Littleton only, but the public generally, for it is a point of general interest.
Are the trustees of a free public library to be censors of the doctrinal character of the books admitted into the library, and if so, are they to exercise this power according to the theological preferences of the majority?
At the last annual convention of the American library association, held in St Louis, the president of the association said:  Soundness or unsoundness of doctrine, whether in theology or philosophy, in the social or natural sciences, is not to be considered by the buyer, even if he thinks himself competent to decide....For the book which will mislead the reader there is an antidote in the book written on the other side"  
It is evident that this is the only fair principle upon which to act.  Those who are afraid of the effect to be produced upon views which they hold, by the reading of different opinions, must depend for the maintenance of their position, less upon intelligence that upon ignorance and prejudice.
A public library should supply so far as its means permit, a fair proportion of books representing the different views held by its readers.
In the case of the Reuben Hoar library it is plain that this was the plan of the generous founder of the library.  It was provided in the terms of his gift that there should be an equal representation on the board of trustees from the three religious denominations having churches in town by which it is implied that the views of each denomination will be equally represented in the books purchased for the library.
There can be no doubt of the unfairness of a method of administration which not only largely confines the purchase of books on disputed subjects to those representing the views of the majority of the trustees but even refuses to receive as a gift certain books setting forth views sincerely held and properly stated which are acceptable to intelligent and responsible citizens of the community.
I should not fail to state that not all the trustees are responsible for the course pursued in this respect but the more liberal members have been overruled by the majority.
I protest, therefore, not only as one of the trustees, but as a citizen and in behalf of other citizens whose rights in regard to the public library are infringed upon.  My object in making this protest in our local paper is to arouse in the community a sentiment which shall in future prevent the trustees from being guided by sectarian and theological views in the selection of any books for the public library.
Comparatively few public libraries at the present time are controlled by such narrow and unworthy considerations, and it is not creditable to the town of Littleton that they should in the least degree enter into the management of the Reuben Hoar library, which, in all other respects is a constant source of pride and pleasure to the people of the town.
With reference to the three books above mentioned as rejected after having been called for by respectable citizens using the library, they are all books which I can heartily recommend as written in a right spirit and calculated to benefit those who may read them.  I would suggest to any who may like to know on what ground books have been refused as suitable for the library, to examine these for themselves, and I shall be most happy to lend them from my own library to any persons in town who will apply to me for them.    w.i. nichols"


"1903  Middlesex Hunt- The fifteen members of the Middlesex Hunt from Lincoln, with the same number of hounds, arrived promptly at Littleton Common the scheduled time, 10:30 Tuesday a.m.  Congregating at the junction of roads the whipperin had a chance to show his perfect control of the dogs.  After a short rest the party started down the Great Road, followed by a few enthousiastic sportsmen.   It was a pre arranged drag fox hunt and the scent was given the dogs at the foot of W. H. Proctor's hill on the left side.  The entire party, which included one lady, followed in full chase, the deck tailed hunters taking fences, stonewalls and ditches as easily as if they were a spadeful of gravel.  Skirting round the limit of Proctor's land they passed on into the fields of W.G. Brown, the hounds in good lead, the horsemen with their scarlet coats making a brilliant showing as they dashed in and out of sight over hill and dale.  The hounds led the chase by a long way when they finally appeared in the rear of Clifton Flagg's buildings, then led the party out of sight towards Nagog pond and the country that lies beyond.  Come again!"

"About town-  From an intellectual point of view, Littleton people are highly favored.  They should and  do stand for the highest and best.  Within its precinct are eight organizations for mental growth, progress and excellence.  They consist of the lyceum, historical society, grange, the women's christian temperance union, the kings daughters, woman's, mother's and sunshine clubs.  These organizations are entirely outside of the church, but abreast with it, while each church within its limits has from two to half a dozen societies for spiritual growth and uplifting.  We fancy our sister towns will think we are a great town instead of a little town."

"1926-  The 45th annual Thanksgiving Ball of the Back-log club will be held on Thursday evening of next week in the town hall beginning at eight.  Brigham and Poole's orchestra of Boston will furnish music.  The committee in charge follows:  Mr. and Mrs. John Sibley, Mr. and Mrs. George Hartwell, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Prouty."

Long Store Project Presentation Oct 25th

Sherrill Rosoff and Holly Bradman from the Restored Homestead Co. will be making a final presentation regarding their assessment of the Long Store building.  They will share with us the historic significance of the Long Store along with their surprising discoveries.  In the second part of their presentation they will have proposals and suggestions for the reconstruction of the Long Store.  They will be assisted by David Whitcomb from the Historical Society.  Dave took over 200 photographs documenting each phase of the disassembly of the Long Store including the previously unknown "beehive oven".

Anyone and everyone who were involved in the Long Store project and meetings should attend.  It should be very interesting! The Long Store presentation will be held on Thursday, October 25th at 7:00 pm in the meeting room at The Littleton Police Station on Great Road (across from the Long Store site).

WE NEED YOUR PHOTOS!

Littleton Historical Society Seeks Photos for 300^th Anniversary Book, and Archives

Be a contributor to Littleton’s “photo album” of pictures showing how the town has grown and changed. The Historical Society invites residents to share their pictures of the town’s people, places, and events – photos which indicate the history of our community and its spirit. Photographs are needed for the Historical Society’s Book to be published in 2014 for the town’s 300^th Anniversary, and to add to the coverage, quality and quantity of photographs in its collection.

Once you have selected photographs to share, please make a list of each photo on a piece of paper and identify, if possible, the location, names of people, date when taken, and who took each picture. You can bring the photos and your list to the Historical Society any Wednesday afternoon from 1 to 4 PM (except the day before Thanksgiving, or on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 10 AM to Noon. Photographs will be scanned and returned to you. Owners will be asked to sign a release form for the Society to use digital copies for possible inclusion in the 300^th Anniversary Book, and keep them in its collection. The original photos will be available in about a week for owners to pick them up at the Society.

Help preserve the history of Littleton by looking through family pictures and selecting those that show various aspects of life in Littleton. Subject matter could include, but is not limited to: typical daily life; unusual scenes, perhaps related to special events/weather, other; WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars, Iraq and Afghanistan Conflicts; agriculture (past and present); town organizations; businesses; recreational activities/events; individuals who have made an important contribution to the town. The list goes on and on – limited only by your own imagination. For questions or more information, please call the Society at 978-486-8202 or e-mail Littleton.HistSociety@verizon.net. You may also contact Ann Himmelberger at 978-742-5960, or ahhimmelberger@verizon.net.

Thank you for providing the photos worth thousands of words to show the history and spirit of Littleton. 

Seeking Volunteers for 300th Book

Littleton Historical Society’s 300 Book Has New Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to get involved with publishing the Book of Littleton’s history for the 300^th Anniversary? The Book Committee invites interested volunteers to join the project in any of the following capacities:

• Assistant to work with current editor – position requires someone with extensive experience in editing, and who has vision and enthusiasm, problem-solving abilities, and good interpersonal skills. Experience in preparing history-related publications is a plus.

• Writers and researchers to prepare articles about Littleton’s history, especially in the years between 1960 and 2012.

The 300 Book Group was organized in May 2010. Its members are enthusiastic and work collaboratively to prepare accurate historical information about the town’s past.  The work is challenging and rewarding. Members support each other and are a great group to work with.

If you are interested, please call Ann Himmelberger, Chair of the Book Committee, at ahhimmelberger@verizon.net or 978-742-5960 for more information about these opportunities.

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PEACH SOCIAL

Our annual Peach Social will be held on August 15th  from 6:30-9:00PM.  Come and enjoy a tasty dessert on the lawn of the Museum.  Held rain or shine.

Rationing

May 1941
"The report from the gasoline rationing registration of last week shows 530 ration cards issued.  On Thursday the registration did not close at 6 o'clock as planned, for the registrars were kept busy until 9:30.  On Friday the schools were closed so that the teachers might have an opportunity to catch up with their school work."

May 1942
" Sugar rationing has been taking place the past week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  The schools were dismissed at noon each day as all the teachers served as the registrars.  It may be of interest to townspeople to know when the first four stamps in the book can be used.  Stamp one from May 5 through May 16;  stamp two from May 17 through May 30; stamp three May 30 through June 27.  these stamps must be used within the specified time.  They can not be carried over from one period to the next"

Village Improvement

May 1906 Littleton Guidon
"W.H. Tarbell, landscape gardener of Lowell, was in town for business on Friday lasat, and among other things set nearly one hundred stakes, dotting places for trees, vines and shrubs to be placed on the roadway park south of the town hall.  Saturday afternoon an energetic brigade spade or pick axe in hand, were there to help place the trees and other contributions that have been donated by some of the generous ones of the town.   The varietes of trees planted were red, white and swamp oaks, paper maples, white or native and Norway pines, white birches and willows. "