THE MANSION COLUMNS
NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
Volume II: Fall 2010
Crowning Glory
By: Carol Vulter
John Gemme and Scott Bacon preparing to reinstall the widows walk
Photo by: Edd Cote
In This Issue
Crowning Glory
(page 1)
“They Call Me
Lizzy”Tea
(page 2)
2010 Children Tea
Series
(page 2)
The Fourth Floor
(page 3)
AWM Makes
State’s Top 1,000
(page 3)
NASCAR Teaser
(page 3)
Restoration &
Preservation
(page 3)
Upcoming Events
(page 4)
Water Woes
(page 5)
Become a Friend
(page 6)
The Mansion Columns
Editor: Beth A. Correira
The word “Belvedere” literally translated from
Italian means “fair view.” When Asa Waters II
built the Asa Waters Mansion in the early 1800’s,
the original Federal and neoclassical style
structure included elaborate ornamentation,
such as the beautiful colonnade of classical
columns across the east entrance, but plans for
the roof left it unadorned. In keeping with the
architectural designs and styles of the period,
not only one, but 3 Widow’s Walks (or
“belvederes”) were eventually added to adorn
this beautiful building. Asa Waters II’s “1860’s”
family photographs show decorative railings
atop the East Portico, along with one on the rim
of the roof and another one set back from the
perimeter of the building.
A widow’s walk is a raised rooftop platform
found on classic 19th century North American
houses, originating from the wives of mariners,
who would watch for their spouse’s return.
In recent decades, one Widow’s Walk has
enhanced the “fair view” of the Mansion and has
become the “Crowning Glory” of Millbury’s
Town Jewel. In 1998, the newly formed Asa
Waters Task Force commissioned the carpentry
students of the Blackstone Valley Regional
Technical High School to build a much needed
new Widow’s Walk. During the next school
year, the skilled “apprentice craftsmen and
women” at the school completed a beautifully
constructed new Widow’s Walk which was
raised in 1999.
More than a decade of harsh New England
weather had taken its toll on the Mansion’s
“crown” and in 2009 the time worn balustrade
was taken down for greatly needed repairs and
painting. In the spring of 2010, The Friends of
the Asa Waters Mansion hired J. A. Gemme
Company of Grafton, and took on as our
major fund raising project the renovating,
painting and raising of the Asa Waters Widow’s
Walk. With the Millbury Bi-Centennial
approaching in 2013, the “Friends” quest was
to have the most “beautiful home in all of The
Blackstone Valley” at its pristine best for the
many added visitors to the area and for all the
many community and municipal meetings and
the countless cultural, historical and family
events held frequently at the Mansion.
Crowning Glory continued on page 5
Fall 2010: Vol. II
Page 2
THE MANSION COLUMNS – NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
“They Call Me Lizzy” Tea
History was brought to life on June 22 at the Asa Waters Mansion
with the sold out show of "They Call Me Lizzy, From Slavery to the
White House". Actress Stephanie Jackson portrayed Elizabeth Keckly
in this one women show of the true life story of Keckly’s rise from
slavery, entrepreneurial success as a seamstress, and life as a
dressmaker to Mary Todd Lincoln. Elizabeth Keckly also authored
the book “Behind the Scenes, or 30 Years a Slave and 4 Years in the
White House” in 1868 which led to scandal. The program was
immensely popular and we hope to have Ms. Jackson return in 2011
for additional performances!
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.
Actress Stephanie Jackson
2010 Children Tea Series – Snowstorms & Patriots!
By: Diane Hill
For many years, the Friends of the Asa Waters
Mansion have entertained adult guests with
divine teas served in grand style fitting for a
Mansion of such grandeur. Almost immediately,
the mothers and grandmothers in attendance
were wishing they brought along their special
little someone from home. “My granddaughter
dresses up and plays make believe tea…she
would love this” was frequently heard among
the guests. It was clear from that point that the
Friends would begin hosting a Children Tea
Series and since that time, it has been wildly
successful.
Inspiration for each Children’s Tea begins with the selection of a good children’s book, often one
that first delights our volunteers and is packed with great illustrations and in many cases is
centered on a historic theme. The sell out crowds have been proof enough on how successful the
series has been and it has now become our passion in hopes that someday our young guests may
become stewards of this grand home.
The 2010 series was kicked off on a cold February afternoon with the reading of “Brave Irene”,
written by William Steig and read by Millbury Superintendent of Schools Susan Hitchcock. The
story follows a girl, Irene, who braves a snowstorm to deliver a special package containing a dress
which her mother had made for a Duchess. The junior guests were in character by wearing little
red scarves just as Brave Irene wore when setting out into a raging snowstorm. The reading was
followed by a delightfully scrumptious tea which included elegant place settings, tea punch, and
abundant goodies served by our professional butlers.
Patriots Day brought a special children’s tea with the reading of “John,
Paul George & Ben”, written by Lane Smith and read by retired
Millbury Elmwood Street School principal, Carole Chiras. The
entertaining story is centered on five little lads, John Hancock, Paul
Revere, George Washington, and Ben Franklin before they became our
Founding Fathers. The guests were in character by wearing tri-cornered
hats or mop hats which were handmade by our volunteers.
Carole Chiras in character for
the reading of “John, Paul
George & Ben”
The Mansion opens its doors on November 2, 2010 for “Johnny
Appleseed”, a delightful story of one of America’s most endearing
characters and local legends, written and illustrated by Will Moses.
Fall 2010: Vol. II
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THE MANSION COLUMNS – NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
The Fourth Floor
The Friends of
the Asa Waters
Mansion are in
need of several
items to
continue our
fundraising
activities. These
items include:
China Tea Pots
Tea Cups
Silver Service
Lavalier
Microphone
System
Antique Horsedrawn Sleigh
All donations are
tax deductible.
Please call the
Asa Waters
Mansion at
(508)865-0855
and ask for
Catherine.
Tucked away on the fourth floor of the Asa
Waters Mansion is the newly renovated
“Sewing Room” and exhibit completed in
December 2009. Probate documents of Asa
Waters, II dated 1842 refer to this room as
the “garret over the square part of the
house” and includes an inventory of
numerous
items
including
“blankets,
comforters, cotton sheets, pillow cases, and
bed quilts”. It was clear that the garret, or
attic, was utilized as a linen storage area by
the Waters family during that time.
Photo by: Beth Correira
WISH LIST
Susan Holman Waters (born 1784) was the original “lady of the house” when the Mansion was
constructed in 1826. Her mother, Susanna Trask Holman (born 1759) would eventually live here with
her daughter and son in-law, and thus likely stored her belongings in this garret also.
Like most attics, remnants of all eras of the home’s inhabitants remain as reminders of those who
came before us. The mirrored mahogany door was once used in the second floor ballroom currently
occupied by the Millbury Historical Society. The knotty pine paneling on the walls was a recent
addition made by the Catholic Church in the mid 1900’s. The sewing and spinning implements
displayed throughout the room reflect eras late 1700’s until the early 1900’s as a tribute to each of
the “Ladies of the House”.
Asa Waters Mansion Makes the
State’s Top 1,000
A special commission has unveiled the
state's 1,000 greatest locations. In Central
Massachusetts, the list includes Tower Hill
Botanic Garden in Boylston, Old Sturbridge
Village, the Mendon Drive-In, and the Asa
Waters
Mansion
in
Millbury!
The
commission, established in 2009, was
charged with identifying and recognizing the
1,000 “most truly special places in the
Commonwealth” to celebrate pride in the
state's history and culture, increase
knowledge of natural surroundings and
encourage regional and international
tourism.
Restoration and Preservation of
the Asa Waters Mansion in
Process
Thanks to funding from the Millbury Savings
Bank and a grant from the John H. Chafee
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage
Corridor, the Mansion is looking its best! What
a difference a year makes in these “before and
after” pictures! Fresh paint to the exterior,
along with repaired shutters returned the Mansion
to its distinctive grandeur. We are grateful for
this outstanding financial support.
NASCAR Teaser Filmed at AWM
Hard to believe that NASCAR could be
associated with such a grand home located in
Millbury, MA of all places. Fortunately for us,
Tony Melfi, the Director of Photography of
the production company 800 Cameramen, is a
Millbury resident and has always wanted to
shoot something at the Mansion. It just so
happens that the teaser for the NASCAR race
in Richmond, VA centered around Edgar Allan
Poe and his 1845 work “The Raven” making
the mansion a perfect location for the shoot.
Shots of the mansion grand circular staircase,
clock, and desk were captured in the teaser
which aired on ESPN on September 11.
Before photo (left)
showing damaged
shutters and paint
After photo
(right) Fresh
coat paint and
repairs
complete
THE MANSION COLUMNS – NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
Fall 2010: Vol. II
Page 4
Upcoming Events
HOLIDAY FESTIVAL / CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
DECEMBER 5, 2010
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. This event
is free and open to the public. No reservations are required.
CHRISTMAS TEA
DECEMBER 14, 2010 (SOLD OUT)
Enjoy an elegant and festive Holiday Tea at the Asa Waters Mansion on December 14, 2010
at 2pm. Admission is $12.00 per person and $3 if you would like a guided tour of the
mansion. For tickets, call the Mansion at 508-865-0855.
FEBRUARY SHOPPING GALA
FEBRUARY 12, 2011
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.
Join us for a home shopping spree at the Mansion. Great vendors offering a wide variety of
items and with special added attractions for the men in your life. Watch out for details.
SAM ADAMS BEER DINNER
MAY 21, 2011
GIFT SHOPPE
Back by popular demand! Sam Adams returns to the Mansion for an upscale Beer Dinner sure
to please everyone! Check out our website for details.
Not your ordinary gift
shop. Our shoppe sells
antiques & collectibles
including vintage
jewelry, books, silver
and china.
PATRICIA PERRY “THE FIRST LADIES” (PART I)
MAY 17, 2011
This show looks at the personal trials, triumphs and private details of our very public First
Ladies. First Ladies Part I covers Martha Washington to Frances Clara Cleveland. The
program begins at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $20.00 per person. For tickets, call the Mansion at
508-865-0855.
FRIENDS OF THE AWM LAWN & BAKE SALE
JULY 23, 2011
Find some treasures, trinkets, and delicious bake goods at the Mansion at our 2nd Annual
Lawn & Bake Sale.
PATRICIA PERRY “THE FIRST LADIES” (PART II)
SEPTEMBER 13, 2011
The second installment of “The First Ladies” by Patricia Perry. First Ladies Part II will cover
Ida McKinley to Michelle Obama.The program begins at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $20.00 per
person. For tickets, call the Mansion at 508-865-0855.
HALLOWEEN CHILDREN’S TEA
October 30, 2011
Get ready for Halloween by treating the kids to a special tea and grand costume parade at
the Mansion. Enjoy spooky treats and swamp tea all served up in grand style. The tea is from
12:00 to 2:00 PM. Tickets are $10.00 per child and $12.00 per adult. For tickets, call the
Mansion at 508-865-0855.
Check out our new
2011 Mansion Photo
Calendars!
Open during all public
and most private
events.
Fall 2010: Vol. II
Page 5
THE MANSION COLUMNS – NEWS FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE ASA WATERS MANSION
Crowning Glory - Continued
FUN FACTS
The Asa
Waters
Mansion was
built in 1826
and totals
9,287 square
feet of living
space!
*
The 3-level
free standing
spiral staircase
was designed
by noted
architect Asher
Benjamin
(1773-1845).
This past May a considerable letter writing
campaign was embarked upon to solicit
sponsorships from area businesses and
organizations, with an overwhelming response
from a generous community. In addition, two
fundraising events were held – the first, the
“Treasures, Trinkets and Treats” Lawn and Bake
Sale held in July raised a significant amount for
our Widow’s Walk coffers. Thanks to the
generosity of Mike Banks of Banks Catering in
Grafton and Boston Beer Company, the “Sam
Adams Beer Dinner” held in October was not only
a great social success, but a financial one as
well! In the meantime, during one glorious week
in September, the mansion “came alive” again,
in part due to the generosity of custom builder
John Gemme as he and his crew raised the newly
restored Widow’s Walk atop Millbury’s Town
Jewel. Plans include setting aside remaining
funds and partial proceeds from future “Lawn
Sales” and “Sam Adams Dinners” for the
continued maintenance of the Asa Waters
Mansion’s “Fair View”.
The Friends of the Asa Waters Mansion
would like to thank and acknowledge our
wonderful Widow’s Walk benefactors:
Major Corporate Sponsors: ($2,500.00)
Millbury Savings Bank
Millbury Women’s Club
*
Asa Waters II
founded the
Millbury Bank
in 1825.
Photo of Asa Waters Mansion (1860)
Corporate Sponsors: ($1,000.00)
Goretti’s Supermarket
Unibank
Wheelebrator, Millbury
Sponsors: ($500.00)
D. F. Hill Contracting
Diane Hill
Millbury Lions
Mulhane Home for Funerals
Ray’s True Value Hardware.
Donors:
Cathy Baldarelli
Dan Carpenter
Carole and Jack Chiras
Jeff and Joyce Dore
Robert Elliott
Karen Gagliardi
IBA, Inc
Atty. Peter Keenan
Terry and Joe Mattus
Millbury Historical Society
Millbury National Bank
Nensco
Washington Mills, North Grafton
Wyman Gordon Company
Water Woes
The season started as usual when the landscaping committee lead by Tom Griffith and Linda
Pothier met with Roberta and Steve Watson of Watson’s Landscaping to prepare a budget
friendly plan for the Mansion gardens and to choose a variety of annuals and perennials to keep
the Mansion in full bloom for the upcoming seasons.
The 2010 season looked promising and the gardens began to bloom. High demands on the
municipal water system and long periods of hot and dry weather prompted the Aquarian Water
Company to activate mandatory water restrictions in July creating challenges in maintaining the
gardens. The Friends of the Asa Waters Mansion volunteers coordinated efforts with Watson’s
Landscaping to meet this challenge. Well water was trucked in from a nearby farm so the
gardens would receive their needed daily attention. Fortunately, the water ban was lifted in
early October and watering could resume as normal.
Thank you to all of the volunteers who stepped up to meet the needs of hand watering during
this crisis and special thanks to Watson’s Landscaping, who adjusted their summer evenings to
care for the thirsty flowers to not only provide the daily beauty, but protect the roots and future
growth.
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT 11
MILLBURY, MA 01527
The Asa Waters Mansion
PO Box 248
123 Elm Street
Millbury, MA 01527
Phone: (508) 865-0855
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.asawaters.org
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 2011 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
______ Preservationist $10,000.00 (lifetime membership)
______ Steward
$500.00
□ 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