Barkhamsted Historical Society Newsletter  -  January 2002

2002 Historical Program Series
For the fifth year now the Barkhamsted Historical Society has put together a series of history oriented programs for your enjoyment and education. Each program is free, and refreshments are provided after each talk. The 2002 schedule is set and we are sending you this newsletter primarily to announce the program subjects and time.

February 1, 2002 - Journey to Common Ground
The year is 1770. Joshua and Sarah Brown have just married and are on their way up the Connecticut River to the New Hampshire Grants, now known as Vermont. As they travel north, their paths intersect with a runaway slave named Umbarra. This historical novel is about their journey - people who began as strangers and become friends. Author Fred Fenn will speak on the historical aspects of their journey.

March 1, 2002 - The Colonial Hearth and Hearth Cookery
Harriet Winchenbaugh will explore the evolution of the early American hearth from the 17th thru 19th centuries. We will also look at cooking practices and types of implements commonly used, and even get to sample a classic early pudding baked in a 19th century brick beehive oven.

April 5, 2002 - From Fireplace to Cook Stove
By the end of the eighteenth century firewood prices were rising as much as 25% every decade. This, probably more than anything else, led to the introduction and increased use of iron cooking and heating stoves. One writer has stated that "the cast iron cooking stove could well serve as the most important domestic symbol of the 19th century". Fred Warner will discuss both the technology and the social implications of this important artifact in American history.

May 3, 2002 - Wild Harvest-A Lesson in Native American Plant Usage
Herbalist Alicia North will examine the importance of the American Indian's influence on the first settlers. The botanical knowledge passed on to the colonists specifically increased their ability to survive in a new land. We will learn about and sample some of the foods and medicines that the Indians shared.

A great way to help us raise money to save the Squires Tavern
Subscribe to Yankee magazine and help the Barkhamsted Historical Society raise money for the Squires Tavern restoration project. We are taking on a big project to save and restore the historic Squires Tavern located on East River Road in Barkhamsted. To be successful we need to develop new fund raising sources and that is where your subscription or renewal to Yankee magazine will help.

For each subscription initiated through the Barkhamsted Historical Society, Yankee magazine will give the Historical Society $10 to be used for our work on the Squires Tavern. If you have subscribed in the past using this program, your renewal still needs to be made with the attached form or through the link on our web site for the Historical Society to earn credit.