Vassalboro Historical Society

The Textile Conservation Priorities Project is underway. Textile Conservation Specialist, Lynne Bassett spent two full days at the museum assessing, identifying fabrics, determining the age, and teaching our volunteers. A few volunteers learned four conservation stitches which will enable us to correctly repair damaged items. We pulled items from their acid free boxes and Lynne identified which should remain boxed and which should be hung. The articles that are hung were separated by age, making it easier to find the right item for any displays that we create.

Lynne also recommended that we find more hanging space so our fur storage can be separated from our clothing collection. She was impressed with the scope of our collection and was very pleased to see several dresses from the 1800s.

Later in the month, Lynne will return for two more days. In the meantime we will be collecting flat, wooden hangers which we will wrap in batting and cover in muslin. We will be emptying more boxes to ensure that she sees the majority of our collection. 

What a great opportunity we were given through a grant  from the Oak Grove School Foundation. Thank you to the Foundation and to our volunteers: Judy Goodrich; Dawn Cates; Maurine Macomber; David Theriault; Terry Curtis; and Holly Widener.

What a busy time we’ve had at the Vassalboro Historical Society! In addition to the Textile Priorities Project,  volunteer Dawn Cates has been putting together  a  “Where is it list” to help us more easily find items in our library. Dawn writes it and volunteer Samantha Lessard is typing it up. It will be a great help! 

Simone Antworth and Russell Smith are transcribing and organizing Center Vassalboro  Baptist Church records. A huge task! 

Other  happenings included  a n informative meeting that we hosted with 13 other historical societies. This meeting gave us the opportunity to show others what a wonderful museum we have as well as to all share our issues, successes, and plans. It was decided by the group that we would meet again in April of 2022.

Our museum is getting an upgrade to our security system. Our collection  has never been safer!

Skyline Touring Services produced the 3D tour showing  below. What a great way for those who are away to visit the Society.  Of course we  want everyone to come visit if they are in the area. For those with mobility issues we do  have a lift chair available.

We are averaging 40 hours of volunteer time per week! With a core group of 4-5 in attendance on Tuesdays and Thursdays from  9am-1pm. We get things done and learn about our collection in the process. There is always time to stop and share a story or photo that we uncover. 

If you are looking for something to do and our open flag is out, please do stop by. We’d love to chat about any and all things Vassalboro.

The Vassalboro Historical Society is pleased to present honorary ownership of the Boston Post cane to Mrs T. Lois Bulger. The tradition of the cane began in 1909, when the Boston Post distributed 431 of the canes to towns throughout New England with instructions that each should be presented to the oldest living citizen of the town. 

The cane is made from Gabon ebony from the Congo. Each cane took approximately one year to make. The cane’s head is finished with a 14-carat gold top and is elaborately sculpted. Vassalboro’s cane was missing for many years, until purchased in 1988 from an antique dealer in California and given to the Historical Society by Betty Taylor, one of the Society’s founders. The honorary ownership of the cane was given to Louise Charlotte Seehagen Eastman in September, 2016. Mrs. Eastman passed away at 101 years of age in January, 2020.

Our new recipient, Thelma Lois Wood was born on April 24,1922, to parents Eva and Norman Wood in Oakland, Maine. Always known as Lois, she attended Oakland schools, where she met her future husband, Harold Bulger. She continued her education and completed a Special Secretarial Course at Thomas Business College. Harold and Lois were married on December 24, 1940 in Oakland.

Mr. and Mrs. Bulger moved to Vassalboro where they raised their four children, Mayella, Gregory, Linda, and Elizabeth. They also opened their own business, and ran Pine Tree Stables, Home of Fine Horses for 30 years. In 1982 the Bulgers opened Pine Tree Stables Antiques and Collectibles. Mrs. Bulger continues to run the antique business which now includes Ebay sales. Mrs. Bulger also worked for the Adjudication Division of the Veteran’s Administration at Togus as a Claims Examiner for 34 years. 

Mrs. Bulger was a member of Adams Memorial Church until it closed. She taught Sunday School and was a member of the Womens’ Fellowship. She loves reading mysteries, gardening, and quilting. Her family has grown and she is the proud Grammie to ten grandchildren, thirteen Great grandchildren, and Great-Great Grammie to four.

Mrs. Bulger received a walking stick carved by Raymond Breton of Vassalboro and a certificate in recognition of her status as Vassalboro’s Oldest Resident.