HALLOWEEN AT THE WIGWAM
By 6 pm, darkness had descended upon the village as ghouls, ghosts, goblins and yes, a few princesses, a couple of baseball players, ninjas, Superman and even a miniature Tom Brady, wandered about in a heavy mist in search of candy. Under the watchful eye of members of our police force, fire department and many parents, a safe, festive atmosphere unfolded for our younger, smaller citizens.
The Wigwam, built in 1839 as a Methodist Chapel.
As is the tradition, the Historical Society of Amherst opened its Wigwam Museum to visitors and trick or treaters to mix a little history with the forage for sugar. Snickers and M&M's may be sweet, but after all, what's sweeter than the history of Souhegan West from 1733?
Wigwam curator Chris Marshall met our tiny guests in the foyer, passed out candy and directed them into the museum. Chris thinks that although the weather was mild, the light rain reduced the guest count to 500 or so, from what normally reaches 800.
Evan Superman "dropped in" for a visit.
Our resident ghoul who told kids that the "Society lets him out once a year to greet visitors," comforts Jackie Marshall as the entourage of enthusiastic kids began.
Several Princesses and a Civil War veteran (we like this kid, maybe he'll speak at our next meeting that concerns Amherst's role in the Civil War) proceed by the Concord Coach after bravely passing our ghoul.
The Concord Coach, built in Concord, NH in 1849
Just one day after winning their third World Series in a decade and their first at home in fabled Fenway Park, one of the bearded players joined us in Amherst for our festivities. He told us that Fenway, the oldest major league baseball stadium in use, opened on April 20, 1912 just five days after the RMS Titanic sank near Newfoundland.
All the youngsters and their parents enjoyed their journey through the Wigwam. We hope that this spark ignites a moment of curiosity and that many will choose to investigate the Historical Society of Amherst and learn of their hometowns rich history. To discover more about your town, click here to peruse the Society's website.
Thanks to all who came out tonight to visit the Wigwam, those who donated candy and to members Rob Maxfield, Katrina Holman, Rommy Krush, Judith Jones, and Chris, Jackie and Nathalie Marshall who manned the post. And don't forget about our next meeting on December 9th, at 7:30 pm at the Congregational Church, where guest speaker Mike Pride will speak about,
Our War: A new look at New Hampshire in the Civil War.
Bring a guest!
Do you have something to share? Send it to randpeck@gmail.com
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