Hi Everyone!
Well, this has been a very interesting week down here in Havenville. I got to spend several hours with the Co-Chair of the Burlington Historical Commission, Mike Tredeau, going over Havenville history. He is a wealth of information and knows just about everything about Burlington. He also hosts that great cable show All History is Local on BCAT. I also got to speak with Bob Costa, another Burlington history expert and a teacher at the Burlington High School. He is also the author of the fantastic book Images of America, Burlington that has great Burlington information and lots of very old photographs! And lucky me, I got to have a wonderful conversation with a lovely lady, Harriet Rice. Harriet is the daughter of Louis Skelton and she grew up in Havenville. She shared with me some of her memories of growing up and what Havenville was like when she was a young girl. Fascinating! I am so appreciative for all of the people who have taken time to talk to me, send in the postcards or email me with encouragement. That is what makes me keep going with this mission.
If you are a Burlington resident, like the Havenville name for the park and want to help out, please email me a simple message stating your support for the new park to be named Havenville. It doesn't have to be Havenville Hollow as long as we can resurrect the Havenville name. Please include your full name and street address along with your message. I am compiling emails to show the Recreation Commission members that there really are people in Burlington who care about Havenville! If you are really excited about Havenville, why not contact your Town Meeting member and ask if they can support Havenville? Ask them to contact me with their message of support as well. And lastly, if you are a totally passionate Havenville fan, please come to the Rec Dept meeting on Monday, February 14th (yes, it's Valentine's Day!) at 7 PM and show your love for Havenville! Thank you all so much for your continued support!
Peace,
MTG
Havenville
MTGreat3@rcn.com
P.S. Almost forgot! Please check out the Burlington Patch online newletter at BurlingtonPatch.com. They did a story on the Havenville proposal today!
Havenville, Burlington 1875
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Havenville Campaign, Underway!
Hey everyone! I have been getting lots of positive responses to the emails that I sent to the Town Meeting members, Historical Commission & Historical Society. We are now scheduled for the next Rec Department Meeting on Monday February 14th at 7pm. Yes, I know it's Valentine's Day so let's show how much we LOVE Havenville and plan to be there! There is strength in numbers! More info on that meeting will follow as we get closer to the date! And someone said to me today, " I LOVE the name Havenville, it's only one letter off from Heaven!" Couldn't get much better than that!! Stay tuned!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Burlington MA History another opportunity...lost?
Email to Burlington Historical Society members and Precinct 4 Town Meeting Members today
Hello,
I am emailing all of you today in hopes that we can avoid another lost opportunity for preserving what little Burlington History is still available to us and all of the residents of Burlington.
For several months, I have been trying to promote an historic alternative to the (generic) name given to the newest park in Burlington. As it stands right now, the new park will be called Wildwood Park. I know that these fields were the home of the Wildwood School for many years but the school has been gone since 1996 and most of the children who will be playing at this park have never even heard of the Wildwood School. Which brings me to the suggestion that the park be named after the area in which is located: Havenville. In trying to contact you all, I googled the history of Burlington and it brought up the home page of the Burlington Historical Society. This page, ironically enough, features the story of the birth of the Historical Society back in 1964. Upon reading the story, I was amazed to find that it was because of the Havenville (West) School that the society was even created. How can we let the very beginnings, the very foundation of the society just fall to the wayside? How can we let another piece of Burlington history slip away?
The Havenville suggestion has not met with much response at the Recreation Department and I could really use some assistance in this matter. I know this sounds like an episode of the television show Parks & Recreation but it's REAL and it's important for our town!
Incidentally, I am all for the park project. I have no desire to stall or halt the park progress. However, I do believe that we have an opportunity to promote something that may be lost if we don't act now. I have several classrooms of children and at least one Girl Scout troop willing to begin a campaign supporting this suggestion. This could be an amazing chance for the children of this town to learn about the history of Burlington and also to learn how to responsibly work through an issue that could affect a whole town. I already have pre-printed postcards for residents to sign and mail in to the rec department to show their support. Please, respond to me as soon as possible as I believe this matter needs to be handled in a very timely fashion. Thanks!
http://Havenville.Blogspot.com search Havenville on facebook or try
Havenville@groups.facebook.com
Hello,
I am emailing all of you today in hopes that we can avoid another lost opportunity for preserving what little Burlington History is still available to us and all of the residents of Burlington.
For several months, I have been trying to promote an historic alternative to the (generic) name given to the newest park in Burlington. As it stands right now, the new park will be called Wildwood Park. I know that these fields were the home of the Wildwood School for many years but the school has been gone since 1996 and most of the children who will be playing at this park have never even heard of the Wildwood School. Which brings me to the suggestion that the park be named after the area in which is located: Havenville. In trying to contact you all, I googled the history of Burlington and it brought up the home page of the Burlington Historical Society. This page, ironically enough, features the story of the birth of the Historical Society back in 1964. Upon reading the story, I was amazed to find that it was because of the Havenville (West) School that the society was even created. How can we let the very beginnings, the very foundation of the society just fall to the wayside? How can we let another piece of Burlington history slip away?
The Havenville suggestion has not met with much response at the Recreation Department and I could really use some assistance in this matter. I know this sounds like an episode of the television show Parks & Recreation but it's REAL and it's important for our town!
Incidentally, I am all for the park project. I have no desire to stall or halt the park progress. However, I do believe that we have an opportunity to promote something that may be lost if we don't act now. I have several classrooms of children and at least one Girl Scout troop willing to begin a campaign supporting this suggestion. This could be an amazing chance for the children of this town to learn about the history of Burlington and also to learn how to responsibly work through an issue that could affect a whole town. I already have pre-printed postcards for residents to sign and mail in to the rec department to show their support. Please, respond to me as soon as possible as I believe this matter needs to be handled in a very timely fashion. Thanks!
http://Havenville.Blogspot.com search Havenville on facebook or try
Havenville@groups.facebook.com
A Little More Info about the Old Havenville (West) School
While doing some more digging into Havenville History, I stumbled on this very interesting account of the Restoration of the Old Havenville (West ) School by someone who was there! Check it out for yourself!
http://www.burlingtonmahistory.com/documents/Paul_Arseneault_memories.pdf
http://www.burlingtonmahistory.com/documents/Paul_Arseneault_memories.pdf
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Yes, Olivia, there is a Havenville!
Below is the wonderful response to my daughter's letter to the editor of the Burlington Union. This was written by Chris Warren and appeared in the December 23, 2010 edition of the paper.
Dear Olivia,
You recently wrote a letter to the Burlington Union regarding your wish to recognize our section of Burlington as Havenville, as it was known at the turn of the twentieth century. According to John E. Fogelberg, who chronicled Burlington's history in his book "Burlington: Part of a Greater Chronicle" it got it's name from the Haven family who lived at the intersection of Bedford Street and Francis Wyman Road. Charles Nathaniel Haven owned four homes and 25 acres of land and his brother Jonas Clark Haven owned a house and barn and 37 acres of land. The two brothers ran a general store until 1920 that was located across from the Old West School (once known as the Havenville School).
So, what is left of Havenville, physically, in terms of buildings and landmarks? Not much at all. Just the Old West School. Fortunately, a gentleman by the name of Charles Cassassa purchased the school in 1963 and recognizing it's value, led a campaign to restore the 1794 structure. Then he gave the school house to the town of Burlington with the condition that it always be operated as a historical site. Mr Cassassa was a concerned, thoughtful Burlington citizen whose actions allow us and all future Burlington residents the enjoyment of an historic and rare one room school house.
But, I am writing to let you know the spirit of Havenville is alive and well. Havenville was a village where families and neighbors helped each other out. From Folgelberg's newspaper article "Few will recognize Havenville", he describes an incident in the area. Miss Rindy Reed lived in a small home in Havenville and it burned down in 1880. The neighbors rescued her from the fire and then she moved in with the Nathan Simonds family down the road, where she resided for the rest of her life.
In our Greenwood Road neighborhood, we are like a village. We've has so many fun times at the annual block party and the Alterisio annual Christmas party is the event of the season. And do you notice how many former neighbors and adults who grew up on Greenwood Road and Pleasant Street still come back to the old neighborhood to enjoy the festivities? Do you remember the time that Mrs. Powers' husband became very ill? Mrs. Nowell then organized the whole neighborhood to take turns bringing dinner over, one less thing for the Powers' family to worry about. I remember when my husband and I first moved into the neighborhood in 1999 and the Crescios and the Waites warmly welcomed us in an impromptu gathering at the borders of our adjoining back yards.
Yes, Olivia, there is a Havenville. As long as people care about their families and neighbors, and take the time to get to know each other and become friends, and share life's celebrations and sorrows, this place we live will always be a village called Havenville.
My understanding is that you would like the new Wildwood Park to be named Havenville Hollow due to it's historical significance. Always hope, always have faith and always dream because our thoughts create our expectations that translate into the lives we lead in the future. It is possible that the new park will be named after Havenville. It is possible that in time we will refer to our section of Burlington as Havenville. When searching the internet for the phrase "Havenville, MA" I was surprised to learn Havenville is still an active term used on maps, similar to the Pinehurst area of Billerica. I believe Mr. Fogelberg and Mr. Cassassa would encourage you to pursue your dream.
Dear Olivia,
You recently wrote a letter to the Burlington Union regarding your wish to recognize our section of Burlington as Havenville, as it was known at the turn of the twentieth century. According to John E. Fogelberg, who chronicled Burlington's history in his book "Burlington: Part of a Greater Chronicle" it got it's name from the Haven family who lived at the intersection of Bedford Street and Francis Wyman Road. Charles Nathaniel Haven owned four homes and 25 acres of land and his brother Jonas Clark Haven owned a house and barn and 37 acres of land. The two brothers ran a general store until 1920 that was located across from the Old West School (once known as the Havenville School).
So, what is left of Havenville, physically, in terms of buildings and landmarks? Not much at all. Just the Old West School. Fortunately, a gentleman by the name of Charles Cassassa purchased the school in 1963 and recognizing it's value, led a campaign to restore the 1794 structure. Then he gave the school house to the town of Burlington with the condition that it always be operated as a historical site. Mr Cassassa was a concerned, thoughtful Burlington citizen whose actions allow us and all future Burlington residents the enjoyment of an historic and rare one room school house.
But, I am writing to let you know the spirit of Havenville is alive and well. Havenville was a village where families and neighbors helped each other out. From Folgelberg's newspaper article "Few will recognize Havenville", he describes an incident in the area. Miss Rindy Reed lived in a small home in Havenville and it burned down in 1880. The neighbors rescued her from the fire and then she moved in with the Nathan Simonds family down the road, where she resided for the rest of her life.
In our Greenwood Road neighborhood, we are like a village. We've has so many fun times at the annual block party and the Alterisio annual Christmas party is the event of the season. And do you notice how many former neighbors and adults who grew up on Greenwood Road and Pleasant Street still come back to the old neighborhood to enjoy the festivities? Do you remember the time that Mrs. Powers' husband became very ill? Mrs. Nowell then organized the whole neighborhood to take turns bringing dinner over, one less thing for the Powers' family to worry about. I remember when my husband and I first moved into the neighborhood in 1999 and the Crescios and the Waites warmly welcomed us in an impromptu gathering at the borders of our adjoining back yards.
Yes, Olivia, there is a Havenville. As long as people care about their families and neighbors, and take the time to get to know each other and become friends, and share life's celebrations and sorrows, this place we live will always be a village called Havenville.
My understanding is that you would like the new Wildwood Park to be named Havenville Hollow due to it's historical significance. Always hope, always have faith and always dream because our thoughts create our expectations that translate into the lives we lead in the future. It is possible that the new park will be named after Havenville. It is possible that in time we will refer to our section of Burlington as Havenville. When searching the internet for the phrase "Havenville, MA" I was surprised to learn Havenville is still an active term used on maps, similar to the Pinehurst area of Billerica. I believe Mr. Fogelberg and Mr. Cassassa would encourage you to pursue your dream.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Fantastic Vintage Map of Havenville from 1875
I was lucky enough to stumble on someone selling old maps on ebay and was able to buy one from 1875. The map shows the town of Burlington with the Village of Havenville prominently displayed. I have zoomed in on Havenville for a closer look. This map makes it appear that the area called Havenville included a much bigger area then I had read about. It looks like it covers the area surrounding what is now Francis Wyman Road. The inset map shows the center of Burlington which shows Main Street which is now known as Center Street. Have a look & see what you think!!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Havenville Hollow! My daughter has taken up the cause!
This is a letter that my daughter wrote. It was sent to the editor of the Burlington Union. Let's hope it gets noticed!
Hi! My name is Olivia and I live in Havenville! For those people who don't know where that is located, I can tell you that my school, the Francis Wyman Elementary school is located right in the middle of Havenville. The borders of Havenville are Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford Street and Terrace Hall Avenue. Many years ago there was a large family called Haven that had farms in the area. There were so many Havens that the area became know as Havenville. There was a shoemaker, a post office and the Haven Store! If you were to go onto a computer and type Havenville into the google search engine, it would show you a map of the area surrounding the Francis Wyman school. I love living in Havenville!
The Recreation Department recently voted to name the newest park in Burlington the Wildwood Fields. These fields are located on the grounds which were home to the Wildwood school for many years. While some people may remember this school, it has been closed for almost 15 years and there is a whole bunch of kids (like me) who have never heard of the Wildwood School. Also, the name Wildwood has no historical significance in the town of Burlington. I would like to suggest that the new park be named Havenville Hollow!
I reallt like the name Havenville Hollow. I think it is a really fun name and it makes me happy! Maybe we can convince the Recreation Department to change the name to Havenville Hollow. Havenville is more historic and way more interesting than Wildwood. If you would like to help get the name changed please email my mom at MTGreat3@rcn.com. Thanks for your support!
Hi! My name is Olivia and I live in Havenville! For those people who don't know where that is located, I can tell you that my school, the Francis Wyman Elementary school is located right in the middle of Havenville. The borders of Havenville are Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford Street and Terrace Hall Avenue. Many years ago there was a large family called Haven that had farms in the area. There were so many Havens that the area became know as Havenville. There was a shoemaker, a post office and the Haven Store! If you were to go onto a computer and type Havenville into the google search engine, it would show you a map of the area surrounding the Francis Wyman school. I love living in Havenville!
The Recreation Department recently voted to name the newest park in Burlington the Wildwood Fields. These fields are located on the grounds which were home to the Wildwood school for many years. While some people may remember this school, it has been closed for almost 15 years and there is a whole bunch of kids (like me) who have never heard of the Wildwood School. Also, the name Wildwood has no historical significance in the town of Burlington. I would like to suggest that the new park be named Havenville Hollow!
I reallt like the name Havenville Hollow. I think it is a really fun name and it makes me happy! Maybe we can convince the Recreation Department to change the name to Havenville Hollow. Havenville is more historic and way more interesting than Wildwood. If you would like to help get the name changed please email my mom at MTGreat3@rcn.com. Thanks for your support!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)