THE MANSION COLUMNS
NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
Volume 1: Fall 2009
The Asa Waters Mansion Celebrates
Lincoln’s 200th Birthday
By: Catherine Elliott & Carol Vulter
Renactors and President Lincoln on the AWM West Lawn
Photo by: Edd Cote
In This Issue
Lincoln’s 200th
(page 1)
Lincoln Cake
Contest
(page 2)
Millbury Savings
Bank Commits
$10K (page 2)
Storm Damage
(page 2)
AWM Nominated
(page 2)
Garden News
(page 2)
Photo Gallery
(page 3)
Upcoming Events
(page 4)
Director &
President Notes
(page 5)
Become a Friend
(page 6)
The Mansion Columns
Editor: Beth A. Correira
The year 2009 marked the Bicentennial of President
Abraham Lincoln’s birth, and the Friends of the Asa
Waters Mansion celebrated with New England’s most
extensive event honoring our nation’s beloved 16th
President on his 200th Birthday.
On the weekend of May 16 and 17 of 2009 a two-day
event, officially endorsed by the U.S. Lincoln
Bicentennial Commission, and the Massachusetts
Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, was filled with
Lincoln-era historical events including a Civil War
Encampment, a Civil War era band concert, historical
readings, 19th century interpreters, and more.
Two prominent historians were commissioned for this
very special event. Mr. James Getty of Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, our country’s quintessential interpreter
of Abraham Lincoln, returned for his third appearance
at the Mansion. Additionally, Mr. Harold Holzer (CoChairman of the United States Lincoln Bicentennial
Commission and a renowned Lincoln biographer)
joined the celebration on Sunday.
The excitement began on Friday evening as a Civil
War Encampment was set up on the grounds of the
Mansion. Tents, flags, camp furniture, cannon,
horses, camp fires –all transitioned the area to a
bygone era. On Saturday morning Camp Lincoln was
opened to the public –officially announced by cannon
fire. Visitors enjoyed touring the encampment,
speaking with the “troops,” and earning a new
Lincoln commemorative penny for new recruits.
A highlight of each day was the noontime arrival of
the Wells Fargo Stagecoach transporting President
Lincoln to the Mansion. Saturday’s special events
included a Press Conference with President Lincoln
and Millbury High School Students and a band concert
by the Providence Brigade Band, featuring a program
of music arranged especially for the bicentennial.
Sunday’s special events included a Presidential
Birthday cake contest, and a keynote presentation of
“Lincoln: Seen and Heard” performed by President
Lincoln and Mr. Harold Holzer.
Saturday’s event
Lincoln Seen and Heard
Photo by: Armand White Photography
was dedicated to
the crew of the
Aircraft Carrier
USS Abraham
Lincoln; Sunday’s
event was
dedicated to the
memory of Kevin
James Vulter, one
of the Mansion’s
first junior
volunteers.
Educational, cultural, and historical events such as
these are only possible through the generosity and
financial support of civic organizations, local
businesses, and the caring and devoted communities
of Millbury and the Blackstone Valley. We are grateful
to all those who helped make this event a weekend to
long remember.
Fall 2009: Vol. 1
Page 2
THE MANSION COLUMNS – NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
Happy Birthday President Lincoln
By: Marie Colacchio
Who Are We?
It is the mission of
the Friends of the
Asa Waters Mansion
to preserve and
restore one of
Millbury’s most
historical
landmarks. The
Friends of the Asa
Waters Mansion is a
non-profit 501(c)3
organization
established in 1994
and through the
hard work and
dedication of our
volunteers, the Asa
Waters Mansion was
saved from
demolition and is
today restored and
maintained solely
through generous
donations,
fundraisers, and
grants.
The Asa Waters Mansion celebrated President
Lincoln's Birthday on May 16th and 17th and in honor of
this auspicious occasion, a Birthday Cake Contest was
held to the delight of many. Mr. Lincoln, himself,
was very pleased to see the many beautiful cakes that
were entered in four different categories in his
honor.
The bakers not only come from Millbury, but many of
the area towns as well. The guests were mingling all
around checking out the outstanding works of art until
the winners were announced. All of the cakes were
later served to all of the guests at the event.
Every cake entered deserved a prize, but we were
limited to four. The prizes included $100.00 savings
bonds donated by Millbury Credit Union and to the
winner of the professional category free advertising
from the Asa Waters Mansion packets for one year!
Millbury Savings Bank
Commits $10K to
Friends of AWM
Grand Prize Professional
Category Cake
Photo by: Armand White
Photography
And the winners are:
ƒ
12 yrs & under: Katherine Szkoda
ƒ
Age 13 and over: Alissa Rakauskas
ƒ
Culinary Arts School: Ariel Ramos
ƒ
Professional: Imela Confections, Holden MA
Congratulations to these winners and to the many
others for their wonderful efforts!
Wild Weather Damages
Mansion
The Millbury Savings
Bank has committed
$10,000 to assist the
Friends of the Asa
Waters Mansion with
funding capital projects for the Asa Waters Mansion.
The funds will be provided over 4 years ($2,500 a
year, beginning this year), of which the first $2,500
was received this week. The bank would like these
funds to be used for exterior painting.
The AWM could not
escape the Memorial Day
Eve storm which ravaged
the Town of Millbury! The
damaging winds,
lightning, hail, and
torrential rain battered
the mansion and gardens
breaking windows,
damaging shutters, and
shredding the gardens.
Bill Walsh, President and CEO of the Millbury Savings
Bank, stated in his letter “This donation represents
our Trustees’ effort to seek out and financially
support deserving organizations and projects that
provide services to our communities.”
The volunteers of the Friends of the Asa Waters
Mansion banded together to cleanup the mess and
replace the damaged plants. The broken window
panes were replaced with historic glass.
Millbury Savings Bank has a long history of providing
financial support for our efforts –and it’s wonderful
to see the tradition continue!
AWM Garden Talk
One of the AWM’s pride and joy are the gardens.
Fundraising efforts by the Friends has provided
sufficient funds to purchase and plant hundreds of
new bulbs, perennials, and trees to enhance the
beautiful gardens. Large quantities of rabbit
repellent were also purchased to thwart a few
pesky rabbits. Sarah’s Garden returned with the
help of Mrs. Mary Griffith’s 2nd grade class at the
Elmwood Street School. Sarah’s Garden is kitchen
oriented and contains a bountiful selection of
fragrant herbs.
Hail damaged window
AWM Nominated for America’s
Beautiful Quarter Dollar
By: Beth A. Correira
Beginning in 2010, the United States Mint will be
issuing new quarter dollars featuring nationallyrecognized sites throughout the United States in
accordance with the America’s Beautiful National
Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act. The Asa Waters
Mansion made the list of nominees for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts quarter dollar.
Nearly 245,000 votes were cast by the citizens of the
Commonwealth and the Gloucester Fisherman’s
Memorial tallied the most votes. The runner ups in
the contest included the Lowell National Historic
Park, the House of Seven Gables in Salem and the
U.S.S. Constitution. Congratulations to all of the
winners…and nominees!
Fall 2009: Vol. 1
Page 3
THE MANSION COLUMNS – NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
Photo Gallery
PHOTOS
WANTED
Do you have
photographs of
the mansion? We
are very
interested in
viewing your
photo
collections to
aid us in future
interior and
exterior
restoration
projects. Of
particular
interest are
photos predating the
1990’s. Please
call the Asa
Waters Mansion
at (508)865-0855
and ask for
Catherine.
Scones and Cones Children’s Tea
Sup. Of Schools Susan Hitchcock
Reads to Our Guests
Helping with landscaping for central
AC installation
Historic Costume Social
Guests are Entertained by the
Captain of the Titanic
President Lincoln’s Arrival in the
Wells Fargo Stagecoach
Asa Waters’ Office Sign Returned to
Millbury
A Rare Break for the Friends of the
Asa Waters Mansion
THE MANSION COLUMNS – NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
Fall 2009: Vol. 1
Page 4
Upcoming Events
COSTUME SOCIAL
NOVEMBER 6, 2009
Back by popular demand! Come as your favorite historical character of an era gone by on
November 6, 2009 from 7pm – 11pm. The evening includes music, a buffet dinner with cash
bar, grand raffle, costume prizes, and much more!
Tickets are $35 per guest. For tickets, call the Mansion at 508-865-0855.
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL
DECEMBER 6, 2009
All of your favorite holiday traditions will be included in this festive open house! The AWM
is open to the public between 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, so stop by and enjoy ballet dancers,
Christmas carolers, musicians, refreshments, the grande raffle, tree lighting and Santa &
Mrs. Claus. The Mansion Gift Shoppe will also be open for your holiday shopping. All are
welcome!
CHRISTMAS TEAS
DECEMBER 15, 2009 (Two Seating's)
Enjoy an elegant and festive Holiday Tea at the Asa Waters Mansion on December15, 2009.
See this historical estate decorated in splendor for the holidays while visiting with friends
and meeting a few acquaintances. Two seating’s are available at 1pm and 6 pm. Guests will
enjoy tea, coffee, delicious pastries, and fruit with cheese and crackers all presented on a
beautiful silver service.
Reservations strongly recommended. Admission is $10 per person and $3 if you would like a
guided tour of the mansion. For tickets, call the Mansion at 508-865-0855.
ANNUAL CHILDREN’S TEA
FEBRUARY 18, 2010
The Mansion will host its Annual Children’s Tea featuring tasty goodies specially created for
our junior guests! The event will include a reading of a children’s storybook. Many delights
will be included – what a nice treat in the middle of the winter!
Tea begins at 2:00 pm (snow date is Friday, February 19). Tickets are $12.00 per child and
$15.00 per adult. For tickets, call the Mansion at 508-865-0855.
MANSION RENTALS
The Asa Waters
Mansion and grounds
are available for
weddings, bridal
showers, engagement
parties, business
meetings, seminars,
and other private
functions as well as
educational/historic
reenactments. Call
(508) 865-0855 for
more information.
GIFT SHOPPE
NOW OPEN
Not your ordinary gift
shop. Our shoppe sells
antiques & collectibles
including a wide
selection of jewelry,
books, and serving
pieces. Open during all
public and most private
events. Come check us
out the next time you
visit the mansion! You
will not be
disappointed.
Fall 2009: Vol. 1
Page 5
THE MANSION COLUMNS – NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
From the Director
FUN FACTS
By: Catherine Elliott
Looking back over
this past year
makes me so
proud to be
affiliated with this
wonderful
Mansion, and all
of you who keep
this vision alive.
Millbury was
part of Sutton
until 1813.
*
The armory
was built in
1808 giving
name to the
Armory Village
section of
Millbury.
*
The 1st
contract with
the United
States was for
1,000 stands of
arms (musket
& bayonet) in
1808. Cost was
$10.75 per
stand.
*
The 2nd
contract with
the US was for
2,000 stands of
arms in 1818.
Cost per stand
was $14.00.
Photo: Courtesy of
Worcester Living Magazine
Some of my
favorite memories
of the year:
The Scones and
Cones Children’s
Tea –who could forget the roomful of little ones
mesmerized by Superintendent Susan Hitchcock’s
reading of a storybook in the East Parlor of the
Mansion; our Waters Arms Acquisition Board
locating and purchasing the old Asa H. Waters
Armory sign--it was truly a “stop in my tracks”
moment for me when they delivered it to the
Mansion; and the Lincoln Bicentennial Weekend–
seeing the Mansion at its best by providing an
extensive educational and cultural event. Of course
our annual Christmas festival when we welcome
hoards of guests is always a special event, as is the
evening we open the doors for students to have
their prom pictures taken –the young men and
women so elegantly dressed and the delighted
parents beaming with pride.
Certainly we faced our share of challenges this past
year. Foremost in my mind is the hail storm
damage on Memorial Day weekend. I was shocked
and saddened to see the many broken
windowpanes, shattered glass throughout the
Mansion, and shredded flower beds. I was truly
appreciative of the volunteers who were up at the
crack of dawn to clean up the storm damage and
prepare the Mansion and grounds for its visitors on
Memorial Day (as Northeastern University was soon to
arrive with a busload of scholars from around the
world for a Lyceum workshop). Grateful as I was to
see our volunteers aggressively attacking this huge
mess, I was somehow not surprised. This is what sets
us apart –a never ending commitment to present the
Mansion at its best, at all times, whatever it takes.
When the going gets tough, the Friends get going.
People often ask me why the Mansion is so successful
– my reply is “it’s the people, and a community which
understands the importance of preserving its heritage
for future generations.”
It was exciting to see the Town form the Millbury
Bicentennial Committee this past year, and it’s
wonderful to see many of our Friends and Task Force
members jumping onboard to help.
Did you know we hosted over 13,000 visitors this
year? Many of them scholars, historians, architectural
experts, early American arms specialists, along with
students, families, garden clubs, and tourists, all
enthralled with the history of the Waters family and
this magnificent building.
Finally, to Beth Correira who championed our first
paid membership drive and created our first
newsletter – congratulations! Thank you for helping us
accomplish these long awaited goals.
My kindest regards to all,
Catherine Elliott
Director
Asa Waters Mansion
From the President
By: Diane Hill
Delights abound in, out and around the Asa Waters
Mansion thanks to the hardworking efforts of our
dedicated volunteers, Task force members and
Director, Catherine Elliott.
With each year, the Mansion shines a bit brighter
which would not be possible without the continued
support of the community, generous benefactors,
visitors, and strong dedicated volunteers.
All efforts including Mansion restoration and
preservation, fundraising campaigns, events, and
care of the award winning gardens, take place with
pride, special elegance, historic significance and
the thoughtfulness the Mansion deserves.
As president of the 'Friends", the pride I feel is Mansion
size. The Asa Waters Mansion has been referred to as
"the gem of the Blackstone Valley”, and although this is
true, the real glow is the special feeling one gets from
familiar faces and newcomers entering the mansion for
the first time.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers and generous
supporters. We are excited to present this first edition
of The Mansion Columns and we look forward to
greeting visitors and possibly future volunteers at our
upcoming events.
Thank you,
Diane Hill, President
Friends of the Asa Waters Mansion
THE MANSION COLUMNS – NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
Page 6
Renew Your Friends of the Asa Waters Membership!
Please take time to renew your 2009 annual membership by filling out the membership information below. No matter the
size, all gifts provide important support for our organization. We look forward to hearing from you and we thank you for
your support!
Regular Memberships
Preservation Circle Memberships
______ Individual
$25.00
______ Trustee
$1,000.00
______ Family
$40.00
_ ______ Protector
$2,500.00
______ Supporter
$100.00
_ ______ Guardian
$5,000.00
______ Patron
$250.00
______ Steward
$500.00
______ Preservationist $10,000.00 (lifetime membership)
□ I’m interested in becoming a volunteer with the Friends of the Asa Waters Mansion
Name ____________________________________________________
Address___________________________________________________
City, State, Zip _______________________Email:_________________
Make checks payable to: Friends of the Asa Waters Mansion
Thank you for your 100% tax deductible contribution
The Asa Waters Mansion
PO Box 248
123 Elm Street
Millbury, MA 01527
Phone: (508) 865-0855
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.asawaters.org
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 11
MILLBURY, MA 01527