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Every week, the Easton Historical Society will provide an interesting fact about Easton's past.DID YOU KNOW that on this date in 1887 Governor Oliver Ames urged municipal suffrage for women
DID YOU KNOW that John "Jack" Haley, the Tin Man in the Wizzard of Oz, was a member of Stonehill College's Board of Advisors from 1968-1977 and received an honorary doctor of law degree in 1957. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL FROM THE EASTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
DID YOU KNOW that on Dec. 24, 1845 the dedication of the Unitarian meeting house was conducted (located on the Rockery). Rev. Paul Dean was installed.
DID YOU KNOW that on December 21, 1725 Easton became incorporated as a town by the Genral Court of Massachusetts. We were no longer Norton.
DID YOU KNOW that on December 14, 1770 the first Easton schoolhouse was built on Purchase Street. THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY WILL BE OPEN FROM 1 TO 5 TODAY. ENJOY THE DISPLAYS, COFFEE, AND THE ITEMS ON THE GIFT TABLE.
DID YOU KNOW that once a week every week the clock at the David Ames Clock Farm at Stonehill is hand-wound. Installed in 1870, the four-faced clock was used to cal the workers on the Ames estate. On Commencement Day the graduates start to march when the clock chimes ten. PLAN TO VISIT THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY TODAY BETWEEN 1 AND 5 AND ALSO ENJOY THE OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE LIONS CLUB'S HOLIDAY FESTIVAL.
DID YOU KNOW that according to the 1895 Atlas, Russell Avenue ran from Canton Street at Picker Lane to North Main Street, that Baldwin Street was not a dead end (it cut back to Center Street at its end), and that Kurley Street ran from Highland Street to Chestnut Street.
DID YOU KNOW that, according to the diary of the first Oliver Ames, on November 20, 1847 a dam leak was found at Great Pond (Long Pond). It was packed with wood until the following spring when it was to be totally rebuilt. The plan was to build it up with stone similar to the Flyaway Dam. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL FROM THE EASTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
DID YOU KNOW that on Veterans Day November 11, 1975 as part of the observances, a stone marker was dedicated near the Easton Center Civil War Monument. This area had a great deal of importance during the early years of Easton, and the Class of 1974 of OAHS dedicated an historic marker indicating the area’s significance. Ms. Suzanne Rivard was the class advisor. TODAY from 1 to 5 the Easton Historical Society’s Open House will honor veterans. TOMORROW honor our veterans by viewing the Easton parade at 11 A. M.
DID YOU KNOW that on November 6, 1844 former President and current Representative to Congress John Quincy Adams spoke in North Bridgewater (now Brockton), and the first Oliver Ames went to hear him.
DID YOU KNOW Washington Street became a state highway in 1895 and is the earliest state highway in Easton. However, Bay Road had been part of the King's Highway netwok prior to the Revolution. After a road was constructed through the Hockomock Swamp, Bay Road lost its preeminence early in the 1800's.
DID YOU KNOW that Oliver Ames III (future governor) and his wife Anna in 1876 attended the Centennial in Philadelphia. Ames Shovel collection was a major display. (Still at Stonehill College today).
DID YOU KNOW that on Oct. 13, 1774 The Easton Daughters of Liberty marched in support of anti-British boycotts Visit the Historical Society today between 1 and 5 and view numerous pictures of the Frothingham House, now our Town Offices.
DID YOU KNOW that on that on September 29, 1838 H.H. Richardson was born on a plantation near New Orleans. Easton is known as the community with the most Richardson buildings: five. Can you name them? When you visit the NRT Harvest Fair today, please visit the Historical Society's booth.
DID YOU KNOW that on this date in 1815 the Great Gale of 1815 occurred. It was equal to the power of the 1938 hurricane.
DID YOU KNOW that Daniel Wheaton was born September 10, 1767 in Norton and he established Wheaton Farm in April 1796 . Visit the Easton Historical Society today between 1 and 5 to view early Easton post cards owned by two local collectors. Duplicates might be available for swopping. Also the third volume of Reminiscences will be on sale.
DID YOU KNOW that on September 2, 1947 a tornado hit a building on Washington Street, South Easton, and one man was killed.
DID YOU KNOW that on August 25, 1851 Oliver Ames recorded in his diary that there is a Frost “in the lowland between here (25 Main Street) and the Methodist Meeting House”. (on the Rockery).
DID YOU KNOW that August 20, 1856 the beginning of a huge militia muster at what is now Militia Park. DID YOU KNOW that Water privileges had been purchased on Bolivar Street in Canton, and on August 21st, 1847 Oliver Ames recorded that “At Canton we now have one harness in and the stone on it, but the bolts are not in yet and not filled up about it with earth and the roof of the shop is not all boarded –but nearly all.”
DID YOU KNOW that August 16, 1867 The Ameses and Union Pacific signed a contract to lay 667 miles of the transcontinental railroad. Today, there will be an Open House at the Easton Historical Society from 1 to 5. View the items selected by curator Frank Meninno for display.
