I wish you and the whole house a happy New Year. And as I cannot be present [in Marshfield] to kiss
you all myself, I depute Captain Thomas…or some other friend about my age, to perform the salutations.
--Daniel Webster, Jan. 1, 1836, Washington, D.C.
in a letter to Mrs. Webster, at home in Marshfield
October 2013/Issue No. 15
N
The Orator
Newsletter of the Daniel Webster Preservation Trust, Inc.
Dear Members and Friends,
Hello again! I trust you’ve enjoyed a relaxing and fun-filled summer, are
appreciating a cool and colorful autumn, and are looking forward to a cozy and
event-filled winter. We here at the Webster Estate are moving from season to
season with great ease, due in part to our continued public house tours, which
so far have brought over 100 visitors through our door this year, and due as
well to the success of so many of our seasonal events. Our Summer and Fall
Victorian Teas and our September Generational Tea were all sold out and
conducted in our traditional grand and gracious style, thanks to trustees Carol
Kiburis and Gail Connolly and their teams of dedicated volunteers. Our July
Family Fun Day proved to be “bigger and better than ever,” as promised and
delivered by the event’s industrious organizer, Phyllis Nielsen. And right now,
we are in the midst of preparing the Webster Estate’s elegant and historic
1880s mansion house for our signature event of the winter—Victorian Christmas
Preview Gala and Designer Show House (December 6-15). We just can’t wait to
brighten the beginning of your holiday season with this our ninth show. Our
talented designers are working hard to deck our halls with new and creative
ideas as they interpret this year’s theme, “Berries, Baubles, and Bells.” We look
forward to your joining us, so please don’t miss this opportunity to view our
spectacular Show House and share in the merriment. We are confident it will
leave you feeling festive and jingling with joy all the way home.
Happy Holidays to Everyone!
Barbara Carney, DWPT President
Season’s Greetings from
the Daniel Webster
Preservation Trust
Maintaining the 133-year-old
Webster Estate and
facilitating its use for
current events is no small
task. Won’t you remember us
in your Christmas gifting with
a donation? Thank you!
All contributions are tax-deductible. Please mail your
check (payable to DWPT) to P.O. Box 238, Green
Harbor, MA 02041, or pay by PayPal on our website.
Update on Acquisitions
ØThe DWPT has commissioned John Mikkola, of The Olde Woodwright
Shop, Hampden, MA, to conserve Webster’s phaeton (carriage), which was
awarded to us last year by Dartmouth College. His work will include minor
frame and wheel repairs, paint restoration, and carriage reupholstery.
ØGenerous donor Barbara Hall Coffin, of Maine, has given us a silver
pocket watch bearing the initials “DW”. The watch was previously in the
possession of Dr. Percy Browne, of East Bridgewater, who had given it to
Barbara’s father, Lincoln Hall. The Halls lived on the Webster Estate from
1884, when Barbara’s grandfather purchased it, until 1950, when it was sold.
ØThanks to efforts on behalf of the DWPT by trustee Jean Peck, the faces
of Webster family members Grace Fletcher Webster, Caroline LeRoy
Webster, and Caroline Story White Webster have been added to the new
historical portrait gallery located in the Webster mansion’s upper hall. The
images are showcased in antique gilded Victorian frames that Jean found at
Stone House Antiques, Norwell, MA, and refurbished to their former glory.
Special thanks to all of our
wonderful volunteers,
who gave of their time and
talents as docents, hostesses,
bakers, event staffers,
secretaries, and gardeners.
You can help too! For details,
just call 781-834-7818 or visit
www.DanielWebsterEstate.org.
Daniel Webster’s Family Tree
Daniel Webster Preservation Trust
An all-volunteer entity recognized by the IRS as a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Executive Board:
Barbara Carney, President
Carol Kiburis, Vice President
Jim Botelho, Treasurer
Cathy Maher, Secretary
Jim Cantwell, Chairman Ex Officio
Board Members:
Eileen Byrne, Otis Carney, Mickey Carr, Pat Cate,
Gail Connolly, Gwen Frazier, Virginia Gaffey,
R-lene Gilgan, Robert Gilgan, Sandy Hawes,
Ann McAleer, Larry Nelson, Phyllis Nielsen,
Jean Peck
Newsletter Editor: Jean Peck
Estate Location: 238 Webster Street,
Marshfield, Massachusetts 02050
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 238,
Green Harbor, Massachusetts 02041
Estate Telephone: 781-834-0548
Website: www.DanielWebsterEstate.org
The Daniel Webster Estate & Heritage Center is
open for public tours from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
each first Sunday in May through November
(except Labor Day weekend) and every Thursday
in June through September. Admission is free
(donations appreciated). For a private tour,
please call Ann McAleer at 781-834-6241.
Ebenezer Webster’s 1st wife,
Mehitabel Smith, bore five
children—Olle, Ebenezer,
Susanna, David, and Joseph
(Daniel’s ½ siblings)—before
she died in 1774.
Father:
Ebenezer Webster
(1739-1806)
Mother:
Abigail Eastman
(1739-1816)
Of Scottish descent.
Born in New Hampshire.
Married twice.
2nd wife of Ebenezer Webster.
Bore five children—Mehitabel, Abigail,
Ezekiel, “our” Daniel, and Sarah.
Daniel Webster
(1782-1852)
Born in New Hampshire.
Married twice.
Died in Marshfield, MA.
Buried in Winslow
Cemetery.
Wife (1):
Grace Fletcher
(1781-1828)
Bore five children—Grace,
Daniel Fletcher, Julia,
Edward, and Charles.
Daughter:
Grace
Webster
(1810-1817)
Gracie died
at age 7.
Tour…Discover…Learn…Enjoy!
Did You Know…
Had no children.
Son:
Daniel Fletcher
Webster
(1813-1862)
Son:
Edward
Webster
(1820-1848)
Fletcher married
Caroline Story
White.
Neddy died
unmarried.
Julia married
Samuel A.
Appleton.
Grandchildren:
d
Son:
Charles
Webster
(1822-1824)
Charley died
at age 2.
È
Grandchildren:
Fletcher and wife Caroline had six children—Grace,
Daniel Fletcher Jr., Harriet, Caroline, Ashburton,
and Julia. Three granddaughters died young, and the
offspring of the fourth died in infancy. By 1879 both
unmarried grandsons had died, ending Webster’s
male line less than 30 years after his own death.
+*+*+*+
Daughter:
Julia
Webster
(1818-1848)
È
that Daniel Webster is honored
on 12 U.S. postage issues?
While U.S. presidents are honored on
U.S. postage quite often, we find few
other famous Americans honored more
than once or twice, as Daniel Webster has
been. Webster’s presence on 4 of the first
250 designs of stamps indicates what an
important role he played in American
history. A little known fact about Daniel
Webster is that he introduced the idea of
using postage stamps in America (they
were already being used in England) and
his legislation led to the issuance in 1847
of the first pre-paid adhesive stamps for
the U.S. Post Office. The first Webster
postage stamp, however, was not issued
until April 12, 1870, 18 years after his
death. The most recent stamp honoring
Webster was a 37-cent commemorative
issued in 2002. In all, Daniel Webster is
honored on 12 different U.S. postage
issues—more than most U.S. presidents!
Wife (2):
Caroline LeRoy
(1797-1882)
Julia and husband Samuel had five children—
Caroline, Samuel Jr., Julia, Daniel, and
Constance Mary. It is through Julia’s issue only
(with the exception of Constance Mary, who died
young) that Daniel Webster’s line of descent has
continued on through the years to this day.
Special September Tea—Definitely the (Victorian) Cat’s Meow
c
The Webster Estate’s annual Generational Tea held on September 15th proved to be a
most agreeable event indeed for the one gent and many ladies of age 5 and over who
were in attendance. They enjoyed the art of “taking tea” as Queen Victoria herself once
did—in grand style and good company. There were tiny tea sandwiches, blueberry
scones, and dainty desserts. There was perfect tea (of course!) and lemonade (for nontea drinkers). And joining the party were two very special guests: Marshfield resident,
sculptor, and art educator Pam Golden, who made available copies of a children’s book
authored by her sister Catherine J. Golden, which she illustrated, entitled Victorian Cat
Tales—Book One, The Life and Times of Rose and Leopold, and Mary Gomperts of
Spare Time Treasures, a unique gift boutique that carries a wide selection of doll clothes
and young girls’ hair accessories. Thank you, Pam and Mary, for adding to the fun!
Book available at Buttonwood
Books & Toys, Cohasset, MA
Find inspiration in everyday life.
Ladies of the younger generation
were all smiles as they “took tea.”
Happenings at the Mansion
“Wally” and Children’s ID Program Highlight Summer 2013 Family Fun Day
This year’s Family Fun Day was a huge hit for the many folks who enjoyed the
activities, animals, food, and music at the Webster Estate on July 28. This
family-oriented afternoon included the face painting, crafts, balloon animals,
bouncy houses, petting zoo, and pony rides as provided in years past, as well
as a clown, storyteller, singer, and variety of local vendors. There was plenty to
eat—hot dogs and other kid-friendly foods, baked goods, chowder, and chili.
Highlights included the Children’s ID Program run by the Plymouth County
Sheriff’s Department. In effect since 1982 and offered for the third time at
Family Fun Day, the program aids in the identification of missing children.
Also included in the day’s events was a visit by “Wally” the Green Monster,
of Red Sox fame. Chairwoman Phyllis Nielsen says plans for FFD 2014 are
already underway, so there will be even more fun at the Estate next summer!
Phyllis Nielsen
Family Fun, Fun, Fun Day
Celebrate the Webster Estate’s Ninth Annual
Victorian Christmas
Preview Gala and Designer Show House 2013
2 floors, 15 rooms, 100s of ideas!
“Berries, Baubles, and Bells”
Decking the halls, sharing the merry, jingling all the way!
á Opening Gala Cocktail Party:
Friday, December 6, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Featuring hors d’oeuvres, a selection of wines and beers, our signature drink—
the “Webster Poinsettia,” music by the Marshalaires, a silent auction, a preview
of the show house and a chance to meet the designers, and a visit from St. Nick.
Gala Tickets (by advance purchase only): $35/person
Gala Reservations (required): 781-837-2403 or 781-834-7818
Grand Staircase 2009
“Beautiful Bounty”
Design by Artistic Blossoms
á 2013 Show House Designers:
The Classic Interior, Setting the Space,
Bon Vignette Designs, Artistic Blossoms, JTP Design,
Kennedy’s Country Gardens, Seaside Gardeners, Nessralla’s,
Y’ise Gardeners, and the Webster Decorators
á Photos with Santa:
Saturday, December 14, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
$10/first photo, $5/each additional photo
á “Share the Joy” Program:
After your visit to Victorian Christmas, don’t forget that
you may return as our guest. Just bring one or more
friends who pay for their ticket and then simply
show your program at the door.
á Information:
781-834-0548 or www.DanielWebsterEstate.org
á Designer Show House (open to the public):
Weekends December 7, 8, 14, 15, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekdays December 9-13, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Evenings December 10 and 12 only, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Show House Tickets (available at the door):
$10 general public, $8 seniors and DWPT members
Webster’s Bedchamber 2012
“Dashing Through the Snow”
Design by Setting the Space
Daniel Webster Estate & Heritage Center
…historic landmark, community showplace, unforgettable venue
á
Estate Telephone: 781-834-0548
Website: www.DanielWebsterEstate.org
238 Webster Street, Marshfield, MA 02050
Special thanks to the following individuals and businesses for making Family Fun Day 2013 a great summertime event!
²²²²²
Bartlett Tree Experts
B.C. Tent & Awning Co./Avon
Big Joe the Storyteller
Brendan Burchill/DJ Services
Busy Bee Jumpers/Whitman
Cluster of Clowns/Millie Savage
Cook & Co./Peter Cook
Corner Café/Marshfield
Dockside Donuts/Marshfield
Equine for Events/Rochester
Family Crest Catering/Hanover
Family Fun Cuts/Marshfield
Farm-tastic 4-H Club/Marshfield
GayGrace Teas Mobile Tea Shoppe
Green Koala Soaps
Ground Effects Landscaping/Marshfield
Haddad’s Ocean Café/Brank Rock
Holly Dolben
Kate Cameron
"From the Editor: Welcome to this our 15
th
issue
of The Orator. As writer and editor these last five years, it
has been my pleasure to share with you the history of Daniel
Webster and his family, to emphasize the importance of
preserving the Estate that bears his name, and to keep you
informed of the activities of the DWPT. What the future
holds for this historic property rests with folks like you.
Please stay tuned so that your children and grandchildren,
your friends and neighbors—indeed, all those around you—
“look upon themselves as a link connecting the Past with the
Future” (Webster’s words, not mine). See you next year!
Kennedy’s Country Gardens/Scituate
Musical Mike
Marshfield Com. Fisherman’s Assn.
Marshfield Fire Department
Nancy Collins
Nessralla Farm of Marshfield
Organic Plant Magic/Kerry Richardson
Phunky Pretty
Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department
Polcari’s Bridgwaye Inn/Marshfield
Rand-Handy Oil Co./Marshfield
Rockland Athletic Supplies
Rockland Trust/Marshfield
Roxie’s/Quincy
Salon Pisano/Pembroke
Seagate Farm/Marshfield
Spare Time Treasures/Mary Gomperts
Tammy Budd
The Tavern/Marshfield
Toni & Company Salon/Marshfield
Walmart
WATD
Sketch of Webster Estate, Marshfield, MA, 1852
Jean Peck
2013 Calendar of Special Events
DECEMBER
6 Victorian Christmas Preview Gala ØCelebrate the start of your holiday season by joining us at the Webster Estate for an
evening of good cheer, good food, and decidedly good company—including Saint Nicholas himself! You’ll meet this year’s Show House
designers and receive a sneak peek of the spectacular results of their creative endeavors before the event opens to the public. You’ll also
have a chance to bid in our wonderful Silent Auction. 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., $35/person in advance, reservations required—please call
781-837-2403 or 781-834-7818.
Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!
DECEMBER
7—15 Victorian Christmas Designer Show House 2013 ØEnjoy the beauty of the Webster
mansion as it is transformed into a spectacular holiday show house centered around this year’s theme,
“Berries, Baubles, and Bells.” You’ll find creative and merry ideas throughout our festive rooms that will
have you jingling all the way home with inspiration! Open two weekends (Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15) 11:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.; daily (Dec. 9—13) 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and evenings (Dec. 10, 12) 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tickets
(sold at the door) $10 public, $8 seniors and DWPT members. Don’t forget our “Share the Joy” offering of
free admission upon your return with one or more paying friends—show your program and you’ll be our guest!
“Photos with Santa” will be held 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., December 14, in the foyer of the mansion.
Cost of first photo $10; all additional photos $5 each. Jolly Santa will make you smile!
Host your special happening at the gracious and historic Daniel Webster Estate & Heritage Center!
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Unforgettable Queen Anne-style mansion and lovely gardens showcased on fourteen acres of rolling lawns
Turn-of-the-century elegance with state-of-the-art kitchen and service area
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and shared with the public through tours, lectures, and special events
Function Manager: Virginia Gaffey (781-837-2403)
Website: www.DanielWebsterEstate.org
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