March 7th will be the final presentation for this series. Laura Prescott will speak on researching ancestors on the internet. Call to reserve a spot 978 540-2600.
Photos from February 7th
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Walter Hickey at Genealogy Group
Thursday Feb 21st was the third program in our Genealogy Series co-sponsored with the Reuben Hoar Library. Walter Hickey, a well known speaker in genealogical circles, presented a program on military records newly accessible for research.
March 7th will be the final presentation for this series. Laura Prescott will speak on researching ancestors on the internet. Call to reserve a spot 978 540-2600.
Photos from February 7th
March 7th will be the final presentation for this series. Laura Prescott will speak on researching ancestors on the internet. Call to reserve a spot 978 540-2600.
Photos from February 7th
Sunday, January 27, 2013
A Trip to the Hub Genealogical Resources at BPL
The first presentation in our 4 part genealogy series was a great success. Almost 50 people filled the Couper Room at the Reuben Hoar Library to listen to an informative and lively Introduction to Genealogy by Peter Barbella. Peter's insights into the challenges of genealogy were useful to both beginners and veterans.
Join us for more fun on February 7 (snow date February 14) for a talk by Henry F. Scannell who is the Curator of Microtext and Newspapers at the Boston Public Library. The BPL is one of the oldest and largest libraries in the country and offers many resources to genealogical researchers: databases, newspapers, indexes, directories and other source materials. Maybe you'll find a way to break down that Brick Wall!
Join us for more fun on February 7 (snow date February 14) for a talk by Henry F. Scannell who is the Curator of Microtext and Newspapers at the Boston Public Library. The BPL is one of the oldest and largest libraries in the country and offers many resources to genealogical researchers: databases, newspapers, indexes, directories and other source materials. Maybe you'll find a way to break down that Brick Wall!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
GENEALOGY SERIES STARTING IN JANUARY!
NEW! Genealogy Series
presented by The Littleton Historical Society and The Reuben Hoar Library
First of 4 Presentations*
Thursday January 24, 2013 Genealogy 101 by Peter Barbella
(Snow date January 31)
Genealogy 101 is an interactive presentation designed for beginners looking to uncover
their family roots and histories. It is presented in four major sections:
their family roots and histories. It is presented in four major sections:
Setting Your Goals includes an introduction to genealogy
Growing Your Database will show you how to utilize genealogy societies
Presenting Your Information will focus on the ways that you can arrange your data
Technology Tools covers the value of scanners, digital cameras and Smart Pens in your research
All programs will be held from 7-9PM in the Couper Room of the Reuben Hoar Library. Please register for all events at:Growing Your Database will show you how to utilize genealogy societies
Presenting Your Information will focus on the ways that you can arrange your data
Technology Tools covers the value of scanners, digital cameras and Smart Pens in your research
www.littletonlibrary.org or by calling the library at 978-540-2600
*Check out our website for details on all four presentations.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Our Town Dec 14th and 15th at 7:30PM
The Littleton High School Drama department is presenting the classic "everytown" play, OUR TOWN on Friday December 14th and Saturday December 15th at 7:30PM. The Thornton Wilder play is based in "Grover's Corners, New Hampshire" ) loosely based on Peterborough, NH) in the early 1900's, but it is used as a metaphor for what small town life in New England embodied during that time.
In anticipation of Littleton's 300th anniversary, the Littleton High School Drama department felt that this was the perfect piece to teach the students about some of the experiences their ancestors may have had during this time.
The play will be performed at the Littleton Middle School Cafetorium, 55 Russell Street.
Tickets are $9, and are available at the door and online at www.mktix.com.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Bazaar December 1 2012
The calendar is full of nature shots around Littleton. Call or email the Society if you would like to order. 978-486-8202 Littleton.HistSociety@Verizon.net
Sunday, November 18, 2012
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."
"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."
Monday, October 22, 2012
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).
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