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TEWKSBURY - Do you have history in your attic? The Tewksbury Historical
Society is hoping you do - and you're willing to share
Old photographs and other printed materials depicting Tewksbury history
are wanted for a self-published history book, according to Historical
Society member Mike Kelley.
Originally envisioned as part of the "Images of America" series by
Arcadia Publishing, the society opted to take over the publishing
process, keeping profits from book sales in town, rather than turn them
over to the publisher.
The society is already in the possession of thousands of photos thanks
primarily to two men, Taddy Brown and Robert Haines, Kelley said.
According to Kelly, Brown, once a town worker, "saved everything" and
donated all of his photos to the historical society and the library
about 10 years ago. Haines, a police detective, always carried a camera,
Kelley said, so they "have lots of pictures of accidents."
The donations include photos from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and
feature shots of trolley cars and the four or five major railways that
served Tewksbury.
There are also several hundred photos of a parade held in honor of the
town's 200th anniversary in 1934, says Kelley.
According to Kelley, the historical society is interested in obtaining
more photos, particularly pictures of old houses, family snapshots and
photos from civic organizations, school departments, baseball teams, and
class pictures.
"Unfortunately, people don't think of these things as valuable, and they
throw them away," Kelley said.
The society is also seeking donations of other items depicting town
history, such as postcards, letters and deeds.
"We currently have 15 deeds from the Kittridge family, dating back to
the 1700s," he said. "Someone found them in an attic."
A subcommittee is currently reviewing the photos and writing
supplemental material, including reminiscences of growing up and living
in Tewksbury, Kelley reports.
Kelley says the society hopes to have the book ready by next summer. For
more information, or to donate photos, contact the historical society at
978-863-9989.
-- PHOTOGRAPHS --
At top, 1910 Postcard of
Fairgrieve's Store, Town Hall, and Congregational Church. The Town Hall
and Congregational Church burned to the ground in the early morning
hours of Oct. 13, 1918. This picture was taken on Main Street looking up
East Street. - Photos donated to the Historical Society by Dennis Sireen
Above, 1915 Postcard of
Tewksbury Center looking up both East and Main streets.
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